ewish Pres,
WE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R SI LINCOLN ME 68508-1651
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No. 15
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Beth El to show controversial film by Ozzie Nogg
The entire community is ., tucked Jewish references and invited to a Family Havdalah f j Yiddish wordB into my back Service at Beth El Synagogue, j pocket when I went out in followed by a special screening j public. The more I wrote, the of Emmy-nominated writer, i, more the theme of self-censordirector and producer Marlene > ship took center stage. I, and Booth's controversial film others from other ethnic YidlIn the Middle on Satur- . groups, I've since discovered, day, Dec. 25, 7 p.m. The felt uncomfortable calling hour-long documentary ex- | attention to difference. That, plores Booth's childhood in ; in essence, became the focus 1950's Des Moines and takes < of the film. I hope Yidl will an honest look at lier experi- > spark discussion about pluralences while growing up I ism in America, what it means Jewish in small town Iowa. ' to be different and American and how we can learn to talk Since its release in early ! about both." 1999, the film has played to t sold-out audiences, both ;• Picking up on Booth's comJewish and non-Jewish. The ments/Beth El's Rabbi Paul one exception is in Booth's Drazen said, "Obviously, home town where, according issues surrounding assimilato a review in the Des Moines tion, identity and growing up in a lar elv c h r i s t i a n Register, some members of the M a r i e n e Booth is the writer/produc& communit Jewish community likened the e r/director of Yidl in the Middle: * °ften,intensify at this time o f vear film to "airing dirty laundry in Growing Up Jewish in Iowa. > especially among our youth. We deliberately public." Despite what could be considered its heavy chose to show Yidl In the Middle on Dec. 25, and theme, the struggle between being different and we anticipate a lively audience discussion and diastill fitting in, Yidl In the Middle has been logue after the bights come up." Among those sharing their experiences of growdescribed as a "warm and funny film" by the ing up Snd living in towns with small Jewish comBoston Globe. v • In an interview, Booth talked aboutrgtowufgrtip rhunities will be Dorothy I^otok, Shane and David in a home where the inarches of John Philip Sousa Kotok and Heidi Horwitz, wife of Beth El's and the strains of "The Iowa Corn Song" played Associate Cantor Hazzan G. Michael Horwitz. side by side with Sophie Tucker singing "My Susie Drazen, Executive Director of the Central States and Provinces Region of United Synagogue Yiddishe Mama." She added,"As 1950s Iowans, we were polite to a of Conservative Judaism, will facilitate the dia. . fault and eager to please. We placed a high price on logue. Tickets for Yidl are $3.50 for adults and $2 for fitting in and not standing out." As Booth began writing and editing Yidl In the students. Free "Mini Theaters" will show various Middle, she found herself writing about things age-appropriate videos for little kids and children she'd felt but never put into words. "I was sur- throughout the evening. An Ice Cream Social is prised to discover how embarrassed I'd been when part of the program and sitter service will be prosomeone acted 'too Jewish,' or how I automatically vided at no charge.
Beth El presents world-premiere To Recreate the World by Joanie Jacobson
On Saturday evening, Jan. 22, 2000, Beth El Synagogue will join 39 other synagogues and temples across America and Canada in presenting a world premiere musical performance entitled L'MaasehVresikeet: ToRecreate the World. (Continued on page 10)
Cantors Michael Horwitz and Emil Berkovits have.begun rehearsing for To Recreate the World at Beth El on Jan. 22,2000.
December 17,1999
Washington 12: Young Leadership Conference "is the place to be" by Pam Monsky Federation Communications Director
Washington 12, the Young Leadership Conference for United Jewish Communities, takes place from Sunday, March 19, to Tuesday, March 21, 2000. With over 3,000 participants, this international conference is the largest gathering of young Jewish leaders, between the ages of 25 and 45, in the United States, Canada and Israel. The theme of this year's conference is. "Right Time...Right Place." The conference program is designed to inspire activism and participation in meeting the challenges for the new century. The conference includes five major plenaries with top political figures and entertainers, along with 60 workshops focusing on local, national and global issues within the Jewish community. "Washington 12' culminates with a visit to Capital Hill with all 3,000 participants. In addition to the regular programming, a festive Purim party featuring top entertainment is planned. Invited plenary speakers include President Clinton,' Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Secretary of State Madeline Albright, and Steven Spielberg. Past speakers have included President Clinton, President Bush, President Reagan, President Carter, Vice-president Gore, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Prime Minister Rabin, Prime Minister Shamir, Elie Wiesel,Carville and Matalin, Henry Winkler, Rita Rudner and numerous Senators and Members of Congress. , YJO co-chair Stacie Brodkey said that she is very excited to attend "Washington 12.' "This is the only conference that is geared to young leaders. The sessions are very well planned with national facilitators. It is a moving and inspirational experience," she added. The conference is limited to the first 3,000 registrants, and will sell out quickly. Registration is $400 before Jan. 1, and $440 after. The Jewish (Continued on page 2)
Livingston Foundation honors Morton Richards by Yale Richards
. Morton A. Richards, a former Omaha community leader and philanthropist, has been honored with a major contribution made in his name to Beth El Synagogue's 21st Century Endowment Fund. The grant, in the amount of $50,000, by the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation, has been announced by Robert I. Kully, Foundation President. Income from the grant will be earmarked for special educational and social programs at Beth El's Hebrew High School. Michael Abramson, President of Beth El, praised the gift, Btating, "It is wonderful to associate the name of Morton Richards, who truly is an Omaha stalwart, with our high school program." Rabbi Paul Drazen concurred,, saying, "It is with great joy that we establish this endowment, allowing us to continue to dream of new ways to teach our high school students about their Jewish heritage." Richards, who now resides in Laguna Woods, CA, with his wife, Vivian, served as a Trustee of the Foundation from 1972-1993, and as Vice-president. He has received numerous awards and commendations for his community and Jewish related activities. In 1991, he was named recipient of the Endowment Achievement Award by the Council of Jewish Federations for his "leadership, vision and dedication" on behalf of the Jewish Federation of
Morton Richards who, at 90, still promotes the continuity of Jewish tradition, with greatgrandsons, Adam and Andrew Somberg, after lighting the menorah. The boys, along with their parents, Carrie and Ken Somberg of Randolph, N.J., and their grandmother, Suzanne Richards Singer, made TT«"»Ulrfih a four-generation celebration. Omaha Endowment Fund. After moving to California, he received the award again for his service to the Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Orange County. While living in Omaha, Richards was a founding (Continued on page 2)