ewish Pres
NF HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN ME 68503-1651
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS Vol. LXXK ... No. 28
Omaha, NE
10 Adar 11,5760
March 17,2000
Scholars;, performers, public to focus Inspiration on Book of Esther at two-day event through song by Diane Axler Baum
Less than two weeks Monday. after our community joins Following the talks in Jews world-wide in celeeach session, a discussion brating Purim, a major and question-and-answer symposium here will properiod will provide "lively vide new insights into the and substantive intercharacters, interpretachange among the presention, and literary and ters and between presenters artistic development of and their audiences," the Book of Esther. Greenspoon promised. Participants will explore a Esther 2000, a two-day wide range of issues, includcultural event, will bring ing the Book of Esther as together more than a "an historical account," dozen scholars and perLeonard J. Greenspoon enduring theological formers from across the U.S. and from Canada and England, on Sunday, teachings gained from the Book, Jewish celebrations April 2, in Omaha and Monday, April 3, in Lincoln. of Purim today, and the different "canonical" texts of Sunday's activities will unfold at the Skutt Esther among Jews/Protestants on the one hand, and Student Center at Creighton University, followed Roman Catholics/Orthodox Christians on the other. by a dinner and evening keynote event at Beth El From Greenspoon's perspective, a few areas of Synagogue. Monday's daytime sessions and particular interest are comparisons between the evening keynote will be held on the campus of the Biblical Esther and the Biblical Judith, reinterpreUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln. tations of the Esther story in light of contemporary events, and translation issues. All sessions are free and open to the public. "We're delighted to present our generation's most Greenspoon's own talk, distinguished Esther scholars. Their work repre- Sunday at 12:30 p.m., sents close to a dozen significant commentaries on examines "From Maidens Esther in addition to three times that number of and Chamberlains to other Biblical commentaries," said symposium coor- Harems and Hot Tubs: dinator Leonard J. Greenspoon. ~ ^ ::.•_:•"•..• Five Hundred Years of "The Book of Esther stands out as one of the most Esther in English." fascinating books of the Hebrew Bible." It's a char*Esther and Judith: acter-driven work that provokes thought, discus- Contrasts in Character," sion and controversy~not just theologicalfbut also is the topic of Sidnie artistic, literary, feminist and psychological-espe- White Crawford, cially true in our post-Holocaust age," added Associate Prof, of Hebrew Greenspoon, who holds the Philip M. and Esther Bible and Chair of the Sidnie White Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Department of Classics Crawford Creighton University. at UNL. She will speak Sunday at 3:15 p.m. After Crawford's remarks, Michael V. Fox, Prof, Esther 2000 is grouped into four sessions: "The Different Books of Esther" and "Esther: Character in Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsinand Characters" will be the focus on Sunday; Madison, will present "The Character of Esther: "Esther in Tradition and Folklore" and "Esther: Three Views." Reading the Book, Writing a Commentary" on (Continued on page 8)
Rabbis to lead lecture series on the Ten Commandments by Claudia Sherman
Revealed more than 3,000 years ago to different people in different circumstances, the Ten Commandments always have and still have relevance in the practical arena of contemporary life, explained Rabbi Ira Flax, Offutt Air Force Base Chaplain. Ten area rabbis have each picked one of the Ten Commandments to discuss in a lecture series that will begin on Monday, March 27. Sponsored by the College of Jewish Learning, a committee of Jewish Educational and Library Services, the first program will be presented by Rabbi Shlomo Levin, Director of the Omaha Center for Torah Learning. Rabbi Levin will start the series off with the second commandment, "Do not have any other gods besides Me." He will focus on a verse which appears later in the commandment that says children are punished for the sins of their parents. ~ "Does God really punish children for the sins of their parents? How could this possibly be fair? By exploring different explanations for this puzzling biblical statement, we will learn about the responsibility of parents to act as role models for their children and parents' obligation to be conscious of the effect their behavior has on shaping the lifestyle and personality of their kids," said Rabbi Levin. He will be joined by Dr. Ellie Furst, a Professor of
Psychology at Dana College. She will discuss the emotional and psychological difficulties children (and adults) encounter when breaking with the behavior patterns learned from parents in childhood. Every other Monday night, a rabbi will team with another professional from the community. Together, they will bring to light important rabbinic aspects as well as practical contemporary applications of each commandment. On April 10, Rabbi Allan Gonsher, President of KIDS Inc., will discuss the third commandment, "Do not take the Name of God in vain." Following Rabbi Gonsher, Rabbi Flax will present the fourth amendment, "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it Holy," April 24. On May 8, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel will discuss the fourth commandment, "Honor our father and mother." The last of the series this spring will be led by Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Director of Omaha's Chabad House. He will conduct a discussion of the first commandment, "I am the Lord your God," on May 22. All the Monday night lectures will begin at 7:80 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium; they are free of charge and open to the public. In the fall, the other five commandments will be addressed by five other rabbis from the community.
by Carol Katzman
When Cantor Aryeh Rendel davens (prays) before a full crowd at the Queens Jewish Center in New York, he's very much concerned with the quality of his musical interpretation of the Shabbat service. The community will have the opportunity to hear Cantor Rendel daven Kaballat Shabbat services at Beth Israel synagogue on Friday evening, March 24, and Shabbat morning services on March 26, as part of the synagogue's Cantor-in-Residence Weekend.
Cantor Aryeh Rendel "What I would really like the congregation to have is inspiration," Cantor Rendel said in a recent interview with the Jewish Press. "My job is not to entertain, but to inspire and that's done through the davening itself. Even if a person isn't musical, music moves people. "Because of its power to inspire, I hope the congregation can be moved to pray more fervently, to actually come closer to God," he added. Though not a full-time hazzan (cantor), Rendel is aware of the power he has to inspire people in their own prayers to God, a position he does not take lightly. During the week, Rendel works in his family's lighting business in New York. And every other Shabbat and on Yom Tovim (holidays), he officiates atQJC. "Music is the universal language and the language of the soul; there's always that song that makes you smile or brings back a sad memory. Sometimes it pertains to an important event in one's life," Rendel explained. Cantor Rendel was born into a musical family in Kfar Saba, Israel, and in 1960, the family immigrated to the United States. Under the guidance of his father, Cantor Naftali Rendel, the young Aryeh began his training in hazzanut. At the age of six, he joined the Ben Friedman Choir and sang with the legendary Cantor Mpshe Koussevitzky in Temple Beth El of Boro Park, NY. When asked the name of his favorite hazzan, Rendel enthusiastically replied, "Cantor Koussevitzky," a name familiar with many longtime Omaha Jews who recall his visit to sing at Beth Israel in March, 1956, during their annual Humanitarian of the Year dinner. Rendel later sang with the Sam Sterner choir and began the lead soloist with Henry Spector's choir in the renowned "Roumanische shul" on the Lower East Side when he was only nine years old. (Continued on page 9)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 17,2000
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MARCH 17 Kids Lunch & Learn, Noon, at Beth El SATURDAY, MARCH 18 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel Humash class, 6 p.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, MARCH 19 Purim Carnival, Noon, at Temple Israel Israel Experience Prep Class, 1:30 p.m. , MONDAY, MARCH 20 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. Purim Box Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Megillah Reading & Purim Social, 7:30 p.m., atBethEl TUESDAY.-MARCH 21 Friedel Jewish Academy Purim Program, 9 a.m. JCC Community Purim Party, 5 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. ESTT Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 High School Dinner Night, 6 p.m., at Beth El Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., atBethEl Talmud with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MARCH 23 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel USY/Kadimah Night, 6:30 p.m., at Beth El JELS Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. " L.O.V.E. Board Meeting, 7 p.m., atRBJHConfRoom
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All svants hold at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jewish Press Is not responsible tor the accuracy of the events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Mariene Her! at 334-6437.
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Shabbat Zachor ' In Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare insightfully reminds us that "...while, the evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones." Shakespeare exposes a deep truth about human beings: while we humans have the capacity to remember both good and bad deeds, too often we remember the bad. As we celebrate Purim in a few days, and read the special readings for Shabbat Zachor, we can see the truth of Shakespeare's thoughts in our own sacred texts. Shabbat Zachor gets its name from a special Torah reading on this Shabbat morning. In it/the Israelites are reminded of the evil ways of the people of Amalek, and are instructed to blot them permanently from memory. The Amalekites were a people who unleashed an unprovoked attack against the newly freed Israelites in the early stages of the Exodus journey. No mention is made of any redeeming qualities of the Amalekites, rather God says, "remember the bad, do not even consider whether the Amalekites did any good, and destroy that wicked people." We moderns need Shakespeare to see the folly of this notion. The connection between the difficult passages about Amalek and the holiday of Purim involve the main antagonist of the Purim story, Haman the Agagite. Haman, according to tradition, was a descendant of the Amalekites. Thus, his evil plots against the Jews were a continuation of an earlier feud. And our celebration of his demise is acceptable, and necessary because the Jews of Shushan were fulfilling a commandment from Torah. But the issue of remembrance is not that easy, and deserves some investigation. On the one hand, Shabbat Zachor is important because it helps us remember the good fortune our people enjoyed in Shushan. The clever action of one person, then later a family, and finally a small group of people, saved the whole Jewish population. So, Shabbat Zachor comes to help us remember the heroic and good deeds of a precious few. Shabbat Zachor also illustrates the idea of remembering evil. On Purim, we go out of our ways to make noise and blot out the name of Haman. But in so doing, we do the opposite of the command in Deuteronomy which we read as the special reading for Shabbat Zachor. The Torah says ".. blot from memory," (Deut. 25:19) and yet we still remember. Finally, Shabbat Zachor helps us remember the distinctly human elements of our Torah, our sacred texts, and our faith. The entire Megillah of Esther, which contains the Purim story, never mentions the name of God. The events are all human. Humans cause the problems and humans find the solutions.: Purim is a holiday of remembrance. Of course we remember the good and bad deeds of a few key characters in the Megillah. But we also need to use the holiday to remember that we humans have the capacity to think and act and remember for both good and bad purposes. Purim reminds us that we can live by the salty irony of Brutus' words, and remember only the evil we encounter in our lives, or we can instead choose to remember the goodness we've all encountered. Let this Purim be one of remembering and celebrating the good.
VERA TEPPERMAN Vera Tepperman died in Lincoln March 7 at the age of 95. Services were held March 9 with burial at Mount Cannel Cemetery in Lincoln. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, and her son, Herbert. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Marcia and Sheldon Kushner of Lincoln; son and daughter-in-law, David and Margot Tepperman of Fresno, CA; daughter-in-law, Elaine Tepperman of Omaha; sister-in-law, Sophie Kaplan of Omaha; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mrs. Tepperman was in the grocery business with her husband for many years and was an active community volunteer. ' Memorials to Hadassah or charity of choice. HENRY COLCHER Henry Colcher, a professor of gastroenterology and researcher at Columbia University, died March 7 at the age of 86. Services were held March 8 at King David Cemetery in New York.. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, David and Bonnie Colcher of San Mateo, CA, formerly of Omaha; son, Paul Colcher of New York City; daughter, Susan Colcher of Brookline, MA; grandchildren, Mindy Colcher of Newton, MA, and Daniel Colcher of Coral Gables, FL; and brother, Joel Colcher of Israel.
Purim programs "a-plenty" at Beth El by Ozzie Nogg
Obeying the ancient injunction to feast and make merry during the month of Adar, Beth El members of all ages are preparing to participate in a profusion of Purim programs this week. The fabulous festivities begin today, when Kids' Lunch and Learn dishes up a hands-on Hamantash Bake-athon. The program runs from noon1:30 p.m. Cost is $2 for kids, $3 for grown-ups. The fee covers lunch and all baking supplies. Then, on Sunday, March 19, noon-2 p.m., people of all ages are invited to join nimble fingered and imaginative artisan Julie Phillips as she leads a sequins, feathers and glue-filled session titled "Make A Magnificent Mask!" Also on the program is a Purim-With-Pizzazz Pizza Lunch. Participants in this crafty endeavor are encouraged to wear their magical mask masterpieces at one or both of the Megillah readings. Beth El's Megillah Menu on March 20 includes: • The Mad As A Hatter Megillah Reading for the Whole Mishpacha. Beginning at 7:15 p.m. in the main sanctuary, this abbreviated version is perfect for miniature Mordecais and tiny Esthers and will be followed by the Purim Hop-Haa Ice Cream Social. Bring grpggers and be prepared to make a din. ' • The Once-Again-From-the-Top-Full-MegillahReading. Designed for tough traditionalists, this reading starts at approximately 8:15 p.m. in the Chapel and covers every single word of the text. Groggers and masks are optional. Ice cream from the Hoo-Ha is available for those who demand it. So come to Beth El Synagogue this week. After all, the Book of Esther instructs us to observe Purim throughout the ages.
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CORRECTION In last week's Sparks from the Word column, the word "and" was inadvertently omitted; this is the correct sentence: "We are further commanded to present ourselves in the most dignified, serene and' sincere manner, garbed in clothes of good fit and taste, pleasing to the eye of human and G-d." The J e w i s h Press regrets the error.
March 17,2000
SYNAGOGUES TEMPLE ISRAEL
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
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rjpf thoUnion>f Ait)erJean|Iebrew Congregations
'^CassStreet, Omaha^NE 68132-2651 '•/,'•' '> ' " ''teiiipleisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You, 2 p.m. Rabbi Debbie Stiel will lead Shabbat Services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Early Worship Service, 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Jeff Taxman will officiate using the Union Prayer Book. This service is planned so that at its conclusion, you may be home early to enjoy a Shabbat meal and evening. Family service, 7:15 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor . Jennifer Blum will officiate. Rita Paskowitz, master storyteller, is guest speaker. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Alison and Ken Cowan in honor of their daughter's Bat Mitzvah. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a.m. Sara Elizabeth Cowan will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. 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. PURIM CARNIVAL SUNDAY, March 19,12-2 pan.-There will be fun for the entire family with food, games and prizes. Tickets will be sold at the door, good for both food and games. The Carnival is sponsered by OTYG and the Women of Reform Judaism, and is open to the entire community. PURIM BOX DINNER MONDAY, March 20: Bring your own box dinner and create masks at 6 p.m., followed by Purim spiel, costume parade and reading of the Megillah. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, March 19: Jewish History, 10:1511:45 a.m. Rabbi Ira Flax will teach about the interconnection between Jewish history and our religion and culture; WEDNESDAY, March 22: Midrashah, 10 a.m.noon. THURSDAY, March 23: Sisterhood Adult Education, 10 -11:30 a.m. Cantor Jennifer Blum will teach "Music of the Siddur." SHABBAT JAZZ SERVICE Friday, March 24, 8 p.m. Guest musician Mark Bloom joins Cantor Jennifer Blum for a spiritually uplifting service.
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-• BEYT SHALOM
thj»/H> • An Affiliate of tho 'i^;; Jewish JReconstructionist Federation^
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$5yi36l2 S. 119th Sfc.P.O. Box 241130, ft&^V, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 ph<>ne; 753-9233, http:ZAyelcome.to/beytshaloni/ FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Religious School at the JCC. No school Tuesday, March 21! Rabbi Myer Kripke conducts our adult education class on Sunday, 12:30 p.m., at the JCC. Open to the community at no charge. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and drink. MONDAY, March 20: Purim Party at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 7 p.m. Costumes appreciated. FRIDAY, March 24: Shabbat in the home.
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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
, Member of the Union of ' Ortbodoi: Jewish Congregation!) of America
1502 No. 52fld Street, Omaha, NE 68104.5013 ' 556-6288 , Beihlsrael@novla.net ••'' Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30'a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-noon. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRD3AY: Services, 6:20 p.m., at Beth Israel; West Minyan at the home of David and Janet Kohll, 107 So. 128th St., 6:20 p.m. Beth Israel hosts an NCSY Midwest Regional Shabbaton. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m. Last week and this week, a group of congregants participate as Baal Koreh, readers of the weekly Torah portion. Kiddush is sponsored by these Torah readers: Ben Heisler, Harris Finklestein, Donald Gerber, Rabbi Allan Gonsher, Jason Weiss, Rabbi Howard Kutner, Scott Lewis, Bob Oberman, Shelly Coren, Richard Buck, Rabbi Shlomo Levin, Seymour Steinberg and Jacob Katzman. These volunteers were organized by Scott Lewis; "Insights into the Parsha," 5:40 p.m.; Mincha, 6:10 p.m.; Havdallah, 7:16 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 6:25 p.m.; WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. MONDAY: Mincha, 6:15 p.m. Maariv and Megillah reading, 7 pan. Come in costume! Enjoy the Megillah reading, a dairy dinner and ice cream following the reading. TUESDAY: Services, 6:30 aan.; Megillah reading, 7 ajn.; late Megillah reading, 11:30 aan. WEDNESDAY! Talmud class on Tractate Bava Metzia with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m.
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 am. FRIDAY: Early family services, 6 p.m. Classes K, 1 & 2 will participate, followed by a family Shabbat dinner for the entire congregation. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 aan. • ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS: A Passover Seder course will be taught by Nancy Coren on Sunday mornings through April 9. PURIM SUNDAY, March 19: Purim Carnival, noon2:30 p.m. MONDAY, March 20: Purim dinner, 6:30 p.m., followed by services and Megillah reading. TUESDAY, March 21: Purim services and reading of the Megillah.
' .OFFUTAIR
FORCE BASE,
,
25th and Capehart, Omaha, N E 68113-5000 -294-6051" •*",*'
Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
v CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE
CHABADHOUSE
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An Affiliate of the Worldwide,Ghabad-lAibayitch Movement 1
1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 V " Phpnei330-i800 , ' « ' - ; ' • ' E-MArL~chabad@aol.coin )WEBSITT5:,www.chabad,center8.com/omaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman FRIDAY: Mincha, 4:30 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, ' 5:15 p.m.; Kiddush, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services,-9:30 a.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudah; Ma'ariv/ Havdallah, 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. MONDAY: Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul, 11:45 aan.-l pan. TUESDAY: A Tale of Two Souls, 9-.30-11 sum. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 aan.
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CANDLELIGHTING: 6:15 p.m.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Member of tho Union of American Ilobrow Congregations
„ 2061 S. 20th St, Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 > • '' jewishriebraska.org Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRKDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah study, 10 aan. SUNDAY: Hebrew classes, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 a.m. Purim Carnival, 11 aan.-l:30 p.m. MONDAY, March 20: Megillah According to Broadway with the B'nai Jeshurun Singers, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, March 21: Taste of Judaism Classes, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, March 22: AA meeting in the library, 7:30 p.m.
•'-'.
PASSOVER WORKSHOP Tuesday, April 4, 7:30-9-.30 pan.: Learn how to plan and conduct a seder. To register, call Audrie Bennan at 474-8004. Kids older than 10 are welcome.
Member of United Synagogues '' of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 WEB-www.bethel-omaha.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. Bat Mitzvah of Jodi Levine. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; TSS, 10 a.m.; K'tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story time, 11 aan.,; Humash with Rashi study session, 5:55 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 6:25 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Men's Club Breakfast, 10 aan., with guest speaker Roy Smith; Perek Yomi "Read a Chapter a Day" group, 10:15 aan.; Purim Pizzaz, noon, make masks and graggers to use during the Megillah reading. This - is for the entire family and includes lunch and crafts. Cost is $3.50. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. PURIM MONDAY, March 20: Ma'ariv, 6:30 p.m.; family Megillah reading, 7:15 pan., followed by an ice cream social. TUESDAY, March 21: Shaharit, 6 p.m., including complete Megillah reading; Minha/Ma'ariv, 5:30 pan.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m, led by Phyllis Hoffman. 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.
, B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
'
618 Myrister St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 Phone; 322-4705 E-MAIL: docjeb@a6l.coin FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Topic of discussion is "Belated mea culpas from the Church of Romewhy now?" An Oneg Shabbat, prepared by Peggy Deland and Sandra Kurland, follows.
Bat Mitzvah Rebecca Kahn, daughter of Robert and • Roxanne Kahn, will become a Bat Mitzvah ;on Saturday, March 25, | at Beth El Synagogue. 1 A seventh-grade honor student at Beveridge Middle School, she enjoys art, dance, music and snow skiing. She was selected to participate in the Duke {University Talent Search. For her Mitzvah Project, she is participating in the making and delivery of Passover boxes for Jewish Family Services. Rebecca has a brother, Joseph. Grandparents are Mary Lou and Art Walker and Dse and Marcel Kahn. Great-grandmother is Sophie Kahn.
UNVEILING SERVICE for Edward Kahn SUNDAY, MARCH 26,2 p.m. Golden Hill Cemetery .
PERSONAL Dear Family & Friends: Thank you for the phone calls, cards and flowers you shared with me during this long hospitalization. Being remembered In such thoughtful and beautiful ways has heightened my moral and spirit Again, thank you. Todah Rabbah. Beverly Franklin
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 17, 2000
Building monuments Some non-profit organizations build lives and some build monuments. For the former, the boards of directors are obviously fulfilling the desires of their donors by allocating the funds toward their community service projects, educational programs and leadership development. The latter, however, tend to plead poverty while hanging on to funds that should be spent instead of sitting in low-interest savings. Why do volunteers handle this issue differently? Why do some boards of directors have access to complete financial reports and create accurate budgets which reflect the work of the organization while others hide behind a veil of secrecy? Perhaps it has to do with the training of those volunteers and an atmosphere which encourages openness, discussion and an honest exchange of questions and answers. Some organizations place importance on leadership development. The leaders of those groups ensure that complete and accurate information is available for every committee and board meeting, ensuring
that the best possible decisions will be made for the good of the organization. Those leaders know and trust their board members; they've worked hard to educate their board about budgetary matters, investments, insurance and liability. A healthy non-profit group uses this training to also ensure future leadership. Knowledgeable leaders tend to help their fellow board members make better decisions than those in the dark If s for that very reason that most states, including Nebraska, have "sunshine laws" which call for committee and board meetings to be open to constituents. Good governments applies to non-profits, as well. It's time for those groups who are conducting business in the dark to shed some light on their operations. Board members have a right to all information about an organization's work. Non-profit groups are not intended to be personal fiefdom for a chosen few; they belong to the members and, as long as it meets the mission of the group, it's their wishes we should follow.
VKH ALL THE PRESSURES
Mid-winter thoughts by Carl Alpert
(The Dead Sea) - Politics, economics, international diplomacy and even the cold and stormy weather up north can be viewed from a different perspective down here. We wash off the briny waters with their health-giving properties, relax and ponder some of the notes we have recorded in recent weeks. • Stores throughout Israel offer a wide variety of attractive, colorful, hand-crocheted kipot (yarmulkes). What is not generally known is that hundreds of Arab women in Palestinian villages produce many of these kipot. For them, the work is an important source of income. • There have been complaints that some shoppers in the supermarkets help themselves liberally to mouthfuls of candy, nuts, dried fruits and other goodies, which are offered for sale in open bins. There is nothing new under the sun. , Moshe Kohn has dug out a quotation from the Talmud: "What is the difference between lawlessness and robbery?" Rabbi Hanina said: "Lawlessness applies to less than a penny's worth, and robbery to a penny's worth and more. "Here is what the generation of the Deluge did. When one of them put out a basketful of lupins to sell, people would come along and each would help himself to less than a penny's worth without paying for it. And the law stipulated that helping one's self to less than a penny's worth of someone's property is not robbery." • I am in favor of land for peace. The area of Syria is 71,498 square miles. The area of Israel is slightly over 8,000 square miles. The whole of the West Bank is 2,200 square miles. And the Golan Heights? This much-talked-about stretch is only 250,000 acres, equivalent to about 327 square miles. I agree with cartoonist Kirschner that Assad can create peace by waiving his claim to the Golan, which constitutes only about one half of one percent of his country's area. • In its early days, Israel used to import experts from abroad to help develop its industry and agri-
culture along the best Western lines. The very latest parallel is the enlistment by President Clinton of the U.S. propaganda and public relations expert James Carville, first to advise during Barak's election campaign and, more recently, to help drum up public support in Israel for return of the Golan to Syria, if indeed a referendum ever takes place. It is said that figures don't lie, but liars do figure. The aphorism is brought to mind by the reports on attendance at the recent mass rally in Tel Aviv, protesting withdrawal from the Golan. While no one claims to have made a head count, the published estimates ranged from tens of thousands to 150,000 to 500,000-- all depending on whether the reporter approved or disapproved of the purpose of the rally. • An Israeli law still on the books decrees that it is forbidden to raise swine in Jewish settlements. The only exceptions permitted are in a zoo or for medical research. Many such "zoos" have been created. A typical one may have one or two peacocks and hundreds of pigs. In other places, the pig pens are on raised stilts about a yard off the groun, so that, technically, they are not on Israeli soil and, hence, not in violation of the law. • A common Jewish expression, Yimach Shmo (may his name be obliterated), is uttered whenever there is reference to one of the classical foes of the Jewish people, ranging from Pharaoh, Antiochus, Hainan and Chmelnitzki through to Hitler. Yet, the very repetition of such names assures that they are not forgotten. • An interesting fact to remember: Longevity of the average Israeli Jewish female is 79.5 years; the Jewish male, 76 years. • When Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team trounced the Italian Varese team 87-66, Maccabi player Gur Shelef had one of his best games of the season. Asked what contributed to his exceptional playing, he revealed that his mother was in the stands watching him play for the first time. Suggested title for the anecdote: "Look, Ma, both hands!"
THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920)
The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. • Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. . The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-3346422; E-mail-yshpres6@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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To the Editor: / More than- 250 Catholics and Jews attended the interfaith service last week on Ash Wednesday at St. John's. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Jennifer Blum participated; Catholics were asked to repeat "Amen" after the following Litany of Repentance read by Fr. Bert Thelen and Sr. MaryAnn Zimmer: "I acknowledge that we Catholics have, through centuries, acted in a fashion contrary to God's law toward our Jewish brothers and Bisters. "I acknowledge that such actions harmed the Jewish community throughout in ages in physical and psychological ways. "I acknowledge that by preaching a doctrine that the Jewish people were unfaithful, hypocritical God-killers, we reduced the human dignity of our brothers and sisters and created attitudes that made reprisals against them seem like the will of God. These attitudes contributed to the Holocaust. "I ask for forgiveness for the hurtful and harmful statements by Catholics against the Jewish people throughout the centuries. "I ask for forgiveness for the statements that implied that the Jewish people were no longer loved by God, that they were guilty of deicide or . that they were being punished by God. "I ask for forgiveness for all the teaching and preaching in Catholic churches that may have contributed to the Holocaust. "I ask for forgiveness if Catholics in the city of Omaha have contributed to movements either in the past or the present that denigrate or threaten Jews." "I believe that the God we worship together with the Jewish community will not be divided by our human hatreds and that God cannot be the source of hatred and harm to others. "I affirm that we will continue to struggle to learn what the love of God means for Jews and Christians alike and what it teaches us about living together in the same society. "I believe that our faith compels us to see each other as created in the image and likeness of God and that we bear the image of the same God within us." Silvia Rofiman JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyco Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Penny Endclman; 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.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE March 17,2000 Page 5
Human rights improve in Israel, but worsen in Palestinian areas
Pope's desire for reconciliation clashes with strained relations
by Mitchell Danow
NEW YORK (JTA) -.-. Israel's ,;'Jewish sector compared to those in human'rights record improved last the non-Jewish sector." year while that of the Palestinian The report addressed violence against Authority grew worse, according to women, which it said continues to be "a the U.S. State Department. The find- problem" in Israeli society. The governings were included in the depart- ment "took few tangible steps to ment's annual report on human address violence and discrimination rights, which covered 194 countries. against women," the report said. It also Both Israel and the Palestinian noted that "while there are no legal Authority "were responsible for seri- impediments to the participation of ous human rights abuses; however, women and minorities in government, while there were several marked they are under represented." mprovements in Israel's human The report added that "trafficking rights record in the occupied territo- in women for the purpose of prostituries, the self-rule government's tion has become a significant problem human rights record worsened in sev- in recent years." sral areas," according to the report. "According to a study by the Israel The report was harsher toward the Women's Network, every year hunPalestinian Authority, saying that dreds of women from the former Palestinian Authority President Soviet Union are brought to Israel by ifasser Arafat "continues to dominate well-organized mafia networks and the affairs of government" and that forced through violence and threats to members of the Palestinian legislative work illegally as prostitutes." :ouncil complain that they do not The report criticized several Middle have "sufficient influence on policy or Eastern nations especially harshly: the behavior of the executive." • Syria: "The human rights situaThe Palestinian legal system is also tion remained poor, and the Govern'subject to executive influence" from ment continues to restrict or deny Arafat and his loyalists, who "hold most fundamental rights." The Ba'ath jenior government positions" in the Party "dominates the political system" Palestinian Authority, the report said. and "citizens do not have the right to It also charged that Palestinian change their government." 'security forces committed numerous Human rights abuses "include 3erious human rights abuses during reports of extrajudicial killings; the the year," including "abuse, and in widespread use of torture in detention; 3ome cases torture, against prisoners poor prison conditions; [and] arbitrary and detainees." arrest and detention," the report said. "Palestinian security forces killed • Iraq: "The government's human ;hree persons in violent confronta- rights record remained extremely tions," the report said. They "used poor. Citizens do not have the right to excessive force, and in some cases,.live. change their government. The goyernT ammunition against Palestinian ment continued to execute summarily demonstrators and shot at demonstra- perceived political opponents and tors and individuals indiscriminately." leaders in the Shi'ite religious comWhile noting that Israeli security munity. Reports suggest that persons brces committed a number of human were executed merely because of their rights abuses against Palestinian association with an opposition group detainees, the report cited a "land- or as part of a continuing effort to mark decision" by Israel's High Court reduce prison populations." if Justice last September prohibiting • Iran: "Systematic abuses include the use of a variety of "abusive prac- extrajudicial killings and summary tices," including violent shaking, executions; disappearances; wideainful shackling in contorted posi- spread . use of torture and other aons and sleep deprivation. degrading treatment, reportedly "Following the ruling, there were no including rape." :redible reports of such abuse by the The report also charged that the lecurity forces," according to the Iranian government "failed to abide •eport, which was released last month. by internationally recognized stanThe report criticized Israel's justice dards of due process" in the case of 13 lystem, which it said "often imposes Iranian Jews who were arrested last far stiffer punishments on Christian, year amid allegations that they had Muslim and Druse persons than on spied for Israel and the United States. "By year's end, judicial authorities Jewish citizens." It also said the Israeli government had not clarified the charges against provides proportionally greater the detainees or allowed them access nancial support to institutions in the to defense counsel."
by Ruth E. Gruber
ROME (JTA) - Pope John Paul II will act this month on two prominent themes that have colored his papacy: seeking forgiveness for past Catholic errors, including the treatment of Jews, and his intense personal dream of making a pilgrimage' to the Holy Land . But his actions on these issues are coming amid questions, controversy and strained relations between the Vatican and Israel. On March 12, which the Vatican has declared a "day of request for forgiveness" for Catholics, the pope led Mass at the Vatican dedicated to pardon and repentance. Little more than a week later, coinciding with the holiday of Purim, he flies to the Holy Land, where he will retrace the footsteps of Jesus in Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. At the last Sunday's Mass, the pope delivered a sweeping church apology for past sins. But a document slated to be issued this week in advance of the papal pronouncement set a theological framework for seeking forgiveness for past errors without necessarily admitting responsibility for them. The document, "Memory and Reconciliation: The Church and the Mistakes of the Past," lists a few major areas where the church had failed, including the Inquisition, forced conversion and treatment of the Jews. "The hostility and wariness of numerous Christians towards Jews
~~~~
over the course of time is a painful historic fact," the document said. But primarily it reiterates assertions made in earlier documents and statements, including a landmark 1998 Vatican document on the Holocaust that disappointed many Jews for having defended the wartime behavior of Pope Pius XII. As in the 1998 statement,,the new document says that while the Roman Catholic Church accepts responsibility for the sins of its followers, the sins themselves were committed by individuals, not the church. It contained no specific apology for the attitudeof the church or the inaction of church leaders like Pius XII during the Holocaust. Critics charge Pius with having aided in the killing of Jews by not speaking out against the Holocaust. The document said that while some Christians had helped Jews during the Holocaust, others had not done enough. "This constitutes an appeal to all Christians of today; it requires an act of repentance and becomes a spur to redouble efforts," the document said, adding that such efforts should be made so that the "moral and religious memory of the wounds inflicted to the Jews are maintained." Debate over these latest pronouncements and continuing controversy over the role of Pius XII already have colored the run-up to the pope's March 20-March 26 pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
VOICES OF THE SHOAH
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Page 6
March 17, 2000 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Computer Renaissance has launched a website to help consumers dispose of used, old or unwanted computer equipment, according to owner Scott Lewis. The website, located at www.compren.com, offers information on new and refurbished computer equipment, accessories and technical service and will help consumers determine the worth of their equipment. Marty Nachman, a sixth-grader at Rockbrook Elementary School, won first place in his school's speech contest; his topic focused on preventing pollution in the District's theme T m in Charge of the World." In the District 66 contest, he placed second overall. More than 500 students participated throughout the District. Jack Noodell was presented with an award for outstanding contribution to the Democratic Party at the organization's recent Truman Day Dinner.
Purim 2000 at Chabad In addition to the many Megillah readings by Chabad House volunteers throughout the entire state, a Purim Festival will be held at Chabad House on March 20, at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include a multi-media Megillah reading, hamantashen, activities for kids, entertainment and a Middle Eastern buffet dinner. Participants are encouraged to come in costume. The event is free of charge and open to the entire community. Reservations are preferred. Coordinators of the event are Devra Bram and Shani Katzman. For more information or to reserve, call Devra at 697-8801, or Elizabeth at 330-1800.
WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. Exercise starts at 10:15 a.m.; bingo starts at 10:30 a.m. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 1130 in room 10. At noon, enjoy the movie Double Jeopardy in the Blumkin Home auditorium. Popcorn will be served. For transportation, call 330-4272. RUSSIAN CLUB Members will meet Friday, March 24, at the | JCC. Exercise starts at 10 a.m. in the auditorium. At 11 a.m., lunch will be served. At noon, all Russian movie will be shown. For reservations, call l| Lydia Iinde at 697-9169. VISIONS Membership dues are due! Please mail your check payable to Visions for $5 per person to: Visions, c/o Selma Sadofsky, 7092 CharleB St., Omaha, NE 68132. BWAIBTUTH BREADBREAKERS Sandy Buda, former UNO Mavericks head football coach, will speak Wednesday at Breadbreakers, according to chairman Gary Javitch. Buda will talk about his new role as head coach for the Omaha Beef professional football team. Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at Pastime's Restaurant, 129th and Maple. Cost is $8.50 BETH EL MEN'S CLUB Roy Smith, President of Old Mill Toyota, will speak on "Racial Relationships" at the group's breakfast meeting on Sunday, March 19,10 a.m., at Beth El Synagogue. Cost for Men's Club members is $2; $5 for nonmembers. .
Friedel students to celebrate Purim, stage show with their own puppets by Diane Axler Baum
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Omaha Steaks was part of a trivia question on the popular prime time game show, "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" recently. The question was "List the corporate headquarters from West to East: 1) Microsoft; 2) Omaha Steaks; 3) Harpo; and 4) L.L. Bean. This is known by viewers as the "fast finger" question.
Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exercise at 10:15 ajn. in the auditorium. Try your luck at bingo with Eileen Reiner at 10:15 ajn. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk,' led by Art Grossman, at 11 aan. Following lunch at noon, join students from the Friedel Jewish Academy and Child Development Center for Israeli Dancing at the Annual Purim Party. For transportation, call 330-4272. Deadlines: WinnaVegas Casino on March 30 is March 23.
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Friedel students will celebrate Purim with hours of creative learning and fun in a full scale Ruach (Spirit) Day, Tuesday, March 21. Following the Academy's regular morning service, Rabbi Mendel Katzman will visit FJA to read the Megillah of Esther and show visuals that will bring the story to life. The reading is set for 8:309:15 a.m. Then, the revelry will really get underway as the students present a Purim puppet show in the JCC auditorium. "The fabulous Purim puppets our students made over the past several weeks will be show stoppers," promised Judaic Studies teacher Judah C. Goldscheider. "We extend a warm invitation to the community to join us for this delightful holiday program." Goldscheider, who is directing the students in carrying out the show, expressed appreciation to Julie Phillips for helping them create their puppets. Phillips is an active member of the Academy's Parent-Teacher Organization. In the afternoon, students will continue their festivities as they stage a talent show in Friedel's Commons Area. They also will perform the mitzvah of giving gifts of food at Purim, by making a visit to the Blumkin Home and sharing hamantashen with the residents.
Holding their large Purim puppets, Friedel
students get ready to rehearse the Purim show. Top rowt Arielle Levine, left, Seth Rich, Zev Eisenberg Kohll, Rachel Reno and Kysenia Kilishek; middle: Judah Goldscheider, Debra Flax, Brent Saltzman and llya Poulektov; bottom: Elina Yurikov and Audrey Gerber.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE March 17,2000 Page 7
The Jewish Holiday
People of the Byte
Purim!
Baker by Joan Nathan Reviewed by Lois Friedman
by Mark Mietkiewicz
In the story of Esther, King to send mishloach manot, a mini- This award-winning author is adding to her list Ahashverosh ruled over an mum of two items of food to one of Jewish cookbooks; this is number seven. The immense empire "from India even person (Esther 9:22). Rabbi Sabbath, Rosh Hashonah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, unto Ethiopia." In order to deliver Yehudah Prero suggests that Hanukkah, Purim, Passover and Shavuot are the his royal decrees, messengers mishloach manot represents eight holiday baking chapters. Our matriarch, needed to travel for days to reach something much more than send- Sarah, first baked cakes for her husband, all of the icing's 127 provinces. ing goodies but is actually a Gift Abraham. Not only are there recipes, there are stories of peoof Unity: www.torah.org/learnThanks to modern technology, ple, memories and seasonal uses of bounty, such as ing/yomtov/purim/5757/vol2no news travels a bit quicker these making sweet things for Rosh Hashonah "to denote a 29.html. days. Our happiness on Purim is to be sweet New Year, but also use jam made from the The Internet has a surprising number of Purim sites for you and your family to expressed through festive feasts - which not every- season's dates, grapes and honey"... and using the visit. By the time Purim starts on the evening of one can afford. But because we do not want "to excess flour baking for Purim prior to Passover. Sweets, cookies, cakes and pastry, and breads Monday, March 20, you'll be able to travel the embarrass the poor, the rich give poor gifts, and world for a wealth of information about the holiday the poor give gifts to the rich. All the members of you can almost smell as you read through the the nation of Israel give indiscriminately to their pages, give readers 50 reasons to enjoy baking and that occurred in Persia over two millennia ago. Start your tour at the Virtual Jerusalem site: brothers and sisters so all can celebrate Purim celebrating the holidays! From Jewish Holiday Baking, "At Purim, Www.vjholidays.com/purim/index.htm. This properly, without any shame." Andra of Heavenly Hallah makes a meal with foods large site has everything for children: from a histoTired of sending the same old prune and poppy ry of the holiday and its traditions, to several seed hamantashen? Try: www.eskimo.com/~jeff- shaped like triangles-spinach phyllo, gefilte-fish quizzes and games. free/recipes/purindex.htm. Cream cheese haman- patties, even peanut butter/chocolate mousse, and, My favourite page at Virtual Jerusalem also has tashen sound interesting: www.eskimo.com/~jeff- of course, hamantaschen stuffed with apricot, a great title: The Abridged Abbreviated Annotatedfree/recipes/hamacrch.htm. But I'm still not strawberry or prune lekvar or jam, or chocolate Scratch & Sniff Megilla, A Cuckoo Condensation:ready for a mishloach manot basket full of, oy, beef- chips. If you can find lekvar, made from dried apriwww.vjholidays.com/purim/cookoo.htm. This filled hamantashen sitting on my doorstep! See: cots or prunes, use that rather than regular fruit is a wonderful holiday story book complete with http://diiinercoop.cs.cinu.edu/diniiercoop/Recip preserves because it holds together better in baking. You can always use poppy-seed or nut fillings." hilarious sound effects. Just follow the story and es/jody/Flays higeHnmnntashea.html. HEAVENLY HAMANTASCHEN every time you pass your computer's cursor over a Finally, I nearly choked on my hamantash when I picture of a grogger, it will make the appropriate came across "Latke vs. Hamantash: A Materialist- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or pareve margarine at room temperature sound effect. Hear the booing when Haman is pro- Feminist Analysis," at: http://users.uniserve.eom/~ 1 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. salt moted to the King's second in command; listen as hostrov/latkes.htinl. 1 large egg, beaten 2 tbsps. wheat germ the gallows are built to hang Mordechai; and cheer Penned by the erudite Robin Leidner of 2 cups unbleached, along when the Jews are saved. University of Pennsylvania's Department of 2 tbsp. orange juice all-purpose flour If you want to brush up on the story of Esther, Sociology, she examines which food is more liberat- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 tsps. baking powder Filling of choice sit back and listen to Cantor Rabinovitz conduct a ing for women, latkes or hamantashen. Leidner In a food prdcessor fitted with the steel blade, Virtual Megillah Reading at 613.org: rejects any suggestion that hamantashen have "been part of the oppressive apparatus upholding cream together the butter or margarine and sugar. www.613.org/purim.html. A traditional English translation of Megillat the most retrograde patriarchal elements of Pulse just a few seconds. Add the beaten egg, orange Esther can be found at Purim Play Today: Judaism" when she concludes that "for women, it is juice, vanilla, baking powder and salt; mix well. clear that hamantashen offer far more scope for Add wheat germ and flour, 112 cup at a time; it www.us-israel.org/jsource/Bible/Esther.html. come together in a ball. Wrap and refrigerate I also recommend taking a look at Seven Silly and self-realization, egalitarian relations, and social will the dough for two hours. Serious Suggestions for a Wild and Meaningful progress than do latkes." Preheat oven to 375° and grease two cookie sheets Purim: www.jewishfamily.com/holidays/danan. I'm glad Professor Leidner removed the hamanhtm. On the same page, you'll also find a couple of tash from her cheek long enough to firmly plant On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough an .118" thick. Cut in circles with a 2° cookie cutter. links to some Purim-related discussion areas. The her tongue there! Place 1 tbsp. filling at the center and pinch together first asks for your special Purim traditions. The Happy Purim ttnd bon appeiit! other asks how you would answer a child who asks: Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based televi- three corners to form a triangular shape. Arrange "Will someone like Haman try to hurt me and other sion producer who writes, lectures and teach- on cbokie sheet, one inch apart. Bake one sheet at a Jews?" How would you respond? es about the Jewish Internet. He can be con- time on the middle rack of the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Makes 48. One of the central traditions and joys of Purim is tacted at highway@home.com. This book is available at the Federation Library.
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March 17,2000 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Child care - One of the most important decisions parents make. Check it outl NEBRASKA HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM
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Omaha students to attend Youth Leadership Mission to Holocaust Museum Twenty Omaha-area students of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds will participate in the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) Youth Leadership Mission to the U.'S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., from Sunday, March 26 through Wednesday, March 29. Omaha students will be joined by 20 students from Denver,'where the groups will debate, question, and wrestle with the destructive issues of bigotry and intolerance in the United States. The centerpiece of the Mission will be a visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, during which the students will explore current issues of extremism and bigotry, as well as learn about the history of the Holocaust. The students will also visit Capitol Hill where they will meet national leaders, including Senator Bob Kerrey, to discuss how government and community leaders address contemporary issues of intolerance. ADL developed the Youth Leadership Mission to help motivate students in fighting prejudice within their own lives, in their schools and their communities, according to Debbi Brown, Assistant Director of the ADL. The delegates become positive agerits for change and help teach their peers the strength of diversity. • The Youth Leadership Mission has been made possible through the generosity of Robert B. Sturm of Denver. For more information about the National Youth Leadership Mission, please call Brown at the ADL Plains States Regional office, 333-1303.
Amanda and Eric Hoffman of Corvallis, OR, announce the March 5 birth of their son, William Robert, named for his great-grandfathers, William Hack and Robert Lainof. William has a sister, Gabrielle, 3. Grandparents are Carole and Wayne Lainof of Bellevue and Eve and Mel Hoffman of Lincoln.
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Esther 2 0 0 0 — — (Continued from page 1) , , ; , Fox, in a 1991 publication, commented on the story of Esther in light of contemporary events, stating, "The force of the narrative helps us believe...that, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews'-even when God is hidden, as he has been so often, so inexplicably, so unforgivingly, throughout history." -: One of the symposium highlights, on Sunday at 2 p.m., will be a reading of the Megillah of Esther by Rabbi Ira Flax, Chaplain at Offut Air Force, along with members of the Jewish community. The keynote event on Sunday at Beth El will start with a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. From 7:308:30 p.m., renowned lecturer Ori Z. Soltes will present a talk with visuals on "Illustrating the Book of Esther: Why, When, Where?" Soltes, known here for his participation in the Klutznick Symposium, is a professorial lecturer in the Fine Arts and Theology Departments at Georgetown University and serves as Consultant for Exhibitions at the Foundation for International Arts and Education in Washington, B.C. The program at UNL gets underway Monday at 10 a.m. with Dr. Barry" Dov Walfish of the University of Toronto Li- ! brary on "The Royal Family in Midrash and Exegesis." Prof. David J. A. Clines, of the Department of Biblical Studies, Univer-. sity of Sheffield, Eng-I land, will close the sec-1 ond day with "Esther and I the Future of the Biblical' „ _ .„ ,_ . Commentary." Dr. Barry Dov Walfish Monday evening's keynote event will spotlight Jon D. Levenson of the Harvard Divinity School. His topic is "Commenting on Esther as an Ecumenical Problem." Co-sponsors of Esther 2000 are Creighton University's Klutznick Chair and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Major funding was provided by the Nebraska Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional funding was provided by the College of Jewish Learning. Additional information is available by calling Greenspoon at 280-2303, or Crawford at 472-4475.
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Lorenz, a Professor of German at the University of Illinois at Chicago, divides Austria's 20th-century Jewish writers into five generations: Pre-World War I; Interwar; Austrofascism, World War II and the Shoah; Post-Shoah; and the Second Austrian Republic. The 16 men and 10 women writers included in this collection were born between 1897 and 1971. The generation to which they belonged, and the diversity of their assimilated, cosmopolitan, Zionist, Socialist, Communist, or other outlook had an enduring impact on their world view. These translations of selections of short stories, poetry and excerpts from longer works let American readers peer into Jewish fascination and love for the culture of Vienna. This cultural capital acts as a magnet even for Jewish writers who fled in the '30s or were born in Israel. The most prominent writers are Simon Wiesenthal and Paul Celan. Hilde Spiel declares in I Love Living in Austria,
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upon returning in 1963 to live in Vienna, "one cannot forever remove oneself from one's origins." Tinged with bitterness, Georg Kreisler writes in The Unknown Nation that a shipwreck became our religion and suggests that punctual people waste time. Jakov Lind writes erotically in The Story ofLilith and Eve. Nadja Seelich in Film State, and Society in Eastern and Western Europe reflects on Czechoslovakia. The 1968 Prague Spring turned Czechoslovakia into the Soviet Republic of Absurdistan. The Waldheim affair, the inquiry into United Nations Secretary General and Austrian Politician Dr. Kurt Waldheim's Nazi past is the central subject of two pieces. Lorenz concludes that Austrian Jewish writers are distinct and unassimilated and that Vienna is congenial to creating a high Jewish intellectual profile. A copy of this book is in the Jewish Federation Library.
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Friedel draws a crowd at Open House
Inspiration (Continued from page 1) Cantor Rendel studied at both the Mirrer : Yeshiva and Brooklyn College in New York, during which he also developed his formal vocal training and his love for hazzanut. He has served as cantor at QJC for the past 13 years. He lives in Queens with his wife, Shirley, and their six children, ranging in age from four to 22, and one grandchild, 1M2.
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The requirements of davening are much more demanding than my professional job," Rendel noted. "It's a nice balance, however. The hazzanut, though spiritually rewarding, is also physically and emotionally taxing. "I find davening on Shabbos to be a greater responsibility than walking into the office (where he employs about 25 people)," Rendel added. "Not only am I praying on behalf of myself, but Approximately 75 adults and children turned for my family and my extended family--the congreout to Friedel Jewish Academy's recent "Mingle and Munch," aimed at introducing gation. As the High Holiday liturgy says in prospective students and their parents to the 'Hineni,' I am a representative of the Jewish peojoy and learning that fill the Academy daily. ple; I must ask God not to fault them because of Above: Laura Schrager waits in line as my errors in davening!" Though he loves listening to Hazzanut (even Friedel mom Lisa Ephraim, left, serves pizza to visitors Stacey Rockman and her children, more than being a hazzan), he also enjoys listening to other types of music. In fact, his favorite male Oliver and Caroline. vocalist (outside of hazzanut) is not Israeli nor is he Jewish; if s Elvis Presley! "Presley was great because what he did was with passion," Rendel explained. "His music was from the heart." A Shabbat dinner will follow Kaballat services March 24 at 6:25 p.m. Cantor Rendel will speak after dinner on "The goal of prayer." A Shabbat lunch is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, followed by a discussion of "Music in the Synagogue." A *Melava Malka' Saturday night is hosted by Shirley and David Goodman. Cost for the Shabbat dinner is $10 for adults and $6.50 for children ages 4-12; Saturday lunch is $7 iedel Director Michael Linn, left, talks for adults and $4 for children ages 4-12. There is with Louri and Charles Sullivan (holding no charge for children under age four. baby Samantha) about kindergarten for A special price for both meals is $16 for adults daughter Rachel. and $10 for children. Patrons are $50 per person, which includes lunch and dinner and a contribution to the synagogue; sponsors are $36 for both meals. Free babysitting is available Friday evening and Saturday. Chairmen of the weekend are Donald and Berniece Cohen. To make reservations, call the synagogue office, 556-6288, or e-mail: Betblsrael@novia.net.
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Community conversation on forgiveness March 22
Singer Memorial Fund committee to meet by Claudia Sherman Foundation Public Relations Coordinator
Members of the Grants Committee of the Lazier ,L. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth will meet on
Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m., at the home of
Members of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities will meet Wednesday, March 22, 7 p.m., at First United Methodist Church for "Forgiveness: an interfaith community conversation." Sponsored by First United Methodist, Temple Israel and the Islamic Center of Omaha, the conversation will include discussion on a variety of topics, including: What do different religions say about forgiveness? Are there common themes within these religious perspectives? Can forgiveness transform individuals and society? Members of the panel include Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel; Rabbi Myer S. Kripke, Rabbi Emeritus, Beth El Synagogue; Rev. Don Bredhauer, First United Methodist; Ahmad Ghosheh, Islamic Center of Omaha; and Michael Henderson, author of Forgiveness: Breaking the Chain of Hate.
Harriet Singer. They will review grant requests and determine allocations. The Singer Memorial Fund provides funding for programs that address problems and issues facing Jewish youth who live in the Omaha metropolitan area. Applications have been mailed to community organizations that deal with problems of alcohol and drug abuse, sexuality, eating disorders, intrafamily relations, violence and gangs, suicide and depression, and issues of Jewish identity. The organizations were each requested to submit a letter of explanation and a detailed outline of expenses in order to be considered for a grant from the Singer Memorial Fund. "Better late than never" was the applicable Grants committee members will give favorable consideration to programs that involve collabora- description of the Millennium Bash as a substitute tion among Federation Centers of Excellence, syna- date for the original Jan. 17 New Year's party, gogues, Jewish youth organizations, and other rescheduled due to an ice storm. Enchanting musical entertainment was provided Jewish community groups. Harriet Singer established the Singer Memorial by Miles and Eileen Remer; we like to think of the Fund in 1996 in memory of her husband. Lazier duo as being counterparts of Steve and Edy Singer was concerned about teenagers who are Lawrence of theatrical fame. At the Early Bird talk show, we spoke of the revdealing with problems that are prevalent today of drugs, gangs and alcohol. Other members of the elation of Adolph Eichmann's memoirs, which linCommittee in addition to Mrs. Singer are her son gered for four decades in Israel's state archives and daughter, Mark Singer and Sandy Kutler, as because leaders feared the writings could be miswell as Gloria Kaslow, Fran Blumkin, Elyce Azriel used by Holocaust deniers. Sarah Lewish discussed the furor about Jorge Haider, Austrian far-right and Irving Veitzer. The Singer Memorial Fund is administered by leader whose views have angered much of Europe. We paused in memory for Bruce Abrahamson, the Foundation of the Jewish Federation. Organization representatives who have questions Tillie Plotkin, Martin Weiner, Valva Feldman and Betty Sternhill. Shalom. or need assistance may call 334-6439.
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Remembering Purim in Iraq: a paradise of parties and pastries by Linda Morel
NEW YORK (JTA)-Like visions of date palms laden with fruit, Furim in Iraq was paradise for children. "We were excused from school and over the twoday holiday, we'd attend six parties," recalled Nora Iny, who grew up in Baghdad during the 1960s. She is now a trustee of Congregation Bene Naharayim, an Iraqi synagogue in Jamaica Estates, NY. Looking back, she recalls the spectacular dinners and lunches people threw for their extended families and friends. "We had guests in the house all the time," said Jainila Shooker, a Manhattan resident who left her homeland with bittersweet feelings in 1946 after witnessing attacks on Jews. Yet, she has vivid memories of aunts and uncles lavishing children with gifts. More so than during Hanukkah, which in Iraq never hit the commercial heights it's reached here, at Purim, children received gifts,.such as pieces of silver jewelry or coins. , Iny describes her parents and grandparents going to the bank to get two or three new riyals per child, coins worth about 50 cents each. To escape Saddam Hussein's tyranny, in 1974, she and her family were in the last wave of Jews to flee the country. Although a Jewish culture once flourished there, today, approximately 100 Jews live in Iraq. : From the heartland of the Sephardi world, for centuries Iraqis repeated the story of Queen Esther, the brave young beauty who saved her people from annihilation a t the hands of wicked Hainan. Although Purim was a spirited occasion, people didn't use noisemakers or stamp their feet at the mention of Hainan's name. "Even in good times, we didn't dress in costumes as children do here," said Iny. "We wouldn't parade or call attention to ourselves. We were afraid to show we were Jews." Playing cards was the major entertainment at parties, and people often gambled for small change. "I hated cards and would quit after 15 minutes, claiming I was tired," laughed Iny, whose fondest memories of Purim revolve around food. While Ashkenazi Jews adore hamanstashen, the Iraqi signature dish is Sambusk El Tqwa, explained Carole Basri, an attorney of Iraqi descent who teaches cooking classes through Sephardic House in Manhattan. "Sambusk are small pastry crescents filled with chicken and vegetables." Fabulous as appetizers, they can also be served as the main course. The pastry is el tawa, meaning fried. "My mother made this dish, every Purim," recalled Iny, explaining how her mother started cooking two days in advance, stopping only when
several platters were piled high with crescents. 'My sisters and I would eat them by the dozen, never thing of the taste." Toda, vegetarians skip the chicken, substituting chickpeas and cumin instead. This hearkens back to Queen Esther, who some scholars believe became a vegetarian after marrying the King of Persia> Fearful of revealing her religion at the,palace, but determined to remain kosher, Esther was wary of the ingredients in the food she ate. Because pareve foods were her safest alternatives, there is evidence that she delighted in chickpeas. Beets and turnips graced Iraqi Purim tables, too. "Simply slice and boil them, then sprinkle with salt," said Shooker. "They're delicious!" From a country where date palms were plentiful, people often topped these root vegetables with date syrup made from straining simmered dates through cheesecloth. Like Jews the world over, Iraqis also visited friends at Purim, bringing sweets to their hosts. The amount of desserts was incredible, claims Iny, describing phyllo-rolled almond cookies and baklava filled with pistachios, sugar and cardamom, Her favorite is zangula, donuts prepared by drizzling dough into hot oil. After frying zangula, Basri teaches students to dip them in a syrup of sugar, lemon and rosewater, a distillation of rose petals with an intensely perfumed flavor that's been popular for centuries in the Middle East. No Purim celebration in Iraq was complete without plenty of extra food for all the friends expected to stop by. "The warmth in the Jewish community was incredible," said Shooker who, in exile for five decades, still misses the sweetest part of life in Baghdad-Purim parties, family and friends. The following recipes are by Carole Basri. SAMBUSK EL TAWA (Yield: 30 crescents)
CHICKEN FILLING 1 large onion, diced 1 Tbsp. olive oil 4 pounds cooked, diced chicken 1/2 cup frozen peas Salt & pepper to taste 2 cups corn oil Saute onion in olive oil until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add chicken, peas, salt and pepper. Cool. Place dough on floured counter. Roll dough 118 inch thick. With a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut circles of dough and place on an oiled cookie sheet. Place 1 tbsp. of filling on each circle. Fold in half and seal tightly by pressing edges together. Heat corn oil in a deep skillet to 375 degrees. Fry a few pieces at a time until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. ZANGULA (yield: 14-16) Dough 1172 cups flour 1/4 tsp. salt 2 pkg. dry yeast 11/4 cups warm water (98.6-105 degrees) 2 cups corn oil Plastic squirt bottle Combine flour and salt. In another bowl, dissolve yeast in 112 cup warm water for about five minutes, until proofed (foamy). Add to flour. Slowly add remaining water to form a creamy, sticky dough. Coat a large bowl with 1 Tbsp. oil. Cover ujith plastic wrap for 30 minutes. Prepare syrup.
SYRUP 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup water Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 Tbsp. rosewater (sold at Indian and Middle Eastern stores)
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. At medium heat, stir until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens. Add lemon juice and rosewater, cooking one minute. Cool. Place dough into squirt bottle. In a targe frying pan, heat remaining oil to 400°. Squeeze dough into oil in circles and swirls. Turning once, fry until both sides Combine flour and salt. In another bowl, dissolve yeast in water for about are golden brown. Remove to paper towels. When cool five minutes, until proofed (foamy). Add to flour. enough to handle, dip into syrup and serve. . Slowly add additional warm water to form a sticky dough. Remove dough to a floured counter and knead until smooth. Coat a large bowl with oil and place dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap until dough doubles in size, about 45-60 minutes. Prepare chicken filling. D o u g h
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March 17,2000 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
American Cancer Society benefit in memory of Janis Friedman Yale by Dana L Dyksterhuls
Tomorrow night, friends and family will gather at the Embassy Suites in the Old Market to honor the memory of Janis Friedman Yale, who died of breast cancer in 1995. The gala dinner and silent auction will benefit programs, projects and research of the American Cancer Society. If you talk to anyone who knew her, you hear about her passion for life, her love of nature, her powerful aura which radiated beauty from the inside-out and, most of all, the unconditional and endless love she had for her family.
Janis, the daughter of Ike and Roz Friedman, grew up in Omaha; she attended school at the University of Colorado. It was there where she met husband, Don Yale, and they built their life together in Denver. Described as "a tough cookie," her strength was put to a test in 1985 when she received a diagnosis of breast cancer. "She tried everything she could to make it. It was very painful. She handled it better than I did," said Roz Friedman. A diagnosis all too familiar to her, who lost her husband to lung cancer in 1991. Yale's first diagnosis of breast cancer occurred when she went to the doctor for a routine mammogram. Six months prior, she had given birth to her twins, Jason and Laura. It was then when the Yale family moved
back to Omaha. Friedman said one of the most difficult things for her was watching Janis' kids go through the experience of their mother's diagnosis. She also said that Janis' five children showed incredible strength and support for their mother. Yale's sister, Susie Cohn, said Janis spent the rest of her time making memories with her children. To the very last day of her life, the children knew exactly who their mother was, and how important they were. Things were looking up as the fiveyear mark had passed since Yale's diagnosis. But the cancer came back seven years later, and this time, she became seriously ill. Cohn said her sister took the diagnosis with great difficulty, "It would've been easier if I had it because I wouldn't have taken it so hard. She did everything she could and it still wasn't enough." Yale received a bone marrow transplant at UNMC. Friends of the family say it was incredible to see the loving support. Cohn took on the role of caretaker, went to the hospital every day ' and gave platelets every week. She also took care of Yale's five kids. As time passed, Yale made it her mission to stay alive long enough to attend parents day at Princeton. She achieved her goal. She arrived in a wheelchair to support her son, Alex. Janis passed away at the age of 47. Her mother remembers her as someone remarkable. "This was a girl who couldn't boil water when she got married but turned into a gourmet cook." "You knew what you had with Janis and that's why people loved her," said Cohn. "She had countless friends and everyone she met was her friend for life. Everything she owned was a treasure, a gem, always the finest." Her children all have individual, special journals that Yale wrote especially for them before she died. A park bench and tree, donated by Methodist Hospital, will be placed in the rose garden at Memorial Park in honor of her, to remember her infinite love of life. For information about tomorrow night's benefit, call the American Cancer Society at 393-5800.
Teens looking inward by Courtney Rabb, Jewish Press student intern
Rabbi Aaron Panken, Dean of. Hebrew Union College in New York, visited with 15 eighth grade students at Beth El Synagogue on March 7, and more than 125 parents and students at Temple Israel on March 8. Through the use of Jewish Text and movie clips, Rabbi Panken created a discussion about the expectations and responsibilities parents and their children have for each other. The first movie clip shown was from the movie Rainman. The scene addressed the issue of respect for a parent versus the greed for their money. Rabbi Panken then read a text about a child who respected his parents in spite of their money. The teens were then asked who they identified with in these scenarios and which character was acting in the correct manner. They came to the conclusion that respect for one's parent is far more important than having their money. One True Thing was the second movie clip shown. This time, the issue was identifying what responsibilities a child has when caring for a parent as they grow older. • The text dealt with the differences between respect and honor. Through the discussion, it was determined that a child is respectful of ones parents by making sure they are not embarrassed. This may be seen through family loyalty. Honor, on the other hand, is assuming the responsibility of making sure parents are able to live comfortably. -
The last movie clip and text dealt with the responsibility parents have to their children. The clip was an excerpt from the movie October Sky and portrayed a father who wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. The text described the father's obligation to both his son and his daughter. These included teaching or providing things which will enable his children to live their lives as Jews and to be successful individuals. It is the parents' responsibility to set their child on the correct path in life in order for them to survive. Rabbi Panken explained why he created this program. "I feel it is important for Jewish teens and their parents to look at ancient Jewish texts and relate them to their lives today," he said. "What impresses me most about doing this program is that the issues are the same no matter where I speak." Rabbi Panken is the Dean of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion's New York City campus. He is an ordained rabbi from HUC-JIR and also holds a degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in electrical engineering. He is presently working on his PhD at New York University. This program was funded by a grant form the Lazier Singer Fund for Youth of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. , For more information about this program or upcoming programs, call Temple Israel at 556-6536.
a symposium & cultural celebration
Unmask the Book of Esther! Who is Judith? Why is she compared to Esther? What book of the Hebrew Bible does not mention God?
Middle East specialist to lecture in Omaha by Oliver B. Pollak
Moshe Gershovich will visit Omaha in late March to make two presentations about the Middle East. At the Jewish Community Center, he will present "The Religious Dimensions of the Arab-Israeli Conflict" on Sunday, March 26, at 7 p.m. This program is sponsored by the College of Jewish Learning. On Monday, March 27,3 p.m., he will present "Morocco of Yesterday and Today" at the Thompson Alumni Center at UNO. Professor Gershovich earned his Bachelors and Masters Degree at Tel Aviv University and his doctorato in History and Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University. His speciality is the French influence on Arabs in
Morocco. For the last two years, he has been a Fulbright Scholar and Assistant Professor at Al-Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. Among his accomplishments, he has recently published a book and organized and led the Akhva Club for the teaching of Hebrew at Moroccan universities. As an Israeli Jew with American educational credentials teaching in a ' Moslem country, it can be anticipated that Prof. Gershovich will share his interesting and unique insights of a Jewish teacher in a Moslem school. For further information, contact me at 554-4821, or Michael Linn at the College of Jowish Learning, 334-6001.
When did Protestant reformer Martin Luther state, " I wish the Book of Esther did not exist"? Where do some feminists get the idea that Vashti Is a hero? Why is the Book of Esther 100 verses longer in a Catholic church than in a synagogue?
How can you find out?
Join us at Esther2000 Sunday, April 2
Monday, April 3
Crelghton University & Beth El Synagogue
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
For more information, please call the Klutznick Chair Office at 280-2303. This event is free and open to the public. H»)ot tmdng f» <M ctttfia HIM prauiM Of tt» NttnsU Mum*wm Cornea. «i <fflat< d H» endowntnt la V* Hunww«