ewish Press
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS Vol. LXXDC
No. 36 Omaha, NE
Rabbi Flax tospeak at Friedel graduation
Andy Finkle, Courtney Rabb named Jewish Teen Leaders
by Diane Axler Baum
. Rabbi Ira Flax will deliver the commencement address at Friedel Jewish Academy's 12th annual graduation on Thursday, June 1, 7:30 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center theater.
This year's graduates are, from left: Ilya Poulektov, Kseniya Kilishek and Zev Eisenberg-Kohll. Each will make a short commencement speech. In his remarks, Rabbi Flax will explore the advantages of Jewish day school education in general and will look, in particular, at the ways, Friedel has shaped the Class of 2000. Jerry Gordman, chairman of the Friedel board, will offer greetings, and Michael L. Linn, Friedel Director, will present the introduction and welcome. They extend an invitation to members of the community to attend the commencement ceremonies and to celebrate with the graduates at the reception in their honor. Karin Levine, Friedel mom and Board member, will lead the assemblage in singing "The Star Spangled Banner" and "Hatikvah." Tuffy Epstein will serve as accompanist. The evening also will feature a slide show of the Academy's 1999-2000 school year, gift presentations, a musical performance by the entire student body, and "Ode to the Graduates" by the Friedel Women's Choir. In the "Ode," the faculty will pay individual tribute to Ilya, Kseniya and Zev. They will combine humor and sentiment to recall special times shared and wish them success in their future endeavors. (Continued on page 8)
by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director
Andy Finkle and Courtney Rabb have been selected as the 1999 Jewish Teen Leaders. They will be honored at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Omaha on June 26, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Finkle, 17, was nominated by B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO), and Rabb, also 17, was nominated by Beth El Synagogue USY. Julie Kushner, BBYO Director, said, "The impact Andy has made on BBYO is immeasurable. By Courtney Rabb serving on a wide variety of chapter and council boards, he has made wonderful things happen in BBYO and taught others that they, too, can make a difference. Andy has helped ensure the longevity of BBYO by encouraging others to become involved at a higher level than they expected for themselves." A senior at Burke High School, Andy is the current President of BBYO's Mid-America Omaha Council. During his four years of involvement in BBYO, Andy has served as Chapter President, Secretary, Moreh (teacher) and Treasurer. In addition, he worked on the AZA 75th Anniversary Community Celebration as the Youth Chair and received the Mid-America Region Top Freshman Educator Award in 1998. His volunteer interests expand beyond BBYO to the Jewish and non-Jewish community. He worked on this year's Kids Super Sunday for the Jewish Federation of Omaha, and has volunteered at the Ak-Sar-Ben Retirement Home, Make-aWish, and the Siena Francis House. Andy's leadership, maturity and ability to provide a positive role model to younger members of BBYO have made him a Jewish leader with a
Omaha Chapter of Hadassah to honor long-time members by Mary Fellman
Hadassah members and Associates over 80 years of age will be honored by the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah at the annual HIES luncheon on Wednesday, May 31, 11:45 a.m., at the Happy Hollow Coun-try Club, 1701S. 105th St. Also honored with a Hadassah Associate membership will be Dr. Howard Gendelman, a recent recipient of the Fulbright Research Scholar Award. Dr. Gendelman is Director of the Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His research involves finding new strategies for combatting the degenerative effects of such diseases as AIDS and Alzheimer's on the brain. This summer, he and his family will move to Israel where Dr. Gendelman will continue his research at the Weizmann Institute, through funding from his Fulbright award. The trio of Dr. Michael Yablonski, Dr. Gendelman and Dik Weiner will entertain the guests "In a Program of Music You Love." In addition, Anna Mosenkis will perform. Election and installation of officers will be included.
Joye Wees (left) and Carol Parsow are charing the upcoming Hadassah HIES luncheon. ior me luuciieun is 9x0 per person. Reservations may be made with co-chairmen Joye Wees and Carol Parsow by calling them at 4980812 or 289-3211. The HIES project provides for Hadassah Education Services in Israel, which uses the latest theories of secondary and community college career oriented schooling.
bright future. The son of Judi and David Finkle, Andy will attend Emory University in the fall. Courtney, daughter of Steve and Lori Rabb, graduated from Millard North High School last week and will attend Brandeis University in the fall. USY Director Holly Friedman said, "Courtney is a very positive role model. Whatever she does, it is with a positive attitude. She is a good student, involved in Andy Finkle many outside activities, and the synagogue. She has achieved a balance in her life that many people find difficult, and her peers look to her as one who demonstrates the right path to take in life." Courtney serves on the USY Executive Board as past president. Her prior positions within USY include Regional General Board Officer, President, Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice-president, Purim Carnival Chair and Dance-A-Thon Chair. One of her most outstanding accomplishments this year was the organization of the First Annual USY Talent Show. She advertised for talent, held auditions, held rehearsals and made a $600 profit. Courtney's other activities include serving as a TSS tutor at Beth El and working as a 5th grade aide for Talmud Torah classes. She has also worked as a student intern for the Jewish Press, which included writing many feature articles, and has been involved in a Jewish-Christian Dialogue program. Courtney's dedication to the Omaha Jewish community, along with her creative and leadership abilities, make her a fine recipient for the Jewish Teen Leadership award. . : • . , .
JFS hires Steve Stiel as Executive Director Frank Flatowicz, President of the Board of Jewish Family Service, announced that Steven Stiel has been hired as the Executive Director of JFS. Stiel has a Master of Social Work degree, and has worked for Child Saving Institute and Family Connections, Inc., providing intensive family preservation services. Most recently, he was a therapist at Maplewood Counseling, working with adolescents with chemical dependency and conduct disorder problems. Prior to obtaining his MSW, Stiel worked for five years in administration for non-profit organizations. He also brings with him financial experience having worked in investments for both Fidelity Investments, Inc., and the Trust Department at First National Bank of Omaha.
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May 19,2000
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FRIDAY MAY 19 High School Graduation & Service, 8 p.m., at Temple Israel SATURDAY, MAY 20 C Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple L TSS Awards Day/Staff Lunch, Noon, at Beth El p Humash class, 8 p.m., at Beth El 8, ; SUNDAY.MAY21 :^ Mitzvah Day, noon> at Temple Israel A Israel Experience Prep Class, 1:30 p.m. V Beth Israel "Discovery Program", 2 p.m. E Beth Israel Torah T.V., 7 p.m., at RBJH Auditorium MONDAY.MAY22 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. "In the News", 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel . TUESDAY, MAY 23 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Sisterhood Board Meeting, 7 p.m., at Temple Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 _ Visions Lunch & touring the Joslyn, 11:30 a.m. c L
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& A
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All events held at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jewish Press Is not responsible for the accuracy of the events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.
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CHARLOTTE STEIN Charlotte Stein died April 27 at the age of 85. She served as t h e , ParashaBehar National President i In this week's parasha, G-d commands the of Na'amat U S A ' Israelites after entering the promised land to (formally Pioneer * observe every seventh year the Laws of the Women) for tw Sabbatical Year / Shemittah (Lev 25, 1-7) and, consecutive terms after the seventh sabbatical year, to top it off with from 1973-1977. In the Laws of the Jubilee Year / Yovel (Lev 25, 8-18). addition, she I My friends, if this Torah portion is read in a served on their I hurry, it would certainly make no sense at all to executive board for I us. We are asked to abandon the fields every sev- over a decade and enth year, then celebrate an extra year of rest after on the Board of the I the 49th year and to wait, patiently, for the tran- National Council of j spiring time required of the planting, growing and Jewish Women. harvesting season to replenish the food bin. She was a person- ' . . Where will the needed nourishment to sustain al friend of Gold a Charlotte Stein, nghVand Prune life come from during this period and, besides, who Meir and often m e t M u s t e r Golda Meir. concocted such a fallacy? Or. . .maybe, contrary to with political leaders including President Carter rushed opinions, it may be the masterpiece/mag- and his wife, Roslyn, and President Ford. num opus of G-d's will and human's worthiness. Survivors include two daughters, Nonna Dryce Yes! The Shemittah year and the Yovel year and Vivian Finkelstein; six grandchildren, includobservance, as well as all of the Torah's Laws, are ing HarriB Finkelstein, Director of the Kripke G-d given, driven and expected to be followed even Federation Library; and eight great-grandchildren. after the freedom of choice was allowed to man. Memorials to Na'amat USA, 350 5th Ave, STE This parasha reaffirms anew the basic and, with- 4700, NY, NY 10118, and t h e American out doubt, the legal ownership of the world. Its con- Alzheimer's Association, 919 North Michigan Ave, tents and surroundings directly belong to the STE 1100, Chicago, IL 60611. Memorials will also Supreme Creator of Heaven and Earth, "To me is be accepted for the Kripke Federation Library. the land" (Exodus 25:23). Only He, G-d, could envision and command such SEYMOUR STEINBERG a happening to succeed on a timely basis. An earthServices for Seymour Steinberg were held May. 15 ling cannot guarantee a harvest from the earth at at Golden Hill Cemetery. He was 61. any time and especially after prolonged periods of Survivors include his wife, Georgia Ann; son, dormancy. A human creature cannot produce Jeffrey; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and enough food to last the full term of abstention and Shane Perrin; grandchildren, Joshua and Rylee, all the new growth period reenacts. of Omaha; sisters, Celia Berman of California and . And only G-d, as the author of the Torah (Exodus Leija Schulwolf of Chicago. 16:4. "Then said the Lord to Moses. . .that I may Memorials to the Yachad Foundation, c/o the test them, whether they will walk in my Torah or Jewish Federation, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE not."). Rabbi Moshe Sofer (the Chasm Sofer of 68154. Pressburg, Hungary) explains G-d is the One who can make such a prediction and promise. To Him, everything belongs and we are commanded to enjoy His fruits and possessions for the limited time allotted to us but with the need to remember that at a determined point, it will all revert back to its true owner and then a fresh cycle starts anew. The Mid-America Council of Boys Scouts of The number seven symbolically alludes to the America merged with the Prairie Gold Council earcycle of creation (six work days and day of rest) lier this month as a result of a unanimous vote by and, together with the Jubilee year, gives total tes- the two council's Board of Trustees. timony to the fullness of G-d's powers, bringing Geographically, the council will cover one of the home the realization that work, freedom and own- largest territories in the country, taking in 58 ership have dire responsibilities and consequences. counties in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. We are also taught to direct our life in the same According to Lloyd Roitstein, Scout Executive for manner as the person who sows and harvests the the Mid-America Council, this merger will benefit . fields for six years and withdraws on the seventh the youth in the program by providing the year. The first 10 years of man's life are in an resources and manpower needed to make the valimmature state. ues-based programs of the Boy Scouts available to The next 50 years of man's productivity should be more youth. spent learning Torah, doing good deeds (mitzvoth) . Troop #218 meets regularly a t the Jewish and producing for the benefit man and the Glory to Community Center. For more information about G-d, stopping on the seventh decade to take the troop or Scout activities, call 431-9272. account and remedy actions needed not to be shamed when the naked soul will stand in judgZimriyah Songfest at Beth El ment in front of the Throne of Glory. L ~ ~ ~~. ~ by Ozzie Nogg ~ In Humility in Judaism, Rabbi Yehuda Appel (Aish HaTorah Cleveland) explains, "It is not You've heard of the 'Shoot Out At the O-K defined as a poor self-image. Judaism says that Corral?' And the 'Playoffs In the NBA?' Well, the humility is a clear, objective understanding of competition will be just as fierce and the suspense exactly who you are. The truly humble person rec- just as keen during Beth El Synagogue's first ever ognizes his strengths and weaknesses relative to Zimriyah—a student/faculty Hebrew songfest— himself, to others and to G-d. He entertains no planned for Sunday, May 21, 11 a.m. -noon. false notions about his place in the scheme of Selections presented during this musical morning things." will include simple Alef-Bet nursery songs, rousing A Gutten Shabbes. Israeli folk tunes and melodies from the worship service. According to Scott Littky, Beth El Education Director, "Over 150 of our BESTT kids, from three years old through seventh grade, have been working with Hazzan Horwitz all year as part of the A Labor Day weekend reunion will celebrate Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah music curricuAZA's 75th anniversary in Milwaukee and BBG's lum. Each class has prepared two short songs as 57th, 'according to organizer Jim Ansfield. Along their part of the competition. Twenty BESTT with ct(-Qhairs Elaine Appel and Betsy Green, the teachers will also perform. Student and faculty commi$t$e is looking for former members of both enthusiasm is running high and we hope to make B'nai B'rith Youth Organizations for the Sept. 3 this first-ever Zimriyah a Beth El tradition." Anna Moaenkis, pianist, will accompany the event. For more information, call the Milwaukee BBYO office, 1-414-963-1400, or contact them via e- Zimriyah. The program is free and open to the mail at: wiscbbyo@execpc.com, subject: reunion. community.
Mid-America Boy Scout Council merges
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
I THURSDAY, MAY 25 P Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. i Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple CJL Lecture, Nancy Rappaport, 11:15 a.m. s USY Final Banquet, 6 p.m., at Beth El * LOVE Board Meeting, 7 p.m., at RBJH Conference. Room E
Maximo
Wisconsin Region BBYO celebrates anniversary
May 19,2000
BETH ISRAEL. SYNAGOGUE
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":, '••-„ Ortiiod^JsjrtsIiConffHJgationi of America •;
1502 No. 52nd Street, Omaha, NE 68104-5013 FRIDAY: Shabbat service and High School Graduation, 8 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. Graduates will participate in this special milestone in their continuing religious education. The following graduates have maintained their commitment through active participation in the school: Nicole Cohn, daughter of Linda and Steve Cohn; J a y Kulakofsky, son of Janie and Alan Kulakofsky; Joshua Needelman, son of Lee and Howard Needelman; and Whitney Taxman, daughter of Sherry and Jeffrey Taxman. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Sally Fox and Michael Sirotkin, Marsha Fox, and Wendy and Todd Manvitz in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their niece, Naomi Alloy Fox, and by Temple's High School families. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 ajn.; Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a.m. Naomi Alloy Fox, daughterof Shelly and Rick Fox, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. ; 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. Make a reservation at the Temple office. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY, May 25 Sisterhood Adult Education, 10-11:30 ajn. Professor Leonard Greenspoon will teach.
Member"oftlTo Union of American Hebrew Congregations f^2O61 S. 20th St.;, Lincoln, NE 68502-2707 ,435-,80O4 „ . , jewishnebra8ka.org Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. Friday, May 19 - Sunday May 21: Shabbat Retreat FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 pan. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10 ajn. MONDAY: Adult Hebrew crash course, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Adult Education-Pirke Avot, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: AA meeting in the library, 7:30 p.m.
. •Bethlsrael@taovia.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. FRDDAY: Services, 7 p.m. West Minyan at the home of Leon and Dani Shrago, 805 So. 120th Ave., 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; Pirkei Avos class with Rabbi Kutner, 7:45 p.m.; Mincha, 8:15 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 8:25 p.m.; Congregational annual meeting, 10 a.m., at the synagogue-agenda includes election of a new Board of Commissioners; Beth Israel hosts Aish HaTorah's "World Perfect" Discovery Seminar, 2 p.m., at the JCC auditorium. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 8:25 p.m. TUESDAY: Class with Rabbi Shlomo Levin, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi's Talmud Class, 7 p.m.
Vr : .. VTIFERETH ISRAEl,
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'/•''• Member of the United Synagogue. ,- • " •• '^ ' of Conservative Judaism, , „ 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincohi, NE 68502-5236 " ' • , - • 423-8569 • . Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7:15 a.m. ' FRIDAY: Early Family Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Parashat Naso. Services, 9:30 a.m. TUESDAY:LAG B'OMER WEDNESDAY: Final Day, Religious School
, B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE/ . . . 618 Mynster Sfc, Council Bluffs, IA 5^503-0766 Phone:322-4705 '„ • E-MAIL: docjeb@aol.com JTUDAY: Services, 7:30 pan. The topic of discussion is: "Just how holy is Holy Writ and its authenticity for Jews?" An Oneg Shabbat will follow.
Jewish P r e s s , Omaha, NE
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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 WKB-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. FRDDAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9-.30 a.m. Alex Raksin, son of Leonid and Irina Ratsin, will become a Bar Mitzvah.Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; TSS (Torah Siddur Skills), 10 a.m.; Ktantan, 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story time, 11 ajn,; Humash with Rashi study session, 8:05 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:35 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Perek Yomi "Read a Chapter a Day" group, 10:15 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Bat Mitzvah Shayna Abra Kurland, daughter of Sandra and Allen Kurland, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 27, at Beth El Synagogue. She will lead Friday night services at B'nai Israel Synagogue on May 26. Shayna is a seventh grade honor student at Kirn Jr. High School in Council Bluffs. She enjoys acting, singing, dancing, reading, and playing her musical instruments - piano, violin, trumpet, French horn, and harp. Her poetry has been selected for national competition and she is involved in many activities such as Destination Imagination, Leadership Academy, Science Olympiad, and Swing Choir. Shayna has two brothers, Ruvane and Mendel. Grandparents are Josephine and Hymen Simes, the late Robert Berg and the late Lillian and Hymie Kurland.
JNF Israel Experience: still spaces available by Stephanie R. Stein
SATURDAY: Services, 9 cum, 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.
"S^OFFUtr AIR FORCE BAfcEv'.f lianaCapehart, Omaha, NEy^BllEWSOOO, Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. CHABAD HOUSE, <V v Cv^ > An Affiliate of the Worldwide Gh&b£Ul-l4iliavft(&*A)ic7ircn]^
1866 So. 120th St., Omaha,'NE 6B144-1646 -
Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRTOAY: Kabbalat Shabbat SATURDAY: Services, 9:80 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul,
11:45 a.m.-l pjn.
FRIDAY: Special annual end-of-school Shabbat, 7:30 p.m., to honor all students, staff and parents. Religious School: Summer Vacation. Classes resume August 20.
Chabad hosts children's events for Shavuos by DevraBram The Chabad House will sponsor a children's Torah Art Contest in celebration of Shavuos. Children can pick a theme from the Torah or Pirkei Avos such as "the world stands on three things: torah, prayer, and acts of loving kindness" and create an art project. On Sunday, J u n e 4, from 10 a.m.-noon, the Chabad House will conduct a Torah Art Contest Workshop. Children age three and over "can create an entry for the Contest. Materials are provided; cost is $5. To reserve a place, call Elizabeth at 3301800. • . On Friday, J u n e 9 at 11 a.m., Shavuos Family Service will be followed by dairy lunch and makeyour-own sundaes. Come as a family to hear the Ten Commandments and celebrate. To RSVP, call 330-1800.
There are still spaces available for the Jewish National Fund Israel Experience - Encounter EcoZionism Tour for college students, taking place July 23-Aug. 9. For only $1180 (including airfare from NY), students can explore the wonders of Israel and discover Israel's unique environment first-hand. The participants will be hiking, climbing, rapelling, biking, jeep riding, kayaking, snorkeling, and sleeping under starry skies! Students will make a physical connection to the land as they plant and work on Campus Hill in Jerusalem. Meet with experts on water conservation, afforestation and land development; study Jewish environmental texts with skilled educators and religious leaders; discover ways to implement ecoZionist programming on campus; and interact with Israelis. . The deadline for applications has been extended to May 31, 2000. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 1-212-879-9305 ext. 330 or email me at: sstein@jnf.org. V
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 19,2000
The Holocaust is still with us More than a half a century after Allied soldiers liberated the concentration camps, the Holocaust is still with us. A number of grave concerns now face us as a Jewish community entering the 21st century. According to recent reports, three out of four claims made by Holocaust survivors for restitution are being rejected. Are the insurance firms and banks once again showing their antiSemitic bias by claiming "incomplete documentation?" The numbers of claims paid is appallingly low. And it's bound to go lower as more and more Holocaust survivors die, this time of natural death. That brings us to point two: as the number of survivors dwindle, who will replace them as the witnesses and storytellers of the most horrific genocide of our lifetime? Gloria Kaslow raised that question in her eloquent speech on Yom HaShoah. "Who will remember?" she asked, and "how will we remember?" she
Focus on Issues
posed as a question for parents, rabbis, educators and the community. Many in this community have participated in Steven Spielberg's Shoah Project, by either interviewing, as Dr. Ben Nachman has, or telling their stories, as some Omaha survivors have. But the Shoah Project stopped when HOPPEL POPPEL they reached their goal of 50,000 video interviews. What of those who are left? The third issue of concern is the "deJudaizing" of the Holocaust. Art Epstien has written several times to this paper asking that non-Jews be included in remembrance ceremonies. However, no one, not one single religious organization (Jewish or otherwise) has ever publically discussed holding such services for non-Jews who died. Is that now our responsibility, too? Some Jewish religious groups have created a Shoah service, others a Shoah seder. The further we get from the actual Holocaust, the less impact it will have. Kaslow has asked the right questions. It's time for some answers.
by Ken Eichenbiuir. VEA«! THMIS » W COX, GRAM t DONT THINK
CHECK OUT TOE NUMBER OH TOUR GRAMMA'SAJW.
Confusion plagues survivors seeking Holocaust restitution
•
by Sharon Samber
"I wouldn't dream of giving that up," she said. WASHINGTON (JTA) - There is something going on in the world of Holocaust restitution — and She was also incensed that Golan charges up to a it's called confusion. 10 percent fee of the compensation award. Amid a morass of funds being established by "We should pay? We're only waiting 55 years" for Swiss banks, insurance companies and German compensation," she said angrily. firms that used slave labor, survivors and their Responding to these concerns, Golan, who is not heirs are finding it difficult — if not impossible — toan attorney but employs attorneys on her staff, figure out what kind of compensation they may be said people can handle their claims alone, but some entitled to. And they are unsure what steps they prefer professional assistance to help them fight need to take to receive payment. through the bureaucracy. "I'm so confused," said Peggy Tredler, a survivor On her Web site under explanations about of Auschwitz who lives in Hollywood, FL, who German .compensation for survivors of concentrathinks she is eligible for severalfdrms of compensa- tion camps, Golan lists the addresses of the Claims tion. "I really don't know what to do." Conference in the United States, Israel and Many become outraged when they think they Germany. As for the slave and forced labor funds, she said she keeps her clients informed about their have to pay for assistance with their claims. The catch is, they don't. Every fund has or will current status. establish assistance for claimants. Elan Steinberg, executive director of the World The International Commission on Holocaust Era Jewish Congress, said he finds these lawyers' pracInsurance Claims, for example, has already set up tices "troubling." a free claims process for those who have been If individuals have property claims, there may be unable to collect on insurance policies taken out a need for a lawyer because there are often complibefore World War II. cated questions of municipal law, Steinberg said, But most of the funds are not yet established and but in most cases a lawyer is unnecessary. are not near the point of accepting claims and dis"They will not get funding any faster with a bursing money. Nevertheless, some lawyers are lawyer," he said. "There's this impression that you signing up survivors and assisting them with their will do better if you have a lawyer; you won't." applications and charging fees for their services. Survivors may see reports of negotiations for It's not illegal, but many feel it's unethical - or at compensation and think they should apply right least in poor taste. And officials involved in restitu- away. For example, the forced and slave labor negotion efforts say they are concerned about a few tiations have been in the news lately and the fund unscrupulous lawyers taking advantage of vulnera- is about $5.2 billion. Compensation awards will be ble individuals. up to $2,500 for each forced laborers and up to Survivors, meanwhile, are flustered by offers of $7,500 for each slave laborer. assistance, and some are uncertain about whether But promises of money from the slave labor fund or not they should get a lawyer. are premature because the German government • Emmi Loewenstern, a survivor who lives in has yet to pass the legislation required for the fund. Philadelphia, said a family member gave her a The government also must take administrative phone number to call about a one-time compensa- steps before any disbursal of funds can take place. tion for survivors of concentration camps or ghetRoman Kent, a participant in the negotiations with tos. The number turned out to be for Yaffa Golan the Germans, said many survivors - not just in the Investments and Finances, a group based in Israel United States, but also around the world - are conthat works to assist Holocaust survivors with fused about their claims and feel more secure if they claims for a number of different funds. get a lawyer But Kent, who is also chairman of the When Loewenstern received the application, she American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors, saw that she would have to sign away her power of said much of the confusion stems from misleading statements and ads from lawyers. . attorney. 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 402-3345422; E-mail <yshprcss@aol.com> ' Periodical postago paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. ,
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Gideon Taylor, executive vice president of the Claims Conference, which anticipates handling many applications for slave labor compensation, says the claims forms, which could be available by the fall, will be "simple, clear and easy to fill in." Taylor also said there will be a major outreach program, and public announcements will be made to hundreds of survivor groups. Meanwhile, Tredler, the survivor from Florida, is left wondering how to proceed.. She said she was contacted by a lawyer a long time ago about getting payments from "a fund set up by Swiss banks." • After filling out an application, she expected hundreds of dollars in compensation for both herself and her husband, but she never heard anything further. That lawyer, Ed Fagan, who has been . involved in many aspects of Holocaust-era restitution, including several class actions lawsuits, did not respond to several phone calls for comment. Now Tredler is apprehensive about the applications she has sent in for insurance claims. How to find help when filing a claim ' The International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims has set up a process to handle, insurance claims of Holocaust victims, survivors, and their heirs and beneficiaries. For claim forms and more information, call toll-free in the United States, 1-800-957-3203. Information is also available on the Internet at: www.icheic.org. The Claims Conference has negotiated compensation payments for Holocaust victims from Germany and Austria. There are several programs, with varying eligibility requirements and application deadlines. For further information in the United States, call (212) 696-4944 and ask for t h e Department of Services, Detailed information about these programs is,also available a t : www.claimscon.org. In August 1998, Switzerland's leading banks agreed to pay $1.25 billion to settle Holocaust-era claims. A U.S. court still has to approve a distribution plan. Once that happens, information about how to file a claim will be made available in a worldwide ad campaign. Potential claimants can also obtain information by contacting their local Jewish federation or Jewish Family Service. JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred T i c h a u e r , Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Steve Levinger; Howard K. Marcus; Linda ' Saltzman; George Schapiro; Steve Simon. Editorials expresa 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.
May 19,2000
What foods these mortals eat
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
BMW
by Carl Alpert
Haifa-Many weeks ago, we wrote Middle Eastern countries brought about foreign influences on Israeli with them their Arab-influenced culiculture, singling out especially nary traditions, and so couscous, English words and expressions which shishlik and kebab were quickly have been incorporated bodily into adopted by most Israelis. Halva, a the Hebrew language. sweet made of sesame seeds and Our daughter, Ruthy, an avid read- sugar, probably originating in er and critic of our writings, spoke up: Turkey, also became a favorite. "What about foreign influences on the What about the influence of the milIsraeli cuisine?" she asked. "True, lion immigrants who have come here McDonalds has added hamburgers to from the former Soviet Union in the Israeli diet, but nothing can com- recent years? The Russian cuisine pare with the Arab influence on the has won very little popularity among Israeli tasle." Israelis. For one thing, it IB heavy She seemed bursting with ideas, so and bland, and much dependent on we encouraged her to go on, and this pork. Arab cooking, on the other hand, following Islamic law, refrains is what we gleaned. Come and The Jews who arrived from Eastern from use of pork. That makes it more Test Drive Europe in the early days of settle- acceptable to those Israelis who, even ment brought with them the heavy though they may not observe strict the food so appropriate for the long win- kashrut, do avoid pork. ters of Europe. The different climate The Arab influence has spread to All New here made it necessary to seek for a many restaurants. Thus, Pizza Hut at more suitable diet, and as the pio- one time served its pizza with neers looked in the plates of their hummus. Haute cuisine has been influ- 3.0LX5 neighbors, the Arabs, they discovered enced as well, and fashionable restauStarting at hummus, a paste made of ground rants offer hummus soup with baked chickpeas with spices. They also dis- pita, and foie gras in tehina sauce. covered tehina, made from ground Israelis who prefer authentic Arab sesame seeds, and pita, the Arab food frequent Arab restaurants. The bread, and felafel. Who is to say that village of Abu Ghosh, near Jerusathese were not the basic foods of our lem, is invaded every weekend by ancestors here in biblical times? thousands of Israelis who crave their Arab dishes are based on locally- hummus. grown products, and make liberal use Indeed, a story now making the of local herbs, which make the food rounds is to the effect that the real very tasty. motive behind the Israel governA true salad here, copying from the ment's attempt to accelerate talks Arabs, is not just lettuce and dressing. with Syria stems from an uncontrolIt is made of tomatoes, cucumbers, let- lable desire to eat the famous humtuce and parsley, cut up veryfineand mus in Damascus. bathed in olive oil and lemon juice. Israelis are beginning to acquire A few years ago, the daily Ha'aretz skills in thiB field. Last September, published a list of 50 reasons why an Israeli chef, Moshe Basson, particpeople want to stay in Israel. A whole ipated in an international Couscous page was devoted to hummus, and Championship in Sicily. Other contesthe paper's commentator listed that tants came from Morocco, Algeria, food as the best reason for remaining Tunis and other countries. Libya canin the country. No mention otcholent, celled when they heard that an Special Israeli was taking part. tzimmes or gefilte fish. Lease and Winner of first prize-the Israeli!, Large numbers of immigrants from
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To the Editor: To the Editor: Whoever stated that a picture is There is a way you can help to win the release of Jonathan Pollard from worth a thousand words was certainly prison. It will cost you nothing. It can correct. Fm referring to the pictures on the front and back pages of last week's even save you money. . Jewish Press, both showing candleHere's how! Bush and Gore and other politicians lighting for Holocaust survivors. want your financial support now. (There are) only six candles in each When you receive letters soliciting picture. The survivors wear the fact as a badge of courage. I'm glad they're your contributions, do as I do. I send back the card they send me alive; I'm sorry that six million Jews in their self-addressed, usually were lost, but I (am) sorry about the postage paid, envelope. I write across other six million lives lost The so-called spirit of "Never Again" the card, "Free Pollard now! Money is only for Jews. It's time to let go of later!" Tell your friends and family to do the feelings that the Jews were the the same. When candidates begin to only ones who died in the camps. I have made contacts in Denver see thousands of these cards returned, they will get the idea. Only and Minneapolis to have people join then will they become interested in me at ceremonies, as well as in freeing Pollard, because they want Lincoln and Omaha, to be sure more than six candles are lit. I'm nearing your support. Now they want your money and completion (of) arrangements in your vote. Now we have the greatest Chicago, Kansas City and St. Louis opportunity to get our message to have the same happen (there). It is a shanda that the organizers need across. Jonathan Pollard has been in prison added help to truly be compassionate. Please, please, turn to the other for over 15 years and is serving a life sentence. He is the only person in the side of the coin. What does the Torah history of the United States to say about vengeance, not rememreceive a life sentence for spying for brance. . .vengeance? Arthur G. Epstien, an American ally. The median sentence for this offense is 2 to 4 years. Committee for a World Wide Irwin Goldenberg Holocaust Remembrance Day
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 19,2000
Organizations Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exercise starts at 10:15 a.m. in the auditorium.Or try your luck at Bingo with Eileen Remer at 10:15. Bring articles to share for the "YES Talk" discussion group at 11. Following lunch at noon, come enjoy Nebraska Through Song and Story by Nebraska Humanities Council Speaker Dr. Dan Holtz. Join students from the Friedel Jewish Academy and Child Development Center for this one-of-a-kind show. Special thanks to the Nebraska Humanities Council and the Schrager Foundation for their support. Make reservations with Maggie Conti at 334-6521. For transportation, call 330-4272. WALK-IN, DROP-IN There will be no meeting on Thursday. For those going on the day trip to Bluffs Run Casino, please meet at the Rose Blumkin front entrance by 8:45 a.m. For transportation, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. RUSSIAN CLUB Members will meet Friday, May 26, at the JCC. Exercise starts at 10 a.m.; lunch will be served at n. At 11:30 ajn., we will depart from the JCC for a day trip to the Joslyn Art Museum to see the Dale Chihuly exhibit. Cost of $6.50 includes transportation, lunch, admission to museum and tour with a docent. For reservations, call Lydia Linde at 697-9169. VISIONS Reminder: The Dale Chihuly: Inside & Out exhibit at the Joslyn Art Museum is Wednesday, May 24. At 11:30 a.m., dine at Joslyn's Le Cafe Durham; at 1 pjn., tour with docent will begin.
OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING SATURDAY, MAY 20, 6:45 p.m., a class on the weekly Torah portion, hosted by Rabbi Levin at his home, 2001 N. 56th St. MONDAY, MAY 22, 5 p.m., Carol Katzman hosts a class on Jewish prayer for Women, at her home, 9151 Harney St. TUESDAY, MAY 2 3 , 7:15 p.m., Mishna, Tractate Makot, hosted by Beth Israel Synagogue. WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 12-1 p.m., Lunch 'n Learn will focus on "Do not hate your brother in your heart-you must rebuke your fellows (Vayikra 19:17)." We will eat lunch together (please bring your own) in the JCC conference room, followed by study beginning at 12:20 p.m. THURSDAY, MAY 25, 7 pan., Talmud, tractate Sukka meets at Beth El Synagogue. For more information about these and other OCTL programs, please contact Rabbi Shlomo Levin at 551-1564.
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Visitors to the Omaha Children's Museum can now explore the inner workings of the grocery business in a scale model of Baker's Supermarkets. This hands-on, interactive exhibit opened last week at the museum, located at 500 So. 20 St. The exhibit is part of a three-year Venture Capital Campaign for programming and capital improvement projects to aid the museum in creating a vibrant environment with ever-changing activities that stimulate children of all ages. "We were very excited about collaborating with the Omaha Children's Museum, when they approached us about renovating their supermarket exhibit," noted Tom Baker, associate support/communications director of Baker's. "This project will be a lasting contribution from Baker's to the Omaha community." The museum is open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from June 5-Aug. 28; Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays from 1-5 p.m.
SMITH/PECK Thea Christine Smith, daughter of Bruce Smith and the late Phyllis Steward, and Craig Adam Peck, son of Barb and Bill Peck, have announced their engagement. The bride-to-be graduated from Belleville Area School of Nursing, and is a Registered Nurse in Critical Care for St. Johns Mercy Hospital. Her fiance received his bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of MissouriColumbia and his Masters from St. Louis University. He is a Nurse Practitioner with the Metro Heart Group. His grandparents are Ben and Dorothy Peck of St. Louis and the late Phil and Marian Kutler. A Sept. 9 wedding is planned in St. Louis.
The AIDS Walk Nebraska will take place Sunday, June 4, in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney and Norfolk, to help the Nebraska Aids Project fight AIDS by providing services to people living with HIV/AIDS and by providing prevention education. In Omaha, registration starts at 9 a.m. at the Watanabe Wellness Center, 139 So. 40th St; in Lincoln, registration starts at 9 a.m. at Auld Recreation Center in Antelope Park.
REZAK/SCHWAB Jessica Rezak, daughter of Lawrence and Linda Rezak of Stamford, CT, arid Yoni Schwab, son of Rabbi Joel and Aviva Schwab of Middletown, NY, have announced their engagement. Grandparents of the bride-to-be are Cantor Leo and Annette Fettman of Omaha and Mona Schwab of Bradenton, FL. Great-grandmother is Fannie Sherman Chunovic. The couple will graduate from Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary this spring. A December 10 wedding in Stamford is planned.
Beth El Women's League hosts coffee/planning meeting •
by Ozzie Nogg
"This Is Not Your Mother's Sisterhood" will be the focus of the Beth El Women's League Coffee set for Sunday, May 21, 9:30 a.m., in the Social Hall Annex. Participants will come together to share ideas for programs and projects designed to benefit both the synagogue and the larger community. "Our mothers and grandmothers attended monthly luncheon meetings and did wonderful charitable work, but today's women want to serve and get involved in other ways," said Carole Lainof, voicing the opinion of many Beth El women. "Our volunteer time is at a premium so we want to spend it in ways that are meaningful. This coffee will give us the chance to exchange ideas and plan activities that address issues of social action, Tikkun Olatn, family health and other advocacy involvement-all of which can make a real difference in our community, Jewish and otherwise. We invite every Beth El woman to come and join in the conversation," she added. The Women's League Coffee is free. For reservations, call Carole Lainof at 293-0321
Jewish famifu Service wishes to thank, you, ike "Mfevafo Makers" of this community, for your time, effort andsuhhort to our ' <ggg-zdoo/jj6o "Project TzedaU teajN'Save teethEfSynagogue teurfo High'SdoofStudents Chahbad'House CftifdDevelopment Center OufieVurmasfon'sj' Grade TafmudToraft Cfass friedef Academy Students Giordmans JAidwest'teofi Company 'Private'Donors Tzedafok Committee and Community "Volunteers (A complete fist of individual names will be firintedin Oewistt family •Service's spring newsletter]
The Judah Magnes Museum has announced the Anna Davidson Rosenberg Award for Poems of the Jewish Experience. Writers entering should first send a stamped self-addressed envelope for entry form and guidelines by July 31 to Poetry Award, Judah Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94705. The United States Department of Justice has awarded the Lincoln-based Contact Center a $50,000 grant to establish an International Best Practices Institute for Corrections. According (to Contact Center President Gary Hill, the Institute will help increase the number of correctional professionals around the world and strive to provide , the most effective, efficient and humane correctional treatment possible. Friends of the Omaha Public Library will hold a Book Sale from Thursday, June 8, through Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Swanson Library, 90th and West Dodge Road. '
The Omaha Farmer's Market has announced the opening of their website: www.discoveromaha.com, keyword: farmers market.
Bob Lanphier, President of the Omaha School District board of directors, announced that Jay Kulakofsky was awarded a $2000 Superintendent Super 13 scholarship. A Burke High School graduate, he is the son of Alan and Janie Kulakofsky. Nora Lee Zoob has earned the Nationally Certified Therapeutic Massage Credential after mastering the core of knowledge required to practice massage therapy and bodywork. Therapeutic massage is used to restore and promote health. For an appointment, call her at 498-0525.
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May 19,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Political Preview
Ben Nelson speaks to Beth El group by Joan K. Marcus
In a speech to the Beth El Men's Club, former trade relationship in President Rabin's office and Nebraska Governor and Democratic candidate for home. "My thoughts about The Middle East and the United States 2nd District Senatorial Seat, E. Israel go back many years to when I studied about Benjamin Nelson said that one of the most damag- our common ancestry. We all have a kinship ing things that we have as a country is apathy. because of our goals and principles." Nelson went on to say that this apathy and com- He went on to say that it's important to keep milplacency mean people just simply don't care about itary strength in Israel. "It's a sad fact, but it's what's going on around them because they feel they important in an unsafe world. We must continue can't make a difference. He said, "They think some- the relationship between our government and body else will do it and that their vote won't count Israel to make sure we enjoy the appropriate kind anyway!" of military technology." He said this Nelson then moved on to the situation isj subject of Social Security and dangerous for! Medicare. He said, "The first the political j thing I need to do when I get to system and for) Washington is to see if the the country. He L numbers are strong enough, is concerned I' over the next 10 years, to supabout these j port the base. It's underfunded problems in right now and Social Security terms of what it is a good example of the worst means to our debt that will be left to the next system and generation. We need to change country. This is it over the next several years. one of the reaIt's the same thing with sons he is so Medicare." strongly for According to Nelson, we need local control of ™™™™™ffr™I*-rTa2ssi^^^™HB^»»ii ™ ^ * ^ to step in now and find a way government. J J ^ . P ™ ™ 1 ™ ™* v f r 8 a t l o n t o p o s e w l t h Y o m to properly fund these proLeahRaful. grams or they will run out of "The more we delegate up from local to the state-to the federal- money in 2037, and that's not fair! We also need to people lose interest. If we keep government on a create a prescription drug benefit as part of the Medicare package. local level, people stay energized." "One of my greatest concerns is when I go to a If Nelson is elected to the senate seat, he plans to "live in Nebraska." He will have some sort of resi- nursing or assisted living homeand they tell me dence in Washington, D.C., because he needs to be that people have to sell their homes and still they run out of money. there, but he will keep Nebraska ties. People have drug bills "As a United States Senator, 111 be careof $300 and $400 a ful not to grab hold of things that need month." He doesn't feel to be done at the local level! I intend to that privatization is be very respectful of problems that necessarily the answer should be dealt with on city, county and to the problem because state levels. Many times, these problems we shouldn't play go to a federal level and they take games with Social responsibility away from the local folks Security funds. "We and the problem doesn't get solved." can't always assume According to Nelson, things like crime we'll get a higher need to be solved neighborhood by return by investing prineighborhood and block by block. vately." "Community based organizations, such When asked about a as Boy Scouts, can be far better at c om p r e h e n s i ve achieving success with these problems. approach to national Problems won't always go away just health care, Nelson because Washington takes responsibilianswered, "It sounds ty for them." He went on to speak of his 1991 trade Helene Tichauer speaks with Ben so good, but I don't mission to Israel and Egypt. It was after Nelson after his speech. know what it's going to this mission that Nebraska began to increase the cost, I think we need to solve this problem one exporting of beef and other products to Israel. "The piece at a time. I think if we get this program in experience of being in Israel was very eye-opening Congress, the cost will be paid in the future by the for me. I've studied about Israel and watched the next generation. The upfront price will be so overstruggles of its development. However, it wasn't whelming that it will be underpriced. A more until I was actually there that I became empathetic important thing we need to think about is longterm health care for seniors." to the pain and experiences of the people." In conclusion, Nelson said that part of the prob"Walking in the Golan Heights and seeing the very narrow borders of Israel is very different from lem with many candidates is that they have never reading about it. Spending time there helped me been on the outside where they've had to struggle understand the plight of the people." He says the with small group issues. They've never had to deal United States has a natural ally in Israel and we with issues-except in hearings. need to be friends-rather than dictatorial. We need If elected, he wants to make sure he brings his to be interested and concerned. experience as a businessman to the table. He hopes In looking at trade in The Middle East, it became his insurance background will help him in spreadclear to Nelson that Nebraska has a lot of things ing and managing risk. He says Nebraskans have a that are needed by other countries. An agreement strong history of crossing party lines. "They are of understanding was signed between the two coun- independent minded when it comes to voting and tries while he was in Israel, and he was also privi- they will spread tickets and cross party lines when leged to have a meeting with Prime Minister it comes to voting." He thinks he has always had Shamir. "He was very interested in Nebraska and the ability to appeal to people with all kinds of political backgrounds. how we get things done with the unicameral." He hopes to be able to vote in the best interest of Nelson's relationship with Israel continued and even resulted in a 4th of July celebration of the the people and do what is best for the country!
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Sir Speedy
May 19,2000
PRINTING, COPYING anil DIGITAL NETWORK
Read it and Eat
Eating Well for Optimum Health by Andrew Weil (Knopf, $25) Review by Lois Friedman, writing from Tucson
3706 South 132nd Street • ( 4 0 2 ) 330-5050
Right in our backyard here in Tucson lives and practices one of the most trusted authorities on Letterhead • Brochures • Newsletters health and alternative health care. . .Andrew Weil, a longtime resident of southern Arizona. With his Business Cards • Mailers * Postcards pen and spoon in hand, Dr. Weil's latest book (his eighth) provides a suggested guide for improving our well being, making informed choices about how and what we eat, managing hunger, being physically fit, taking care of yourself and eating good food. Cut through the confusion of contradictory nutritional information and establish a healthy diet-a cornerstone to a healthful lifestyle is eating well. The first seven chapters are the Principles of Eating Well, Basics of Human Nutrition, Worse Diet in the World, Best Diet in the World, A Matter of Weight, Buying Food and Eating Out, and An Carol A. Lindhlem Alchemist in the Kitchen. The final chapter is the OWNER recipes. Healing Stories, thumbnail sketches of Wwlridg* Shopping C«nl«r» 132nd «• W. Podga Rd, 4 9 3 - 3 8 9 3 friends, colleagues and his eight-year-old daughter, Diana, and their adjustments to incorporating healthful eating. Several are people from the Tucson area. Weil writes in a readable, comfortable style. The Your Jewish Press subscription will stop with the chapters and Appendixes A-D are packed with May 26 issue. If you will be away over the summer information and examples of both his knowledge of and want to continue to receive the paper, please lifestyle medicine and his wit. "The knife and fork are Powerful tools for improving well being". fill out the form below and sent it to: Summaries in the chapters emphasize the key The Jewish Press points in review. . 333 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 A mini-course in human nutrition. . .the role of macronutrients ("big foods our bodies need"), micronuName trients, glycemic index, fats, and lots more in the Address diet. . .parts of his own lifestyle plan (he follows a lacto-pesco-vegetarian diet plus two baby aspirin a City_ day). State Throughout these chapters he stresses EAT Zip. MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. "Eat a rainParent(s) bow mix of fresh fruits and vegetables and dark Local Phone No. leafy greens." Try reds, purples, oranges and yellows, try soy foods, read labels (be a good label detective). Presented is helpful information you need to "navigate through a confusing world and be a savvy consumer." . . * About the magical art of cooking and its great Residential Mortgage Services, Inc. application in other areas of life, Weil says that YOUR LOW COST-FULL SERVICE MORTGAGE LENDER "training in the kitchen is good preparation for life in • 1 Day NO COST Pre-Approvall general; preparing food takes care of my mind and • NEW CONSTRUCTION - Long Term Rate Locks With spirit and slicing and chopping have always been REPRICING AVAILABLE If Rates Go Down! meditative for me".
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(Continued from page 1) Rabbi Flax, a military Major, has served as Chaplain at Offutt Air force Base since 1997. He is a member of the Friedel board and active, with his wife, Vicki, in a variety of Friedel undertakings. His reassignment to San Antonio, Texas, will result in the family's relocation this summer. "Ira and Vicki Flax have made themselves invaluable to Omaha's Jewish community and to the Academy," said linn. "We will miss their support and their insights, and we will miss having Debra and Ben at our school. We wish them the very best in their new home."
Y.E.S. visits Art Chicks'
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Young Energetic Seniors travelled to Louisville, NE, to dress up in vintage clothing at 'Art Chicks' before having dinner. From left: Molly Kurtz, Rosaline Esptein, Lola Reinglas and Millie Altman.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch (where he lives, cooks, gardens) he has tested and eaten as part of his own diet the 75 recipes of his creation, adaptation and those of his friends and associates as well. Fun, easy to make, quick and part of his optimum diet plan. Recipes for soups, salads, appetizers, fish, vegetables, pasta, rice, potatoes and desserts with nutritional data and benefits. Hippocrates, the godfather of Western medicine, advised people to "let food be your medicine and medicine be your food." Heed the advice of the sages and try this recipe as part of the essential guide to food, diet and nutrition. BEAN DIP WITH HORSERADISH 2 cups cooked beans (cannelini, pinto, or Great Northern) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish 2 scallions, trimmed and minced salt to taste Combine beans, olive oil, horseradish and scallions in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary. Season with salt to taste. Serves 8. Calories 94, fat 3.5 g (33% of calories from fat), saturated fat less than 1 g, protein 4.5 g, carbohydrate 12 g, cholesterol 0 mg, fiber 4 g. Nutritional benefits: Good carbohydrate; monoun-' saturated fat; micronutrients. LENTIL WALNUT SPREAD 1 cup lentils 172 cup walnuts, chopped 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar salt and black or red pepper to taste Wash the lentils, cover with cold water, bring to a boil and cook until soft, about 1 hour. Drain the lentils and combine with the remaining ingredients in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding water as necessary to achieve a epreadable consiS'' . tency. Correct seasoning. Serves 8. Calories 130, fat 4.7 g (31% of calories from fat), saturated fat less than 1 g, protein 8.7 g, carbohy- \ drate 15 g, cholesterol 0 mg, fiber 7.5 g. Nutritional benefits: Good carbohydrate, omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts, micronutrients.
1 am the Lord...' to be topic of study session by Diane Axler Baum
The first of the Ten Commandments, "I Am the Lord your G-d who delivered you from Egypt..." will be considered in-depth in a study discussion session on M o n d a y , M a y 2 2 , 7:30 p.m., a t the JCC. Teaming up as presenters will be Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Chabad of Nebraska, and Dr. Martin P. Wolf, recently retired Vice-president for Academic Affairs at Iowa Western Community College. Rabbi Katzman pointed out t h a t the First Commandment, more of a statement than a directive, provides the foundation for all Ten Commandments and for the moral, ethical, and religious code of the Jewish people. "Aren't there, in fact, 613 commandments?" asked the Rabbi, referring to the full spectrum of mitzvot. He plans to address that issue at the session. He will also guide discussion to look beyond the surface of the Ten Commandments to "the underlying, eternal message. If you're ready to accept the Lord as G-d and to follow the Ten Commandments, you're already moral," he said. "It's almost like 1 plus 1 equals 1." Dr.. Wolf expects to explore the educational process required for teaching the Ten Commandments from one generation to the next. "The starting point is the all-important First Commandment," he noted. "I think all people are on a continuing quest to find G-d. The question is 'How do you teach people to do that?'." The series, sponsored by the College of Jewish Learning of Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS), is free and will resume in the fall withfiveconsecutive Monday evening sessions, Oct. 16 through Nov. 13. Refreshments will be served following discussion.
May 19,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Hebrew school teacher blues
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I have been involved in Jewish education for over IS and kind people? I am not even sure these skills proyears. Both my husband and I are in the Jewish com- duce Jews. Schools that spend their time teaching these skills munal field and, while it has not been financially have not given adequate thought to a curriculum for lucrative, it has been rewarding. lam dealing, however, with parents who just don't Jewish Literacy. By that, I mean a written curricucare about what we are trying to do in the Hebrew lum that imparts by grade level, the values, relevance school and I ask, is it worth it? I've networked with and importance of Judaism. Successful Jewish educaother Jewish teachers, but it is minimal to the parent tion requires a partnership between school adminisresponses that we get daily.. .1 hated Hebrew school sotrators, teachers, parents and students. I asked a principal of a Jewish school about your comwhy shouldn't my child? Many parents allow their children to quit after their B'nai Mitzvah year. How do plaint and she reacted in part by saying you sound like you fight an uphill battle? Even many on the board you are in a rut and that your disillusionment could easily spill over into class and conversations with parents. seem that they are powerless against these parents. What's a teacher to do? P The best Jewish educators I have seen have an enthusiasm for their material, their students and even their DearP: parents, that is infectious. They believe in their kids and When it comes to Jewish education, parents are are passionate about what they are teaching. Parents often a huge problem, but I hesitate to point fingers and students both feel this positive energy. just at parents. The issues go beyond parents and Invest as much of your educational energies as you beyond what I can write about in a column. can on the parents who are willing to partner with Still, I will endeavor here to address your e-mail in you. Look for every excuse under the sun to get para few words. If you were to ask a parent: When your ents involved in learning. Parents should hear directchild is an adult, what do you hope he/she will be: A. ly from principals and rabbis with clear expectations an athlete, B. a musician, C. an artist, D. amentch? I of what parental partnering with the school means. If think most parents would choose D, desiring their I were a rabbi, I would make parent learning a child to become a decent, giving, kind and ethical per- requirement for any child to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. son and Jew. But when there is a conflict between This should not be viewed as an onerous obligation Hebrew School or Little League, what do parents let . . .it should be viewed as a wonderful opportunity. their child skip? What message does this give? The best Jewish learning I have done in my life has Or how about the message you cite? "I hated Hebrew been as an adult. Studying Jewish topics with good school, but you have to go anyway." This is a self-fulfill- teachers has been a pleasure and most rewarding. ing prophecy. Would a parent ever say that about studyIn sum, what's a teacher to do? Demonstratively ing math pr science to .their child? To say this about show ^our love for Judaism to your students and their Hebrew school is far too common. But, I can hear the par- parents. Make sure that what you are teaching is ent protest: my kid does not learn anything of value at applicable to everyday life and that parents and stuHebrew School; given the few hours of extra time my dents understand why and how. Work to insure that children have, Td rather have them in soccer, piano, gymr your school has a relevant Jewish literacy curriculum. nasties, etc. And here I point a finger at our schools. Finally, hang in there, we need youl Draw inspiration What exactly are we trying to teach? Too often, the from knowing that, aa a teacher, you are fulfilling one curriculum consists of Hebrew instruction and prepa- of the loftiest roles in Judaism. Gil rations to perform or chant for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Write to Gill Mann at: DearGil@aol.com Are these the skills that will produce ethical, giving
Page 9
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Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 19,2000
Part One:
Beth El group visits Israel: a land of miracles and contrasts byOzzieNogg
"Every" house and building is made of yellow-white Jerusalem stone," Ginger tells us. "This was mandated by the British during their occupation of Palestine." At the Hadassah , Medical Center we see the Chagall Windows representing the 12 Day! Eighteen of us fly to St. Louis to NY to Tel Aviv. tribes of Israel. "The Emil and Lili are Israel-visit veterans. Joye visited birds," Ginger explains, Israel as a teen. For the rest of us, this is a first- "represent the Diaspora of the Jews." time experience and a long time dream. At Mount Herzl, we The flight seems endless; sleep is hard to come by. At 3 a.m., a group of hassidim put on tefillin and pay our respects to Israel's leaders buried daven morning prayers in the back of the plane. there — Rabin, Ben Day 2 • . - - • • • • We arrive Ben Gurion Airport Tel Aviv. Our iTtiT*irtri T**V|A YYI111f"on/ £tpp~ tanf n• internal clocks say 9:30 at night but here it's morn- tion of the cemetery is ^ ^ S> from left: Elizabeth Wees, Lili Berkovits, Joye Wees, Annie ing. Our tour bus sports a 'Go Big Red Nebraska' for soldiers who died Belmont, Rocky Lewis, Lisa Epstein, S a r i t a Cooper a n d Nancy sign in the back window. Reuven is at the wheel. fighting for the estab- Ferenstein; Anceft^: Judi Finkle Our guide, Ahmial, prefers to be called "Ginger." lishment of Israel and for its survival. We put peb- tains to see the sculpture called the Scrolls of Fire. He looks and dresses like Crocodile Dundee and is bles on the grave stones. Next, the Shrine of the Book and then into passionate about Israeli history. Then Yad Vashem and the Children's Pavilion — Bethlehem and Rachel's Tomb, We're in the West Bank. We see Jordanian sol"Israel," Ginger tells us, "is long on miracles, con- a huge, dark room with points of light reflecting off the water. The name of every child who died during diers and Palestinian policemen and take pictures trasts and contradictions." Everywhere we look the signs are written in the Holocaust is read, one by one. To name all the with them. They're friendly and talk to us. Still, we feel less secure here. Reuven follows Lisa into the Hebrew. Even the little sugar packets and 7-Up cans, children takes three years. In the dark, cavernous Hall of-Remembrance, rest room to make sure she's safe. Coke bottles, tea bags, napkins and boxes of matches But when Ginger points out the Israeli soldiers are in Hebrew. There's Hebrew writing on everything. names of concentration camps are engraved on the Dave points out a black Jew reading a Hebrew floor. The Eternal Light burns by a vault of "ashes. he calls them "the kids" — on the roofs of the buildpaper. "There are so many kinds of Jews," he says. In this spot, the Pope gave his apology for any con- ing, we feel better. Security is tight. Our bags are tribution the church made to this and other checked for weapons, even at grocery stores. "Such variety." Jerry keeps wandering off on his own. Gary buys Contrasts and contradictions. Gary buys his first tragedies suffered by the Jewish people. Israeli kipa. Cantor Berkovits sings El Molei Rachamim. An another kipa* Day4 old man standing near our group is brought to Day 3 Walking, walking, much of it uphill, smooth Weather is beautiful. Great Israeli breakfast. Our tears. He asks us to join him in saying Kaddish. Big Red bus climbs the Hills of Jerusalem. Miracles and contradictions. On into the moun- walks, rocky walks. We stop in the Judean desert. A man with a camel, its neck decorated with colorful woven tassels, invites each of us to get on. Joye's face, shocked and surprised when the camel • [Restaurant rears up on its hind legs to stand up, makes a great Angles Restaurant Chu's 1 and Lounge picture. On to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, King 1001 Pacific 6455 Center I Serving Omaha's Bnest steak • Only 20 minutes from most anywhere I prime rib, lobster and crab legs. David Palls and Masada. Cantonese and American • Featuring a complete, moderately dishes are both featured. • I Located at "Ready,"Ginger says at each historical site. priced menu . Complete Chinese food •U.S. Choice steaks I 73rd and Mercy Road "Ready and a half, ready and three quarters, look carry-out service is available. • Seafoods • Poultry . | OPEN 7 NIGHTS A WEEK Mon.-Sat; 11 to 9 • Delicious Italian dishes on the left, it's King Herod's palace, it's the bath & Mon. thru Fri. for lunch • Party rooms—up to 250 capacity Sunday: Noon to 9 house, it's the synagogue. " • We accept major credit cards Closed Tuesday '"ESS"* 391-7440 We're at the Dead Sea and in our bathing suits. 341-8800 553-6454 All our belongings: clothes, shoes, watches, wallets, go into small tissue bags which Lisa and Annie hold for us by the shore. The sea is so buoyant! Ken grins from ear to ear, but it's cold! We're out as fast SPECIALIZING IN: • MANDARIN -SZECHUAN Oldthifat as we're in — jumping, crawling over the sharp • CANTONESE • HUNAN • COCKTAILS 7 DAYS AWEEK rocks back up to the hill, with Gary yelling, "Lisa! 342-4856 334-5382 Where are my jeans?" This trip is major laughing. 132nd & Arbor •330-2110 240S8.132M 13th & Howard • 3454921 ORCHARD PLAZA Back to Jerusalem. Dinner and a stage show at SUN.-THUR8. • 11:30 AM -10:00 PM Weekly Specials 90th & Fort •572-5223 _FBL-SAT. • 1130 AM - 11:00 PM the YMCA: the Tzabarim Folklore Ensemble. New Lunch Menu X Mex-78th & Dodge • 933-9639 Young men and women ~ all. sabras, native Israelis - nicknamed for the cactus: rough on the outside, King Fong Cafe sweet on the inside. 315 South 16th We discover chocolate rugeleh. Gary buys two Chinese find American Dishes Specializing in Cantonese Foods more kippot. At midnight, Annie and Jack hear CAFE ami Chinese Family Style Dinners knocking at their door. Boo! It's some of "our Breakfast & lunch dally women" wearing mud-masks from the Dead Sea. Open dally 11 n.in.-9:45 p.m. 17th &Vlnton« 449-9112 Closed Sundny nnd Holidnys Downtown Papllllon-So. 84th St. More major laughing. CALL FOR HOURS • 331-6419 Day5 341-3433 or 341-3437 We deliver Pnplo 4 LaVlsta King David's Tomb. We walk the reconstructed LUNCH Jewish quarter of Jerusalem, the Cardo, and see ::PASTA'AMORE SPECIALS past civilizations uncovered by archeological excaSERVING MEXICAN FOOD ' "Finest In Steaks, vations. Ginger guides us through Jerusalem's his•F«jila» •EnOulKlM Chicken, Seafood and •Tacas 'Tamatei Italian Dishes' tory from the Jebusites, Babylonians, Hasmoneans, Mon-S* 11«m lot • ! " • Sunday «Pf» toBpnv M-F: 11:00 A M - 1 3 0 PM FULL AMERICAN MENU Romans, Mamelukes, Turks, British. M-Tlt 5:00 I'M-lCKlOPM •Stenkt 'Prime Rto 'Sea Food FXI*SA71430PM-U:0OPM "I feel like a kindergartner," Steve admits, Children* Menu Avadibfe Charge Car* (402)542-9038 locifr Owned* -. "Always learning something new."; Accepted 7201 South 20th Street 9Olh&Artx>f391-O191 Omaha, Nebraska 68108 "Where's Jerry?" someone asks. "Don't worry," Fax 391-1086 Nancy answers. "Hell find us." Then we're at The Western Wall. There are some Trovato's ZIO'S PIZZERIA tears. Some surprise at how awesome it is. 7924 Dodge* 391-1881 5013 Underwood "If s like ZAP," says Sarita. "I'm really here and 13463 W. Center* 330-1444 Qmalta'i. (6 blocks north 1213 Howard St-Old Market 344-2222 Hey. 1 it's really there!" of 50th & Dodge) Rocky puts her prayer between two stones and 556-9505 tells us, "I feel a sense of peace." Steaks and Italian Cuisine Here at the Hotel - The Western Wall - a man's Finest Homemade Italian Cooking cell phone rings. Israel. Miracles, contrasts and We deliver Open 7 days a weak contradictions. (Continued on page 11) A few months ago, a group led by Cantor Emit and Lili Berkovits returned from two weeks in Israel. The following "journal" follows their itinerary and tries to capture the impressions of the participants: Jack and Ann Belmont, Sarita and Dave Cooper, Gary and Lisa Epstein, Jerry and Nancy Ferenstein, David and Judy Finkle, Rocky Lewis, Ken Weiner, Katherine Schneider, Steve and Joye Wees and Steve's mother, Elizabeth Wees.
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: May 19,2000
-Beth El visits Israel. Day6 grab a plane to Jerusalem and eat at the Open We drive through Mea Sharim. Women in wigs and Gate every night." modest dresses, many children. Ginger starts a Day 8 debate. Why should Orthodox Jews get a dole from "Ready, ready and a half, ready and three quarthe government since they don't serve in the military? To the Sorek Cave and its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Then over the Judean Hills to pray at the Scrolls of Fire, a sculpture that depicts our history from the horrors of the Holocaust through the. fight for Israel's independence. High above the road to Jerusalem, we visit the British Museum of Armored Corps. We sit on the tanks and take pictures. "This outpost," Ginger tells us, "was held by the Jordanians who controlled the traffic to Jerusalem for many years. We finally knocked it out in Annie Belmont rides a camel, cheered on by J u d i Finkle. 1967." ters," Ginger shouts. "Look on the left it's the' Mount of Olives on the right it's the Dome of the Miracles. Friday night services at an Orthodox synagogue Rock straight ahead; the location of the second across the street from our hotel. The service is hard temple; the Jordan Valley; and Beit Shean with reconstructed buildings from 1500 years ago!" to follow. . We eat lunch on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. "I should have paid more attention to my Hebrew The view is beautiful. Fishing boats. Sea gulls. school teachers," Rocky says. We sing L'Cho Dodi and, when we turn around to Delicious St. Peter's fish. The Golan Heights are so face the door, Gary is especially moved. Afterwards close, we can see the artillery. We stay the night in • he says, "I don't know why, but that really got to Tiberias. Kosher Chinese dinner. me..." Shabbat dinner and to sleep. A good day. Ginger tells us there is prejudice against those who can't prove they're Jewish. "Russian immigrants, for example," he says. "And even though they serve in the army, they don't get a military burial. Will we Jews end upfightingone another?"
Day 7 Shabbat! A day of rest, so that's what we do. Breakfast; readjiunch. Walk through the parkin front of our hotel, down to the business and shopping area. Everything is closed. The streets fairly empty. Men, women, children all in black: black coats, hats, black beards and earlocks. Even a black baby carriage. In a shop window, a T-shirt reads, "Don't worry. Be Jewish." Steve and Joye spend time with their daughter, Shoshana. She's attending Hebrew U. and shows them around "her" Jerusalem. Jack meets an Israeli cousin for the first time. A nap, then dinner at the Open Gate Restaurant. Ken says, "If I was told I had six days to live, I'd
Page 11
JIM & JENNIE'S GFEEK VILLAGE
(Continued from page 10)
Nancy Ferenstein on a camel.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Day 9 Start the morning with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, surrounded by gulls who eat the bread we drop in the water. On shore, Ginger shouts,"Yalla, yalla," Arabic for, Get going, Get cracking! "Ready, ready and a half, ready and three quarters! Look on the left, it's the reconstructed synagogue at Capernaum; on the right, it's the Golan Heights; straight ahead is Tel Faher and the remains of Syrian bunkers!" ^ e gtap a t Kibbutz Ayelet haShahar and visit with Beth Seldin Dotan and her husband, Amnon. Then, to Safed with its synagogues, artists quarters, shops. Gary buys kipa #6. Jerry wanders away again. He has the instincts of a homing pigeon. • Reuven drives us to Haifa, over mountains of sand and stone with intermittent splotches of green. Emil hands out Hebrew song sheets and we sing along. Great fun. On the bus, complaints. Some are too hot. Some too cold. "Oy," says Emil, "just like in shul." The Dan Carmel Hotel in Haifa. Another sensational view and the best onion soup and blintzes ever. All the Israeli males-little boys on up~are wearing kippot. Ken puts his on. "It's the first time I've ever felt comfortable wearing a kipa in public," he says. "It's good to be in the majority, not the minority," Emil replies. Continued next week
Beth Israel Synagogue hosts Aish HaToroh's
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"World Perfect" Discovery Seminar Sunday, May 21st 2:00pm JCC Auditorium Discovery Seminars have been presented to over 70,000 participants in communities around the world. They are a dynamic series of programs exploring the basis for belief in Judaism. "World Perfect" takes you on a trip through time, offering a view of the contributions of the Jewish nation to society. The seminar provides historical background of the world prior to monotheism, and examines the views of civilizations on basic values of peace, justice, equality, and social responsibility. Presenter Dr. Jerry Lob is a psychotherapist in private practice in Chicago, and is an ordained rabbi from Beth Medrosh Govoha of Lakewood, NJ. .
The Discover)'Seminar is free, and open to the community.
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 19,2000
NE Law Dean to conduct 'Conversation on Ethics' •
by Diane Axler Baum
Nancy B. Rapoport, Dean and rent position for two years, will soon Professor of Law at the Nebraska relocate to become Dean and Professor College of Law, will keynote a lun- of Law at the University of Houston cheon event Thursday, May 25, Law Center. She has said that she 11:45 a.m., in the new social hall at would not leave Nebraska except to be closer to her parents who still live in theJCC. At 12;15 p.m., Dean Rapoport will Texas, where she was raised as an only child in a make a presensmall town. tation in which she will conduct She received a "A Conversation B.A., summa about Jewish cum laude, from Ethics and Legal Rice University Ethics:" in 1982. She was elected to Phi Promising a Beta Kappa the discussion previous year. aimed at "any She holds a professional who J.D. from Stanhas to come to ford Law School, terms with spiriwhere she tual issues and professional served as Note issues," she reEditor of the quests of those "Stanford Law who attend, Review" from "Please come 1984-85. After ready to talk." law school, she clerked for the Rapoport deHon. Joseph T. scribes herself Sneed on the as "Jewish-idenUnited States tified and someCourt of Appeals what (erraticalfor the Ninth ly) observant." Nancy B. Rapoport She has given much careful thought Circuit and then joined the San to the "two sets of obligations, both Francisco office of Morrison & equally serious," of being a Jew and a Foerster as an associate, where she concentrated in bankruptcy negotialawyer, she said. For example, she has explored the tion and litigation. ethical attributes that law students In 1991, she joined the faculty of bring into and take out of law school the Ohio State University College of and the implication of what it really Law, rising from Assistant Professor means when lawyers identify them- to Associate Professor and, in 1996, to selves first as "Jewish lawyers." Associate Dean. Moreover, she has pondered the relaHer area of expertise is bankruptcy tionship between the commandments ethics, although she also teaches other of legal ethics and such Jewish com- courses, including "Images of Lawyers mandments as tikkun olam, repairing in Film." She is married to a lawyer. the world. The luncheon is sponsored by the. "The Jewishness is so much a part College of Jewish Learning of Jewish of us," she noted, "It comes down to Educational and Library Services knowing who you are and what you (JELS). Cost is $10 per person. To make a reservation, please call Kathy believe." Dean Rapoport, haying held her cur- Hirshman at 334-6445.
May 22nd-June 4th It's a great time of the year to spend time at the 'J1. Try us out for 2 weeks, and join in on the fun during the Grand Opening of the Outdoor Pool on Memorial Day Weekend. JCC Activities you'll enjoy during the 2 weeks include: • Free racquetball & squash times • Free Jae Box & Step Aerobics • Free H2O Bottle • Grand opening of the Outdoor Pool •And more! Stop by the Member Services Department for your free pass for the week of May 22nd-June 4th. Any questions, call Lisa Shkolnick at 334-6425.
Gun control is a moral issue and a Jewish issue, moms say ~~~
by Sharon Samber
WASHINGTON, (JTA)--Jewish mothers have joined with moms from across the country to give Congress an earful in support of gun control and safety legislation. Standing on the National Mall within view of Capitol Hill, members of synagogues and Hadassah chapters and NCJW Sections demonstrated with thousands of others on Sunday, Mother's Day, to call on Congress to enact "sensible gun control laws." Million Mom March supporters want background checks at gun shows, registration of firearms and licensing of gun owners, as well as safety locks on handguns. Congress' inaction on the issue is unacceptable, they say, pledging to make gun policy an issue in the November elections. "Make this moral issue political," urged Rosanne Selfon, Vice-president of Women of Reform Judaism, at a pre-march event. "We have a moral obligation that emanates from Torah and God. Today is the day to make our legislators listen." The Jewish community appears galvanized and mobilized around gun control, perhaps as a result of last August's Bhooting at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Grenada Hills, CA. That incident, with the nationally televised images of a daisy chain of children being led away from the center by policemen, actually gave Donna Dees-Thomases the idea for the Million Mom March.
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Legislators in Washington, however, are unlikely to do more than listen as the chance of any gun control legislation passing this session is minimal. A major bill on gun control has been languishing in Congress for more than nine months. Nevertheless, people like Gail Powers believe the issue will be a decisive one in congressional races. Powers, whose son was in a classroom at the North Valley JCC during the shooting, got involved because she didn't want another parent to feel like she did. She said she is "amazed and astonished" at the unity of the different Jewish movements on this issue. Powers started out as the "e-mail person" for the march. She later become the California and western region coordinator for the march, and helped bring more than a thousand people to Washington. When Elaine Bayer of the Chicago suburb of Homewood, IL, heard about • the march, she called up organizer DeesThomases and told her to get in touch with Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America. Bayer, an executive board member of the Chicago Hadassah chapter, then decided she would organize her own family. Gun control is a compelling issue in the Jewish community, said Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President of the Reform movement's Union of American Hebrew Congregations, but until now,: while there was sympathy, that hadn't translated into anything concrete.
ELECTION 2000 INFORMATION for the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its Centers of Excellence
JOINT ANNUAL MEETING Monday, June 26,2000 - 7:00 p.m. Jewish Community Center, 333 South 132nd Street NOTE: Nominations of additional candidates for officers and board position! for die Federation must be handled by written petition signed by at least IS Federation members and filed with tlu Federation Secretary no later than June 19,2000. Tlie candidates must endorse die petition. Nominees as presented by the Fnkratiin mi Center oTExcdknce Nominating Committees: JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA OFFICERS & CHAIRMEN: President < Forrest Knitter Vice President/Secretary ......;..:.. Robert Lepp Vice President -.„...; ..........;..; ...Jarie Rips Vice President Suzanne Singer Treasurer ;... Bob Eisenberg Past President Howard Kooper Foundation Chairman Michael Erman Budget and Allocations Chairman ..:......................,. Arnold Weitz Building and Grounds Chairman.:. Sorin Juster. Marketing Committee Chairman. ; ;......... Margo Rickcs Young Jewish Omaha Chairman ,.;. ... Stacie Brodkey Overseas/Israel Chairman. .;„..............,;.... ZoU Riekes Planning & Evaluation Chairman i ....:...... ;..., ;.; Stevo Pitlor Director .............;.,.......,...... Paul Shyken . Jewish Press Chairman ;............;....... .....; Lloyd Roitstcin JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OFFICERS: President , ; Richard Jacohson Vice President ...;.....,............... ; Bob Belgrade Vice President .....;„ .......;........ Gary Epstein Vice President ; .......; Roxanne Kahn Vice President ...........i..; ; ..Jeff Kirshenhaum Immediate Past President .;.......;.. Murk Sanford ADL/CRC OFFICERS: '• President Ann Goldstein Vice President i..V Sara Juster Vice President ;...Mimi Wuldhaum Past President Larry Raful Member at Large .'........., Irv Yaffe JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OFFICERS: President ; ;....... Frank Flntowicz Secretary Stan Mitchell Treasurer Stacie Spies-Matz Immediate Past President .....Gloria Kuslow JEWISH EDUCATIONAL AND LIBRARY SERVICES OFFICERS: President ...„ Jeff Smedlund Vice President-Library Services Nadine Kutner Vice President-Educational Services..; Past President , MitziDelman JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES OFFICERS: President ....Silvia Roffman First Vice President Joan Bernstein Second Vice President , . Yale Richards Secretary , Mort Glass Treasurer. , .JohnLehr Past President ;. JaroldKohU
The Report Card = N e w s from Friedel Jewish Academy=
Spring 2000
Vol. l,No. 1
Exciting Computer Technology Program Gets Underway Thanks To $25,000 Grant
Focus ON
THE FACULTY
Bennett Fulfills Dream Within 'Friedel Family'
B y the next school year at Friedel Jewish Academy, students will be immersed in an exciting, new computer technology program. The new curriculum will provide the means for students to develop advanced computer skills and also enable the utilization of state-of-the-art technology as a supplement to classroom learning. An initial grant of $25,000 from the Dan Gordman Fund spearheaded the purchase of 12 computers, six printers, a scanner, a digital camera, and other networking equipment from the Gateway Corporation. These acquisitions, placing Friedel's computer- student ratio at 1 to 2 1/2, will result in complete flexibility of use by students. That means more handson computer based technology than any other Omaha elementary school. "The Academy is taking a giant leap. This program is Friedel's most noteworthy development since we moved into our wonderful building here on the JCC campus," said FJA director Michael L. Linn. Under the new program, students as young as kindergarten and first grade will learn how to identify the Internet as a source of information. By second and third grade they will be involved with telecommunication strategies—such as finding graphics and downloading—to enhance class projects and individual assignments, To prepare for gearing up, Linn began months ago to examine computer curriculums that exist in other Omaha schools and in Jewish day schools around the country. . , . , -
Bennett's desire to become a teacher grew from her own experience at a small country school where she felt safe, secure, and motivated. She hoped to teach someday in the same kind of setting. She was on her way to her goal after completing a double major in art and elementary education at Hastings College, but she followed her husband to Omaha to further his career in medical research. She feared she'd never be able to fulfill her dream. Then she discovered Friedel, her "country school in the city;" arid for 12 years the
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Why a Newsletter?. I ' v e wanted for a long time to share my positive feelings about Friedel Jewish Academy, and I hope the photographs and stories in this and future issues of The Report Card will do exactly that. As I believe you know, in 1995 the Academy moved into the bright and spacious Dan and Esther Gordman Education Center, which links the school with the JCC's many outstanding facilities. Do you also know that Friedel students score exceptionally high on the California Achievement Tests; that our graduates continue their academic success in junior high and well beyond; that the teaching of critical thinking is one of Friedel's foremost goals? Have you observed individualized
learning in Friedel's small classrooms?; listened to our children sing and our musicians play under the direction of Omaha musician and teacher Tuffy Epstein?; watched our kids as they're coached at swimming in the JCC pool or enjoying athletics in the well-equipped gym? Have you noticed our students' mastery of Hebrew language, overheard them express their love of Judaism, watched' them enact a Passover play? These are all among the factors that have strengthened my own commitment to Friedel, but there are many intangibles that also affect me, such as the warmth, the caring, and the sense of security that pervade' the Academy's classrooms and the radiant
faces of the kids as they work and play. (They have so much fun while they learn! ) Perhaps you're one of the donors we thank inside this issue, or one of the graduates we want to notify about starting an alumni association, or a parent considering Friedel for your child. Even if riot, as an interested member of Omaha's Jewish community, you are an important recipient of this newsletter. One of its major aims is to tell you something about the advantages of a Friedel education you didn't know before. Shalom.
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Jerry Gordman Chairman
Faculty member fulfills teaching dream at Friedel (Continued from Page 1)
Academy has offered her "everything she wanted teaching to be." Mrs. Bennett appreciates Freidel's small, multi-age classrooms which offer the latitude to provide individualized instruction to each student. At the Academy, students move at their own pace in each subject, she explains. If they're able, they forge ahead quickly; if they need some additional help, they get it immediately. "We're able to do so much more for our students than we could possibly do if we had 30 kids in a class, like the public schools." Another example of the special attention Mrs. Bennett gives her students is the Woodman of the World Civic Oration Contest, which she's undertaken since starting at the Academy. All students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade, and many third graders, participate annually. "The Civic Oration contest is a wonderful learning experience!," she
exclaims. "Every year there's a different topic. Students are called upon to do research, focus their thinking, write with style and balance, and deliver their speeches persuasively."
"We're able to do so much more for our students than we could possibly do if we had 30 kids in a class like the public schools." — Denise Bennett Mrs. Bennett emphasizes thinking and writing skills in all aspects of the curriculum. She encourages her students to read the modern classics and to ponder and write about significant themes, such as independence, freedom, and responsibility. She's equally committed to teaching math and science, spelling
and language arts. In addition, she takes it upon herself to guide each student to develop good values and a sense of responsibility. She requires them to keep detailed assignment books, so that they know .what they're expected to accomplish, both short-term and longer-term. Mrs. Bennett treasures the opportunity to get to know all the students in the school and to watch them grow and develop. "Friedel," she notes, "is like a close, warm family." These relationships often continue after graduation. She keeps in touch with several young men and women who attended Friedel years ago, and she takes personal pride in their accomplishments. "We have so many former students doing well in high school and college," she smiles, "I like to think their success is due in part to the excellent foundation they received here at Friedel."
Exciting Computer Program (Continued from Page 1)
The undivided attention of teacher's aide Caryn Rifkin (R) provides an opportunity for students like Cleo RogersMarkovilz to tap the potential of computers.
The Report Card is published by Friedel Jewish Academy 335 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154 phone: (402) 334-0517 • fax: (402) 334-6455 e-mail: Friedcl7@radiks.net Michael L. Linn, Director Diane Axlcr Baum, Editor
The Academy will use computers to supplement classroom learning in both general academics and Judaic studies, said Linn, citing math class to explain how the system works: The teacher introduces a new math unit and answers questions. Then students, using the interactive computer software, review the new material and do practice problems at the computers, which check whether they have completed the problems correctly. Friedel students will be familiarized with the social issues and responsibilities surrounding the use of technology. The Academy has prepared a Computer Usage Policy based on a number of Jewish values, such as honesty and respect. Linrj expressed gratitude to Alex Grossman and Harry Berman, local computer specialists, for their assistance in launching the new technology program and making purchases of hardware and software. On their part, both men have found it rewarding to be involved in the project. Grossman said he especially looks forward to students' use of computer equipment to heJp familiarize them with Jewish rituals. "Friedel is already known for providing superior academics and Jewish studies," he noted. "It's gratifying to know that this new computer technology program will keep the Academy at pace with the 21st Century."
Sincere Gratitude To Our Contributors Highlights of the 1999-2000 School Year:
Friedel deeply appreciates the many contributions to the Academy from the community. Sometimes we receive donations in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special event; other times, from supporters who wish to meet a particular need when it arises. In addition, we are grateful to Lynne Saltzman, Friedel mom and member of the Board, for her untiring work in coordinating the Academy's annual fundraisers. The Shalach Manot and Passover candy fundraisers have, indeed, brought significant revenue to Friedel over the years! Space would not allow us to print the name of every donor whose generosity has benefited the Academy from its inception. Privately, of course, they have received formal thanks. What follows is an alphabetized list of those who have contributed $25 or more to Friedel during the 1999-2000 school year:
Hands-on activities and enrichment projects are standard means of enhancing classroom learning at Friedel Jewish Academy. A week doesn't go by, in fact, without motivation, excitement, and fun in every grade level. In addition, the Academy and its Parent Teacher Organization sponsor numerous special events and programs for students and families. The following are among the highlights of the 1999-2000 calendar: Back to School Ice Cream Social: the opportunity to get together with old friends and meet new. Rosh Hashanah Seder: a beautiful ritual meal shared with residents of the Blumkin Home. Julie Phillips (I.) and Jill Sideris arrange student-created Purim puppets
Music education: Through the generosity of Tuffy Epstein, local musician and educator, Friedel students in grade 4-6 have the opportunity to learn how to play instruments. In addition, Mr. Epstein serves as accompanist for Friedel's graduation and for musical performances, such as the annual Hanukkah program, presented by Friedel students at the JCC for the entire community. Swimming: Friedel dad David Kohll, former All-American in swimming, coaches older Friedel students weekly at the JCC pool. He hopes, in addition, to start coaching younger students next year. Sukkah Decorating: a bright, colorful tradition enjoyed by students and their families.
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'Munch and Mingle': The PTO's open house to launch the recruitment season welcomed approximately 75 adults and children.
Joel Alperson Anonymous Alan & Marcia Baer Donald and Diane Baum Libby E. Colick Harold Cooperman Pennie Davis Robert Eisenberg Tom Fellman Frohm Foundation (Dean Frankel) Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation Donald & Maggie Gerber Frank & Leanne Goldberg Leonard & Shirley Goldstein Herbert Goldsten Trust Dan Gordman Fund Jerome P. & Linda R. Gordman
'All Star Program': Students in Grades 3-6—talking frankly with Jewish Family Service staff at several sessions — pledged to avoid negative behaviors, such as sex, drugs, and alcohol; and agreed to adopt positive behaviors based on such Jewish values as tzedakah, likkun olam and derech eretz. Purim observances: A full-scale Spirit Day featured a Purim Puppet Show, spotlighting the fabulous puppets students created; a just-for-fun talent show; and giving of hamantaslien to Blumkin residents. The PTO's fourth annual spring fund-raiser spread the joy of Purim, as hundreds of Sltalach Manol were delivered throughout the community. Civic Oration Contest sponsored by Modern Woodman of America: an outstanding language arts experience for students in Grades 3 to 6.
Art Appreciation Project: Friedel mom Julie Phillips taught students how to look at works of art more discerningly and how to create their own art. '
Artspan Program: Students participate at the JCC with members of the 'Young Energetic Seniors' in inter-generational programs of cultural enrichment made possible by a grant from the Shrager Foundation.
Hanukkah festivities: study and celebration of the Festival of Lights including presentation of a Hanukkah show, as Friedel's gift to the community.
Model Seder and Passover Play: The story of the Exodus came to life as students enacted scenes of their Passover Play during a memorable Seder in the JCC auditorium.
Tu Bi'Shevat Seder: a celebration of "the birthday of the trees" accompanied by learning about the "seven species."
12th Annual Commencement: The community is invited to join our ceremonies and celebrations on June 1!
Nelson & Linda Gordman Fund Don & Nancy Greenberg Mrs. Gary Gross Paul & Joy Grossman Joseph & Pauline Guss Fred & Ruth Hahn Foundation David L. and Phyllis H. Hoffman Joe Kirshenbaum The Kohll Family Howard Kooper Judge Norman Krivosha Forrest Knitter Herbert Linn The Livingston Foundation Mortimer & Dorothy Luster Esther K. Newman Trust Murray H. & Sharee C. Newman
Harlan Noddle Oliver & Karen Pollak Joel & Mary Rich Yale Richards Martin & Iris Ricks Steven J. & Margo Riekes Jerry Rosen S. Howard & Faye Ruback Rose Schupack Natan & Hannah Schwalb Jack & Helene Shrago Martin & Aveva Shukert Craig & Tanya Siena The Simon Family Fund Sokolbf Foundation Norman & Joodi Veitzer U.S. West Foundation
Omaha's Pulpit Rabbis Express Support for Friedel " There is no question of the vital role played by day school education in the creation of knowledgeable, committed Jews. Time alone is a major factor: In day school, students have the opportunity to spend many hours learning Hebrew language, pursuing Judaic studies, and experiencing a wide variety of Jewish activities. All of these cannot possibly fit into a supplementary school, no matter how good that school might be. Susie and I are long-time supporters of Friedel Jewish Academy. We sent both our children therefrom kindergarten through sixth grade graduation, and we continue to encourage other parents to consider the advantages of day school education. " — Rabbi Paul Drazcn At the 'Munch & Mingle' open house, Zcv Eiscnbcrg-Kohll (above L) and Noah Kohll have fun painting, while guests (below) enjoy pizza and tour the Academy
Beth El Synagogue
" / open the doors of Temple Israel to Friedel's recruiters, and I, myself, talk about how important day school is. I'm behind the existence of the school. The Federation, I think, needs to look carefully at promotion of Jewish day school. Now that our Jewish Community Center building has been expanded and improved, we can take care of our physical health; we must also look at our spiritual health. We need a comprehensive, unifying vision as to which way we want our community to go. Jews have to give money for happy things, and Friedel is a happy thing. " — Rabbi Aryeh Azriel Temple Israel
" / view day school education not as a luxury, but as a necessity, and I'm extremely pleased that day school education has been growing all over the United States. There is no substitute for the qualitative education that a day school like Friedel Jewish Academy provides—in both Jewish and general studies. In addition, a day school aims to mold character and to give children a value system to live by. The basic skills of a solid Jewish education are the same regardless of synagogue affiliation. That is why Friedel is able to meet the needs of students whose families represent different religious thinking. The time has come for our Jewish community to acknowledge that an afternoon Hebrew school, regardless of its quality, can never compare to an excellent day school education. I sincerely hope that increasing numbers of Omaha families will come to recognize how much their children need and deserve what Friedel offers them. " — Rabbi Howard Kutner 'Getting rhythm' with percussionist-music educator Michael Fitzslmmons captivities students and seniors at the April Artspan Program
Beth Israel Synagogue
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
Michael L. Linn
Jewish laws combined with respect, understanding can help parents motivate positive behaviors in kids We are constantly directing and redirecting our children to do things that we, as parents and as educators, feel are the right things for them to do. Sometimes we expect our children to follow our directions merely because they are our directions. Often we are met with resistance. If so, what should we do? 1 believe we need to remind ourselves that all of us do certain things not because we are told to, not even because they are right—but, rather, because of the reward we receive, or because we want to, or because we can, or because it "feels good." To me, one of the most important roles of a Jewish parent is to consider and act on some basic Jewish Laws that instruct us on how children should treat their parents: Children must not contradict their parents (Yorah Daiah, 240:1). Children must not sit in a place where a parent usually sits. Children should fulfill a parent's request with a pleasant facial expression. Children must not call parents by their first names. Children should consider their parents distinguished, even if others do not. Children must be careful not to awaken a sleeping parent. Children are obligated to stand up before their father and mother. Children never have a right to humiliate or embarrass their parents. However, if a parent tells a child to violate either a Torah Law or a rabbinical law, the child is forbidden to comply.
It is interesting that these directives appear to be one-sided. After all, how often do we adults do for others and expect nothing in return? How often do'we do something for no reason other than we know it's the right thing, the proper thing, to do? Thus, I suggest that if we, as parents, ask our children to do things for us, we have an obligation to them in return. I believe that we must treat our children with respect and with understanding. We have no right to embarrass or humiliate them. Indeed, Jewish Law tells us that we have no right to humiliate or embarrass anyone— neither peer nor perceived enemy.
As parents and educators, we must provide children direction, support, hope and understanding while we do whatever possible to teach them what is right. Then, at some future time, we must be prepared to sit back and observe, as we allow them to make decisions for themselves and act accordingly. We can only hope that the information, guidance, and examples we have set will lead them to the right choices.
Editor 's nou: Frkdel director Michael L Linn presented these thoughts on behavior andparent-child Interaction ' to the members of the Friedei Board in the fall of 1999
From The News and Worth Repeating News and feature articles about Friedei appeared often in the pages of The Jewish Press during the 1999-2000 school year. Many of the parents and teachers interviewed for these articles made comments worth repeating. We're listing a few of their remarks here: "My son Chad was doing very well at public school by public school standards, but he did not achieve his academic potential until he started at Friedei." Jill Sideris, parent "The Academy is a superlative community day school that has what it lakes to provide our children with an outstanding academic and religious education. The enthusiasm is there; the momentum is there.-We need to get parents into the school so they can see for themselves." Julie Phillips, parent "I'm extremely pleased about having so few children in my class so that I'm in a position to meet the educational needs of each one." _. „ .. , ' , . . Diana Zeman, kindergarten-grade 1 teacher "Friedei students move ahead at their own pace, or receive-additional help when needed,'based on their individual abilities, rather than arbitrary grade levels." Lisa Ephraim, parent "It's a pleasure teaching Hanukkah at Friedei! These past few Decembers have been the first in all my years of teaching that I don 'tfeel like a foreigner in a foreign land." Tuffy Epstein, musician and educator