February 18, 2000

ewish

PK: HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST ' LINCOLN WE 68508-1651

SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FORNEARLY 80 YEARS VoL LXXVK

No. 24

Omaha, NE

Gershwin: Remembrance and Discovery by Corey Kirshenbaum JCC Assistant Executive Director

12 Adar, 5760

February 18,2000

A privilege, not an obligation' by Carol Katzman

Saturday, March 4, at 7:30 pan., the Jewish Imagine walking up crumbling steps, down an and overseas needs. Composed of Federation volunCultural Arts Council presents Gershwin: unlighted hallway and entering a small unheated teers and staff, a-national committee of the UJC, Remembrance and Discovery, a program celebrat-.apartment of less than 400 square feet. called ONAD, Overseas Needs And Distribution, ing the life Imagine living on less than $20 a month, a sum makes the allocation now. Instead of bringing in and works of which must cover food,' medicine and rent. Gas is volunteers or staff from out of town, Omaha's George Ger- free because your late spouse was a veteran, so all Federation asked Joe Kirshenbaum and Bob Kully shwin, per- three burners of your tiny stove are turned up to to make the Israel/Overseas presentation to the formed by pi- "high'-your only source of heat in the dead of winter. Budget and Allocations Committee, after taking a anist Richard This is not a fictitious scenario; this is a descrip- similar trip to Minsk last year. This spring, Speedy Glazier. tion of how 87-year-old Berta Chernikova lives in Zweiback will make the presentation. Glazier is a Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, a former republic of "In the history of the Jewish people, there has S t e i n w a y the Soviet Union. She is one of some 275,000 elder- never been a more prosperous era than in the one artist and ac- ly Jews still residing in the former Soviet Union. we American Jews live in the year 2000," Zweiback complished Many of them are Holocaust survivors; many are observed. "Among those, the Jews of Omaha, soloist. He childless. Others have children who are, them- . Nebraska, are so blessed, so lucky, so socially has earned selves, sick or mentally challenged, unable to care accepted and so generous. many top for themselves, let alone their elderly parents. "Given those facts, how dare we not reach out to honors, inBaku is home to three million residents and, in these Jews in need? cluding the 1990, was home to 33,000 Jews. Today, most of the "The phrases, 'Rescue and Resettlement' have Pro Music's Jews have immigrated—for Israel and the West. real meaning when you visit someone like Mrs. International Award, NatRichard Glazier i o n a 1 Federation of Music Clubs. Young Artist Competition,, and the Deutscher Akademischer Austaushdienst grant, the highest academic honor awarded by the German Government. He also received a grant for the Indiana Arts Commission in recognition of his artistic achievements. In February of-199S,-Glazier released a recording ,pf Gershwin music on Centaur Records entitled, Gershwin: Discovery and Remembrance. It includes several rare transcriptions of Gershwin that Glazier discovered at the Cleveland Institute of Music. As a young boy of 12, Glazier met lyricist Ira Gershwin at the composer's Beverly Hills home and was able to play George Gershwin's personal Former refusenik Natan Sharansky, now piano. In addition to the works of Gershwin, Glazier has also explored the works of Scott Joplin. Speedy Zweiback embraced Berta Chernakova, leader of one of Israel's formidable immigrant political parties, spoke to the group about the Glazier is currently on the rosters of Community an 87-year-old Jew living in Baku. Concerts LLC and Siegel Artists Management. He Those left behind include elderly Jews like Mrs. challenges of immigration and absorption. is a former student of Leonard Hokanson at the Chernikova. Located on the Caspian Sea, north of a Chernikova," Zweiback explained. "For young Jews Indiana University School of Music. He obtained hostile Iran, Baku is a dirty seaport recently visit- who are able and willing to immigrate, our funds his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano perfor- ed by Dr. Eugene "Speedy" Zweiback and will help prepare them for that step and pay the mance from the Cleveland Institute of Music under Federation Foundation Director Marty Ricks. of resettling them in Israel. To use the word "whirlwind" is an understate- costs the direction of Elizabeth Pastor. "For elderly Jews like Mrs. Chernikova, we have Tickets for the performance, held in the JCC ment. The two men flew to Tel Aviv for two days, the privilege of helping her live out her years in Theatre, are available through'Member Sendees. , visiting absorption centers, youth aliyah villages dignity." Cost is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students. and community centers and listening to political The 'young Jews' to which Zweiback referred and human' services experts. Then, at 3 a.m., the For more information, contact me at 334-6418.: group took off for Baku for two more days before include a group of .teens the group met in Israel. Part of the "SELA" program, teens and young back to the States. , Library supporter, attorney coining "You don't have to understand what you're going adults; who have undergone a rigorous educational to see," Zweiback said, "but you do have to be pre- program provided by JDC staff in their home comand philanthropist: munities, like Baku, are brought over. Those who Milt Abrahams dead at 94 pared," Surrounded "and protected" by staff from the can pass the tests come to Israel for a two-year Services were held at Temple Israel on Sunday, Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the Joint period, living in supervised conditions and Feb. 13, for Milton R. Distribution Committee (JDC), as well as by enrolling in high school or university. The Israeli Abrahams, who died Azerbaijani police, Zweiback said the "logistics government hopes many will stay and that their Feb. 10 at the age of 94. were unbelievably difficult," yet the agencies "did it families will immigrate as well. Zweiback and Ricks not only met such teens but very well." ; Perhaps known best, accompanied one back for a visit to Baku. for his devotion to the} The trip of donors and Federation staff from "He hadn't seen his family in two years," Ricks public library system in around the United States was organized by United Omaha, . Abrahams' Jewish Communities (UJC is the combined former noted, adding that the boy's older brother hoped to served for 21 years on> UJA, United Jewish Appeal, and CJF, Council of participate in the SELA program, too. While in Israel, the group also visited an absorpthe Omaha Public Li-1 Jewish Federations). The purpose of the six-day tion center for Ethiopian Jews. Two major airlifts, brary Board, 12 of them! trip was to show how funds allocated by Jewish as president. The newest I Federations for Israel and overseas needs was Operation Moses and Operation Solomon, brought most of the Ethiopian Jews to Israel prior to 1991. branch library at 90th [ actually being spent. and Fort Street was named in his honor; he also "We used to take dollars and just send them," But many were stranded in mountainous locations, donated $50,000 towards the building of the Dale Zweiback said about the allocation which once rep- unreachable even by four-wheel-drive transport. Today, some 100 to 125 Ethiopians arrive in W. Clark Library downtown and was one of only resented 50% of the annual Omaha Federation five people nationwide to be honored with the Campaign. "Though I think we spent,the funds Israel each month, many of whom literally walked American Libraries Trustee Award. • wisely, we have changed from being just donors to ' out of their distant villages to places where JDC staff could quietly get them out of the country. Abrahams did not limit his volunteerism to 'owners.™ expanding library services in Omaha. A graduate Though the figure dropped down as low as 37.5%, Another 5000 Jews in Quara await arrangements of Creighton University Law School, the university the Federation Board of Directors passed a resolu- for immigration to Israel. (Continued on page 8) (Continued on page 11) : tion last year which set a "floor" of 39% for Israel

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 18,2000 Details, details, details SPENCER ABE KLOPPER Services for Spencer Abe Hopper were held Feb. 13 at Golden Hill Cemetery. He was 91. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Maurice Schwartz, son and daughterParashah Tetzaveh in-law, Sidney and Harriet Klopper, all of Omaha; Our Torah portion this week is filled with details. grandchildren, Meyer and Martha Anne Schwartz Most seem to be minutiae, which have little to offer of Augusta, GA, Janet and Harry Klein of Omaha, us today. Some actually help create a picture of Steve and Rosanne Hoekstra of Midland Park, NJ, how our faith was practiced thousands of years ago. Michael Klopper of Omaha, and Allen Klopper of But mostly, the details seem burdensome, over- Chicago; and seven great-grandchildren. whelming and time consuming: After all, do we Memorials to favorite charity. . -. • • : ' really need to know the. ritual used to ordain Aaron and his sons as priests? And do we gain from knowWomen of Reform Judaism ing the building specifications of the Mishkan, the building meant to house the tablets given at Sinai? sponsors upcoming events The answer is both 'yes' and 'no.' To those of us An evening of French wine tasting and hors d'owho are, or are related to, rabbis and cantors, the evres will be hosted by Sandy and Paul Epstein ritual of ordination might actually be of interest. tomorrow night, Feb. 19, 8 p.m. at $25 per person, But these details are probably not of paramount as part of a series of social.events planned by interest to most. And while the insight into the Temple Israel's Women of Reform Judaism. artistic nature of our ancestors and our faith can be On Sunday, Feb. 20,2-4 pan., WRJ will host its fascinating, and even revealing, we have no way to annual Friendship Tea at Temple, in an afternoon know if any of the ideas and plans mentioned in of interfaith understanding. Rabbis Aryeh Azriel Tetzaveh ever came to fruition. In all of these and Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will details, though, we do have a grand statement open the event with a short lecture, followed by about faith and practice in our tradition. small group discussions about Jewish holidays, Most, if not all of us, have vivid memories of being rituals, customs and traditions. taken to get new clothes for the High Holidays or a For more information about either WRJ event, Passover seder. We were told that we heeded to look call the Temple office at 556-6536. nice for the holiday, or the seder with Aunt Rose. All of those old jokes about who is wearing what really Lecture features Jewish do have a kernel of truth. We Jews care about our appearances, especially at sacred times. And this women in English Renaissance instinct finds life in the Torah. Carole Levin, Professor of History a t the Our ancestors, having left Egypt and, subsequently, encountering God at Sinai, found them- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will deliver the keynote lecture at the 43rd annual Missouri Valley selves with a record of laws and commandments. History Conference on F r i d a y , March 10, 1:30 And as these laws represented the central body of p.m. at the Regency West Hotel, 909 So. 107 th St. the faith, they required a proper home. So, the peoThe title of her talk is "Converting the ple set out to build a proper home for the Tablets. Motherless Daughter: Images of Jewish Women in The plans are quite specific. In fact, only one English Renaissance Drama and Culture." other building project of all those mentioned in the Professor Levin is a noted authority on English Torah^ the ark of Noah, receives such significant history and has published Heart and Stomdch"6fa blueprints. Yes, the items to be housed merited King: Elizabeth I and the Politics of Sex and Power such detail. After all, those tablets stand as our and Propaganda in the English Reformation: first code of religious law and behavior. But more Heroic and Villainous Images of King John. than that, our ancestors had an understanding of Two further books by Professor Levin are expected the need to glorify that which is most sacred. And to appear this year. Admission to the event is free. we continue that practice today. For more information, call Oliver Pollak, 5544821. This Torah portion tells these vivid descriptions, both of this new building, the Mishkan, to house the ark, and the ordination of the first priests. We Fellman Scholar-in-Reside nee read of. all the finery: the colorful threads, the rich weekend at Beth El in March metals, the fancy details. And we read of the by Ozzie Nogg pageantry of the ordination ceremony itself. In so doing, we learn a key Jewish principle, that of This year's Dr. Leon Fellman Scholar-inHiddur Mitzvah. This principle teaches us that when Kesidence Weekend, scheduled for March 10-12 at we perform a. mitzvah, a commandment, we should, Beth El Synagogue, will feature Dr. Ofer if possible, make it fancy. Thus, when we give BenOmats, a member of the music faculty at tzedakah, we use a nice container, not just a plain tin Colorado College in Colorado Springs. can. And we use fancy candlesticks and wine cups on Israeli born, Dr. BenOmats studied classical Shabbat and holidays when simple items could music in Germany and received his PhD. from the accomplish the same goal. We use the finery to show University of Pennsylvania. An engaging lecturer both our respect for our traditions, and our belief in and teacher, his topics will cover various aspects of adding joy to our lives. Jewish music including the use of instruments in Judaism is a faith which honors joy-and celebra- biblical and Talmudic times and the meanings that tion. We relish the fact that though our people have can be found in wordless Hassidic niguns. endured centuries of despair, Judaism continues to Dr. BenOmats will also perform songs that point rise up, smile broadly, embrace all, and live. to the revival of the Hebraic musical tradition in Parashah Tetzaveh teaches us to celebrate, to modern Israel. The Pellman Scholar-in-Residence add joy to our lives. It is a lesson which gets to the weekend is open to the community at no charge. very heart and essence of Judaism. From the ancient ordination rituals and the details for the building of the Mishkan, we can learn to add joy to our lives. If we do, then surely we shall enjoy laugher, smiles, goodness, and even holiness. And then, we can and shall marvel at the living, breathFriday, April 7, at Temple Israel ing organism that is Judaism. Saturday, April 8, at Beth El Sunday, April 9, at Beth Israel by Daniel J. Fellman, rabbinical student, Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati,

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Temple Israel "Shabbnt Comes to You," 2 p jn., . atRBJH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple "Watch Out for Shabbat," Noon, at Beth El Humash Class, 5:15 p.m., at Beth El ? Beth Israel Pardes, 8 p.m., at the Home of Sandy ~ &MarvinKohll •„ p SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Community Conversation, 10 a.m., at Temple £ Lunch & Learn, Noon, at Beth El Joe Scruggs Concert, 2 p.m., at The Rose S Bo." Scouts BIUP & Gold Dinner, 4 p.m. A Beth Israel Torah TV, 7 p.m., at RBJH auditorium• V MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21 E YES Program, 9:30 a.m. J/. t... Boy Scout Troop Meeting, 7 p.m. „h,i; :.. Adult Education Classes, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Sisterhood Board Meeting & Cooking Class, Noon, at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Bamidbar with Rabbi Levin, 7:30 p.m., Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 High School Dinner Night, 6 p.m., at Beth El Grades 7-12 Parent Book Club, 7 p.m., at Temple Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., Beth El THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 £ Walk in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. I Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple p Jewish Women International Sweetheart Day, 1:30 p.m., at RBJH & Friedel Jewish Academy Open House, _ 6 p.m., at FJA Commons . L.O.V.E Bd. Mtng., 7 p.m., at RBJH Conf. Room * All events held at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The E Jewish Press Is not responsible for tho accuracy of the events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call MarloneHertaf 334-6437.

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GRIEFAND GROWING PROGRAM sponsored by Beth Israel. Beth El, Temple Israel, Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Services. Speaker: Rabbi Eric Weiss, Director, Bay Area Jewish Healing Center SUNDAY, APRIL 30, at Mahoney State Park Healing Day for Bereaved Individuals and Families For more information, call Nancy Rampey-Biniamow, JFS, 334-6453 Barbara Gottlieb, JSS, 330-4272

February 18,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

CANDLELIGHTING: 5:43 p.m. -, «. v*

FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You, 2 pan. Rabbi tiel will lead a Shabbat Service at the Rose Iluinkin Jewish Home; Shabbat services, 8 p.m. I abbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will (fficiate. Rabbi Azriel will give the sermon. The ( neg Shabbat will be sponsored by the friends of 1 [artha, David, Donna and Nicole Mafoda in honor their conversion.' SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 aan.; habbat morning service, 10:30 aan.. SUNDAY: Doug Lipman, Massachusetts storytiler and musician, will perform his one-man show, "he Soul ofHope-An Epic Tale of the Baal Shem ' 'ov," 10 aan. The entire community is invited. SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available each Friday evening, aturday mornings for Bagels and Bible and the \ orship service, as well as Sunday mornings when tiere is Religious School. Cost is $2 per family. 1 ease make a reservation at the Temple office. SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE DISCUSSION GROUPS Rabbi Azriel will lead two short discussions on I r. David Ellenson's writings to prepare participants for Dr. Ellenson's upcoming Scholar-inIesiden.ce visit, Saturday, Feb. 19, 9:30 a.m., or Sunday, Feb. 20,9 a.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Feb. 20: Jewish History, 10:15-11:45 a.m. Rabbi Ira Flax will teach about the interconection between Jewish history and our religion and c llture; Beginning Prayer, 10-11:30 aan. Rabbi 1 ebbie Stiel will facilitate. TUESDAY, F e b . 22: Mystical Places in the eayens on Earth-Introduction to the. Kabbalah," icilitated by Professor Guy Matalon, 7-8:30 pan. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 23: Midrashah, 10 ajn.- noon. THURSDAY, F e b . 24: Sisterhood Adult I ducation, 10-11:30 a.m. Cantor Jennifer Blum t ill teach "Music of the Siddur;" "Ancient Israel: a i Historical Perspective," facilitated by Dr. Mike vJTalts, 7-8:30 p.m. FRIDAY, Feb. 25: Shabbat Matan Chaim, The (lift of Life, 8 p.m. Dr. Alan Langnas, Chief of Transplantation at the University of Nebraska' iedical Center's Department of Surgery, will sliver a sermon about the myths and realities surunding organ rounding organ donation donation and and discuss the Jewish perspective on organ donation.

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. FREDAY: Services, 5:50 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m. A Kiddish luncheon is sponsored by Donald and Maggie Gerber in honor of the Bar Mitzvah anniversary of their son, Benjamin; "Insights into the Parana," 4:50 p.m.; Mincha, 5:35 pan.; Shalosh Suedot is sponsored by the Polikov family in memory of Bernice Pokilov. Havdallah, 6:44 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 aan. and 5:50 p.m.; Torah TV at 7 pan. at the Rose Blumkin Home Conference Room (near the main entrance). Torah TV brings the most sought after speakers to Omaha through a series of video presentations. This session features Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz, speaking on "In a Word: the Hidden Power of Speech." WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 5:50 pan. TUESDAY: Stories from the Tanach, taught by Rabbi Shlomo Levin, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Talmud class on Tractate Bava Metzia with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. Talmud class encourages group participation, and beginners are welcome.

TIFERETH ISRAEL „ <• > Member of the United Synagogue , . •-., of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 , • ,' < ' " 423-8569 . :, Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7:15

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Martin Ricks, Director of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, describes his recent journey tt> Israel and Russia. (See story on Page 1.) An Oneg Shabbat, prepared by Peggy Deland and Sandra Kurland, follows.

NGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN ' JHembcrjbf t h e jUniAn of American Hob^ew Congjrojationfi

'^cioei S.!2Oth B£.> Iincoln;«E 68502-3797

of Conservative Judaism 14506California Omaha; NE«S154rl98Q ' 492.8560/,. '$?{ WEB-www.beth6l-omalia.tirc; 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. D'var Torah will be given by Jodie Lerner; Sitter service, 10 aan.; TSS, 10 aan.; Ktantan, 10:45 aan.; Shabbat Story time, 11 a j a , followed by Kiddush; Humash with Rashi study session, 5:20 pan.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:50 pan. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Perek Yomi "Read a Chapter a Day" group, 10:15 aan. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 pan. ALEF/ADULT LJFELONG EDUCATION The ALEF program for adults who want to study and celebrate Judaism will continue on Monday, Feb. 21, and run through Feb. 28. "WATCH OUT FOR SHABBAT' Saturday, Feb. 19: Begin with morning services, New York deli lunch, followed by activities for children and adults, and ending with Minha-Ma'ariv services.

BEYT SHALOM

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Lincoln Center

The Nebraska Holocaust Commemoration is set

| for Tuesday, May 2, 7:30 p.m., at the Capitol

FRIDAY: Services, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m, led by Andrew Greenberg. 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.

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.

,

CHABAD HOUSE Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah study, 10 a.m. Game night, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Bring potluck dinner and games. SUNDAY: Hebrew classes, 9 a.m.; Religious ;hool, 10 aan. "NEW BEGINNINGS" New Beginnings is a discussion group for those o are exploring whether conversion to Judaism right for them. Your Jewish or non-Jewish partis also encouraged to participate. Participants Jill meet alternate Tuesday nights from 7:80p.m., through March 28. The group is facilitated by Audrie Berman, Outreach Project Director. ir more information, call her at 474-8004..

'$*)

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services at the synagogue, 7:30 pan. SUNDAY and TUESDAY: Religious School at • aan..'. : . • • . ' • • . " " . • •.' ' FRIDAY: Early Services, 6 p.m., followed by a theJCC. Rabbi Myer Rripke conducts our adult education Family Shabbat Dinner, open to the congregation. class on Sunday, 12:30 pan., at the JCC. Open to Callfor reservations. , the community at no charge. Feel free to bring a SATURDAY: Services, 9:30a.m. brown bag lunch and drink. ADULT EDUCATION NEXT FRIDAY: Shabbat in the home. SUNDAYS: A Passover Seder course will be taught by Nancy Coren on Sunday mornings, starting Feb. 20, and run through April 9. Concepts of the Hagaddah will be explained, along with songs, new materials and an opportunity to Nebraska Holocaust design a seder that will be a memorable experience for your family. Commemoration seeks participants

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME ^•; B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE - •

'.,' \

( I t

Rotunda. Governor Mike Johanns and Mayor Don Wesley will present remarks. Senator Dave Landis is the sponsoring senator. The keynote speaker will be Shelly Shapiro, Director, Holocaust Survivors and Friends Education Center, Latham, NY. She is an Adjunct Professor/lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Albany. She is also co-author and editor of Truth Prevails: Demolishing Holocaust Denial. , The program is sponsored by The Lincoln Interfaith Council, Office of the Governor of Nebraska, Office of the Mayor of Lincoln, Jewish Federation of Lincoln, and the Community Relations Committee of the Anti-Defamation League. The program is free and open to the public. The Nebraska Holocaust Commemeration Committee invites survivors hi Nebraska to participate. Those interested should contact Marcia Kushner, chairman, 3501 S. 35th St, Lincoln, NE 68506, or call402-489-5957.

^WEBSITE:'WjBnHriCnabad.center8.com/omaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Mincha, 4:30 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:15 pan.; Kiddush, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha, 4:30 pan., followed by Shalosh Seudah; Ma'ariv/ Havdallah, 5^0 pan. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 aan. MONDAY: Chicken Soup far the Woman's Soul, 11:45 aao--l pan. TUESDAY: A Tale of Two Souls; 9-.30-11 aan. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 aan.-

I want to thank my wonderful family and dear friends for all their thoughts and prayers during my recent hospitalization. Thank you all for the many cards and donations you sent during my stay at the Blumkin Home. A special thank you to Rabbi Kutner and Cantor Fettman. Annette Schloff

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Editorial

February 18,2000

Lessons from DaleChihuly

It's not often that you see media people going "ga- sumer or that a friendly media can also generate ga" over a glass artist. But that"s exactly what hap- public interest (and more profits), it's that Chihuly pened at last week's press conference prior to the has recognized the ripple effect he has on each person opening of "Dale Chihuly: Inside and Out" at the he meets. Joslyn Art Museum. There's a lesson in this for all of us. No matter how Joslyn's leaders (both professional and volunteer) "big" we get, no matter how much money we make or were smart to showcase the truly spectacular works fame we attain, no matter how important we think of this Seattle-based artist. Working in "transparent" we've become, we'd do well to relate to everyone we media of glass, plastic and acrylic, Chihuly infuses meet. his colorful pieces with light and imagination. If we smile, and say hello to everyone we meet, More than that, however, is the way Chihuly has captured the public's imagination. This is not a haughty, aloof 'artiste.' This is a man who jokes with HOPPELPOPPEL the press, asks them which pieces they like best, and NOTNOW. ' MOMWY. PAPPA, Nor NOW, CAN YOU TCVVEH. CM) YOU TAKE TEVYEH. requests names for the permanent installation in the TAKE ME ME TO THE SO ASK do ASK PARK SO I east window of Joslyn's atrium. : VOUR TOTHEPARK. V39WR TOW.Y CANFW ZAYDIf. Better yet, Chihuly arranges for a workshop for MY KITE? W NEW KITE FROM children during each of his openings. In Omaha, 30 UNCtEMAX? kids from the Boys and Girls Club were able to participate in a painting workshop with the master him\ self. Using squeeze bottles of paint, Chihuly showed these budding artists how to express their emotions on enormous sheets of paper. While dancing to rock music, the kids created their own original works of art, signed by Chihuly. And in Seattle, Chihuly invests in innercity dropouts by hiring them as interns at his glass-blowing "hotshop." It's not just that each person is a potential con-

Jpurnal entry from Israel

by

Ken Eichenbaum

OF COURSE rCAMTWE z/wwe, CAN YOU WU,8OYCHIK-BurTAKE M E « H JirFUV?JUSTA*W6 rV?J TO THE HUNMN4 MUST 1NM0KE PARK TO A HK5HER RJWER1S UFT FWMV UiTotornert NEWKtTE?

SBE-fllAVBe UNO6 MAX SHOUIOA CKJTMEA HOT A I R BAUOON.

"Let it snow"

The view from Highway 436

by Harry Allen

by Teddy Weinberger

The drive to Jerusalem from Givat Ze'ev (and back) has become routine for me, although in the process, T cross the "Green Line" (which serves to identify "the territories" Israel conquered in the 1967 Six-Day War). The road itself is well-kept and is being widened to two lanes in each direction (thus constituting a major highway for Israel). Something on this drive, though, has had a significant cumulative affect on me: the Palestinian fields on the way. I like to tell people that Givat Ze'ev is a suburb of Jerusalem-and it is, but those darned fields keep getting in the way. And what those fields have managed to do to me is to give me the feeling that Givat.Ze'ev was built (beginning some 17 years ago) on Palestinian land. When we were still living in America, Bill Moyers had a television special about life on the West Bank and, lo and behold, one of the Jewish West Bank residents interviewed was a former college classmate of mine. What my classmate had to say, however, was not so pretty. He characterized his Palestinian neighbors as insincere in their attachment to the land, and said something like: "Just because someone drags a sheep over a mountain doesn't mean that mountain belongs to them." Wouldn't it be nice if life were so simple, if one could write off others' claims to this land so easily. , As. seen from Highway 436, the connection between my neighboring Palestinians and their land seems to be deep and ancient. Just one glance at the fields and you can tell that you're not dealing with a modern farm. These are small plots of land, whose boundaries are usually marked off with a primitive-looking low, stone wall. Meandering through or alongside the fields, one can usually see a flock of sheep and goats, often shepherded by youngsters. Once, under a tree off the side of the road, I even saw a small herd of camels. People move about the fields mainly on foot, occasionally on donkey or horse. One almost never sees a tractor or heavy machin-

ery. A large portion of the farm work is done by hand by small groups of Palestinians, many of them women. Recently, I saw a man out in his field with just a horse, a hand-held plow attached with some straps to the reigns of the horse. The man was holding the plow while at the same time trying to get the horse •i to pull ahead.-. : I It's this extremely low-tech farming operation that gives me the sense that these people learned their craft a long, long time ago. It would be one thing if the Palestinian farmers I pass were driving John Deeres in their fields. Then perhaps I could think along the lines of my college friend and look upon the farmers' connection to the land with suspicion. But I'm passing rural scenes that feel more like antiquity than the 21st century. Sure, it's possible for a man to get up in the morning, take his horse, go out into .a stranger's field and start plowing, and then claim that field as his own. This is not what I feel is happening, though, when I look upon those Palestinian farmers as I drive.into Jerusalem. So what should we do? Abandon Givat Ze'ev? No. The Jewish people are deserving of a homeland, the land of Israel is the best choice for this homeland, and Givat Ze'ev is a natural suburb of Jerusalem. But let's learn from our Bible and not pretend that wherever we expand is on unoccupied land. One of the relative strengths of the Bible's conquest stories in the book of Joshua (unlike other people's colonizing stories) is that it does hot shy away from stating that the land of Israel, the Promised Land, was already populated (by the Canaanite peoples). What we can take from the Bible is an awareness of the "Other's" presence in the Land. The Bible had its own solution to this presence: annihilation. We are in the process of working out a different solution.

THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920)

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imagine the good feelings we can generate from that small acknowledgement If we stop and have a conversation with a small child or a group of older adults, imagine how important they'll feel about the extra time taken. While Chihul/s art makes an important statement in the art world, his personal statement in the way he relates to individuals is the bigger legacy hell leave behind.

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The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-3345422; E-mail <g'shpress@aol.com> Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198.

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"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow" went the lyrics form an old movie tune. And snow it did in Israel—a foot of the white stuff in Jerusalem. Not since 1992 has there been' any measurable snow here, and this one was, by Israel standards, a. blizzard. The result was incredible. The winter carnival in Minneapolis could not be more fun. Yeshiva buchers and kids with earrings both were ecstatic.

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No one in Jerusalem owns a sled, of course, so paper boxes had to make do for sliding downhill. Snowmen were created, complete with carrot noses. And just as no one has a sled, no one owns a snow shovel, so people were trying to clear sidewalks with make-do equipment, such as window squeegees. Despite the traffic hazards, Jerusalem was overwhelmed by "tourists," native Tel Avivians who drove to Jerusalem to see the snow and let their kids play in it. One could even see people filling plastic bags with the stuff to take home and put in the freezer for future observation. The snow had a wonderful calming effect. Life's pace slowed down; there were no traffic jams on our narrow streets; horns fell silent for a few days as nervous drivers abandoned the by-ways of central Jerusalem; Haredim and secularists alike frolicked in the drifts. It was a wonderful white world. Red-topped roofs suddenly became host to piles of snowflakes; trees were bowed' by the weight of the storm and, unfortunately, many broke. Those who ventured out were friendlier than usual, and people will now remember where they were on the day of the big snow, just as many remember the day men walked on the moon. ' But in our climate, the winter snow melts rapidly and what was a lovely white mantle quickly turned to mud-colored slush. And there were those! who saw some symbolism in that as perhaps representing the melting of some of the old Jewish-Zion idealB in this country. I am not among them. I wait eagerly for the next snowstorm~my midwestern nostalgia will just not let go. JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Steve Levinger; Linda Saltzman; George Schapiro; Steve Simon. . . Editorials express the view of the writer and are 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 18,2O0O

Behind . ...» the Headlines

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Birthright Israel: the gift of a Jewish journey by Richard M. Joel

The 5,000 students who participat- and educational campaign in just six ed in the initial Birthright Israel trip months; to the vendors who helped in January got a taste of 100-percent build, plan and put our program into concentrated, undiluted, full- practice; to the other organizations who gave 1,000 students an inspiring strength, high-octane Jewishness. For 10 days they ate Jewish, drank experience; and above all to the Jewish, walked Jewish, talked Jew- Bronfmans and Steinhardts whose ish, learned Jewish, sang Jewish, vision and resources made this trip danced Jewish. The streets had possible. Jewish names. The people walking It is a measure of the success of down the street were members of this trip that the students know and their family. The soldier buying sun- appreciate these generous people. flower seeds was definitely date- One student from Rutgers said it able-and no one on either side of the best, "I'm in awe of them. They are family would object. using their money for the right In Israel, this diverse group of things." Lease and Where do we go from here? first-year students and doctoral canv Finance • First, we must provide outlets didates, fraternity members and artists, athletes and scholars, stu- and resources to this wonderful gift ';':-^Rates:(vj' dents from large state schools and of thousands of Jewishly energized Available small private universities found young people. As a community we i T h rough their existential place in time and must work in coordination to ensure ;;0BMvys;'-'' space. They connected with their that this program, is not a flirtation identity, their community and the with Jewishness but a long-term love Financial affair. State of Israel. They felt at home. Services • Israeli consulates and IsraelThe success of Birthright Israel, a 10-day Israel gift for college stu- based organizations should take the dents, is more than we in Hillel lead in helping to bring these stucould have hoped for and everything dents back to Israel for longer expethat the visionaries behind it, phil- riences. Hillel gladly undertakes the anthropists Charles and Andrea responsibility of providing them with The Ultimate Driving Machine Bronfman and Michael and Judy the communities, facilities, resources and professional guidance to further Steinhardt, had wished. , As I traveled with the 3,000 Hillel explore and celebrate their Jewishparticipants, I saw the program's ness on campus. • Synagogues, Jewish community transformative effect in ways great and small: from the 12 young people centers and other Jewish organizawho were called to the Torah for the tions must invite these students to first time as B'nai Mitzvah during participate and offer them fresh the trip, to the busload of students ways to express their Judaism. The from Boston University who pledged Steinhardts and Bronfmans have to return to Israel, to the countless undone the status quo, brilliantly, discussions about Jewish identity and we cannot respond to our stuthat took place in formal and infor- dents with status-quo answers. Having established a connection mal settings. Statements of Jewish growth that with these students, we cannot let once seemed remarkable became rou- them slip away. • We must strive to extend the tine. One student said he never experienced a "spiritual buzz, or kavanah Birthright Israel gift to more and (devotion)" like he felt at the more students this year and for years to come. The transformative Western Wall. Now that the students have magic of this program is no longer in returned to their campuses, Hillel doubt. Skeptics in the United States already has seen an upsurge in and Israel have met with the stuactivity and energy. Students are dents and seen the impact of the organizing their own impromptu trip. They are now Birthright Israel reunions even before Hillel profes- advocates. I encourage philanthropists, federsionals can arrange them. They left the United States as strangers and ation supporters and other community leaders to meet with these young returned as Jewish communities. The trip challenged the students people and to become Birthright physically, intellectually, spiritually Israel partners—to share in this sucand Jewishly. It succeeded because cess. • Finally, we must critically evaluwe put education at the core of every activity, whether it was on a Jeep ate every element of this programride through the Golan or during a frqm orientation to implementation tour of Jerusalem's Old City. Hillel to follow up-to ensure that we make staff members guided students the most of this historic initiative. . Hillel has promoted the idea that through six conversations about the Jewish community must move identity and meaning. This was not just the first Jewish beyond the error of mere self-presereducation many of these students vation to an era of renaissance, a glohad experienced since their Bar or rious new period in Jewish life and Bat Mitzvah, if they ever experi- . purpose. 2000 BMW 3 Renaissance, too, has had its skepenced it at all, it was the first substantive Jewish learning they en- tics and doubters. But anyone who countered at an adult level. Hillel saw thousands of Jewish college studesigned the trip as the high point dents come alive and come together on an educational continuum that in Israel got a foretaste of what could began with pre-trip orientations arid be our future. will continue with a variety of activi- May we be wise enough to seize this opportunity and make renaissance ties back on campus. ' Credit.for this achievement goes to real. our professional partners in BirthRichard M. Joel is president right IsraeVTaglit who facilitated the program; to the superlative efforts of and international director of | Hillel's professional staff who Hillel: The Foundation for planned and executed this logistical Jewish Campus Life.

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Rabbi David Ellenson loves history, Jewish history, to be exact. The rabbi, who' is also a professor, can relate nearly "all of Jewish history" in a 40-minute lecture. Nearly all, because in a five-part lecture series at Temple Israel the first weekend in March, Rabbi Ellenson will take participants from exile after the destruction of the First Temple to the American Jewish experience of modern times. Beginning March 3 with Friday night services, and continuing with Torah study on Shabbat morning, a sermon during morning services and another during Havdallah, the history lessons end on Sunday. Throughout the five lectures, Rabbi Ellenson will take listeners on a journey through the history of the Jewish people. "Judaism has always been incredibly adaptable," he noted in a recent interview. "Faced with crisis time and time again, the Jewish people have been able to respond. Whether it has been the destruction of the First Temple and exile to Babylonia or the Holocaust, we have been flexible, yet faithful to our traditions." Rabbi Ellenson, the I.H. and Anna Grancell Professor of Jewish Religious Thought at HUC-JIR in Los Angeles, was ordained a rabbi at HUC-JIR in New York City in 1977, and obtained his PhD from Columbia University in 1981. He holds master's degrees from Columbia, HUC-JIR, and the University of Virginia. Last summer, he was a visiting fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem; he will return again the summer of 2000 to teach there and at Hebrew University. He is also a prolific author, having written three books: Tradition in Transition: Orthodoxy, Halakhah and the Boundaries of Modern Jewish Identity in 1989, Rabbi Esriel Hildesheimer and the Creation of a Modern Jewish Orthodoxy in 1990, and Between Tradition and Culture: The Dialectics of Modern Jewish Religion and Identity in 1994. In addition, he is completing a fourth book, entitled For the Sake of Heaven: Conversion, Law and Politics in Modern Jewish Orthodoxy, co-authored with Rabbi Daniel Gordis, Vice-president and Dean of the Rabbinical School of the University of Judaism in L.A. Rabbi Ellenson remains fascinated by the response of various Jewish communities to the social, political, economic and religious threats—and attractions-of the times in which they lived. Some, like the destruction of the Second Temple, gave the Jews the ability to replace animal sacrifice with prayer, a remarkable response, which allowed Judaism to be carried from Eretz Israel, the land of Israel, into the Diaspora, the rest of the world. "Jews believed that Jerusaelm would always be protected by God," Ellenson explained. "With the Temple's destruction and the exile to Babylonia, Jews could have said, 'My belief was wrong.' Instead the prophet Jeremiah explained why evil befell the Jewish people, allowing them to understand and to cope with the loss of their land. Other events, like the political emancipation of Western society in Europe in the 18th century,

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brought different challenges: freedom to choose. Instead of defining ourselves in terms of *what we are not' which is an external definition, imposed on us by others, the modern period has challenged us with finding an internal definition, "Who do you see yourself as?" Ellenson asked. This 'external' definition has often meant little power and control over Jewish destiny, forcing Jews to live in ghettoes, limited to certain occupations and keeping them out of mainstream society altogether. With emancipation in 18th Century France, Jews were given the power to vote and to gain access to the rest of society. "The real issue is a society in which Jews are highly acculturated is the same, whether one is Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative or Orthodox," Ellenson noted. "The only difference in is the responses. "For example, Monsey, NY, (a small community, which is commuter-distance to New York City), was founded to counteract the 'threat' of secular society. Yet it, (like Chabad-Lubavich), happens to be a community which very quickly took advantage of computer technology," Ellenson explained. "Though they are trying to keep out the influences of the modern world, they are very conscious of it." That conundrum, as the rabbi pointed out, is the essence of Jewish survivability, the flexible responses to events in the outside world which have an impact on the Jewish world. "The questions for Jews today," said Rabbi Ellenson, "is "Why remain Jewish?' and then, "How?* "The Pharisees must have had the right answers," explained Ellenson, speaking of the Jews who fought with their opponents, the Sadducees, about religious belief and practice about 2100 years ago, "because we are their descendants." "Even in the pre-modern period, there was always a variety of opinions," he added, noting that "they were all right!" Historians of the future will tell who was right in the 20th century; in the meantime, Rabbi Ellenson will continue to pose the questions and relate the Jewish historical experience to all interested in why a Brandeis University professor, the late Shimon Rawidowicz, once called Jews, "the everdying people." Rabbi Ellenson's schedule includes the following lectures, all at Temple Israel: Friday, March 3, 8 p.m., "Exile and Return in Jewish History: The recurring Pattern;" Saturday, March 4: Torah study at 9:30 a.m., followed by "Destruction of the Temples and Our People's Responses," during Shabbat morning services at 10:30 a.m.; and "The Shoah and the Rise of the State of Israel" at 4:30 p.m., followed by Havdallah; Sunday, March 5-"Judaism and Freedom: Emancipation and the American Experience," 10 a.m. Dr. Ellenson's appearance in Omaha is sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. For more information about the events, which are open to the community, call the Temple office at 556-6536. • !

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B-NAIBTUTH BREADBREAKERS Marty Ricks, Federation Foundation Director, will speak a t B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Steve Riekes. Ricks will discuss his recent trip to Baku, Azerbaijan and Israel. Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at Pastimes Restaurant, 129th and W. Maple. The program is open to the community; cost is $8.50. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Tuesday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m.—Stories from the Tanach, hosted by Beth Israel. WALK-EM, DROP-IN Wednesday, Feb. 23, noon-Lunch 'n Learn, There will be no meeting on Thursday. For those hosted by Sandra and Marvin Kohll, 1617 S. 107th going on the day trip to Bluffs Run Casino, meet at St. We will eat lunch together (please bring your the Rose Blumkin front entrance by 8:45 a.m. For own) followed by Tprah study. The topic will be "A Jewish charity ethic—the laws of Tzedakah;" transportation, call Maggie at 334-6521. Modern, spoken Hebrew, hosted by Al Ross, 676 N. RUSSIAN CLUB Members will meet at the JCC on Friday, Feb. 56th St., 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.—Talmud, tractate 25. Exercise starts at 10 ajn. in the auditorium. At 11 a m , lunch will be served in room 5. At noon, a Pesachim, hosted by Beth El. For more information about these or other OCTL Russian movie will be shown in room 5. For reserprograms, contact Rabbi Shlomo Levin at 551-1564. vations, call Lydia Linde at 697-9169. JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL Sweetheart Day will be held on Thursday, Feb. Child care - One of the most 24,1:30 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium, Frieda Krizelman is president of JWI. important decisions parents make. Maxine Noodell will entertain, accompanied by Check it out! Esther Wax. Refreshments will be served in the tea NEBRASKA HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM room at 3 p.m. Call Sylvia Davis, chairperson, at 553-8996. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exerpise with Michelle Streif at 10:15 a.m. in the auditorium; play bingo with Eileen Reiner at 10 turn. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk," led by Art Grossman, at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, the Piano Man, Joe Chereck, will perform. For transportation, call 3304272. Reminder: Membership dues are now due. Please mail your check for $2 to Y.E.S.j do Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Cruising with Visions

Twenty Visionaires recently journeyed to the Caribbean on a Panama Canal Cruise and visited Cartagena, Columbia, Limon, Costa Rica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. From left: Maggie Conti, JSS Adult Program Director, Babe and Phil Ratner, Mike Block, Phyllis and Jerome Wasserman, Miriam Meyerson, Rosalie and Maiirey Meiches, Tootie and Mickey Simon, Doris and Harry Alloy, Sylvia and Irving Davis, Rose and Jacob Rosenberg, Dorothy Parilman, Ilene Pachman and Dee Brown.

— I! Kirsten and Larry Budwig announce the Feb. 2 birth of their daughter, Afeia Grace. Aleia has three sisters: Brianne, Hannah and Sophie. . Grandparents are Susan and Phil Rothholz, Ron Budwig and Susie Silver, and Dot and Vern Cornish..

Susan and Greg Bramhall announce the Jan. 31 birth of their son, Brayden Alexander. Grandparents are Dr. Marvin and Pearl Simon, Marlies Bramhall and Frank. Bramhall, all of Omaha. Great-grandmother is Allafore Bramhall of Minneapolis, MN. .

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Lisa and Danny Theiss of Lenexa, KS, announce the Jan. 6 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.

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A privilege, not an obligation... (Continued from page 1) Other stops in Israel included visits to Yeshiva University's School for the Deaf, the Crisis Management Center at the Lod JCC (which provides services for children and their families who face the double challenge of immigration and family crisis or tragedy), and Shiluvim, a four-year inservice training program for elementary school teachers who serve Ethiopian populations. The Ethiopian community requires different preparation for rescue and resettlement, the two men pointed out. Isolated from contact with the outside world, many Ethiopian Jews have "never seen a door" Zweiback noted, let alone an airplane or a computer. On the other hand, Jews from the former Soviet Union often possess advanced skills in computer technology or medicine, which has enabled them to adapt to their new surroundings more quickly. Some 985,000 Jews from the PSU have come to Israel in the last decade. As a percentage of peculation, it is as though the United States absorbed the country of France. The other part of Rescue and Resettlement includes preparation for being Jewish. Again, the differences between the two communities are extreme. . Ethiopian Jews, cut off from the rest of the Jewish Diaspora prior to the redacting of the Talmud, have no rabbinic tradition, only a biblical one. But the people do know they are Jewish and practice biblical customs, including niddah (laws pertaining to family purity) and kashrut (dietary laws). , Jews in the former Soviet Union, on the other hand, were forbidden to study or practice Judaism. Most don't read Hebrew, few have any understanding or knowledge of their Jewish heritage, tradition, customs, practices and beliefs: Yet, when the group entered a "winter camp" for young Jews, ages eight to 15, they were greeted by loud singing...in Hebrew. "I was grabbed first by a little girl who ran off to perform, and then by a little boy," Zweiback recalled. "We played a series of games, made dried fruit bracelets and necklaces, and even made a banner with all of our handprints, before exchanging our e-mail addresses!" JDC staff run these winter camps, as well as summer camps, to help young Jews recapture the Jewish heritage they were once denied. Above a restaurant is Hillel, a group for young Jewish adults. There they met to chat, perform plays, enjoy music and dancing. In another location is a Chesed Center, which offers one hot meal a day to

Above: A participant of the SELA program, second from right, joins his family in Baku after a two-year separation. He was accompanied by Speedy Zweiback and Marty Ricks, who met him in Israel. Below: between 100 and 125 Ethiopian Jews arrive hi Israel each month.

Left: newly-arrived immigrants themselves, these Jewish children entertained the group at a com-

munity center in Israel. Right: wearing "We need to feel proud of the State of Israel for a fur hat, Speedy what it is pro-1 Zweiback braved the viding for these! cold of Baku. Jews, young and!

elderly residents who can get there on their own. In addition, JAFI is planning a community center. All of these programs are supported by funds raised worldwide in annual campaigns, and Omaha's Jewish Federation is among them. For those like Mrs. Chernakova, it is up to the JDC to deliver a food basket once a month. A nurse comes three times a week to check on her and administer medicine or offer physical therapy. "The wind whistled through the building as we climbed the dark stairwell," Zweiback recalled. "The temperature in the hallway was the same as it was outside. "Inside, Mrs. Chernakova insisted we take off our coats, knowing that if we kept them on we'd be leaving soon," he added. "She was desperate for companionship and'only wanted us to stay and talk. "The phrase, There but for the grace of God,' kept running through my head," Zweiback said. "If my grandfather hadn't decided, just by luck, to leave Russia, that could have been my mother sitting in that unheated apartment." JDC is helping to rebuild the institutions of Jewish community life, which were destroyed by Soviet authorities, and revive Jewish values of volunteerism and communal responsibility. [

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"It's hard to measure and it's I intangible, but we should always err on the side of giving too much rather than too little," he added. "I always used to be oriented towards my community, but this strong Jewish community of Omaha will never let us down. We'll always find a way here, so our first obligation is to take care of those Jews in Israel and in places like Baku who are in need. "The money we raise doesn't go for guns or gov-•'.; ernment," he concluded. "It's for human services. Israel doesn't have the funds or the expertise to solve everything...they need our help. "This is not an obligatd6n; it's a privilege!"

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C O L L I ;G h

February 18,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

i i i i urnm L i [

YOU HAVE A DATE!

[ " 9 3 r d Street Shabbat" o h Friday. April 7 ' , i Singles and couples over SO in the six apartment; tcomplexes of 93rd Street are Invited to share; [Shabbat! Read all about it in the Jewish Press' [issue of March 101 ' • . " \ " • ,t }

Fitness Center Neius

-

IT'S A FIRST!

B Singles! Singles over 50! 1 •

You're invited to a

•

1

Singles Spree and

I

I

Tea Party

[

I Sunday, March 12,1 p.m. a I at the Riekes Museum at the JCC I

Did you know that water aerobics classes meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at the JCC from 9:15-10:15 a.m.? • Chat and Snack • The class was originally for women, but some men have now joined and are thoroughly enjoying every 1 (Delicious Sweets in the Friedel Auditorium) I exercise (and plenty of time for chattering). If you are a member of the JCC, you are invited to join this thrice weekly class) I f s one of the best ways to exercise in the water.. .and the temperature of the water is JUST about perfect. TALK! TALK! TALK! Check this class out! You'll enjoy every minute, every exercise (and yes, every bit of chatter).

•

I

: • • •

•

*

*

*

'

"

The Sokolof Fitness Center provides programs and activities for persons over 50. The state-of-the-art center has a friendly, professional staff with programs for all ages. You can begin a personal fitness program or work your way up to the next level with fitness classes, certified instructors, personal trainers and a full line of cardiovascular and strength training equipment and so much more! For more information about this wonderful way to keep fit and stay well, call 334-6426. ' >'

,

'

-,

• Come with a friend or two! * Bring a few family pictures • Tour the exhibits at the "3"

' " I

A reminder to all readers about your wedding pictures.... The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society welcomes your wedding pictures of bride and groom or the entire wedding party. And of course pictures of 50th anniversary celebrations or wedded couples will be added soon t o the beautiful exhibit now showing in the exhibit hall of the JCC. Let the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society hear from you or drop in at the office in the JCC.

'

Walking is a surprisingly effective strategy for life long health! The new track in the Phil Sokolof Fitness Center is a great way to start! Just go for a walk at a comfortable pace. All you really need is a good, pair of walking shoes and to wear loose, comfortable clothes. ' • • . . ' • . Check with Mike Noble first for any pointers about your stride, arm swing and posture... and keep in mind that you are in no big hurry. ***

.s.

Historically Speaking...

-

' -i

, -.

rJ «ar

readers, , • - „ - < „, > '•,,-,' »|jiWevare still looking for a new name for this "page for men and women over 50I < J_ ^ A few suggestions have come'in, but, hopefully,'there are more out there, ,- ' ^ fi Let us hear from you before our next issue in Aprils Otherwise, we will have to stay with our present title.. .so keep thinkingl ' ' Mary Fellman a n d M o r r i s Maline, :''' % Editors

Hm yOU HNOW. . . that people who startoffa meal with soup generally eat fewer calories during the meal? Yes, ravenous diners_are likely to eat too fast and too much, so curb your appetite with a bowl of low-fat soup! . . .that adding fish to your diet might increase your odds against a heart attack? In a study by the AMA, it was found that men who ate fish at least once a week had a 52% lower risk of sudden cardiac death than those who ate fish less than once a month!

'Cooking' up mysteries Jewish Federation Library by Dorothy Kaplan

THE

2ND B.VE DELI

Recipes *nd Memories from Abe Lebewohl'e Leatndtry Kitchen

Ubby Katelman Epstein

'Old Market'exhibit planned Many in the community remember the early days of T h e Market," the wholesale and retail fruit and vegetable center of the state. There were peddlers, fruit and vegetable stands, truck farmers, sidewalk vendors, large brokers and wholesalers. Also, there were Union Pacific trains delivering car loads of produce. And there were great nicknames. . . Celery John, Dago Pete, Crowbar Mike, Montana, Red, Popeye, Potato King, Onion King and Banana King. Since the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society will create an exhibit in the fall, the work has already begun! With the help of the Nebraska Humanities Council, we have conducted a n Oral History Training Workshop, and are beginning to gather stories, mementos and memorabilia. Won't you help? Please call Barbara or Dottie at 334-6442 or 6441.

,

Preserve your memories...

Many families have lots of family pictures just waitIHAIOH IIIIWOKL «H0 • ! » « BULKIH ing to be placed in albums! . Why not find as many pictures (and souvenirs) as you can, label and mount them, get an album (with Several new cookbooks are now on the shelves at specially treated paper so that the pages will last. the Jewish Federation Library, covering a wide range (And if you find duplicates, pass them on to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society). of culinary interest. . From Master Chefs Cook Kosher to The 2nd Ave. Deli and from Mazel Tov Y'ail (the ultimate Southern Jewish Bake Book) to the Jewish Vegetarian Year Cookbook, you are certain to find tantalizing, tasty tidbits. Come browsel The library has also received two new large-print mysteries. Scott Turow (author of Burden of Proof) has a new legal thriller, Personal Injuries. The book possesses fully-developed characters and a plot full of twists and turns. It will keep you guessing. Best selling author Faye Kellerman's new novel Jupiter's Bones revolves around the mysterious death of a cult leader, Father Jupiter. Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus are again featured in this continuing series and we learn more about their changing family dynamic. Hope to see you soon.. .in our library!

What the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society collects: •Private letters • diaries • memoirs • minutes • records •ledgers of all local Jewish organizations, past and present •Jewish cemetery records • synagogue records and histories 'family histories and genealogies • photographs • oral histories. Tell the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society what you have and they will help you decide if it should be placed in their archives. Call 402-334-6442 and talk to Barbara, the Historical Society' s archivist. They welcome your questions.

PJO / O O KNOW. . .that the more green tea you drink the better, because it is full of vitamins and minerals?

Reporter: Do you have information about your family tree?

Julie Schaplro Sally Venger My grandparents' pictures No-only what I have mentalare now hanging In my ly! apartmentl

Keep us alerted! In the next issues, we will publicize "Senior Activities" of other organizations

Dorothy Strauss No-not at this time! Hopefully, laterl

Reva Ruderman My brother, Paul, has been working on It!

Bernard Weiss Not yet, but we are working on It!

^

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 18,2000

Art and Ruth Goldstein selected as Endowment Achievement award winners by Claudia Sherman, Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

Late last year, Art and Ruth Goldstein were named the 1999 recipients of the Endowment Achievement Award, announced Marty Ricks, Executive Director of The Foundation of the Jewish Federation, "for their many years of involvement and generosity to Omaha's Jewish community, the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center (JCC), Beth Israel Synagogue, and others." According to Jan Perelman, Federation Executive Director, "One of the great things about both Art and Ruthie is that they have always exemplified the strength of the Jewish family. Art has always had vision for growth of the Omaha Jewish community." Perelman recalled "one of the earliest fund raising meetings for our current JCC campus expansion and how convinced Art was that this was everyone's responsibility to future generations of Omaha Jews. He was proud of his initial involvement in building the 'new J C C in 1974, and recognized we can never stop preparing for the future." One of Perelman's first introductions to Women's Campaign fundraising within the Jewish Federation as a new professional several years ago was with Ruthie. "She loved working for the campaign," remembered Perelman. "Until recently, Ruthie participated as leadership in some capacity on every campaign, which she did with passion, commitment and dignity." Presented by United Jewish Communities to community leaders whose vision and dedication have been instrumental to the successful growth of their Federation's endowment funds, the Goldsteins were nominated by the Omaha Federation Foundation. In 1931, the Goldsteins set up their first endowment fund with The Foundation "to further the cause of our people," Art Goldstein said in an interview in 1994. The couple agreed at that time that endowment funds are "very important in ensuring the future existence of the Federation." The unre-

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stricted fund contributes to the general funds avail- not just because of his piano playing, but also because . he was such a nice person and a true gentleman." able to the Jewish Federation. Ricks went on to say, "I knew (the Goldstein's In 1996, the Goldsteins established another endowment fund with the Federation Foundation children) David and Kay, from Central High School to assist Young Jewish Omaha (YJO) by subvent- days but had only met Art and Ruth briefly in my ing programs, missions, speakers, projects, and early years. I feel fortunate that in my 19 months other activities. YJO is a social, educational/reli- since returning' to Omaha, I was able to get to gious and social action group for 20 to 40-year-olds. know Art and Ruth extremely well. In fact, I feel Annual net income from the Goldstein Family Art and I have a special bond. He is so kind in so Endowment is also used by the JCC to adjust pro- many ways, and he misses his Ruthie so much. gram fees to enable Jewish children who live in the Furthermore, our Jewish community id successful Omaha area to participate in JCC programs, which and financially healthy today because of the extended year's of philanthropy of people like Ruth otherwise they could not afford to attend them. Art Goldstein, 90, currently lives in the Rose and Art. They have set an example for others." Art Goldstein was president of the Jewish Blumkin Jewish Home. He and Ruth were married more than 60 years ago at Beth Israel Synagogue. Federation from 1963-1965, chairman of the She also had been living in the Blumkin Home until Federation annual campaign in 1957, president of she died at the age of 86 last October. Their dedica- the Omaha Lodge of B'nai B'rith, and chairman of tion and generosity arose simply from their sense that the Jewish Community Center site committee. Ruth Goldstein was chairman of the Women's Omaha "is our community," Art explained. As the Goldstein Family Endowment Fund stipu- Division of the Federation Campaign in 1966 and was lates, Art Goldstein has been discussing allocating still involved in the campaign's Snowbirds Division part of the principal to the Rose Blumkin Jewish only five years ago. She was also active in Hadassah. Art and his brothers, Paul and Bud, donated a Home, possibly to build a portion of a resident park in his wife's memory on the west side of the facility Tree of Life in memory of their parents at a dinner in honor of Rabbi Isaac Nadoff many years ago. adjacent to the main entrance to the Home. Long-time Beth Israel Synagogue Board member Barbara Gottlieb, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services, remarked, "Ruth and Art were Paul Shyken said that the Goldsteins never wanted deeply in love. Their respect and kindness toward any recognition for their support, instead insisting each other were evident to all who saw them that it gave them joy to see their money used while together. The idea of dedicating a beautiful park in they were living. "They were always in the backmemory of a woman who not only loved flowers but ground helping Jewish causes," added Shyken. was able to paint them is such a fitting tribute." Other recipients of the Endowment Achievement Before moving to the Blumkin Home, Art lived at Award were: Isadore M. Tretiak (1986), Jule M. Silvercrest for about one and a half years, recalled Newman (1987), Howard J. Kaslow (1988), Mort Ricks. "Never looking at sheet music, Art would Trachtenbarg (1989), Murray H. Newman (1990), play the piano in the lobby for the other residents. Morton A. Richards (1991), David L. Friedland He played so well that many Silvercrest residents (1993), Harlan Noddle and Joe Kirshenbaum gathered round the piano and sang along with him. (1995), Phillip G. Schrager (1996), Dorothy and "I have since talked to some of the residents and the Henry Riekes (1997), and Shirley and Bud director," Ricks said, "and they miss Art very much, Goldstein (1998).

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Milt Abrahams — — The College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) announced the appointment of Nancy Nogg Rauhauser as Assistant Dean of the college. A seasoned business i development profession-! al, she has 19 years; • experience with a variety of marketing, healthcare, consulting and technology organizations around the country. "Nancy Nogg Rauhauser is well thought of in the business community," said Stanley Hille, CBA Dean. "She's also taught at the college level, where she's, been involved in distance education efforts. We're excited about having her represent the CBA to the business community as assistant dean." Nogg Rauhauser received her bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin and her executive master's degree in business administration from UNO. A founder of Nogg and Associates, Inc., a management consulting firm, and most recently, a professor in the College of Professional Studies at Bellevue University, she is the recipient of several leadership honors, including the American Express Young Leader award. The daughter of Irving and Marian Nogg of Omaha, Nogg Rauhauser and her husband, Neal, have a son, Ari. The Omaha Public Library will offer a fourpart workshop called Leaving A Legacy, to teach people how to write their own autobiography. The series will be presented by Program for Women and Successful Aging on March 9,16, 23 and 30, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., at the Abrahams Branch Library at 5111 N. 90th St. The sessions are free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is required. Call the Abrahams Branch Library at 444-6284 to register.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

,

(Continued from page 1) renamed its legal clinic in his honor last March. The clinic, which was six years old at the time, operated with a grant from the Lozier Foundation and the United States Department of Education. The Foundation donated one million dollars and wanted to pay tribute to Abrahams' exemplary professional and civic record. During the invocation of the legal clinic, March 26, 1999, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, senior rabbi of Temple Israel, said, "We notice that the name of Moses is not mentioned in the narrative of the Passover redemption. I would like to suggest in a similar way, Milt, in his humbleness, his modesty, and his amazing passion for justice, is what the pursuit of equality is all about." Abrahams was a partner and founding member, of the Omaha law firm of Abrahams, Kaslow and Cassman. He earned his bachelor's degree from Creighton and was first in his law school class of 1927. He served on the boards of the Joslyn Art Museum, the City Human Relations Board and the Omaha Board of Education, as well as on the Nebraska Committee for the Humanities. He also served as president of United Community Services, a forerunner of United Way. His service in the Jewish community was almost legendary, having been president of Temple Israel from 1942-44, president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, 1965-67. He was honored with the Federation's Humanitarian of the Year Award in 1988, received the Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Community and Justice, and the Tree of Life Award from the Jewish National Fund. According to his partner, Howard Kaslow, "Milt Abrahams embodied a rare combination of great intelligence, sound judgment, common sense and concern for others. He was totally committed to his clients and to the many causes he so ably and generously served. As a professional and as a human being, he was a role model for the entire community.'' Last year, Abrahams made a large donation to the Building Campaign for the expansion and remodeling of the Jewish Family Service offices. Immediate past-president of JFS, Gloria Kaslow, said, "Milt understood and treasured the importance and strength of family. His gift in behalf of JFS-to support the integrity of the family-was an expression of the traditional values he held dear and part of his legacy to the Jewish community." Abrahams said in a 1999 interview in the Jewish Press, he believed people had two choices in life: "either avoid challenges and fail, or welcome them and succeed." Abrahams was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline. He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Joan and Steve Subrin of Newton, MA, and Phyllis and Keith MacAdam of Lexington, KY; grandchildren, Elisabeth, Julie and Jennifer Subrin, and Daniel and Allison MacAdam. Memorials to the Omaha Public Library, Methodist Hospital, Temple Israel or Abraham Legal Clinic at Creighton Law School. Carol Katzman, Joan K. Marcus, Morris Maline, and Tara Deering of the Omaha WorldHerald contributed to this story.

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Page 11

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 18,2000

Friedel sets 'Mingle and Munch' for students and parents

Esther 2000 comes to Omaha

by Diane Axler Baum

by Leonard Greenspoon Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization Creighton University

Jill Sideris. "His wonderFriedel Jewish Academy ful teachers and the perwill sponsor "Mingle and sonal attention he Munch" on Thursday, receives in Friedel's small Feb. 24, from 6 to 8 classrooms have made all p.m., to provide prospective students and their the difference in the parents an opportunity to world." observe the school in Others working at the action. open house will include Donald and Maggie Gerber Platters of cheese pizza and daughter, Audrey; will be served to visitors Janet and David Kohll, during the two-hour open Julie and Eric Phillips, house. Laura and Richard SchraAttending the event will ger, Lisa Ephraim, and be Friedel Director Michael Linn and the facMuni Rogers and Michael ulty and staff, Board Marcovitz. chairman Jerry Gordman A group of parents, and others who serve on headed by Julie Phillips, the Board, members of the ¥ •• «•.•••• n a.\ J r n o-j • arranged a display of stuParent Teacher Juhe Phillips (left), and Jill Sidens prepare d e n t w o f k i n t h e VlMA Organization, and several for Friedel's open house by arranging Punm c o m m o n s p r i o r to the Friedel students. puppets created by students. open house. These representatives of the Friedel family will "I think it's important for parents considering introduce themselves to visitors and answer ques- Friedel,* explained Phillips, "to see samples of the tions about the Academy's curriculum, philosophy, outstanding work our students accomplish under daily agenda, and other matters of interest, Linn the guidance of our caring, experienced teachers." said. Several PTO volunteers will give tours of the school and serve pizza to guests. Others will be stationed in classrooms to conduct activities for visiting children while their parents are otherwise occupied. Among the volunteers will be Jill and Gus Sideris, along with their son, Chad, who entered Friedel this year as a third-grader. "Chad was doing very well at public school, by public school standards, but he did not achieve his academic potential until he started at Friedel," said

On Sunday, April 2, and Monday, April 3 just a week after Purim-our community will have the opportunity to attend and participate in Esther 2000, a major conference devoted to the book of Esther, its characters, literary and artistic development, and interpretation. This conference is expected attract more than a dozen scholars and performers from throughout the world. Sunday's activities will take place on the Crieghton campus and Monday's at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Details of the presentations will be available soon. This event is co-sponsored by Creighton University and UNL, with major funding from the, Nebraska Humanities Council and a number of other sources. For further information, please contact me at Creighton University, 280-2303; or Sidnie White Crawford at UNL, 472-4475.

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