September 24, 1999

e wishP SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS VoL LXXVHI

No. 3

Omaha, NE

14Tishrei,5760

September 24,1999

Noddle and Kaiman to head 2000 Women's Campaign

by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director

Presiding over the 2000 Women's Campaign are Joan Kaiman and Nancy Noddle, both of whom have been involved with Federation and the Jewish community for many years.

Leading the Campaign, however, is especially important to them this year because they both saw first hand the importance of Campaign dollars during the Campaign Chair National Mission to Vilnius, Minsk and Israel this past June.

"After seeing the effects of our dollars on the lives of Jews in the former Soviet Union, I am more committed than ever before to the work

of tzedakah," explained Noddle. "This is the most important thing we can do.

We are making a direct impact on thousands of Jewish lives."

"These people are our family," added Kaiman. "We have no choice but to help them.

There are elderly without money for the basics...food and medicine. There are young children whose families are rediscovering their Judaism when these kids go to camp that we fund with our Campaign contributions.

One look at their faces tells us that we must continue to increase the amount of money we raise here."

Hillel, Livnot offer Jewish students free trip to Israel Thousands of Jewish college students at 85 universities are being offered a free, 10-day trip to Israel during winter break, through Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life.. • • Hillel's Israel 2000 trip, underwritten by Birthright Israel, offers Jewish college students, who have never been to Israel on a group tour, the opportunity to have fun with students from their own campuses while visiting the country's most popular contemporary and historical sites. The itinerary includes Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, the Galilee region and other locations.

Registration is through a special Web site: wwwJsrael2000.org Livnot UTLehibanbt, the hiking, community service and Jewish awareness program of Jerusalem and Tzfat, has been approved as a program provider for Birthright Israel. " Livnot is offering young adults between the ages of 21-26, who have never been with a peer group to Israel, the opportunity to attend a two-week program in January, 2000, for free.

Qualified applicants will have the first 10 days of programming and airfare from selected gateway cities in North America fully covered by the Birthright Israel gift; and Livnot ITLehibanot will subsidize the remaining cost of the program.

All participants will spend tune at both Livnot campuses in Jerusalem and Tzfat. This program is ideal for people with minimal background in Judaism. No knowledge of Hebrew is required.

Upcoming program dates for January, 2000: Jan. 2-16, or Jan. 16-30.

There are a limited number of spaces available, and acceptance to the programs is subject to the terms and conditions of Livnot U'Lehibanot and Birthright Israel.

Further information about Livnot is available from the website: wwwJivnot.org.il, or by contacting the Livnot office in New York at: 1-888-LIVNOT-0, 1-212-613 1413, or via e-mail: Iivnot@livnotorg.il College' students jammed Hillel's Web page applying to participate in its free, 10-day trip to Israel, Israel 2000. The site, www.Israel2000.org, went online at 11 p.m., Sept. 1, and by 1 p.m. the next day, more than 250 applications had been received-ahnost 20 an hour. Nearly 3,000 students from 85 campuses will join Hillel's trip. ! t :

The Women's Campaign kicks off Oct. 6 with a luncheon featuring Michael Ginsburg, Head of Security at Kibbutz Mizgav Am on the Israeli-Lebanese border.

Renowned Israeli sculptor Itzak Benshalom will be the guest on Oct. 5 at an opening of his work, which will also be for sale. The artist's opening is free and open to members of both the Men's . and Women's Campaign.

Both events will be held at Beth El Synagogue.

For more information or to make reservations for the luncheon, please contact Kathy McGauvran, Women's Campaign Director, 334-6428.

Nancy Noddle, left, and Joan Kaiman met with Ethiopian children in Israel during last summer's Campaign Chairmen's Mission.

B'nai B'rith sponsors annual Bible Quiz with Omaha synagogues .,;. by Loisfepstein^Blnaite'TJthDirector .j..........

The i4th annual Edward Zorinsky B'nai B'rith Bible Quiz will have a new aspect this year, said Adam Jacobs, President of Hemy Monsky Lodge. For the first time in its history, the Bible Quiz will be held in conjunction with a joint meeting of the high school programs sponsored by Omaha's three major synagogues, Beth El, Beth Israel and Temple.

The Bible Quiz will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., in the theater of the Jewish Community Center.

Prior to the contest, which is open to the public, there will be a special dinner for all of the high school students from the three synagogues, their teachers, staff and members of Henry Monsky Lodge of B'nai B'rith. The dinner will be held in the auditorium prior to the contest and will include singing and a short lecture by Professor Leonard Greenspoon, the Klutznick Professor of Jewish Civilization at Crflighton University.

"We are extremely gratified at the cooperation and involvement we have received from the three synagogues," Jacobs said, and he applauded thenefforts to bring the community together.

The Bible Quiz is named to honor the memory of the late Senator Edward Zorinsky. Its purpose is to . encourage Jewish youth to become more familiar with then-biblical heritage.

Although there is a change to a Wednesday evening, the Bible Quiz contest, itself, will remain essentially as it has been in previous years, said Steve Riekes, a Trustee of the Lodge.

As usual, four prizes will be awarded to those who become winners in the final round. First prize is $500; second, $300; third, $200; fourth, $100.

The prize monies can be applied toward college tuition or a trip to Israel. The contest is open to all Jewish teenagers in the Omaha area who are in grades nine through 12.

Subjects for the contest will be based upon the books of Exodus and Ruth. Prior to the contest, contestants will be asked to familiarize themselves with the assigned books by reading them in English. .

"Any teenager, regardless of his or her previous Jewish education, can compete if these books are read," said Riekes. "The quiz is not hard." : ': .: • (Continued on page 11)

Ten Years after the wall: Jewish Centers offer safety net for elderly in former Soviet Union .

by Lev Krichevsky

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...... .'".

YEKATERINBURG, Russia (JTA) - Evgehiya Fridman pours into a glass jar some of the free soup she's just received at a soup kitchen here.

"These lunches give us life," says Fridman, as she adds more food to the jar.

The leftovers will serve as her dinner, she* explains. "I will have it at home."

The 78-year-old former schoolteacher is one of 63 elderly .and needy Jews who receive free hot lunches daily at two locations in this city in the Ural Mountains, 900 miles east of Moscow. Another woman says the free lunches she eats here are the only hot meals she has had for several months.

Some 30 percent to 35 percent of an estimated 1.5 million Jews in the former Soviet Union are elderly, and of this number, anywhere between one-half to two-thirds require at least some social services.

For example, in St. Petersburg, which has Russia's second-largest Jewish population, some 30,000 of the estimated 100,000 Jews are listed in the database of the local Jewish charity center.

Many elderly Jews at the soup kitchen, located in a restaurant, say they never thought they would have to survive on charity.

When these people retired, during the days of the Soviet Union — having worked for decades as engineers, teachers or doctors — their pensions seemed more than adequate.

However oppressive the Communist regime was, it allowed people to survive on retirement or disability payments and provided the needy population with a safety net of free social services.

But post-Communist Russia's economic hardships and the collapse of the state-run welfare system have thrown the most vulnerable populations below the poverty line and left many without hope.

Most elderly in Russia and elsewhere in the former Soviet Union receive pensions of less than $20 a month, far below what is necessary to make ends meet. In some places in Russia, such as Yekaterinburg, even such meager payments are made several months behind schedule.

The situation turned even worse, last August, when Russia devalued the ruble. As a result, prices skyrocketed, but pensions remained the same.

(Continued on page 15)

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 24,1999

Photos, yearbooks and other memorabilia used for the Sept. 10 New Year's issue may be picked up in the Jewish Press office, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 334-6448 for information.

How to read Sparks the Bible from, the Word by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke

Sukkot, 5760 There is always a little tension between reading {Owner & Creative Designer) ffs Reliable •Trustwoifihyih the Bible literally, giving close attention to the ver;"y_Competitive: Ratesi-vS bal accuracy of every word, and a more liberal will&-'16 Years Experience''', ingness to see that the sacred text used words : 1127 South 119th i ' 4 Omaha, NE 68144 sometimes in colloquial senses. Even traditional (402) 330-0765 sources have it that "The Torah speaks in the language of human beings."

An interesting and instructive example of this FURNACE tension is in a midrashic (Pesikta Zutrata ad loc) CLEANING comment of the verse "...in order that future generHERE'S WHAT WE DOj^ * Vcuum Clean Bun ations may know that I made the Israelite people {VIQNCIMENT CO. *a Clean Heat Chan Clean Draft Dlv' live in booths (sukkot) when I brought them out of •Oil Blower + Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr. the land of Egypt." (Lev.23.43) •Turn On j •Adi 60 Years Experience Rabbi Eliezer (the Great?), according to the With Jewish Midrash, interpreted the verse to mean actual Lettering and Memorials sukkot. Later, Rabbi Akiba understood the verse to mean not actual sukkot, but "clouds of glory."

1439 So. 13th Now, there are practical reasons to favor Rabbi 341-2452 Akiba's interpretation, not actual "booths." People travelling across a desert live in tents, not booths of branches and timber. Where were branches and timber to be found? Certainly, if they were packing for the trip," they would take tents, not timber! R. Eliezer. can't be right!

But just as Rabbi Eliezer is an extremist as a conservative, so is Rabbi Akiba an extremist as a free interpreter. "Clouds of glory" indeed. In the desert, we would certainly have preferred a good :LDCKSUITHS tent, to keep off the winds of night.

The little exchange the Midrash reports is instructive. In our community, (as I write in early THE PHARMACY'.'. , August), there is a continuing exchange between THAT SPECIALIZESI K HOME DELIVERY! "creationists" and "evolutionists" about the origin of human life. Many if us are astounded that such BRUCE GOLDBERG serious controversy can be going on in this late PHARMACIST • Discount prices, both For Home Delivery, call: date. Most Jews are quite content in our realistic charged and delivered f \ • Medicines, Herbals ando-^vcrT^ 733-3216 metro area view of Bible origins, to accept geology and other Natural Vitamins \ - — r / 734-5419 fax sciences for scientific information, and the Bible e m a i l : • Accepting HMO & \ R »/ and rabbinic literature for religious information PHEXPRESSeaol.com Insuranco Cards C.-^>> and inspiration^ • ..,.* .

Jews have been accustomed since ancient times to accept interpretation of Biblical words and concepts. This is Midrash - the "searching out" of meaning in the text. This is the basis of "Oral Torah," the rabbinic additions to "Written Torah," the Bible itself. We avoid the deadly seriousness of verbal inflexibility in looking at the text. * Sunday, Oct. 17 In the exchange between Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi •Registration: Noon Playi 12:30-4:00* Akiba, we would not be too far off to say that both * JCC Auditorium * were extremists, the one too conservative and the To reserve a place, send your * other too ready to embark on fanciful explanations.

We generally feel that interpretations of our $15 contribution, made payable to + Jewish Women International, by Oct. 13 * Bible in the "New" Testament are often so far from * Rosalie Greenspan, 8108 Howard 68114(391-1954) * the original as to trivialize the text. "New" T . or Esther Wax, 118 S. 88th St. 68114(393-4442) * Testament writers were misled in this adventure, partly by the erudite Jewish scholar, Philo of + Refreshments Served • PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED^ Alexandria, who destroyed the meaning of the text by indiscriminate use of allegory to explain perfectly clear textual meanings.

A little seicheU We need* a common sense approach to Bible and religion, as we need it in anything else. Why should we complicate uncomplicated things and ideas?

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APPLICATIONS for FINANCIAL AID for Youth Programs and Seminars, scheduled for October, are now available.

Forms are available at your synagogue or Jewish Education/Library Services

Forms must be returned bv SEPT. 30 Call 334-6445

Senior Citizen's Conference to be held at JCC

by Dr. Marty Wolf

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare will host a conference at the Omaha Jewish Community Center for senior citizens of Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa on Thursday, Sept 30, at 9 a.m.

The conference's primary objectives are two-fold: to provide an opportunity for seniors to express their views and concerns regarding pending legislation to reform social security and medicare and to become familiarized with the current issues being addressed at the national level by the White House and Congress.

The National Committee is a grassroots senior citizens advocacy and education association of nearly 5.5 million members and friends dedicated to protecting social security entitlements. The Committee's Executive Vice-president, Max Richtman, will host the conference and chair the meeting.

Former Omahan Richtman, of Washington, D.C., is a graduate of Harvard College and Georgetown University Law School. He will provide the conferees with the Committee's legislative agenda and will seek viewpoints and concerns of senior citizens in the heartland. Also included in Richtman's report will be critical analysis of current proposed legislation from the President and from various committees of the House and Senate. . The conference is one of a series of national meetings designed to provide senior citizens with inforr mation regarding issues being addressed at the. national level and to give seniors opportunities to express their concerns, especially in the areas of unmet needs of the elderly that are presently not covered by existing laws.

One major issue on the agenda for the conference is Medicare reform, including the need for prescription drug benefits and revision to ensure long-term stability. Other agenda items include: Cost of Living Adjustments, Social Security and Women, Medicare Managed Care, Restoring the Older Americans Act, Supplemental Security Income, Services for Senior Veterans, and Nursing Staffing and Quality Care in Nursing Homes.

Free trips to Israel (Continued from page 1) "We're not surprised by the popularity of the trip," says Hillel President and International'.*.

Director Richard M. Joel. "Jewish students have always dreamed of visiting Israel. By giving them a free trip, we are eliminating the largest obstacle to fulfilling that dream."

After five days of online registration, 1,500. students have registered for 3,000 slots on. Hillel's Israel 2000 trip. Registration endls Sept. 30.

"This will not only be the best winter break students ever had, it will enrich their understanding of Israel and their Jewish identity," explained Joel : Birthright Israel, a partnership of philanthropists, Jewish communities and the government of Israel, is committed to the principle that a trip to Israel is the birthright of every Jew. Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, has foundations and affiliates on 500 campuses around the world. Hillel provides college students opportunities to explore their Jewish identity regardless of their background^ affiliation or level of observance.

Neittier Hillel nor Birthright Israel is affiliated with a political party or religious movement.

For more information about the Hillel trip, contact Jeff Rubin at 1-202-857-6534.

For information about the Birthright Israel free trip offered by the Reform movement, visit the Kesher website: www.keshernet.com/israel.htm For information about the Birthright Israel free trip offered by the Conservative movement, contact Elyse Winick at Koach, winick@uscj.org CORRECTIONS In last week's paper, Minnie Green should have been listed as 92 years old at the time of her death, not 99; in addition, Nadine Ostrow's name was misspelled. The Jewish Press regrets the errors.

Also in last week's issue, Asher Rosenquist was identified as Samuel Rosenquist.

September 24,1999

SYNAGOGUES

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

CANDLELIGHT1NG: 7 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of tho Union of American Hebrew

Mt'jtnW uf the Union of Orthodox Jewish ConRrrgntionb of Amurirn

7023 Oass Street, Omaha, NK 6BIS2-2651 G56-6536 teinplcieracl-nc.org

150iiNo.52ndSt. Omaha, NE 0810-t-SOtS 556-62B8

Member of Uiutvd Synagogues of Conservative) iTudaism 1450B California Omaha, NK 6815-1-1980 402-8550 WEB- www.bethcl-omaha.org

Office hours: Monday tlirough Thursday, 8 a.m.

FRIDAY: Erev Sukkot Service, 7 p.m.--Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

Jennifer Blum will officiate. Members of the conFRIDAY (Erev Sukkot): Mincha service, gregation are asked to bring canned foods to this 7 p.m., followed by a shiur with Rabbi Kutner, Family Sukkot service.

SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible: An opportunity "The Mitzvah of Sukkah" SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m.; Little People to learn Tor ah with the rabbis, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; service, 10:15 aan..; Jr. Congregation, 10-.30 a.m.; Sukkot service, 10:30 a.m^ KidduBh sponsored by Sisterhood. Luncheon in the SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service,is available each Friday evening, Sukkah; Mincha, 7 p.m., followed by a shiur with Saturday mornings for Bagels and Bible and the Rabbi Kutner "Hilchos Yom Tov," followed by worship service. Cost is $2 per family. Please make Ma'ariv. Light candles no earlier than 7:58 p.m.

SUNDAY: Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 7 a reservation through the Temple office. p.m.; Havdalah, 7:56 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.; Mincha, WEDNESDAY, S e p t . 29: Midrash Class, 6:55 p.m.

10 a.m.-noon, led by Rabbi Azriel.

FRIDAY, Oct 1 (Hoshana Rabbah): Morning THURSDAY, S e p t . 30: Sisterhood Adult Education, 10-11:30 a.m. Rabbi Azriel and Rabbi Service, 6:30 a.m.; Mincha, 6:50 p.m., followed by Shiur with Rabbi Kutner, "The Halachos of Stiel will introduce study topics for the semester.

Shemini Atzeret."

EREV SIMCHAT TORAH FRIDAY, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. Kindergartners and older students who have never been consecrated will participate in the special Simchat Torah serBEtfSHACdlir , vice. A reception will follow.

V," AnAfliHateotthe: . .'-'-, .P.O.Box241130, Oma!ha,NE68124-5130 ;"--;--' . -;•.; 758-9233 -.•<{,; bttpiZ/coracWbevtshaloin/ nberp? the Union of Ain^can Hebrew Congto^BtionB FRD3AY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.

'•^Ri^i-ao'th st*rtijico$itr"" " - - - — SATURDAY: Sukkot celebration at Tuttle's Farm, Logan, IA: sukkah building, 3 p.m.; celebration, 4:30 p.m., followed by a potluck dairy-vegeServices officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. tarian dinner and Havdalah.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Sabbath service, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Religious School at the JCC SUNDAY: Sukkot celebration and potluck at the TUESDAY: Religious School, 4 p.m., at the Weisser's home, 3330 So. 29th St., 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, Oct. 1: Shabbat in the home, j

/ l o s t BUUMKINJEWISH HOME SATURDAY Sukkot Services, 9 a.m SUNDAY: Sukkot Services, 9 a.m., both daysled

by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

All services are followed by Kiddush.

CHABAD HOUSE 1866 So, 120th St, Omah^NS 68144-1640

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 7:15 pan., followed by Havdalah.

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Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 a.m.

FRTOAY: Erev Sukkot, 7:10 pjn.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. and 7:10 pan.

SUNDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 7:10 pan.

FRIDAY, Oct. 1: Hoshanah Rabbah, 7:15 aan.

JFS provides Jewish families with food for the holidays

O i a M y n s t e r S t , CouncU Bluffs, HA 51503-0766 ',,;-' -,:.- -, \. - ?h*i&z 322-4705 , - : - . ' .

FRD3AY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Topic for discussion will be "Is the division of Jewish charities egalitarian?" Oneg Shabbat, prepared by Peggy Deland and Sandra Kurland, follows.

SUNDAY: A memorial service will be held at the Jewish Cemetary in Council Bluffs, 11 ajn.

pFFUTAIR

FORCE BASE

Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax.

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantors Emil Berkovits and G. Michael Horwitz.

FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. J e s s i c a Belmont, daughter of Jill and Mark Belmont, will become a Bat Mitzvah; Sitter service and Torah Study Skills (TSS), 10 a.m.; Shabbat Story Tune (pre-kindergarten and under), 11 turn.; K'tantan (K-3), 10:45 a.m.; Humash with Rashi study session, 6:40 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv, 7:10 pan.

SUNDAY: Morning service, 9-.30 a.m.; MinhaMa'ariv, 7:20 p.m.

Hoi HaMoed Sukkot: (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday): mornings, 6:45 a.m.; evenings, 5:30 p.m.

Bat Mitzvah Rebecca Leigh Gellman, daughter of Lynne and Steve Gellman of Austin, rpj^ became a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Congregation Beth Israel in Austin.

An eighth-grade honor student and aspiring actress, she also enjoys dancing and writing.

Becca has a brother, Jay. Grandparents are Phyllis and Leonard Friedel of Scottsdale, AZ, formerly of Omaha, and Celia Gellman of Austin and the late Saul Gellman.

CDC to offer discussion of new Pipher book

riFERETH ISRAEL

^&HAI:ISftAEL"S^IAGQaUif-:'- r

25th and Capchart, Omaha, NE 68113-5000 294*6051

PageS

Each year, Jewish Family Service provides holiday food packages to nearly 40 Jewish families. Shelly Fox, left, Caryn Rifkin and Jennifer Meyerson, JFS Tzedakah coordinator, prepared the packages for delivery in time for the High Holidays.

by Linda Novak, CDC Director

In this fast-paced world, new challenges for families have popped up due to both parents working, an increase in the divorce rate, drug and/or alcohol usage, the internet and the influences of other types of media.

To help parents deal with these new challenges, the Child Development Center of the Jewish Community Center, along with Jewish Senior Services and Temple Israel, will sponsor a workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 10, with best-selling author Dr. Mary Pipher, who has written four wellknown books. Her first was Reviving Ophelia; her latest IB Ophelia's Family: Across the Generations.

In preparation for her visit to Omaha, the CDC will offer an opportunity for parents to discuss another of Pipher's books, The Shelter of Each Other: Rebuilding Our Families, on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m., at the JCC. Discussion leaders will be Rabbi Debbie Stiel of Temple Israel arid Sally Kaplan, MSW. Dr. Pipher's books are easy reading but also encourage you to think of ways to improve your family's life and make those bonds stronger; Parents of all ages can learn from Pipher's books, and I encourage anyone who is interested to contact the CDC at 334-6413 for more information.

You will also receive a 20% discount on the purchase of the discussion book.

LOST and FOUND A Torah Scroll charm (older) has been found in a North Omaha parking lot. : Call the Jewish Press office at

334-6448

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 24,1999

A good start to the New Year While the Southern Baptists called Though another earthquake struck, this time in Taiwan, and floods still for their members to pray for the conthreaten life and property in North version of the Jews during these past Carolina, some very good news did two weeks, the Catholic Church took arrive in the Jewish New Year of 5760. a different stance, calling on its memIn a letter to Elie Wiesel and other bers to "refresh our encounter with a prominent members of New York's new respect and even love for one Jewish community, John Cardinal another as children of God. Working O'Connor, Archbishop of New York, in our own ways, but also working asked for forgiveness on behalf of the together, let us both remain commitCatholic Church, "high or low, includ- ted to the fulfillment of God's reign." ing myself, who may have harmed After years of misunderstandings, you or your forebears in any way." it is certainly welcome news from the The letter, which was published in Catholic Church. Cardinal O'Connor the form of a full-page ad in the Sept. is right in understanding that in 19 Sunday New York Times, also addition to his sincere apologies, stated: "During the year of 5760, we offers of working together in areas of Christians will start a new era of the mutual interest are beneficial to both year 2000, the turn of another millen- the Jewish and Catholic communinium in our history. Our Holy Father, ties. While we do not agree on everyPope John Paul II, has asked all thing, there are issues on which we Christians to enter this new millenni- have been working on together: endum in the spirit of Jubilee. Part of the ing poverty and hunger, advocating process of Jubilee is a call for teshuva, for the homeless and mentally ill, and or repentance. Ash Wednesday, strengthening programs for youth at March 8, (2000), has been specially risk for drugs and violence. set aside for Catholics to reflect upon May 5760 bring more good news the pain inflicted on the Jewish peo- from our friends in all communities of ple by many of our members of the faith and may we all. Catholics and last millennium. We most sincerely Jews, look upon one another with want to start a new era." new respect and understanding.

(3000 SIRE,

TAKE wE.ro ttu* JEWISH 4N0MUSUM LEADERS/

Tikkun Olam through gun control

by Mark Pelavin

In recent weeks, my office has received more than a dozen letters lambasting the Reform Movements support for gun control: While the number of letters is relatively small, it is more feedback than many other controversial issues have garnered.

In sum, these letters assert that the shootings at the Los Angeles Jewish Community Center summer camp underscore the folly of Jews supporting gun control; they cite historical precedent (mainly •the Warsaw Ghetto, uprising) as support for the assertion that only when Jews have guns have they been able to preserve Jewish honor and dignity.

They point to Israel as an example of Jews' need for guns, and they use both Constitutional and Talmudic citations to rebut any attempt to limit access to firearms. Yet, despite their appeals to history and the Judaic tradition, these pleas to oppose •gun control are far from convincing.

• / To argue that as Jews we must respond to gun violence with a paranoid impulse to grab our guns in self-defense is a provincial and dangerous perspective. Such an argument assumes that a vast majority of the gun violence tearing America apart is specifically aimed at Jews, or, at a minimum, that the Jewish community has no stake in addressing the larger national epidemic of gun violence.

Despite a rash of highly-publicized anti-Semitic incidents, it is simply not the case that Jews are disproportionate victims of gun violence. While we as a community undoubtedly feel under attack at the moment, the bigger picture does not support an ethos of constant persecution in America today.

In faot, study after study clearly demonstrates that the use of a firearm to resist a violent attack increases the likelihood of injury to the gun owner.

According to the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, "residents of homes where a gun is present are, five times more likely to experience a suicide and three times more likely to experience a homicide than residents of homes without guns. Additionally, a gun kept in the home is 43 times more likely to kill

a member of the household, or friend, than an intruder;1* : Guns certainly endanger the rest of us.

Every year, 35,000 Americans die from guninflicted injuries; 14 children are lost to gun violence every day in this country; and American children are more than 12 times as likely to die from gun violence as are the children of any other developed nation. If trends continue, 2003 will Bee gun violence overtake automobile accidents as the leading cause of fatalities in the United States.

The effort to call Jews to arms in self-defense could have significant, and troubling, effects on our society. Arming ourselves to the teeth in a quest to protect our community would be questionably effective in accomplishing its goals, but it would undoubtedly lead to a greater balkanization within the United States. We would alienate ourselves from the larger society, and we would be seen (correctly in this case) as arming ourselves in direct opposition to those with whom we share this country. Just as most of us would be dismayed to see the African-American community or the gay and lesbian community self-segregate and stockpile weapons, so would the rest of America view Jews who did the same with suspicion and fear. The inadvertent but inescapable effect would be heightened incidents of prejudice, vandalism, and hatefueled violence.

Our tradition calls for each of us to participate in tikkun olam, repair of the world. For us to insist that America's culture of gun violence - and the epidemic of killing that it has wrought - is important to us only as it effects our fellow Jews is to turn our backs on the rest of America.

Admittedly, addressing society's problems is an overwhelming and perhaps unattainable goal, but our tradition demands no less. We face a critical time: a period of unprecedented technology, of wondrous prosperity, and yet of great fear.

We can choose to turn inward as a community, to protect only ourselves and our narrow interests, or

THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920) The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel.

Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-3345422; E-mail <jshpress@aoLcom> Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198.

Uoyd Roitsteln Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager Barbara Frankol Rocky Stem Sales representatives Jenlna E. Sadofsky Bookkeeper JenGatu Production Assistant Georgo Schaplro Volunteer

we can look beyond our community, into our nation and our world, seeking common solutions, and working for the general welfare.

The latter is the much harder path,, but I believe that it is the one that will provide our children a better world, the one to which we as Jews are com- ' mitted, and the one to which we should all rededicate ourselves.

Let that commitment be our resolution for the 'new year.

• ' - • ' "

Mark Pelavin is the Associate Director of The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the Washington office of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

To the Editor: Just wanted to let you know that the Holiday (edition of) the Jewish Press was so interesting, fun to read and brought back so many wonderful memories for myself and others.

Time goes so fast; what fun to read of our past and see old pictures from our growing up years in Bagel. Even though our family lived further out west and I did not attend Central, I was always included with the Jewish kids and ever so thankful and grateful for my friends I made back then and still keep in contact with.

I was so lucky. I had the opportunity to live in two worlds growing up, since I went to Westside. I was with my non-Jewish friends during the week and at Bagel, with my Jewish friends, for the weekend. What fun we had...the memories and friendships will always be cherished. Thank you for such a nice walk down memory lane.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year,

Judy Robinson JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Steve Danon; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Steve Levinger; Linda Saltzman; George Schapiro; Steve Simon.

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment.

September 24,1990

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Pace 5

Bringing the Messiah - o n our own terms

by Rabbi Jerome Epstein

Several weeks ago, the Southern Baptists developed an initiative to encourage Jews to convert to Christianity during the High Holy Days. In other words, they were looking for us to accept their Messiah.

My initial reaction was anger—but my reasoned response was different. The Messianic ideal has evolved throughout the years. For the Jew, the Messiah has not yet come. Some Jews are content to wait passively. They believe that humanity can remain inactive because God can send the Messiah any time He wants. He can- but He won't.

As a Jew, I believe that the coming of the Messiah does not depend on my belief that he will come, nor does it rest solely in God's hands. I believe it remains our task to bring the Messiah— that he will arrive only when we are in a state of readiness to bring Urn, to welcome him, to appreciate him. Salvation must be earned. And thus it is what we do, as Jews, that will determine the time of the Messianic arrival.

The unique message of Jewish Messianism is that with courage, commitment, hope and effort, a corrupt world can be righted, a sick world can be healed. Messianism gave our ancestors a light in the darker times of our history. We must not attach ourselves to a magical, mythical vision with unrealistic hopes that the Messiah will spontaneously _. appear and save UB from our folly.

Jewish tradition tells us that the Messiah will be a descendant of King David and will rule the Land of Israel "Inadditfori.'tKe Messiah will "gather the' JewsfronLtheibur cQrners_of the earth, .bring them . to Israel, and then restore their commitment to livfij£tffle"ivalue's, guidelines' arid commandments of , thVTfirtihV Finally tne-Messiaii will-Tiring real and V Finally tne-Messiaii will-Tiring real and 1 r everlasting peace tffthe entire.• World, following a periodpigryat upyaval... ' 1 : r iJ period'pigryat upyaval '• " " ' " " ' ' 'were " Cfiir nistory is."replete.' with individuals' who r£gartled by; the Jewish' communityy as "potential p Messianlic'figures7Yet'normative Judaism Jud has

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always been dubious of the possibility of an individ- Christianity. For us, the Messiah has not yet come; ual being sent by God to solve the world's problems we continue to long for him. At each B'rit Milahand often when a girl is named in modern timesand bring eternal peace.

Yochanan Ben Zakkai, a first-century scholar, we set a chair aside for Elijah, the Prophet who, told his students (somewhat cynically): "If you according to tradition, will usher in the Messiah to should happen to be holding a sapling in your hand the world. The presence of that chair at the naming when they tell you the Messiah has arrived, first signifies the hope that each new child might be the one to fix the world. Thus, each one of us might be plant the sapling and then go greet the Messiah."

No doubt, the current growth in Messianic fervor the potential Messiah. has been stimulated by the coming secular new If we want the Messiah to come, we must act year. For the Christian world, it is a celebration of Messianic. If we see strife in the world and we do major magnitude—marking two millennia after nothing to bring peace, we delay the Messiah. If we Jesus' birth. When we refer to the millennium, we see people in pain and do nothing to help them, we are referring to this Christian religious anniver- obstruct the Messiah's arrival. In a sense, we are sary, the birth of their Messiah, who, according to being tested each day.

Christian theology, was sacrificed by God so that Few can change the entire world, but each of us salvation would be possible for believers. can contribute. We just have to want to do it. If we As Jews, we focus on a different type of sacrifice are looking for a Messiah, we must look in the mirduring our New Year. Abraham was called upon to ror. What we do makes a difference. sacrifice his son, Isaac. But, why is Abraham asked Still, there is great hype about Jan. 1, 2000. But to do this? The Torah tells us that °Vha Elokim Jan. 1 does not begin my new millennium. I worry nisah etAvraham, God put Abraham to the test." about the date-but only insofar as it will affect my Abraham was God's devoted servant. Why would computer. The Jewish Calendar, which is my reliHe have to test such a loyal individual-especially if gious schedule, indicates that Jan. 1, 2000, happens to be a special Shabbat, the one that begins everything is foreseen?

Sforno, a 15th-century Biblical commentator, the Book of Shemot, Exodus, the Book of Torah offers a simple explanation: "God's intention was that poignantly reminds me of the potential of my that Abraham should translate his love and rever- salvation. It teaches me that how I live makes a difference; ence for God from the potential to the actual."

While the Baptists have chosen to spend their In other words, God was not testing Abraham to determine whether heTwould sacrifice his son. i time1 praying that we will embrace their -Messiah, I "" would like to suggest that we engage in a different Rather, the test was' to TielpAbraham grow'.' . Jn, a sense.a Jewish solution to the world's prob- kind of prayer. Let us pray instead ihat "God will lems is summed up in Sforno's interpretation of give us the strength to engage in tihiin olamt helpGod's request of Abraham to sacrifice- his son:- God ing'to create a society, :that:will reflecbour dreams.

Cmlyidoioimpiart wants us to translate our love and reverence'Troni Ibis only.it* thisjwfiy.that.wG-.may 1 H:J:?. iw t-v.qqi.'?. the potential to'the actual;TKeVe'atethings W e a n in creating>the wdrldSo Wm'e.ii. dp to make the'world better/When the Messiah • Rabbi Epstein is the Executive Vice-president of The United Synagogue of Conservative comes, it will be because we have brought him. ; There is another difference between the Jewish Judaism, the association of Conservative con-' ' view of the Messiah and that which is prevalent in gregations.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 24,1999

Former Omahan Chad Polikov, son of Sheila and Marvin Polikov, has accepted a position with the Turner Broadcasting System in Atlanta, GA. He will serve as the Media Planner/Buyer of Turner's sports teams: the Atlanta Braves, Hawks, and Thrashers, and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

The latest novel by Omahan Jack Moskovitz, Tuxedo Square Job, is available on the internet at: www.pc-books-inc.com

On Sunday, Oct 3, an estimated 5000 people will run and walk to help find a cure for breast cancer during this year's Komen Omaha Race for the Cure, the nation's largest fundraising event benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Prior to Sept. 27, registration for team members of four or more people is $12 per person.

Individual walkers and runners can register for $15. Registration forms are available at JC Penney stores or by calling 354-5041.

A team of cardiovascular researchers at the Howard Marcus was honored with the 1999 University of N e b r a s k a Medical C e n t e r Communications Award for Nebraska from the (UNMC) have received a five-year grant worth American Heart Association's Heartland Affiliate. more than $8 million from the National Institutes A longtime active volunteer for the AHA, Marcus ; of Health (NIH) to study the cause of chronic heart has served on the Communications Committee for failure. The grant was awarded by the National eight years, two as vice-chairman, and two as Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, one of the institutes which makes up the NIH in Bethesda, MD. chairman.

Irving Zucker, PhD., Professor and Chairman of "Through his volunteer efforts, Howard has . the Physiology and Biophysics Department in the strengthened the impact of the AHA within our College of Medicine, is the principal investigator of Omaha community," noted Bob Jeffus, during the the grant. Dr. Zucker has been on the UNMC faculrecent awards banquet. Jeffus took special note of ty for 27 years.

Marcus' role as editor of the Omaha World-Herald'B award winning HealthWise ad supplement, which The annual Alzheimer's Association's included coverage of National Heart Month in Memory Walk and Motorcycle Ride 1999 is February. scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Chalco Hills Marcus, the son of Joan K. and Milton Marcus, is Recreation Area, two blocks west of 144th Street also a board member of the Omaha Press Club and and Giles Road. The fundraiser benefits community education and outreach, professional education, Brush-Up Nebraska Paint-A-Thon. patient and family services, advocacy, adult respite Creighton University Magazine featured Dr. care, the helpline, and 20 area support groups.

Leonard G r e e n s p o o n , chairholder of the The motorcycle ride begins at 9 a.m. Late regisKlutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, in a story tration for walkers begins at 11 a.m.; pre-registered about the Hebrew calendar. The calendar will be walker check-in is at 11:30 a.m.; the walk begins at among the many topics for discussion at the 12th noon. For information or to register, call 572-3059, annual Klutznick Symposium, set for Oct. 10 at the or visit their website: www.omaha-cb-alz.org Jewish Community Center, and Oct. 11 at Creighton.

All About Omaha and Omaha Care presents Published four times annually, C.U. Magazine Shots for Tots, golf games, live music and dancing replaces Window' and 'Alumnews' as a publication to benefit the March of Dimes on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 7 p.m.-midnight at Chili Greens Indoor Golf for alumni and friends.

Dome, 6808 Spring St.', . , ; • ' • . . ' • • Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from All Temple Israel, Nebraska's oldest synagogue, is featured in an online exhibition of synagogue post- About Omaha, 391-3615, or at their website: cards on the website of Philadelphia's Museum of www.allaboutomaha.org American Jewish History, The Leadership Omaha Alumni Association has Found at www.nmajh.org, the site includes a selected twins Sylvia and Sylvester Porchia to brief history of the synagogue. Visitors will also be receive the 1999 Ann Goldstein Outstanding Young able to send the card electronically to fiiehds and Leader Award Scholarships. The scholarships of relatives. . ; : . . • •. .

• '•./••..' .'.':•• •• - '"''$1500 each, given to residents of Omaha Housing The exhibition, "Souvenirs of Community: Authority housing, was named in honor of Ann American Synagogues from the Collection of the Goldstein, who served as Director of Leadership National Museum of American Jewish History," Omaha for 10 years before retiring earlier this features 61 synagogues from 30 states.

• y e a r . ' • ,•• " . . ' • • • ' • • • - . ' ." ' : :

:

: The Nebraska Humanities Council will provide a Grants Information Workshop on Thursday, Oct 7,,from 5-6:45 p.m., at the Washington Branch Library, 2868 Ames. The workshop is free, but reservations must be made in advance by calling the Library at 444-4849. . The NHC is a state-wide, non-profit organization which promotes citizenship by presenting high quality humanities programs on history and culture to children and adults.

The Creighton Lied Art Gallery will present Nebraska Hot Glass through Oct. 27. The exhibit features recent works from six of Nebraska's glass artists: Richard Bird of Chadroh, Ed Fennell and John Thein of Omaha, Tom Kreager of Hastings, Ray Schultze of Kearney, and Kenny Walton of Avoca.

The Gallery is located on the main floor of the Lied Educational Center for the Arts, 24th and Cass Streets, and is open from noon-4 p.m.

Bobbi Leibowitz, longtime Omaha realtor, has started a new service for her clients--the use of a moving van at no charge for anyone buying or selling a home using Leibowitz's real estate team at Prudential Ambassador Real Estate. The van is also available to charitable organizations. For information, contact her at 496-7499. : The Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Creighton University will present The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, a comedy written by John Bishop, on the main stage of the Lied Education Center for the Arts. Performance dates are Qct. 7-9 and 14-16, 7:30 p.m.; and Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $6 for seniors, and $5 for students. Reservations can be made by calling 280-1148.

The Omaha Symphony will present a series of innovative performance and audience favorites in its 1999-2000 Family Concert Series. Beethoven Lives Upstairs is scheduled for Nov. 6 at 1 p.m., ; and features the Omaha Symphony and a national touring company. The annual Cartoons in Concert is Feb. 13, 2000, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. An encore presentation of The Penguins' Excellent Adventure is April 16, 2000, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. All concerts take place at the Orpheum Theater. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Omaha Symphony Box Office, 342-3560, or their website: www.omahasymphony.org Tuesday Musical has announced its concert series entitled "Beautiful Music for the Millennium." The Ying Quartet is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 23; Elizabeth Futral, Soprano, will perform Tuesday, Nov. 16; Midori on the Violin is Tuesday, March 14, 2000; and Helene Grimaud on the piano is Tuesday, April 25, 2000.

All concerts are at 8 p.m. in the Witherspoon Concert Hall, Joslyn Art Museum.

For more information, call 402-551-4805 or 402333-7693.

The Children's Hospital Bazaar is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday, Oct. 1,9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Regency Fashion Court.

Proceeds go to help pay the medical bills for kids who can't afford treatment.

Among the featured items will be handmade Halloween costumes; one-of-a-kind silver jewelry; goodies from Heartland Homemade and handpainted pumpkins; plus, there will be many_jjew retailers from around the country.

For more information, contact Nichole Gurwell, Publicity Chair, 491-3138.

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Books from UAHC Press confront anti-Semitism, violence, and teen suicide

Engagement

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 7

Organizations

KOHLL/YANOFSKY Y.E.S. Mr and Mrs. Marvin Kohll announce the Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of engagement of the JCC. Exercise with Michelle Streif at their daughter,

by Emily Egrotta 10:15 a.m. in the auditorium; try your luck at bingo Sarah, to Eli As. the horrifying images of swastikas on syna- Yanovsky, both with Eileen Remer at 10:30 a.m. in room 6. Bring gogues, arsons, shooting rampages, and sociopathic residents of Israel. articles to share for the "YES Talk" discussion fringe groups fill the news media, Jewish parents group, led by Art Grossman, at 11 a.m. in the conThe bride-to-be is and educators face an awesome responsibility: How ference room. Join us for lunch at noon and celecan they teach youngsters to live their Jewish val- a graduate of brate Sukkot with special musical guest Joe Brandeis Univerues, to value life, and to be proud of their heritage Taylor. For transportation, call 330-4272. sity and plans to in such a violent world?

Deadlines: Lunch Bunch on Oct. 7 is Sept. 30; work in holistic Fortunately, they can turn to resources from the nutrition.

New York Party on Oct. 18 is Oct. 11; UAHC Press for help.

Bluffs Run Casino on Oct. 21 is Oct.14; Yanofsky is the "Our books on anti-Semitism, cults, teen suicide, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Yanovsky of T.I.G.G.S. luncheon on Oct. 27 is Oct. 22. social justice issues, and interfaith dialogue are Gothenberg, Sweden. He attends Yeshiva Shilo in written for adults and young people alike by WALK-IN, DROP-IN Jerusalem and plans to get his Smicha (rabbinic experts in these fields," said Kenneth Gesser, pubThere will be no meeting oh Thursday. For those ordination) and teaching degree. . lisher of the UAHC Press. "They provide an excelThe wedding date has been set for Nov. 28 at the going on the day trip to WinnaVegas Casino, please lent way to teach the contemporary Jewish permeet at the JCC by 8:15 a.m. For transportation, Chabad House in Omaha. spective on these terrible events, and offer guidcall Maggie at 334-6521. ' ; ; ance on positive actions we can take to solve these problems. .-,;.'• '. :,; •'..: • •...''VISIONS.;.•.•...'.'•••'••••'•.'.••••-;.•;••.••;•; "As the parent of two young children, I know it's ' Reminder: There will be a Visions board meetVisions initiates project so difficult to broach these subjects. How can you ing on Friday; Oct. 1,9:30 a.m., room 5, at the JCC. even start?" he added. "These books will definitely The Card Cart is Visions' latest Mitzvah help adults to use these tragedies as learning Project. Chairmen lisa and Marcel Kahn and BREADBREAKERS . opportunities for their children." seven volunteers, with the help of Lois Wine, Forrest Krutter, an attorney for Berkshire Here are just a few of the relevant books availDirector of Volunteer Services, assisted the resiHathaway, will speak at B'nai B'rith Breadbreakable from UAHC Press, (available at the Jewish dents in sending holiday cards to their families. ers on Wednesday, according to Ron Gordon.

Federation Library especially for use with the The Card Cart will continue for Hanukkah and Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at upcoming teen violence survey on Tuesday, Oct, Passover so family members can stay connected Pastimes Restaurant, 129th and West Maple. The 12,5 p.m., at the JCC. The survey is conducted by with the residents during holiday time. program is open to the community; cost is $8.50, • Jewish Family Service and the Anti-Defamation League, with assistance from Beth El, Beth Israel OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING and Temple Israel.)

Rabbi Levin will teach a class on the weekly Jewish Dimensions of Social Justice: Tough Torah portion at his home, 5023 Lafayette, on Moral Choices of Our Time, by Albert Vorspan Saturday, Sept. 25, 5:15 p.m. and Rabbi David Saperstein. A book for adults and On Wednesday, Sept. 29, from noon-1 p.m., young adults that includes sections on handgun Lunch 'n Learn will be hosted by Bob and Myra control legislation, safeguarding our civil liberties, Oberman, 710 J.E. George Blvd., in their sukkah. dealing with Skinheads and militias, responding to We will eat lunch together (bring your own lunch), anti-Semitism, and teen suicide. followed by Torah study led by Rabbi Levin.

Where We Stand: Jewish Consciousness on For more information about these or other OCTL Campus, edited by Rabbi Allan L. Smith. Written programs, call Rabbi Shlomo Levin at 551-1564. for college students, this compendium of essays by leading Jewish thinkers tackles topics such as HADASSAH cults, anti-Semitism on campus, and the separaAlGalgalim, Hadassah's Training Wheels proMiriam Meyerson and Marcel Kahn helped tion of church and state. gram for 2-5 year-olds and their parents, scheduled Irving and Ida Forbes write New Year's cards.

When Living Hurts, by Sol Gordon-For young for Wednesday, Sept. 29, has moved from the home people to assist their troubled friends and for of Sandra Kohll to the home of instructor Noa teenagers in crisis who need to find hope.

Levin, 5023 Lafayette, 11:30 a.m.-l p.m. Bring a Rooftop Secrets, And Other Stories ofAntisack lunch. Open to Hadassah members for a small semitism, by Lawrence Bush. Written from a charge for materials; $25 for non-members, plus child's viewpoint of different eras in Jewish history materials. i from the Inquisition in 1492 to the present, these stories are accompanied by modern commentaries that explain the nature of anti-Semitism.

Out of the Whirlwind: A Reader of Holocaust Literature, a newly-revised and expanded edition

by Albert H. Friedlander. For adults and teens who want to know more about the history of Holocaust, this book is a classic.

A Jewish Response to Cults, edited by Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor. Primarily for high school students, the book, which offers Jewish ideals and LAST CHANCE values that challenge cults and why people join to register! these fringe groups, can be adapted for any age Strategies for Creative Estate Tax group. and Charitable Gift Planning •'••; Books that help build bridges include What Crucified Jesus? by Ellis Rivkin, and TUESDAY, OCT. 5 Cost: $25 Shalom/Salaam: A Resource for Jewish(for materials, Muslim Dialogue, by Rabbi Bretton-Granatoor 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. continental breakfast and Andrea L. Weiss. and lunch) The entire catalog for the UAHC Press can be Happy Hollow Club viewed on line at http://www.uahcpress.com; Send check to: 1701 So. 105th St. items can be ordered through the Web site or toll The Foundation free at 1-888-489-UAHC. 333 S. 132nd St. Featured Speaker: The UAHC Press is part of the Union of Omaha, NE 68154 Jane Peebles, Esq. American Hebrew Congregations, the central body of Reform Judaism in North America, uniting 1.5 a partner with Freeman, Freeman Continuing Education million Reform Jews in more than 880 synagogues.

Credits Available & Smiley, LLP, of Los Angeles UAHC services include camps, music publishing For more information, and educational programs.

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Page 8 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 24,1999

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Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Temple Israel Shabbat Box Dinner, 6 p.m., AZA Anniversary Committee Mtng., 4 p.m at Temple Israel , Religious School Committee Mtng., 6 p.m., SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Humash Class, 6:40 p.m., at Beth El at Temple Israel SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 USY Night, 6:30 p.m., at Beth El Outreach Committee Meeting, 10 a.m., Synagogue 2000 Meeting, 7 p.m., at Tempi FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 at Temple Israel Russian Club, 10 a.m.

Ya'Chad Activities Temple Israel's OTYG "Shabbat Comes to MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 You," 3:45 p.m., at Livingston Plaza YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Sisterhood Board Meeting, 7 p.m., at Temple Humash Class, 6:10 p.m., at Beth El Klutznick Symposium, 8 p.m., at Creightoi Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Klutznick Symposium Jewish Press Committee Meeting, noon National Conf. Community Justice Walk-a-tJ Rotary Luncheon Honoring Art Goldstein; Visions Day Trip to Nebraska City noon, in the JCC Auditorium Men's Club, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Richard Freund Lecture, 10 a.m., at Tempi Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m.

Red Cross Babysitters Course, Noon Chabad House Community-Wide Sukkot Kadimah/USY Crop Walk, 12:30 p.m., Beth Celebration, 5 p.m., at the Chabad House Missions Meeting, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 Children's Missions Meeting, 4 p.m.

Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Wolf Cub Scouts, 4 p.m.; Boy Scouts, 4>p.m Kids'Lunch & Learn, noon, at Beth El MONDAY, OCTOBER 11 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 .

Klutznick Symposium, 8:30 a.m., at Creigh Hakafot & Simchat Torah Social, 7:45 p.m., YES Program, 9:30 am. at Beth El TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 Men's Club Brunch, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel -Beth El Adult Lunch & Learn, Noon, at Blumkin Home Conference Room .

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4 Sisterhood Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., at Beth I YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 Yale Richards Professional Seminar, 8:15 a.m., JAAVA Program, 5 p.m.

WHJ Exec. Committee, 6:30.p.m,, at Ten at Happy Hollow Club WRJ Board Meeting, 7 p.m., at Temple Isr, Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10 a.m., Exec. Committee Mtng., 7:15 p.m., at Beth at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Hadassah Mtng., 10:30 am., Livingston Plaz Jewish Federation Men's & Women's JYG Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Campaign Opening Reception with Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 pjn., at Beth Itzik BenShalom, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m.

Federation Women's Campagin Luncheon with Adult Education, 10 am., at Temple Israel Michael Ginsberg, 11:30 a.m., at Beth El Grade 7/8 Parents Workshop, 7 p.m., FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15 Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel at Temple Israel Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Boy Scout Campout, Oct. 15-17

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., a t Temple Israel Humash Class, 6 p.m., at Beth El OTYG Havdallah and Haunted Houses, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 Outreach, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Mah Jongg Tournament, 11:30 a.m.

BoyScouts, 4 p.m.

Webelo Scouts, 4 p.m.

Omaha Center for Torah Learning Community Reception, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18 YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

Webelo Scout Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

NCJW "Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet," 7 p.m.

Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel BESTT Committee Mtng., 7:30 p.m., Beth El WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 Flu Shots, 9 a.m.

Pacesetter Briefing, 4 p.m., at RBJH Conference Room ' Qamp^ga Event, Sharon Faulkner Kosovo, Photojournalist, 7:30 p.m.

Board of Trustees Meeting., 7:30 p.m.; at Beth El OTYG and Grade 8, "Jakob the Liar", meet at Temple Israel THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 General Campaign Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.

Women's Campaign Breakfast, 9:30 am.

Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m.

Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Pacesetter Lunch, Noon, at RBJH Conference Room Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

USY Night, 6:30 p.m., at Beth El ' FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 Russian Club, 10 a.m.

• Ya'Chad Community Thank-you Weekend Beth El Regional Youth Commission Mtng. in Des Moines, Oct. 22-24 OTYG Coffee at Borders, 10-11 p.m. (after services)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel Humash Class, 5:50 p.m., at Beth El Club 56 (grades 5 and 6), Pizza, Movie and Havdallah at Temple Israel, 7-10 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 Social Justice Panel, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel BESTT Teacher In-Service, 10 a.m., Beth El Amit Women Meeting, 12:30 p.m., .. at Livingston Plaza Wolf Cub Scouts, 4 p.m.

Boy Scouts, 4 p.m.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25 YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 Sisterhood Board Meeting, Noon, at Temple BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

"Making Healthy Choices for Life," 7th-8th graders with parents, 6 p.m., at Beth El Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 Hadassah Meeting, Cantor Fettman, speaker, 10:30 a.m., at Sandy Kohll's home TIGGS Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., at Temple Israel , OTYG Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel BESTT Dinner Night, 6 p.m., at Eieth'El "Making Healthy Choices for Life," 7th : 8th graders with parents, 6 p.m., a t Beth' El Grade 7-12 Parents Book Club, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., Beth El THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m.

Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Temple Israel Confirmation Class Trip,

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 24,1999

JELS awards college scholarships

Nikki Flatowicz

Caren Friedman

Nikki Romanik Diana Senik The Financial Aid Committee of Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS) announced scholarships from 14 endowment funds were awarded to 33 Omaha-area college students.

The Sandra L. Feldtnan Scholarship Fund was established to provide grants for graduate education students who have demonstrated superior scholastic ability. Peyman Kharazi, Creighton University and Dan Fried, University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) have been named Feldman scholars.

The Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund was established by Phillip G. Schrager as a tribute to his wife. Gregory Ginsburg, Northwestern University; Glenn Wigodsky, Berklee College of Music and Amanda Mack, Stern College are the 1999-2000 Lois Jeanne Schrager scholars. Mack is also the recipient of the J.W.V. Epstein/Morgan Post #260, Nathan Marcus Memorial Scholarship, endowed to aid Jewish students who are residents of the Omaha area to further their education.

The freshman student who is the recipient of the Nancy and Don Greenburg Scholarship is Andrew Novak, University of Colorado. The family and friends of the Greenburgs created this scholarship fund in their honor.

The Nate H. & Beatrice Sherman Scholarship Fund was endowed by the Nate H. Sherman Foundation to provide scholarships to qualified students. Sherman Scholarship recipients are: Fiorina Mosenkis, Washington University; Jennifer Rifkin, University of Iowa; Aryn Breckenwald, University of Kansas.

Livingston Scholarships were created through the generosity of the Trustees of the Milton S. and Corinee N. Livingston Foundation to provide funds for college students. The Livingston Scholars are: Danielle Cbasen, Metro Community College; Gail

Paschenko, Bellevue University; Lena Raksin, University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL); Yulia

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Larry Siref Jill Sherman Vishnevskaya, Diana Senik and Mikhail Shekhtman, UNO; Jill Sherman, John A. Logan College; Julia Demidovich and Dina Kogan, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Zarina Kosinovsky and Renee Mitchell, University of Chicago; Caren Friedman, Washington University; Dan Wolk, Vatterott College; and, Carrie Roitstein, Illinois College of Optometry.

The Ruth SokolofSpecial Education Fund was created and funded by Phil Sokolof to honor and perpetuate the memory of his late wife, Ruth, noted for her work with deaf and retarded children. The fund is designated to benefit students majoring in special and general education. This years' scholar is Ella Patkovsky., who is also the receiptient of the Leonore Simon Aronson Educational scholarship established for the benefit of young women pursuing an education and career in education.

Nikki Romanik, Indiana University is the recipi-

ent of the Edward Zorinsky Endowment Fund scholarship, established by the Sonia Zorinsky Trust.

It is intended to provide university tuition for college students, scholarships for Jewish summer camps, and Israel trips for high school students.

Caren Friedman, Washington University, has been named the Jerold I. and Sheila E. Rosen Scholar for this academic year. This fund was created to provide financial aid for qualified students from the Omaha- Council Bluffs area.

Through the generosity of the Phillip G. & Terri L. Schrager Foundation, scholarships are provided for qualified students from the Omaha area. Scholarships were awarded to Nicole Flatowicz, University of Wisconsin; Jonathan Collis, University of Maryland; Boris Davidson, Yeshiva University; and Alena Kaplun, UNO. The Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum Scholarship Fund was created in 1994 to provide grants to university students. Dan Wolk, Vatterott

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The Alan & Annie Fleishman Educational Scholar for this year is Larry Sircf, Metro Community College. This fund was endowed in honor of the Fleishmans to provided scholarships to university students.

The Trustees of the Carl Frohm Foundation created the Carl Frohm Educational Fund to provides scholarship assistance to academically qualified students. Recipients for the 1999-2000 academic year are: Ali Lerner, American University; Scott Saltzman, Neve Zion; and Alexandra Tsvid, Metro Community College.

In addition to these named awards, the Financial Aid Committee of JELS administers 21 scholarship and loan funds for the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Included are funds for Jewish summer camps, day school and Israel programs through the Esther K. Newman Memorial Fund; preschool scholarships through the Carolyn Kully Newman Fund; college loans through the David E. Beber Scholarship fund; and the B'nai B'rith Dr. Abe Greenberg/Benry Monsky Lodge Endowment Fund.

Financial aid for tuition-related expenses of single-parent families is available through the Albert M. and Jeanette T. Nepomnick Education Fund. The Ben E. Kaslow Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for Jewish camps, study trips to Israel and programs for Jewish youth. Financial assistance for the education and care of children with special needs enrolled in Jewish day care or religious school programs in Omaha is provided by the Ruth Somberg Krantz Fund. .

Those interested in contributing to existing scholarship and loan funds or endowing new funds should contact Marty Ricks, "Endowment Director, Foundation of the JFO, 333 So 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154, or call 334-6440.

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September 24,1999

; : Jewish teens urged Bible Quiz— (continued from page 1) to participate in survey Sample questions will be given to contestants in

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 11

Y.E.S7 Oldtimers Review

by Art Grossman

advance and practice sessions will be held. He also added that "every teenager who enters the contest will become a winner because every Jew and every When the 300 eligible youth of the Omaha educated person should be familiar with the Bible."

The Sept. 13 meeting was L'Shana Tova time...

Jewish community take the Search Institute Riekes thanked the Lodge, the family of Senator time to wish all a happy, healthy New Year.

Profiles of Student Life next month, they will be Zorinsky, the rabbis, youth directors in the commuThe Early Bird discussion was held in the JCC anonymously revealing their attitudes and behav- nity, and the many volunteers for their support. He conference room and the additional space resulted iors toward school, getting to know people of other offered additional thanks to Gloria Kaslow, Stan in a much larger than normal attendance. racial/ethnic groups, maintaining good health, and Mitchell and Lois Epstein for their help in making Co-hosts Norm Zevitz and Sara Lewis offered delaying gratification. the contest possible for the last 14 years. interesting conversational topics. Norm stressed The B'nai B'rith Youth Organization is also sup- the need for seniors to be constantly alert about The Search Institute survey will be administered to students in seventh through 12th grades on porting the contest. disclosing their social security numbers for scam "I know that Henry Monsky Lodge has always artists on the lookout for means of delving into Tuesday, Oct. 12,5 p.m., at the JCC. Attitudes toward high-risk behavior patterns, been committed to our youth, and I am delighted to seniors' pockets. including problem alcohol use, illicit drug use, sex- be involved with the program," said Julie Kushner, Sara spoke about a sophisticated new matchmakBBYO Director. ual activity and violence, will also be assessed. ing website, designed to find husbands and wives Those interested in entering the contest may do for Jewish folks around the world.

"Students can be completely honest in their responses," said Debbi Brown, Assistant Director of so by submitting their name, along with their parThis reporter talked about the perilous peace the Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations ents' names, address and zip code, telephone num- efforts taking place between Palestinians and Committee (ADL-CRC), "because all individual ber, high school and grade to the B'nai B'rith office, Israelis being so tenuous. The fate of Jerusalem, answers will be kept strictly confidential. Students 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154, or by calling claimed by each side as its capital, is in the balare not even asked to put their names on the sur- the B'nai B'rith office at 334-6443, by Nov. 1. ance.

Additional information may be obtained by callveys. They have no code numbers so no one will be We were addressed, following lunch, by Janice able to determine how any individual responded to ing Mr. Riekes at 333-8498 or 492-9800.

Rich, representing the Ronald McDonald House any question." charities. The Omaha house opened in 1994. It proThe purpose of the survey is "to obtain a profile of vides a home for families whose children, ages 18 our Jewish young people so that some intervention, and under, are receiving medical care. program, or course may be planned. It would focus We paused in reverent respect in memorium for on helping the Jewish youth of Omaha compensate Minnie Green, Hermine Zweiback, Irving W. for attitudes that may need strengthening. We Forbes and Dr. Abe Fellman. want to plan and implement programs that will/ Shalom. positively impact our youth," said Todd Ephraim, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service (JFS).

There are 156 multiple choice questions on the survey, and it takes 60 minutes to complete it. Dr.

by Tony Endelman Ephraim emphasized that there are "no right or * On Sept. 6, Mother Chapter AZA#1 hosted its wrong answers." The survey asks questions about 66th annual Sweetheart Dance. The evening began each student, his or her experiences, and feelings. with dinner, which was soon forgotten once After the surveys are completed, they will be sent "Simplexity" took the stage. The funk band from to be scored by the Search Institute.

Kansas City had everyone dancing for a solid three Letters have been mailed to parents, and stuhours. After everyone stopped moving, it was time dents will receive postcards inviting them to take for procession, the portion of the evening in which the survey which will be given on Oct. 12. the new Sweetheart is announced.

Students who do not attend any of the area reliAfter gift-giving, many thank yous, and a lot of gious schools or are not affiliated with any Jewish stalling, Diana Manvitz was finally announced as youth groups, such as United Synagogue Youth, the new sweetheart. She is the 17-year-old daughOmaha Temple Youth Group, National Council of ter of Todd and Wendy Manvitz, and a junior at Synagogue Youth, or the B'nai B'rith Youth OrganWestside High School. She is a member of, MZ ization, are strongly encouraged to take the survey, YoshanahBBG#2053. along with affiliated youth, said Brown.

Mother Chapter is looking forward to spending "That will ensure that the results represent a ' next year with Diana. Congratulations, Diana! true cross section of Omaha's Jewish youth," she . added. Brown and the committee are working toward procuring gifts and gift certificates to be given away in a raffle.

The Search Institute of Minneapolis, MN, is an llEFANYFOR THE BABY independent, non-profit, non-sectarian organiza"Man in the Moon" rattle, "Flared" baby cup and "Faneuil" tion whose mission is to advance the well-being of feeding spoon from our collection of Tiffany sterling silver gifts. adolescents and children by generating knowledge Starting at $70.00 Make sure your and promoting its application. The Institute collaborates with others to promote long-term organiza- computer doesn't go tional and cultural change that supports the crashing into the healthy development of children and adolescents. next millennium.

Cost of administering the Search Institute survey Bring your computer in Omaha is being paid for by the Lazier Singer to Computer RenaisMemorial Endowment Fund. sance during our speOrganizations represented on the committee cial "Y2K Month" and involved in administering and evaluating the we'll test it for you at scored results of the survey and carrying out solu- no charge. We'll test tions recommended by the Search Institute include your computer for all the area synagogues, the Jewish Federation of Year 2000 compliance.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 24,1999

Getting the word out on Canavan disease Newton family turns to experimental gene therapy for treatment

by Tamar M. Sternthal, Boston Jewish Advocate Staff

understand a lot more" than doctors think, she conNEWTON—Prom across the room, Gershon looks tinues. "How do you test a child who does not have at Elizabeth with googly eyes, his mouth overflow speech or motor control?" Although Gershon cannot ing with bright orange crackers. Snack time is speak, he does have some vocal ability.

Gershon's favorite time, and Elizabeth is his "It's like there's a bright light under there that favorite girl. And, to brighten his day even more, you don't always see," she observes.

Gershon's mother, Debby Duitch, shows up for a surprise visit at school. The four-and-a-half-yearIt was this impression of a sharp mind trapped in old is all smiles. Happiness is par for the course for a handicapped body that pushed Jordana and Gershon Brickner of Newton who, at six months Richard Sontag of New York to pressure Yale old, was diagnosed with Canavan, a rare genetic University to approve its experimental gene theradisease prevalent among Ashkenazi Jews. py. In a race against time to save the life of their son, Jacob, the Sontags' efforts finally paid off last He eats sweet potatoes with gusto and takes like year. a fish to the water. He 3 a big fan of music and is Gershon is also one of the 14 children who underalways obliging for the camera. went the experimental treatment in which a "He was always a happy-go-lucky child," exudes healthy DNA serum is injected in a reservoir his mother, Debby. "He's taught me patience. He's inserted in the child's scalp. The hope was that the just so beautiful. There's something about him added DNA would produce the critical missing that's so wonderful; his smile; he lights up a room; enzyme needed to break down an acid in the brain his giggle." called NAA. Scientists believe that a high count of Gershon is wheelchair bound and his motor conNAA disrupts the formation of myelin, the coating trol is very limited. Braces keep his skinny legs in which covers nerve cells. Without myelin, the place and glasses somewhat correct his poor vision. brain's communication with the body deteriorates, (He is legally blind.) Weighing in at 30 lbs.—his eventually culminating in paralysis. ..< ••,; ... twin two-and-a-half-year-old sisters are each 29 lbs.—he is in danger of suffering from skin breakGershon. is lucky though, his mother says.: While downs (deterioration similar to a geriatric condimost Canavan children have a strap holding their tion). "He's all skin and bones because he just head up> Gershon pulls,his head up when he'skeeps growing: taller, but he's not gaining substanreminded;.: •. ; . i ; , . ; . ; | ; . ' ; " . - : - v l , i v • - ; ••>•'• ::•:'. '••','.!•• ! : ; . r . tial weight," says Debby,-driving in her, van con- Gershon Brickner, son of former Qmahani Since his surgery last September, :Debby: repprta verted fpriGershon's chair. .; - : ..:..••••.

Debby Duitch and h e r husband, Avi Brickner. • that Gerehoa has increasedjuse,of his left arm.fpr pointing. ..".He used,to.:use;14s!right;}i,apdifpr.eYe]rsr7 He has difficulty swallowing and often refuses liquids. His favorite, though, is cola,, which he another unreliable medical equipment vendor..;,, .; thing. We.gaye him:hjgh jives,,"Bhe/.r.ecalls,,Now;hei drinks .with, a-thickener,! His parents, Avi Brickner ,; , • Underestimated intelligence, , •;, ;v,- i, is able.touring bis:.twQjbaTnidp!t»gethyer and transfers ,;iWijjLle. jnegtaj retardation, is commonly, <ate,4;aSi£ qbjects.,?Fprhim,,it'sai>ig;deal," she-added;,y; ;1|t!rj : "Rabbi JBenjaminjfSainuelsfelt that we absplute-; ^ p ly had to do it, that if there was,any hope that i t bilize hiB weight. Medically^jt.makes Hep^e/butAvJt her child s intelligence is underestimated. " understands just about everything you say,"-she could help Gergbie, .we h&d ito>go•• through:fftrithUt," a n d D e b b y h o } d : o f f . , . , ; , , . , - , . . . •.-..:.. . ',••••:•'. , ! < says,."Whenyoustart talking about him, around says Debby, a member pf the Orthodox Congre/ Debby, a child psychiatrist, acknowledges.that gation Shaarei Tefillah in Newton, where Samuels she and Avi are in denial that Gershon really needs him, he gets very upset. ; "Canavan parents believe that their children is spiritual leader. the tube. In addition, she dreads dealing with yet

Gersbie, 4lffi, (as his grandparents, Jean and Jack Duitch, call him), sits between his younger twin sisters, Yehudit, left, and Nechama,

S

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Preventing anguish Canavan is a neurological disease that affects 1 in 6,400 Ashkenazi children. Both parents must be carriers to produce a Canavan child; : there is a 25 percent chance that two carriers will have an affected child.

In most cases, motor control is almost entirely lost. Most children with the disease die before the age of 10. Debby and Avi, along with the Canavan Foundation, are trying to get the word out on Canavan testing, which they recommend for Ashkenazi couples before conception.

Prenatal tests are also available.

They don't want anyone to unnecessarily go through the anguish they suffered.

When Debby learned of Gershon's disease, "I was devastated. I couldn't stop crying. . .1 thought about the bar mitzvah that he's not going to have; I thought about the graduations, the college, the wedding, the grandchildren. In some ways, it's very selfish, but those are the thoughts you have.

"He was this gorgeous, beautiful child at birth, and then you have your whole world turned upside down," she continues. "You have your reality and you have your hope."

Contributions for Canavan Research can be sent to Canavan Research Fund, 16 School Street, Rye, NY 10580.

September 24,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 13

Where are they now?

by Bert Lewis If you call yourself any kind of an healthy programs, as well as athlete, either present or past, and hiB "Noon Basketball" group, f if you're old enough to have been which included people such as around the old J.C.C. between 1951 Max Platt, Les Burkenroad, Iz and 1955, you will certainly rememLevinson, Ed Levinson, Paul ber the name Lindy Paul.

Grossman, Stan Feinberg, Jack Ban and Bill Kaiman.

If you loved basketball, Softball, volleyball and or handball, you not Some of the men who made only knew that name, but you also up the four teams of Lindy*s knew: the fellow to whom it Varsity Basketball League belonged. were Al d a y m a n , Eddie Belgrade, Steve Lustgarten, Why wouldn't you? He was the Kevee (Cal) Kirshenbaum, Joe Athletic Director (sometimes called Kirshenbaum, Jerry (Buckets) the Physical Education Director) of Berman, Irv Yaffe, Ben Kutthe Jewish Community Center those ler, Justin Manvitz and Morrie 50-plus years ago. During a recent Handelman. visit to Omaha, from his present home in Gilbert, AZ, he recalled After leaving the JCC in '55, LOUIS PAUL names of many who were actively Lindy remained in Omaha, 1990 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS involved in his world on 20th and making his living in the busiDodge, and spoke of his earliest days Lindy Paul loves showing off n e B S w o r l ( L H e m a r r i e d his " p e r s o n a l i z e d " baseball Barbara Weiss and they i n N e b r a s k a . •••••.••••'•• • A native Chicagoan, Lindy (Louis card. remained in Omaha until on his birth certificate) first came here as an 18- 1977 when his family, which by then included two year-old in 1945. "Here"'was actually Lincoln, daughters, moved to San Raphael, CA. Barbara where he.went to work for the Kushners in the gro- died in 1979. cery store, and with whom he also made his home Lindy was in a computer-related business and for two-years. He went to school and, in addition, remained in California for the next several years. had time to be involved as Aleph Godol for the He married Betty Freinberg in 1984 and, in 1992, Lincoln chapter #3 of AZA. they retired from business and moved to Arizona.

Regretfully, he wasn't able to stay beyond the two They operate a part-time Vending.business and yean, returning to Chicago and the University of manage to stay quite busy. Lindy has a special Northern Illinois. He graduated in 1948 and began interest in his work as a board member for the his career in the world of athletics. When the late Jewish Community Center of Tempe, hie role as a Paul Veret (Director of the JCC) called and offered Big Brother and as a very active member of the him a job as Phys Ed Director, he accepted and A.L.S. Committee, which does fundraising for Lou Gehrig's disease. . .;.••-.,.•• came to Omaha in 1951.

He will be remembered for having launched the Of course, it won't surprise any of his old friends Midget League, involving very young kids in active, to know he still plays handball three times a week

at the Arizona Athletic Club and, if you sand istill long enough, you'll hear about his exper ences at Baseball Fantasy Camp (twice!), for the San Francisco Giants. He grins when he te Is about being there with Willie Mays, and havini ; his picture taken with the Say-hey kid.

Lindy P a u l a n d h i s wife, Betty, visited Omaha hist month.

Lindy appears very happy in his retirement, and is grateful his daughter, Judy, and her husband, former Omahan Chuck Ferguson, and two children live in nearby Mesa, AZ. Daughter, Cindy, lives in Sherman Oaks, CA, also not too far away.

Betty and lindy were in Omaha and I ncoln in August, where they visited his sistei, Sylvia Kushner, and also Marshall and Barbara Cushner.

There were several opportunities to catch ip on old times .with many friends from those daj s at the.

JCC-gatherings -which' meant a great de il to the former Activities Director.''"'' i i , J ,;<' He loved seeing everyone, and I fee safe in believing everyone loved seeing him again!

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Journey home to Jewish Omaha. www.iewishomaha.org

September 24,1999

Lincoln Center UNL welcomes new History Professor

by Joan K. Marcus

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Carole Levin, a diminucured by her. Neverthetive professor at the less, she was warned that University of Nebraska at if she practiced medicine Lincoln, smiles when she again, she could be killed. speaks of Queen ElizaBecause of her Jewish beth and the year 1558. background, Dr. Levin She becomes more excited has been much more when she tells of Elizainclusive in the way she beth I, and the impact she looks at European histohad on women of her ry, especially 16thtime. century English history.

As a result, she worked Dr. Levin, originally on the presentation about from the Chicago area, is Jews in medieval and a speaker for the NebraRenaissance England, ska Humanities Council and the way in which the and is listed in their character Shylock, in speakers' bureau to give Merchant of Venice, is talks on The Represendepicted. tation of Jews in RenaisDr. Levin is particularDr. Carole Levin sance England. She also gives presentations about her area of expertise, . ly interested in the way Shakespeare portrayed Queen Elizabeth I. Jews. Shakespeare was someone of the dominant Professor Levin came to Lincoln in 1998 to teach culture, writing about a Jew. Jews had been History at the University. She received her under- expelled from England in about 1290, and were not graduate degree in History and English from legally allowed back into England until the 1650's.

Southern Illinois University and decided that she However, in the 16th century, there started to be loved being a student and wanted to share her communities of Jews who came and outwardly conformed to the English Church. experiences by being a teacher.

She went on to receive her master's and Ph.D. One such man was Roderigo Lopez, a very skillfrom Tufts University in Medford, MA, and began ful doctor. He lived as an Anglican, but was very as a lecturer at Suffolk University in Boston in likely Jewish. He was so skillful and successful 1976. After teaching at Arizona State University, that he became one of the physicians at court and, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of it is rumored, he was physician to Queen Elizabeth Iowa, University of North Carolina, and State herself.

University of New York in New Paltz, she came to He was executed in 1594, even though Elizabeth teach in Nebraska. refused to sign his death warrant for some time.

As a very young child, Dr. Levin became fascinat- During his execution, he shouted words but, ed with Elizabeth I the queen who ruled England because of the noise from the crowd, no one was for 45 years from 1558-1603. She found fascinating able to hear what he was saying. Some scholars the fact that the 16th-century queen never mar- think that, in the midst of all this, Shakespeare ried and devoted her life to being a fine ruler. wrote Merchant of Venice.

Elizabeth became queen when she was only 25, but Shylock, a character in Merchant of Venice, is a she was already adept at self-preservation and moneylender living in Venice and agrees to loan knew the necessity of being loved by her people. money to Antonio. However, if the money isn't There was tremendous pressure on Elizabeth to repaid, part of the agreement is that Antonio will marry, but she resisted the pressure and did not give Shylock "a pound of his flesh." name an heir. She had courtships but she never marIt-is during Merchant of Venice that Shylock ried. Historians believe she knew that she would gives his famous speech: "Hath not a Jew eyes? never marry, but enjoyed the game of courting and Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, used courtship as a political tool. Some told her, "We affections, passions? Fed with the same food, hurt know that you will never marry because if you don't, with the same weapons, subject to the same disyou will be both King and Queen." eases, healed by the same means, warmed and While teaching at the University of North Carolina, cooled by the same winter and summer as a Levin began doing research and giving a lecture Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? If series on the representation of Jews in Shakespeare's you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do plays. She has also taught classes about "Saints, we not die? And, if you wrong us, shall we not Witches, and Madwomen; Women in European revenge? If we axe like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that."

History, and Introduction to Women's Studies."

Dr. Levin is the lead author of a book which is "One of the problems with being an historian is currently being written and is named Extraordi- that the evidence is usually fragmentary," she said. nary Women of the Medieval and Renaissance "I wish we could know more. We have some evidence World, which contains about 70 biographies of that people actually did practice Judaism." famous women.

Two of Dr. Levin's books: The Heart and Stomach Among the biographies is one of a woman who of a King: Elizabeth I and the Politics of Sex and may have been of Jewish background and practiced Power; and Propaganda in the English Reformedicine in 14th-Century Paris. This woman was mation: Heroic and Villainous Images of King brought before the Inquisition for practicing medi- John, are currently available at Borders' cine without a license. She was unable to obtain a Bookstore. license because she was a woman and possibly had Two others: Extraordinary Women, of the a Jewish background. At her trial, people came for- Medieval and Renaissance World and The Reign of ward and told of how they had been treated and Elizabeth I, will be available after 2000.

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September 24,1999

10 years after the Wall (continued from page 1) As Ada Katz, Director of the Hesed Menorah welfare center in Yekaterinburg, simply puts it: "After the onset of the crisis, the standard of living of our elderly declined sharply."

To cope with the worsening crisis, an increasing number of poor and elderly Jews are turning to the welfare centers that the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee operates throughout the former Soviet Union. (The JDC is funded through annual Federation Campaigns throughout North America, including Omaha.)

Created in the past five years in partnership with local communities, the centers, known as Heseds, run both community-based and home-based services-food, medical assistance, home.repairs and home care—for clients with different degrees of impairments.

Last year, 23 new Heseds were established throughout the former Soviet Union, bringing their number to 88 spread across 10 time zones.

According to official statistics, the prices of 25 basic foodstuffs rose between 30 percent and 115 percent after the onset of last summer's economic crisis. The price of utilities jumped 60 percent and the price of medicines also climbed steeply.

The skyrocketing prices have left many elderly with the option of choosing between medicine and a diet that consists mainly of bread, hot cereal and the cheapest vegetables—potatoes and cabbage.

Leonid Kolton, Director of St. Petersburg's Hesed Avraham, Kussia's oldest and largest Jewish welfare center, says food programs are again becoming a major focus of charitable activities, similar to the early 1990s when, following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Jewish welfare services in Russia were first re-established.

Jewish welfare workers now say their clients' most urgent need is medicine. In the Soviet Union, the pharmaceutical trade was a state monopoly and included state-subsidized or free medicines for veterans and the disabled population.

According to a recent survey of the Jewish elder' ly, 65 percent say they don't have enough money to buy even the most necessary medicines-and among . the most' poignant cases are those who have chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Homebound Eva Vinokur of St. Petersburg says she spends most of her $11 pension on medicine, including insulin.

Understandably, the material deprivation has placed the elderly under great strain.

"People are living under psychological stress," says Benjamin Haller, Director of the JDC's William Rosenwald Institute for Communal and Welfare Workers in St. Petersburg, which trains Jewish social workers and conducts sociological research of Jewish elderly in the former Soviet Union. "Everything is available in stores but people cannot afford it, and they are not quite used to seeing this situation." | The demographic profile of the Jewish population in the former Soviet Union makes the need for such centers especially acute.

As a result of the Holocaust, mass aliyah to Israel and Jewish emigration to other countries, more Jewish pensioners live alone than do those among the general population. About 5 percent of needy Jewish pensioners are bedridden and require a full range of services, from home care to meals-on-wheels.

Government institutions provide the services of . social workers for only half of those who need them.

In many cases, social workers' visits are irregular even for those elderly who live alone and are homebound. The situation on the periphery of Russia is' worse than in the big central cities, where people generally receive more services. . "In the provinces, people more often die of malnutrition, or simply because they had been forgotten," says Haller.

For many Jewish poor and elderly, the JDC's Heseds are a godsend.

Lyubov Aleksandrovskaya, 78, a Jewish woman living in St. Petersburg, says it would be nearly impossible to survive on her $12-a-month pension.

She says free lunches, hairdressers' and laundry services she receives from the Jewish community allow her not only to avoid hunger, but "to remain a human being."

"These services are like a life buoy to me," she says. .;•

Judaism, Ethics, Health Care Conference hosted by Western Galilee Hospital

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 15

Carotine's An Exceptiona

by Judith Jochnowitz, International Liaison Western Galilee Hospital - Nahariya

Conference speakers will include international authorities from the fields of medicine, Jewish theology, and juris prudence at a medical interdisciplinary conference scheduled for October at the ' Western Galilee Hospital in Nahariya in Omaha's Partnership 2000 (P2K) region.

Rabbi Moshe D. Tendler, Yeshiva University Medical School; Martin H. Greenberg, M.D., Conference Chairman Institute for Jewish Medical Ethics; Chief Rabbis of Israel: Rabbi Yisrael Lau and Rishon Lezion Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron; and Israel Prize Recipient, Avraham Steinberg, M.D.; are some of the scheduled speakers.

This conference will provide a unique opportunity for dialogue between these various disciplines.

Participants will hear how Judaism relates to issues of medical ethics and health care.

Among the topics to be addressed will be the patient's right to know, genetic engineering, assisted reproduction technologies - who is the real mother, strikes in medical systems, end of life challenges and euthanasia.

Participation is open to all healthcare professionals, rabbis, ethicists, academicians, their spouses and interested lay people.

This is a joint project between the Jewish Agency for Israel United Jewish Communities - Midwest Region Partnership 2000 Consortium and the Western Galilee Hospital - Nahariya.

For additional information on the conference program and faculty, the travel package and register form, visit our website at: http^/www.partner.

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 24,1999

NCJW distributes 1000 dictionaries

Symposium might change your mind about the millennium

This Monday, several dozen volunteers from the Omaha Section of the National Council of Jewish icant look at the literature, in "Mourning the End Women, will again distribute children's dictionarof Time: Jewish Apocalypses as Texts of Cultural ies to fourth-graders in 16 Omaha Public Schools.

Loss," at 3:40 p.m.

The project, called Dictionary Day, chaired by Another relevant and authentically Jewish posi- Sandy Epstein; is funded through by NCJW, along tion, Greenspoon continued, is "Seeing the past, with a special grant from Helen Brodkey. present and future with a theological element to it."

"For some kids, this is the first book they've ever The Hebrew Bible contains a central theme "of God owned," said Epstein, chairwoman of the project acting in history, of God as the creator," he said. since its inception in 1997. "Last year, one child "But once there's a creator, there can also be a told us he would share the dictionary with his destroyer.". younger sister until she was in fourth grade and A particular Christian aspect of the concept of the could have her own. destroyer is that of the Antichrist, the embodiment "When you give these children books, they clutch of evil. Matthew Goff will deal with this concept in them. The look on their faces says it all!"

• "Evil and the End: The Incorporation of the Volunteers will meet at the Bookworm, located Antichrist into End-Time Scenarios," on Monday, in Countryside Plaza, Monday, Sept. 27, start9:30 a.m., at Creighton's Student Center. ing at 8:30 a.m., to assist with deliveries. The Greenspoon distinguished between "apocalyptic bookstore gave NCJW a special rate on the dictiothought, which is 'pessimistic', and other end-time naries, stored the books and paid for the pre-printthinking, which is often characterized as 'opti- ed book plates. mistic'-pessimistic, because human beings and For more information or to volunteer, contact human society are seen as unable to make the evil Epstein at 397-2588. world better; 'optimistic', when human beings are seen as capable of working with God to effect positive change." The latter, he said, is a basic tenet of Judaism.

Sometimes in our Western society, he continued, the apocalyptic world view has been expressed in religious fervor, other times through certain aspects of popular culture. And sometimes in history, there have been groups which have acted upon this world view in ways that many of us consider irrational.

Two Monday talks that will probe such issues are Eugene Gallagher's "Borrowed Apocalypse: The SNOWBIRDS! Book of Revelation in Some New Religious r Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are Movements," at 10:30 a.m.; and Brenda Brasher's leaving and when you are coming back. Sometimes several "From Revelation to the X-Files: An Autopsy of papers are sent to your "old" address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you Millennial Themes in American Popular Culture," miss the Jewish Press and we are charged SOff! Use the at 12:30 p.m.. formonpagel4orEMailusatjshpress@aol.com , The Klutznick Symposium is free and open to the public. For more information or a full program, call Prof. Greenspoon, hojder of Creighton University's Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, 280-2303.

by Diane Axler Baum

Ellie and Leonard Greenspoon intend to fill up their gas tanks and stock their basement with a few extra containers of bottled water on or about the last day of December.

Leonard Greenspoon You scoff?. . .You dismiss the possibility of any fearsome change at the dawning of the new Millennium?. . .As a Jew, you think the whole millennial business has nothing to do with you?

You might change your mind after this year's Klutznick Symposium.

The Symposium, Oct. 9 to 11, will present 13 distinguished scholars to the Omaha community. In sessions Saturday night and Monday at Creightori University, and Sunday at the Jewish Community Center, they will speak on a range of issues surrounding Y2K. Among other concepts, they will tap into the authentic Jewish roots of apocalyptic imagery, emotionalism and thought.

Prof. Greenspoon orchestrates the annual Klutznick Symposium and deserves much of the credit for this year's fascinating theme, "The Endof-Days?: Millennialism from the Hebrew Bible to the Present." In a recent interview, he offered a preview of the exciting subjects on the agenda. The following are a few of his remarks: "One of the key points in many of the talks will be the connection between Judaism and apocalyptic thought," he said. There is a long-standing tradition from the Hebrew Bible to the present that links the end of the world as we know it with violence, with cataclysm, with cleansing of all the evil of this world, which can only be brought about by complete destruction."

He said the term "apocalyptic" refers to the concept of a violent end of the world, often a conflagration. This complete upheaval of nature, through God's intervention-with or without a messiah and angelic hosts-would be followed by the creation of a new world.

While most people immediately connect such concepts to the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, he continued, "Revelation itself was deeply influenced by the Hebrew Book of Daniel."

Its last chapters are filled with the apocalyptic visions that Daniel experienced.

Thus, Greenspoon cited as "an authentic Jewish position" the idea that the world is so irredeemably evil that human beings can't operate without God. God's intervention will take the form of complete upheaval and chaos.

However, said Greenspoon, other views do exist.

"There are views that believe human beings, working with God, can bring about change that doesn't involve complete destruction. In the Hebrew Bible, this is the dominant concept.

James Tabor's keynote address on Sunday, at 7:30 p.m., at the JCC, will develop these issues in "Apocalyptic Dreams and Schemes: How An Ancient Jewish Vision of the Future Came to Dominate the Modern World."

Earlier on Sunday, also at the JCC, Catherine Wessinger will-touch on these and other ideas in "Understanding Contemporary Millennial Expressions, Peaceful and Violent," at 12:30 p.m.

Immediately after her talk, Richard Freund will make a contribution of particular historical relevance with, "The Apocalypse According to the Rabbis: Divergent Rabbinic Views on the End of Days."

Dereck Daschke will present an additional signif-

Jewish Omaha Teens Can Win Big $$$

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BIBLE QUIZ CONTEST Q. Where and When?

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A. Jewish Omaha high school Students in grades 9-12.

Q. How to enter?

A. Submit entry to the B'nai B'rith office at the JCC by November 1,1999.

Q. What Bible Subjects?

A. All quiz questions will be based on the Books of Exodus and Ruth.

Q. Can you practice before the

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A. Practice sessions will be scheduled and sample questions will be given.

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A. $500,1 st prize; $300, 2nd prize; $200,3rd prize; $100,4th prize.

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