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SPECIAL PRE-PASSOVER FOOD ISSUE Vol. LXXEX
No. 31
Omaha, NE
2 Nissan, 5760
Bone marrow needed by Carol Katzman
of Omahans Dodi and Steve A few months ago, the life Redler. With their help, the of Maryland resident Daniel families are hoping a match Brown was like everyone will be found here in else's. The 32-year-old man Omaha. was involved in his business, Gift of Life, a bone marthe Jewish community, and row testing organization, his family: wife Jolie, and aimed specifically at attracttoddlers, Jordana, 3, and ing Jewish donors, are creDustin, 1. . ating testing kits for indiAll that changed on a cold viduals interested in becomwindy day in February when ing marrow donors. They he was diagnosed with chronwill be available once bone ic myelogenous leukemia. marrow drives have This form of cancer creates an occurred in major metropoliabnormal growth in white tan areas such as New York, blood cells in the body's bone New Jersey and Atlanta. marrow. Although its progresThere is normally a charge sion is slower than acute of about $75 for the bone forms of leukemia, this kind marrow test, but the famiMils 20 to 30 percent of patients within the first-two . ._ , .. _ ,. , lies will pay . - .for . . the - kits for years of diagnosis. Darnel Brown and his wife, Jolie, and Omahans, if needed. It can be cured, however, children Jordana and Dustin, await a i n the meantime, the especially if a bone marrow b o n e ™ a r r o w match to cure Daniel's Grossingers are hoping 11 8 transplant can be performed kuke " Omaha Jews will contact in the early stages. Brown's brother and sister are Redler at: 330-1990 or 333-4222, and leave a mesnot good matches, so his in-laws, Leila and Jerry sage with the potential donor's name, address and Grossinger, of Allen town, PA, decided to go nation- phone number. If no match is found within the wide with their plea. • next month, donors here will be contacted. Jolie's sister Dara is married to Dan Redler, son (Continued on page 17)
Magnifique! Omaha teacher honored by French government by Gary Javitch
often made, and the The award is given so assistance of the sturarely in the United dents, faculty and staff States that the governthat helped her earn this ment of France flew its award. Cultural Attache to "Created in 1808 by Omaha to present it in Napoleon Bonaparte to person. Olivier Boasson, honor excellence in representing the French teaching, the Academic Ministry of Education, Palms have constituted awarded Ralston High the most prestigious disSchool teacher Jan Lund' tinction for educators in the distinction of France for nearly 200 Chevalier in the order of years, announced Lund's the Palmes Academique. principal, Dr. Robert Comparable to being Meyers. Furthermore, knighted, Lund accepted membership is selectivethe honor as the crowd ly granted by the .minrose in applause. Among istry to only "those who the audience were Congressman Lee Terry, Olivier Boasson, French Cultural attache, pre- have rendered comSubby Anzaldo (repre- sented the Chevalier dans L'ordre des Palmes mendable services to senting Mayor Hal Daub Academiques to teacher Jan Lund last month. French education throughout ^he world." and the Omaha City In 1984 Lund was named Nebraska Outstanding Council), Dr. Virginia Moon, superintendent of Foreign Language Teacher of the Year and Nebraska Ralston Scholls; and State Senator Pam Redfield. Lund has taught French at Ralston High since Outstanding French Teacher of the Year in 1996. 1980; for the past 19 years she led seniors on trips She has also won the Nebraska Excellence in to France or French Canada. Lund also teaches Classroom Teaching Award (as finalM for Nebraska French at the university of Nebraska at Omaha's Teacher of the Year in 1995) and Ralston District College of Continuing Studies and has taught Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year. "The Cultural Services of the French Embassy courses in French civilization at Metro Community College. In addition, she teaches several private welcome the opportunity to publicly recognize the students and recently held intensive French mini- merits of an outstanding teacher," Boasson told the audience. . • : ; . daycamp programs for elementary-age children. At the reception which followed the ceremony, a 1 Demonstrating one reason why this dedicated teacher, was being recognized, Lund spoke more member of the Nebraska Association of French about others than.herself. At length, she described Teachers acclaimed her work and echoed others the support of her husband, Blake, during their 28- when he said, "What an honor it is for someone from year marriage, the sacrifices her 20-year-old son Alex. the Heartland to receive this award!"
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Temple Israel presents Rabbi Joseph Telushkin as Scholar-in-Residence by Iris Ricks
Noted scholar author, lecturer and spiritual leader, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin will be Scholar-in-Residence at Temple Israel April 28-30. The topic for the weekend is The 21st Century: A Jewish Vision. This will be special opportunity for the community to hear Rabbi Telushkin, who is as celebrated for his wit as for his scholarship.
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Rabbi Joseph Telushkin Currently the spiritual leader of the Synagogue for the Performing Arts in LOB Angeles and an associate of the CLAL, the National Jewish Center for Learning and Scholarship, Rabbi Telushkin is a former Director of Education at the famed Brandeis Bardin Institute in Southern California. Ordained at Yeshiva University, Rabbi Telushkin pursued graduate studies in Jewish History at Columbia University. (Continued on page 2)
Friedel to launch new computer technology program by Diane Axler Baum
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By the next school year at the Friedel Jewish Academy, students will be immersed in ah exciting new computer technology program, with an impact on both general academics and Judaic studies. The new curriculum will provide two benefits for Friedel, noted director Michael L. Linn: first, the means for students to develop advanced computer skills, and second, the capability to utilize state-ofthe-art technology for the enhancement of classroom learning. Months ago, Linn began to examine computer curricula in other Omaha schools and in Jewish day schools around the country. An initial grant of $25,000 from the Dan Gordman Fund will enable the Academy to purchase 12 computers from the Gateway Corporation, along with six printers, a scanner, digital camera and other networking equipment. "The Academy is taking a giant leap," said Linn. "This is the most noteworthy development since we moved into our wonderful building (in the Dan and Esther Gordman Educational Center on the JCC campus). "It's a credit to the vision of Jerry Gordman and the other planners of this facility we can proceed without disruption." His reference was to the building's extensive wiring, sockets and central hub, all part of the original construction. A long-time Friedel supporter, Gordman currently serves as Chairman of the Board. . "It's vitally important our students receive every educational advantage in these times, and that includes being prepared to compete in the highly technological world they will face," Gordman added.
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