January 7, 2000

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SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS ' VoL LXXVmi

No. 18

Omaha, NE

29Tevet,5760

Marburgs tO chair 'Super Sunday 2000'

Hunger Relief donations top $30,000

January 7,2000

Community breakfast launches College of Jewish Learning

by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director

Deb and Dan Marburg will be heading Super Sunday 2000, which takes place on Feb. 6. Omaha Steaks has generously agreed to again open their telemarketing facility for this well-loved community event, which also includes a return of Kids' Super Sunday on Jan. 30.

Dim and Deb Marburg "Super Sunday is Important in 'a-.small Jewish community like Omaha because everyone is responsible for the success of the community," said Dan Marburg. "We hope to reach every Jew in the community, and encourage everyone to contribute what they can: There is no greater satisfaction than knowing you have helped someone in need, and the Annual Campaign is the best vehicle we have to reach out to others." Deb agreed* adding, "Everycontribution is .important,.no matter the size. Just the fact that you have contributed makes all the difference. We have : been working very hard to ensure that this is the best year ever!" .Traditionally, Super Sunday reaches 1,800 donors and raises over $45,000. "Everyone looks forward to Super Sunday," said Jan" Perelman, -Federation Executive Director. "The community involvement is unparalleled for a one-day, event, and the continuation of Kids' Super Sunday helps reinforce a valuable lesson to our children: I would also like to thank the generous businesses who donate goods and services for Super Sunday, especially the Simon family for the use of their facility. Their generosity to the community is really overwhelming," she added. Rounding out the Super Sunday committee are Susan and Greg Bramhall, Kevin and Patty Gilinsky, Steve and Patty Goldstein, Mark and Kim Schwartz and Jim and Sally Zipursky. For more information, please contact me at 3346431.

The Omaha Jewish community's Hunger Relief Initiative has reached contributions totaling $30,000, but Omaha is still far from our goal of $110,000. The Omaha Jewish community has joined with other communities around the country to raise emergency funds for elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union who are starving and in dire need of life's most basic necessities. 2000 Campaign Chairman Joel Alperson has seen the needs first hand and stressed the importance of raising funds for the relief effort. "Jews must take care of each other. There is no one else willing to step up and help these people, many of whom are alone and have lived through the horrors of the Holocaust," he said. "Every person in our Jewish community needs to contribute to this important cause. We are in the business of saving lives," he added. The money raised for Hunger Relief is in addition to the regular Annual Campaign. The contributions will be sent directly to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) for disbursement to the most needy of the elderly Jews. JDC estimates that there are 200,000 to .300,000 starving elderly Jews in the Former Soviet Union. Due to lack of funds, they are only reaching 175,000. The following points illustrate the situation.intheBormef Soviet.Union: ^-.-'-..:"'........ , • 32% of the Jews in the region are over 65. • Most have no relatives and live on an average of $20 per month. • JDC provides food, medical and home care to the 175,000 most needy. • Approximately 200,000 to 300,000 of those in need receive no help at all due to lack of funds. • A majority of those in need are Holocaust survivors who are trying to live out their lives with dignity. • • The Jewish Federation of Omaha is joining with Jewish communities across America to raise $21,000,000 to fight the hunger crisis in the Former Soviet Union. • 100% of the dollars raised will go directly to those who need it the most. If you would like to contribute, or need more information, please contact me.

Religious pluralism will be the topic for a community breakfast on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 7:30 a-m., in the Jewish Community Center auditorium. ; Guest speaker is Avraham Infeld, founder and president of the Melitz Centers for Zionist Education in Jerusalem. The breakfast is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha and the newly formed College of Jewish Learning Committee (formerly known as the Jewish Education and Library Services Adult Education Committee), headed by Leonard Greenspoon and Steve Riekes. Greenspoon holds the Klutznick Chair, for Judaic Studies at Creighton University. Riekes is a long-standing community leader and advocate for Jewish education. • . "Jewish education for adults, in my view, is prob-

Leonard Greenspoon S^evc Riekes ably the single most important priority for Jews throughout the world, as well as here in Omaha," said Riekes. "We can't perpetuate our Jewish heritage without a body of Jewish adults who have knowledge about their heritage and why it should continue." . The College of Jewish Learning Committee, which is funded by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, is involved in a number of upcoming projects including Esther 2000, a joint program with Creighton's Klutznick Chair and University of Nebraska's Harris Chair, according to Dr. Greenspoon. Federation Executive Director Jan Perelman said, "We are proud to have Steve and Leonard involved in Jewish education. These two men have made considerable contributions to the community. The Federation is committed to offering Jewish education opportunities to community members of all interest levels." • . (Continued on page 7) .'. : . '

Hoberman: Eyes wide shut, then opened by Gary Javitch

decades, he grew sucWe saw him often on TV as the businessman who cessfully, eventually would "not be undersold." So, we felt like we knew expanding his operahim. . tion to 14 service cenHowever, last month, Jerry Hoberman, former ters. In 1992, however, owner of a chain of auto service centers, revealed a he recorded his second picture of his life with which we were not familiar. straight year of red Speaking before the weekly Wednesday meeting of ink. His deteriorating the B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers, Hoberman economic situation described "How North Omaha Opened My Eyes forced him to reexamand Then My Heart" after he relocated his corpoine his entire organizarate headquarters to a predominantly black area of tion and operation. town. • ~ The heavy financial Uncharacteristically silent on this topic, pressures upon him Hoberman had not talked on the record before or were enormous and not since to anyone about his north Omaha experience, without consequence. nor had he given an interview to any reporters. I At an economic Until that Wednesday. Jerry Hoberman precipice, the service The B'nai B'rith guest presenter began with a brief history of the company he launched in 1969 center executive suffered both psychologically— with his first Tires, Jnc. store. For more than two becoming depressed-and physically, manifesting a

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number of symptoms. Relocating • '•;, After reviewing m a n y retrenchment options, Hoberman sought a new, less expensive base of

operations and decided to relocate to North Omaha. "It was a no brainer," he concluded. The space was just too cheap to pass up. For his decision, many of the City leaders hailed him as a hero. While Jerry didn't quite view himself in that category, he was certainly the man of the hour. To commemorate the start of operations at his new 60th and Ames location, Hoberman held a grand opening event. A number of dignitaries joined Mayor Hal Daub and Jerry in an elaborate ribbon-cutting ceremony. The big turnout also included the chamber of commerce president, city council members, many area residents, and quite a few of Jerry's friends. Area redevelopment was in full swing. (Continued on page 6)

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Jewish Preps, Omaha, NE

January 7,2000

ISRAEL EXPERIENCE GRANTS

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Too Busy to Listen

Applications for Israel Experience Grants and Financial Aid for Israel trips are available in the offices of Jewish Educational & Library Services.

by Rabbi Shlomo Levine OCTL Director

These one-time only grants, from the Jewish Federation of Omaha, are for students in grades

Parashnt Vaera . Therefore say to the Isrealites: I will remove you from the forced labor of Egypt and free you from 334-6445 slavery. I will liberate you with a demonstration of N ^ D e a d l i n e is Jan. 26,2000 / My power.. J will take you to myself as a nation, and I will be to you as a God.. J will bring you to the land.. .that I would give to Abraham, Isaac, Schollman's and Jacob." (Shmot 6:6-8). This four-fold promise outlines what lies in store Beautiful Decorative for the Jewish people. With miracles and signs God Cabinet, Door & will redeem them from slavery in Egypt and make Bath Hardware them into his nation, and lead them into the land Supplies of Israel. This promise was seen by the rabbis so HOUR& Mon-Fri 8-5; SaL 8-noon important that four was selected as the number of Schollman's, your personal hardware consultant cups of wine to be drunk at the Passover seder to 593-9210 parallel the four aspects of redemption contained in these verses. 8425 "F" St. (across from Acura) How did the Jewish people react to the news of re-established, 1998 their coming redemption? One might expect that they would rejoice. Even if they did not begin to R I T •••..-.. P R E S E: . H E A L ItH rejoice, lest the news be "too good to be true," one would think that they would at least be encouraged by the possibility that their freedom was near. ' : But in verse 9, we read how Moses tells the A Course in Life Skills for People on the Growing Edge Israelites of God's promise, and the Torah tells us Clarkson West Medical Center • 144th & West Center Road Educational Center • Room A regarding the people, They did not listen to Moses because of their broken spirit and hard work." If they only had listened to Moses's message and Monday, January 31,2000* 7:00-8.-00p.rn. even rejected it, because they did not think that Free Course Introduction for Parents and Teen Registration Moses's promise was authentic, they had heard limittd Soling-Maximum of'30 Students promises from others hi the past that had not come Participants will learn to tell the difference between the Choices and the Choice Maker, and also begin to understand how unique and special they are, true, or some similar reason, it would have been for each of us has special gills and talents we bring to possible for Moses to continue to talk to the people the world to enrich our shared life experience. and convince them to believe in God's prophesy. For More Information 1402) 334-3699 But the people did not even listen! They were too • •. E-mail: hedlhyspiriteuswcst.net vnbsilK iamihiallhyspiritcon HeBfSpml,ht busy with the mundane tasks the Egyptians had placed upon them to find time for Moses. The great prophesy of redemption, which we recall each year with four cups of wine at our seders, was never 9 - 1 2 .

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CUP & SAVE

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel Humash Class, 4:30 p.m., at Beth El Pardes, 8 p.m., at the home of Drs. Howard Gendelman & Bonnie Bloch, 125 S. 127th Plaza SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 Men's Club, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel OCTL Program, The First Learning Fair of the Third Millenium," 3 p.m. MONDAY, JANUARY 10 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. Adult Education Classes, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 WRJ Executive Committee, 11:30 a.m., at Temple Israel WRJ Board Meeting, Noon, at Temple Israel Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Drazen, Noon, at Beth El Bear Den Scouts, 7 p.m. Cub Scouts, 7 p.m. Renewal/Healing Service, 7 p.m., at Temple Executive Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Bamidbar with Rabbi Levin, 7:30 p.m., Beth Israel

•• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 ' Adult B'nai Mtzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel & THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 S Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. . A Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel

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The message of the'Torah, while no longer conveyed directly by1 prophets, is still being given to us today. How do we respond? Do we struggle, argue, reason, and try to understand? If we engage Torah with serious inquiry and thought our questions will meet with replies. But what if we, just like the ancient Israelites, do not even hear the words of Moses because of the other tasks we are busy with in our own lives. The Torah cannot respond to indifference. We have set aside tune and make the effort to study the Torah, because for the words of the Torah to pass us by unheard, is the greatest tragedy of all. •-

Beth El Sisterhood plans Shabbat On Saturday, Jan. 29, Beth El Synagogue will observe its annual Sisterhood Shabbat at a special service.during which women's voices, words and wisdom will be celebrated. Following services, a Kiddush luncheon will be served. The highlight of the luncheon will be an interactive session, "Women at Sinai: Reaching the Heights While Staying Weli Grounded," facilitated by Marti Rosen-Atherton, MS, LPC. According to Phyllis Hoffman, Chairman of the event, the entire community is invited to attend. There is no charge for the luncheon and session; seating reservations would be appreciated and can be made by calling Beth El at 492-8550.

MURIEL A. FRIED Graveside services for Muriel Fried were held Jan. 5 at Fisher Farm Cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Orville of Omaha; sons and daughters-in-law, Yale and Sharon Finkle of Yorba Linda, CA and Mike and Vicki Fried of Frederick, MD; son, Mike Finkle of Baltimore; brother, Gerald Mokofsky; grandchildren, Ashley Freid and Adam Fried, both of Frederick. Memorials to the Alzheimers Association, -Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or the Visiting Nurses Association. '

Members of Temple Israel attend UAHG Biennial by Iris Ricks

Thirteen members of Temple Israel attended the 65th Biennial Convention of the Union of. American Hebrew Congregations, held recently in Orlando, FL. The theme was Realizing God's Promise, Reform Judaism in the 21st Century. It featured 145 workshops, Torah study, Shabbat services, study luncheons and regional dinners, daily morning prayer, entertainment and the largest exhibition of Jewish artists, artisans and synagogue services ever held in North America. Rabbi Eric Yoffie delivered the Presidential sermon on Shabbat morning. , Rabbi Aryeh Azriel said, "I wish all 800 families in our congregation could have the opportunity to attend a biennial and become infused with,the energy to create and dream. I also wish the Omaha Jewish community would set aside funds to send leaders or potential leaders to different conferences, workshops and other gatherings to gain inspiration for our community." Lee Needelman was honored to be one of the leaders of a workshop entitled, "What's the Jewish Identity We're Developing? Signposts on the Road to Conversion." She was asked to join all of the Jews by Choice for an aliyah, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Outreach. ' Mimi Rogers stated, "I was able, to see the strength of the Reform movement deal with many changes....trying to infuse all its congregations with spirituality, meaning, adult learning and prayer." : Ducky Milder attended three HUC-JIR ScholarIn-Residence sessions with Dr. Michael Meyer, "Reform Judaism for the 21st Century." She said that "Temple is right on track" with what is happening ha the Reform movement. Temple Israel received two honorable mention awards at the convention: the Belin Outreach award for the "Outreach Shabbat," and the Irving J. Fain award for Social Action for "Are We All Created in God's Image?- Gay/Lesbian Issues and Challenges in our Jewish Community." The delegates also witnessed the election of Jane Rips to Vice-president of the Board of Directors of UAHC. Others attending included Elyce Azriel, Paul Epstein, Stephanie Grossman, Harlan Rips, Barbara Rips, Iris Ricks and Dorothy Spizman. •'

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AD events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated The Jewish Press Is not responsible lor the accuracy of the events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marisne Hert at 3344437.

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January 7, 2000

& SYNAGOGUES

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

PageS

CANDLELIGHTING; 4:52 p.m.

•vT.V BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE ,

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Street, Omahai-NE 68132-^651 '; 1

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.. '(FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 7 p.m.--A short service of songand prayer, which includes a story with Rabbi Stiel and songs with Patty Nogg, followed by cookies and juice, will be held for toddlers through children in the primary grades and their families. An Oneg, Sponsered by Wendy and John Vann in honor of their son Jacob's third birthday, will follow. • Shabbat evening service, 8 p.m.-Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. The v Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Kate and Tom Kirshenbaum in honor of the naming of their granddaughter, Kathleen Tompkins Kirshenbaum. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 asn.; • Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a m . '•••• SDNDAYi Men's Club, 10 a m . Guest speakers Ann and Mike Boyle will lead a discussion on •'• Omaha politics. Traditional lox and bagel breakfast—free for members, $3 for non-members; Service of Healing and Renewal, open to the community, 7 p.m., in the Livingston Chapel. FRIDAY, J a n . 14: Shabbat Dinner and Family service. Storyteller Rita Paskowitz is guest speaker ' at the 7:15<p.m.;8ervice. Call Temple for information and reservations.. . ^ ! SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available each Friday evening, Saturday mornings for Bagels and Bible and the worship service, as well as Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Cost is $2 per family. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, J a n 11: NEW CLASS--aMystical Places in the Heavens on Earth-Introduction to the Kabbalah," facilitated by Professor Guy Matalon, visiting instructor in the Department of ' Philosophy and Religion at UNO. This class will meet Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. through Feb. 29. Mysticism in the Bible and post-biblical literature will be explored as well as the origins and development of Kabbalah. Mystical texts, such as The Zohar, will be read and the implications of a mystical approach to religion in the modern world will be discussed. Explore the power of prayer, religious language and the nature of our relationship • ' with God! NOTE: Other Kabbalah and History courses will be listed in next week's issue of the Jewish Press. THURSDAY, J a n . 13: Sisterhood Adult Education, 10-11:30 a m . Rabbi Debbie Stiel will teach "The Sages of, the Middle Ages-Learning about the '; three R's of Judaism." FRIDAY, J a n . 14: Jewish Spirituality, 9:3011 a m , Mimi Rogers will lead this group in read...ings, discussion, Jewish meditation and Jewish

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BEYT SHALOM,

' . An Affiliate of tho " 'Jewish Beconstructionist Federation

3012 S. 119th St., P.O. Box 241130, / Omaha, NE 68124-5130 phone:<758-9233 http^/come.to/beytshalom/ : ,^,-,

FRIDAY: Trope class, 6:45 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY and TUESDAY: Religious School at theJCC. Rabbi Myer Kripke will resume his adult education class this Sunday, 12:30 p.m., at the JCC. Open to the community at no charge. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and drink. • Beyt Shalom has a special Tot Shabbat, open to the entire community, every month: The next one is J a n . 14 at 7 p.m. • SATURDAY, J a n . 15: Shabbat morning services, conducted by Beyt Shalom, in the Rose Blumkin Home Chapel, 9 a.m. TU B'SHEVAT SEDER Saturday, J a n . 22,5:30 p.m., at the synagogue. The seder will include a potluck dairy vegeterian dinner, followed by Havdalah and singing. Please call to make a reservation. '

* t" x ,,\":Wi»mfr&"oHae Union of .' j^OrthpaoXjJowinb Cqngtej#itioiui of America^.

? 1602 No!feand |treet,'Omaha, NE 68104-5013 ', 'K~! ( * •< ', &S6-6288 ' . *••' \ BetMsrael@novia.net Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-nooj). Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Services, 4:55 p.m.; NCSY Shabbaton with members of the Kansas City Kollel. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 am., followed by Kiddush in honor of Mike Katzman's birthday, spon*66red by his family; "Insights into the Parsha," 4 p.m.; Mincha, 4:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:57 p.m.; Pardes, 8 pan., at the home of Drs. Bonnie Bloch and Howard Gendelman. Pardes is adult education promoting spiritual and intellectual growth through group discussion of Torah. This session's topic: "Gender, Part 1: the Distiguishing Factors of Men and Women," led by Rabbi Kutner. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 5 p.m. Hebrew School Parent meeting, 11 a.m. All parents of students in grades 3-12 should attend to discuss importanat changes. Refreshments will be served. ; WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 cum.; Mincha, 5 pan. TUESDAY: Rabbi Shlomo Levin teaches a Chumash class on Sefer Bamidbar, the book of Numbers, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioners Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

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CHABAD HOUSE

Omaha,1S[E 68154-1980, ' '

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WEB~wvrw.bethel-omaha.orff

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantors Emil Berkovits and G. Michael Horwitz. FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. J o s h u a Sweet, son of Mark Sweet, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Friday evening and Saturday morning. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Sitter service, 10 am.; TSS, 10 am.jK'tantan, 10:45 am.; Shabbat Story time, 11 a n . Humash with Rashi study session, 4:25 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 4:55 pjn. . SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Perek Yomi "Read a Chapter a Day" group, 10:15 a m . WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a m . and 5:30 p.m. ADULT B'NAI MITZVAH CLASS I Classes will continue on Wednesday, J a n . 12, 7:30 p.m. ALEF/ADULT LIFELONG EDUCATION The ALEF program for adults who want to study and celebrate Judaism will start Monday, J a n . 10, and run for eight successive Monday nights through Feb. 28. Classes, open to the entire community, will explore Beginning Hebrew Reading, Jewish Cooking Around the World, Jews in Film, Davening 101, Search for Spirituality and much more. For details and registration, call Beth El.

An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitah Movement

1866 So. 120th S t . Omaha, NE 68144-1646 - ^ j Phone: 330-1800 , ! y " ^ J E-MAIL-chabad@aoLcom ' ' '• WEBSITE: •www.cb.abad.centers.com/oinaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Mincha, 4:30 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:15 p.m.; Kiddish and Shabbat dinner, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudah; Ma'ariv/Havdallah, 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. MONDAY: Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul, / 11:45 a.m.-l p.m. TUESDAY: A Tale of Two Souls, 9-.30-11 a m . WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m.

OFFUTAIR

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.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a m , led by Steve Riekes. Members of the community are welcome. All services followed by Kiddush. A memorial service is held on the last Shabbat of each month, in memory of residents who have died.

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE

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Member of the Union of American Helnvw Congregations

2061 S. 20th S t , Lincoln, NE 08502-2797 " 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Sabbath service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah study, 10:30 a m .

Temple Israel to present special musical service by Iris Ricks

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Temple Israel will Celebrate Shabbat Shirah on J a n . 21,8 pan., with a special musical service composed by Cantors Stephen Richards and Richard 618 Mynster St, Council Bluffs, IA 51&I&0766 Phone:322-4705 - E-MAIL; docjep@aoi.com Botton entitled Echadl or'-"One!" Echad is a musical service that rejoices in the FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Discussion topic is unity of the Jewish people with one God.- It strives "An eye-witness account and personal reaction of a to be a spiritual experience bringing the cantor, 13-year-old lad who just visited Israel." An Oneg choir and congregation together as one, drawing Shabbat, prepared by Peggy Deland and Sandra nearer to Echad, or God. Kurland, follows. Almost everything in the service will be sung. Temple's Kol Rina choir will participate and Cantor TIFERETH ISRAEL Blum will facilitate the worship. A special siddur (prayer book) has been prepared for the service. ' , '", Member of the United Synagogue < , ' of Conservative Judaism "' . Cantor Botton's dream was to create a completely 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 musical Shabbat that would be totally accessible to " ,. f.7423-8569 congregations. To realize his dream, he selected his < , •Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. colleague and friend, Cantor Stephen Richards, whose talents include composing and arranging Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7:15 ajn. Jewish music. FRIDAY: Services, 8 pjn. Much of the music is based on the chant "The SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Song of the Sea, Az Yashir Moshe," which is a comADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS: Jewish Thought & Philosophy I Rabbin- mon melody found in most Jewish traditions. That evening, Temple will also honor three individics: Pirkei Avot with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 1010:55 am.; Jewish Practices and Observances: The uals who have gone above and beyond to enrich our Shabbat Seder (Jan. 9, 23 & 30)-learn how to "make musical lives at Temple. Through leading the choirs, Shabbos," led by Nancy Coren; Tanach/Bible-Perek worship and teaching the children, Will Wallace, Yomi (A Daily Chapter), with Rabbi Rosenbaum, Mike Walts and'Jeff Taxman will be recognized for their many hours of service and devotion. 11:05 ajn-noon.; The community is invited to participate in this WEDNESDAYS: Basic Judaism with Rabbi special evening of song, worship and gratitude. Rosenbaum, 7:15-9:15 p.m. .

- , B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE , , ,,

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 7,2000

The journey continues

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The lives of more than 80 were changed last week when Omaha's Family Mission returned from their 10day trip to Israel. No, it wasn't because of any terrorist attack (thank God) or major political event, but because Israel is now a part of their lives. This isn't the first Family Mission from Omaha, and hopefully, it won't be the last. But for both the firsttimers on this particular trip, and the veteran visitors to Israel, this trip created something very special. While party-goers were reveling at raucous events elsewhere, these 80 adults and children were celebrating Shabbat together in a small hotel in Jerusalem, Judaism's holiest place. Parents placed their hands on the heads of their children, reciting the blessings Jews have said for generations: "May you be like Ephraim and Menashe" (for the sons) and "May you be like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah" (for the daughters); May God bless you and watch over you; may God shine His Countenance upon you and show you favor; (and) may God give you peace." These words are recited every Shabbat in thousands of Jewish homes all over the world. But what made these words so special last Shabbat was the time and the place. Judaism is 'big' on separating secular time from holy time, and secular places from holy ones. This is apparent in the Hebrew word for holy, kiddush, which actually means "separate." Shabbat itself has been called an "island in time," by the late Rabbi

Abraham Joshua Heschel. That con-' cept has allowed Jews to keep out the noise and stress of the everyday, mundane world for a 25-hour period of time. Our sages have said that though "Jews have kept the Shabbat," it is "Shabbat that has kept the Jews." Shabbat in Jerusalem is like' Shabbat in no other place...close to where Judaism began, close to the stones where the Temple stood and where heroic sages like Rabbi Akiva once walked. Shabbat begins with the greetings of "Shabbat Shalom" by smiling shopkeepers, with the smell of freshly-baked challah wafting from bakeries, with the singing of Shalom Aleichem echoing from courtyards across the Old City. Sharing Shabbat in Jerusalem with family and friends is an exquisite moment in time and place. And yes, it has changed forever the way we will look at one another once we're back in Omaha. Now the question becomes, how can we continue this journey? Of course, one hope is that Shabbat will now be a permanent part of the lives of each of these families. And that they, in turn, will help others to experience the beauty of this "island in time" with others. If Shabbat in Jerusalem can change the lives of 20 families, could a Shabbat in Omaha change the lives of 2000? Imagine how this community could recharge its Jewish batteries with one Friday night when every Jew celebrates Shabbat! The journey can continue with this one step.

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Letter to the Editor To the Editor: I was so thrilled to read in the Jewish Press of Mr. Davis' wonderful gift to the JCC Building Fund/CDC. Like Mr. Davis, I have been very impressed with the staff and program of the Child Development Center. As a parent of two CDC kids, I feel very fortunate to know that my kids are being loved and nurtured every day by the most caring and welltrained day care staff imaginable. As a rabbi and a

I may not be able to predictthe future but I can help you prepare for it.

The CDC is expensive and is difficult for many to committed Jew, I could not be more delighted with the early Jewish education my eldest son, Micah, is afford. However, scholarships do exist and, hopefulalready getting at the CDC preschool. Beyond ly, an endowment will be set up to keep the cost doing Jewish arts and,crafts, he comes home from being prohibitive for middle class families. I repeating the stories of our tradition, talking to us hope every young Jewish child in our community about the holidays and Jewish customs, and recit- will have the opportunity to benefit from the incredible new facility, that Mr. Davis so generously ing blessings and songs. Without any doubt, these young years are forma- helped to fund, and that Linda Novak, Dinah Raful tive ones. Thus, one cannot overstate the value of and the CDC staff have made such a special place. Rabbi Debbie Stiel this early Jewish education for our kids.

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, JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred. Tichauer, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; 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 notnecessarily 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. ,

January 7,2000

by Teddy Weinberger

byCariAIpert

September, 1938, the infamous Munich Pact was signed, awarding the Sudetenland to Germany. It was made'clear Uiat Hitler had no further territorial ambitions, and'that the integrity of what remained of Czechoslovakia was to be respected. Minor questions were left to later negotiations. Chamberlain returned to a tumultuous welcome in London and euphoria reigned as he proudly announced that he had achieved "peace in our time." Only six months later Hitler's army overran Czechoslovakia. Later came Poland, and we know what followed. It was of no consolation to the Jews that, as Golda Meir pointed out, "the Chamberlain government gave way to Arab blackmail in much the same fashion that it was giving way to the Nazis." One man who dared to challenge Chamberlain was Winston Churchill, who once referred to the latter as "that undertaker from Birmingham." It was Churchill who bore the brunt of the catastrophe caused by the policy of appeasement. We come back to the present. Israel's Prime Minister, who is known to be a loner, consulting no one, promises us a "peace" completely oblivious of the woithlessness of a pledge made by a dictator who disdains meeting with him, but sends bis foreign minister, who even refuses to shake hands. With a heavy heart we watch the unfolding of a scenario which holds so many parallels to what occurred hi Europe 60 years ago. There is one hope. Any pact which Barak may initial will be subject to approval by the Knesset and by the citizenry of Israel hi a pubh'c referendum. We have confidence' in the intelligence of the Israelis, and active opposition to appeasement of Assad is already being organized. We sometimes wonder if the history of Europe and of the world might have been different if Britain had been militarily prepared for a showdown, and if there had been opposition and public controls back home.

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With me toGivati

Peace in our time

Haifa-Self-confident Ehud Barak, Israel's Prime Minister, is engaged in negotiations with Syria ove^the future of the Golan Heights and peace between the two countries. Barak has announced thiat his goal is "the peace of the brave" and that it wilrinvolve ' a painful price including withdrawal and changes hi existing borders.* ' Ignoring the fact that Syria's head, Assad, is an absolute dictator with an untrustworthy and bloody record, Barak has publicly referred to him aa a 'strong and brave* leader, t h e most important leader hi the history of Syria.* Lets see how far this kind of compliment gets him. We have heard nothing reciprocal from Assad. While we await the outcome of the negotiations we cannot refrain from reflecting on a previous chapter hi recent history which, though different in character, has nmnging parallels to our present situation. Reference is to the British Prime Minister who promised that he had achieved "peace in our time." We recall.... In defiance of post-war agreements, Adolf Hitler proceeded openly to arm Germany to the teeth. Chosen to leadership in a democratic election, he proceeded to abolish democracy and established a ruthless dictatorship. His intentions were not hidden. Among other ambitions, he wanted territory, most immediately the Sudeten district of Czechoslovakia, which was adjacent to Germany., He made it clear that if he could not get it by agreement he would take it by force. The Prime Minister of Britain was Neville Chamberlain. He was determined to guarantee peace hi Europe. Reports at the time noted that he was autocratic in character, extremely self-confident, and surrounded by advisers who were yesmen. He did not understand that appeasement does not work with dictators. And so a very eager Chamberlain began the negotiations. Hitler never came to London, but Chamberlain went to see him in Germany three times, and in

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Besides this column, my other regular writing job is as Hebrew book reviewer for The Jerusalem Post.

Over the course of the year, The Jerusalem Post receives several hundred books in Hebrew for review. All of these books become my property, though I can only review a small number of them. I end up donating' most of the books to various libraries, and all the books that are appropriate for children go to my children's school. Recently, I debated whether or not to donate a particular book. The book is called With Me to Givati, and gives young people an idea of what they can expect upon being drafted into one of the fighting units in the Israeli military (Givati is a ground-troop battalion). As the introduction indicates, one of the goals of the book is to encourage the reader to hearken to Givati's call "to join in her service, in the thrilling experiences and exciting challenges that await all of us, together in Givati." Such a book is obviously going to overstate the appealing elements of life in Givati. Indeed, a caption to one of the full-color photographs in the book reads "kravi hachi achi" (a slogan that one can occasionally see on bumper stickers here, which roughly translates as "fighters are the most dedicated citizens"). ; Well, I thought at first, I know what this book is really about: itfs about continuing the cycle of violence, it's about turning little boys into toilers— and I was not about to place this military propaganda in my children's school. Then I thought again. Like it or not, Israel must have a strong military, including strong fighting units. Boys, are going to have to join Givati for the foreseeable future, otherwise Israel will not be able to defend itself against its enemies—if s as simple as that. With Me to Givati might be propaganda, but Israel still needs this kind of propaganda in order to get its brightest and fittest youth into its most demanding military units. Just about all of Israel participates in this propaganda: the soldiers in the different super-elite forces in Israel's Army, Navy and Air Force are looked upon and treated with awe and reverence.' Little is said about the correlation between the excitement that these forces offer and the mortal danger inherent in their service. . Israeli parents are in a related bind to the one I had over the book: on the one hand, you want your child to contribute to the fullest extent of his or her abilities in service to their country; on the other hand, you sure would sleep better if this service turned out to be shuffling papers behind a desk somewhere far from any "action." When the son of an Israeli friend of mine went into a fighting unit, my friend said, "Itoldhim what my parents told me, 'Get into a nice, boring unit.' I didn't listen to my parents and he is not listeningtome." My friend said this to me with some amount of pride. Indeed, as that "kravi hachi achi" slogan indicates, Israeli society has made enlistment as a fighter into a key indicator of a person's civic responsibility. Annual figures are published showing the percentage of draft-age youth who express a desire to join one of the military's fighting units, and some read these figures as bellwethers of the current level of idealism in the society. ',. . • : . • My copy of With Me To Givati is now the property of the religious public school in Givat Ze'ev. . Choosing c M d care One of the most important decisions parents make. Check It out:

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Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 7,2000

Jerry Hoberman (Continued from page 1) Although many praised Jerry for his relocation, even before the cheering stopped, a concerned coterie of friends called him foolish for his site selection in an area with a higher crime rate. Indeed, a number of incidents compelled Hoberman to question his choices. Doing business daily in north Omaha differed markedly from the way it was handled in their former mid town location. Suddenly, it seemed that everyday business problems all had a racial coloring. Jerry recalled that "a car was damaged when being backed out of the repair stall and the manager handled the situation poorly by not calling the car's owner in a prompt or timely manner." Although the car owner was assured the entire situation would be corrected to his satisfaction, the negotiation was felt to be unfair. Other minor situations were also blown out of proportion. Had Hoberman stepped into a deep, dark hole? Indeed, following another incident, Hoberman, himself, received threats against his personal safety and the building security. This prompted the "Tireman" to keep a gun on the premises. The outlook appeared even bleaker a short while later after another racial episode. This time, an employee used a derogatory term with Mrs. "M," an African-American customer. If Hoberman had his eyes closed to the company's racial difficulties before, this Woman's situation now had his full attention. Jerry invited the distraught woman into his office. He apologized and asked her advice on how he could make things right. She registered quite a few complaints, which surprised him. To the woman and many of her neighbors, his staff was not doing a good job. Among other inappropriate actions, the employees treated their customers arrogantly and disrespectfully. Furthermore, these were not isolated incidents, they were pervasive. Sensitivity Issues Hoberman appeared to be on the wrong side of a civil rights struggle, similar to those in the '60s— without the dogs or the overt violence. Strangely, this nightmarish situation was not happening to some southern racist, but to Jerry Hoberman, a white,.liberal, Midwesterner, a noted and celebrated civic leader—-and it was not a dream. In the end, Mrs. "M" had some suggestions, which energized the company president. She urged Hoberman to get "sensitivity" training for himself and his whole staff. A good listener, Hoberman attacked this challenge head on, determined to resolve the quandary and make a difference. In the intervening months, the Tires, Inc., leader did just that. With the encouragement of Mrs. "M," Hoberman invited a successful black accountant to speak to the company. The accountant told a number of stories about the discrimination he had faced, but one incident in particular remained vivid to Jerry. It took place at the Orange Julius counter in the Westroads Mall.

At times, speaking conversationally, and at moments, raising a compassion-filled voice, Jerry recounted the pain and anger the CPA described. The accountant had waited in line for what seemed to be an extremely long time. When his turn to be served finally arrived, the clerk looked at him, then left and made an extended'telephone call. Forced to wait a few minutes longer and now seething, the accountant had to raise his voice to be served. This was not the first time the Tires, Inc., visitor had been ignored that way. Despite his education and social status, the CPA walked around in a white world as if he were the "invisible man." "A white person would not have been treated this way," Jerry exclaimed to the Breadbreakers. "The African-American presenter really opened my eyes." . The Tires, Inc., staff also heard their visitor describe some other frustrations. He pointed to the failing educational system in the black areas with its outdated books, old equipment, and low test scores. He mentioned racial profiling and other community relations problems they had with police. The evidence had been all around him, but until the CPA's heartfelt discussion, Hoberman had not really seen it. "Many things we as white Americans took for granted, theses north Omahans could not," Hoberman commented. We were not immune to discrimination problems just because we lived in the Heartland. Hoberman, now more attuned to it, observed it in many places. Sometimes it was a struggle for blacks to exist, Jerry told a rapt audience. To further expand staff awareness, Hoberman brought in other presenters. Besides hearing from persons of color, he asked visually impaired people, disabled individuals, and others to share their views and experiences. Community benefits Soon, changes began to take shape within the corporate culture. Tires, Inc. proactively began a hiring program that included people from the neighborhood. The company even provided job training for some positions. ' They went one step further. The company adopted Belvedere Elementary, a school in their neighborhood. The school did not have a distinctive academic record. Fifty-six elementary schools in OPS, this school ranked second from the bottom in reading tests. In describing the impact of Jerry Hoberman on their neighborhood and school, Belvedere principal Carol Ellis could not stop singing the praises of Hoberman and his wife, Cookie. In the five years of their involvement in the school, the school made great progress; She especially noted his fundraising work in getting many new computers and printers

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for the school. That allowed the school's graduates to be more competitive at the middle school level. He also helped them' get new playground equipment. '.-. ' The principal extolled Cookie's work,'too. She spent' about a week at the school each quarter assisting each student in setting reading and math goals. "Even after his retirement, both continued to work for the school," she related. .. From his business, Jerry brought to the school the idea of a "Winners Circle" award. Children who improved academically were recognized for their achievements at a special dinner. This got parents more involved in their children's activities. Eventually, the school's test scores rose. "From close to the bottom they moved up tofifteenth,"the principal beamed. "The parents were as deeply appreciative of the Hoberman's work as the staff and I were," Ms. Ellis said. Coinciding with his forming partnerships within the community, Tires, Inc. began its fiscal turnaround also. More north Omahans were hired. Money spent in the community was being returned directly and indirectly to the neighborhoods. The company returned to profitability. In October, 1998, Hoberman sold his company and has since opened a private consulting business. Mayor: Daub has always had a keen interest in Hoberman's new location. He had grown up in that neighborhood. Reflecting on the impact of Hoberman's move, His Honor- said Hoberman's relocation resulted in a positive employment market in the northern part of the city. That led to stabilization in a key intersection within a set of residential neighborhoods. He gave Jerry further credit for having "enough economic savvy to understand the true economic benefits of his move and the courage to stick it out, knowing it would be difficult. He and his wife are sensitive and compassionate people." What had been for Jerry a decision based solely on economic survival, instead became much more than that. It evolved into a story about determination and commitment and a chronicle of learning and giving. .• . Ethnic Jokes In telling his story for the first time, the reluctant Hoberman had started his speech early and finished it 15 minutes past the adjournment time. Yet, no one left. His impassioned presentation held the group's full attention. It was apparent that the move to north Omaha had an enormous impact on Hoberman. His closing thoughts seemed to characterize what he had learned about race, discrimination, and insensitivity when he brought up the subject of ethnic jokes and concluded, "I just don't tell them anymore."'

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January 7,2000

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January 7,2000

Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Paul Drazen

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

College of Jewish Learning

(Continued from page 1) Avraham Infeld is the first in a series of speakers Bush's remarks have renewed concerns over the extent to which his religious beliefs would influ- co-sponsored by the Federation and the College of ence his political policies, possibly at the expense of Jewish Learning Committee. Born in South Africa, Infeld immigrated to Israel in 1959. He has dediother religions. To reserve your Lunch and Learn meal, call Pat cated his life to Jewish and Zionist education in by 10 a.m. on Jan. 11 at 334-6522, or bring your Israel and throughout the Diaspora. Melitz is a non-profit educational service instituown pareve lunch. Reservations may also be made tion, seeking to foster a Jewish identity that is rooted through Beth El at 492-8550. Copies of the article Rabbi Drazen will discuss in a pluralistic understanding of Jewish life and the centrality of Israel. It amis to revitalize the relationare available at the synagogue office. ship between Israel and the Diaspora, creating a constructive and realistic understanding of both.

by Ozzle Nogg

Eabbi Paul Drazen will lead his monthly Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, Jan. 11, noon-1 p.m., in the Rose Blumkin Home conference room. .The topic will be a recent article in The Forward u that examines Republican presidential candidate QeorgeW. Bush's statement that Jesus is the political philosopher or thinker with whom he most "identifies and that "when you turn your heart and life over to Christ, when you accept Christ as a savior, it changes your heart and changes your life, and that's what happened to me."

ORT announces multimedia art competition

Family Mission experiences Israel

The ORT Resource Center invites all Jewish students ages 5-18 to participate in a national multimedia art competition. This year's theme is "Jewish Compassion for Living Things," or Tzaar Baalei Hayim Ve Tzmahim. The contest focuses on themes in Judaism relating to human interaction with animals, plants and the natural world. Entries should illustrate this theme in some fashion; possible topics include Biblical stories, Jewish holidays, the agricultural calendar and mitzvoth. The competition will accept'entries in two categories: traditional media and multimedia. Traditional media entries, including paintings, drawings (crayon, pastel, or pen-and-ink) or collage, must be no larger than standard letter-size paper (81/2"xll")i Multimedia entries may include videos or CD-ROM presentations (hyperstudio/powerpoint). All entries must be .carefully labeled with entrants' name, age, grade, home address and telephone number. If students enter through their school, they should include the school's name, address, telephone number, teacher's name, and grade level on each entry. Group entries are welcome (for example, a class collaborates on a CDROM). All entries become the property of ORT Resource Center. Deadline: All entries must be received between Tu B'Shevat, Jan. 22, and Passover. Winners will be announced during Sephirat Ha'Omer--the days 1 between Lag B'Omer and Shavuot. Mail entries to Nurit Sharon, ORT Resource Center, 69-30 Austin Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375.Questions? Call Nurit at 718-268-7110 or e-mail snurit@drtopsusa.org The ORT Resource Center, a division of ORT Operations USA, is a national Jewish educational organization based in New York. -The Resource Center promotes the integration of computer technology and Jewish learning through student competitions, teachers' training workshops and educational programs for Jewish schools. . ;

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 7,2000

A New Centary, A New HilleniiiaH), Another Year by Tony Endelman — I must be different. I don't care that it's a new millennium. I have to question the mentality of someone whose garage is stocked with flashlights and bottled water. I don't believe that the world is near its end. I must be nuts for thinking that time is a continuous process and that we are simply in another year. My expectations for the year 2000 are about the same as my expectations were going from 1998 to 1999. I'm sure there will continue to be gradual technological advances as usual. Some of these will greatly benefit businesses worldwide, and others will anger parents who just bought their child an obsolete video game system. People with large CD collections will certainly enjoy the MiniDiso craze, and you may want to stop staring at your 81inch, high-resolution television and go pick up a DVD player. While you're at it, put down your Palm Pilot and take a look at the computer you recently purchased. It's too slow; buy a new one. Don't leave the house though. Just order it over the Internet and realize that you can't stop the world from further development. As for me personally, I'm 16 years old and have a fairly limited budget. Current advances in technology concern me mostly for my own entertainment purposes. I will go about my daily schedule as I

have been doing for the past 16 years and exoecting no extraordinary and sudden changes. The biggest problem for me will most likely be remembering I to put "00" on Mhe heading of } all of my homeiwork assign1 ments.

I will still argue 1 with my parents, • eat fast food, and watch an Tony hour of The Simpsons every night. In other words, this year will generally be about the same as last year. I am proud to say that I am completely aware of what is happening in the world. And through the lengthy scientific process of stepping outside and breathing in fresh air, I have concluded that there is nothing to worry about and, if in the unlikely there is, there's probably nothing we can do about it So, I suggest sticking to simple New Year's resolutions: eat healthier, stop smoking, learn to play an instrument and relax. It's just another year.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Marina's poem won the "Achievement In Writing Award" from the National Council of Teachers of English. He states into the night, his eyes so solemn Remembering the times gone by The times so full ofpaii and sorrow Yet fuBofvigorand much pride.

2000 DON'T JUDGE A "SPORT" — by Ben Gerber BY ITS COVER- important thing you can do when you play sports is have fun. I think that when kids are involved in sports, they are less likely to be involved with drugs, gangs, and committing crimes. I think kids who are involved with sports in their F. "IOOIS do better academically, because you have to have all passing grades to be on . the team and compete. Kids who don't do well in school but are good at sports will try extra hard to get their grades up to make the team. If I didn't have sports in my life, my life would be very different. I can't even imagine myself without sports, because it has such an impact on my life. Sports are one of the greatest things that kids can participate in today. And being on a team can give you the satisfaction of knowing that you belong to something that is good for you. You don't have to be great to play at a sport. You don't even need to keep score, just have fun playing the game. I think even people who don't like sports should still be involved in other activities that teach them the same values in life. Ben Is an eighth grader at Beverldge Middle School, a member of NCSY and Beth Israel Synagogue.

The shrieks of horror never bit them As they ran off to the forest of hope The bullets readyto empale them' Ifone wrong move they were to show.

' '*'

But Mm tne bey looked at tvs young bother His hand was filled with fresh warnr blood He let him go without looking The body sinking in the mud

The night they came, they lined his parents To take them to the torture place And on the way the chUdren wondered If thats theirparents'last embrace.

The boy continued to Ught for freedom Inside the dense forest of hope His family now gone forever But left am memories of chUnod.

Ttoniwony,"said the young brave father To family consumed by fear I know this will not last much longer They will redeem us, well see home again

The dawn of autumn woke up the forest The rifles ready for the mbelBous boy • '.'. Who dared to break the deadly rules Either way, they would destroy.

But this prediction, his sacred promise Did not hold true when they arrived And realizing the true horror They hid the children from the sight

And thus, escaping the thick dense forest .'. He found life on the other side , .; / They gam him food, shelter, and clothing To help them battle the last fight.

They won\od all day, it seemed forever To dig their final resting place The mother pleading for redemption Kissing softly her chihfs hungry face.

And marching onward, he showed the world Revenging for his brothers'Bves He took them head on, without rifles His brilliant plans destroying death.

The minutes seemed to last Eke hours . In this horrific fireplace The hope stm lingered within the father To whom they gave their last embrace.

Btfrnw.ashecorKbdeshisfeslastchapter His family around his bed He feels worthy of the gales of heaven The worid win not yet forget

tony Is a Junior at Burke, a member of And on this faithful day it happened AZAH.USYandTemple Israel. When they wens linedrightthere to die Thefather'scry reached out to heaven As he fell down before his children's eyes.

jvrtfiecfutxfrm oftheivortit

A lot of people think that all sports is about is getting a ball in a hole or crossing the finish line. I strongly disagree with that idea. The values that sports have taught me are f used in my | everyday life, I whether it is in my classroom or with my friends [ at the movies. Sports teach-1 es me patience, I it builds my social skills, and I .helps me inter-1 act with people | my own age. Ben Sports are also great because competing with people my own' age is very challenging, The many hours of hard work and practice are all put on the line during a game. The best thing about competing is that the worst that can happen is you might lose. When you lose, it only makes you stronger, so I think that losing isn't even that bad. People don't play sports just to win, they also play to have fun. The most

by Marina Tsed -—

And as his last breath is taken My eyes are overfilled with tears My grandfather, the brave young fighter I make, apromise-the/llneverforget ,,:.,

The mother's eyes, filled full of sorrow Marina, who moved to the United States Gently let go of her son's hand (Omaha) in 1991 from Belarus, Is a senior Who took the chance to save his brother Leading him to unknown land. ...-.•.,.. at Central.

byJillCanfield Five months before I even tried out for. because I was going to Disney World.' I had studied my lines hard, and I had The Boxcar Children, I knew I wanted to be in it. I've been acting in plays at the them all down, but I didn't study at all in Omaha Theater Company for Young the week we were in Florida, so when I came back, I was slightly unprepared. "People since 1996. , In the summer of 1998, I was in Fortunately, I didnt.forget any of my, Charlotte's Web. I was looking through lines on the first performance. It was a the roster of the 1998-1999 season when success! I stayed after to sign autoI saw that the OTCYP would be putting graphs and found cut that the kids and on the play The Boxcar Children. I decid- adults watching had really loved the ed that if they were casting children in it, show. I would try out. One of the most interesting things One Sunday that December, I checked about being in this play was the publicity the newspaper for auditions, as I always lit got. The do. Sure enough, Boxcar Children did Boxcar Children-: want children between the ages of 10 was in the, and 14 to try out for "Violet." I was 12, Entertainment almost 13 at the time and, of course, I I section of the decided to try out. newspaper and There were about 70 kids, boys and had a few other girls, at the tryouts. The boys were trying articles in there, out for the littlest child in the play, too. I even got "Benny." All of the girls were trying out I interviewed on a for "Violet." I auditioned and tried to act morning TV as best I could. I wasn't sure if I was I show with the good enough, but I did try. j rest of the cast. A little over a week later, the director of .... My last perforthe play called and said I had gotten the mance was Feb. part She was going to send the script to 20, 1999.1 had a great time doing the me through the mail, and our rehearsals play. Two of my friends had even come would start in a few weeks. I was so to one of the performances, on Feb. 6,, excited! This would be the biggest play I the day before my 13th birthday. "" : had ever been in! . The last performance was Feb. 21, Rehearsals were fun. The cast really with the other kids who played Benny: made me feel at home. The play was dou- and Violet I was in the audience. ; ble-cast, which meant there were two I still miss being in The Boxcar Violets and two Bennys. So I did have Children, and it's been nearly a year; some other kids to talk to. We would switch since it ended. It was one of my most fun off for performances, because some were experiences ever, and I would do it again during school hours and they didnt want in a heartbeat. I'm just so glad I got to be' us to miss a whole day of school. part of such a wonderful play, and I'll I was grateful to have had another per- always remember it. son to play my part, because I had to Jill la an eighth grader at Beverldge miss the last couple of dress rehearsals Middle School and.a member of Beth El and the first four or so performances Synagogue.

January 7,2000

'Cents-Sational Variety Hour' by Meghan Brune, Publicity and Public Relations Volunteer senior at Westside High School

FINALLY, an updated true ranch in Omaha's most sought after location! Alan & Marty C o h e n

Page 9

Drug Use and Abuse

— —

program for teens

^ _ _ ^ _ _

By the young people, for the young people; how with the goal of raising $15,000 to donate to charimuch better can it get than that? One girl bringing ties. Whitney Taxman, a senior at Westeide High together the young people and the community with School and member of Temple Israel, has been one show for the benefit of thousands. working, on collecting $1.5 million pennies The Cents-Sational Variety Hour will be per- ($15,000), one for each child murdered in the formed Jan. 16, 2000, as an 18-act hour of enter- Holocaust, since her Bat Mitzvah in May, 1995. tainment for the entire family. At 7 p.m. in the Her Penny project is now a project of the Xelan Westside High School Foundation. Whitney's auditorium (located at Pennies is a 501 c 3 public 87th and Pacific Street), charity. The completion of performers such as the this goal will also satisfy a Tangier Shriner Clowns public service graduation and; Fox 42's Theresa requirement in May, 2000. Cassidy will join their talAccording to Whitney, ents to raise money to be her idea was inspired by donated to four charitable Danny Siegel, head of Ziv foundations for the benefit Tzedakah Fund, who of children in need. These devotes his career to moti-include the Elizabeth vating charitable works. Glaser Pediatric AIDS 'He told me about this Foundation, Aidan O'Neil man in New York who ranFoundation, Camp Rain- | domly collected eight milbow, and the Weitzmann lion pennies throughout Institute of Science. his life. I had wanted to do something combining reAlong with the above membrance of the Holomentioned, the evening caust and helping chilwill include acts ranging Whitney with just a few of her pennies dren, and then the penny from dance and song to comedy and a storyteller. Performers rangefrom7 idea came to mind" Whitney said. to 70 years of age, including many teens from More importantly, this is a benefit performance Metro-area high schools. to help children in need, and the performers and In addition to the show, there will be a bake sale crew are made up of volunteer Metro-area teens. and face painting before and after to raise addition- Not only will this event be a fun-filled evening of al pennies. " . entertainment, it is also a reminder of how great Cost for this magical evening is $10 (or 800 pen- an impact teenagers can have on their community. nies) for adults, and $5 (or 400 pennies) for chilIf you want to know more about the Centsdren. Sational Variety Hour or Whitney's Pennies The best part? The evening is created, produced Foundation, you can contact her at 397-5816, and hosted by one remarkable high school student or e-mail at trtlepwrl@aoLcom.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

by Rabbi Shlomo Levin, OCTL Director

The First Learning Fair of the New Millennium, sponsored jointly by the Omaha Center for Torah Learning and the College of Jewish Learning of Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS), will now feature a session for teens titled, "Drug Use and Abuse." The program will be held at the JCC on Sunday, Jan. 9, at 5 pan., and led by three Israeli members of the Kansas City Community kollel who work extensively with youth. "A session such as this needs to happen in this community to try to combat the proliferation of drugs and alcohol abuse among teens," commented Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel. "This is hot just happening'to them'but also to us." .J In addition to the teen program, the Learning Fair will feature a 4 p.m. talk, "The Modern Mystic: Kabbala in a Rationalist Age," by Rabbi Ephraim Schwartz of the Des Moines Community Kollel: Parallel to the teen program, adult participants will choose between two sessions at 5 p.m.: Rabbi David Gruber, Director of the Kansas City Community kollel, will give a lecture titled "Determining the Time of Death: When Does Judaism Regard a Terminally 111 Patient as No Longer Alive?" At this same time, Rabbi Schwartz will speak on "Ancient Sources, Modern Science: How Jewish Tradition Relates to Technological Innovation—Medical Ethics and Observing Commandments in Space." Dinner will be offered in the JCC auditorium at 6 p.m. (cost is $7.50 per person), followed by "Assimilation, Conversion and Cults:.Can a Jew Decide Not to be Jewish?" I will discuss both the theological implications of this dilemma and also practical considerations, particularly with regards to marriage and divorce. The Learning Fair is open to the entire community at no charge except for the dinner. For more information, please contact me at 551-1564.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 7,2000

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RUSSIAN CLUB Members will meet Friday, Jan. 14, at the JCC. Exercise starts at 10 ajn. in room 10; lunch is at 10:45 ajn. At 11:15, join us at the IMAX Theater at the Henry Doorly Zoo to see Elephants. Come enjoy the enormous screen and immense sound system. Cost is $5.50. Make reservations with Lydia Linde at 697-9169.

WALK-IN DROP-IN SUNDAY, Jan. 9, 4-8 pan.: The First Learning Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. Fair of the New Millennium at the JCC. Dinner Exercise starts at 10:15 a.m. For those going on the will be served in the JCC auditorium at 6 p.m. Lunch Bunch to the Beijing Gate, please meet at Cost is $7.50 per person. The event is co-spotistir'ed the Blumkin Home front entrance by 10:45 a.m. by the OCTL and the College of Jewish Learning of : For transportation, call Maggie at 334-6521. JELS. MONDAY, Jan. 10, noon-1 p.m.: Lawyers' VISIONS Lunch 'n Learn, hosted by Al Ross at his office, Celebrate the Installation of Officers for the year 9239 W. Center Rd,, Suite 101. 2000 on Friday, Jan. 21,12:30 p.m., at Caniglia's TUESDAY, Jan. 11, 7 p.m.: Beith Israel hosts Venice Inn. Cost is $7 per person. Light musical Bible Study, Stories from the Books of the Early program by Stan Widman and Esther Wax. Send Prophets. '• " reservation form by Jan.. 14 to Jim Wax, 118 S. WEDNESDAY, Jan. 12, noon: Lunch 'n Learn, 88th St., Omaha, NE 68114. Make check payable to hosted by Sherry and Jeff Taxman; a class in Jewish Senior Services. Visions Membership dues Modern, Spoken Hebrew will be hosted by Al Ross for the year 2000 are now due. Please mail your at his home, 676 N. 56th St., at 6:30 pan. check and form to Visions in the amount of $5 per THURSDAY, Jan. 13, 7 p.m.: Beth El hosts person to Selma Sadofsky, 7092 Charles St., Talmud Tractate Pesachimon Omaha, NE 68132 For more information about these or other OCTL

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BREADBREAKERS Rabbi Ira Flax will speak at B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Steve Riekes. Rabbi Flax; will discuss fetal tissue research from a Jewish perspective.' •• Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday a t noon at Pastimes Restaurant, 129th and West Maple. The program is open to the community; cost is $8.50.

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Not having a mighty cannon to blast off when we greet a V_ery Important Eerson, the OT/Y.E.S. nevertheless has an ingenious method of displaying our respect. We have a 3-Shalom salvo. Thus, on Dec. 27, when our distinguished guest speaker Marty Ricks, Endowment Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, was introduced we chanted "Shalom, Shalom, Shalom. Welcome Home, Marty!" This appearance being the first time Marty addressed our group, he outlined various options available for planning and establishing funds to help offset annual Federation budget requirements , as well as securing the future. At the Early Bird talk session, the focus was on Time magazine's selection of Albert Einstein as "Person of the Century." His scientific genius set the stage for the age of technocracy. His Theory of Relativity stands as one of the most intricate examples of human imagination. Speculation was bandied about as to what will happen at the stroke of midnight when the Year 2000 arrives. Those who are a little chicken-hearted might believe Chicken Little's fear that "The Sky is Falling." Shalom

Susan Paley, UNO Adjunct Professor of Communication, announces the formation of Susan Paley Speech Coaching Services, a personal coaching business designed to teach adults how to plan, rehearse and deliver dynamic, confident presentations for business, non-profit and personal needs. Some of the coaching services offered include building self-confidence about speaking in public; determining communication strategies for success; and utilizing problem-solving techniques to facilitate conflict resolution in small group settings. In addition, Mrs. Paley offers two college preparatory services for students, Interview U, coaching methods to help college-bound students with pre-college interviews; and Essay V, designed to assist with personal college entrance essays. Both are offered as private instruction sessions.

January 7,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

by Bert Lewis

Do your have an answering machine? Or perhaps a little refinement known as caller ID? Of course, not everybody answers yes to one or the other of those questions, but it's my guess that many of us would say uh-huh. Personally, I fought the machine idea for a long time before I gave in and said uncle. When I did, it was with good reason. The reason? We were waiting for word that our daughter was on the way to, in the middle of, or had already given birth to the child who would be known as Julia Lewis Kardon. I was so paranoid about missing the call, I finally said ok, well get an answering machine. Our Julia recently celebrated her 13th birthday, so you know how long we've had our calls covered, whether or not we're at home. To be scrupulously honest, I would really hate to do without the stupid thing now that I'm so accustomed to it's presence. While I'm being so truthful about all this, I have to admit that when I've been out, I check for messages the minute I get in the house. So much for sentiments such as 'who needs yet another machine cluttering up our lives?" Of course, it's capable of erroneous information, which you may or may not believe. If a caller should accidentally mis-dial, it's possible to get a message like one I got recently. My message was delivered in an unfamiliar voice, saying "hi, it's Jim, I'm down here on 23rd and Leavenworth and I can't find you to take care of that little matter we talked about. Call me." I replayed it once, establishing the fact that Jim had called a wrong number, then listened to it at least three more times. Of course, I did not call him back because there was something fairly ominous about the whole thing and, after a while, I wondered if I had contributed to a drug deal falling through. (You have to remember, I have a very active imagination). At the time, it made sense, honestly. I also remember another message that was obvious-

ly a mistake. It was a call in the middle of the winter, during what turned out to be several days of constant snow. Some poor soul called three times, giving updates each time regarding the possibility of being able to come from her home in Council Bluffs to whoever it was she thought she was railing I often wondered if she ever managed to call the right number and speak to the person she meanttocall. Well, those things happen....you know what I mean? And, as if Fm being given a lesson in not making fun of others, let me tell you what I did just a few days ago. I had to call a nice lady who does a little sewing for me now and then. Like the rest of the world, she, too, has an answering machine, and since she wasn't home, I left a message for her to call me back. When she didn't, I suspected something was amiss because she always returns her calls. I gave her several days then, on a hunch, called her again. This time she answered, and when I asked if she had gotten my message, she said "what message?" Aha. I was guilty of the same careless "wrong number, wrong answering machine". I did wonder who got my message, and was glad I had only said "this is Bert Lewis, call me, please," without leaving a number. Thinking about it later, I wondered how often this kind of thing happens. How many callers dial a wrong number and leave messages with total strangers, then maybe get angry because the person they thought they called never returned the call? I guess well never know about things like that, but that*s only one of many questions which go unanswered every day. Right? Let's add it to my favorite category....the one that says this should be the worst problem you ever have. Next time, well take up something less taxing, like maybe why do we keep saying we "dial" a number when practically nobody still has dial phones? If that's okay with you, 111 put it on the agenda.

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A "commonplace book" dates from the sixteenth century. It is a handwritten collection of quotations and thoughts impressing the individual potentially to be used at some later date. A diary or journal are not quite the same. Jared Stark, who teaches Literary Cultures at New York University, and the University of Nebraska Press have produced a model for patient accumulation of fragmented details, Knots and Tears," based on Alina's memories as a survivor of the Warsaw ghetto and four Nazi concentration camps. Thus, neither the author's location'or chain of thoughts are common place. Alina came to the United States in 1949. Her story was only revealed after her husband, Leshek \ "Leo" Bakalczuk, also from Poland, failed to get his

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manuscript, One Small Candle published. He died in 1984. In two years of interviews during the 1990's, Alina confronted the trauma, anger and senselessness of her experience of loss during the Holocaust. It is not pleasant or easy reading. Yet, there is a compelling novel form of question, and answer. At the kitchen table, Stark would probe and Alina, frequently trying to explain a Polish word in English, would respond. Photographs, legal documents and almost commentary like sidebars, accompany the text. It is not a smooth chronological narrative. It is jagged, one memory triggering another. Horror expresses itself as anxious prose. Alina died m 1997, leaving a legacy of three children,

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