ewish Press
L- iil r ::l
SPECIAL TAX AND FINANCIAL PLANNING ISSUE Vol. LXXVK
No. 22
EtU.iETY
LJNP.II N WE 6S503-1651
Omaha, NE
Archbishop Curtiss calls on Catholics Tax and financial planning techniques "to reflect upon pain inflicted on Jews" by Carol Katzman available More than 300 Jews, and _M_H_^_H_H_H_H_M_H_M__9_H_H_| and Jewish organizaby Marty Ricks, Director, Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha
Thoughtful tax and financial planning today can yield a rich harvest of benefits. But the world of financial planning is as complex as it is rewarding. What follows are some suggestions to discuss with your accountant, your attorney and your financial planning adviser. INCOME TAX PLANNING Income taxes are like the weather-everyone talks about it but very few people do anything. Yet Congress has provided many taxpayers with convenient techniques for minimizing income tax liability. Savings can be obtained in a variety of ways. Consider some of these areas: • Divert your income to a low tax bracket relative. One way to minimize income taxes is by diverting some of your income to a family member who is in a low income tax bracket. If you transfer ownership of some of your taxable securities to your children, the income will be taxed at their lower tax bracket, if they are 14 years old or older. * Defer part of your income to minimize taxes. Another method to minimize your income taxes is to defer a part of your income until a year when you are in a lower tax bracket That may happen at • retirement. ' •*...• (Continued on page 9) '
Catholics gathered at • ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H ^ ^ ^ H ^ ^ ^ ^ F v ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ | tions for the benefit of Temple Israel on Sunday _^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_Ks<? y l ^ ^ ^ ^ l t n e e n t i r e Omaha commorning to hear Archbishop | _ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H ^ ^ ^ L v ' *>_^_^_H munity." Elden Curtiss and four _^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^__^_H[V C i!<v''\£^^^^^| The letter, which was other panelists discuss the j ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H ^ ^ H H _ K _ j j _ ^ ^ ^ ^ H ' developed over the last Holocaust and the relation- ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H | ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H ^ Y > ^ ^ H ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ I tseveral months between ship between Catholics and _ ^ _ ^ _ H ^ I ^ _ ^ _ _ H H < ' ' _ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H n e Archdiocese and
Jews. But it was the ^^^^^HfyfS^^H^BB^ifflfl^^^^^^^H announcement made by the H|^^HJ_3__H£9flK ^SP^^^^^^^^^I Archbishop at the very end !^5wS^P(Mw'y^HL ^ t ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ B of the two-hour program f^'f^' ftyj$£?tf^B^S*L^* U ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H which had the most impact. W?\ / ^ • v « £ y | A f i j i ? ^ ^ ^ H S "I have prepared a letter for \v £s ^ j f l m f w ^ a ^ ^ K l ^ ^ ^ ^ B g Lent, Ash Wednesday, March 'j,jr ^^PJPMM'J^^^^^^^^^^^^^BW 8 (to be sent to Catholic "* ' • 4 5 Z £ Q J B T ^ B ^ B B B B B B B H B
Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, senior rabbi at Temple "asraer ^>e' s er based on a simi' a r l ntta written by C ^' ' O'Connor to nobel l a u r e a t e Elie Wiesel apologizing to the Jews on behalf of the Catholics,
parishioners)," he stated. Archbishop Curtiss announced Ash The panel, moderated "Pope John Paul II, mindful Wednesday as a day of repentance to the Jews. j , y j Robert Wolfson, of the need for repentance and renewal, has declared Executive Director of the Anti-Defamation LeagueCommunity Relations Committee, also included Rabbi this date as a a day of special penance and fasting. "In the Jubilee year, we will use this day to reflect Debbie Stiel of Temple Israel, Holocaust survivor Bea upon the pain inflicted on the Jewish people by many Karp, Dr. Ben Nachman (interviewer for Steven of our members over the last millennium. The epitome Speilberg's Shoah Foundation), and Dr. Bryan LeBeau, of this pain occurred in this century in the Holocaust a history professor from Creighton University. when millions of Jewish people suffered and died at Moving from theological and historical discusthe" hands of the Nazi regime, and when too many sions to the practical questions of "What can we Christians were silent in the face of this atrocity." do?" panelists offered concrete suggestions for ways Archbishop Curtiss called on Catholics and Jews in which the relationship between Catholics and to "build the bonds of respect, friendship and mutu- Jews could be strengthened. al support" so that this would "expand into new ,"We hope today will reflect that healing," Wolfson "cooperation and joint ventures between Catholic (Continued on page 2TJ
World renowned glass artist comes to Omaha by Amy Krobot
Continuing through October of 2000, it is the are illuminated. The extraordinary glass work of international artist Dale Chihuly opens at the Joslyn Art largest exhibition Chihuly has ever mounted and Born in Tacoma, WA, he holds a bachelor's degree Museum Feb. 12 and runs through Juno 4. In this includes Chihuly by Night, when the installations in interior design from the University of special exhibition, Dale Washington, with a masChihuly: Inside and Out, ter's in sculpture from his signature sculptures the University of will be massed on floors, Wisconsin. While in walls and windows graduate school, Chihuly throughout the entire began creating largemuseum, both inside and scale environmental out of the UBual gallery works using neon, argon setting. and blown glass. He was Known mainly for his awarded a Louis Comfort blown-glass objects, Tiffany Foundation Chihuly actively explores Grant for work in glass other media, including j as well as a Fulbright ice, plastic and paint. Fellowship, both of which Through production and ' enabled him to work in experimentation, he ' Venice, Italy. arguably has produced Chihuly established the most influential body : the Glass Department at of contemporary glass art the Rhode Island School in the world. . of Design and was coColorful, lively and founder of the Pilchuck - beautiful, his organic and Glass School on a remote jewel-like pieces range in , tree farm in Washington. size from mere inches to A black-tie dinner will more than 30 feet tall. be held on Saturday His most recent exhibit 3 evening, Feb. 12, to dediis at the Tower of David ; jcate the glass sculpture • in Jerusalem, Chihuly in permanently installed in the Light of Jerusalem' the atrium. Tickets are 2000. It features 16 large J$150 per person. The installations in the court- __ i event has been sold out, yard, a glass ceiling that &e/fc During the recent Family Mission, par- one of Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures. Right: but a waiting list has leads down to the ticipants visited the Tower of David in the Old This large-scale Chihuly glass sculpture is been established. Crusader Hall and an City of Jerusalem to view the Chihuly instal- located in the courtyard of the Tower of For more information, exhibition of smaller lations. Rachel taonsky, left, Stands with David. Smaller items were displayed inside call the museum, 342Photo* by Pom Momky 3300. items. V Israeli adviser Noga BubenBtein in front of the museum.
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 4, 20O0 Why monetary law after the Ten Commandments?
Watne Painting Residential Interior and Exterior
by Rabbi Shlomo Levin Director, Omaha Center for Torah Learning
) '•
••Member of NEBBBo
MEYER E. GREEN Graveside services for Meyer Green were held Jan. 27 at Beth El Cemetery. He was 92. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cletas, three sisters and three brothers. Survivors include a sister, Mollye Sinn; brotherin-law, Ben Magzamin; and nieces, nephews, greatnieces and great-nephews. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Meyer Green Endowment Fund at Beth El. STEWART H. GILINSKY Services for long-time Omaha businessman Stewart Gilinsky, 88, were held Feb. 1 at Temple Israel. Burial was at the Temple Israel Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Frances; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Deanna Gilinsky; daughter and son-in-law, Susie and Jeff Cooper, all of Omaha; grandchildren, David Gilinsky and Kevin GilinBky of Omaha, lisa Theiss and Caryn Freirich of Kansas City, Terri Davis of Salt Lake City; and six great-grandchildren. Gilinsky was chairman of the board of the Bergman Companies, including Bergman Jewelers and Bergman Incentives. Memorials to favorite charity. ROSE GIMPLE Rose Ricks Gimple of Boston died Jan. 31 at the age of 100. Services were held Jan; 26 at Beth Israel Synagogue, followed by burial at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded hi death by her husband, Nathan; sister, Libby Kaplan; and brother, Morris Ricks. Survivors include two daughters, Shirley Echelman of Winchester, VA, and Judith Gimple of Brookline, MA; sisters-in-law, Sally Ricks and Geraldine LaPierre of Omaha and Rose Gaspar of Tulsa, OK; and nieces and nephews. Mrs. Gimple lived in Omaha until five years ago. She and her husband owned and operated Grand Central Market until 1967. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah, a volunteer for AMIT Women and Beth Israel Sisterhood as well as : Children's Hospital. • v. .:.•.-•;'">
PARASHAMISHPATIM At first glance, there seems to be no common Call for a FREE estimate ' i thread between this week's Torah portion, 334-0149 Mishpatim, and the story of the ten commandments which we read last week. Last week's ten commandments concern the fundamental principles of Jewish belief. This week we read about the details of monetary law, such as the laws of bor"A Fun rowing and loaning property, assorted laws conChildren's cerning property damage, and more. Clothing The Sforno in his commentary on the Torah finds a practical connection between these monetary Store!" laws and the ten commandments. The last of the Visit our "Baby Boutique" ten commandments says, Thou shall not covet. . . for Unique Gifts anything that is your neighbor's." This commandment is predicated on a set system 13028 W. Center Rd. oT property rights, because otherwise it would not THBBIGTOP 697-9862 be clear what is our neighbor's and what is ours.' Thus, after commanding us not to covet the Torah tells us monetary law so that we will know what rightfully belongs to us and what belongs to others that we are forbidden to covet. Rashi, commenting on the opening verse of our Torah portion, explains the connection between monetary law and the ten commandments with a comment which is deceptively simple. He says that monetary law was placed right after the ten commandments to teach us that just as the ten commandments were given by God on Mt. Sinai, so too : Needlepoint with regards to monetary law. •Custom Canvas Painting • Finishing Would we have thought otherwise? We know that the entire Torah was given by God, including all of Fibers • Instruction the commandments wherever they are found in the Mary Engelbreit trunk show Feb. 4-26 five books of Moses. So why the need to re-emphasize this point with regard to monetary law by feaCountryside Village • Pacific at 87th turing it adjacent to the ten commandments? " ' This difficulty is explained by Rashi's subsequent 391-1191 i comment on the last, part of this verse'. Rashi '•' Memorials to H e b r e w R e h a b C e n t e r , 1200'Centre writes that Jews'who bring^their disputes before a ' Si ; / i ; Bost6n;:MA02131-1097. <•<•••••'•> i^ ? i : o ? « H CUP & SAVE [ non-Jewish court (in a situation in which a Jewish DOROTHEKOREN courtis available) are doing the wrong thing, even Dorothe Koren died Jan. 28 in Las Vegas atthe CALENDAR OF EVENTS if the non- Jewish court arrives at the same legal age of 87. Services were held Feb. 3 at Fisher Farm decision as the Jewish one. This is because using Cemetery in Omaha. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 God's law to judge monetary law sanctifies God. Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Cy SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 We might have thought that civil, monetary law Silver and Eugene Koren. Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple is jiot God's concern. We could have imagined that Survivors include brothers and sisters-in-law, Humash Class, 5 p.m., at Beth El it was only included in the Torah to help us estab- Leonard and Lucy Muskin of Los Angeles and C Havdalah Social, BESTT Grades K/172/3, lish a peaceful society so that we could get on with Stuart and Bettie Muskin of Omaha; and nieces L 7 p.m., at Beth El our other, more important religious business. Rashi and nephews. 1 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6 explains that monetary law was placed next to the I* Federation Super Sunday ten commandments to teach us that these matters Spring into learning with g, Freund Lecture, 10 a.m., at Temple are just as important in the eyes of God as all the BESTT Parent/Teacher Conferences, other teachings given to us on Mt. Sinai. s Chabad Women of Worth 10 a.m., at Beth El Judaism is just as concerned with relationships _• A • by Shani K a t z m a n . . O YG Spagehtti Dinner, 5:30 p.m., at Temple V between people, including economic, business rela; MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Participate in the Chabad Women of Worth's E tionships, as with how people behave towards God. YES Program, 9:30 a.m. . Boy Scout Troop Meeting, 7 p.m. ';••'... Adult Education Classes, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El . TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Sisterhood Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m., at Beth Israel Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Drazen, Noon, at Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m. WRJ Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m., at Temple WRJ Board Meeting, 7 p.hi., at Temple Executive Meeting, 7:15 p.m., at Beth El C Bamidbar with Rabbi Levin, 7:30 p.m., Beth Israel L WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 I Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El P Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 & . Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. . S Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple A V
All events held et the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The E Jewish Press Is not responsible for the accuracy of the events. To keep calendar accurate or (or questions, call HarleneHeit at 33W437.
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Beth El will "Watch Out For Shabbat" '•••".
byOzzieNogg
'
On Saturday, Feb. 19, when Shabbat morning services are concluded at Beth El Synagogue, congregants won't leave the sanctuary and head for home. Instead, they'll remain in the building and take part in "Watch Out For Shabbat"—an all-day program that begins with a New York-style kosher deli lunch at noon and ends with Havdallah at sundown. In between, participants can enjoy storytelling, take part in a treasure hunt or sing-down and sit in on various sessions including "Wake Me When the Kids Are Out of Their Teens," "What's A Cubit?" and "Lucy Talks Kosher Turkey." According to event chairmen Justin Cooper and Kim Novak, "Watch Out For Shabbat' has become increasingly popular with our members. This year, we've spiced up the menu, added some exciting hew activities, and look forward to sharing the day with our Beth El family and friends." Cost for the deli lunch is $5 for adults, $3 for kids K-12 and $1 for preschoolers. Reservations can be made with the Beth El office at 492-8550. The program is sponsored by Beth El's Adult Education Committee.
exciting spring classes, designed to address women's issues and get you in touch with your spiritual side. The classes being offered at the Chabad House include: Chicken Soup for the Jewish Women's Soul and A Tale of Two Souls. Chicken Soup for the Jewish Women's Soul
ia a course based on the text Toward a Meaningful Life. This class examines the beauty and uniqueness of Jewish thought and life. Join as Shani Katzman facilitates exciting discussions about Jewish spirituality that will give you plenty of inspiration to take back home. The class meets on Mondays (Feb. 21-March 27) from 11:45 a.m.1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. A Tale of Two Souls is an introduction to Kabbalah which is based on the text entitled To know G-d. With Shani Katzman as our guide, come join us in a journey of self-discovery as we examine the original formula for inner peace and meaning. Come away with practical tips on how to lead a more meaningful life. This class meets on Tuesdays (Feb. 22-March 28) from %30-U tun. - Classes are held at the Chabad House and are open to all women of the community. No prior background or learning required. A registration fee of $36 is suggested. * For more information or to register, call Sherry Taxman at 397-5816, or Elizabeth at 330-1800.
February 4,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
PageS
CANDLELIGHTING: 5:25 p.m.
TEMPLE^SRA^'r-i^-r tfi mh r i.f thi I nlon of American IJelwew Cpngrtgations 7023 Cuss SU111, Oniahai JSE 68132-2$St"' <•
.'.'^l/BJCTH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 1502 No. 52nd Street^ Omaha, NE 68104-5013
U-mplelsrael-iie.org' r ?'•,FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 7 p.m. is a short service of song and prayer for toddlers, through children in the primary grades and their families. Enjoy a story with Rabbi Debbie Stiel and songs with Patty Nogg. An Oneg, sponsored by Wendy and John Vann in honor of their daughter Cecelia's first birthday, will follow. Shabbat evening service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. Dr. Richard Freurid, Director of the Greenberg Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Hartford, will speak, honoring the memory of Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks, Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel from 19521985, and Rabbi Emeritus until his death in 1999. A commemorative booklet will be available at the conclusion of services. Oneg Shabbat is sponsored by Middle School families. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Lecture series, 10 a.m. Professor Freund will deliver the third of a four-lecture series. His topic will be "Five Medieval Figures They Forgot to Tell You About in Hebrew School: from Rav Amram Gaon to the Alfasi." 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 at the Temple office. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Feb. 6: Jewish Spirituality, 9:3011 aan. Mimi Rogers will lead this group in readings, . discussion, Jewish meditation and Jewish yoga. TUESDAY, Feb. 8: Mystical Places in the Heavens on Earth-Introduction to the Kabbalah," facilitated by Professor Guy Matalon, 7-8:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 9: Midrashah, 10aan.-noon. THURSDAY, Feb. 10: Sisterhood Adult Education, 10-1130 am. Cantor Blum will teach "Music of the Siddur;" "Ancient Israel: an Historical Perspective," facilitated by Dr. Mike Walts, 7-8:80 pan. FRIDAY, Feb. 11: Family service, 7:15 pan. Rita Paskowitz, master storyteller, is guest speaker.
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.-noon. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRDDAY: Services, 5:25 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; "Insights into the Parsha," 4:35 p.m.; Mincha, 5:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:28 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 5:30 pan. TUESDAY: Stories from the Tanach, taught by Rabbi Shlomo Levin, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Beth Israel Board of Commissioners meeting, 7:30 p.m.; Talmud class with Rabbi Kutner is canceled. NEXT SHABBAT: Beth Israel Synagogue welcomes the Jewish Boy Scouts of Omaha for their Scout Shabbat. The community is invited to join in Saturday morning services at 8:45 a.m.; the Torah service is at 10 a.m.
. CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN
Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Sabbath service, 9tf 0 a.m.; Torah study, 1O-.30 aan. SUNDAY: Hebrew classes, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 aan. "NEW BEGINNINGS'' New Beginnings is a discussion group for those who are exploring whether conversion to Judaism is right for them, Your Jewish or non-Jewish partner is also encouraged to participate. Participants will meet alternate Tuesday nights from 7:309 p.m., through March 28, at the South Street Temple. The group is facilitated by Audrie Berman, Outreach Project Director. For more information, call her at 474-8004.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE > Member of United Synagogues* of Conservative Judaism ,',N ,14506 California '. ^ / Omaha,NE68154-1980, , \ , 492-8550, , ;j;' WEB--www,bethel-qmaha.org 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. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; TSS, 10 a.m.; ICtantan, 10:45 aan.; Shabbat Story time, 11 aan. Humash with Rashi study session, 5 pan.; MinhaMa'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:30 p.m. 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 Classes will continue on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. ALEF/ADULT LD7ELONG EDUCATION The ALEF program for adults who want to study and celebrate Judaism will continue on Monday, Feb. 7, and run through Feb. 28. . HAVDALAH SOCIAL Saturday, Feb. 5: Students in kindergarten through fourth grade will attend a Havdalah social with entertainment by a magician and a juggler. LUNCH AND LEARN Tuesday, Feb. 8, noon, with Rabbi Drazen at the Rose Blumkin Conference Room. Call the synagogue for the materials and reservations.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISr FRDDAY: Services, 7 p.m., led by Nancy and Sheldon Rips. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m, led by Harold Gottlieb. 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.
USY offers teen programs in Israel
B'NAI ISRAEL. SYNAGOGUE St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 -4705 E-MAIL: docjebOaoLcom FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Discussion topic is "Are: Jews in Bondage to Tradition" An Oneg Shabbat, prepared by Peggy Deland'and Sandra Kurland, follows.
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.
fpjs?;
T,IFERETH ISRAEL iV:-,ifi ^Member of the United Synagogue 1 ,%l*!t^,-'i of Conservative Judaism K,3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NEj 68502-5236
BEYTSHALOM An Affiliate of the
FRDDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services at the synagogue, 7:30 pan. SUNDAY and TUESDAY: Religious School at theJCC. Rabbi Myer Kripke conducts our adult education class on Sunday, 12:30 pan., at the JCC. Open to the community at no charge. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and drink. NEXT FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat at the synagogue, 7 p.m. NEXT SATURDAY: Shabbat services at the Rose Blumkin Home, 9 a.m.
Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley, M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7:15 aan. FRIDAY: Services, 8 pan. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS: Jewish Thought & Philosophy/RabbinServices conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. ics: Pirkei Avot with the rabbi, 10-10:55 aan.; Jewish Practices and Observances: Tanach/Bible-Perek Yomi FRDDAY: Mincha, 4:30 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:15 p.m.; Kiddush, 6 p.m. (A Daily Chapter), with the rabbi, 11:05 aan-noon.; SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha, WEDNESDAYS: Basic Judaism with Rabbi 4:30 pan., followed by Shalosh Seudah; Ma'ariv/ Rosenbaum, 7:15-9:15 pan. . Havdallah, 5:30 pan. My heartfelt thanks to the many people who sent SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 aan. pards, gifts, flowers, donations and prayers during MONDAY: Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul, my recent hsopitalization, A special thanks to Rabbi 11:45 aan.-l pan.. TUESDAY: A Tale of Two Souls, 9&0-11 aan. Howard Kutner for his care and concern. Bernice Gerber WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 aan.
Benji Beerman, second from right, Midwest Regional Director for Emtza USY visited the Omaha and Lincoln USY chapters last month to speak to teens and parents about Israel programs offered through USY. With him are: Hazzan G. Michael Horwitz, left, and USY advisers Holly Friedman and Derek Altman. For more information about USY or summer trips, call Friedman at 492-8550.
Scouts celebrate Shabbat Scout Shabbat 2000 will take place on Saturday, Feb. 12 at Beth Israel Synagogue. All Jewish scouts, scout leaders and volunteers are invited to attend. Scouts are encouraged to arrive for the Torah service by 10 a.m. in uniform. Any Jewish scout who has earned a religious award in the last year and who would like to be recognized at this service should contact Joe Ginsberg at 345-9699.
Students celebrate TuB'Shevat For a Tu B'Shevat project, the Bet class at Tifereth Israel's religious school collected enough money from the school's students to plant trees in Israel to plant five trees. The students include: Michael Evnen, Samantha Payne, and Rachel Wallick. The class also presented information about the seven species of ancient Israel and the references to them in Torah at early Kabbalat Shabbat services on Tu B'Shevat. This service was followed by a family Shabbat dinner at synagogue.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 4,2000
Jewish taxes The concept of tzedakah, or righteousness, is often misunderstood as "charity." Charity comes from the Greek for "heart" and relates to the Greek philosophy of giving when a person's heart moves him. Judaism requires tzedakah regardless of whether or not a person is moved. Judaism requires that widows and orphans be supported, that a stumbling block not be placed in front of the blind or lame, and that a fanner should leave the corners of his field for those who are hungry. A millennium ago, the only communal request for funds came from the kehilla, the charitable 'committee' of every Jewish community, large or small, which provided the basic necessities for those who couldn't...from bridal dowries to Shabbat chickens. Today, more than 2000 Jewish nonprofit organizations make regular requests, while some 10,000 (and growing) general non-profits also send regular mailings to our homes. How does one choose where to give? We provide for our family first. That includes our immediate family and rel-
atives, then our relatives around the. TO MAKB world, and finally, those all over the /'MAGOING MILLION BUCKS world in need. IN ISRABL WITH MV We do a good job, no, a really good job here in Omaha of taking care of those in need. This is an extraordinarily generous community, but we shouldn't rest on our laurels or be too complacent about the future. So...to those readers who have made more than expected in this rising economy, think about setting up an endowment or foundation while you're still alive to enjoy its benefits. Not only will you see those extra funds going to the HOPPEL POPPEL. causes you care about, such as Jewish education, scholarships and hunger relief j but you'll have the pleasure of seeing the fruits of your labor (instead of sending it all to Uncle Sam!). Check out the ad on the back page from our Federation Foundation. Call Marty Ricks at 334-6440 to explore donating a paid-up insurance policy or appreciated stock, and next year see your name in print. Your children will thank you for endowing their future in this community. And you just might feel good, too!
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Barak faces a credibility gap in campaign finance scandal by David Landau
JERUSALEM (JTA) - Prime Minister Ehud - that he was too busy campaigning to know what Barak and his closest political allies have been was going on in the campaign. But public reaction scrambling to limit the damage to their govern- has been one of broad skepticism, not to say outment following a scathing report on the financing right disbelief. behind Barak's election campaign last year. As prime minister, and previously as army chief The effort at damage control comes as Barak of staff, the intellectually gifted Barak has made a needs all the public support he can muster for his name for delving into details. Many here find it peace policies. , hard to believe that he kept aloof from the details Barak's battle to defend his credibility is expect- of his own campaign. ed to go on for many months, following a one-two Barak is also claiming that the alleged misdeeds punch squarely aimed at the campaign finance of ' were not criminal because the attorney general his One Israel bloc. • ' himself, in two formal letters he wrote in 1997, had First came a report issued last week by State ruled that funneling funds through amutot was not Comptroller Eliezer Goldberg, claiming that a chargeable offense in the context of the prime Barak's party and several others were guilty of ille- ministerial elections. gal campaign funding practices. The second blow Rubinstein's two letters, sent to Labor Party came soon after, when Attorney General Elyakim lawyers and signed by his top legal aide, pointed to Rubinstein decided to launch a criminal investiga- gaps in existing statutes — namely that election tion of the parties'funding practices. finance legislation specifically applies to t h e According to the comptroller's report, Barak's Knesset elections, but has not been explicitly One Israel bloc set up non-profit organizations to extended to cover the relatively new direct elecfunnel donations for his campaign against Likud tions for prime minister. incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Barak argues that the gaps in the existing laws Among the alleged violations of these organiza- reflect a glaring weakness in the system - and says tions, Goldberg said, was channeling money from he will initiate urgent legislation to set things right. abroad, in violation of campaign financing laws. But regarding the 1999 election, he maintains, his While the comptroller found allegations of wide- campaign finance activities, while condemned and spread campaign financing violations in several fined by the comptroller as administrative excesses, •; parties, Goldberg singled out One Israel and its are not chargeable as criminal offenses. political leader, Barak, for the severest of the susThis second line of defense put up by Barak in . pected violations. The state comptroller fined One the immediate aftermath of Goldberg's report — Israel some $3.2 million, the Center Party, and subsequently reiterated by his top ministers $700,000, and the Likud Party $125,000 for their and aides — is supported by many independent activities. ..--.•• jurists and other commentators. Barak went on prime-time television last week to Barak and his advisers are now trying to decide declare that he knew nothing of the intricate net- whether to risk taking their case to the High Court work of charitable foundations.known in Hebrew of Justice, where they would petition the justices to as amutot, that were set up by his campaign aides countermand Rubinstein's order to open a criminal and through which funds were funneled to poll- investigation. This would be a rare step for the sters, activists in the field and others involved in court to take, but not an unprecedented one. the day-to-day work of the election If Barak loses in the high court, however, his campaign.Barak reiterated during the television embarrassment and political travails would be exacappearance what he had told Goldberg during his erbated. Sources close to Rubinstein spoke of susbrief interrogation about the alleged irregularities - pected breach of trust and fraudulent bookkeeping. 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, Jewiah Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-3345422; E-mail <yshpress@aol.com> ••, . . . Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address .changes to The Jewish : .Press,333 So. 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68154-2198. ' . .; ^ , u ^ :.-. . v
Lloyd Roitsleln Chairman . Carol Katzman Editor-ln-Chlef Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Lorry Axelrod Advertising Manager Barbara Frankcl Rocky Stern Sales representatives J e n l n a E . Ssdoliky Bookkeeper Jon Gales . . . Production Assistant Gaorcu Schtiplro 'Volunteer •••••••"•-•
To the Editor: Jewish spirituality was the topic of a spirited feature in the J a n . 28 issue of the Jewish Press. Although rabbis and others quoted in the article differ about the meaning, direction, and value of such a development, all agree that this emphasis is real, widespread, and deserving of our attention. The Omaha Jewish community will have a wonderful opportunity to explore these issues next fall, Sunday, Sept. 17, and Monday, Sept. 18, during the annual Klutznick-Harris Symposium (a continuation of the Klutznick Symposia, held from 19881999). Next fall's symposium, a collaboration between the Norman and Bernice Harris Center of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln a n d t h e Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, will cover t h e topic: "Spiritual Dimensions of Judaism." •. . Presenters are being sought from'the humanities (especially theology, literature, and philosophy), social sciences, applied and fine arts, and other appropriate fields. For further information or to offer suggestions for speakers and programs, please contact me at Creighton, 280-2303, or Prof. Jean Cahan at the Harris Center in Lincoln, 1-402-472-9561. Leonard J . Greenspoon Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization : Creighton University To the Editor: Thank you for the wonderful coverage of the (To Recreate the World) concert at Beth El Synagogue recently. Everything about i t went very well; I appreciate your understanding of the project. Joanie Jacobson Publicity Chairman Editor's note: The staff of the Jewish Press is only top happy to help Jewish institutions publicize their programs, projects and events. To ensure your organization is included, please call the Press office in advance to arrange for coverage. 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 Saltzmah; 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. * - . . • . . .
February 4,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Bright lights for Israel's economy by Carl Alpert
Haifa~In a country which is known as the land of the prophets of old, it is perhaps dangerous to engage in prophecy, especially in an area as uncertain as the economy. Nevertheless, in the last several months and especially as we turned into the new year, there have been many cautious predictions and many optimistic omens with regard to the future of Israel's national economy. During the past two years the country went through a period of recession, relatively mild, but a slowdown nevertheless. The most conspicuous and most painful manifestation was the rise in unemployment. ' Perhaps our problems were mild compared to the extremiely critical conditions which beset the otherwise progressive economies in southeast Asia. Indeed,.the crises in those lands had their effect on the world economy as well, and no small.part of "Israel's difficulties can be attributed to the aftershocks felt here. With the current pick-up in Asia have come numerous up-beat indications in Israel. Examples: Income from exports of defense materials and equipment ranked Israel in sixth place among the nations of the world, a list led by the U.S., Great Britain, France, Germany and Japan. The Israel Building Contractors' Association anticipates an 11% increase in construction starts in the present year. Manpower Israel has reported a 42% increase in demand for employees, presumably in the high tech fields, during the last quarter of 1999. Prof. Stanley Fischer, chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, asked what he thought of Israel's economic prospects, replied: • ^Israel is on the threshold of entry into the club of •.,-.;' ,;the most developed Western nations. With small :., additional effort,, the Israelis can become an economic success story. You have an extraordinary, and enviable; technological, sector.... A basis has n
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been created among you for a prolonged and impressive growth." The figures confirm his optimism. Last year foreign investments in Israeli stocks reached $3.51 billion, up 84% over the 1998 figure, and in the first three weeks of 2000, a billion shekels was invested in mutual funds specializing in stocks. Total exports in 1999 showed an increase of 8.2% over 1998, for a total of $21.5 billion. Exports of processed diamonds alone amounted to $4.5 billion, an increase of 22% over 1998. Revenues of 400 industries based in kibbutzim grew by 5%. This year.is-expected"to break all records for tourism. Foreign agencies share the optimism. The large New York brokerage firm of Merrill Lynch, is planning to open a branch office in Israel. Several lead- •, ing American banks are establishing a foothold here. The giant Phillips firm plans to invest $75 million in Israeli start-up companies this year. Investment of foreign capital in Israel has been rising steadily. As Elmer L. Winter points out in the Newsletter of his Committee for Economic Growth in Israel, the Jewish State is no longer considered an emerging country, but an industrialized country, similar to the U.S., U.K., France and Germany, albeit smaller. There has been international respect and admiration for Israel's ability to control inflation, an evil that has caused the near collapse of much larger states. With final figures in, Israel could report for 1999 the lowest inflation rate since 1967, with the Consumer Price Index going up by only 1.3% This year is expected to witness a further rise in immigration from Eastern Europe which, despite initial absorption costs, always results in a boost to the economy. . Hovering over all is the expectation that peace in the region, in whole or in part, will'likewise contribute to confidence and economicgrowth. '
We are aware that economic conditions are influenced to a very large extent by psychological factors as well. Public moods are responsive to intangibles in the atmosphere, and a country could very well talk itself into a contagious state of depression. Though unemployment continues high, the economic mood here now is optimistic and up-beat, and the results are beginning to show.
Israelis top poll of high-tech use by Naomi Segal
JERUSALEM (JTA) - When it comes to reaching out and touching someone using high technology, Israelis are in first place. Israel ranks ahead of the United States .and Britain in the use of cellular telephones, as well as personal computers, according to a study by the New York-based Global TGI market research company. Of the 11 countries included in the survey, Israel placed first for cellular phone use, with 61 percent owning them, compared with 39 percent in the United States. Britain ranked fourth, with 23 percent, while Russia placed last, with only 1 percent of the population owning cellular phones. Israel also placed first in ownership of personal computers, with 64 percent of those surveyed reporting having a computer in their homes. The United States placed second with 42 percent, and Britain third with 37 percent. Poland placed last, with 12 percent. .,',,._...-,
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February 4,2000
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B'NAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS Linda Novak, Director of the Child Development Center at the Jewish Community Center, will speak at B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Adam Jacobs. Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at Pastimes Restaurant, 129th and West Maple. The program is open to the community; cost is $8.50. JEWISH SENIORS The Omaha Broadway Theater Season presents Phantom of the Opera on Thursday, June 29, at the Orpheum. A senior group rate IB being offered for the matinee performance at 2 p.m. with main floor seating of $47.50 per person. For reservations, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. Deadline for full payment is Feb. 18. Make check payable to Jewish Senior Services and send to Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132nd St., Omaha NE 68154. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exercise with Michelle Streif at 10:15 a.m. in the auditorium. Try your luck at bingo with Eileen Remer at 10 a.m. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at 11 aan. Following lunch at noon, Linda Novak, Director of the CDC, will speak. For transportation, call 330-4272. Reminders: Membership Dues are now due. ' Please mail your check for $2 to Y.E.S., c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 . Mah Jongg Club will meet on Feb. 9 at the JCC. Deadlines: Soup & Salad Day on Feb. 17 is Feb. 10. Bluffs Run Casino on Feb. 24 is Feb. 17. Yiddish Storytelling on Feb. 14 is Feb. 7. WALK-IN, DROP-DM Members will meet at the JCC on Thursday. Exercise starts at 10:15 a m . For those members going on the Lunch Bunch to Jack & Mary's, please meet at the Blumkin Home front entrance by 10:45 a.m. For transportation, call Maggie at 334-6521. RUSSIANCLUB Members will meet at the JCC on Feb.ll. Exercise starts at lOajn. and lunch at l l a a n . At 11:30 aan., a day trip is planned for the Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs. Cost is $ 1. Enter the Lied Historical Building on the Path of Names to enjoy educational exhibits, maps, films and sculptures. Call Lydia for reservations at 697-9169. VISIONS Visions Board Meeting is F r i d a y , Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m., in the conference room of the Blumkin Home. Omaha Community Playhouse presents the Enchanted Cottage on Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m. Cost per person is $28, which includes show, dinner, tax and gratuity. If you have a membership to the Fonda-McGuire series, dinner is $16. For reservations, mail form by Feb. 14 to Ethel Goldston, 10530 Pacific St., #104, Omaha, NE 68114. Make check payable to Jewish Senior Services. No refunds after deadline. BETH ISRAEL SISTERHOOD Beth Israel Sisterhood's monthly luncheon meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 8,12:30 p.m., in the synagogue social hall. Rabbi Shlomo Levin, Director of OCTL, will speak. Make reservations with your caller or call Berniece Cohen at 558-3423. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Monday, Feb. 7: "Not only for'Lawyers" Lunch 'n Learn, hosted by Al Ross at Lincoln Financial, 9239 W. Center Rd., Suite 101. We will eat lunch together (lunch is provided at nominal cost) followed by study of Jewish law. Carol Katzman will host "Woman and the Siddur" at her home, 9151 Harney St., at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.: Stories from Tanach, hosted by Beth Israel. Wednesday, Feb. 9, noon-1 p.m.: Lunch 'n . Learn, hosted by Aviva Segal, 1414 N. 60th St. We will eat lunch together, followed by study led by Rabbi Levin. The topic will be Tall Tales from the Talmud;" A class in Modern, spoken Hebrew is host ed by Al Ross, 676 N. 56th St, at ft30 pan. Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.: Talmud tractate Pesachim at Beth El. For more information about OCTL programs, call Rabbi Shlomo Levin, Director, at 551-1664.
L i s a a n d D a n n y T h e i s s of Lenexa, KS, announce the Jan. 11 birth of their son, Jake Samuel. Grandparents are Susie and Jeff Cooper and Mike and Marina Sadofsky of Omaha, Caroline Theiss of Kansas City, and Ralph and Betty Theiss of Warsaw, MO. Great-grandparents are Chickie Gilinsky of Omaha and the late Stewart Gilinsky, Mildred Swisher, and Helen Theiss of Kansas City. J a m e s and Nanci Hamicksburg of Lincoln announce the Jan. 14 birth of their triplet daughters, Tziporah Peggy, lllyana Marie and Dahlia Beth. They have a brother, Michael, 12. Grandparents are Peggy O"Neil of Corralitos, CA; Lyle and Beth Hamilton of La Selva Beach, CA; Marie and Paul Waters of Fairfield Bay, AR; Pete and Linda Rivehburg of Reno, NV, and Jim Hicks of Norfolk, NE.
Infthe The Omaha Children's Museum opened its newest traveling exhibit last week; "It's News to Me," a 'minds-on' exercise in critical thinking based on the media. The exhibit runs through April 2. ..-.•-.. The exhibit will give children the opportunity to fill out a press pass, crop a photo, create a frontpage layout, sell a newspaper, write a headline and interview Goldilocks and the Three Bears. If you have a son or daughter at I n d i a n a University, please pass along this invitation: R a b b i Azriel will be in Bloomington, IN, on Sunday, Feb. 13. He wishes to invite all Omaha college students to dinner that evening. Students should meet at 5:30 p.m. at Mark Pi's Chinese Restaurant, 3020 E. 3rd St. in Bloomington. Students who need a ride can e-mail Marci Brookstein at mbroQkst@indiana.edu or Alan DePorte at adeporte@indiana.edu. Students who wish to contact Rabbi Azriel can reach him at aazriel@uswest.net or rabl671509@aol.com. Whitney Taxman, a senior at Westside High School, will be in Westside's production of Grease! showing Feb. 17-19, 7:30 p.m. She is the daughter of Jeff and Sherry Taxman. Leo Hill of Lincoln was honored recently by the . Masons; he is a past Potentate of Sesostris Shrine and is a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason. In addition, he has served on the University of NebraskaLincoln Foundation, regional governor and past president of B'nai B'rith, and on the boards of directors for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Urban League, Crippled Children's Association and several national business-related affiliates. Hill has also been honored with the Distinguished Service Award from Lincoln High School and UNL, as well as from the Jewish Theological Seminary. The Omaha Symphony will present legendary baritone William Warfield on Thursday, Feb. 10, and Saturday, Feb. 12, a t 8 p j n . The Symphony joins orchestras worldwide for Copland 2000, a celebration of the -works of American composer Aaron Copland. Victor Yampolsky will conduct, adding "There may be a few surprises, some very American surprises!'' Warfield, who turns 80 this year, will narrate one of Copland's most beloved works, Lincoln Portrait; he won a Grammy Award for his narration in 1983. Pianist William Wolfrand will also be on hand for a premiere of Copland's rarely-heard Piano Concerto, composed during his flirtation with jazz styles in 1926. The symphony will also present Wasscally Wossini as part of its Family Concert Series, Cartoons in Concert, on- S u n d a y , F e b . 13, a t 1 p . m . a n d 3 p . m . at "The Rose," 20th and Farnam. The symphony, conducted by Ernest Richardson, will be joined by vocalist Kath TyreeLovelace and the Millard South High School Madrigal Choir. ' For ticket information, contact the Omaha Symphony box office, 342-3560, or visit its website: www.omahasympnony.org •'-•'' : ;
February 4,2000 Boats In the Night: Knud Dyby's Story of Resistance and Rescue, by Martha Loeffler, $14.95 by Oliver B. Pollak
This story, published with the assistance of Dana College in Blair, Martha Loeffler, John Mark Nielsen and former U.S. Senator Paul Simon, is about a Danish printer, sailor and policeman, KnudDyby. Dyby's assistance in the rescuing of Danish Jews, getting them by boat to Sweden during^the Nazi occupation, earned him several honors including recognition in the Avenue of the Righteous of the Nations at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Denmark is a predominantly Lutheran country. Jews had settled there in small numbers after 1622. By 1900, there were about 4,000 and, by many accounts, anti-Semitism was perhaps the lowest in Europe. By 1940, there were about 8,000 Jews out of a population of 4.5 million. Dyby assisted in a rescue which saved about 90% of Denmark's Jews. ' >' This rescue has been featured in museum exhibitions that included examples of the boats that were used. "Dyby's story is based on interviews by Martha Loeffler, the daughter of Jewish immigrants. Loeffler allows Dyby to speak for himself as evidenced by the italicized portions of the text. The .book contains numerous illustrations. Although over 50 years have elapsed since the . events occurred, and the production of this book, there is a freshness in Dyby's account of his position as a young man in Denmark, his decency, and the heroic deeds in which he participated. Dyby, now well into his 80's, lives in San Francisco. A copy of this book is in the Jewish Federation Library.
Bert's Eye View
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
by Bert Lewis
Is that your final answer? I'm assuming nearly everyone in the English speaking world understands that.question. It is, of course, the annoying,ly constant query of the emcee on that game show about winning a million dollars. Even people who say that they find the TV program more than a little irritating, admit to watching it with some regularity. Why? I'm not sure, although I'm one of those people. I'm also one who has never been a fan of the guy who sits at the mike in sartorial splendor, asking the question. That makes it even more tedious to watch and listen to him, while he makes the contestant paranoid about being certain. All of that notwithstanding, the program is obviously one of the most popular being shown on the television screen at this time. Of course, people have always been interested in seeing vast amounts of money awarded for correct answers at sometimes inane questions. Way back in early TV days, I remember the famous $64,000 game show. At that time, the sum seemed astronomical, but that was back when a dollar had greater value than today. Without calling Alan Greenspan for more information about that aspect of the topic, let's look at what may seem like the reason for the popularity of the show. Could it be the first five or more questions, the ones easily answered by anyone over the
age of what? Maybe 10 years of age? Anyone who sits at home and instantly knows the correct answers to questions "worth" hundreds of dollars, is bound to enjoy the experience. Then, climbing to levels which demand more and more knowledge, most of us can answer most of the alleged "tough" questions. That inspires the kind of confidence (from ones chair at home) which implies the viewer is at least as smart, if not smarter, than the contestant on camera. Then, to me, perhaps the most interesting human reaction occurs when the perspiring shnook stands at the brink of hundreds of thousands of dollars, and gives the wrong answer. If it's you, at home, (where it's a lot easier) who knows the right answer, well children, what can I tell you? Is it reasonable to get a little goofy and keep saying "but it wasn't that hard! Geez. I can't believe he/she didn't know it!" That reaction is only normal, and is probably the magnet that keeps pulling the loyal watcher back to the program every time it's aired. Not so much the questions they get right on TV, but the ones you get right at home. Well, as one of my favorite comics says, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. But one thing for sure is this: Is that your final answer? has the same effect on me as fingernails across a blackboard. But then, so does Regis.
Qiatimers/YES Review
by Art Grossman
We truly cannot grumble that this has been the nist Kate Cavanaugh who regaled us with episodes winter of discontent. So far, little snow accumula- of her life as a mom of eight children. A surprise tion, average cold, but sometimes the weatherman awaited each attendee. A copy of her collection of columns Hope For The Best was a gift. tosses a missile at us on an OT/YES meeting date. This correspondent spearheaded the Early Bird Such was the case Jan. 17, which was supposed to have been a special Millennium Bash. All came discussion with the provocative topic: "Our friends to naught because slick streets and walks (ice)olat- in the Middle East." We paused in reverent respect for Dr. Morris ed us from celebrating that the sky did not fall on us due to Y2K. We have 1000 years to make up the Roitstein, Frieda Kolm, Dr. Maurice Steinberg, Jack E. Brown, Kate Sonnabend and Jean loss. So the colossal event will occur in March. Our luncheon speaker was World-Herald colum- Krupinsky Rozett.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 4,2000
Kids' Super Sunday scores big by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director
More than 250 kids and their parents attended the third annual Kids' Super Sunday last Sunday at the Jewish Community Center. Chairmen Dan and Deb Marburg noted that "this anticipated event is not only fun, but it teaches children the valuable lesson of tzedakah."
Child Development Center and Friedel Jewish Academy decorated tzedakah boxes and collected change to bring a total of $550 to Kids' Super Sunday. This year, the funds will be donated to the Jewish Federation's Hunger Relief Initiative.
Co-chair Deb Marburg Rachel Javitch, left, and Shaina Meyers takes a breather dur- clown around for the kids; more than 15 ing the excitement. BBYOers volunteered to help for the event.
Super Sunday volunteers Jim Sam Munzesheimer adds to his Mike Miller stops to chat while his family (daughters, Hannah and zipursky and Lesley Gates serve tzedakah box (with a little help Leah, and wife, Lori) enjoy hot pizza donated by Zio's. Zio's pizza to kids and families. from Andy Finkle).
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Tax Tips and Financial Planning Tax planning available ^ (Continued from page 1) •One deduction every taxpayer can use is the gift to charitable organizations. Congress wants to encourage-private citizens to support those organizations and causes for which you hold the highest regard. If you itemize your deductions, you can deduct your charitable contributions, generally up to a maximum of 50% of your adjusted gross income. For gifts of most types of appreciated property, this limit is 30% of adjusted gross income. Whichever limit is applicable, amounts in excess of this limitation can be carried over into the succeeding years. •Another method of making a tax-deductible gift is to examine all the methods of giving to find the best technique for each giver. One popular technique permits you to make a deferred gift, an arrangement whereby you place property in a trust with the stipulation that you will receive an income from the trust property for life, with the properly passing to the recipient at a later time.
This arrangement accomplishes three important Before considering the tax consequences of your objectives: it assures continuing income from the investments, consider these important issues: tax property; you may receive an immediate income tax treatment of capital gains, careful planning of deduction for the present value; and you gain investment income, using bonds as an investment, immense satisfaction of having a significant impact gift giving, mutual funds, and real estate as an alternative investment. on the future. Don't forget to plan for retirement, too. The suc•Some other long-range tax planning ideas include switching some of your portfolio to tax-free cess of your retirement years can be directly tied to municipal bonds. Cash-value life insurance also the planning carried out now. Though Social Security is designed to provide each person with a remains a valuable tax shelter. retirement income, it is usually necessary to provide additional income with other means. INVESTMENT AND TAX PLANNING Do you consider yourself to be an investor? To Please don't hesitate to call me at 334-6440 with many people, an "investor" is a person who regular- your financial planning needs as it relates to the ly buys and sells stocks. But most Americans are Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. actually investors without realizing it. Material for this article was obtained from If you have life insurance, a house, real estate, savings, a business, bonds or mutual funds, you Wilma Carmichael ofR&R Newkirk. certainly qualify as an investor.
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February 4, 2000
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"Lost Tribes of Israel" on NOVA Israel and southern Africa are separated by 4,000 miles of deserts, mountains, rain forests, savanna and open sea. Yet, there are intriguing clues that centuries ago a band of Jews found their way to a remote corner of Africa and kept their traditions alive. NOVA retraces the scientific trail of evidence for this remarkable migration on "Lost Tribes of Israel," airing Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 9 p.m. ETon PBS (check local listings). Israel's lost tribes were swallowed up by history after conquering Assyrians banished them from the Kingdom of Judah in 722 BCE. Since then, countless conjectures and fantastic theories have been proposed to account for their fate. Well aware of the spate of such theories, anthropologist Tudor Parfitt of London University was duly skeptical when he heard that a black African tribe called the Lemba claimed to be practicing Jews and descendants of the Biblical patriarchs. Nonetheless, he decided to investigate. After many years of collecting Lemba oral traditions, Parfitt embarked on a new phase of this research, using a recently-discovered genetic marker that appears to be linked to an ancient Jewish population. Jewish tradition has long held that men with names like Cohen or Kahan are descended from a hereditary prieBtly class that passed their profession from father to son. Analysis of the male "Y" chromosome of such men shows that they have a unique genetic signature, revealing a pattern of paternal inheritance that extends back many generations. . This discovery provides a distinctive marker to trace descendants of the ancestral Jewish population and, for Parfitt's purposes, to test the claims of the Lemba. NOVA accompanies Parfitt on an anthropological odyssey that takes him from Sowetto just outside of Johannesburg, northward across Zimbabwe, through war-torn Mozambique, and beyond—as he interviews Lemba elders and,collects genetic samples from males by means of a swab of saliva from the inside of the cheek. One key but elusive goal is the semi-mythical town of Senna, from which the Lemba people trace their origins. However, none of Parfitt's informants is exactly sure where it is. Furthermore, there are three different Sennas in Lemba tradition. At times, the Senna trail grows cold. But it heats up again in surprising places, as Parfitt continues up an ancient trade route along the African coast to Southern Yemen on the Arabian peninsula. There, on the lunar-like desert canyons of the Wadi Hadhramaut, in a nation of devout Muslims, he chances across what may be the final clue... Now in its 26th season, NOVA is produced for PBS by the WGBH Science Unit. The director of the WGBH Science Unit and executive producer of NOVA is Paula S.Apsell. • Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Park Foundation, The Northwestern Mutual Life Foundation, and CNET.
ROFFMAN/VTTEK
Edye Lynn Roffman, daughter, of Nonnand and Phyllis Roffman of I Omaha, and Joseph [ Carl Vitek, son of I Joseph Charles Vitek I and the late Mary C. Vitek, were married Saturday, Jan. 29, at Skyline Woods Country Club. Judge Lawrence Gendler officiated at the 6 p.m. family | ceremony. Honor attendants I were Sherri Green I and Cindy Shulewitz, sisters of the bride, and Joseph Charles Vitek, father of the groom, and John Vitek, brother of the groom. The bride is a Directory Advertising Consultant at US West Dex. The groom is a partner in the law firm of Vitek, Welch and Associates. After a honeymoon to Disney World, the couple will reside in Omaha.
OLESH/JAGHER Donna and Bob Olesh announce the engagement of their daughter, Heather Erin, to Eric i Jagher, son.of Ellen and Bill Jagher oft Marborough, MA. The bride-to-be, a I graduate of Washington University, was a | member of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority. She is an analyst with Andersen Consulting | in Kansas City. Her fiancee graduated summa cum laude I _ from the Olin School of Business at Washington University. He is a business analyst with Deloitte Consulting in Kansas City. A Sept. 24 wedding is planned in St. Louis.
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Page 11
Tax Tips and Financial Planning Highlights of 1999 tax law changes Highlights of the 1999 tax law changes include the following items: • Change in the definition of an eligible foster child for purposes of the earned income credit; • Deducting stop-smoking programs as medical expenses; • Extension of certain general business credits; • Extension of the tax-free status of up to $5,250 of employer-provided educational assistance; • Increase in the health insurance deduction for the self-employed; • Postponement of tax deadlines because of Y2K failures; • Repeal of the installment method for most accrual method taxpayers. For more information, call 1-800-TAX-1040 or visit the I n t e r n a l Revenue Service website: www.irs.gov
filing separately, $126,600 for unmarried individuals, $158,300 for heads of household, and $189,950 for married persons filing jointly. If your adjusted gross income is above this amount, use the Deduction for Exemptions Worksheet in the Form 1040 instructions to figure the amount you can deduct for exemptions.
Health Insurance deduction for the Self-Employed
Limit on itemized deductions increased You lose all or part of the benefit of your itemized deductions if your adjusted gross income is above a certain amount. In 1999 this amount is increased to $126,600 for all filing statuses except married filing separately ($63,300 for that filing status). See Publication 501 for more information.
For 1999, this deduction increases to 60% of the amount you paid for medical insurance for yourself and your family. After 2001, the deduction will increase again. For more information, see chapter 10 in Publication 535, Business Expenses.
Reporting capital gain distributions
The self-employment tax rate on net earnings : remains the same for calendar year 1999. This rate, 15.3%, is a total of 12.4% for social security (old-age, survivors and disability insurance), and 2.9% for Medicare (hospital insurance). The maximum amount subject to the social security part for tax years beginning in 1999 has increased to $72,600. All net earnings of at bast $400 are subject to the Medicare part.
For 1999, if your only capital gains are capital gain distributions from mutual funds, you may not Standard deduction amount increased need to file Schedule D. Instead, the gains can genThe standard deduction for most taxpayers who erally be reported directly on Form 1040, line 13. do not itemize deductions on Schedule A of Form Use the Capital Gain Tax Worksheet in the Form 1040 is higher for 1999 than it was for 1998. The 1040 instructions to figure the tax. This simpler amount depends on your filing status, whether you method of reporting capital gains is discussed in are 65 or older or blind, and whether an exemption chapter 4 of Publication 550, In vestment Income can be claimed for you by another taxpayer. The and Expenses. 1999 Standard Deduction Tables are shown in Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, Child Tax Credit increased and Filing Information. The maximum child tax credit for each qualifying ; child has increased from $400 to $500. For more Exemption amount increased information on the child tax credit, see the instrucThe amount you can deduct for each exemption tions for Form 1040 or Form 1040A. has increased from $2,700 in 1998 to $2,750 in 1999. You lose all or part of the benefit of your Earned Income Credit exemptions if your adjusted gross income is above a The following items explain the 1999 changes to certain amount. T h e amount at which this phaseout begins depends on your filing status. For 1999, the earned income credit. For more information, the phaseout begins at $94,975 for married persons see Publication 596, Earned Income Credit.
I'm Mark Schwartz, SUPER SUNDAY volunteer. Please give generously
The amount you can earn and still get the credit has increased for 1999. The amount you earn must be less than: • $26,928 with one qualifying child, • $30,580 with more than one qualifying child, or $10,200 without a qualifying child.
Self Employment Tax
Stop-smoking programs You can now include the amount you pay for a program to stop smoking as a medical expense on Schedule A (Form 1040). However, you cannot include any amount you pay for drugs designed to help stop smoking that do not require a prescription, such as nicotine gum or patches. If you paid for a stop-smoking program in 1996, 1997, or 1998> you can file an amended return on Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to include the amount you paid for the program.
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 4,2000
Storytelling time at Friedel
Whitney's pennies raises another $2800
Nancy Rips presented Joseph Had a Little Overcoat to some of the stu- Emily Friedman, left, and Leslie Graul donated their pennies to dents at the Friedel Jewish Academy. The book was honored recently Whitney Taxman's non-profit fund at a benefit performance of the Cents-Ational Variety Hour. Taxman's goal is to raise $15,000 for chilwith the Cnldecott Award for unique illustrations. dren's charities in memory of the 1.5 million Jewish children who perished in the Holocaust. To donate, call her at 397-5816.
Temple Israel offers students choice of mini-classes
Jeremiah Bleicher participated in a story- Cele Schwartz, Sara Lewis and Ann Rosen- Jewish Press Editor Carol Katzman demonblatt enjoy the accompanying luncheon. strated page layout to the teens. telling mini-module with Sara Lewis. Intermodule Month at Temple ableandI eijperieric'ed^fea'chers, such . Israel's Middle/High School enabled as Joanie Jacobson, Editor of the students in seventh and eighth Jewish Press Teen Age feature; grades to choose their own educa- Shane Kotok of Jewish Senior tional path for a three-week period. Services; storyteller Rita Paskowitz, Mini-sessions focused on aspects of and volunteer chairperson of Jewish culture, including music, Temple's Caring Committee Shelly intergenerational storytelling, Fox. These leaders helped students explore and analyze each venue." Jewish newspapers and leadership. As an outgrowth of these miniAccording to Elyce Azriel, Director of the Middle/High School, "These modules, the teen choir will take electives help to build a camp-like part in services tonight at Temple, under the direction of Cantor sense of camaraderie. "Research within the Reform Jennifer Blum; a book will be comMovement has shown that offering piled with the Nebraska Jewish electives in middle school helps to Historical Society of intergenerakeep kids 'affiliated more than tional stories; and a future Teen Age will be written and designed by a school can alone.' "Students worked with knowledge- teen group from Temple.
The next time think of Victims think the other 6 who also perished. Or is this a lesson rather not; < learn? Paid for by: The Committee for a World Wide Holocaust Remembrance Day.; ,! Samuel O. Browne, Junior., Treasurer
Sasha Skulsky, Kylie Zacharia David Martin listens as Larry and Alex Freeman chose Cantor Axelrod, Jewish Press AdvertisBlum's three-week mini-module. ing Manager, gave tips to teens.
Blood Drive at Beth El On Sunday, Feb. 13, from 9 a.m.1 p.m., a mobile unit from the American Red Cross will be stationed in the Beth El Synagogue parking lot during the synagogue's blood drive. Individuals who are in general good health, age 17 or older and who weigh at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Volunteers are also needed throughout the morning to register donors and also to serve beverages and snacks.
According to the Red Cross, people who take the time to donate blood are helping to save as many as three lives. The giving of blood is literally a gift of life to the person who needs it and, since this gift often goes to an unknown recipient, the act of giving is considered a mitzvah of the highest order. For an appointment to donate blood or to serve as a volunteer, call Carole Lainof at 293-0321.
February 4,2000
A MUST SEE by Jacob Katzman There is a moment in the recent film Magnolia when a drunken, elderly man, dying of cancer, says, "We're through with the past, but the past isn't through with us." The film is directed by a man named Paul Thomas Anderson, who wrote the film as well. This is his message: reflect on the past, regret your mistakes, and appropriately, deal with and correct them. This is a lesson that I believe everyone should adhere to but, unfortunately, the movie is not being as well received as I would hope. My intent in writing this article is not to try to persuade you to run out and see this film, though I would highly encourage it, nor is it to critique the critics who gave' the film poor reviews (I do wish they would stop giving opinions which dissuade people from seeing this movie), but rather to simply commend P.T. Anderson and his crew for creating one of the most eloquent, profound and touching film experiences of our time. Ever since I saw the movie 2001:A Space Odyssey, I have felt it only appropriate that filmmakers try to give a positive message when making a movie. I began to feel it was even possible for a movie to be philosophical, to almost preach to the audience the director or writer's view on life in general or a more direct subject. Magnolia truly is P.T. Anderson's take on life, his philosophy on what is important and what is mere experience. This may be viewed as a beautiful gift to give the world. He is, in my opinion, to be compared to a great scholar or novelist who has given his views through other mediums such as writing or music. I would also like to give credit to singer >,Aimee.N|ann, to whom Anderson .looks,, for inspiration and whose music soulfully captures the mood of the film. In fact, Anderson based a number of his many characters on some of Mann's songs. I believe that any Aimee Mann fan would find this movie a moving adaptation of many of her ballads.
Page 13
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For those out there who have had the pleasure of seeing this movie, I would like to address the controversial ending. This twist, placed near the end of the film, while often misunderstood, actually makes perfect sense. Many people have told me that they thought he ran out of ideas and could not figure out how to end the movie. I strongly disagree for a number of reasons. In fact, it doesn't make sense that a director could create such an incredible work and completely destroy it at the end. In reality, the event ~ | in the film that totally jars the audience was foreshadowed throughout the movie by strategically placed hints. There is a completely logical explanation to Anderson's bizarre ending. My suggestion Jacob as to how to figure it out is to never take your eyes off the screen and never tune out what the characters are saying, listening especially closely to the lyrics of Aimee Mann's music. I congratulate the people who put together Magnolia and verify to all you readers that it enhanced my view of life. I hope other viewers can share this positive experience. You might be surprised what a good movie can teach you. 1999 was a great year for movies, perhaps the best of all time, and I was delighted to see such a great year end with what I feel was the best movie of the year. This film closed a century of turmoil and change arid'sent a strong message about dealing with our past. Perhaps as we move into this next millennium, we could all take this message to heart. Jacob Is a Junior at BrowneH-Talbott, member of Sr. NCSY and Beth Israel Synagogue. by Jessica Belmont
What do you think of when you hear the word "friend?" You might think of someone you care about and trust, someone who cares about you, someone you can go places with and have -fun, and someone who is there for you when you really need him or her. That definition could fit each and every one of my friends. My friends: and I have had some of thai best times together. Whether) it's going to thai mall, going to a movie, having a sleep-over and talking about guys-specilically the 'Backstreet Boys'--!, know they are '•• Jessica my friends and they care about me and like me for the person I am. But let me tell you, it hasn't always been perfect in the friendship category. I went through a lot of hurt and a lot of pain during the last year. ' From the very first day of kindergarten until the middle of seventh grade, I knew a girl who was like a sister to me. We did everything together, we told each other absolutely everything, and when we were at each other's houses, we'd snoop around and open cabinets, etc., etc., without even asking, as if we were at our. own homes. I knew everything about her, and she knew everything about me. I think at the time, we both thought nothing would ever change. We even talked about being bridesmaids at each other's weddings one day. It was always
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
just the two of us, until seventh grade when we sort of grew apart. I wrote her a note and told her how bad I was feeling, and that I thought things between us were changing. She wrote back and said she thought we were just growing apart and "maybe we should find new best friends." When I read that sentence, tears came to my eyes. I knew we had had our problems, but I wasn't ready to let go of our friendship. I didn't understand why making new friends meant leaving the old ones behind. Although it took a while, and sometimes I still feel sad and lonely, I've learned that you have to get over these things and put them behind you. I've tried. I've tried so hard, and a lot of the sadness and loneliness has gone away. But the hurt will never leave me. One thing I do know is that I am so grateful and so thankful I have the friends that I do right now. These people care about me, they've always been there for me, and we've had the best times together. Those are true friends, the kind of people I'll always look for in a friend as I get older. I don't know how you can get through childhood without having friends to have fun with, to depend on.and care about. I cannot imagine myself without them. I think everyone needs a friend in his or her life, even if it's just a pet. Friendship Is a part of life. You go through the good times and you go through bad times. I have experienced both, and I know that friendship is something I'll value forever Jessica Is an eighth grader at Mlllard North Middle School, a member of Kadlmah USY and Beth El Synagogue.
by Jennifer Friedman For my creative writing class, we were given an assignment in which we had to find a piece of art, analyze it, and write a story about it. I spent all weekend searching for a piece of art in my house when this little statuette was sitting on the mantel of my fireplace the whole time. It's been there for years. It has been there so long that it just became a pan of my daily life, blending in with its surroundings. Suddenly, it stood out and spoke to me. "Pick me! Pick me!" it seemed to shout. It was the most perfect thing for me to write about, and it was here the whole time. The statuette is an Hasidic Jewish man who seems to be dancing joyously. This is not abnormal. For years, the Jewish people would celebrate by dancing. In times of oppression, it was one of the only things that kept them smiling. It still is a widely-practiced tradition. When I went to Israel, it was not uncommon to see Jewish people dancing on Shabbat, celebrating the day of rest. The statuette is definitely a true work of art, and here's the story I wrote about it.
Herschel Gendler was on his way to aFriday night services in the Kotel. It was a mild Israel night, so the walk to the Western Wall was not an uncomfortable one for him. Herschel walked to the Kotel every week at this time. He didnt dare take the bus because it was Shabbat, and Hasjdic Jews were not allowed to use electricity or automobiles on Shabbat. Using those things is considered "work," and he was not to work on Shabbat. It is Jewish law. Herschel joyfully hopped down the road. His long grey beard bounced as he skipped along. His old bones were anything but tired, for it was a day of celebration. The beauty of Shabbat seemed to enwrap Herschel and give him strength and joy on this special time of the week. • He was happy to welcome in the day of rest. He hummed an old Jewish tune as he frolicked down the streets into the setting sun.
; Biddy biddy bam bam, yi diddy di di.... Herschel joyfully sang. As he walked on, he looked upon all ]the shopkeepers 'closing their stores for I Shabbat. He walked ' past the bakery, the shoe store, ]the tailor, and the kosher deli, humming joyfully | the whole way. Two thirds of the way to the Kotel, Herschel Jennifer met up with his friend, Solomon Sagiv. "Shalom, Solomon!" Herschel cheerfully greeted his friend. "How are you this beautiful Shabbas night?" "Oyl Shalom, Herschel! I am doing wonderfully. The kids are driving me a little mashugah but, other than that, I am fine!" Solomon retorted. That is terrific to hear, my friend. Your children are truly a blessing," Herschel said. •. Herschel and Solomon bounded down the road, chattering and reciting old proverbs along the way. Finally, the two friends made it to the Kotel. "Is that not a beautiful sight? The Western Wall on Shabbat. I am blessed to be here," Solomon said. "As am I, my friend," Herschel said. The two friends draped their talit around their shoulders and started to make their descent to the great wall that their ancestors had fought for. The history seemed to glow from the wall and emanate to the people around it. Herschel began to tear up. "Oy! The Wall always gets to me. I cannot help but think of how lucky I am to be here to celebrate another Shabbat," he said. Solomon gave Herschel a comforting pat on the back and the two walked closer to the Wall. When they reached the giant wall of stones, filled with much history, Herschel took a tiny prayer book from his pocket and began to pray. He put his right hand on the coarse wall and prayed with all his heart. As he spoke to God in psalms and prayers, a solitary tear rolled down his old wrinkled cheek into his peppery beard. Herschel wept with happiness as he remembered how his ancestors had once danced and sang during times of oppression at the same place he was standing. Herschel was truly grateful to be where he was and thanked God for letting him experience the joy of Shabbat in the Kotel. Jennifer Is a junior at Central, a member of MZ Yoshanah BBG, OTYG and Temple Israel.
FURY
by David Pattern
Mother Nature appears to be angry ,. Y As the churning fire sucks the life out of all living things Crackle another limb falls •_ Into the fiery hell. The heat is growing with great intense yellow The blazing winds are tearing down the innocent trees Black and orange are racing in every direction A demon's hot breath, taking the lives of many \ Soon all the innocent will be dead •> , •, Mother Nature appears tit be angry. David Is a junior at Westelde and a member of Templo Israel.
Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 4,2000
Dark-skinned dolls travel world to reach Ethiopian Jewish children From South African townships to the United States $20 each for donation to disadvantaged children. The to Jerusalem, dark-skinned, soft and cuddly dolls find revenues pay the women in South Africa, providing their way into the arms of Ethiopian Jewish children needed employment, and support the work of the throughout Israel. Hundreds of the hand-made dolls Project People Foundation and its "Sponsor-a Smile" have been distributed by the North American doll campaign. Many donors give the dolls to NACOEJ, which arranges Conference on Ethiopian Jewry their transport to Israel and (NACOEJ) to eager children distribution among delighted who are delighted to have a doll children in schools, day care that looks like me!" centers and hospitals. The black doll project is the Jewish synagogues and brainchild of Linda TarryChristian church groups, as Chard, the New York based well as college campus orgafounder and president of the nizations such as Hillels and Project People Foundation, in Black Student Unions, have partnership with. Helen joined this effort. • Lieberman, a white, Jewish South African woman. The Among the many letters of Foundation is an African -„,,*-•"%* appreciation that NACOEJ American charity that is noted *W!*J<? has received is one from for helping to build bridges Addisu Masalla, the first between black and Jewish com1 Ethiopian Jew to become a munities in the United States. i member of the Knesset, who ' remarked that his two daughDolls are made by South ters were charmed by the African women for distribution dolls that had the same skin to black children in the United color they had. Israeli psyStates, South Africa, and, chologists and social workers through NACOEJ, in Israel. have written that the dolls Before the end of apartheid, help Ethiopian children gain black dolls were forbidden by more self-esteem and validate the government their own appearance. Barbara Ribakove Gordon, founder and national direcThe program continues tor of NAGOEJ, realized with donated dolls arriving in that while Ethiopian Jewish i Israel for further distribution children in Israel did n o t ' to waiting children. For more A n suffer from racial discrimiE t h i o p i a n - J e w i s h y o u n g s t e r in information about NACOEJ, nation, they did not have Israel shows her joy at acquiring a soft, the Project People Foundation dark-hued dolls to play handmade black doU. dolls, contact and the with. Even if their parents could afford to buy NACOEJ, 132 Nassau St., 4th floor, New York, NY them, the dolls weren't available. 10038, or call (212) 233-5200; fax, (212) 233-5243; eDolls are purchased here in the United States for mail, nacoej@aol.com.
Tax Tips and Financial Planning You don't pay tax on a Roth IRA You don't even pay tax on the gains, dividends, or interest that build up in a Roth IRA. The main feature of the Roth IRA is that you don't pay income tax when you withdraw the money. But generally, you must be 591/2 and the withdrawal of savings and gains must not be made until after the fifth year, beginning with the year of your first contribution. Tax-free withdrawals are also allowed for first home purchase ($10,000 lifetime cap) or upon death or disability, after the 5-year requirement is met. You may be able to convert funds to a Roth IRA from a traditional IRA to save taxes on future interest. The taxable amount withdrawn from your traditional IRA must be reported as taxable income for the year you convert it. However, you are exempted from paying the 10% additional tax on the early withdrawal. This conversion is not allowed if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income is over $100,000, or your filing status is married filing separately. A Roth IRA-unlike a traditional IRA-has no rule requiring minimum distributions.
Why wait for April 15? Start enjoying Taxpayer Relief right away. Do you expect a bigger tax refund as a result of the Child Tax Credit? One of the college credits? Or another tax break? If so, you can take home more money each payday-starting now~by asking your employer to lower the amount withheld from your pay. Use form W-4, available from your employer or the IRS.
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The future of millions of Jews is on the line. The Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign is rooted in the traditional Jewish value of tikkun olam. working to repair the world. Your gift to our Campaign Js the most important part of that work. It's at the heart of a sacred Jewish trust Jo build, strengthen and care for our community around the world, in Israel and here in Omaha. Keep that trust. When a Super Sunday volunteer calls, please give generously. TheJewish Federation of Omaha 334-8200
February 4,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
People of the Byte
Tzedakah on the Web by Mark Mietkiewicz
The tax man is knocking at the door. But as you course by e-mail on the mjtzvah of tzedakah, found fumble for your receipts and struggle with the at [ http://www.shemayisrael.co.il/jerbook8/ forms, it's time to take a break and think of others. tzedakah.html. Issues to be studied include why So, I'd like to take a look at some of the sites on the Torah considers tzedakah to be both an act of the Jewish Highway where you can pick up a good love and an act of justice. And does Jewish tradibackground in charity and, perhaps, even leave tion favor government involvement with regard to some tzedakah behind. Well look at the origins of the prevention of poverty? If you have an insight or tzedakah, examine some of the ethical issues in giv- problem you want to share, you can start a discusing (and taking) money and get tips on how to sion at the [news:soc.culture Jewish] newsgroup. inspire tzedakah in children. • Actually, charity really isn't a very good translation of the word tzedakah. According to Albert Vorspan, tzedakah literallymeans "righteousness. Tzedakah is not an act of condescension from one person to another who is in a lower social and economic status; tzedakah is the fulfillment of an obligation to a fellow-being with equal status." Find this definition and others at: http://www. jtsa.edu/melton/tzedakah/quotes.htinl In a very interesting overview of The Economics of Tzedakah (http://www.swfs.org/g5758erh.htin), Rabbi Gary M. Bretton-Garanatoor of New York's Stephen Wise Free Synagogue looks at the example set by Abraham. "We know little of Abraham's early life, and one might wonder why Abraham was singled out to become God's partner in the Covenant. We learn Still looking for more? from the text that Vayach'shveha lo tzedaka-God Try . these Tzedakah Links considered Abraham on account of his righteous- [http://www.ajritz.com/jew/tzedlnk.htm], The ness." (Genesis 15:6) http://bible.ort.org/bible/ Jewish Theological Seminary's Giving Page htm/genesis/torah/15061508.htm [http://www.jtsa.edu/inelton/tzedakah/] Maven "Throughout the Torah, tzedakah, acts of right- [http://www.maven.co.il/subjects.asp7S3l72] eousness, are tied to the Hebrew term, Mishpat— and Major Resources for Making Decisions legal justice, so we learn that doing what is right [http://www.jtsa.edu/melton/tzedakah/resourc es.htmll]. and just is a legal obligation." One of the most thought-provoking articles I Tzedakah, of course, is a habit best developed came across didn't address the giving of tzedakah when young. I was struck by the many sites on the but the taking of it. In When Good Money Comes Internet geared toward developing a sense of comfrom Bad People, http://www.jtsa.edu/pubs/jts- munity and commitment among young people. mag/vol6iss3/forum.html, three professionals In Tzedakah and Community: Living Jewish Day look at Jewish sources to help grapple with the to Day, there are many suggestions for nurturing e'thics of accepting donations from morally "ques- that sense of responsibility bothlnside and outside tionable sources. What would you do? the home [http://www.bnaibrith.org/cjihome• Take a look at Arthur Kurzweil's Brother, Can pag/fifwcb/je wish.html]. You Spare a Dime: The Treatment of Beggars Some tips: Set the table for Sabbath dinner... Put According to Jewish Tradition, money in the pushke, the tzedakah box... Visit the http://www.ajritz.com/jew/brother.htm. elderly at Hanukkah. Kurzweil says that although "the organized Jewish The site quotes Rabbi Eliyahu Dressier: "Parents community h a s gotten t h e mitzvah of giving are obligated to help their children convert their tzedakah down to a virtual science" he has always self-centered orientation into an altruistic one -been confused and inconsistent in his treatment of that is, to learn to love their fellow as themselves... beggars. He poses 15 questions such as "What if The first step in this learning process is acquired they are all fakes or frauds," "Shouldn't these beg- naturally in the family, when parents accustom gars be supported by official agencies?" and their children to do things for them and for each "Should I buy them a cup of coffee because they'll other." probably spend it on booze anyway?" You can find more children's tzedakah projects: Kurzweil, who is not a rabbi but a well-known [http://jcnl8.eom/newstand/jptoday/hhbar03.h Jewish genealogist, clearly spent a great deal of tin] and [http://www.bnaibrith.org/cjihomeeffort sifting through traditional sources which pag/fifweb/famtime.html]. clearly demand compassion for the needy. Many schools encourage their pupils to bring in As we've seen, there are many ethical and practi- tzedakah money and deposit it in a pushke. cal questions surrounding tzedakah. Yosef Ben Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, CA, goes Shlomo Hakohen offers a monthly correspondence one step further [http://www.uahc.org/cong8/ca/
ca006/notes9706/educ01.html]. The students established their own "Tzedakah Council" and studied several worthwhile projects around the world: They decided to support "Jewish solidarity, the Cuban Jewish Relief Fund, and AIDS Research" and at a later point decide on the next tzedakah projects. The kids Greenburgh Hebrew Center Religious School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, runs their own Tzedakah Fair [http://uscj.org/metny/dobbsghc/rlschool/tf.html]. I also recommend Virtual Jerusalem's Tzedakahr Why Should we Give? http://www.vjholidays.coin/ rosh/whygive.htm] "Did you know that the root of the Hebrew word 'to give' is 'Natan' • 'Nun, Taf, Nun'? Notice that you can read i t backwards and forwards. What does that tell us? That through giving, you get bade" "There are also links to a couple of stories about tzedakah, you can listen to the Shlock Rock song "Give a Tenth" and instructions about how to build your own tzedakah box. Another lovely project is described in B'nai Mitzvah Tzedakah: "Twin" with Disabled Israelis [http://www.jewish.com/bk950825/suptwin.ht m]. Bar and Bat mitzvah-aged children outside Israel are paired with Israeli children, many of whom were born blind and have multiple disabilities. And then there is the story of Oakland's Robert Schiff [http://www.jewish.com/bk950825/ suplieiLhtm] who asked his Bar Mitzvah guests to donate their Bar Mitzvah gifts to tzedakah in lieu of gifts. "I'm not saying it's the thing for everyone, but was the right thing for me," he said. It also seemed like the right thing for a couple of adults celebrating another simcha. Sandra and Andrew Cohen were married in January, 1996, in Gainesville, FL. As part of their wedding gift, they encouraged their friends to donate to tzedakah in their name. They also set aside a portion of their gifts for the charities listed at: [http://gnv.fdt.net/~sandrew/wedding/tzedaka h.html]. . I'd like to finish my look at tzedakah and the World Wide Web by quoting the most famous Jewish thought on the subject—Moses Maimonides' Eight Level's of Giving [http://www.vjholidays.com/rosh/eight.htm]. The great 12th-century rabbi/philosopher described a range of tzedakah from: 8) Giving grudgingly to, 5) Giving before one is asked to give to the highest, 1) a gift, a loan, a business partnership or a job that renders alms unnecessary. So to anyone who is pulling out a checkbook or has resolved to do more volunteer work or is about to hire someone in need, yasher koachtoyou! Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based television producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be contacted at: highway@home.com
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 4,2000
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Tax Tips Strong start for 15th electronic filing season WASHINGTON - The 15th year of electronic filing is off to a strong start, with the Internal Revenue Service receiving more than 739,000 efiled tax returns this past weekend, a 27.7 percent increase over last year's opening weekend. It's also more than the 686,000 total received during the first three years of the program, when e-filing was limited to computer-filed returns in certain areas. Filing by computer has been nationwide since 1990; filing by phone, since 1996. "We expect to receive 33.6 million e-filed returns this year," said Robert Barr, IRS Assistant Commissioner for Electronic Tax Administration. "With the total returns projected to be 127 million, that would mean one out of four taxpayers will e• file,' and we're working to get the other three to join us." IRS e-file offers a totally paperless experience, where taxpayers can sign and file their returns electronically, then either receive a refund or pay a balance due through an electronic transfer of funds to or from their bank accounts. Taxpayers may also charge federal taxes on a credit card, either by including the card information with a computerfiled return, or by calling in the charge to a credit card processor. The IRS sent 33 million taxpayers special customer numbers to "sign" their e-filed returns. About 21.5 million TeleFile packages invited recipients with simple returns to file by phone. The other 11.5 million went to taxpayers who used a computer to do their own taxes last year, whether they filed a paper or electronic return. The IRS has also chosen about 18,000 tax preparers to take part in a pilot that allows their clients to create their own five-digit identification numbers to use as electronic signatures, further cutting required paperwork. When this pilot began last year, the IRS received nearly half a million such . returns with electronic signatures. Taxpayers who file electronically do not have to mail W-2 wage statements to the IRS. Those "signing" with the designated customer number do not have to mail any signature documents. Any taxpayer expecting a refund may have the money deposited directly to a bank account, whether filing electronically or on paper. But for those who owe taxes, only e-filers can have the payment taken directly from a checking or savings account by authorizing a direct debit on a selected date. Thus, they can file early but have the payment occur as late as the tax deadline. This option, limited last year to computer filers, is also available for those filing by phone this year. There is no charge for this service. Some computer filers will also have an option to include a credit card charge for taxes owed with their e-filing information. Tax preparation software from Intuit will allow users to charge a balance due to a Discover Card, and professional preparers using Orrtax software will be able to offer their clients the option of charging a balance due to an American Express, MasterCard or Discover Card account. All taxpayers with a balance due - regardless of . how they file - may charge taxes to one of these last three cards by calling 1-888-2PAY-TAX. This charge-by phone service is also available for payments that a person chooses to make with a request for a filing extension, as well as for estimated tax payments for tax year 2000. The estimated tax option will become available on March 1. The IRS does not set or collect any fees for credit card payments, but the private sector partners who provide the services may impose convenience fees. The taxpayer's credit card statement will list separately the tax payment to the U.S. Treasury and the convenience fee. / The "Electronic Services" section of the IRS Web site: www.ira.gov, has more information on features, options, and private sector partners for e-filing this year.
IRS website helps check eligibility for spousal tax relief WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service's Web site now has interactive prompts to help taxpayers see if they might qualify for relief from a joint tax liability with their current or for- • mer spouse. By answering a short series of yes/no questions, a user finds out if he or she can use either innocent spouse or injured spouse relief provisions. "We've already revised our printed materials to help taxpayers apply for the expanded innocent spouse relief of the 1998 IRS Restructuring and Reform Act," said IRS Commissioner Charles O. Rossotti. "This interactive Web site is yet another way we're improving our services and helping taxpayers exercise their rights." The "Spousal Tax Relief Eligibility Explorer* is available as a link from the "Tax Info for You" page of the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov. The Explorer takes the user through the qualifying factors one question at a time. If the person appears to qualify for relief, the program offers to download the appropriate application form. When a married couple files a joint tax return, each spouse is fully liable for any taxes owed. This would include any additional taxes assessed after an audit. The 1998 law made it easier for people to qualify as an "innocent spouse" and be relieved of this liability. The law offers relief under certain conditions to a person who did not know about erroneous items that caused additional tax, to a divorced or separated person to the extent an additional tax is aUocable to the other spouse, or to a person who does not meet these circumstances, but who it would be inequitable to hold responsible for the taxes owed. > • •>• . ;; "Injured spouse" relief applies w h e n a couple files jointly a n d h a s their t a x refund reduced or elimi- „ nated because of a n unpaid t a x or other debt that only one of t h e m owes. F o r example, o n e spouse m a y owe taxes from a year before t h e couple m a r ried. The other spouse has a right to his or her share of the refund,, based on an allocation of income, deductions, payments and other tax return items between the two spouses. Taxpayers can use IRS Form 8857, "Request for Innocent Spouse Relief," or Form 8379, "Injured Spouse Claim and Allocation," as appropriate. In addition to the IRS Web site, the forms are available by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
New disclosure rules take effect for tax-exempt organizations WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service reminded tax-exempt organizations that, beginning today, they must generally provide requesters with copies of their approved exemption applications and their three most recent annual information returns. Previously, the organizations had to have these documents available for public inspection, but did not have to make copies. An alternative to providing copies is for the organization to make the documents available on a Web site, either its own or another organization's. It may then advise requesters how to access the forms on the Web. Tax-exempt organizations may charge a reasonable copying fee, currently up to $1 for the first page and 15 cents for each additional page, plus actual postage costs. An organization which fails to comply with these new disclosure requirements may be subject to a penalty of $20 per day for as long as the failure continues, up to a maximum of $10,000 for each failure to provide an annual return. The new disclosure rules do not yet apply to a private foundation. Such an organization must still make a copy of its annual return available for p u t lie inspection at its principal office for a period of 180 days after publishing a notice of availability.
February 4,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 17
Changes in pension plan limitations to occur this year
Programs to stop smoking now tax-deductible
WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service compensated employee under section 414(q)(l)(B) has announced cost-of-living adjustments applica- is increased from $80,000 to $85,000. ble to dollar limitations for pension plans and other The annual compensation limit under sections items for Tax Year 2000. 401 (a)(17) and 404(1) is increased from $160,000 Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code pro- to $170,000. The annual compensation limitation vides for dollar limitations on benefits and contri- under section 401 (a)(17) for eligible participants in butions under qualified retirement plans. It also certain governmental plans that, under the plan as requires that the Commissioner annually adjust in effect on July 1,1993, allowed cost-of-living adjustments to the compensation limitation under these limits for cost-of-living increases. Effective Jan. 1, 2000, the limitation on the the plan under section 401 (a)(17) to be taken into annual benefit under a defined benefit plan under account, is increased from $270,000 to $275,000. section 415(b)(l)(A) is increased from $130,000 to The compensation amount under section $135,000. For participants who separated from ser- 408(k)(2)(C) regarding simplified employee penvice before Jan. 1, 2000, the limitation for defined sions (SEPs) is increased from $400 to $450. The benefit plans under section 415(b)(l)(B) is comput- compensation amount under section 408(k)(3)(C) ed by multiplying the participant's compensation for SEPs is increased from $160,000. to $170,000. limitation, as adjusted through 1999, by 1.0235. The limitation under section 408(p)(2)(A) regardThe limitation for defined contribution plans ing simple retirement accounts remains unchanged ' •• : ; ' •: : • - • .-. under section..415(c)(l)(A) remains unchanged at at$6,000. $30,000. • - ' . • • • • • • The limitation on deferrals under sections 457(bX2) The Code provides that various other dollar and (c)(l) concerning deferred compensation plans of amounts are to be adjusted at the same time and in state and local governments and tax-exempt organithe same manner as the dollar limitation of section zations remains unchanged at $8,000. 415(b)(l)(A). These dollar amounts and the adjustThe compensation amounts under sections 1.61 ed amounts are as follows: 21 (f)(5)(i) and (iii) of the Income Tax Regulations The limitation under section 402(9)(l) on the concerning the definition of "control employee" for exclusion for elective deferrals described in section fringe benefit valuation purposes are increased from $70,000 and $145,000, respectively, to 402(gX3) is increased from $10,000 to $10,500. The dollar amount under section 409(o)(l)(C)(ii) $75,000 and $150,000, respectively. for determining the maximum account balance in Administrators of defined benefit or defined conan employee stock ownership plan subject to a 5- tribution plans that have received favorable deteryear distribution period is increased from $735,000 mination letters should not request new determito $755,000, while the dollar amount used to deter- nation letters solely because of yearly amendments mine the lengthening of the five-year distribution to adjust maximum limitations in the plans. period is increased from $145,000 to $150,000. For more information, call the IRS at 1-800-TAXThe limitation UBed in the definition of highly 1040 or visit the website at: www.irs.gov
WASHINGTON-The Internal Revenue Service added another benefit to the value of programs to help people stop smoking: the cost of these programs counts as a medical expense for taxpayers who itemize deductions. Citing reports of the Surgeon General from 1988 to 1998, the IRS noted that scientific evidence has established that nicotine is addictive and that smoking is detrimental to a smoker's health. In light of this, the IRS revoked a 1979 ruling and said that taxpayers may count the unreimbursed costs of smoking-cessation programs as deductible medical expenses, even though they have no specific ailment or disease. Taxpayers may also deduct expenses for prescription drugs designed to alleviate nicotine withdrawal. However, the tax law does not allow a deduction for over-the-counter medications, such as'non-prescription nicotine patches and gum. The law also limits the itemized deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses to the amount by which these expenses exceed 7i/2 percent of adjusted gross income. Taxpayers who paid for smoking-cessation pro-, grains in recent years might get a refund by filing an amended tax return. Those who already had enough medical expenses to deduct them should amend their returns to include the smoking program costs. Other taxpayers should check their returns to see if these added expenses would give them enough medical expenses to itemize. A person may generally file an amended return on Form 1040X until three years from the due date of the original return. Revenue Ruling 99-28, which explains the deducibility of smoking-cessation programs, were in Internal Revenue Bulletin 1999-25, dated June 21, 1999, and is available through the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov
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WASHINGTON - After a successful test of accepting credit card payments this year, the Internal Revenue Service will expand their availability to individuals seeking automatic extensions of time to file returns and those making estimated tax payments for tax year 2000, There will also be new opportunities to file and pay taxes electronically. The IRS offers these electronic payment options through partnerships with private industry, including credit card processors and tax preparation software developers. More than 129,000 people paid their federal taxes by credit card or direct debit transactions during the 1999 pilot. "We've been pleased with the positive response from taxpayers to our electronic payment alternatives, and with the private sector partnerships which have made these options possible," said Robert E. Barr, IRS Assistant Commissioner for Electronic Tax Administration. "Making the whole tax process — filing, signing and paying --fully electronic advances our goal of transacting 80% of our business electronically." All individuals will again be able to use the payby-phone system to charge tax payments to American Express, Discover or MasterCard accounts. This system will accept three types of payments: •the balance owed on a 1999 return; •a projected balance of 1999 taxes due on a request for an automatic extension of time to file; •or an estimated tax payment for tax year 2000. Taxpayers charging an automatic extension or estimated tax payment will not have to file the associated paper Forms 4868 or 1040-ES. The phone system, operated by Official Payments Corporation (formerly U.S. Audiotex), of San Ramon, CA., opened Jan. 14. The estimated tax payment option will become available March 1, 2000. Three tax software developers will offer e-file and pay combinations for individuals. In these programs, the credit card payment information is part of the electronic return filed. Intuit, of Mountain View, CA, which piloted this option for personal computer users last year, will expand its program to people using its Web filing service and to tax preparers using its professional ny year: . ' • ' • • . ' • . • For taxpayers relying on computers, they should series software. The Intuit programs will allow tax irint out'pertinentfinancial document's and back-up payments only with.the.Discover Card. Nelco, an e-filiiig transmitter and software develany yitaljtax information; \ '•_ ... M •Taxpayers should save their final 1999.paycheck oper located in Green Bay, WI, will include an stub, which generally includes year-end totals. While option for payments using an American Expresfe this doesn't replace thejW-2, it does contain basic Card for both online-filer's" and taxpayers e-filing information that can help people start preparing throughi.taxprofessionals^ •-•;• ,-> •• •. ; • .;;;;;:^ i Orrtax •Software, of Bellevue, WA^wJll partner their tax returns. ?• • "Anyone can have problems with their computer with .Official EaymentsXIorp.-io.allow charges to the same three_ cards used, on the phone system to crashing or trouble getting a W-2, regardless: of what be included in returns e-filed_through tax- profesyear it is," Rossotti said. "Taking, some preventive sionals. ; • ' • • " " ' ' "• •• • • •-'•' ' measures is sound tax advice, regardless of, the! calThe IRS does not set or collect any fees for credit endar." • card payments, but the private sector partners The penalty and interest relief will apply only to issues may impose, convenience fees, based on the tax directly related to century-date-change problems. amounts charged. . If taxpayers encounter Y2K problems that have an All individuals who file electronically — including impact on their tax returns or other elements involv- those using TeleFile, the file-by phone system ~ ing tax law compliance, there are several steps they will be able to have the balance due debited directshould take: . ly from their bank accounts. Many people already •Notify the IRS as soon as possible after discovery use such direct debits for their mortgages, auto by calling the toll-free help line at 1-800-829-1040. loans or utility bills. Last year, the IRS limited •Take prompt action to fix the Y2K problem after direct debits to computer-filed returns. discovery. • Consider alternate ways to comply with the tax law. When contacting t h e IRS, taxpayers should address five basic questions: What was the Y2K failure? How did it affect your ability to meet your tax obligations? What steps did you take to become Y2K compliant? When did you discover the;failure?.When, wjll the failure be correct-
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WASHINGTON-The Internal Revenue Service has taken steps to provide penalty and interest relief to taxpayers and businesses who might be unable to comply with the tax laws because of year 2000 problems beyond their control. Following up on legislation enacted this year, the IRS will be prepared to waive tax penalties and interest for taxpayers who encounter major Y2K problems despite taking appropriate steps to prepare for the century date change. • , "Taking a common-sense approach will help most taxpayers adequately prepare for Y2K," IRS Commissioner Charles O. Rossotti said. "But the IRS stands ready to help if some taxpayers and businesses encounter Y2K tax problems beyond their control." The IRS can provide Y2K tax penalty and interest relief in cases where: . . •Taxpayers make a reasonable effort to become Y2K compliant. •A Y2K failure significantly affects a taxpayer's ability to comply with the tax laws, such as inability to file on time or make tax payments or deposits on schedule. . •The tax law violation was unavoidable due to a Y2K failure or as a result of Y2K-related efforts to prevent disruption of essential services. •Taxpayers alert the IRS about the problem. Penalty relief means the IRS can abate or waive tax penalties, such as those for failure to file, failure to pay and failure to deposit. Even if Y2K problems occur, most individual filers should have sufficient time to file their individual returns by this year's tax deadline. What does the IRS consider a reasonable effort to become Y2K compliant? It can mean such things as determining if your computer is Y2K compliant and asking your financial institution or your employer if they are Y2K ready. In short, taxpayers should embrace a commonsense approach. They should determine whether they have any tax records endangered by Y2K issues, take appropriate action and stay informed. Most individual taxpayers can help prepare for Y2K by taking simple steps that are a good idea in
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February 4,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 19
Tax Tips and Financial Planning Five ways to save on your 1999 taxes Here are five ways to save on your 1999 taxes; Take credit for higher education don't forget to seek the advice of a tax professional, HOPE Credit applies only for the first two years ypur account, attorney and/or financial planner. Or call the IRS at 1-800-TAX-1040 for additional infor- of post-secondary education—such as college or vocational school. It does not apply to graduate and mation. professional level programs. • Cut your federal income tax by the full amount You're allowed 100% of the first $1000 of qualiof the HOPE Credit or the Lifetime Learning fied tuition and related fees paid during the tax Credit, for qualified costs of higher education. • Subtract the full amount of the Child Tax year plus 50% of the next $1,000, for a maximum credit of $1,500 per eligible student per year. The Credit right off your total tax bill, if you qualify. student must be enrolled at least half-time. • Save for the future with a Roth IRA without This applies to expenses paid after 12/31/97 for paying tax on future gains or earnings by following academic periods beginning after that date. See certain guidelines. • • Minimize the taxes required on certain IRA qualifications below. If you qualify, subtract the full credit off your withdrawals for qualified costs of higher education federal tax total: or a first home. • The HOPE Credit-up to $1,500 per student, per • And don't forget the "same year" deductions year. that make traditional IRAs a popular choice. • Or the Lifetime Learning Credit, up to $1,000 per year. IRA options to help save for education The Lifetime Learning Credit applies to graduate The Education IRA. You can contribute up to level and professional degree courses, as well as, $500 a year, per child until the child turns 18. This undergraduate courses including instruction to acquire or improve job skills. is a non-deductible contribution. If you qualify, your credit equals 20% of the postYour earnings will grow tax-deferred, just as they would from any other IRA. Later, withdrawals can secondary tuition and fees you pay during the year be made tax-free to the extent that they are not are limited to a maximum credit in 1999 of $1000 more than the child's qualified education expenses per year. You cannot claim both the HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credits for the same student in including tuition, books, room, and board. Special rules for traditional IRAs. If you use the the same year. funds to pay for qualified higher education expenses for yourself, your spouse, child, or grandchild, you can make an early withdrawal from your IRA withput paying the usual 10% additional tax on early withdrawals. . Even if you don't itemize deductions - you may be able to deduct up to $1,500 interest.
This is a full, dollar-for-dollar credit that can cut your 1999 federal income tax by up to $500 per qualifying child. One child can mean up to a $500 credit. Two children, up to $1000. And so on. Who qualifies for the $500 credit? Your dependent child or descendant, stepchild, or foster child for whom you can claim a dependency exemption. The child must be under 17 as of 12/31/99 and must be a U.S. citizen or resident. Do you have three or more children? For three or more qualifying children special rules apply. If' your Child Tax Credit was limited you may be entitled to an additional Child Tax Credit. For more information see Form 8812. Are there income restrictions? Your total Child Tax Credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 that your Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds $110,000 for joint filers; $75,000 if single, head of household, or qualifying widow (er); or $55,000 if married filing separately. How do you claim this credit? Figure your credit using the worksheet in Form 1040 or 1 040A instructions. Then enter it on Line 43 of your Form 1040, or Line 28 on Form 1 040A. For more information see Publication 17.
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OTYG presents dinner and auction Once again, Temple Israel's youth group, OTYG, will sponsor a spaghetti dinner and auction to raise funds for Camp Rainbow, a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. The event is this Sunday, Feb. 6, a t 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel. With the donations from any businesses and individuals in the community, members of OTYG will serve dinner and auction off items such as: a toboggan, UNL Husker tickets, Maverick Hockey, tickets, Shabbat dinner for up to 10 at the Azriel's, restaurant gift certificates, two reserved parking places at Temple and more. Sokolof buys time during Super Bowl :,'•; PhiLSpkolofs Nation&ljteart\S.avefpA^deiqtion i^pent;$2.5 million for a-'30-setond spot during .the SupervBowl last Sunday, the moat expensive public . seryiceannouncement in the history of the national football'championship game. In the commercial, Sokolofchampibned the "lifesavirig power'of cholesterol-lowering drugs." ' • .' •'••'• ••
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Rich Jews, poor Jews On America Online, there is a popular feature different organizations. This fact alone says somecalled Judaism Today: Where Do I Fit? People thing about Jewish responses to poverty. The'se organizations do inspiring and noble work anonymously send in.e-mail letters to the author of itik feature, Gil Mann, and he selects one letter for a and exist all over the country in many forms (like public response in his .Jewish E-Mail column. Jewish Family Services, Vocational Services &n& This column is now syndicated in Jewish papers countless Jewish social action committees, etc.) . ' '-. "'•"•••'• across the U.S. and Canada. Here is this week's That's the good news. . The Ijad news is that I think'you are probably edited e-mail and Gil's response: ;. . right in saying that many Jews do hot understand : ' ' " '. •••••••• Dear Gil: .'',... ']['". ' " ;••/•//.' " ' . , ,'• '; : ,; w h a t p o v e r t y i s . A close friend of mine was a single mother living For' example, what is considered poor? In the on the embarrassingly inadequate wage she earned U.S., poor is about $24,000 for a family of four. working as the secretary of a local Temple. If she That money does not go far if you figure that basic came up short at the end of the month (a regular housing could burn up half of this amount in many occurrence), instead of seeing that the problem was cities. • her minuscule income, people acted as'if she were a Using this standard, the number of Jews who are spendthrift. 'poor is staggering! In metropolitan New York City alone, about One day, I came to pick up my daughter from Hebrew school and saw my friend's son, the sole of 180,000 Jews are estimated to be living at or below his shoe flapping off his foot. The snow was knee- this level. You can add another 275,000 Jews who deep; he came in with a frostbitten foot. I was out- live in the category called the "near poor"-that is raged that such a situation was allowed to continue an additional $6000 of income. under the noses of some very well-heeled individuThose at the "near poor" level are not entitled to als. welfare or other public benefits. They may be It was impossible not to notice that this boy had unable to pay for child care, healthcare or other no shoes in the winter, as he regularly came to necessities. In addition, any crisis can push these meet his mother after school, but before her work- people into a category.of "poor" and then they have to wait to qualify for benefits. day was over. When I raised the issue with a few people in , Our economy may be booming, but so is ; poverty. higher- positions, they were remarkably! unsympa- In just the last seven months, five (kosher) food thetic towards,her, insinuating that she just didn't pantries have been opened in New York City to feed .hungry Jews. " ....'...••,'.' '..'. ^] know ^ow to manage,money. "';.'..• Although a single struggling, mother inyself, I I Unfortunately,, no reliable, and up to date figures made a hole in my budget fit buy the child a pair of exist to tell us how mapy Jews nationally are living shoes. I am still angry, tne'se 15 years later, that at,or near poverty, though,a national Jewish poputhe only one who did anything for her was I,, one of latiop study is in theworks. Still, J believe anypody • the,persons in that congregation le^st able to reading these words who says, "well thait'is TNew .afford it. , j . i . . .- . . - • -••• • Ypfk-but not my city^ is likely making a mistake. I don?t think "leader?" of various cojnmunities I don't think I am too far ,6ut on.a limb'bjf'guessmean tojbV orufel, insulting, of'flippant in* ^heir atti-;' ing that poor| Jews live: all:bvef tike country^'_' ';' tudes towards those! with less; I think they just In addition/ i think,itis easyto understand the don't understand whijt poverty is. difficulty and humiliation a person' -wo'iila* feel in They think poverty cojild be overcome if: lj the coining forward to ask (f6r help. . .especially gr(>en poor made different '"lifestyle choices," or 2) they the false impression rn'fmy hold about "all Jews, . '"' " ' ' '''''"' were lectured into improving their characters. beihgrich." ' Divorced or widowed mothers, the mentally chal- ' My hope in publicizing your letter is twofold. lenged, and the isolated elderly simply are not First, to help those who are heedy realize that they going to have the access to jobs or other income are far from being the only poor Jewish person. that younger, weller, married, and family-support- Secondly, to sensitize those of us lucky enough not to live in poverty, that many fellow Jews are not so ed people are. In my experience, when Jews come face to face lucky. In addition, we must reach out to help. What does this mean? with suffering, they react rather badly, denying it's May I suggest to my readers that after you finish there, blaming the victim, or worse, demonizing the sufferer. Perhaps a searching (i.e., not knee- reading this, you pick up the phone' and call your jerk~or guilt-jerk) discussion of this issue can final- local Federation, Jewish Family Service of synagogue. Find out what programming exists to assist ly be opened. the poor (Jewish' and non-Jewish) and offer to give : .*" '-*• . . . - * • •; • :'• of your money and time. If no programming exists, offer to help put together a social action program or D e a r A : •• ' , . " . . - . ••."•.' -. • . " " •'••.•';.•" • ' . . , • . •. . "All Jews are rich"~another Jewish stereotype committee. down the drain thanks to your e-mail that will likeHow about as an inspiration from this writer's Ely provoke some discussion. mail, organizing a hats, mittens and boots collecAs you will see at the end of my response, I hope tion that a local synagogue can distribute this winit will provoke more than that. Clearly your e-mail ter? • is a product of painful experiences and I would not Thanks for giving me the chance to respond to try to deny what you have seen and felt. your letter. I hope others will too! Your experiences are especially sad in view of GU Jewish law that speaks literally volumes about caring for the poor, the widow, orphan and stranger. Gil Mann is the author ofi How to Get More Out This entire column could be citations on the subject of Being Jewish Even If: A. You are not sure you from the Torah, the Prophets, the Talmud and believe in God, B. You think going to synagogue is other texts. ' ' • a waste of time, C. You think keeping kosher is I don't think it is fair to say across the board that stupid, D. You hated Hebrew School, or E. All of all Jews and Jewish organizations are callous or the above! He makes no money from book sales, his unhelpful to the poor. Traditionally, and today, work on America Online or this column. You are Jews have gone beyond talk and study of the law invited to his area of AOL (Keyword: Judaism Today,) for a free download of the first two chapabout the disadvantaged. ters of his book and other Q & A with GiL He welOne of the first things I did in researching a comes your e-mail comments and questions about, response to your e-mail was to contact some Jewish this column or any subject. Write to organizations involved with the Jewish poor. In no DearGU@aol.com or send your letters to this paper. time at all, I was able to find professionals in three To order the book call- 1-80(^04-9925. ;
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February 4,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 21
Archbishop calls for reflection (Continued from page 1) said, asking those gathered to think about "the way of conducting ourselves in the future." After Bea Karp told the moving story of her childhood, frightened by the Nazis and hidden during the war years, the Archbishop spoke of his shock as a 13-year-old in Omaha watching the black-and-white newsreels which showed the liberation of the concentration camps. . When he expressed that shock to his mother, an immigrant from Slovenia, she told him that "people were capable of holiness and goodness and also of great evil." ""I had to make up my mind which camp I'd be in," the archbishop said, relating his thoughts about the Holocaust to Pope John Paul II (who grew up in Poland, a neighbor of Omahan Dave Richtman). "I, as the Pope is, am committed to helping the Catholic world realize that indifference, hostility and disregard (should) never happen again. That we, as Christians, can never let anyone suffer as the Jews suffered at that time in history." But Rabbi Stiel noted that while she was "gratified to see everyone today," hoped everyone would "leave here to fight against injustice wherever we see it. "Fingerprinting isn't helping, but learning from the past is," she added as she called on the archbishop to "use this as an opportunity to go back to our schools so our kids will understand (the) modern view (of the Church) towards the Jews. "I have the authority to make those changes (in our school)," she stated to the archbishop, "as I know you do (in Catholic schools),* While the panelists continued to comment on questions such as "What is the role of the Holocaust in our lives today?" Rabbi Myer S. Kripke urged the panelists to discuss the position of the Church that "Jews, who denied the divinity of Jesus, ought not to have a place on (this) earth." • "I'm a little unhappy that it's been so peaceful (this morning)," he noted with a smile. The archbishop responded, "You cannot love Jesus and separate him from his Jewishness; The Jewish people have been faithful to their covenant, so the frustration here is helping people deal with the past. "To kill people in the name of reli-
gious righteousness is awful," he added. "Christians have to apologize." Prof. LeBeau spoke about the "complexities which surround simple answers," adding that one positive element that surfaced during the crisis in Kosovo was when the United States came to the aid of the Muslim Serbians, showing, in his opinion, that Americans were concerned with injustice. With that concern, Dr. Nachman, who has interviewed more than 60 survivors of the Holocaust, expressed his delight with the many calls he receives weekly requesting information about the Holocaust. "The interest in the Holocaust is so tremendous," he said, "People do care. "There are more than 13,000 nonJews recognized by Yad Vashem as 'Righteous among the nations' for their efforts in saying Jewish' liveB...(but) Steven Spielberg is my hero because of what he did (in publicizing) Schindler." Karp echoed Nachman's sentiments, recalling the care she had while hidden in a convent during World War II. She even spoke of her desire to become a Catholic, but Sister Esperance told her, "remember your father's teachings." It was her father's faith that sustained her and gave her strength, she said tearfully. Karp secretly visited him in the men's section of the concentration camp when he told her that a Nazi had given him an egg. But when he broke the shell and saw a spot of blood he told the young Bea they couldn't eat it as it was forbidden by Jewish law. . . . • ' . . - . . As he threw the egg against the wall, the young girl cried, but it taught her a lesson, "Do what you want to my body, but my mind .and my beliefs you cannot have. "For me, religion was the one constant that never changed," she recalled. "It gave me a lot of strength during those years." Karp first started speaking out while she and her family lived in O'Neill, NE, and her non-Jewish neighbors asked about her background. She learned that "people can get along." Prof. LeBeau joked that his idea of an interfaith dialog used to be "French Catholics talking to Irish Catholics." The archbishop echoed that senti-
ment, adding that "dialog is not just between Jews and Christians...we spent the second millennium divided (referring to the Catholic Church's division with the Protestants); we must spend the third millennium united." Rabbi Stiel, again calling 1 for specific action, said, "I,| don't want to let the Jews off the hook,- either. There is genocide still going on around the world. "We can't feel too warm and fuzzy when we leave g e a R ^ recounted her childhood experihere," she urged. "We need e n c e 8 d u r i n gtheHolocaust to be fired up.
Panelists included, from lefh Dr. Ben Nachman, Rabbi Debbie Stiel, Bob Wolfson (moderator), Bea Karp, Archbishop Elden Francis Curtiss and Dr. Bryan LeBaeu.
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Page 22
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 4,2000 f
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. Massachusetts storyteller and musician Doug Lipman will present his one-man show, The Soul of Hope, on Sunday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel. The story begins with a description of a time fraught with despair. A prayer is offered, "Send us something to make it easier to hope." What follows is a spiritual adventure packed with music, humor and joy, weaving Jewish mysticism into the fabric of universal wisdom and the timeless human struggle to change the world. Lipman tells the story of how the Baal Shem Tov performed four sacred acts to keep hope alive in the world. In each successive generation, according ' to the story, one of the acts is lost. In the last: generation, only the story itself remains, yet that is enough to keep hope alive. The Baal Shem Tov was a real person, born Israel ben Eliezer around 1700 in Eastern Europe. Very little is known about his life, but there are many legends about him. It appears he was a wandering storyteller and healer who rekindled hope for many of the poor. He did this by turning to the Jewish mystical tradition and saying that the spirit matters more than legalism. One could be close to God by being filled with God's spirit and not only by mastering the intricacies of Jewish law. Lipman says that storytelling is undergoing a revival these days because "it allows us to flex our imagination muscle..." Lipman got his start while working in the children's ward of a Boston mental hospital. He has been working as a freelance storyteller for many years, following the completion of a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in creative writing. "The only way I could make a connection with the children was to tell stories and sing songs," he noted. This program is made possible by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. >
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February 4,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 23
JOFA's third international conference explores Women's Issues in Judaism New York, NY: JOFA, the Jewish Orthodox Director, International Research Institute on Feminist Alliance, is holding its Third Jewish Women, Brandeis University; Rabbi Saul International Conference on Sunday and Monday Berman, Director, Edah; Dr. Norma Baumel. of Presidents' Weekend, Feb. 20 and 21. The two- Joseph, Associate Professor, Department of day event, expected to attract in excess of 2,000 Religion, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada; participants, will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Rabbi Irving Greenberg, President, Jewish Life in New York City. | ' - ~• "] Network; Dr. Tova Hartman JOFA's mission is to expand the « j Halbertal, Melton School of spiritual, ritual, intellectual, and l I Education, Hebrew University, political opportunities for women • 5 Israel; Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, within the framework off 'j Chancellor, Ohr Torah Stone halakha—Jewish law. The organi-" Institutions and Chief Rabbi of zation advocates meaningful par-' Efrat, Israel; Dr. Alice Shalvi, ticipation and equality for women ' President, Schechter Institute of in family life, synagogues, houses ! Jewish Studies and President, of learning and Jewish communal [ Israel Women's Network; and organizations to the fullest extent Rabbi Avi Weiss, Hebrew possible. Institute of Riverdale, and Dean According to Blu Greenberg, of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. President and founder of JOFA, Belda Lindenbaum and Rose "Establishing the full dignity and Landowne are Conference Coparticipation of women within Chairs. Ms. Lindenbaum underJewish law is a historical and reliscored the importance of the gious necessity. How Orthodoxy changes Orthodox feminism wishwill resolve women's issues in the es to achieve, "Hopefully, in the B1 » Greenberg next century will be a touchstone years to come, synagogues will be of its credibility and vitality. As women committed more welcoming to women in terms of their archito our tradition and its covenantal responsibilities, tecture, and their liturgy and in our access to we wish to be partners in the process. Through prayer. We have much to contribute toward creatworkshops, lectures and dialogue, the Third ing a more inclusive, and hence a more vibrant International Conference on Feminism and Orthodox Jewish life." Ms. Landowne expressed Orthodoxy will provide a venue for achieving this hopes for broad-based participation in the confergoal." ...'. '/'.''. ence, "We are encouraging men as well as women :r,. In more than 50 workshops' and lectures, the to attend and we look forward to welcoming multi;., , Conference will include discussion on topics such generational families." 'as,27te Backlash Against'. Wornen's Tefilah; •JOFA; founded in 1998,'is a resource, advocacy Understanding Family Violence; Mothers and an<| educational organization whose goal is to Daughters—Struggling Within Two Worlds; A upgrade and. enhance the roles and'responsibilities of women in Orthodox/; Judaism. Its programs and (Woman's Voice at the Wedding; Practical Strategies for > Jewish Divorce; Sharing the Feminist services include Intergenerational Women's Study "Groups; Shabbat rlamdeini: An International Day ExperiencefivitK 'Men; The Sephafdic and'MiddleEastern Woman and Women Saying Kaddish. In of Women, Learning, Leadership & Community; an -addition, there will be special forums for. high Orthodox Feminist Calendar; JOFA JOURNAL—-a school students that will enable them to focus on quarterly newsletter; and a speakers' bureau. Marcy Serkin is the Executive Director. their role as future leaders of their communities. For conference information call the Conference Among the internationally renowned speakers are Orthodox Jewish feminists, rabbinic leaders Hotline: (877) 305-JOFA, email to and scholars. They include: Blu Greenberg, jofaconf@aol.com or visit the JOFA website: President, JOFA; Dr. Sylvia Barack Fishman, Co- www. jofaconference.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 4,2000
Counting Our Blessings Annual Budget of Jewish Education Each and every one of these endowment and Library Services funds has been established with The Foundation of the Jewish Federation of • B'nai Jacob Adas Yeshuron Synagogue Omaha by the donors listed, their fami- • B'nai Jacob Anshe Sholom Synagogue lies, or their friends who have made a • Herman and Mary Meyerson Fund financial commitment to the future of • Jewish Education Fund Jewish Omaha..to their children and B'ndi B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO) grandchildren and to yours. • Bruce M. Fellman Memorial Anyone can set up a fund to help sup- • Phillip and Marian Kutler Memorial port the Jewish Federation and its affili- • BBYO Program Resource ated Centers of Excellence. Just call • Omaha B'nai B'rith Youth OrganiMartin Ricks, Executive Director of The zation Fund Foundation, at 402-334-6440, or send in Theatre and Music tlie coupon at the bottom of this page. You • Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Memorial will receive a tax deduction for your fund • Donald and Margaret Gerber Music in the year it is created just as all of the Fund ."••'• donors on this page did. • Ann WoskoffSchulman Memorial So at this time of year, when you're • JCC Theatre Program Permanent Judaic Art for counting up your deductions, we're countRooms and Corridors ing our blessings so everyone else can too. • Trachtenbarg Family Endowment Endowment Funds Benefitting the Maintenance, Operation Jewish Federation of Omaha and its and Program Activities Centers of Excellence • Livingston Jewish Community Center Endowment Fund Jewish Federation of Omaha • JCC Unrestricted Endowment Annual Budget of Federation Other • Bette R. and Samuel Alloy Endowment • Robert Eisenberg Endowment • Roz and Ike Friedman Endowment • Ned N. and Pearl Giventer Endowment • Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Pro• Ruth and Arthur Goldstein Endowment gram for Studies in Jewish Civilization • Jule M. and Doris J. Newman Endowment • Myron (Mite) Milder II Memorial ••.••• • Phyllis H. and E. Robert Newman En- Fund • Kenneth Ray Tretiak Memorial dowment • JCC Program Scholarship Fund • Morton X. Richards Endowment • Dorothy L. and Max Riekes Endowment • JCC Discretionary Fund Rose Blumkin Jewish Home • Henry and Dorothy Riekes Endowment Maintenance and Repairs • Irvin and Phyllis Sherman Endowment • David and Helen Brodkey Endowment • Judy and Gerald Simons Endowment • Maxine and Milton Simons Endowment • Loyal B. and Lorene Cohn Endowment • Carl L. Frohm Repair Fund • I.M. and Selma Tretiak Endowment • Anna E. and Benjamin Wiesman En- • Fred and Ruth Hahn Endowment • Charlotte and Eugene Rich Endowdowment • Ann H..and William H. Wolfeon Endow- ment • Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Endowment • Jewish Federation of Omaha Unre- ment Programs, Activities and Special Projects stricted Endowment • Sylvan Block Fund • Heritage Allocation Fund • Esther Fox Memorial Fund Perpetual Annual Campaign • Abraham and Freeda R. Gendlor EnEndowment (PACE) dowment • E. Robert and Phyllis Newman • Deborah and Arthur M. Greene En• Maurice and Joan Udes dowment ti Other • Adele Hornstein Rose Blumkin Profes• Jewish Federation Discretionary Fund sional Staff Education Endowment Jewish Federation Library • David Katzman Endowment Purchase of Books • Dr. Morris Brodkey and Dale Deborah • Lazier A. Kavich Endowment • Audrey and Joe Kirshenbaum EndowBrodkey Memorial • '_•.. • Shirley and Leonard Goldstein En- ment • Harriett Lobel Endowment dowment • Dorothy K Kripke Children's Book Fund • Jerome J. and Frances 0 . Milder Endowment • Rabbi Myer and Dorothy Kripke • Parsow Family Endowment Library Endowment • Rosalie and Milton Saylan Endowment • Dora Wolfson Memorial Library Fund • Norma and Stanley Silverman Endow• Paul Veret Memorial Book Fund ment • Other • Marion and Dave Wine Endowment • Elinor Whitman Memorial Book Appreciation Fund • Eli M. and Sara Zalkin Endowment • Library Discretionary Fund Cultural, Social, . Jewish Community Center Arts and Crafts, Entertainment Athletic Programs, Health • Sheldon A. and L'orrie Bernstein Enand Physical Education dowment • Al Clayman Memorial • Jacob and Lillian Brookstein Endow• John Rosenblatt Memorial Student ment Athlete Endowment • Mayer and Tillie Cohen Social and Cul• Jack Saferstein Memorial tural Endowment Child Development Center (Pre-School) • Sara Rose Woskoff Arts and Crafts and Other Youth Programs Fund • Ernie and Adalynn Nogg Memorial • RBJH Arts and Crafts Fund . • Allen and Monie Zalkin Memorial General and Other Purposes • JCC Child Development Center En- • Hazel Degen Bequest dowment Dear Mr. Ricks,
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Lillian and Phillip Crandell Fund Leo I. Meyerson Fund • • ', • Isadora H. and Rose K. Weiner Trust Rose Blumkin Fund Blumkin Home Discretionary Fund Jewish Senior Services Programs, Activities and Special Projects • Chapman/Cherniak/Sher Fund • Merriam and Harold Cooperman Senior Services • Herbert R. Forbes Memorial • Celia and Nathan Grossman Fund • Vivian Oruch Memorial • Ruth Riekes Richards Memorial Endowment • Dr. Isaac and Betty Sternhill Endowment Other • Sol Kutler Dental Fund • Community Seniors Endowment Jewish Family Services Income for Needy Jewish Families • Paul Alperson Endowment • Louis Friedman New American Fund • Edith and Paul Goldstein Endowment • Ruth and Bernard Raskin • Leo and Frances Rodick Memorial • Jake and Mary Wine . • Jewish Family Service Endowment • Needy Funeral Fund •.Octogenarian Needy Widows • Scholarships-Needy Children ' Special Needs • Glazer Family Endowment Fund • Samuel and Delma Goodman Youth Fund (JELS Directed) • Harris Family Endowment Fund • Ruth Somberg Krantz Fund (JELS Directed) • Richard "Pete" Lee Memorial • Yachad Endowment Other • Mark and Sophie Sturm Immigrant Educational Fund Young Leadership Programs and Awards • Milton R. and Pauline S. Abrahams Endowment • Arthur H. and Ruth M. Goldstein Family Endowment • Justin Greenberg Memorial Fund • Sadie S. and J. Harry Kulakofsky Endowment .• ; • Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund • Janis Yale YJO Missions Custodial Fund Jewish Education Services College Scholarships • Lenore Simon Aronson Education • David E. Beber Scholarship • Leo and Aileen Eisenstatt Scholarship• J.W.V. Epstein-Morgan Post #260-Nathan Marcus Memorial Scholarship • Sandra L. Feldman Scholarship • Alan and Annie Fleishman Scholarship • David W. and Minnie Frank Memorial Scholarship • Rebecca Friedman Scholarship (also for High School Yeshiva) • Carl Frohm Educational Custodial Fund • Nancy and Don Greenberg Scholarship • David Reiser and Lillian Reiser Stoms •Education Endowment • David Reiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms Education Endowment for Academic Excellence • Maxine and Joseph Kirshenbaum Scholarship • Livingston Scholarship Discretionary • Albert M. arid Jeanette T. Nepomnick Education
• Gertrude T. Newman and Albert B. Newman Endowment • Murray and Sharee Newman Supporting Foundation • Joe M. and Ruth F. Rice Scholarship • Burton L. Robinson Student Athlete Scholarship . • Jerold I. and Sheila Rosen Endowment • Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund • Phillip G. and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation • Beatrice and Nate H. Sherman Scholarship , • Ruth Sokolof Special Education Scholarship • Lillian Keiser Stoms Educational Fund • Edward Zorinsky Endowment College Loans • David E. Beber Fund • B'nai B'rith/Dr. Abe Greenberg/Henry Monsky Lodge Endowment Adult Education Subvention and Staff Training • Henry and Mary Kay Davis Custodial Fund • CM. "Nick" Newman Bequest Friedel Academy • Friedel Family Endowment ^ ', • Eli and Rose Schupack Library Fund Jewish Summer Camps, Israel Trips , and Other Jewish Youth Programs • Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Family Fund . • Herbert Goldsten Scholarships • Samuel and Ida Kaiman • Ben E. Kaslow Scholarship • Livingston Scholarship • Carolyn Kully Newman Fund • Esther K. Newman Youth Fund • Dorothy Lustgarten Riekes Music Fund • Bar/Bat Mitzvah Grants • Cornerstone Endowment • Free Loan Fund • Gift of Israel Program • Israel Youth Trip Scholarship • Jewish Teen Leadership Fund . Awaiting Designation • Barry E. Epstein Memorial Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha • David and Helen Brodkey Endowment for The Foundation • Yale Richards Professional Education Endowment • Norman and Joodi Veitzer Fund • Foundation Discretionary Fund Supporting Foundations • Murray and Sharee Newman .• Phillip G. and Terri Schrager Special Grants Committees • Esther K. Newman Youth Fund • Carolyn Kully Newman Fund • Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Museum • Henry and Dorothy C. Riekes Museum Maintenance Endowment • Henry and Dorothy C. Riekes Museum Occupancy Endowment Exhibits and Journal . • Gerald and Pearl Osoff Gross Endowment • David and Rose Katzman Endowment Custodial Funds • NJHS—5th Commandment Sustaining Fund • Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Fund
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I am interested in establishing an Endowment Fund with t h e Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Please call me at • in the amount of-
I would like to make a donation to the following existing endowment funds _ (please check one:) in memory ( ) or in honor ( ) of:
Name Address
THE FOUNDATION of the Jewish Federation of Omaha
Michael M. Erman, Chairman Martin C. Ricks, Endowment Director Jewish Federation Foundation 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 (402) 334-6440