NE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 68503-1651
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS Vol. LXXV111
No. 10 Omaha, NE
3Kislev,5760
Hunger crisis in the FSU brings photographer back to Omaha
November 12,1999
Sweethearts remember AZA
by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director
Sharon Faulkner, come back to Omaha to speak whose photographs to a wider audience. have appeared in "Sharon Faulkner's poignational publications nant photographs and the such as Life magastories they tell tugged at my zine, will bring her heart," said Phyllis Hoffman. heartwrenching pho"Her camera captures hardtos of the elderly in ships, yes, but it also shows the former Soviet the determination and will of Union to Omaha to its subjects, our people. highlight the hunger "David's parents and mine crisis they face there. were born in Eastern The community-wide Europe," Hoffman added. event, which is free, This is one of Faulkner's photos, an elderly "They immigrated to will be held in the Jew named Ziama. America before World War I. theater at the Jewish Community Center on I couldn't help thinking that but for the grace of Monday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 pan. A reception will God, those photographs could have been pictures follow Faulkner's presentation. of David and me. Every Omaha Jew owes it to ' Chairing the event are Phyllis and David themselves to see this exhibit." Hoffman. The Hoffinans'both saw Faulkner when For the past several years, Faulkner has been Bhe was in Omaha last month to present her haunt- photographing the Jewish elderly in the FSU, and ing images to Campaign workers. The slides had has become increasingly involved with them. Her such an impact on them that Faulkner was asked to (Continued on page 2)
Negotiators shake hands, TEN YEARS AFTER THE WALL Russian city Jews reconnect start talking final peace with heritage, and one another by Naomi Segal
by Lev Krichevsky
JERUSALEM (JTA) - Israeli and Palestinian TULA, Russia (JTA)--For decades, Faina and negotiators have launched talks aimed at achieving a final peace agreement. The final-status talks, ^Anat'oly Sanevich kept their Judaism private. which began Monday, nearly four years later than Natives of Ukraine, where they both survived Nazi originally envisioned in the 1993 Oslo accord, took ghettos as small children, the couple spoke Yiddish place amid the all too-familiar landscape of a ter- to each other at home. But unwilling to complicate their children's lives, they spoke Russian with ror attack that occurred a day earlier. Meeting in the West Bank town of Ramallah, chief their two sons. Every Passover they woujd have matzah on their - Israeli negotiator Oded Erari and his Palestinian counterpart, Yasser Abed Rabbo, shook hands for table--they didn't hold a full seder-but kept this the cameras before sitting down to discuss mostly fact a secret from their neighbors and colleagues. Their need to live double lives changed in the procedural issues facing them as they try to reach a framework for a final accord. The meeting lasted waning years of the Soviet Union. The Jewish community was among the first to less than two hours, but negotiators later said they planned to meet again and hold several sessions benefit from the opportunities provided by Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev's policy, of glasnost, , each week to meet the February deadline* There were opening ceremonies for the talks in or openness, initiated in the late 1980s. The most 1996 as well as some six weeks ago, but Monday's obvious benefit was the lifting of emigration ' session represented the first time the two sides restrictions, which resulted in a massive wave of aliyah to Israel. . had actually gotten down to formal business. Those who remained behind were no less affected Along with creating an outline for an agreement within little more than 100 days, the two sides by the changes. Thousands of Soviet Jews took a have also committed themselves to signing a final keen interest in what only a few underground activists, risking jail, would have dared to explore agreement by September. . Outside the Ramallah hotel where Monday's under Gorbachev's predecessors. All of a sudden, Jews stopped being one of the besttalks were held, a small group of Jewish protesters held signs that read, "Don't abandon 200,000 kept state secrets," Anatoly Sanevich recalled. We Israeli Citizens," referring to Jewish settlers in the just realized that we could speak freely about what we had been forced to be silent: our Judaism." West Bank. Cities across Russia have seen Jewish cultural At a news conference after the meeting, Abed Rabbo described "settlement activities" as the societies and organizations take the place of the small circles of refuseniks and Zionist activists main obstacle to achieving a final peace. . : The meeting came one day after more than 30 that operated during Soviet days. Most of Russia's Jewish revival has occurred in Israelis were wounded, most of them lightly, in three Moscow and a handful of other large cities, including pipe-bomb explosions in the coastal city of Netanya. , Israeli Public Security Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami St. Petersburg. But the Sanevich family is helping to said Monday investigators were examining the spearhead the Jewish revival in Tula, an industrial possibility the attack was linked to the anniver- city that, like the rest of the country, is reeling from sary of the October, 1995 assassination in Malta of the economic crisis that began last August. The city of 600,000 has a 3,000-strong Jewish Fathi Shakaki, the leader of Islamic Jihad, which community, most of whom work as engineers, docopposes the Oslo peace process. . ' ' No group claimed responsibility for the three tors and teachers. Each year some 100 to i20 Jews emigrate to pipe bombs that exploded Sunday: A fourth pipe Israel and a few dozen more leave for Germany bomb did not detonate. (Continued on page 14) (Continued on page 7)
Sue Friedman, above, was named the 1966 Sweetheart of AZA#1. Today, she's Sue Millward and is among the many former BBYOers who have shared their photos and memorabilia in honor of the 75th anniversary of the founding of AZA in Omaha. For more on AZA's 75th, see the related story and photos on pages 12 and 13.
Women's Mission 2000 recruitment set for Nov. 30 by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director
A Women's Mission to Kiev and Israel will have an informational and recruitment meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 4 p.m., at the home of Eunice Denenberg, 667 Dillon Drive. Denenberg will be chairing the mission with Maxine Kirshenbaum. The dates of the mission are March 27 through April 5, 2000. Susie Drazen will accompany the mission as Jewish Scholar. The mission will begin in Kiev and includes tours of synagogues and other historical sites. Participants will meet with Jewish men and women who are struggling to make a better life for themselves while the former Soviet Union is experiencing tumultuous times. Participants will also be able to see first hand how Campaign dollars directly affect the lives of Jews in Kiev. While in Israel, participants will visit Tel Aviv, the coastal city of Nahariya, and Jerusalem. Trip highlights include tours of Old and New Jerusalem, the exciting archeological excavation of Beit Shean, a meeting with the Arab and Israeli Women's Task Force in the Western Galilee, and tour of the wonderful Ghetto Fighter's Museum. Other highlights include cultural events in Tel Aviv, a spectacular Kabbalat Shabbat on the steps of the Southern Wall, as well as visiting Yad Vashem and Masada for first time participants. Cost for the Women's Mission is $2,400 and includes travel from Chicago, four star hotels (double occupancy), luggage transfers, guides, program fees and most meals. There is a minimum gift requirement of $1,000 to the 2001 and 2002 UJC/Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaigns. A special extension to Jordan is also offered. . For more information, or to RSVP for the Nov. 30 meeting, please contact Lana Reichardt at 3346430.
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 12,1999
A sign for the children
Hunger crisis
(Continued from page 1) has become increasingly involved with them. Her passion for these very dignified people, who hap^ pen to be in the worst circumstances, is evident in her narration of ihe photos. Parashat Toldot "The people I met had a tremendous effect oh me. Our Sages stated: "Everything that happened to So much so that I stepped away from my camera the Ancestors is a sign for the children." The and accompanied my photos to communities to talk events of our forefathers' lives were not just a fore- about them and to tell these stories. I feel an obligshadowing of what would occur to the Jewish peo- ation to do as much as I can to help these people ple throughout history, but a source of strength who had such an impact on my life," said Faulkner and encouragement that we have called upon during her Omaha visit. '•,'.. throughout the ages. The Omaha Jewish community has been asked We read in this week's Torah portion, Toldot: by our overseas partners, the American Jewish "There was a famine in the land." God appeared to Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the Isaac and said, "Do not go to Egypt. Dwell in the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) to help them pay land which I tell you of Sojourn in this land, and I for unbudgeted emergencies. will be with you and bless you." Campaign Chairman Joel Alperson said, "The When God commanded Abraham to offer Isaac as hunger crisis in the former Soviet Union is one of a sacrifice, Isaac was willing. He was subsequent- the most severe problems the Jewish world is facly considered by God to be a "perfect offering". It ing. JDC can afford to reach only 175,000 of these was therefore inappropriate for him to leave the elderly Jews with food, home care and medicine. holy soil of Israel for the lesser sanctity of other "The horrifying fact is that there are 125,000 we countries. God forbade him to go elsewhere despite, are not reaching at all because there is not enough the famine that gripped the land. • money. We.also want everyone to understand that, God's command to Isaac contained an insight for the Hunger Relief Initiative iB separate from the us, his descendants: The rightful place for the Annual Campaign," he added. Jewish people is in the Holy Land. Jews can never Omaha's share of this emergency contribution is truly be comfortable and feel at home in the $110,000. Everyone in-the community will be given Diaspora. Jews always have and continue to long a chance to contribute to this important cause. to be in their Promised Land. If you would like more information about the Yet earlier, in the time of Abraham there was Hunger Relief Initiative or" to RSVP to the Sharon also a famine in Israel. Unlike his son, Abraham Faulkner event, please contact me at 334-6431. was not forbidden to leave the land and he traveled to Egypt. In Egypt and along the way, CORRECTION Abraham encouraged all those who he encountered Last week's article on two teens from Temple to initiate a relationship with God. Abraham shared the message of Godliness and spirituality Israel incorrectly stated that Melissa Josephson with his contemporaries, and drew them nearer to and Jamie Skbg are iff 10th grade; they are juniors at Westside High School. • the Creator. Isaac never once left the borders of Israel. Within the Land itself, his emphasis was inward. He did not endeavor to influence others. His focus was on self mastery and perfection. Abraham and Isaac teach us two distinct paths in Jewish involvement: From Abraham we derive the strength to go outward, to reach out to others. ; byOzzieNogg Abraham taught us how to spread the knowledge The second in a series of "Family Friday Nights" of God-wherever we go, to disseminate Torah throughout the world. Even a Jew whose primary will be held Friday, Nov. 19, 7:15 p.m., in the concern is Torah study and the perfection of his or Beth El Synagogue Sanctuary. • • Joyous and filled with spirit, these once-a-month her own path of worship must set aside time to special Kabbalat Shabbat services are led by Rabbi involve him or herself with others. Isaac on the other hand, gives us the courage Paul Drazen, Cantor Emil Berkovits, Hazzan G. and fortitude to immerse ourselves in Torah study Michael Horwitz and Beth El youngsters and their ' ' • . .' and work on self refinement. Isaac taught us to families. • : The program, which is open to the entire commuprobe "inward". Even a Jew who is involved with others and toils for the betterment of mankind nity, i s ' sponsored by Beth El's Family must take the time to be devoted to Torah learning Programming Committee, chaired by Sara Juster and Rhonda- Saferstein. and the improvement of self. by Rabbi Mendel Katzman Chabad of Nebraska
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Russian Club, 10 a.m. Temple Israel "Shabbat Comes to You", 2 p.m., at Rose Blumkin Home SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel Humash Class, 4:25 p.m., at Beth El Beth Israel Pardes Program, after Shabbos SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Ya'Chad Men's Club, 10 a .m., at Temple Israel Freund Lecture, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. ' Betb Israel "In the News", 7:30 p.m., at the home of Donald & Maggie Gerber TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel BESTT Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Rabbi Levin's Class, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Beth Israel Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Kutner, Noon, at Noddle Development Grade 7-11 Religious School, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Rose Blumkin Home Family Night, 5 p.m. CDC Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.
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Temple Sisterhood sponsors 'Cradle Roll'
by Ellen Platt
by Deb Marburg
Temple Israel's Outreach group will hold its annual "December Dilemma" program on Sunday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. , in the Milder. Center. Rabbi Debbie Stiel, along with Sally Kaplan, LCSW, will lead the program with ideas on how to best handle the dual holiday season, which for some, can be an emotional and awkward time. "This program provides a chance for individuals to come together and collectively think through some of the complexities of the holidays," Rabbi Stiel said. "For many, this can be a difficult time of year for a variety of reasons. Sally Kaplan and I will share some pointers for making the season more enjoyable, and the insights from others in the group are always invaluable." Interfaith issues impact all Jews and their families. Please take the opportunity to join our discussion. Child care will be available. Call Temple Israel at 656-6536 for reservations.
Women of Reform Judaism (Sisterhood) at Temple Israel announces a new program called 'Cradle Roll' for parents and their children from birth to five years. 'Cradle Roll' is a program that welcomes young children and their parents to the synagogue community. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and families to meet each other, learn about holiday observances, and build and strengthen Jewish family life.. A Hanukkah celebration for all families in the community with children from birth to five years will be held on Sunday, Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m., at Temple Israel. It is dh^aired by Leslie Vanh, Melanie Weinstine and me. . '*. ; The event is free and reservations can be made through the Temple office at 556-6536. ., WRJ is dedicated to building Jewish community. Embracing and teaching families with young children is a natural place to start ^
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All event* held al the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jewish E Pnss Is not responsible for the accuracy of the events, t o keep calendar accurate or tor questions, call Mariene Her! at 334-6437.
COMMERCIAL
Outreach holds annual 'December Dilemma'
November 12,1999
SYNAGOGUES t / . TEMPLE ISRAEL ISRAEL;
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Jewish Press , Omaha, NE
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BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE . _ y Member of the Union of Orttodo* Jewish.Congregations of America "
"• ;,7Qp-,Cass BtreetfOmahai IvfB! 68132^2651, '
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues 1 of Conservative Judaism' , .' 14506 California ! ! ,. Omaha,NE68154-1980,", -,J.
*\-4928556'?i\i*i:;;-
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Services, 4:50 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m.; Insights into the Parsha," taught by Rabbi Kutner, 3:55 p.m.; Mincha, 4:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:51 pan. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 4:50 p.m.; NCSY elections and joint program with Yachad, noon. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 4:50 p.m. MONDAY: "In the News," a new class led by Rabbi Kutner delving into the Jewish perspective on current events, 7:30 p.m., at the home of Maggie and Donald Gerber. TUESDAY: Rabbi Shlomo Levin teaches a Chumash class on Sefer Bamidbar, the book of Numbers, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Business Ethics Lunch and Learn led by Rabbi Kutner. Held at the offices of Joe Kirshenbaum, Noddle Development, 13710 FNB Parkway, suite 100, noon. Lunch is providedby Bagel Bin for $3; Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner on Tractate Bava Metzia, 7:30 p.m. Talmud class encourages group participation, and beginners are invited to attend.
, WEB-4nrww.bethel-bma1ha.org J:., ?:S
FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You, 2 p.m., at the Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. Rose Blumkin Home, led by Cantor Jennifer Blum; to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shabbat evening service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Cantors Emil Berkovits and 6. Michael Horwitz. Blum will officiate. FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m.; Gal Tsabari, daughThe Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Ruth ter of Edith and Eitan Tsabari, will celebrate her Luttbeg, Rose Rosen and Nancy and Don Bat Mitzvah on Friday evening and Saturday Greenberg in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Naomi morning. Wolfson. Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of the SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush followPlains State Region of the Anti-Defamation ing services; Sitter service and Torah Study Skills League/Community Relations Committee, will (TSS), 10 a.m.; K'tantan (K-3rd grade), 10:45 . speak on "We can make a world of difference." a.m.; Shabbat Story Time (pre-kindergarten and SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 930-10:15 aan.; under), 11 aan.; Humash with Rashi study session, Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a.m. Naomi 4:25 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, Wolfson will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. 4:55 p.m. SUNDAY: Chapel Prayer Service, 9:15 a.m.; Dr. SUNDAY: Services,-9 a.m.; the Perek Yomi, Richard A Freund Lecture Series and Men's Club, "Read a Chapter a Day" group at 10:15 aaru; . 10 aan^ in the Friedman Social Hall. Rabbi Freund WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5 3 0 p.m. will deliver the second of a four-lecture series. His ADULT B'NAI MITZVAH CLASS topic will be "The Five great events in Jewish hisThe adult classes continue on Wednesday, Nov. tory they never taught you in Hebrew School: From 17,7:30p.m. the Jews of Elephantine to the Frankist Jews in HANUKKAH FAMDLY FUN New York." Hanukkah decorations will be made at a craft SITTER SERVICE session on Sunday, Nov. 2 1 , noon-l:30 p.m. Sitter Service is available each Friday evening, Lunch will be served. Please make reservations by Saturday mornings for Bagels and Bible and the Monday, Nov. 15. worship service. Cost is $2 per family. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN& ADULT EDUCATION VV i• «' 1 tBEYT SHALOM - i > :T\*.? i ' « 0 ^OlJTHSXRfiETOTaiP '^OlJTHSXRfiETOTaiPCB^f*^'' ' V ? i ( ' -"" AnAffiUatoolihe - ? v < '> TUESDAY, Nov. 16: Chumash Bemidar, 10Mombor of the Unioji' of Amorlcqii HCbrtw '" ' j JciiylshReconrfTUctionlBtFodeiration;; • . 11:30 aan. Rabbi Shlomo Levin will use classic and ' 2061S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-27971\, P.p/Bok 241130,.OmaKa,NE 68124-5130 modern commentaries to study central stories of 435-8004 r '^'- v V"t'^V * f ' " ^ ,"• 758-9233 ' ' '' the Book of Numbers from an original Midrashic r httpa'/come.to/Deytehalom/ " ', \ Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. perspective. FRDDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 pan. WEDNESDAY, Nov. 17: Midrashah Book Group, FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat services, 7pan. . . . . . . . SATURDAY: Sabbath service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah 10 a.m.-noon; Introduction to Jewish Philosophy, SATURDAY: Morning services at the Rose study, 10:30 a.m. 7-8:30 p.m., facilitated by Professor Guy Matalon. Blumkin Home, 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20: Potluck-Game Night, 5 p.m. Discussions will follow readings from two classical SUNDAY: Religious School, 10 aan, at the JCC, in the Social Hall; kids are welcome. Jewish texts. followed by Rabbi Kripke's class on "The Prophets," THURSDAY, N o v . 18: Sisterhood Adult 12:30-1:45 pan. Education, 10-11:30 a.m. at the JCC. Jewish TUESDAY: Religious School, 4 p.m., at the JCC. Identity in Film, 7-8:30 p.m. Facilitator David Robert Yuz Mosenkis, son of Anna and Igor Yudelson looks at film as a medium of expressing ^ ^ g g ^ ^ r - ^ i Mosenkis, will.celewhat it is to be Jewish. brate his Bar Mitzvah Jewish Journey Groups on Saturday, Nov. 20, THURSDAY, Nov. 18: "Living with Illness, 7I at Beth El Synagogue. 8 p.m., for people who are living with illness or for An eighth-grade honor those who love someone who lives with illness. I student at Beveridge Sally Kaplan, L.C.S.W., will lead the group; The Middle School, he was Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel, 7-8:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. selected for the Duke Facilitators Lee Needelman and John Dacey will SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by 1 University Talent Identexamine Heschel's concept of sacred time and his Kiddush; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 7:15 pan., followed by I ification Program, and vision of the Sabbath. Havdalah. I as a result of his SAT FRIDAY, Nov. 19: Jewish Spirituality, 930-11 scores, Hastings College aan. Mimi Rogers will lead this group in readings, I Camp. He enjoys sports, discussion, Jewish meditation and Jewish yoga. -: v ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME , music, dance, and spending tune with friends. He has FRIDAY, Nov. 19: Family Service, 7:15 p.m. SATURDAY Services, 9 a.m, led by the Beyt received several awards for his volunteer work at the Jerry Kaye, Director of the Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Blumkin Home, and has accumulated over 300 volInstitute and gifted storyteller, is a guest speaker. Shalom Congregation. All services followed by Kiddush. A memorial unteer hours. A Shabbat Dinner will preceed the service. Call service is held on the last Shabbat of each month, Robert has a sister, Fiorina, 19. Temple for information and reservations. in memory of residents who have died. Members of Grandparents are the late Yevgenia Tsarevskaya, the community are welcome to attend services. the late Rafael Yuz, and the late Fanya and Volko Mosenkis. .-. '
B'naiiVIitzvah
ISRAEL
' Member of the United Synagogue vt^,"1 ** * of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 aan. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 aan. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS: Jewish Thought & Philosophy/Rabbinics~"Pirkei Avot: The Ethics of the Fathers," by Rabbi Rosenbaum, 10-10:55 a.m.; Jewish Practices and Observances-Beginning Hebrew Reading (Nancy Coren) and Tanach/Bible-Perek Yomi (A Daily Chapter), with Rabbi Rosenbaum,ll:05-noon. WEDNESDAYS: Basic Judaism with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 7:15-9:15 pan.
OFFUT AIR
FORCE BASE
25th and Capehart, Omaha, NE 68113-5000 , ' . ' 294-6051 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.
,. B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 515030766 < Phone: 322-4705." ' ', % - E-MAIL: docjeb@aol.com-
Angela Samielle Friedman, daughter of Scott and Debbie Friedman, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 20, at Temple Israel. A seventh-grade student at Beveridge Middle School, she enjoys acting, music and reading. For her mitzvah project, she baked for ItheRainbowJHouse. • Angela has a sister, I Jennifer. Grandparents are Lloyd and Lois Friedman of
FRD3AY: Services, 7:30 p.m. The topic for discussion will be "Does Judaism treat women with justice and equality?" Oneg Shabbat, prepared by Omaha and Norman and Julie Anon of Cheyenne, WY. Peggy Deland and Sandra Kurland, follows.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 12,1999
Peace in our time? Eleven years ago, only the impossibly optimistic or those on hallucinogenic drugs would assert,that the Soviet Union would fall, Jews would bo free to leave (and would by the hundreds of thousands), East and West Germany would be united, and capitalism would take hold in places like Estonia, Lithuania and Poland. Yet a short year later, the process actually began. This week marks the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. '..It also marks the opening of yet another round of peace talks between Palestinian negotiators and Israeli leaders. Frankly, a decade ago, that, too, seemed like an impossible scene to picture. Though both events have brought dramatic changes, more progress needs to be made. In the former Soviet Union, corrupt ex-Communist Party officials have retained their tired old ways of management, leading to a drastic hunger
crisis among its elderly, Jew and non-Jew alike. Pensioners live on a. mere $8 to $17 a month, hardly enough to buy food, let alone other necessities like medicine and warm clothing. In Israel, Palestinians now have "safe passage" from the Gaza Strip to. the parts of the West Bank under Palestinian Authority control. Nearly half of the West Bank has been turned over to the PA. But wages, standard of living and living conditions in the West Bank are far superior to those in Gaza; the PA will need to work hard to bring the "peace dividend" to those residents, too. Like the former Soviets, the Palestinians will have to do a better job in governing and managing. Discontent among the citizens of both places could lead to authoritarian measures and a loss of freedom so recently attained. In only a decade, the world has changed for the better. Imagine what we'll be saying in another 10 years!
)SLO S P PEACX
OF EVERYTHING... ANDRjriTON THE Bi6 GUVS TAB/"
f CW-i RETURN STUFF IF i T ^ DOESNTWORK?
As recidivist parents by Rabbi Avi Shafran
A number of well-known international groups are very unhappy with my wife and me. We are, you see, "multi-children" parents, violators of both the law of averages and the sensibilities of folks like those at Zero Population Growth and other such organizations. Yes, my wife and I helped contribute, even more than most American parents, to the world population's recent passing of the six billionjnark..„,,;.:.Many of our friends, for the most part Orthodox Jews like us, have similarly chosen to raise large families, sometimes with six, seven, even 10 or more children. To others, we must seem at best unbalanced, at worst irresponsible, for our choices-choices we regarded, and still regard, as entirely wise and proper. The disapproves are entitled to their opinion, of course. But it can become irksome when strangers, confronted with the sight of my beloved family, offer unsolicited judgments. The smiles and even the pointing fingers don't bother me; I try to follow the Talmud's dictum to judge others favorably, to assume the best: here, that the smilers and pointers are happy for us. But commentators like the fellow in the airport who flnidely query-editorialized, "Catholic or careless?" leave very little room for good will. ("Jewish and caring," I responded; it was all I could summon at the moment.) And then there was what was probably my personal nadir of incivility, years ago in a California supermarket, when a severe-looking lady with an unmistakably Teutonic accent scolded a much younger and brasher me—wheeling a daughterfilled double stroller—with a humorless comment, something like, "Well, YOU certainly don't believe in population control!" On that occasion, I must admit, I was inexcusably rude. My Polish-born father and father-in-law each had siblings who never managed to make it out of young adulthood, thanks to some folks' efficient determination to starve, shoot, gas or burn them. Several of my children carry the names of those unmet great-aunts and great-uncles.
Maybe it was the matron's accent that sent me, relatively speaking, over the edge. "When I reach six million," I heard myself intone through clenched teeth, Til consider stopping." Though I think that, over the years, I have become more understanding of others' dismay at large families, I haven't quite managed to bring myself to regret that particular retort, graceless though it was. . _• As.it happens, though, the Fraulein was quite right. My wife and I are unrepentant infidels when it comes to the ZPG movement. The "expert" predictions in the 1960s about a world swarming, with wall-to-wall humanity within a decade or two have proven silly. And although new claims have emerged about a future "population crisis," they, like their predecessors, are impelled more by ideology than by empirical evidence. One need do no more than take a drive across the vast empty spaces even within our own relatively crowded country to realize how lightly populated the planet really is. ,, And, if that doesn't do the trick, return across Canada A subsequent stroll, moreover, down any Manhattan, Chicago or Los Angeles restaurant-row, taking note of the prodigious amounts of food daily discarded in modern cities, would be an equally eyeopening experience. Human malnutrition, informed folk know, is the result not of new babies but of old problems. Humans still starve, tragically, at the turn , of the millennium, not because there is too little food but because of poor management, inefficient distribution and—perhaps primarily-because of the unconcern (or worse) of other humans. In any event, much more than disbelief in doomsday scenarios or determination to re-establish truncated genealogies figures in my wife's and my choice of a large family. We would have endeavored no less even if Canada resembled Calcutta, even if the Holocaust had been only a bad horror film instead of history, even if we had needed to pull names for our children from the void. For our faith-system, that of all Jews' ancestors over millennia, views procreation in and of itself as
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 402-3346422; E-mail-gshpresB@aol.com> • . Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER; Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68154-2198.
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the holiest of endeavors, and children as the'greatest of blessings. And when it comes to blessings, as most folk seem to naturally (though less aptly, to my lights) understand with regard to the monetary sort~the more, the merrier. ' How ironic, I often reflect: were children shares of blue-chip stocks, my wife and I would be regarded with neither disapproval nor curiosity but envy. Which IB not to,say that having children is, in the end, a self-serving vocation, it is true that life offers no joy remotely approaching the resplendent sight, at the end of a long, hard day, of a joyous, squeaking two-year-old face one has loved since its appearance on earth, bobbing above a pair of little arms opened wide. But the challenges of raising children, especially several times the average number of children per family, are considerable. Barring a lottery-win, iriy family won't ever retain a housekeeper or own a boat-or, for that matter, a road vehicle that someone else hasn't driven for 50,000 or 60,000 miles first. And any disposable income we manage to amass is quickly absorbed by one or another worthy but costly educational institution. At the same time, though, and abpve all else, we believe with our hearts and souls that our children are gifts beyond all earthly value. And my wife and I are doing all in our power to help ensure that our progeny will use their precious lives for the good of their fellow Jews and of humanity. So, if you should find yourself at a playground or highway rest stop and spy a group of Jewish kids of various ages who seem to resemble one another, please don't think their parents irresponsible. Try to remember that a profound commitment and deep love likely lie behind the striking sight. And if it should happen to be my family, we'll all do our part, and try to interpret any smiles we elicit as expressions of delight.
Rabbi Avi Shafran serves as Public Affairs Director ofAgudath Israel of America and is the American Director of Am Echad JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE ! Fred Tichauer, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobaon, 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.
November 12,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
The negotiating scenario in the next eleven months by Kenneth W. Stein
In the September, 1999, Shann elSheikh agreement, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators agreed that a framework for final status talks will be established by February, 2000. The final status talks are scheduled for completion by September, 2000. It is highly unlikely that all of the difficult issues-Jerusalem, water, borders, settlements, refugees, and the nature of the Palestinian entity/state-will be tied up by then in neatly arranged negotiating packages. Some are likely to be partially completed while others are intentionally postponed or linked to a future time-frame because of the dual problems of sensitivity and complexity. What is also, likely is that Palestinians will be dissatisfied because of what is not achieved. If that is the unfolding scenario, then how will the variety of Palestinian voices in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem respond to unfulfilled expectations about the final status deliberations? And how might the U.S. respond to the jagged edges strewn on the road of another incomplete Palestinian-Israeli understanding? Core negotiating Palestinian objectives will not be met because Israeli leaders will make the ultimate decisions, without outside pressures about what to relinquish, how fast, and under what conditions. In these talks, Israeli leaders possess the economic strength, military might, and political will to limit Palestinian aspirations, especially when Palestinian objectives are contrary to Israel's present security or .future national inter: ests. •'•• • •' ,' • ' Several years ago, Uri Savir, when he was Director General of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, told a gathering of academics in Jerusalem, "In these negotiations, Israel holds the face cards in the deck; the Palestinians have the two's, three's, and four's— Israelis are negotiating with themselves." Last March, Abdullah Hourani, a former member of the PLO Executive Committee, said the Oslo "agreements give Israel practical control over every aspect of Palestinian life." . Let us assume that Arafat and Barak continue their regular communication on establishing a framework for final status talks. That will continue to occur through a series of direct or indirect meetings, as they did in Oslo in early November with President Clinton, arid as they have and will continue in Gaza-Israel, Washington, and other locations
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through trusted envoys. Israeli borders. entity or state. Perhaps this culminates in a Camp implementation of proposed conPalestinian job creation, systematDavid-style meeting early next year clusions for all the final status ic dismantling of the refugee camps, with the Americans helping to shape issues will require coordination by and economic development can only the framework and refine the princiboth sides with the assistance of the support an unfolding agreement. ples that will guide the final status United States. In carrying out a Palestinianconclusions. Committees on each What cannot be excluded is if Israeli agreement, constant care issue—Jerusalem, refugees, water, Arafat dies between now and must be paid to how the final status borders, settlements, etc.-will continSeptember, 2000, or throughout the issues affect the territorial integrity ue to plod through the details. For implementation of final status and economic well-being of Jordan. Israel, it will preserve its interests issues. The scramble to succeed him Therefore, Jordan will have to play but also understand how much the may immediately influence the sub- some active, but not central, part in Pal-estinian side can sell compromisstance and pace of the negotiations. structuring industrial zones, trade es to the Palestinian Those competing agreements, and in receiving its own "street." "In these negotia- for Arafat's mantle basket of assistance. The object is not to are likely to want to To look back in five years and say unleash a firestorm of tions, Israel holds show to the Palestin- the final status negotiations worked fierce criticism that the face cards in ian "street" their un- and are being fulfilled, the United snowballs into vio- the commit- States will have to play an active deck; the wavering lence of any short or ment to core Pal- role in peace-seeking, peace-making, Palestinians have estinian positions. and peace-keeping. prolonged duration, The general outline the two's, three's, This in turn might We are and will remain the Elmer's from the talks may cause a hardening of negotiating glue; it is in our national four's look like' this: a bor- and Palestinian negotiat- interests. ough system will be Israelis are negoti- ing positions and perFor Washington to run from this established in Jeru- ating with them- haps severely slow obligation now is tantamount to dissalem; the city will down the activities of regarding the previous quarter-cenremain undivided selves." the various final sta- tury of hard-won successes and with Israeli sovertus committees. efforts made by Kissinger, Carter, eignty over all of it; the Palestinians Progress or lack of i t on the Shultz, Baker and Clinton. will have some political presence in Syrian-Israeli front is not likely to East Jerusalem; and there will be impede implementation of Palestinfree access for all to all Holy Sites. ian-Israeli understandings. At Emory University, Professor Palestinians will have a contiguous Neither Arafat's longevity, the Kenneth W. Stein teaches Middle mini-state in the West Bank and activation of a Syrian-Israeli track, Eastern History and Political Gaza, connected by a corridor or two. nor the American election cycle in Science. He is the author of Palestinians will not enjoy the pre2000 will remove the necessity to Heroic Diplomacy: Sadat, Kissrogative of establishing an army or provide economic assistance and inger, Carter, Begin and the creating treaties without some Israeli investment capital from private and Quest for Arab-Israeli Peace, consent. No foreign army will be public sources for the Palestinian (Routledge, 1999). allowed in the Palestinian entity or state. Palestinians will decide what kind' THE JAGUAR FAMILY. The XK series, the XJ series of government and laws they want and the S-TYPE. Powerful AJ-V8 engines. Connolly leather but shall be prevented from institutand wood trim interiors. 4-year/50,000-mile warranties. ing actions which are hostile to Israel. Borders will be drawn so that a vast majority of Israeli settlements will FURTHER EVIDENCE THAT come under Israeli sovereignty, but some may remain in the Palestinian BEAUTY IS HEREDITARY. state. The future of others may be left to future adjudication. ITHE JAGUARS-TYPE Only Palestinian refugees from the; ISTARTING AT $43,095 THE JAGUAR XJ SERIES 1967 war will have the right to return STARTING AT $56,245 to the Palestinian state and they will number less that 100,000. Their return will be determined by the economic capacity of the Palestinian state to absorb them. Water issues will be continuously monitored and controlled by joint Palestinian and Israeli committees. Finally, while the populations will be politically separated, economic requirements will demand that at least one-third of the Palestinian labor force continue to work within
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 12,1999
OrganizationsBTVAIBTUTH BREADBREAKERS Jerry Hoberman will speak at B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Gary Javitch. Hoberman, former president Of Tires Inc., will speak on "How North Omaha opened my eyes and then my heart." Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at Pastimes Restaurant, 129th and West Maple. The program is open to the community; cost is $8.50. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exercise with Michelle Streif at 10:15 aon. in the auditorium; try your luck at bingo with Eileen Remer at l(h30 in room 10. Bring articles to share for the "YES Talk" discussion group, led by Art Grossman, at 11 aan.. Following lunch at noon, Sister Marie Alice Ostry, a Licensed Massage Therapist, will have a discussion on the Mind, Body and Spirit. For transportation, call 330-4272. WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. Exercise starts at 10:15 aan.; bingo at 10:30 ajn. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:30 a.m. in room 10. At noon, enjoy the movie Prince of Egypt in the Blumkin Home auditorium. Popcorn will be served. For transportation, call 330-4272. HADASSAH Hadassah will have an ALGALGALIM (training wheels) workshop for 21/2-5 year olds on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m. The event will be held at the home of Sandra Kohll, 1617 S. 107th, phone 551-1564 or 391-5603. Noa Levin is the instructor. Placemats and blessing cards will be available for $2 per set.
VISIONS Reminder: Membership Luncheon Meeting is Friday, Nov. 19, 12:30 p.m. , at the Venice Inn. Bring a monetary donation for Project Dreidel, to help Jewish families in need, to the luncheon or • send check to Marcel and lisa Kahn, 1011 N. 148th St., Omaha, NE 68154. Make payable to Jewish Family Service. On stage at the Dundee Dinner Theater is Singin' in the Rain on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. Cost is $19.50 per person, which includes show, dessert, coffee/tea, tax and gratuity. Send payment to Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154, by Dec. 5. Make check payable to Jewish Senior Services. OCTL The Omaha Center for Torah Learning offers two classes on Stories from the Book of Bemidbar on Tuesday, Nov. 16,10 a.m., at Temple Israel, and at 7 p.m. at Beth Israel. On Wednesday, Nov. 17, at noon, Lunch 'n Learn meets at the home of Willie and Al Ross, 676 N. 56th St. Lunch (bring your own) is followed by study of the book The Lonely Man of Faith by Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik. From 6:30-7:30 p.m., a class in spoken Hebrew is hosted by Al Ross. A Talmud class on Tractate Pesachim is held at Beth El Synagogue on Thursday, Nov. 18, 78:30 p.m. For information on OCTL programs, call Rabbi Shlomo Levin, 551-1564.
CORRECTION Last week's photo caption of singers practicing for a musical premier at Beth El inadvertantly omitted the following names: Susie Drazen, Barbara Widman, Heidi Horwitz, Hazzan Michael
Horwitz, Esther Hellman, Cantor Emil Berkovits, Phyllis Silberstein, Sheryl Friedman and Anna Cotton. The Jewish Press regrets the error.
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Rabbi AryehAzriel "Every bar and bat mitzvah child receives a certificate of $500 from the Federation to use toward a summer camp experience. In America, when we are trying so hard to create a strong Jewish identity, the camp experience, whether it's Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, is a great benefit for the child. They come back to their homes invigorated with Jewish fervor and excitement. This gives the community, congregations and the Federation wonderful building blocks in creating strong Jews."
The Jewish Federation of Omaha 2000 Annual Campaign 333 South 132nd St. • Omaha, NE • 68154 •www.jewishomaha.org
Friends of the Omaha Public Library will hold a book sale on Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Swanson Library, 90th and Dodge. Buy five hardback books and get a sixth one free; paperback books are priced as low as 25 cents. Ariel Shukert was among the 40 high school students selected for the Youth Leadership Omaha class of 1999-2000. Co-sponsored by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and the Knights of Ak-SarBen, the leadership development program develops career awareness, communication and interperson-. al skills. Ariel is a sophomore at Central High School and the daughter of Marty and Aveva Shukert. Healthy Spirit will present Music for the Soul, a concert featuring the Palladium Brass, Mary Bircher, Shannon Barnhart Dance Studio, and David Gerard on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2-4 p.m., at the W.H. Thomson Alumni Center on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The concert will feature traditional holiday and Hanukkah music. For ticket information, call 334-9699Beverly Fellman, instructor of foreign languages at Central High School, was named Outstanding French Teacher of the Year recently by the Nebraska Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French. Fellman was cited for having been named "Most Influential Teacher of My Life" by a former student and for her work in extracurricular activities, including chairing the annual French Convention. She has taught French at Central for the past 10 years. Prior to that, she taught at Lewis and Clark and Beveridge Middle Schools.
FITZGERALD/TURKEL Didi Fitzgerald and Jeffrey Turkel were married Oct. 30 at Durham Western Heritage Museum in Omaha. A dinner and dance followed the ceremony. The bride, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Fitzgerald, received a B.A. from the College of St. Mary's in San Antonio, TX, and a Master's in counseling from Creighton University. She is a case worker for the Salvation Army. The groom, son of Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Turkel, is a respiratory therapist with Nebraska Health Systems, which include Clarkson and University hospitals. Grandmothers of the couple are Peg Fitzgerald Gallagher and Sylvia Turkel Greenberg of Omaha. Following a honeymoon to the Island of Antigua, the newlyweds will live in Omaha.
Michael and Lesli Shrago announce the Oct. 12 birth of their son, Ethan Herschel. Ethan, whose Hebrew name is Eliezer Tzvi, is named in memory of his great-grandparents, Ethel and Looie Isgur and Harry Shrago, and his uncle, Herschel Shrago. Grandparents are Jack and Helene Shrago of Omaha, Sheilah Kocherov of Kansas City and Sam Kocherov of Cincinnati. Great-grandmother is Mollie Franklin of Omaha. Dr. Douglas and Jacqueline Monasebian of New York City announce the Oct. 7 birth of their daughter, Liza Diana. She will be named Natana in honor of her maternal grandfather. : Grandparents are Bonnie London of Omaha and the late Nathan J. London, and Miriam and Sion Monasebian of White Plains, N.Y. :.'..'.•' Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Marko of Lake Mary, FL, announce the Oct. 18 birth of their daughter, Allye Nicole. Allye has a brother, Derek, 8, and a sister, s Taylor, 21 months. Grandparents are Harriet and Sonny Markp.of Omaha and Carolyn and Jack Brown of DeLand, FL. Great-grandparents are the late Libby and Sam Nepomnick, Ruth Marko of Alhambra, CA, and the late Irving Marko.
' November 12,1999
Henry Monsky Lodge to sponsor Hanukkah Torch Run
Sokolof Health and Fitness Center opens
by Lois Epstein
With the opening of the new Member Services entrance to the Sokolof Fitness Center, access to the Jewish Community Center will change as of Nov. 15. JCC members using the Fitness Center will find it more convenient to use the new entrance at the east side of the building. An elevator is available in this area, as well as an automatic door. These conveniences provide easier access to the building for those requiring special assistance. From this area, members can also gain access to both the upper and lower levels of the building. The main entrance to the JCC has been closed for the past two months due to the construction of the new Federation Library; since then, the south. entrance has become the main access point. To ensure safety and to provide a sense of well being, the JCC will limit access to the south entrance to members who have their membership cards. A "card reader," much like the one in place at the old Members Services desk (located near the Health Club), will be placed inside the door at the JCC's south entrance. Members can then gain access to the building by "swiping" their membership cards through the reader. Guests, non-members and vendors will be asked to use the new Member Services entrance to the Sokolof Fitness Center until the main west entrance of the JCC reopens shortly after the first of the year. These extra measures are just another way the JCC can provide for the safety and comfort of its members. For more information, call Jeff Aizenberg, JCC Executive Director, 334-6417.
B'nai B'rith Henry MonBky Lodge will sponsor a Hanukkah Torch Run on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 9 a.m. According to Adam Jacobs, Lodge President, and Larry Kelberg, Chairman, the run is an event celebrating the Hanukkah festival of freedom. It is a group activity for fun and to draw attention to the need for freedom for-all mankind in the next millennium. It is not a race. Participants should meet at the Jewish Community Center on Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. They will be transported in a van, supplied by Howard Kutler of Nova Health Equipment, to the start at 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel, 52nd and Charles. Runners will follow a route to Temple Israel along Dodge and Pacific Streets, and will finish at the Jewish Community Center. The van will follow behind the group, and any participant who wishes to run only part of the course, or who feels tired, may elect to ride for portions of the route. At the conclusion of the run, at the JCC, refreshments will be served. There is no other such activity like this event during the winter, and the Lodge is able to use it to highlight the importance of freedom as symbolized by the holiday of Hanukkah, It also allows the Lodge to bring to attention other situations in which freedom has been abused. To enter, send a check for $18, payable to Henry M^nsky Lodge B'nai B'rith, to B'nai B'rith, c/o Lois Epstein, 333 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE, 68154. It must be received no later than Monday, Nov. 29. For information, call the B'nai B'rith office at 334-6443. ' .
Oldtimers Review
by Denise Baccus, JCC Communications Director
Temple Israel parent/toddler classes start new session
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
by Art Grossman
A woman United States President? Why not? Somewhere in the wide expanse of America is our country's first Madam President. Maybe she is just a child now, but sometime during the early 21st century, the possibility may well become reality. And if Y.E.S7O.T. members are given the opportunity, they pretty much will vote affirmatively. • I posed the question at the Nov. 1 discussion session as well as to the "lunch bunch." Why not a female president? Twenty-eight other nations have been led by female heads of state. Elizabeth Dole has given women a lot of encouragement, however she was compelled to drop out of the current race because of her inability to raise campaign funds. We discussed President Clinton's meeting in Norway with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and PLO leader Yasser Arafat, seeking a permanent peace in the Middle East by next September. Our post-lunch speaker, Lois Wine, Volunteer Coordinator for Jewish Senior Services, brushed away mental cobwebs by stirring up long-to-becherished memories of bygone days. She reflected on when neighborhood movie admission was five cents, as was a bag of popcorn; the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the Jewish bakeries; drug stores with soda fountains; the smell of leaves in the fall; and •when people drank tap water, not bottled. Oh, those were the days. Ah, memories, never to be forgotten. Shalom!
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A new fall/winter session of classes for parents and toddlers, age 18 months to 5 years, will begin Nov. 30 at > Temple Israel on Tuesday mornings, 9:3011:15 tun. These classes provide a variety of age appropriate activities . to enhance social and motor skill development of the children in an atmosphere which incorporates Jewish values Ldla Feber, Madison Jensen and Alex Durso and practices for the e n j e d t h e beautiful weather in a Torah Tots class at Temple Israel. home. nd * facilitate this^ class. A portion of each class is devoted « Newcomers are welcome. Call 556to discussion of a parenting issue relative to participants. Lynn Jensen 6536 for more information.
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Negotiators start talking (Continued from page 1) Israeli and Palestinian officials blamed the attack on Islamic militants seeking to derail the peace process. The Israeli Cabinet was meeting to approve the next withdrawal from the West Bank when the attack occurred. The next day in Ramallah, negotiators for the two sides were upbeat despite the difficult issues confronting them ~ including the final status Jerusalem, Jewish settlements, Palestinian refugees, borders and water rights. . The Palestinians seek an independent Palestinian state with eastern Jerusalem as its capital, demand an end to Jewish settlements and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. They also expect that the talks will be based on U.N. resolu-
tions 242 and 338, which were reached in 1967 and 1973 and established the land-for-peace principle. Israel has maintained that Jerusalem is the eternal, undivided capital, that there will not be a return to the pre-1967 borders, that it will maintain Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank and that no foreign army will deploy west of the Jordan River. Eran said at the meeting that while the U.N. resolutions have been subject to various interpretations, the land-for-peace principle) remained the basis for the interim \ peace accords between Israel and the Palestinians. But on Sunday, Barak was quoted as telling his Cabinet the U.N. resolutions do not apply to the West Bank.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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On America Online, there is a popular feature called Judaism Today: Where Do I Fit? People anonymously send in E-Mail letters to the author of the feature, Gil Mann, and he selects one letter for a public response in his Jewish e-mail column. This column is now syndicated in Jewish papers across the United States and Canada. Here is this week's edited e-mail and Gil's response: Dear Gil: I just finished reading your book and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. I identified with every character you talked to. One topic wasn't covered in your book and I'm curious about your opinion on it. I have a real problem with circumcision and I am not going to circumcise my sons (assuming I have some). Here's why I am against it. 1.1 believe in autonomy. I have the right to control my own body. I can have an abortion when I want, have a baby, get plastic surgery, get sterilized, etc. I would be one hell of a hypocrite if I was a staunch supporter of autonomy for myself but then took away my son's autonomy. 2. To quote my Indian ex-boyfriend, "Any religion that says in order to be one of us you have to cut off part of your son's penis is not a religion I want to be a part of." 3. The bible is fables, written by men (who weren't that educated) so anything in it needs to be taken with a grain of salt. 4. Nowadays, since everyone takes a shower every day and properly cleans themselves, there is no health benefit to a circumcision. One hundred years ago when people showered once a year, then sure, it was healthier. When my son is old enough to understand the ramifications of the situation, then he can make the decision for himself and I'll support it. My current boyfriend (who I will probably marry) agrees with me. I'm curious how you would have responded to this if you were interviewing me for your book. Thanks, :
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DearN: Your letter reminded me of a cartoon I saw that shows Abraham talking to the sky arid the caption reads: "Let me get this straight: you want us to cut off a piece of our WHAT?!" There was a time in my life when I thought of the - ritual of a circumcision, or bris, to be barbaric and primitive. I came to this conclusion at the age of 18 when I decided to get a front row seat at the bris of a cousin of mine. I am not sure what possessed me to do this since the sight of blood from a tiny scratch can make me ill. And sure enough, that is what happened to me. In addition, the experience made me seriously question the entire practice. I have had two boys and I can tell you their circumcisions were extremely emotional and difficult for me to endure and I think even more so for my wife. And if I had to do it again.. .1 most definitely would! In my experience, a bris appears to trouble most people on some level. The maternal instinct seems to give many women at least some degree of hesitation about a bris. Every man I have ever met has more than a few negative thoughts about tinkering with this rather sensitive part of our bodies-your Indian ex-boyfriend and Abraham in the cartoon are good examples. And any man or woman with an ounce of compassion has a strong reaction to the sight and sound of a baby in pain. Given all of this, why am I in favor of performing a bris? Because of a second and more important reaction that I have observed at 6ns after 6 m . I have surmised that those of us assembled who wit-
ness a bris and hear the baby cry would like to do one of two things-beat up the mohel (the guy doing the cuttin'), or cuddle and comfort the baby.. .and his parents. We want to protect this baby as if he was ours. And I think that is the whole point: he is ours! He is a member of our community, our people, our extended family. We often speak of a mother bonding with her baby.Through a'&ris, I believe as a community we bond with this child on a most primitive, emotional, tangible and important level. Now you mention in your letter that the Bible consists of fables that need to be taken with a grain of salt. I don't have the space here to discuss the validity of the Bible. Even if I did, no where in the Torah is any explanation given beyond a circumcision being a symbol of the covenant between God and the Jewish people (the word bris or brit means covenant.) My response to your point is that a bris is the oldest ritual in Judaism. For countless generations, our people have followed this tradition. I wouldn't want to be the person to break this chain. And while I respect your comments about having autonomy over our bodies and not wanting to be a hypocrite, I am'sure glad my parents followed our people's tradition when I was eight days old...an event I blissfully do not remember at.all., I sure would not have wanted to be given the privilege and autonomy of deciding for myself when I had a grown man's body! And as an adolescent, I would not want to grapple with the following: "Gee, I don't look like all the other Jewish guys at camp or in the locker room!" In addition, parents do and must make decisions about their children's bodies. For example, you will not ask your child's input about breast feeding or vaccinations-these, too, are questionable practices. A bris is beyond just a physical decision, it,is an emotional and religious decision as well, that I believe Jewish parents have a right and obligation : to decide for their child. As to your argument about health benefits. To me this never was, nor is, a Jewish rational and besides, in the medical world, the dispute continues as to possible benefits of circumcision. Belated to medical questions, I do want to say a couple more words about the pain. First, babies don't remember (though some dispute this), and many babies today get anesthetic to remove pain. And even if this was not true, pain is not necessarily bad. In the case of a bris, babies seem to do fine, and I think the temporary pain we feel as a community about a boy's bris is healthy. Or to put this last thought in the words of a cute greeting card: As Jews, we celebrate the birth of a' ! baby boy with a circumcision. All future birthdays are celebrated by eating cake! Hope this has been of help and thanks for writing!
Gil Gil Mann is the author oft How to Get More Out of Being Jewish Even If: A.You are not sure you believe in God, B. You think going to synagogue is a waste of time, C. You think k e e p i n g k o s h e r i s s t u p i d , D. You h a t e d Hebrew School, or E. All of the above! He makes no money from book sales, his work on America Online or this column. You are invited to his area of AOL (Keyword: Judaism Today,) for a free download of the first two chapters of his book and other Q&A with GiL He welcomes your e-mail comments and questions about this column or any subject. Write to: DearGil@aol.com or send your letters to this paper. To order the book calh 800-304-• 9925. . .i ' .
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November 12,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
American Red Cross leader pushes for full Israeli membership in group by Fredy Rom
GENEVA (JTA) - The International Committee of the Red Cross is considering granting membership to Israel's Magen David Adorn. American Red Cross officials urged the inclusion of the Israeli humanitarian organization during an : international assembly held in Geneva. At last week's meeting, President of the American Red Cross, Dr. Bernadette Healy, said the Star of David emblem should be recognized by the international Red Cross. The exclusion of Israelis is a betrayal of the sacred principles of this movement "and cannot be tolerated any longer," she said.
Jewish Spirituality Journey Group continues at Temple
But swift action does not look likely. The assembly agreed to establish a working-group to deal with the issue and report back to the next assembly in four years. While Israeli diplomats welcomed the new U.S. initiative, they said they would have preferred a more discreet approach. This serious problem cannot be changed by a "beat of the drum," one Israeli official said. Meanwhile, the International Red Cross continues to be plagued by allegations that some of its officials helped high-level Nazis obtain travel documents at the end of World War 11. The documents, according to the allegations, enabled such top Nazi
figures as Adolf Eichmann and Josef Mengele evade capture at the war's end. This week, the Swiss-run ICRC called on researchers at the University of Geneva to launch an investigation of the allegations, ICRC. spokesman Urs Boegli told JTA. He also stated that Israel's continued exclusion from the International Red Cross is "not acceptable to us." If Israel is included, the red Star of David would join the red cross and red crescent as emblems to protect aid workers in wartime. Israel's Magen David Adorn has worked closely with the Red Cross, but it has only observer status at the meetings.
Boys Town Jerusalem students give "the gift of life'
by Mimi Rogers
The Jewish Spirituality Journey Group at ' - Temple Israel ' will continue I indefinitely and «; i>( -,«-•• «k-«-^™ ', welcomes any !
l'V'-'\' -, ^ • ' ^ j B t i f\ ••! * ' i ^ ^ K , ^ H t a k i , 'V^^^B^HHft , •
newcomers or . drop-ins for the Friday morning class, from 9:30-
•! _ ^ _ ^ m | ^»^"^""»'
11 a-m., in Tem,
ple
.s
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Another group • will meet for three Sundays: ', Jan. 9, 23, and > Feb. 6, 2000, ! from 10:15-11:45
1 a.m., in Temple's library. Spirituality is being sought out- by many in the general population. The trend in Jewish circles is to offer and reintroduce many ideas that lead to a deepening of the soul such as meditation, yoga, personal introspection and transformation/ Since 1990, Jewish meditation has been brought anew to the Jewish community. Some of the reasoning behind the impetus is to connect to the many Jews who have been drawn away from Judaism because of the lack of spirituality. Jewish spirituality has brought many nonaffiliated or non-active Jews back into the "fold." As a past Sociology Professor, I lead the journey groups. I am a lifelong spiritual seeker, six-year meditator and 20-year Yogi. I spent a week this past summer at Chochmat Halev (wisdom of the heart), an independent Jewish meditation training center in Berkley CA. I expect to be studying in their new three-year teacher training program which starts in January, 2000. The program consists of distant learning and twice yearly retreats. The teachers are many founders in the Jewish Meditation movement. Anyone interested should call Temple at 556-6536.
When Magen David Adorn organized a blood Jerusalem rolled up their sleeves. This show drive recently in Jerusalem, nearly the of solidarity is a precursor to the student's entire 12th grade class at Boys Town induction into the Israeli Defense Forces.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 12,1990
"The clever thief"
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EDUCATION THAT WORKS It's all here for you.
by Barbara Diamond Goldin adapted for the Jewish Press by Claudia Sherman; illustrated by Ruth Slow
Once there was a ruler of a kingdom who believed strongly in the justice of his laws and in enforcing them strictly. "A law is a law," he would say. And he never ever allowed an exception to be made when enforcing his laws. One day, a hungry beggar was caught in the palace kitchen stealing a little cheese and bread to relieve his empty belly. The King ordered the thief to be hanged which was the punishment for stealing. The shabby look,ing man begged for mercy. "I am so poor and so hungry," he pleaded. "And you, O King, have so much! I should have asked first, but there was no one there. Surely you could spare j u s t a little cheese and bread!" "No exceptions can be made!" scolded the King. "To the gallows with you!" As a guard marched the beggar toward his punishment, the ragged fellow moaned, "What a pity! Now, no one will know my father's secret I would gladly have shared it with the King." The guard was curious. "What secret are you talking about?" he inquired. "If the King would put a pomegranate seed in the ground, I could make it grow and bear fruit overnight according to my father's teachings," explained the beggar. "Perhaps the King would like to hear about this secret before you are hanged," speculated the guard. Upon listening to the beggar, the King ordered the condemned man to dig a hole for the seed, which he did. But he did not put the pomegranate seed into the ground. Instead, he said, "I can work the magic after the seed is placed in the hole, but only someone who has never stolen or taken anything that did not belong to him may plant the seed. Since I have stolen the food) someone else must put the seed in the ground," he explained as he looked at the King,
the guards, and the King's advisors who were watching. The beggar held out the seed in his hand to the King's highest advisor. "Would you plant the seed?" asked the beggar. "I cannot do it," the advisor admitted.,"Once when I was just a lad, I stole a small knife." The advisor was too ashamed to look at the beggar. Next, the robber turned to the King's Keeper of the Books. "Perhaps, you would do the planting?" the beggar suggested. _, The bookÂŤ' k e e p e r blushed. "I c an n o t plant the seed," he confessed. "I may have made a mistake dealing with the large sums of money I add and subtract each day." After asking each of the King's advisors and guards, the beggar appealed to the King himself to plant the seed. "You are the only one here who has never taken what did not rightfully belong to you," said the thief. The King scrunched his mouth a bit and took a deep breath. . "As a child, I was attracted to my father's royal necklace. I did not know how valuable or important it was. I only knew it was shiny and cast rainbows across the walls of my sunny room." "You, who are all so mighty and wealthy, cannot plant this seed," cried out the beggar. "While I, who stole a fait offoodto keep from starving, am about to die!" For a few moments, there was silence. Then the King spoke. "You are a clever thief. You have demonstrated that not one of us is perfect. I realize that none of us would be here today if my laws are to be strictly enforced. Therefore, I will not punish you. You may go free," the King declared. "You have taught me an important lesson," the King added. "From now on, my laws will be enforced not only with justice but also with compassion."
Congress condemns treatment of religious minorities;
Cong. Terry supports Jews in Iran
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WASHINGTON-Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed a "Sense of Congress" resolution condemning Iran's treatment of its Jewish minority. .Currently, more than 270,000 Jews live in Iran. Earlier this year, the Iranian government arrested 13 Jews from Shiraz on charges of espionage. Many experts stated the arrests were an attempt by the government to undermine Iran's opening to the West. In the last five years, five Jews have been executed by the Iranian government for allegedly spying for Israel. Although Iran has promised a fair trial for the 13 Jews, there is still great concern among the international community that these citizens will not receive due process in Iranian courts. Cong. Lee Terry (R-NE.) voted for House
Congressional Res. .182, which urged the Clinton Administration to support U.N. Resolution 1999/13 expressing concern of the international community over continued discrimination against religious minorities in Iran. It also urged the United States to maintain current tough policies, toward Iran unless and until that country moderates its treatment of religious minorities. "This resolution highlights the need for constant vigilance. Anti-Semitism and religious bigotry remain serious problems," commented Congressman Terry. "Although we are on the verge of a new millennium, religious persecutions stemming from past centuries of hatred are still prevalent, We must stand up to today to turn past discrimination into future tolerance," the congressman said.
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November 12,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Science news
Researchers make progress in fight against the ravages of breast cancer •
JERUSALEM-Facf: Every year, breast cancer attacks one in every eight Israeli women. Fact: In more than a third of them, the disease has spread beyond the breast by the time it is diagnosed. Fact: Within two years of diagnosis, a quarter of its victims will be dead. "Metastatic breast cancer remains an undefeated enemy, but it's coming under tightening siege," says Prof. Tamar Peretz, who heads the Sharett Institute of Oncology at the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem, where a quarter of all Israel's cancer patients are treated. Tears of basic and clinical research are finally bearing fruit. Where we're able to help, we help a lot And where we can't cure, we can do much to extend a patients life and improve its quality." A woman's breast is more susceptible to cancer than any other organ in her body, but breast cancer's ravages are, it seems, far from indiscriminate. Breast cancer in Israel attacks, for example, 65 Jewish women compared with 17 non-Jewish women in every 1,000. Its incidence is significantly higher among Ashkenazi immigrants to the country than among newly arrived Sephardim (Jewish newcomers from Russia have the highest rate of all, while the disease is virtually unknown in the Ethiopian JewiBh community)—but in Israeli-born Jewish women of all ethnic backgrounds, breast cancer levels approach those found among Ashkenazi newcomers. All of which constitutes an unparalleled, human laboratory, within which. Israeli researchers are urgently working to learn more about the causes and prevention of this growing scourge. The susceptibility of Ashkenazi women to breast cancer was confirmed some years back by discovery of a so-called 'cancer gene'-genetic mutations known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which bestow an unwelcome 90 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Prof. Nadine Cohen-Elbaz of the Technion's Tamkin Molecular Human Genetics Research Facility estimates that five to 10 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year have a family history of the disease, with around 45 percent of them carrying a BRCA mutation. . In a unique multidisciplinary study involving clinical geneticists, oncologists, psychologists, epidemiologists and a philosopher, she is screening families of different ethnic backgrounds to identify common gene mutations, and studying their medical histories, diet and lifestyle. The aim is to identify environmental and lifestyle factors that may contribute to development of the disease. One of her early findings is that
b y W e n d y Elliman
breast cancer is 50 percent less common among Arab women in Israel than their Jewish sisters. Prof. Eliezer Robinson of the Technion's Faculty of Medicine (who lost his mother to breast cancer) has observed that while the disease is far rarer among Israeli Arab women, it tends to surface at younger ages, metastasize more vigorously and offer far shorter survival. To explain these differences, Prof. Robinson has been looking at nutrition, genetics, lifestyle and socio-economics, and one area of his research which seems, quite literally, to be bearing fruit is diet. Arab women generally eat far more fruit and vegetables. "Evidence suggests that a population which eats a lot of cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli and radishes, has a lower incidence of breast cancer," says Prof. Shmuel Yanai of the Technion's Faculty of Food Engineering and Biotechnology. With Dr. Gad Rennert of the Medical Faculty and two physicians from the Hebrew University, he has isolated what he believes is a protective substance from these vegetables. Tests run on kibbutz volunteers have supported these early results. Vegetables, specifically tomatoes, are the focus of Dr. Michael Koretz, director of the Elisheva Eshkol Breast Health Center at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "Epidemiological data show lower incidence of breast cancer among women who eat a lot of tomatoes," he says. Together with endocrinologist Yossi Levy, he has isolated from tomatoes what may be a preventive substance called lycopene, and he is now studying its absorption into body tissues. At the laboratory bench in Hadassah, researchers are trying to stimulate the body's own immune system into fighting the cancer-urging its cells to defend themselves in what they call immunotherapy. They are also examining the mechanism of tumor metastasis, and looking for ways to block that mechanism. While the search for protection and prevention continues, early detection and speedy treatment still offer women the best chance of survival. As Dr. Koretz reminds us, "cancer is a disease that's highly treatable, if caught early." Despite this, however, fewer than half of Israeli women aged 50 and more go for mammograms. "It's women with a Western perception of health and a Western belief in the power and correctness of medical intervention who tend to seek mammography," says Prof. Lea Baider, psycho-oncologist at the Hadassah Medical Center. "Among Arab, Beduin and certain ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, for example,pain and body changes are regarded
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as normal. Neither is a reason to run University's Breast Health Center, to a doctor." through surgery and breast reconIn two of every three instances, struction, aggressive adjuvant therathey are right. Only one in three py (radio-, chemo- and hormonal) breast lumps is, in fact, malignant, but and, in women with advanced disease it takes a biopsy to find out-though this who have a 95 percent chance of may now be changing. Researchers at relapse, polychemotherapy followed the Weizmann Institute of Science in by bone marrow transplantation. Rehovot have pioneered a non-invasive "With adjuvant therapy, we can way of identifying breast tumors, which reduce the number of women in they call 3TP. Developed by Prof. whom the disease will recur by one Hadassa Degani of the Biological third," says Prof. Peretz of Hadassah. Regulation Department, together with "Bone marrow transplantation can radiologists from Hadassah, their cure a doomed patient. Overall breast method consists of injecting a dye into cancer survival during the past 40 the patients blood stream and monitor- years has climbed from one in three ing how it is taken up and cleared by to one in two women." Despite the tumor tissue, using magnetic resonance improving figures, breast cancer imaging or MRI. remains a devastating illness. "Malignant and benign growths "Psycho-social support is a key eledeal with the dye in strikingly differ- ment in the service we provide," says ent ways, so this approach can Dr. Koretz of the Ben-Gurion Unimarkedly reduce the number of biop- versity Breast Health Center. sies performed to diagnose tumors," At Hadassah, the psycho-oncology says Prof. Degani. As well as diagnos- team led by Prof. Baider researches ing breast tumors, the Weizmann extensively on the impact of family method may help establish the prog- support, the marriage bond, a personnosis of the cancer by revealing the al belief system and earlier life-traunetwork of blood vessels that feed the mas on the coping ability of a patient tumor, and it may also monitor the and her family. It also teaches relaxeffectiveness of therapy by visualiz- ation techniques. ing these blood vessels and the spaces Israel's ethnic kaleidoscope of between them. women share the unhappy distinction And what of the 2,900,000 women of one of the world's highest rates of in Israel who, despite all efforts, are breast cancer. Whether the ultimate today fighting breast cancer? answer lies with cellular warfare, Treatment provided in Israel is on a eating more vegetables or with somelevel with the best in the world, from thing not yet stumbled on, they may painless removal of breast lumps by yet share the prize of comprising the computerized mammographic guid- human laboratory in which the disance (ABBI) at the Ben-Gurion ease finally met its defeat.
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 12,1999
Omaha celebrates 75th anniversary of AZA
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by Carol Katzman Tamid, Hevra and Rohanu BBGs would gather for The Epstein family has AZA in its blood. .. After all, Etta Garelick Epstein was Sweetheart meetings and activities, while the AZA boys: memof AZA #1 in 1941; her granddaughter, Cari, was bers of AZA #1 (the Mother Chapter and original sweetheart in 1995; and grandson, Cory, is co-coor- group formed in 1924), AZA #100, AZA #1000 dinator, along with Michelle Malashock, of BBYO's (which later became Chaim Weizmann #1510) and annual Winter Convention, Dec. 23-26, here in the JCC-sponsored boys' group, Ra^im, would compete for space on the small basketball court. Omaha. "The old 'X had a social room for teens with a Though Cari is away at college (she's a sophomore at Indiana University), the rest of the Epstein juke box and ping pong," recalled Borden, "but we'd family, Sandy, Paul and Cory, will help celebrate also hang out at Memorial Park and in 'Bagel,' (the the 75th anniversary of the founding of AZA on area from Underwood to Western Streets and J.E. George Boulevard west to Fair Acres)." Nov. 20,6:30 p.m., at the Marriott Hotel "I remember looking for street parties," Epstein The Saturday night festivities include dinner, speeches by International B'nai B'rith President added. "We'd stop the car in Bagel and just get out and Richard Heideman and AZA International Aleph walk. Pretty soon, the street would be lined with cars. "I don't think the homeowners in Bagel were too Godol Andy Lowenstein, and a video featuring AZA #1 founder Bernard Theodore of California thrilled," she laughed. and the late Marion Graetz of Lincoln. B'nai B'rith Marty Shukert, another Central '67 graduate, is the parent organization of both AZA and BBG, added, "The JCC was our life!" the girls' organization of the B'nai B'rith Youth Because the area in which the teens lived was so Organization (BBYO). concentrated, teens saw one another on a more reg-
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"Our school friends were so envious of our BBYO activities, recalled Sandy Epstein, a member of Ediar BBG and a 1967 graduate of Central High School. "On meeting days, we would wear our Ediar black and blue sweaters. "Every month, there were activities," she added. "With four BBG chapters, three AZAs, plus Rayun (a boys club at the JCC to which Paul Epstein belonged), there was either a dance every month, a community service project or some other cool activity." Sandy was also a co-chairman of the Ediar Beau Dance when she was in high school. The dances were usually held at one of Omaha's hotels—either the Blackstone or the Fontenelle. "With the popularity of the James Bond films, Ediar decided to use that for a theme," she said. "My dad, Morrie Lipp, dressed up in a trench coat, hat and dark glasses and entered the ballroom carrying a 'secret agent' folder with the name of the beau 'for our eyes only!'" Howard Borden, a fellow Central '67 classmate, remembers the dances, too. "One year we planned to 'sneak' i n to a Sweetheart Dance at the Blackstone," Borden recalled with a smile. "But we didn't have to; someone held a door open for us! ^"Whether you had a date or not, you had fun," he added, reminiscing about the dinners at Ross', the Venice Inn, Angelo's, or Tiner's. "We'd hang out there after the dance and usually run into someone's parents," Borden said with a smile. He and Jeff Cooper, a fellow AZA #1 member and Central '67 classmate, also were involved in AZA sports activities. "There were lots of bowling leagues in those days," Cooper said. "And many of the guys played in basketball tournaments here in Omaha and with chapters from Lincoln. Some of them went on to compete in other cities like Des Moines, Sioux City or Kansas City. There were even conventions in Sioux Falls, South Dakota!" Though most of Omaha's teens attended Central High in the '60s, some, like Paul Epstein moved "out west." "It seemed so far away," said Sandy Epstein, "when he left Central to attend Westside." . But the "kids" would all meet at the old 'J* at 20th and Dodge after school. Members of Ediar, Ner
ular basis. The synagogue youth groups attracted a different group of teens than BBYO. Today, with a smaller Jewish population, there's overlap among BBYO and groups like USY, OYTG and NCSY (United Synagogue Youth, Omaha Temple Youth Group and National Conference of Synagogue Youth, the Conservative, Reform and Orthodox youth groups). Shukert was part of a Central High group known as "The Bunch." Composed of "the smart kids," according to other CHS students of thetime,the group consisted of Shukert, David Bloch, Amy Brodkey, Milt Erman, Richard Green, Mike Kaplan, Phyllis Weinroth and Ron Wolfson. Of thetopseven students at Central that year, six were Jewish. The class also had 20% of the state's National Merit Finalists, more than any other school in Nebraska. The 1960s were a time of closeness among Omaha's Jewish teens. "We pushed each other to do better," Epstein said. "We went through a lot of changes as teens in the '60s, but we looked forward to seeing our friends, in and out of school." Activities didn't stop for the summer, either. "We worked on BBYO activities all summer," said Borden. "We'd work at our summer jobs during the day and then go over to someone's house at night to play records." Some of those teens involved in the musical life of AZA and Central High made careers in "the business." Rick Chudacoff and Bob Bordy started a group called Crackin' and later went ontowork in the recording industry. "I tried to explain to my kids that there was a feeling of extended family then," Epstein said. "It was so comforting." Though it won't be a t the Blackstone or the Fontenelle, the "kids" from AZA and BBG and Central's Class of '67 will be among the celebrants next Saturday night, Nov. 20, reminiscing about Sweetheart and Beau dances, flag football and bowling leagues, meetings at the old VT and parties in someone's basement in'Bagel.' If you'd like to be among AZA's well-wishers, call Lois Epstein at the B'nai B'rith office, 334-6443, for ticket information. *- •
(Story continued on page 13)
November 12,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
AZA Anniversary (continued from page 12)
Cory Epstein, co-chair of BBYO's Winter Convention.
Right: AZA #1 Sweetheart of 1995 Cari Epstein is escorted by Jeff Shapiro at the' group's annual dance.
Above: Etta Garelick Epstein, Sweetheart of AZA #1 in 1941. Right: The Epstein family in 1999: Paul, Sandy, Cory and Cari. Sandy and Cari were both members of Ediar BBG; Cory is active in AZA #1 (Paul was a member of Ray'im).
JEWISH PRESS EARLY DEADLINES DEADLINE Wednesday, Nov. 17 Wednesday, Nov. 24
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your regularly scheduled prosperity to bring you the following urgent news... • 32% of the Jews in the former Soviet Union are over 65 • Many have no relatives and live on less.than $20 a month • Many make choices between buying food or medicine daily • Due to lack of funds, we are unable to reach 125,000 needy elderly • If your family hadn't immigrated to the U.S., this could be yourbubbe Sonia Kailovitch had her medical training interrupted by World War II. She was born in Lvov and spent the war in hiding. When she returned home, no one in her family, or even extended family, was left alive. She completed her medical studies and retired on a comfortable pension 20 years ago. After the death of her husband in 1985, Sonia contracted cancer, which she has been fighting ever since. Alone. Combining both her husband's pension and her own, she receives $31 each month. Which is not enough to pay for her medicine and food.
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Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 12,1999
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So tell me, besides raking up leaves, while the soup is simmering. Those activities guarantee the lady of the what's going on with you? Are you enjoying some of the beau- house the reward of hearing the door tiful days that we are blessed with open, then those few wonderful this time of year? Have you been to words: not "Hi, honey, I'm home," but the orchards to buy some of those rather, "Mmmmmm, what do I marvelous home-grown apples avail- smell?" It's really amazing how an old fashable now? Or maybe you've visited the places where pumpkins are for ioned pot roast slowly cooking will sale~if you've got kids or grandkids make anybody who walks into the house say, "It smells heavenly in you surely must have done that. I mentioned leaves....the presence of here." That's one of the reasons why a vegall those dry leaves must be part of ' the old "I've got good news and I've etarian dinner comprised of many ' got bad news" we laugh about. If veggies and healthy grains and fresh we're going to have crisp, fall days, fruit doesn't get the same enthusias' we're going to have leaves every- tic greeting. You need a pan full of ' where but on the trees. At my house, browning onions to fill the place with we gather what appears to be every the greatest aroma since Chanel got leaf that falls in our zip code. At least past number four. Speaking offragrances,do you hapit seems that way when we start pen to remember the wonderful way sweeping them away from the door. It's also more than time to get the the air smelled when somebody was flower pots and gardens cleaned up, burning leaves? We aren't supposed ' time to pull up those dried and tired to do that anymore, and that's really plants and those weeds that managed too bad as far as I'm concerned. I to thrive with or without rain. I can always thought it was such a perfect pull out dead flowers, but those that example of a fall day—a bonfire. Of are blooming and beautiful, despite course, whoever was tending the fire frost and cold night temperatures, are had to be vigilant and not let the safe with me. I just can't yank out wind blow the leaves back from wherflowers that seem almost prettier now ever they were raked. That produced irritation and short tempers, plus than they did in July. These are the kinds of days when threats such as Tin not raking those strangers speak to each other—you up again!" know what I mean? Walking in the The West Coast resident of my famclean, chilly air with the sun making ily tells me he misses the change of you squint, you're bound to say good seasons, and I believe him this time morning to the person you meet, of year. Come to think of it, I never whether you know that person or not. hear him say that when we have a You can't help it, because you feel like blizzard or a snowfall so heavy they being pleasant and smiling. cancel school. However, he rememThat's what Mother Nature does for bers how he loved the way everything us—she improves the disposition! looks when summer fades and Well, three cheers for her, because autumn colors the landscape. So the swimming pools are all which one of us can't benefit from drained and some of the trees look having our spirits lifted? Another nice thing about a brisk bare and the tulips and daisies are fall day is the knowledge that by din- gone. That's the way it's supposed to ner time a bowl of homemade, thick be and that's the way it is. That"8 why soup will taste like ambrosia (or nec- I'm going into the kitchen now to see if I have any split peas in my pantry, tar if it's thin chicken soup!). The minute the weather is cool because that's my boyfriend's favorite enough for the furnace, I'm ready to soup. turn on the oven and bake something Especially this time of the year.
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(Continued from page 1) the United States. But Jewish leaders here say they do not feel the community is dwindling. This is probably the most striking feature of Russia's Jewish revival: Despite continuing aliyah and emigration, Jewish life touches more people each year. There is a widespread belief that the number of Jews in cities like Tula remains the same, even though a significant number of people leave each year. "Our Jewish population increases not through births, but through new people who'have not been previously
known as Jews," said Faina Sanevich, who is the full-time Director of Hasdei Neshama, a Hesed welfare center that serves Jewish elderly and poor. Part of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee-established network of social and welfare organizations in the FSU, it provides basic services, such as food and health care, to dozens of elderly impoverished by the chaos of post-Communist Russia. While the future of Jewish life in Russian cities such as Tula is unclear, there are signs that it will continue.
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November 12,1999 Is it soup yet? by Dot Vartan (Andrews McMeel, $27.95)
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
igLMJBLIBJELiaJBJBJBJBJBJaJBJBJBJaJE
E L ALAMO
Cookbook review by Lois Friedman
The first chill in the air signals its time for soup. In Dot Vartan's second book (the first was devoted to muffins), she shares her favorite recipes, 118 of them! Calico banners and drawings illustrate the one-to-a-page recipe part of the "Among Friends" collection. Cooking time varies from 20 minutes to one hour. Many soups simmer for hours in a slow cooker and. are ready at the end of a long, busy work day. The nine chapters include: chicken, vegetable, hearty bean and crock cooking, main dish, cheese and creamed, seafood, 20-minute, leftovers, and around-the-world soups. Each recipe is listed in the Table of Contents page with the chapter, and alphabetically listed in the index, which makes browsing quite comfortable. The recipes are straightforward with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you enjoy a bowl or a mug of steaming, soup, you're sure to find a delicious combination in this delightful book. With fall in the air, you can almost smell the hearty borscht!
Page 16
"Best Mexican Food
BORSCHT 2 medium carrots 6 medium fresh beets 1 celery stalk 1 parsley root 2 leeks, white part only 3tbsp. oil / 2 qts. water 11/2 lbs. beef brisket, cut into several large chunks
6 whole peppercorns 1 bay leaf 3 tsps. salt 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper 2 cups shredded cabbage 1 tsp. vinegar
Peel the carrots and four of the beets and cut into julienne strips. Slice the celery, parsley root and leeks. In a six-quart stock pot, heat the oil; add the vegetables and cook over medium high heat for five minutes. Add the water, beef, peppercorns, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to aboil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for two hours. In the meantime, grate the other two beets. Wrap them in cheesecloth and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Stir in the vinegar. Set aside. Remove the meat from the stock pot. Slice it and place it into a soup tureen. Add the shredded cabbage to the soup with the vinegar mixture. Cook for five minutes. Pour the soup over the meat into the tureen. Serves eight. Cooking time: 2 hours and 10 minutes.
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i)ining The Peddler's Grandson, Growing Up Jewish in Mississippi by Edward Cohen, $25 Review by Oliver B. Pollak
How often have you heard surprised easterners Reform Temple Beth Israel's Perry E. Nussbaum. say, "I didn't know Jews lived there." Jackson, His vignettes include stamp collecting, impatience Mississippi, is another one of those unlikely likable with the stand-up, sit-down routine at Shabbat serplaces revealing the diversity of the Jewish experi- vices, and counting the pages left before the serence in America. vices were over. • Grandfather Moise Cohen left Romania in 1889 With the advent of the Civil Rights movement, he at the age of 15. He peddled soap, coffee, bootlaces, was impressed with Rabbi Nussbaum's courage as sheets and candy in the South, and encouraged a liberal compared to the more complacent Jewish other family members to join him. With a brother, community and white Christian advocacy of the he opened Cohen's clothing store in 1898 in down- status quo. town Jackson. They catered to a black clientele and "Color transcended everything," and Africansold goods on credit. Americans knew more about us than we about them. The author's recollections of growing up have a Their boycott of the Cohen's store was an economic universal quality. Prom grade school, where he was disaster for the almost 75-year-old business. the only Jew in his class, to junior high school and This is introspective, revealing, but thankfully, high school, he struggles with being a Jew and a not narcissistic account. Southerner. . Cohen discusses his parents lovingly but not He subscribed to the Village Voice from an early uncritically. He has produced award-winning docuage. At the University of Miami, he wanted to be a mentaries including Passover, Hanukkah, and The Northern Jew, but found that reinventing yourself, Last Confederates. including marrying twice to Southern Christians, This book joins the growing bookshelf about Jews does not dissolve Jewish southern roots. of the South and is available a t t h e Jewish He tangled with strong-willed rabbis, especially Federation Library. •
Beth El to welcome 2000 with special Shabbat Beth El Synagogue will observe the final . Shabbat of 1999 and the first Shabbat of the year 2000 with a "Shabbat of the Centuries" celebration. A festive Friday night Shabbat dinner and a first Shabbat of the New Year brunch, to be held at the synagogue, are now being planned by a committee chaired by Mary Fellman. Further details will be announced Bhortly.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 12,1999
Interactive discussion group sponsored by Hadassah
Award-winning author to speak
by Joanie Jacobson
by Nancy Rampey-Biniamow
On Thursday, Nov. 18, Silverman will make Sue William Silverman, author of Because / Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You; will two appearances at the Jewish Community make several appearances of special interest to Center. She will begin the day with a reading from her book at a Jewish Mental Health the Jewish community on Nov. 17 and 18. Professionals' breakfast at 8 a.m. Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember Following the breakfast, she will conduct a readYou is a memoir of Ms. Silverman's life as the daughter of the man who was Chief Counsel to ing and discussion with members of area book the Secretary of the Interior from 1933-1953; a clubs and the general public in the JCC father who sexually abused her from age 4 until Auditorium from 10-11:30 a.m. This program is free; however, reservations are requested and can age 18. Her book, for which she received the 1995 be made by calling Jewish Family Service, 330Associated Programs Nonfiction Award, is consid- 2024. Following her appearances at the JCC, ered to have broken new ground in the literature Silverman is scheduled to present a workshop at of child abuse. An excerpt from her memoir will be featured in the W.H; Thompson Alumni Center on Friday, "The Diaries Project," a video documentary to be Nov. 19, as part of the UNO Fall 1999 Missouri Rabbi Ira Flax will speak at the next aired on public television. Valley Reading Series. Hadassah "Ask the Rabbi" event; co-chairmen More information about Silverman's appearJewish Family Service, the Jewish Community are Joanie Jacobson, left, and Patty Nogg. Center and the Jewish Federation Library are co- ances can be obtained by calling Jewish Family Service at 330-2024, or the Jewish Federation The next "Ask the Rabbi" program will feature sponsoring her three appearances specifically for Library at 334-8200. the Jewish community. Rabbi Ira Flax, Chaplain at Offutt Air Force Base, Information about Silverman's appearance at On Wednesday, Nov. 17, she will meet with on Wednesday, Nov. 17,7:30 p.m. ,at the home of Beth El and Temple Israel High School youth at the Fall 1999 Missouri Valley Reading Series can Patty Nogg, 1205 N. 128th Cir. be obtained from the UNO School of Social Work. "Hadassah organized these study groups as part Beth El Synagogue at 7:30 p.m. of our educational programming," said Sandy Kohll, Educational Vice-president. "Our goal is to offer relevant topics for open discussion, geared specifically to women and presented in a home setting." Rabbi Flax will address the subject of "Raising Jewish Children Before It's Too Late." * After talking to him at length and understanding his message, I can assure any woman who attends that she's in for a spirited, thought-provoking evening. Rabbi Flax is a high-energy, straight-forward individual who can easily engage a person or a room full of people with his enthusiasm and conviction. Said Nogg, the Judaic curriculum specialist for the Jewish Community Center's Child Development Center, "Of course, at the CDC^ teaching and celebrating Jewish culture, holidays Cartoon lunch Pail and customs is a high priority. (Severely Denied) "But no educational institution can compare with what is taught in the home. Parents are the most important people in a child's life, and what we do, if you've searched your attic for the example we set as parents, is what counts the most," she added. hidden treasures, ^there's a better "Most parents don't see themselves as non-particway to find money in your home ipants," said Rabbi Flax. "But if Judaism is not a — a Norwest home equity loan. family event, a joyful family event, then children are not likely to think joyfully about it. Now's the best time to apply "Many parents don't understand then- role in a because your first payment child's decision-making process," he continued. "When they take a stand, or don't take a stand, WON'T BE DUE FOR 90 parents are shaping their child's opinions and priP A Y S . And, Norwest has made orities. There are steps we can take to better ensure a Jewish outcome. • it easier than ever to apply. "This program is for parents or prospective parVisit your' nearby store, call ents who either have a Jewish agenda, but don't I-80D-2-NORWEST or go online know how to implement it, or who don't have a Jewish agenda but would like to adopt one," added at w w w . n o r w e s t . c o m and Rabbi Flax. "I may not change one woman's outapply today. look, but after we've talked, 15 or 20 years from now, she won't be able to say, 1 wish I would have known that.™ . Rabbi Flax is a fervent advocate and what he has AT LEAST THERE'S ONE TREASURE IN YOUR HOME. to say is definitely worth hearing. The community is invited to attend. For reservations or more information, call Patty YOUR HOME EQUITY. Nogg at 493-3479, or me at 554-0500.
KIDZ INN COORDINATOR The JCC is looking for an energetic, funloving and caring person to direct the Kldz Inn Before and After School Care Program. This is a full time position, with some weekend hours. . Contact Laura Wine at
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