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NCJW to honor three at annual installation by Pam Friedlander
10 years and chaired the Resolutions and Nominating Committees. In 1990, Bloch received NCJW's Distinguished Service Award. She has represented NCJW on the boards on the Nebraska Pro-Choice Coalition, the Nebraska Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and the Nebraska Mainstream Committee. Other committees on which she has served include
Susie Norton Carol Bloch Debbie Friedman Three volunteers for the Omaha Section of the National Council of Jewish Women will be pre- Planning and Evaluation, Bylaws and Policies, sented special awards a t t h e organization's Windows on Day Care, Washington Institute, Topical Statements, and Mentoring. ; annual installation meeting. In the Omaha community, Bloch was President Carol Bloch, Debbie Friedman and Susie Norton will be honored when NCJW installs its of the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood of board of directors on Wednesday, M a y 10, Omaha-Council Bluffs and received the Outstand7 p . m . , a t . t h e Omaha M a r r i o t t Hotel in ing Volunteer Award in 1989. She served as coRegency. chairwoman of Omaha Jewish Family Service The Hannah G. Solomon Award is presented Women's Symposium, "Challenges and Choices." by NCJW to a woman who has changed the lives She has been involved in many other community of others through her leadership efforts and ser- organizationsand was nominated for the United vice; who has helped to change and expand the Way of the Midlands Outstanding Volunteer role of other women in vital areas of community Award in 1998. life; and whose leadership in areas of NCJW She and her husband, Steve, are the parents of a concern-improving the quality of life for people daughter, Jenny Meyerson, and son, Dr. Michael of all ages and backgrounds—has motivated oth- Bloch, and grandparents of Jacob Meyerson. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to ers to fight for change, and h a s resulted in progress and enlightenment in, the; commumtjv-^-a-member^ in recognition of outstanding years-of This year's recipient is Carol Bloch. service to NCJW-Omaha Section. The recipient Bloch has been an active member of NCJW for has demonstrated loyalty, commitment, dedication more than 16 years. She has served as a member of to the Section, and an overall awareness of NCJW, the National Board since 1996 and is currently the volunteering with a willingness to work at any National Chairwoman of "Promote the Vote 2000." level. This year's recipient is Debbie Friedman. (Continued on page 8) She has been State Public Affairs chairwoman for '
CHAD to honor Deenie Meyerson by Curt Gordon
The outstanding contributions of six volunteers and families will be recognized at the Combined Health Agencies Drive (CHAD) "Legacy of Hope" awards dinner. Among them will be Deenie Meyerson, honored for more than 20 years of service to the Nebraska Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. • Legacy of Hope honorees also include Dr. Linda Ford, Terry Watanabe, Carol Russell, Ruchard and Hugh Hunt, Rik Bonness and Dr. Sharon Boness. Proceeds will benefit the CHAD Nebraska Endowment Fund. The dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2, at the Holiday Inn Centre, 72nd and Grover. A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m., and the formal program at 8:30 p.m. Meyerson's service with the Arthritis Foundation has included nearly every volunteer post within the organization. Some of the chairmanships she has held include the Women of the Year Gala, Financial Development Committee, Public Education and Information Committee and Chairman and Vice-chairman of the Board of Directors. Meyerson said she volunteers because she "honestly believes one person can make a difference." She has also held national positions, including member of the Arthritis Foundation-National Board of Trustees and Midwest Regional Vicechairman. She has received the National Distinguished Service Award, the chapter's Humanitarian Award and the Founders' Award. Meyerson has served on the CHAD Board of
Directors from 1990-95 and as co-chairman of the United Way/CHAD drive in 1990. She has been active in children's issues, serving with the Richard Young Hospital and as member of the board for Lutheran Health 'Services Foundation. She has i also devoted her time to the Jewish .community, volunteering for the •^.National ,'Council of e w is h omen, ladassah, Jeth El Synagogue, and Israel Bonds. She and her Deenie Meyerson husband, Larry, have four children and five grandchildren. For more information about th,e Legacy pf Hope dinner, call 572-3060.
Holocaust Commemoration set for state capital by Marcia Kushner, Chair Nebraska Commemoration of the Holocaust Committee
The Nebraska Holocaust Commemoration will be T u e s d a y , M a y 2, 7:30 p.m., at the Capitol Rotunda. Lt. Governor David Maurstad and Mayor Don Wesley will present remarks, and Senator LaVon Crosby is the sponsoring senator. The keynote speaker will be Shelly Shapiro, Director of the Holocaust Survivors and Friends Education Center, Latham, N.Y. Shapiro is an Adjunct Professor/lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Albany. She is coauthor and editor of Truth Prevails: Demolishing Holocaust Denial. In the solemn candlelighting ceremony, Nebraska survivors of the Holocaust will light candles for the victims. Bob Reckling, recently honored for his participation in the liberation of Dachau concentration camp, will light the candle for the liberators. Rev. Dr. Joel Gajardo, Executive Director of the Hispanic Community Center, will light the candle for the Righteous Rescuers. The candleighters will include Ilona Berk, Joe Boin, Rose Feuerberg, Esther Misle, Ann Monenstein, Eli Modenstein and Leelo Sommerhauser, all of Lincoln, and Bella Eisenberg and Lola Reinglas of Omaha. The Park Middle School Choir will perform and winners of the Lincoln Public Schools poetry contest on Holocaust studies will read their works. 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. . (Continued on page 2)
'Thank you Assad, but, no' Prominent peace camp journalists give up on the Syrian track JERUSALEM (MEMRI)-Two prominent journalists affiliated with the peace camp have recently joined other figures associated with the peace camp in expressing disappointment with Syrian President Assad and the negotiations with Syria. This group includes, among others, renowned author Amos Oz and three Labor ministers in Barak's government, Yossi Beilin, Haim Ramon and Shlomo Ben-Ami. The journalists, Gideon Samet of Ha'aretz and Nahum Barne'a of Yediot Ahronot, condemn Syrian positions and suggest that Israel focus on the Palestinian track and withdrawal from South Lebanon. In the Israeli daily Ha'aretz, on April 12, Gideon Samet, who is on Ha'aretz's editorial board and was Consul-General in Philadelphia under the previous labor government, wrote an article entitled "Thank you, Assad, but no." In the article, Samet states, "Assad gives the impression of being unwilling to endorse even the minimal conditions of a reasonable diplomatic give-and-take." In the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot, senior political correspondent and former editor of KoteretRashit (a weekly associated with the peace camp) Nahum Barne'a writes on March 3, "The Syrians have done nothing up till now that would indicate that they want to live in peace with Israel. Thenbehavior is hostile, supremacist and opaque..." The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) is an independent,non-proflt organization providing translations of the Arab media and original analysis and research on developments in the Middle East
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28,2000
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Parasha Acharei Mot "•'. Spring, filled with beauty, hope, promise and joy, has arrived. As we celebrated Pesach last week, we ushered in the season of rebirth, renewal and RENT BY WEEK OR MONTH Will carpet and paint to suit rejoicing. Yet, this week, as we read Acharei Mot, Ask about Call Kennle Hughes off-season rates we return, even if briefly, to the sorrows of just a 551-9541 few weeks ago. 402-689-4648 Our Parasha opens with a seemingly disjointed verse: "The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron after the death of the two sons of Aaron, who died when they drew too close to the presence of the Lord." The verse clearly refers to the events related in Parasha Make your party or Shmeni, when two of Aaron's sons, suddenly and without any prior warning, lose their lives. occasion more The bulk of Acharei Mot deals with laws of purity elegant ana exciting and laws of behavior. Yet, it opens with this with our European-Style Music strange reference to the deaths of Aaron's sons, and derives its name, Acharei Mot, 'after the • Wedding Receptions death,' from that earlier set of events. So, why do • Birthdays we now return to the sad and seemingly inexplica• Anniversaries ble events of an earlier parasha? • Graduations One answer, which fits our calendar this year, is •Fundraisers • Corporate Parties that'this Shabbat marks the end of the Shloshim, • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs or 30 day period of mourning for Aaron's two sons. • Cocktail Parties It has been four- Shabbatot since we read of the • Background Music deaths, and now, as we return to the laws of • and More Leviticus, we mark the time which has passed since Aaron's sons died. Can (402) 330-1127 or But this argument only works sometimes. This e-mail: igormos@yahoo.com year, we read Tatzria and Metzorah as two separate parshiot, rather than as one combined parasha. Thus, the shloshim argument cannot stand on its own, for it is an oddity which relies on the peculiar quirks of the Hebrew calendar. Another explanation involves the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron's sons. We read in chapter 10 of Leviticus that the two sons • brought aish zarah or "strange fire" before the Lord. Yet this "strange fire" is never defined, nor is it ever expressly prohibited. Now, after the fact, in this parasha we learn of some practices which are considered atoevah, or an abomination, some of which can result in a penalty of death. So, perhaps the connecSterling Silver Jewelry is made between the deaths of Aaron's two sons accented with gemslones and pearls, tion to illustrate the importance and significance of these inspired by nature. restrictions. Yet another explanation deals with the arrival of a new season and the celebration of a major festival. Both spring and Pesach are 'up' times. We join with family and friends, and rejoice as we celebrate not only our freedom as Jews, but also the beauty and joy that ushers in the new spring season. Such celebrations can leave us filled with happiness. But we must not forget the earlier torment and agony of Aaron and his family. Thus, just after the joyous celebration of Pesach, we return to the sadness of Aaron. Ultimately, this explanation also relies on the calendar, so while it works this year, it may not always work. Perhaps the best answer is one which combines all three explanations. Just as mourners stop and mark the end of shloshim before returning to normal activities, we, too, can and should mark the sad events which befell Aaron before we return to a discussion of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. And, certainly, as we learn of new codes of behavior, a reminder of past indiscretions, whether by accident or with intent, can serve to help us.' Additionally, as we enjoy the goodness of the natural world, recognizing our own fragility helps us gain perspective. If we believe that we can be God's partner in the continuing creation of the world, then making Peruvian Blue Opals & Sterling Silver— order out of chaos must be a prime goal. And one exclusively at Elisa liana way of ordering our lives, of making the random We want you to enjoy wearing Elisa liana jewelry. something with which we can live, is to remember 100% guarantee: repairs made any time at no additional charge. sadness even as we experience joy. Such combinaCustom orders are welcome—Bridal jewelry available. tions of emotions can help us create a world in Come in today. which we accept both anguish and exultation. Such is the beauty of Jewish life, tempering pain with memories of goodness, consoling the bitter with memories of the sweet. Acharei Mot teaches us not just about specific laws and behaviors, but about how to live a life of completeness, wholeness and, ultimately, holiness. Shabbat Shalom umevorakh: * 2 bedrooms • 2 baths , v ' r* Lots of Light "'"•Secure^Bullding
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EUNICE KRASNE Services for Eunice Sampson Krasne were held April 23 at Fisher Farm Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert. Survivors include nieces, nephews and cousins.
Author speaks of Danish rescue of the Jews
Halvor Strandskov, left, d i r e c t o r of the Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn, IA, was one of the many on hand Monday night when Martha Loeffler and Knud Dyby spoke about the Danish rescue of the Jews during World War H. Loeffler wrote of Dyby*s story in Boats in the Night. The Museum was a cosponsor of the evening, along with the ADLCRC, the Danish Windmill Corporation and Dana College in Blair, NE.
YomHaShoah in Lincoln (Continued from Page 1) Shelly Shapiro of Latham, New York, will present the Commemoration Address at the Nebraska Holocaust Commemoration program. Shapiro has been involved in exposing Holocaust deniers. Along with Beate Klarsfeld of Paris she exposed Holocaust denier Fred Leuchter of Boston. The effort was included in Deborah Lipstadt's book Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory. Lipstadt also discussed David living's record as a Holocaust denier and, in the widely reported case, was sued by Irving in London. Lipstadt won in a decision reached about • two weeks ago. Shapiro has followed this case closely. Shapiro covered the trial of accused Nazi Collaborator Jakob Reimer in New York City and was featured on both television and radio news on NBC and CBS, commentating on the trial. Shapiro is an adjunct professor/lecturer at the University of Albany School of Education where she teaches about the Holocaust.
Henry MonskyLodge announces winners of the Bert Render and Earl Siegel awards Jim Farber, Chairman of the 46th Annual B'nai B'rith Charity Sports Banquet, has announced Brad Metzler and Amy Sibbernsen as the winners of the Metro High School Senior Scholar/Athletes of the Year. Participation in the selection came from 59 area coaches, athletic directors and local media representatives. Metzler attends Omaha Westside High School. He is the only four-time undefeated High School State Champion in the history of Nebraska State Wrestling. He will attend Stanford University in the fall. Sibbernsen is a student at Omaha Marian High School. She is an accomplished volleyball, basketball and track performer. She will attend Michigan State University this Fall. They will receive the Bert Render and the Earl Siegel Awards, respectively, at the May 10 Banquet sponsored by Henry Monsky Lodge B'nai B'rith., The $90-per-plate event at Ak-sar-ben will feature Dick Schaap, Host of ESPN's '"Sports Reporters." The Banquet will also honor former Nebraska Football Defensive Coordinator Charlie McBride. Tickets may be obtained by calling the B'nai B'rith Office at 334-6443.
April 28,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
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• BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
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7023 Ca'ss Street; Omaha, N E 68132-2651, 656-6536, <-• • " . V ' templejsrael-ne^org ,' , FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service, 8 pan. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. Scholar-in-residence Rabbi Joseph Telushkin will speak about "The Jewish War; The Battle to Keep the Jeewish People One and How it Can be Won." The Oneg Shabbat is sponsored by Dottie Rosenblum in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of her grandson, Kyle Ruback, and by the Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a.m. Kyle Ruback, son of Marcy and David Ruback, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah; Rabbi Telushkin will speak in the Friedman Social Hall on "The 21st Century: An Ethical Vision-One Day at a Time," 5 p.m., followed by Havdallah and fruit and cheese reception. SUNDAY: Following a bagel brunch at 10 a.m., Rabbi Telushkin will speak on "Humor: A Uniting Force for All People." 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 (and for the scholar-in-residence program). Cost is $2 per family. Please make a reservation at the Temple office. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, May 2: Jewish Identity in literature, 7-8:30 p.m., with David Yudelson. WEDNESDAY, May 3: Midrashah, 10 am. -noon. THURSDAY, May 4: Sisterhood Adult Education, 10-11:30 am. Rabbi Ira Flax will teach about the innterconnection between Juwish history and Judaism; Sally Kaplan, L.C.S.W., will lead a group for people who are living with illness or those who love someone who lives with illness, 7-830 p.m. FRIDAY, May 5, Mimi Rogers leads Jewish Spirituality, &30-11 aan., "SHABBAT COMES TO YOU" Friday, May 5, 2 p.m: Rabbi Debbie Stiel will lead a Shabbat service at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. TOT SHABBAT Friday, May 5, 7 p.m.-a short service of song and prayer, followed by cookies and juice.
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster S i , Council Bluffs, IA 515034)766 Phone:322-4705 • E-MAIL: docjeb@aol.com FRDDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. An Oneg Shabbat, prepared by Peg DeLand and Sandra Kurland, will follow.
CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN ,-'
i SOUTH STREET TEMPLE
1502 Np. 52nd Street, pmaha, NE 68104-5013 ' ' 556*288 Bethlsrael@noyia.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. FRH)AY: Services, 7 pan., at Beth Israel. West Minyan at the home of David and Janet Kohll, 107 So. 128th Plz., 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos morning services, 8:45 a.m. "Insights into the Parsha," class with Rabbi Kutner, 7:25 p.m.; Mincha, 7:55 p.m.; Havdallah, 9:05 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 8:05 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 8:05 p.m. TUESDAY: Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10 a.m., followed by lunch; class with Rabbi Shlomo Levin, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Lunch and Learn with Nadine Kutner, noon, at the JCC. Bagel Bin lunch is $3; make lunch reservations with the synagogue office. Rabbi's Talmud Class is cancelled due to the community Yom HaShoah program.
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 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a jn. COMPARATIVE RELIGION SERIES SUNDAY, 10 a.m.-noon- Panel of Speakers: Reverend Jerry McGinnis, Reverend Emeritus of Trunity United Methodist Church; Khalid Al Megren, visiting student and practicing Muslim from Saudi Arabia; and Stephen Boyd, practicing Buddhist.
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1866 So. 120th St.; Omaha, NE 68144-1646 1 Phone: 330:1800 \, ' ', ; , ' ' E-MAHr-chabad@aol.com WEBSITE; www.chabad.centers.com/omaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRD3AY: Kabbalat Shabbat SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul, 11:45 ajn.-l p.m. TUESDAY: A Tale of Two Souls, ft30-ll a.m. An Affiliate of the Jewish K6constructloni8tFedorat!on
; ' OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE 25th and Capehart, Omaha; NE 68118-5000,, 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.
by Ozzie Nogg
The last Beth El Kids' Lunch 'n Learn is set for Friday, May 5, noon-l:15 p.m. The program will feature the "You'll Really Dig It Planting Project," during which participants will get a hands-on feel for container gardening. (It would be wise to wear washable clothes!) Cost of the program, which includes lunch and planting paraphenalia, is $3 for adults and $2 for children. For reservations, call Diane Shandell at 333-7226. Kids' Lunch 'n Learn is open to the community.
Yachad grows
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BEYTSHALQM
SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m, led by Andrew Greenberg. Members of the community are welcome. Services are held in the Herbert Goldsten Chapel, followed by Kiddush. A memorial service is held on the last Shabbat of each month, in memory of residents who have died.
Final Kids' Lunch n Learn
CHABAD HOUSE
2061S. 20th St, Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 485-8004 ' jewishnebra8ka.org
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
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. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; TSS (Torah Siddur Skills), 10 a.m.; K'tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story time, 11 am.,; Humash with Rashi study session, 7:40 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:10 pjri. Elizabeth Cody, daughter of Penny Cody Cox, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Friday evening and Saturday morning. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Perek Yomi "Read a Chapter a Day" group, 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 3: Yom HaShoah services will be held at Beth El Synagogue, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 6: Men's Club will participate in morning services during Men's Club Shabbat.
An Affiliate or the WoridvridoChabad-Lubavitch Movement
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew classes, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 a.m. SATURDAY, May 13: Third Annual Temple Auction starts at 6 p.m. at Misty"s Edgewood; dinner is at 7 p.m. Reservations due May 1.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
> ' ' Member of the'Unlon of ' - Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
Member of the Unipn of AMericari Hebrew Congregations
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3012 S. 119th St.', P.O. Bo* 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5180 phone: 758-9233 http^/welcome.to/beytshalom/ FRDDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. Religious School: Sunday and Tuesday at the JCC. Rabbi Myer Kripke's class on Sunday afternoons will resume following Pesach. FRIDAY, May 5: Tot Shabbat, 7 p.m.
Temple Israel offers B'nai Mitzvah Class If you missed the opportunity to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah when you were 13 years old, take advantage of Temple Israel's B'nai Mitzvah claBS starting this fall on Sept. 7, Thursday evenings, from 7-9 p.m. Temple will offer one hour of Hebrew and one hour of Judaic studies. The classes will culminate in a B'nai Mitzvah on May 11, 2001. For those without basic knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet, a special introductory class will start Thursday, June 1-Aug. 31, 7 p.m. Students who have taken Hebrew should contact Rabbi Debbie Stiel; to register, call the Temple office, 556-6526.
Linda Novak, right, reported that three new members have joined Yachad, a group for mentally and physically challenged Jewish teens and young adults. For more information, call her at 493-8575.
Bar Mitzvah Dustin Denny Lepp, son of Bob and Karen Lepp, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 6, at Temple Israel. A seventh grade honorroll student at Kiewit Middle School, he enjoys sports, music and spend,ing time with his friends. For his Mitzvah Project, 1 he volunteered at Chil\ , ' ^ d r e n ' s Hospital. Dusty has two sisters, Allie and Kelsey. Grandparents are Harry and Eleanor Lepp and LaVerna Anderson.
PERSONAL I would like to thank everyone for the donations, cards, flowers, phone calls and support in memory of my husband, Harold. It was all very much appreciated. Ruth Oruch
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28,2000
Let my people go While we eat comfortably in our homes in America's Heartland, 13 Jews await trial in Iran. A rabbi in Great Neck, NY, who chose to remain anonymous for fear that relatives, still left in Iran, would be persecuted, echoed the fears of the many who live in the country's second largest Persian Jewish community, and in Los Angeles, home to some 30,000 Iranian Jews. The rabbi was a leader and teacher in Shiraz, also home to many of the 13 Iranian Jews who now stand accused of spying for Israel and the United States. If convicted, they could be executed. The rabbi and other Persian Jews here say the only crime committed by the accused was to teach Hebrew and Judaism, hold religious discussions or request that their shops be allowed to close on Saturdays. He and other American Jewish observers suspect that politics are the real reason behind the imminent trial of the "Iran 13."
The trial officially opened April 13 but was quickly delayed until May 1, well after Passover, apparently a public relations move masked as a good-will gesture. Persian Jews trace their roots back 2,700 years. By 1979, at the time of the Islamic revolution, there were roughly 100,000 Jews in Iran. Today the community has shriveled to somewhere between 25,000 to 27,000. In L.A., some 1,000 people demonstrated recently on behalf of the Iran 13. Only one-quarter of the crowd were believed to be Iranian Jews. The rally ended with some young Persians chanting "Let My People Go!" Before we get too comfortable in the Heartland, let's pray for the "Iran 13" and, while we're at it, let's ' write or call or e-mail our congressional delegation requesting they exert some pressure on Iran to release these political prisoners. Michael J. Jordan contributed to this article.
Israel-Diaspora ties need nurturing by Rabbi Michael Melchlor
Editor's note: The following article appeared in the March 24 issue of The New York Jewish Week. The Jewish people is potentially ready to enter a new era, one of great strength and creativity. But we're not there yet. The obstacles we have to overcome-assimilation, internal rifts-are formidable. To realize the potential of this moment in Jewish history, there are some key processes, like making peace with our neighbors, that we must nurture. Redefining the relationship between Israel and world Jewry is another of these processes. We need a paradigm shift in the way we see Israel's relationship with Jewish communities abroad. As Israel's minister of world Jewry, I will do all I can to help transform our relationship to Jews abroad, for the good of us all. First, we must understand the problematic nature, until recently, of our connection. The return of the Jewish people to our homeland was a miraculous event, especially coming as it did right after our darkest moment. Israel's founding and achievements gave strength to Jews everywhere. Unfortunately, Israel's representatives often took a patronizing attitude toward Jews abroad. We Israelis were the stars of drama; you in the diaspora had the supporting role. We were the end; you could help provide the means. We were the future; you were the remnant of the past. And it was the past we sometimes preferred to repress. For many Zionists, "the negation of the exile" was a cherished value. As the vanguard of history, Israelis determined hoe history was to be interpreted and even how Jewish identity should be defined. The problem was more than our attitude. Sometimes what was best for the Jewish people was pushed aside because of political necessity. Such was the case when Israel's founding prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, made a deal with the religious parties on religious issues. In retrospect, the status quo this deal froze was bad for Judaism in the broad sense because it handed the religious establishment a monopoly on religion, alienating many Jews, especially abroad. Ben-Gurion himself first sparked my awareness that official Israel was
not always in tune with other Jewish communities. During a 1962 visit to Denmark, where I grew up, he essentially called for the liquidation of the Danish Jewish community. Danish Jews should move to Israel, Ben-Gurion said. Jewishness couldn't be maintained elsewhere; Jews could never trust the intentions of their gentile neighbors. That speech was jarring to my grandfather, Rabbi Marcus Melchior, then chief rabbi of Denmark. Though he admired Ben-Gurion as a leader, he publicly expressed his disagreement on this issue. Having played a significant role in the rescue of Danish Jewry during the Nazi occupation, my grandfather knew that the Danes had proven themselves friends at the moment of greatest danger. As the scion of a family that had served Danish Jewry as rabbis for six generations, he felt that Danish Jews had a right to believe in the future of their community in Denmark. Israel today is unquestionably the center of the Jewish world. More Jewish children are born in Israel now than in all other countries together. Israel has become Jewry's spiritual, intellectual and cultural capital. Exactly because of Israel's phenomenal success, we may now have the strength to admit that we need strong Jewish communities abroad, perhaps as much as they need us. By realizing that the future of the Jewish people is a responsibility we share, we may be able to turn back the tide of assimilation and find the spiritual power to transmit our tradition and values to generations to come. Some changes cam already be seen in Israel. Ten years ago, when Meimad, the political party I head, first began to oppose religious legislation, our position was considered heretical. Now this position is legitimate even within the ultra-Orthodox world. In exile, it was clear that no Jewish group could force their view of Judaism on others. In Israel, we forgot this lesson. As an Orthodox rabbi, I have strong beliefs about Judaism, but I don't have the right to enforce a standard for others who want a relationship with Judaism. This message is beginning to be heard. Israelis are also starting to realize that contact
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Lloyd Roitsleln Chairman Carol KaUman Editor-ln-Chlef Maureen LaPour Managing Editor LarryAxelrod Advertising Manager Barbara Frankel Rocky Stem Sales representatives Jenina (Sadofsky) Stewart Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schaplro Volunteer
with the world's Jewish communities strengthens Jewish identity here. We need strengthening; there are schools in Israel where not one student attends Yom Kippur services. Israel often has a catalytic effect on the Jewish identity of young people, and the Birthright Israel program, which will bring tens of thousands a year to Israel, is an important step in utilizing this effect. But the influence is mutual. Israelis traveling abroad often experience a strengthening of their Jewish identity. Aliyah itself is dependent on the strength of Jewish communities abroad. Israel and world Jewry comprise a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Together we can spark a renaissance whose dimensions will include the entire Jewish people. Rabbi Michael Melcior is minister of Israeli society and the world Jewish community. He invites responses at Melchior@pmo.gov. it
To the Editor: As many people know, I am not a member of Temple Israel, and I have never met Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, but when he appears at Temple Israel in the near future, I will be among those who will want to hear him, despite the fact that I get around very little these days. This prolific author and lecturer, "one of the 50 best speakers in America,'' has been unusually influential in American Jewry. ~ Myer S. Kripke To the Editor: Mary Fellman has done it again! She was an outstanding hostess for the "93rd Street Group" at a Shabbat dinner and service she organized. We sang and danced and celebrated Lola Reinglas' special birthday, and Ida and Yale Halperin's 60th anniversary. • Mary, you are one in a million! • Ann and Jack Belmont
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.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Behind the Headlines
April 28,2000
Page 5
Senators ponder impact of the Holocaust by Paula Amann, News Editor, Washington Jewish Week
WASHINGTON -- For three hours earlier this While praising the recent efforts of Dr. Maria At the same time, he argued that the United month, an elegant wood-paneled hearing room on Schaumayer, who heads an Austrian task force on States now needs to make the "pursuit of truth" its Capitol Hill was transformed. In hearings initiated by slave and forced labor, he expressed U.S. concerns top priority in dealing with its own Holocaust histoSen. Gordon Smith (R-OR.), the Senate Foreign that Austria also deal with Nazi-era seizure of ry. In this vein, he spotlighted a new effort to cull the Library of Congress for Nazi-looted books, Relations Committee looked beyond the minutiae of leg- businesses, property and art. islation and budgets at the "Legacies of the Holocaust" In his testimony, Harris highlighted the rise of using rabbinical student volunteers. Why this hearing? Why now? ' Those testifying bore some of the most recogniz- far-right parties across Europe and the explosion of able names in the Jewish world: Nobel Prize win- anti-Semitism in the Arab press. The United Columnist Douglas Bloomfield, consultant to the ner Elie Wiesel; Deputy Secretary of the Treasury States, too, bears some responsibility for these World Jewish Congress and president of the Jewish Stuart Eizenstat; Edgar Bronfman, chair of the trends, he said. . Community Council of Greater Washington, Presidential Advisory Commission on Holocaust "Much of the published material that fuels stressed that the U.S. Congress, along with the Assets in the United States; American Jewish Holocaust denial in Europe-where it's banned by executive branch, has catalyzed global efforts to Committee executive director David A. Harris; many countries-actually comes from the U.S.," he right the wrongs of the Nazi era. Rabbi Israel Singer, secretary general of the World told the senators. "Congressional support and oversight has been Harris stressed the role of education, national instrumental in creating international cooperation Jewish Congress; and Mark B. Levin, executive director of NCSJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in leadership and peaceful demonstrations in counter- in fighting for material and moral restitution," he ing the radical right's European resurgence. said. "It's been bipartisan, bicameral and there has Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States and Eurasia. Dealing a half century later with U.S. handling of been exemplary cooperation between the [Clinton] Each brought a particular expertise to the witness table. Together, they illuminated the full range of Nazi-looted material, Bronfman had praise for the administration and Congress." U.S. role in placing restitution on the world agenda. Holocaust issues, from the moral to the material. Smith's committee colleague Biden lauded him "It was the American government, including as a "righteous Christian" — especially- in light of They stressed the need to resolve restitution while survivors -- who, according to Eizenstat, now United States senators, and non-governmental his religion, his conservative credentials and his average 80 years of age — still live. Harris' own organizations that led the fight for justice," he said. home state, which has few Jews. refugee father, first denied restitution by the Austrian National Fund for lack of documentation, sadly did not live to see a final settlement of 70,000 Austrian shillings (just under $7,000 at the time). Speaking of the German slave and forced labor settlement, Singer framed the impending deal in terms of attrition. "We will have more per head and fewer heads," he said. Wiesel, Harris, Levin and several senators underscored the relevance of the Holocaust to the present-day resurgence of ethnic, religious and political hatreds. Smith, who chaired the hearing in the absence of committee chair Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC), recounted visits to Auschwitz-Birkenau and KGB headquarters in Vilnius, Lithuania. Both, he said, were similar, "in appearance, in smell, in instruments of torture." They differed only in the time of their atrocities. On a more upbeat note, he also spoke of touring a Macedonian refugee camp, where Israeli volunteers were organizing recreation. •'•' • •'•.-'•• "I wish the whole world could have seen the flag that was flying over this camp of Albanian Muslims ... the flag of Israel," he said. Turning to the United States, Smith expressed concern about the responsibility of bystanders to social or state-sponsored violence. "I see today in our country a black man dragged to death, a gay man beaten to death. I see a mad man in Serbia exterminating people," he said. "And I wonder if we're doing enough." ' Budget votes were taking place on the Senate floor during the hearing, so committee members came and went. In addition to Smith, five other senators out of the committee of 18 took part: Joseph Biden (D-DE.), Barbara Boxer (D-CA.), Russell Feingold (D-WL), Paul Sarbanes (D-MD.) and Paul Wellstone (D-MN.). The committee, said one Smith aide, built the event around the schedule of its first witness: Elie Wiesel. The Boston University professor and author brought poetry to the usually prosaic halls of Congress. "Hatred is a dark sun, which under heavens laden with ashes, strikes and maimB and humiliates anyone who forgets that all human beings, irrespective of origin, color or faith are ... bearers of promise and On May 9th, Omahans will vote on two issues; to build a new Convention Center worthy of respect," he told the committee. Arena, and amend the City Charter to establish the Metropolitan Entertainment While pondering the evil that led to the murder of and Convention Authority (MECA). his family and so many others, this renowned survivor pointedly brought the issue into the present A new Convention Center - Arena operated by MECA will: day, decrying recent genocides in such places as •expand the redevelopment of downtown and North Omaha; Kosovo and Rwanda, as well as "political hatred" in •attract top quality concerts, shows and sporting events; the Middle East. He also warned about tolerating •bring convention visitors who will spend money and strengthen our economy; racial supremacists in the United States and hon•create hundreds of new jobs; oring a Nazi collaborator in his native Romania. •improve the image of our city; and Wiesel reserved his harshest critique, however, •bring a businesslike approach to the construction and management. for Holocaust deniers, calling them "unethical" and A vote for the Convention Center - Arena and MECA is a vote for your future. "morally ill." • Poetry gave way to policy, as Eizenstat briefed the committee on restitution efforts in Europe, updating t h e senators on German forced-labor talks, insurance, Austria, Swiss banks, looted art and related issues. Eizenstat gave special attention to Austria, whose new government includes the ultra-right Freedom Party. www.builditomaha.com "We will look at what the government does, as well as 402-390-1149 what it says," he stressed, noting the ruling coalition had Paid for by die Build It Omaha Committee, Frank Hayci,Treaiurer, 324 South 72nd Street, Omalu, NE 68114 promised to uphold human rights and tolerance.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28,2000
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TUESDAY, MAY 2 Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10 a.m., at Beth Israel Sisterhood Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m., at Beth Israel JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Priedel Jewish Academy Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at FJA commons WEDNESDAY, MAY 3 Beth Israel Lunch & Learn, Noon Hasassah HIES Affair Yom Hashoa Comemoration, 7 p.m., at Beth El Talmud with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MAY 4 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. , Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple USY Elections, 6:30 p.m., at Beth El CDC Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. Synagogue 2000, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel
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FRTOAY,MAY5 Temple Israel NFTY Spring Conclave, May 5-7, in Kansas City Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Kids Lunch & Learn, Noon, at Beth El Temple Israel "Shabbat Comes to You," 2 p.m., at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home SATURDAY, MAY 6 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Humash Class, 7:45 p.m., at Beth El
For information, Call the sales department at 402-496-0850 ext. 143
SUNDAY, MAY 7 Social Justice Panel, 10 a.m., at Tempi Yom Ha Atzmaiit Celebration, Noon Israel Experience Prep class, 1:30 p.m. MONDAY.MAY8 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. "In the News", 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israe TUESDAY, MAY 9
Lunch & Learn, with Rabbi Drazen, Noon, at Beth El JOLT Session, 7 p.m., FJA Commons WRJ Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel WRJ Board Meeting, 7 p.m., at Temple Renewal/Healing Service, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel Executive Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth '. Bamidbar with Rabbi Levin, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, MAY 10
WRJ Cradle Roll Event, 11 a.m., at Temple Israel B'nai B'rith Banquet, 6 p.m., at Aksarl High School Dinner Night, 6 p.m., at Beth El JYG Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel NCJW Installation Dinner, 7 p.m., at I Marriott Hotel in Regency Talmud with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MAY 11
Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple JELS Board- Meeting, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY,MAY12 Russian Club, 10 a.m.
All events held at the Jewish (
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ForADundeal Call SATURDAY, MAY 13 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Grades 8-12, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El Humash Class, 8 p.m., at Beth El Singles Night, 8 p.m., at Temple Israel
SATURDAY, MAY 20 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple TSS Awards Day/Staff Lunch, Noon, at Beth El Humash class , 8 p.m., at Beth El
SUNDAY; MAY 14 New Americans Victory Day Celebration,, 10a.m. Israel Experience Prep Class, 1:30 p.m. Mothers Day Concert, at Temple Israel
SUNDAY.MAY21 Mitzvah Day, noon, at Temple Israel Israel Experience Prep Class, 1:30 p.m. Beth Israel "Discovery Program", 2 p.m. Beth Israel Torah T.V., 7 p.m., at RBJH Auditorium
MONDAY, MAY 15 YES Program, 9:30 a.m.
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MONDAY, MAY 22 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. "In the News", 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel
TUESDAY, MAY 16 Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple BESTT Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Bamidbar with Rabbi Levin, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel
TUESDAY, MAY 23 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Sisterhood Board Meeting, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 Visions Lunch & touring the Joslyn, 11:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 Beth Israel Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Kutner, Noon, at Noddle Development THURSDAY, MAY 25 OTYG Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Talmud with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m., CJL Lecture, Nancy Rappaport, 11:16 a.m. at Beth Israel USY Final Banquet, 6 p.m., at Beth El LOVE Board Meeting, 7 p.m., at THURSDAY, MAY 18 RBJH Conference. Room Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple FRD3AY,MAY26 (Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Russian Club, 10 a.m. Religious School Committee Meeting, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel SATURDAY, MAY 27 Kadimah Nite Summer Party, 6 p.m., Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple at Beth El BBYO Beau Dance, 7:30 p.m. Young Leadership Award Meeting, 7 p.ni. Humash Class, 8:15 p.m., at Beth El FRTOAYMAY19 High School Graduation & Service, 8 p.m., at Temple Israel
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 Annual Congregational Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel
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April 28, 2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
PROGRAM DIRECTOR WANTED
NCJW honors three...
Chabad House is seeking an organized and enthusiastic individual to coordinate holiday events and education programming.
(Continued from page 1) Friedman is currently the Finance Committee Chairman, as well as chairman of the Children and 20 hours a week (flex schedule) Youth Fund. She haB been President of NCJW, Responsibilities include: • Advertising events Omaha Section, as well as Fundraising Vice• Coordinating event activities • Managing volunteers President, Treasurer, Yearbook Editor, Director, Must have excellent interpersonal and communication Nominating Committee Chairwoman, Awards skills, ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and desire to Chairman and Permanent Planning and work in an environment that touches people's lives. Evaluation Committee Chairwoman. Prior knowledge of Jewish holidays not required. Friedman is very active in the Omaha communiDevra Bram, Chabad House ty. She has received the Lois Jeanne Schrager 1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68154 Young Leadership Award; is a past president of fax: (402) 333-8415; e-mail: rdbram@msn.com Temple Israel Sisterhood, past board member of the Jewish Community Center and former member of Temple Israel Board of Directors. Debbie and her husband, Scott, are parents of Jennifer, 17, and Angela, 13. Friedman is employed at First Data Resources. The NCJW Emerging Leader Award is given to a • We appreciate Your Patronage NCJW member who has potential for assuming future section leadership, understands and sup• Every Party or Event Is Equally Important to ports.the NCJW purpose and programs and demonAAA Rents (from 5 to 500) strates commitment to the section. The recipient
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must currently serve on the section board, having served less than five years, or currently chair a committee or serve as an officer. The recipient must also successfully complete assigned tasks and support section fundraising endeavors. This year's recipient is Susie Norton. Norton is currently Community Services Vicepresident. She has been involved in many NCJW committees, including Our Story Part 2, Planning and Evaluation, Programming, and Public Affairs In the community, Norton spends her time volunteering for the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the National Kidney Foundation of Nebraska and Planned Parenthood of Omaha-Council Bluffs. She is currently a stay-at-home mom, taking a break from working in administrative health care and being an attorney. She and her husband, Michael, have two sons, Justin, 31/2, and Seth, six months. For reservations, send a check for $22 to Patricia Newman, Installation Event Chairwoman, 411 So. 96th St., Omaha, NE 68114.
People of the Byte
Yom Hazikaron / Yom Ha'atzmaut by Mark Mietkiewicz
On the 5th of Iyar (May 10 this year, but cele- [http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/15/the_virtubrated in Omaha on Sunday, May 7, at t h e al_philhannonic_orchestra.html]. 5620 S. 72nd Street» Omaha, NE 68127 Jewinh Community Center), Israel will celebrate Israel's Foreign Affairs site has an explanation of 2700 North 27th Street • Lincoln, NE 68521 its 52nd year of independence. Even if you can't some of the country's other national symbols such make it to Jerusalem for the official celebrations, at its flag and the Menorah. In addition, you can you can still join in the party, thanks to the World read the full English text of Israel's Declaration of Wide Web. Independence. But before the Yom Ha'atzmaut festivities begin, Or if you prefer, you can hear David Ben Gurion Israel observes Yom Hazikaron. This is the day read some of it in the original Hebrew, located at: Wanted: dedicated to the memory of those who have made www.israel-mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp7MFAH Year the ultimate sacrifice for their country. At 11 a.m. 00k90. on May 9, sirens throughout the country will wail The first five decades of the State have been 2000 to proclaim two minutes of silence to the country's miraculous but Rabbi Noah Weinberg suggests that HIGH fallen soldiers and to the civilians who have become instead of finding its own moral path, Israel has The Jewish Press will SCHOOL victims of terror. fallen in love with1 Western consumerism. : See: The Orthodox Union provides a very good Yom [http^/aish.com/holidays/Israel_Independence feature "A SALUTE TO Hazikaron page with links to appropriate readings _Day/holiday_page.asp]. Year 2000 GRADS" in GRAD for the day, at: www.ou.org/yerushalayim/yomRabbi Weinberg argues that Israel has forgotten the June 2 issue. Photos how to play a leadership role of "Tikkun 01am" are due by May 22...no exceptions! All hazikaronV. Jewish graduating high school seniors are One of the most impressive sites is the official fixing the world - and that it is time to reexamine Israeli government area dedicated to fallen sol- its reason for existence. urged to send their senior pictures along diers, located at: www.izkor.mod.gov.il/izkorl2. For more thoughts about the religious role of the with the following: htm. Jewish State, you can listen to 613.org There are photographs and biographies for the www.613.org/independenceJitinl. Name , soldiers and the location of every known grave. The There, you'll hear lectures from such speakers as Parents . • site is entirely in Hebrew but even if you don't Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean of the Simon Wiesenthal High School. _ ' speak the language, it is a moving experience just Center and Rabbi Berel Wein with a story about to click through the endless names and pho- the last night Plans after graduation • tographs of the people who gave their lives for the of the British Mandate. : country. • •••••. As well as introspection, birthday's are also a Please send to: As the sun sets on Yom Hazikaron, the mood in time to celebrate, so make sure you point both your JewishPress Israel shifts from sorrow to joy as Yom Ha'atzmaut kids toward Dr. Nurit Reshef s 100 Years of 333 So. 132nd St. begins. ' ' . ; • • • Zionism/Israel's 50th Anniversary Web page: Why not start the day with a rousing rendition of www.bus.ualberta.ca/yreshef/zionism/zionOmaha, NE 68154 Hatikvah? You can listen to five versions of isro«htrol. Hatikvah at the Israeli-Jewish Yiddish-HebrewThe Edmonton educator has really outdone herFolk-Cultural Music Midi Free Library self with a site that both amuses and entertains. [http://iiieinbers.aol. There are plenty of Java-based games here — every• B B B B B B B D B S H com/israelmidi/index. thing from assembling the map of Israel on your html#FOLK]. screen, a Cities of Israel Wordsearch Game and a 132ND & MAPLE • 4 0 2 / 4 9 3 - 9 9 9 4 While you're listening, quiz about the leaders of Israel. EVENTS HOTLINE 4 0 2 / 4 3 1 - 9 1 8 6 you can read a fascinatFor still more Yom Ha'atzmaut links, take a look 9AM-11 PW MON-SAT • 9AM-9PMSUN ing article about Israel's at Maven: www.maven.co.U/subjects.asp?S=129 N a t i o n a l An t h e m and the Virtual Jerusalem site: [http://merHon.sui gnet. www.vjholidays.com/independence. Pteose call 4 3 1 com.sg/~ruthlee/tqvh9 ) 8 6 if would like And if you can't make it to Israel this year, you to be added to or main.htm]. taken off of our can still peak in on the festivities. Aish HaTorah moilinaliil, Ttionlal There's quite a bit of Yeshiva has installed a live camera focussed on the debate about the origins Western Wall, located at: www.thewall.org/. of the melody. Some trace The camera refreshes every minute so you can it to "The Moldau" by follow the ebb and, flow of the crowd at the Hotel. Czech composer Bedrich Watch long enough and who knows who you might Smetana (1824-1884). If run into. you have the time and a Have a very happy Yom Ha'atzmaut. fast connection, download Smetana's work and Mark Mietkiewicz ia a Toronto-based televicompare for yourself: sion producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be contacted at: highway@home.com.
SENIOR PICTURES
BORDERS
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28,2000
Page 9
NCJW sponsors panel: YJE.S.
Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exercise at 10:15 turn, in the auditorium. Try your luck at bingo, also at 10:15. Bring articles to share for the "YES Talk" discussion group at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Marty Ricks, Federation Foundation Director, will talk about his trip to Azerbaijan and Israel. For transportation, call 330-4272. Dale Chihuly, world-renowned artist, brings his glass art to the Joslyn Art Museum on Thursday, May 18. Cost is $6.50, and includes admission, tour with a docent and transportation. Deadline is May 11. Speaker Dr. Dan Holtz will speak on "Nebraska Through Song and Story" on Monday, May 22. Lunch will be served at noon. Join students from the Friedel Jewish Academy and Child Development Center for this show. Special thanks to the Nebraska Humanities Council and the Schrager Foundation for their support. Deadline is May 15. Make reservations with Maggie at 334-6521. WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. Exercise will begin at 10 a.m. in the auditorium. For those going on the day trip to Dundee to Lady Caroline's British Tea Shop meet at the Blumkin Home front entrance by 11 am. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. VISIONS Reminder: Board Meeting is Friday, May 5, 9:30 a.m., in the Blumkin Home conference room. Membership Luncheon Meeting is Friday, May 19,12:30 p.m., at Caniglia's Venice Inn. Cost is $7 per person. Entertainment is a preview of the hit musical My Fair Lady from the Omaha Community Playhouse. For reservations, mail form with check by May 12 to Marvin Gerber, 9318 Walnut St., Omaha, NE 68124. Don't miss the exhibit of Dale Chihuly: Inside & Out at the Joslyn Art Museum on Wednesday, May 24. Cost is $3.50 and free for Joslyn members. At 11:30 aan.., dine at the Joslyn Le Cafe Durham. At 1 p.nx, tour the glass exhibit with docent. For reservations, mail form by May 17 to Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154.
The Seventh annual Saturday morning Omaha Farmers Market will begin May 13 and run through October 14, from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., on the corner of 11th and Jackson Street in the Old Market. The Wednesday evening market will be June 14 through August 16, from 4:30-8 p.m. Produce of all kinds, flowers, eggs, birdseed, honey, bedding and house plants, prepared foods, ethnic groceries and arts/crafts are among the products to be offered. The Omaha Farmers Market management will also be present to answer any questions. The Market is a non-profit organization, professionally managed by Vic Gutman & Associates with the support and cooperation of the Old Omaha Association. For more information, call Sheri Wells-Chesley at 345-5401. Susan Aizenberg has been awarded an Artist Fellowship in Literature for poetry by the Nebraska Arts Council. The University of Nebraska Medical Center announced a four-part series on heart disease to run Thursdays, May 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 6:308:30 p.m., at the UNMC College of Nursing Cooper Auditorium. Featured on May 4 will be Irving Zucker, PhD, and Theodore Hubbard, MD, speaking on "The Beating Heart." . Space is limited. To register, call 559-4353. Bobbi Leibowitz has received the "eCertified" designation from the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. (PREA). The designation is awarded to sales associates who meet extensive criteria and complete the eCertified program training, which prepares agents with technological and business skills necessary to service the emerging market needs of the online customer. Leibowitz has her own website: www.Omahahou8es.com
"Challenges Facing the Middle School Age Child" by Ann Moshman
The transition from pre-teen to adolescence is one of the most important periods of a child's life, a time when parent attention and dedication is extremely crucial. Family connectedness is one of the primary factors that can help children stay in j school, choose wholesome friends, and avoid drugs | and alcohol. Join the National I Council of Jewish (Women's panel of experts this Monday, May 1, 7 p.m., [ at the Jewish ComI munity Center as they discuss the problems that are most destructive to ' our youth and what Lynda Madison, PhJ). parents, grandparents and others can do to most effectively counter these negative influences. Moderator Lynda Madison, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and Director of Family Support and Psychological Services at Children's Hospital. She received her doctoral degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and her internship training at the Oregon Health Sciences University. She is the author of numerous articles and books including Keep Talking: A Mother-Daughter Guide to the Pre-teen Years (Andrew McMeel, 1997), and Parenting with Purpose: Progressive Discipline from Birth to Four (Andrew McMeel, 1998). NCJW is the oldest Jewish women's volunteer organization in the United States. Omaha Section celebrated its centennial in 1996 and iB devoted to improving the quality of life for women, children and families and strives to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all. For more information, call me at 393-2695.
BWAIBTUTH BREADBREAKERS David Kramer will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Steve Riekes. He is Campaign Manager for "Build It Omaha," the organization promoting the arena and convention center. Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at Pastimes Restaurant, 129th and West Maple. The program is open to the community, cost is $8.50. THIRTY-NINE FOREVER The Sunday, May 5, activity will be a visit to Joslyn Art Museum to view the Dale Chihuly glass exhibit. The activity begins at 2 p.m., followed by dinner at Caniglias Restaurant. For additional information, contact Maxine Noodell at 393-7624. BETH ISRAEL SISTERHOOD Sisterhood will hold its monthly luncheon on
Tuesday, May 2, 12:30 p.m., at Beth Israel Synagogue. This month's speaker will be a representative of Mulhall's Nursery, who will share how to beautify one's home with indoor and outdoor plants. The luncheon, customarily held on the second Tuesday of the month, is being held the first week of May due to the synagogue's use as a polling place for the May 9 Nebraska primary. A board meeting will precede the luncheon at 10:30 a.m. Lunch is $4 per person. Reservations should be made with your caller or by phoning Bernice Cohen at 558-3423. Remember also, the.Mulhall's coupons recently included with the Jewish Press offers savings on purchases made through June 15 and will benefit the L.O.V.E. auxiliary of the Rose Blumkin Home. OMAHA CHAPTER OF HADASSAH Members of Temple Israel's Youth Group (OTYG), headed by Adam Rosen, will entertain residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home at the monthly Oneg Shabbat this Saturday, April 29, at 2 p.m.. The event, sponsored by the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah, will be held in the main dining room at the Home. A tea will follow. '
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Page 10 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28,2000
Around . - : the Jewish World Jordan's king focuses on peace during first official visit to Israel by Naomi Segal
Attack on German synagogue coincides with Hitler's birthday by Allison Linn
BERLIN, (JTA) — Residents of an eastern JERUSALEM, JTA)--Concern about the slow breakthrough this year in the talks, which he said German city held a vigil outside a small synagogue pace of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations prompted would give "the justice they"seek" to t h e that was targeted with a Molotov cocktail on the Jordan's King Abdullah to make his first state visit Palestinians and "the security they desire" to anniversary of Hitler's birthday. Israelis. to Israel since ascending the throne last year. Last Friday's vigil, attended by Jewish and nonBarak said Israel considers Jordan a cornerstone Jewish residents of the city of Erfurt, came a day Jordan has a large stake in those negotiations, which touch on what to do with Palestinian in efforts to achieve regional peace. after the first such attack on a German synagogue refugees and on the final borders of Israel and a "Israel views this current stage as a historic in five years. Palestinian state. opportunity to arrive at a comprehensive and lastGerman officials including German President More than half of Jordan's population come from ing peace with all its neighbors, and we perceive Johannes Rau, condemned the attack and pledged Palestinian families who fled to Jordan during Jordan as a full partner and a cornerstone of this to find the perpetrators as quickly as possible. Israel's 1948 War of Independence. The final peace enterprise," Barak said. Wolfgang Nossen, a Jewish communal leader in agreement Israel and the Palestinians are trying to Israel Television broadcast an interview in which the eastern state of Thurin-gia, criticized local reach will have a deep impact on Jordan's domestic Abdullah said Jerusalem should serve as a capital politicians for not doing more to discourage rights politics. for both Israel and the Palestinians. wing extremism. "Thuringia is a marching zone "I believe on the political levels that Jerusalem and a test ground for the neo-Nazis," he was quoted Abdullah traveled to Israel for a four-hour visit Sunday, steering his royal yacht from t h e has enough room for a Palestinian and an Israeli as saying. "While their demonstrations, are forbidJordanian resort of Aqaba to the neighboring capital," he said. "On the religious side, I believe den in other states, they are allowed in Thuringia." that Jerusalem should be a city for all of us, an German officials are still unsure who was responIsraeli resort of Eilat. Abdullah was accompanied by his Palestinian open city." sible for the attack, which caused no injuries. wife, Queen Rania, and was greeted by Israeli Israel and the Palestinians have been working to The synagogue was spared extensive damage Prime Minister Ehud Barak at a red carpet cere- reach a framework for a final peace accord by next because the homemade bomb was badly designed, mony at an Israeli naval base in Eilat. month, with the aim of completing the accord itself police said. Police are investigating neo-Nazi Abdullah urged Barak to continue his attempt to by a Sept. 13 deadline. groups in the area. The Berliner Zeitung newspatrade land for peace with the Palestinians. The talks have been much on the mind of per said police were also considering whether a "Land for peace has been accepted by all parties President Clinton, who met two weeks ago at the left-wing group had planted the attack in order to since 1991 and must continue to guide us wherever White House with Barak, and last week with discredit right-wing extremists. Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat. obstacles in the process emerge," Abdullah said. There have been an increasing number of He also said he is hopeful that there will be a Despite those meetings, Israeli and Palestinian attacks on Jewish cemeteries in recent years. The negotiators say they do not expect to meet the May last attack on a synagogue took place in Lubeck in deadline for reaching the framework agreement. 1995. Meanwhile, there were several other inciAfter holding two rounds of meetings recently dents linked to neo-Nazi celebrations of Hitler's near Washington, the two sides are slated to begin April 20 birthday. a new round of talks next Sunday in Eilat. €0 Year? Experience Police arrested people singing right-wing extrem-WithJewish- -•'.' The negotiators still have to resolve issues left over ist songs and hoisting Nazi flags in several cities. l arid Memorials from previous agreements, including an additional Police also reported increased neo-Nazi activity in Israeli withdrawal from portions of the West Bank the former East Germany, where right-wing and the opening of a second safe-passage route for extremism and neo-Nazism have been on the rise Palestinians traveling between the West Bank and since Germany reunified 10 years ago. Gaza Strip. A first route opened last year. Gay couples return to court In addition, the two sides must tackle a host of difficult final-status issues, including t h e to gain housing at Yeshiva U. Palestinian refugee question, Jewish settlements and Jerusalem. =LDCKSMITHB by Julie Wiener Abdullah had previously planned to visit Israel, but postponed those trips because of tensions in the NEW YORK (JTA) -Yeshiva University is ; Israeli-Palestinian talks. In addition to the peace enmeshed in its own battle over gay and lesbian ASK FOR... | track, he and Barak discussed trade and tourism couples less than a month after the Reform move! projects — including a joint Eilat-Aqaba airport — in ment affirmed the right of its rabbis to officiate at : meetings that also included government ministers same-gender commitment ceremonies. | from both countries. Two lesbian students and a gay-lesbian-bisexual MULTIMILUON DOLLAR CAREER SALES Despite U.S. government protests, student group are suing Yeshiva University's Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York For Experienced Professional Service In states pursue unpaid claims for barring same-sex couples from living in its subThe Sale Of Your Home sidized, on-campus married-student housing. by Sharon Samber Gay and lesbian students at the university, like CBSHOME Res: 334-7257 WASHINGTON (JTA) - As the complex battle over other students, are eligible for university housing, REAL ESTATE^ Bus: 498-8300 unpaid Holocaust-era insurance claims continues in but their nonstudent partners are not. the international arena, smaller skirmishes are being While Yeshiva University is officially a nonsecplayed out in states across the United States. tarian institution except for its Orthodox rabbinical In 1998, an international commission with strong school, it is the oldest and largest American univerleadership from the United States was established sity under Jewish auspices. According to Orthodox to address the issue of unpaid insurance policies of interpretation, Jewish law strongly prohibits homoPlease give us the following Information: Holocaust survivors or their heirs. sexual relationships, and Orthodox leaders have NAME :•' The commission launched its full-scale claims been outspoken in condemning the Reform rabbis' and outreach program in February, targeting recent resolution on same-sex unions. OLD ADDRESS European insurance companies that never paid out Although the case was dismissed in New York's I C1TY; STATE ,2IP_ insurance policies to the appropriate beneficiaries. Supreme Court on March 15, 1999, the students But some states feel the commission — which is backed by the American Civil Liberties Union - are (Or, attach your mailing label) charged with getting insurance companies to join appealing. They had their first court hearing April NEW ADDRESS ' ' it, publish names of policyholders and pay out 19 before a panel of judges in the New York those policies to survivors or their heirs — is not Supreme Court's Appellate Division. CITY, STATE, ZIP. progressing fast enough. The students' attorney, James Esseks, argued that NEW PHONE And they are taking the issue into their own by requiring students to present a marriage certifihands. Last week, Minnesota became the latest cate in order to receive couples housing, the universiI Effective Date_ state to enact comprehensive laws that make it ty's policy has a disparate impact on homosexual couIf moving out of town, please check one: easier for victims to recover their claims. ples who are unable to marry. Thus, he argued, it Discontinue Press_ , Bill me A year ago Washington State passed t h e violates city and state human rights laws. Full-time college studen Holocaust Victims Insurance Act of 1999. It estabYeshiva's attorney, Mark Jacoby, said that the lished a Holocaust Survivor Assistance Office to university has a limited amount of student housing assist survivors and heirs in recovering proceeds available, and while it can provide housing to the Mall this coupon 3 weeks in advance to: from insurance policies and other assets that were children and spouses of students it cannot "open up The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St. improperly denied or processed. Omaha, NE 68154 to all people who want to live with a partner." -
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
TONI ROSEN
April 28,2000
Mamage FraEDMANAVEILL Holly Friedman and David Weill_were married^ on Sunday, April 9, at Beth El Synagogue. The bride, daughter of Sheryl and Arthur Friedman, graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a B.S. in elementary and special education. She is currently employed through Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS) as a community teacher. She is also the USY adviser at Beth El. The groom, son of former Omahans Richard and Judy Weill, is a graduate of the University of Nebraska School of Law. He is a partner with Kutak Rock law firm. Following a honeymoon in Hawaii, the couple will reside in Omaha.
CALENDAR FOR MAY BBYO Tuesday, May 2,9,16,23 and 30 BBYO night, 6 p.m. Sunday, May 7 Rush for incoming freshman for MZ Yoshanah BBG and Chaim Weizmann AZA Saturday, May 18 . i Rush for incoming freshman*for Ediar-BBG-and AZA#1 Saturday, May 20 Rush'for incoming freshman for MZ Yoshanah BBG and Chaim Weizmann AZA Sunday, May 21 Rush for incoming freshman for Ediar BBG and AZA #1 Saturday, May 27 BBG Beau Dance, 7:30 p.m., at the JCC Tuesday, May 30 Pledge night for new BBYOers, 6 p.m. For more information about the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, call BBYO Director Julie Kushner at 334-6404.
YACHAD For more information about YACHAD, call adviser Linda Novak at 496-8576.
NCSY ••: Friday-Sunday, May 5-7 Sr. Shabbaton in Minneapolis Thursday-Sunday, May 18-21 Jr. Shabbaton at Camp Chi, WI Thursday-Sunday, May 25-28 Sr. Shabbaton at Camp Chi, WI For more information about National Conference for Synagogue Youth, call advisor Scott Lewis at 598-5822.
NCSY plans Jr. Shabbaton in Wisconsin Dells Greater Midwest Region of NCSY will host a Shabbaton for Jr. NCSYers at Camp Chi. The weekend includes sports, a visit to the Wisconsin Dells, a live band and traditional Shabbat experience. Students in grades 5-7, regardless of background or synagogue affiliation are eligible to attend. Cities in the region include Chicago, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Omaha, Des Moines and Winnepeg. ' • For more information, call Scott Lewis, or the Region office at 1-847-677-6279.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Can Jews donate their organs? Dear Gil: I am interested in donating my organs when the time comes but I heard that as part of the Jewish religion we were not allowed. I have been looking everywhere for an answer about Jewish beliefs. Do you have any idea? . . . , L DearL: I must start by wishing you a long and healthy life and that "the time does not come" anytime soon ...unless you are talking about donating blood marrow or one of your kidneys! But I am glad you have asked such an important question. There is a widespread misconception held by many Jews that organ transplantation is prohibited by Jewish law. In a study done in the Toronto Jewish community, the most often cited reason for not signing an organ donation card was that the Jewish religion forbids such ah act. Guess what? They are wrong. There are requirements within. Judaism about showing respect to the body after death. Specifically not to mutilate the body, benefit from the body and to bury the body as soon as possible. But this has not stopped Conservative, Orthodox and Reform rabbis from endorsing the concept of organ transplant. For the most part, the rationale is based on the Jewish law of pekuach ne/esA...the saving of a life. The law of pekuach nefesh requires that almost all Jewish law must be violated if necessary to save a life! Obviously transplanting an organ can save a life. The main question is when does death occur according to Jewis'h law. The Jewish definition of death "is the absence of spontaneous respiration in • patients with no other signs of life." A person who is brain dead and kept alive only by machines fits the Jewish definition of dead. Two sad but inspiring Jewish donors are Joseph Kroot z'l of Kentucky and Alisa Flatow z'l of New Jersey. I use the present tense because although Joseph and Alisa have passed away, they and their families continue to give in the form of teaching other Jews about organ transplants. Both Joseph and Alisa were young when their lives ended and both of their parents consulted with rabbis before making the decision to donate parts of their children's bodies so that others might benefit and live. The Kroots have uBed the loss of their son, thendecision and the fact that six living people benefited from donations from Joseph as an opportunity to teach other Jews about Judaism's positions on organ transplant. On the Internet they have posted pages in memory of their son with a wealth of information.
To read more, on the web, go to: http// transweb.org/reference/articles/religion/shalomarticle.html On one such page, they write: "We know that Joseph did not live a long life, but his life was full. He was kind, generous, a little impish, and Jewish. He could not read well, but his corneas are now reading. He didn't find the cure to cancer, but he did follow the Jewish mitzvah of pekuach nefesh and 'saved lives.' We are reminded of... the Talmudic saying, 'He, who saves a life, saves the world.' What an honor for our Joseph." Similarly, the parents of Alisa made the decision to donate tissue from her body. In the process they educated the entire State of Israel and many others elsewhere about Jewish teaching about organ transplantation. Alisa was an American student studying in Israel when she became the victim of a terrorist attack in 1995. Like Joseph, tissue from Alisa was donated to six people on the transplant waiting list. "People have called it a brave decision, a righteous decision, a courageous decision. To us it was simply the right thing to do at the tune," said her father. Their decision had a huge emotional and educational impact on a grieving Israel. Personally, I was also deeply moved especially upon hearing the words of tribute spoken by Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin's six months after her death when he said, "Alisa Flatow's heart beats in Jerusalem." When a person dies, Jews often say "may their memory be as a blessing." To me, the memories of Joseph Kroot and Alisa Flatow are blessings. I hope learning about them, theirs parents and Judaism's attitude about transplants, will motivate you and everyone else who reads these words, to talk to your family and then do as I have done: designate yourself as a donor on your driver's license or a donor card. Thanks for writing. ••
. ' : • • • • • . • • •
. ' - G i l
Gil Mann, is the Author oft How to Get More Out of Being Jewish Even If: A. You are not sure you believe in God, B. You think going to synagogue is a waste of time, C. You think k e e p i n g k o s h e r is stupid, D. You hated Hebrew School, or E. All of the above! He makes no money from book sales (to order call: 800-304-9925,) his work on America Online or this column. Visit his area of AOL (Keyword: Judaism Today,) for a free download of the first two chapters of his book and other Q & A with Gil. He welcomes your EMail comments and questions about this col' umn or any subject Write to: DearGil@aol.com
A Gift for Mom On this Mother's Day, give her a gift that she will use all year long...
a JCC Membership or an upgrade to the Women's New Health Spa. Clip this ad and receive 5% off of your total membership fee or Health Spa upgrade. If you include Dad on this gift, you can apply that 5% discount toward their combined membership.
For more information, contact Lisa Shkolnick at 334-6425.
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28,2000
Spielberg documentaries to air May 25 on HBO During the last days of World War II, though it was clear Nazi Germany would be defeated, Adolf Hitler refused to give up his war against the Jews. His forces urgently pursued the killing of the largest remaining Jewish population of Europe: the Jews of Hungary. Winner of last year's Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, The Last Days tells the extraordinary story of five Hungarian survivors who endured the desperate fury of the Holocaust in its darkest days. This exclusive HBO presentation debuts on Thursday, May 25, from 7:30-10 p.m. The film will be repeated on May 28, May 31, June 12 and June 22. (Check local listings for exact times.) An additional documentary short feature, Children of the Night, about the more than one million children who died during the Holocaust, will debut immediately before The Last Days at 7 p.m. on May 25. Hungarian Jews suffered some of the most brutal crimes ever committed against humanity. While the annihilation of the German Jewish population took more than 12 years, the systematic destruction of the Hungarian Jews was carried out in less than four months. Executively produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by James Moll, The Last Days is a production of Spielberg's Shoah Foundation, whose mission is to preserve eyewitness testimonies of Holocaust survivors. (In Omaha, Dr. Ben Nachman is involved in the Shoah Foundation project.) Celebrating the triumph of the human spirit, the documentary tells, the stories of five U.S. Citizens—a grandmother, a teacher, a businessman, an artist and a United States Congressman—who grew up in Hungary, the last country to be invaded and plundered by German forces in World War II. The film chronicles their return, 50 years later, to their Hungarian homeland, from the villages of Carpathia to
T
Above: Congressman Tom Lantos with his wife Annette, are featured in the Oscar-winning documentary feature The Last Days, the cosmopolitan city of Budapest, to the ghettos and concentration camps where they were incarcerated. The Last Days interweaves eyewitness accounts from the five survivors, as well as three American liberators, and features a rare interview with Dr. Hans Munch, a former Nazi doctor who performed medical experiments at Auschwitz. •
about Hungarian survivors of the Holocaust. Below: Irene Zisblatt, right, with her childhood housekeeper. Pivotal historical footage and photographs, along with rare, never-seenbefore footage discovered during the making of The Last Days, are also featured in this film. The five survivors include Tom Lantos, Alice Lok Cahana, Renee Firestone, Bill Basch and Irene Zisblatt. Lantos is the only Holocaust sur-
vivor ever elected to the U. S. Congress.' He invited his grandchildren to join him on his journey, returning to Budapest, where, after his family perished, he lived in a safe house provided by Raoul Wallenberg. Cahana traveled to the newly discovered Bergen-Belsen gravesite of a sister she lost. An internationally known artist, she was joined on the trip by her husband, children and grandchildren. Firestone, a Jewish educator, interviewed the Nazi doctor who subjected her sister, Klara, to experiments. Basch, a Los Angeles businessman, remembered being forced to make untenable choices as a teenager in order to survive Buchenwald. And Zisblatt, a grandmother now living in America, recalled the stunning betrayal by "good neighbors" and being forced to the ghetto and to Auschwitz. Of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, more than a million-and-a-half were children. In just 18 minutes, Children of the Night paints an unforgettable portrait of the Holocaust's youngest, most innocent victims. Combining rare, neverbefore-seen film and photographic images with a haunting poetic narration, the short documentary conveys the overwhelming sense of loss of these children and the importance of keeping their memories alive. Produced by six-time Academy Award winner Arthur Cohn, the film is written and narrated by Marion Wiesel, wife of Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel. Children of the Night will be repeated on May 27, May 30 and June 12. The Omaha community will commemorate Yom HaShoah, Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust, on Wednesday, May 3, 7 p.m., at Beth El Synagogue. The program features educatorGloria Kaslow, who taught'a class on the Holocaust for United Talmud Torah of Omaha and Beth El Synagogue for many years.
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