September 29, 2000: Rosh Hashanah Edition

Friday, September 29, 2000 • 29 Elul, 5760

Vol. LXXX No. 1

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

Celebrating 80 Glorious Years of Jewish Community It's not every day that an 80th anniversary can be celebrated. Yes, there are organizations in Omaha that are older: Temple Israel (1871), B'nai B'rith (1843), the National Council of Jewish Women (1896), and the Jewish Federation of Omaha (1904).

But Omaha has the singular distinction of being the only city our size which still publishes a weekly newspaper for its Jewish readers.

The Jewish Press has never missed a Friday publication. We've been delayed a day due to snow storms, tornados and postal snafu, but week after week, year after year, Jewish Omahans read the latest news of their community, as well as issues of Jewish interest in America, Israel and around the world.

It doesn't happen by accident. Just last month, a new front page was created the day before press time when the Democratic Party announced Sen. Joe lieberman as its Vice-president. When Morris Maline was editor (1977-96), he scrambled for photos and stories after the assassination of Yitzchak Rabin, Prime Minister of the State of Israel.

Mary Fellman, editor from 1943-47, and Mickey Greenberg, editor for a decade between 1964-74, also faced their portion of last-minute changes, financial crises, issues with employees and political brouhaha in the community. Luckily, they're all still around and available to share their insights, advice and memories.

The Jewish Press has gone from being a creation by Federation leadership, but owned by the Blacker family (see Oliver Pollak's story, beginning on page 5), to a "house organ," to an independent agency with its own board of directors. Today's Press is now a "constitutional committee" of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Our relations with the Federation staff and leadership are at the highest level of cooperation. . .and that goes for all the Centers of Excellence, as well as the synagogues and Jewish organizations, and community institutions, too.

We're also grateful for the support of our loyal readership and the increased interest of our advertisers in reaching what they've come to see as a very desirable market. Thanks to Advertising Manager Larry Axelrod for his persistence in persuading local, regional and national businesses to place an ever-growing number of ads.

Representing two seminal events for Omaha Jewry, top photo: the formation of an organized community came first through the founding of Temple Israel in 1871. The Park Avenue Synagogue closed in 1952, when the congregation moved to its present location on 70th and Cass. Many of the Federation's first leaders came from Temple Israel, Bottom photo: the founding of Israel (shown here in the 1948 World Zionist Photo Service photo of Ben Gurion declaring the State, May, 14, 1948) following World War II and the Holocaust, created a new relationship between the Jewish people of Israel and the Diaspora. Thanks to the foresight of the greatgrandparents and grandparents of today's Omaha Jews, a strong Jewish community here still assists Jews in Israel and worldwide.

Photos courtesy ofNJHS

Managing Editor Maureen LaPour turned those requests into creative, attractive ads and helped to redesign the look of these pages. A special thanks to Denise Baccus, who created our new flag on the front page and graphic designs for the inside pages.

Scanning and page make-up were accomplished due to the talented efforts of our Production Assistant Jen Gates. Outside sales reps Barbara Frankel and Rocky Stern have also done their share in bringing in ads for this special issue.

Bookkeeper Jenina Stewart managed to keep our accounts current, while juggling the responsibilities of becoming a new mother! And office volunteer George Schapiro willingly proof-read these pages, as he's done for more than a decade.

Many writers contributed to the coverage of the 80th anniversary and the history of Omaha's agencies: Diane Axler Baum, Leo Biga, Mary Fellman, Mickey Greenberg, Gary Javitch, Bert Lewis, Morris Maline, Joan K. Marcus, Pam Monsky, Oliver Pollak, Silvia Roffman and Claudia Sherman.

As the Jewish Press enters its next decade, our Committee has set some ambitious goals.

In the next few years, we hope to: grow our advertising revenue to lessen our dependence on the Federation's Annual Campaign; purchase a microfilm reader and printer to be shared by. the Kripke Federation Library and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, for easier access to our pages; create and maintain a weekly changing website with additional stories unavailable in our printed format and links to other sites of interest; electronically transmit completed pages to our printer, the Times Publishing Company, for printing each week; and finally, serve neighboring markets where maintenance of a Jewish newspaper is becoming more difficult and less cost-efficient.

These goals can only be accomplished with the support of our committee, the Jewish Federation, our loyal readers and advertisers and our staff working at the highest levels of cooperation and professionalism.

To all of you, we wish a year of good health, happiness, prosperity and peace!

L'shana Tova Tikatayuu!

Carol Katzman, Editor Lloyd Roitstein, Press Committee Chairman

The Jewish Press committee extend our best wishes to the community

for a joyous season JEWISH PRESS

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(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. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication.

National Newspaper Association

The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $28 per calendar year U.S.; $32 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Telephone: 402-3346448; FAX: 402-334-5422; E-mail: <jshpress@aol.cora> Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198.

Lloyd Roitstein Chairman Caroj Katzman Editor-in-Chief

Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager' Barbara Frankel Rocky Stern Sales representatives Jenina Stewart Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Howard K. Marcus; Linda Saltzman; Steve Simon; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member).

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content.

The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment.

September 29, 2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

5761

2000

May The New Year Bring You Joy And Happiness.

Rakers

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

A Look at 1920 (5680)

by BERT LEWIS, free-lance writer m*mmnmm.m--~m~-mmm. office. A Jewish name gets attention from every In addition to the publication of the first Jewish cational, political and social.

Volume 22 of the American Jewish Yearbook com- camp, regardless of party. Eighty years ago, in newspaper in Omaha, the year 1920 was signifiments as follows: "Over a million Jews of the 1920, there were six Jewish members of the 66th cant for many other reasons.

America was, after all, a nation recently involved United States are connected with national organi- Congress; five were Republicans and one was a in a world war, and 1920 was a year when there zations; over half a million are affiliated with fra- Democrat. Interesting?

Perhaps even more interesting is this: Jewish seemed to be an attitude of "out with the old, in ternal orders of mutual benefit associations; a members of the Congress of the United States went quarter of a million help to maintain philanthropic with the new." back as far as 1841, and there were some 30 of enterprises of a national scope; 333 report a total of On the frivolous side, women were seeing (and them between that date and 1920. Contrary to 5569 branches." participating in) changes in everything from clothThe topic of politics cannot be over-looked if we're what a person might think, they weren't all from ing styles to public behavior. The Flapper became a well-known phrase as well as description. The digging up interesting statistics. Today, in this New York or other eastern states.

The resource for this is also The American Jewish ankle-length dresses of by gone years were replaced election year 2000, the subject of religion is a familiar one when discussing candidates for high public Yearbook for 1920. In the same book I found statisby shockingly short hemlines-up to the knees! tics relating to Jewish students enrolled in 106 Other changes from long to short were seen colleges, universities and professional schools in hair styles, when the prim little bun at the in the U.S. There were just under 15,000, with nape of the neck gave way to a "bobbed, shinmales outnumbering females by roughly two to gled up the back, short look." This was such a one. departure that females soon figured out the At the beginning of this article, the reader best place to get such a cut was from a man's In order to ^nc'litste the obtaining of subscriptions for The was reminded that the forerunner of today's barber. One can only imagine the courage it J e w i s h P r e s s was first published in 1920. took, in that day and age, for a girl to sashay Prea*. a Biitwunption blank is t*ing carried in thli issue.

If you droiif t« hr i nubjwrlber Oil out the blank and mail it Here are just a few more newspapers and maginto a barber shop and order her hair bobbed! a check for SI 50 as dirA-tPfi, Vou will then be placed on the subscript azines printed for Jewish readership in that Cigarettes, hitherto known mostly as roll- HBt« »ml will rretive thp next and ensuing issues for one year. year: 10 daily papers published in Yiddish; 35 your-own, hand-made, smelly things, became published weekly in English, 13 in Yiddish and smart looking, ready to light sticks of trouble, to two in Hebrew and one in Judeo-Spanish. Six which many of those flappers were drawn.

SUBSCRIPTION BLANTV were published monthly in English, one in Statistics show that women really began smokJewish Prtsa Publishing Co. Yiddish and 3 in Hebrew. Two were published ing in public (brazenly!) at that time in history.

4 Bain! Bldg. Omaha. N«hr. bi-monthly in English and four in English Of course, it's not hard to figure out that the G«nll«man:quarterly. cosmetic industry was really born during those EHrleavd in ?tiw!> for $130 to pay for >•• oh . upiion I'm proud to report the Omaha Jewish post war years, also. Everybody knows such Ttie J»Qi&k Prntn fur one yew fr«H dau.

Bulletin was listed among those papers pubthings existed long before the '20s, since the lished weekly, even back then. The office was charcoal used for eye make-up went back to Satnei . „ .. listed as 602 Paxton Building, Omaha, ancient times, as did the practice of brewing Nebraska. strong tea as hair tint. Still, that was the time when "real" make-up appeared, the kind that I haven't checked the 1999 edition of the Addrws _. ladies might use.

American Jewish Yearbook, but I'd be willing to Mftil to Jewish Pr«M Publishing C«, Room 4, Baird bet serious money we're still listed under weekSuch things seem far from what should be Ueceipt will b« M M >i-u. ly publications. noted if the year 1920 is looked at seriously.

After 80 years, why would they forget to menJewish communities everywhere were seeing tion us? growth in many organizations, including edu-

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Four Score and Four Years Ago: The Battle Between the Jewish Bulletin and the Jewish Press,1916-1921

by OLIVER B. POLLAK, University of Nebraska at Omaha (1) •

There has been a weekly Jewish Press in Omaha for 84 years.

The Omaha Jewish Press, which is celebrating SO years of publication, arose out of a vituperous debate with its predecessor the Omaha Jewish Bulletin. It is an exciting chapter in newspaper history.

Maxim and Isaac Konecky, two Polish Jewish immigrant brothers, moved from New York to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1916, and started the Jewish Bulletin. The family business produced a brash paper. Frank and boisterous coverage of socially sensitive stories like divorce, family abandonment, a pro-worker and anti-landlord bias, and forays into interdenominational and black-white relations soon offended and alienated the leaders of the Jewish Community.

These leaders were all members of the B'nai B'rith. The most prominent, Henry Monsky, an attorney, would serve as President of the International Order of B'nai B'rith from 1938 to 1947. The Bulletin even attacked the Jewish Welfare Federation as "The Jew Klux Klan."

In December, 1920, the Federation determined to remove Konecky's printed voice and founded the Omaha Jewish Press.

The Jewish Bulletin was published between March, 1916, and April 1, 1921. A single copy cost 5(2, an annual subscription cost $1.50. A total of 265 issues were published, but only the last 104 survived.

Ironically, the front page of the first microfilmed issue contained a letter to the editor which was captioned "Jewish Bulletin Historical Document."

The letter suggested "that as a matter of state pride" they send Jewish Bulletin to the Nebraska State Historical Society, the University of Nebraska Library, Lincoln City Library and Omaha City Library.

The English, German, Yiddish and Hebrew American Jewish press flourished in a competitive environment with readership fed by new immigrants, workers with a community of interests, and a desire to assimilate to the American lifestyle. Private ownership permitted editorial freedom and determined the voice of the press. Communal ownership tended

to stifle criticism and fosP r e s s in December, ter communal public rela1920, starved the Bultions. (2) letin of advertising revIsaac (1874-1953) took enue and readership, and over Maxim's interest. drove it out of business.

Isaac's son, Eugene Champion Konecky (1898-1978), of the Underdog joined the newspaper.

The voice of the Eugene, a member of Bulletin was inconsisYipsel, the Young People's t e n t and amateurish, Socialist League, wrote ediand independent. In an torials for the Bulletin editorial entitled "Paper while attending Central Soldiers" it declared, High School and the "Fear not Americans!

University of Nebraska at The yellow flag of jourLincoln. Isaac's daughter, nalism rises unconquerMiriam (1896-1991), and ably glorious to preserve later his daughter-in-law, us from the red flag Eva Lapp (1900-1958), prespectre!" While the Bulpared the Society column. letin consistently sought (3) financial security, KoThe Koneckys, New _, , ... , ... necky was not afraid to T Yorkers and leftists, quick quickIsaac Konecky, publishers of t h e t a k e g t a n d s t h a t w e r e unpopular with the ly irritated the Omaha ^wish Bulletin Jewish establishment. Isaac's booming voice, broadcast Omaha Jewish community.

Konecky published stories on local Jewish scanin his provocative newspaper, competed with the local dals. He championed the down-trodden, the underJewish leadership.

Maxim and Isaac Konecky represented the Young dog abandoned wives and children, peddlers, and Men's Hebrew Association which proposed building victims of "profiteers." He wrote on behalf of a meeting hall. In August, 1916, the Associated Zionism, Jewish war sufferers, and racial and Jewish Charities denied assistance to the Konecky interfaith relations. Konecky's publicity of these topics affronted the Jewish community and convenendorsed building project. (4) B'nai B'rith Omaha Lodge blackballed Isaac's tional wisdom which prided itself on a low rate of membership in 1917. Following the enactment of Jewish antisocial behavior such as juvenile delinthe 1917 draft, Isaac opened a military draft quency, alcoholism, incarceration and divorce. exemption information bureau which may have The culture shock inflicted on old country marbeen unpopular. riages in America—desertion and divorce—appears B'nai Sholem Congregation elected Isaac as its del- in Forward's "bintel briefs" (bundle of letters), the egate to the Federation Board in May, 1920. The movie Hester Street, and in scholarly literature.(6) Federation Executive Committee rejected Konecky's The Bulletin covered the "human vermin" who credentials. Eugene confided in his diary that the abandoned their wives and failed to support their Konecky's and the Bulletin were subject to "persecu- children. It publicized children being sent to Father tion. . .at the hands of the Omaha Jews." (5) Flanagan's Home for Boys and the Cleveland Community leaders who sought greater control of Orphans Home, the jailing of fathers, and the filing the Jewish print media founded the Omaha Jewish of alienation of affection suits.

Your Past is a Family Treasure t' • '•'" SAVE YOUR MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD, COURTSHIP, PARENTS, THE FAMILY BUSINESS.

LET'S TURN YOUR WORDS AND PHOTOS INTO AN ELEGANT HEIRLOOM BOOK.

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Joe Guss, President; Leon Wintroub, Vice-president and Treasurer; Al Feldman, Secretaty; Jerry Gordman, Dan Greenfield, Joe Kirshenbaum, Morris Kutler, Paul Shyken, Louie Fedman, Sam Fedman and Harry Alloy, Board Members

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

Four Score and Four Years Ago (continued from page 5) Publicizing such sensitive topics alienated the established Jewish community. The deteriorating relations accelerated as the Bulletin reported the case of Sam Spiegel suing his wife of 22 years, Frieda, for divorce. The Bulletin championed Mrs. Spiegel against her thoughtless husband and an "invisible power."

A series of articles entitled "Modern Inquisition, The Cruelties of Charity" criticized the Jewish Charities, its director, Samuel Schaefer, and its leading proponent, Henry Monsky, both of whom had national reputations in the area of social work.

"The Jewish Bulletin has no apologies to make.

We are proud of the enemies we have made while trying to help a mother and her [seven] children against a monster and an invisible power that may some day suffer the damnation of hell for t h e wrongs inflicted upon the innocent."

Of J e w s a n d J u n k The Bulletin assumed the cause of Jewish junk peddlers, victims of both neighborhood toughs and junk dealers to whom they sold his stock. Isaac Konecky lectured peddlers on how to organize like the Chamber of Commerce, how to represent their interests, and how to mutually protect themselves against the ravages of blood-thirsty profiteers.

Cleveland junk peddlers had just ended a successful six-week strike. Konecky, speaking to the peddlers, stated "You can make the world respect you if you will respect yourself first. In unity is your hope for emancipation from the dealer."

The Bulletin took credit when a junk dealer ceased his deceptive advertising, and it later re-ported the offending dealer's arrest for passing worthless checks and receiving stolen goods. When a junk peddler had a pail of water dumped on him, and suffered other indignities, Isaac Konecky secured a warrant for the arrest of the culprit and announced that "anti-Semitism in Omaha must be stopped."

The press continuously railed against profiteering land lords. Uncontrolled rents and food prices

would lead to Bolshevism. In "A New Menace" the Bulletin Readers of the reported rumors of a Jewish City Talmud Torah strike over the high Bulletin cost of living and the constant raising of rents by God-api. pointed landlords, The cost of publishing thla and teacher's denewspaper h i * {one tip 40 per mands for higher cent. W e *re forced to appeal wages in order to to our subscriber* and friends keep body and soul to help MB to meet our legititogether. mate obligations.

Konecky welcomed The Jewish Bulletin Is lightthe Tenant's Protective League's forma- I ing hard In behalf of juatice anil ~ decency. It Is your fight, the tion, although it had people's fljiht Will ymi ifjffi'a few Jewish members. i by yourpaperN The Bulletin cooperated with HIAS Pay Up Yoiir (Hebrew Immigrant Sitbstrlptipn Aid Society) and Zionist organizations and appealed for funds to assist Jews in post war Europe.

Disappointed by the Versailles Peace Conference's failure to recognize Palestine, Eugene, in "The Jews and Salvation," stated "A Jewish press is the soul of all Jewish endeavor. It enables us to visualize into a united whole our various and diverse movements...It can create a Jewish community."

The Bulletin assisted Omaha Jews in transmitting funds to relatives in Eastern Europe.

Editorials dabbled in theology and sociology attempting to reconcile Judaism and Christianity, Hanukkah and Christmas and intermarriage.

The Bulletin joined a cacophony of newspapers, the World-Herald, Bee, Daily News, Mediator and Western Laborer, at a particularly turbulent time

in Omaha's history. When the Western Laborer wrote about "Hun Brewers and whiskey Jews," and when the Mediator maligned a Jewish businessman's reputation on the word of a convicted felon, the Bulletin responded by calling the Western Laborer an "execrable dross" and "a labor bleeder, not a labor leader."

The summer of 1919 was tumultuous. The press fed on local politics and recrimination. The Bee was founded by Edward Rosewater, a lifelong Republican and member of the American Jewish Committee. The Bee accused police chief J. Dean Ringer of promoting lawlessness.

The Bulletin, siding with responsible journalism in "Who is the Goat," stated, "The press has advocated and aroused the masses to mob-violence, lynch and hate," concluding that "the people remain the goat."

Responding to race riots in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Eugene Konecky opined in "The Black Peril" that "Illiteracy among the whites and blacks is the greatest single problem. . .The truth is, there is no 'black peril' other than the peril of a staggering illiteracy and ignorance."

Profiteers, not Negroes, are the problem. The Bulletin printed an appreciative letter from the local NAACP. On Sunday, Sept. 28, 1919, a mob wrested Will Brown, an African-American accused of raping a white woman, from the custody of county jail. They lynched him and burned the Douglas County Courthouse. In "The Cause of it All," the Bulletin blamed the lynching and riot on Omaha's yellow press that incited the baser instincts of Omaha whites.

Konecky reported Jewish participation in the riot. A 19-year-old, confined in county jail for five weeks, died after an illness in jail. When a 17-yearold was sentenced to Kearney State Industrial School and his mother became hysterical in court and fainted, the Bulletin reported its deep "sympathy with the unfortunate mother. We understand (Continued on page 7)

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September 29, 2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Four Score and Four Years Ago (continued from page 6) and know a mother's love for her child and, therefore, can only ask for mercy in behalf of a brokenhearted mother."

B'nai Shoiem and Jewish Communal Life Isaac Konecky ran unsuccessfully for the State Senate as a Democrat in 1920, opposing "reform hypocrisy that interferes with the social, political and religious liberties of the people."

B'nai Shoiem Synagogue provided a new base to reinforce the Bulletin, his ambitions, and attacks on the Federation. B'nai Shoiem was originally formed as the Hungarian Society in 1897, became the Liberty Society in 1918, and became known as B'nai Shoiem in 1919.

The group met at Swedish Auditorium and described itself as a modern orthodox temple.

Isaac was elected its delegate to the Federation in May, 1920. But the Federation Board of Directors, critical of Konecky, rejected his credentials.(7) In response, Konecky wrote two editorials entitled "Isaac Konecky's Shrapnel." These editorials issued barbs aimed at the Federation.

Konecky asserted, "When grafters are on a committee to dole out charity, there is woe unto the poor" and "The Jew who black-balls his brother for a personal or other motive is an anti-Semite."

An editorial entitled "The Community Center Once More" announced that Youngstown had built a community center and asserted that "Omaha is ripe for a Jewish community center. It can only become a reality after the awakening of the masses from their lethargy of indifference."

Konecky wanted Omaha to follow Youngstown's example. The need for a Jewish Community Center had recurred intermittently between 1906 and 1919, but had been sidetracked by the 1913 tornado and the Great War. By October, 1920, the Young Men's and Young Women's Hebrew Association negotiated to purchase a building on Dodge Street between 18th and 19th Streets.

In "Youth will be Served" the sporadic interest in a community center and the failure to build one was blamed on the "spineless shoulders of bungling misleaders."

The Financial Survival Newspapers need subscribers and advertisers to survive. The foot of the editorial column in 1917 lay the admonition:

"Our ADVERTISERS a r e our main support.

Knowing this, you should give THEM your first The Sweiliflh Auditorium Ijwtt* 1I*R, HI i (Halt Mt4 fMr«t* Klnrrtconsideration. We ROSII HASilONO conscientiously recommend our advertisers and YOM KIPPER we stand back of them in any representation they Tidkete $2.00 a Penbn for the may make, beHolidays ' "•* * '' ' cause we are sure of their RELIABILITY and we are willing to vouch for it. We accept no questionable advertisers." (original emphasis) In May, 1919, "Our Advertisers" described the mutuality of spreading information and advertising: "But to be able to exist, aside from its subscriptions, it must be well supplied with advertisements, from which it draws its sustenance. . .if it is to be a class paper, such as the Jewish Bulletin is, when it carries the advertisement of any business, it also advertises to the world that this firm is a friend of the Jewish people. Such advertisers are willing to help support a paper whose circulation is limited to Jews. They prove their friendship in the most positive manner—by paying for it. Do the courteous thing, patronize those who say they want your patronage and who prove it be advertising in a paper which only reaches Jews."

The Bulletin sought expanded patronage as a means to increased financial stability. The newspaper ran the following editorial twice: "The Jews of Omaha and other Jews," comparing Omaha to Detroit, Portland and Denver, which had weekly Jewish newspapers said, "There is a need of a strong Jewish newspaper in Omaha and the midwest. The Jewish Bulletin constitutes the basis for such an organ. . .Every Jew in this city ought to subscribe. . .there should be no slackers."

Eugene Konecky's diary refers repeatedly to the Bulletin's financial struggle and the various

Congregation "B'irafS'fiolffif

schemes of his father to make ends meet. But not every Jew in Omaha did subscribe and, by late 1919, the Bulletin had virtually given up attempting to influence the established Jewish leaders.

"It is a fact that our efforts, both in spirit and letter, have been entirely ignored by these rabbinical and communal leaders. Our criticisms have called forth only a freezing silence and invisible opposition." Omaha needed a "purification of the 'higher ups'," to rid the leadership of hypocrisy.

Jewish Press and the Jew Klux Klan Despite Omaha B'nai B'rith Lodge's black-balling Ms membership in 1917, Konecky muted his hostility and covered B'nai B'rith activities. The Bulletin carried a watching brief on Harry A. Wolf and Henry Monsky, B'nai B'rith activists whose influence went beyond the Jewish community. Monsky was active in Omaha's United Charities, and a national B'nai B'rith leader.

Harry A. Wolf was a leading Omaha real estate entrepreneur whose success won him the description as a "modern real estate Napoleon" who "revolutionized the real estate business."

Konecky saw Monsky and Wolf as cabals, "profiteers," exercising "invisible power." The Bulletin covered business transactions involving Jewish Welfare Board members. One such transaction was the purchase of the Fontenelle Hotel in 1920, wherein nine directors of the Hotel were Welfare Board members (Wolf, Monsky, Morris Levy, N.P. Feil, Herman Auerbach, Philip, Ben and L. Sher.)

The Bulletin encouraged a five-lawyer committee to investigate complaints that several Omaha attorneys failed to remit collections to clients.

The Bulletin offered to "help its readers to get justice against any lawyer in this city who might have wronged them in the past. Bring your complaint to Mr. Isaac Konecky, who will personally investigate, and if necessary, will prosecute free of any charges."

Konecky attempted reconciliation with Jewish community leaders during the High Holy Days.

His editorial "Leshono Tova Vetikoseyvu" wished all Bulletin supporters and non-supporters a happy new year.

At Yom Kippur he wrote "let us throw to the junk pile the religious and political bunk that afflicts us."

(Continued on page 9)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

The Jewish

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by I. Perimeter, Editor, The Jewish Press, May 3, 1929 Publisher, David Blacker It was several years ago that Jewry began to discuss the possibilities of uniting in a joint effort to rebuild Palestine to a newer and greater glory. It is beautiful to dream, but it is even more pleasant to watch those fantasies take form and become realities. Following the lead of their American cousins, English Jewry have formally committed themselves to participation in the extended Jewish Agency. Other European Jewish communities have either taken favorable steps or have also officially signified ratification of the plan. In other words, the Agency is a guaranteed fact now.

This fall, the delegates to the Jewish Agency, fifty per cent of whom will be Zionists and fifty per cent non-Zionists, will meet and begin the actual work. Their task will not be an easy one. But because of the essential merit in the plan under which they will operate, with its cooperation among those who disagree on issues, we are confident that success will attend their efforts.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 8

Four Score and Four Years Ago (continued from page 7) The antagonism of the Bulletin toward the Jewish community leaders became intolerable. The publicity for a philanthropic drive to build a community center could not be done satisfactorily through the Bulletin.

The Jewish Welfare Board established its own newspaper. Omaha's Jewish leaders signed the Articles of Incorporation in November, 1920.

Morris Jacobs, a 1916 University of Missouri journalism graduate, served as first editor and later cofounded a public relations firm, Bozell and Jacobs.

The Federation immediately authorized payment to the Jewish Press for printing its Annual Reports. (8) The shareholders waived all right to earnings and dividends beyond reimbursement. Profits not reinvested in the paper were "to be utilized in the discretion of the Board for some worthy communal, philanthropic or charitable" purpose. (9) The first issue, Dec. 16, 1920, stated the newspaper's goals: "To furnish a high-class representative organ for the various Jewish organizations in the city and a medium with which to promote Jewish communal activities."

- The J e w i s h P r e s s never acknowledged the Bulletin's existence. The conciliatory and communal Jewish Press ignored local mayhem and vice, reporting such unpleasant topics only when occurring to Jews in Europe. The Bulletin responded in "Shall the Bulletin be Assassinated?" declaring "The claws of organized exploiters are on the Jewish Bulletin's throat!"

The Bulletin is independent revealing "theological dope and misinformation." In "Does it justify the Omaha Jewery to spend $7,000 to distribute $30,000 for welfare work," Konecky attacked Jewish philanthropy.

The Bulletin criticized the overheads involved in distributing communal welfare and suggested merging with the larger and allegedly more costefficient Omaha City Welfare Board.

Konecky lashed out in desperation. "Two Ways" distinguished between Bulletin wisdom and the establishment's ignorance. They urged in behalf of the Bulletin's survival, knowledge instead of mourners' benches, natures laws instead of sacred scriptures, and cause and effect instead of prayer meetings. If a landlord was the president of your synagogue and you did not pay your rent, he would let you freeze to death.

Following the annual meeting of the Jewish Welfare Board at the Fontenelle Hotel, the Bulletin

took credit for creating the unity that permitted German Jews to rub shoulders with their Russian, Polish, Galician, Hungarian, Romanian and Austrian brethren. Discrimination against the "Ferdamter Pollack" and "Shmutziger Iitwak" had ended.

Konecky appealed "to the justice-loving American people for justice" for the survival of the Bulletin.

False rumors that we are out of business have been spread by a "group of rent profiteers."

In "B'nai B'rith," the Bulletin congratulated them for 75 years of noble pursuits, but added that in Omaha it exhibited hypocrisy, selfishness, malignity, avarice and prejudice towards other Jews whom they cannot control.

Under the headline, "The Jew Klux Klan," on March 18, 1921, Konecky unleashed a tirade that continued in the next two issues. In the wake of Henry Ford's notorious Dearborn Independent Inter national Jew conspiracy, and Ku Klux Klan revelations, Isaac stated that he had incurred the undying hatred of a similar secret organization, the Jew Klux Klan.

They boycotted the Bulletin, intimidated its advertisers and interfered with the paper going to press. Through multiple systems of affiliation, a few influential men had insinuated themselves into the B'nai B'rith, Omaha Hebrew Club, Temple Israel, City Talmud Torah, Welfare Board and Young Men's Hebrew Association, and acted against the public interest of a free press. (10) Konecky, noting that 13 of the 15 directors in Harry A. Wolfs companies, called them an "interlocking-directorate." Konecky argued "the reason why Harry Wolf never supported" the Bulletin was "because we told too much truth about him."

The third installment of the Jew Klux Klan story appeared April 1, 1921, and closed stating "to be continued." But, the April 1 issue proved to be Konecky's and the Bulletin's final issue.

Epilogue The Konecky's abrasive anti-establishment position provoked a rival newspaper into existence.

Isaac Konecky became a Deputy Sheriff, ran for City Commissioner, became a private investigator and lobbyist for the Home Owners League.

He left Omaha for New York in 1952 where he won poetry contests. He died in 1953. Eugene left the University of Nebraska in 1918 after contracting influenza in his freshman year. He was a radio announcer, editor, and published poet.

Footnotes (1) This article first appeared in Western States Jewish History, volume 27, October 1994 under the title, "The Jewish Press: Captive or Critic? Nebraska Jewish Journalism." The author and the J e w i s h P r e s s are grateftil to WSJH for permission to reprint it. The author thanks Milton S. Konecky of Pottersville, N.J., for recollections about his father, Eugene, and grandfather, Isaac Konecky, and sharing Eugene's diary. Unless otherwise noted, quoted material is from the Jewish Bulletin or the Jewish Press.

(2) David Wolf Silverman, "The Jewish Press: A Quadrilingual Phenomenon" in The Religious Press in America (New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1963), p. 165.

(3) Communication with Milton S. Konecky, Omaha City Directories, and 1920 U.S. Census.

(4) Associated Jewish Charities Minutes, 8/13/16.

Associated Jewish Charities changed its name to Jewish Welfare Federation in 1920, and future references will be to "Federation."

(5) Federation Minutes, 5/9/20 and 6/13/20; and Eugene M. Konecky Diary, 6/15/18, vol 5, p. 76.

(6) Reena Sigman Friedman, "Send Me My Husband Who

r

is in New York City; Husband Desertion in the American Jewish Immigrant Community 1900-1926," Jewish Social Studies XLIV, 1982, 1-18, and Isaac Metzker, A Bintel Brief (New York: Schocken Books, 1971).

(7) Douglas County Incorporation Records I 362, D2 596, G2 210, and H2 536; and Federation Executive Committee Minutes, 5/9/20. » (8) MEJ. The Story of Morris E. Jacobs and his Years at Bozell and Jacobs, Omaha: Bozell & Jacobs International, Inc. Publishers, 1978), pps. 13-14, 17; and Federation Minutes, 12/16/20.

(9) Douglas County Records, Incorporations, I 40. The 15 incorporators were Wolf, Sher, Levy, Momsky,' Feil, Auerbach, William L. Holzman, Harry Malashock, Saul Levy, S.J. Leon, Harry H. Lapidus, Nathan S. Yaffe, Edward Simon, and H. B. Zimman.

(10) According to Louis Lipp, younger brother of Eva Lipp, Eugene M. Konecky's first wife, the Bulletin had trouble paying its printing bills. See Nancy Cormaci, "Isaac Konecky and the Jewish Bulletin, 1919-1921" (Omaha: typescript, 1988), p. 19, interview with Louis E. Lipp on April 7, 1988.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

Looking Ahead

by I. Perimeter, Editor of the Jewish Press Publisher, David Blacker, Sept. 28,1929 Since its construction, the Jewish Community Center has the question of taking the initiative in starting a new movevery properly become the hub of activities of Omaha ment among the young Omaha Jewry to bring a modern Jewry. And what is more important, its excellent facilities orthodox rabbi to Omaha. have caused the springing up of innumerable new forms of The same subject is scheduled to occupy much of the worthwhile endeavors to occupy the time of and, at the attention of the Senior Council. Is this not proof of the new same time, benefit both young and old. philosophy that is This progress has not been an irregular change, but has pervading our been noted as a slow but sure improvement that has community? occurred in the life of the Jews of the community.

Young men and This is particularly true of the younger boys and girls. women that have } Today, a group of strong, well-organized clubs has dis- held few interests placed the meager mushroom organizations of another day. other than social A Senior Council and a Junior Council have been planned or athletic are and have become realities linking the various clubs and, striving for goals through the mutual cooperation, accomplishing things that would daunt undreamt of before. many of their The steady progression toward more and better activities adult acquainat the Jewish Community Center could do more appropri- tances. ately be proven than by pointing out the prospects for this Skeptics who year. have viewed the This very week, the Center Players are inaugurating their practice of Judaseason, and incidentally, the fall period for the whole Center, by presenting for the benefit of Omaha's drama ism in America lovers the three-act comedy, "Mamma's Affair." The play have long propheis indeed well chosen, for the theme of its plot is the sied oblivion for change of a modern young lady from a nervous, simpering the race that first and purposeless miss into a young woman with a mind of gave to the people of the earth a code her own. of living, the Ten What could more clearly portray the spirit of the younger Commandments. clubs at the Center? They are growing, and in many ways.

But as long as They have not only become stronger in numbers, but Jewish stronger in purpose, especially in the desire to do worth- young while things. Serious endeavors like debates, discussions, America progressdramatics, religion, Jewish history and kindred subjects are es toward a greatbeginning to occupy prominent parts in the program of the er obligation to assume its obligasocieties.

Some of them, like the A.Z.A., are definitely pledged to tions, pessimism carry out such an educational program. And the others are is hardly in order. falling in line, too. At least one young club has discussed

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Remembering Omaha's Early Days

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer ^ — — — It was the midst of the Great Depression in 1932 when Goldye Fish Goldberg graduated from Omaha Technical High School. Her parents, Sarah and Sam Pish, lived on 29th and Decatur Streets and Goldye doesn't remember feeling any of the effects of those difficult days. She had attended Long, Franklin, Lake Grade Schools and graduated from Kellom. Life was simple for the short, vivacious Goldye!

In 1934, she went to work at t h e Jewish Community Center on 20th and Dodge Streets. She recalled that teenagers, even in those days, filled the halls of the building.

"That's where the kids spent all of their extra time. It was a wonderful setup."

Goldye considers herself to be fortunate because she did every job possible during her time at the 'J.' She worked everywhere in the building except the library-in catering, secretarial work, keeping the books for the Phillip Sher Home and working for the Jewish Philanthropies.

She was hired as a general office worker and began working in the Jewish Family Service as a typist. As she "graduated," she started to work for the athletic director and at the counter in the lobby. Shortly after her arrival at the 'J,' Paul Veret was hired as its director.

Another part of her job was keeping the statistics for the Omaha Jewish community. She recalls that all Jewish life revolved around the Center.

"There were weddings, luncheons, meetings and receptions there. We had caterers who worked all of the time and I helped them for a whole year."

Goldberg added, "In those days, we were one of the only indoor teaching swimming pools in Omaha. In April or May there would be an advertisement in the Press and kids would come and sign up for swimming classes. It was very popular, and we were swamped.

"Manny Siegel was in charge of the program and so many people learned to swim! I helped with the AK-SAR-BEN TV AK-SAR-BEN TV registration." @93rd ©Ralston She remembers that the first major change after 3021 N. 93rd St. 8525 Park Drive Veret came was the addition of an elevator to the building.

"The National Council of Jewish Women decided to have a senior citizen luncheon on Mondays and the older people couldn't climb the steps to the fourth floor." (There continues to be a luncheon on Mondays, but it's the Y.E.S group now.)

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In 1937, Goldye married Omaha butcher Harry Goldberg. A couple of years after her marriage, she resigned from her position at the 'J5 to raise her WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK family. She was at a B'nai B'rith meeting in 1950 We kiss the books and Mr. Veret greeted her.

We buy the books "Hi Goldye! How about coming back to work?" he We teach each other how to read the books asked. After much consideration, she returned to her job.

JEWISH EDUCATIONAL and "It was hard for me because women didn't work in those days after they had a family!" she added.

LIBRARY SERVICES The best time of her life was being married to Jewish Educational Services Harry, having children, and keeping her home.

Jewish Federation Library Daughter, Beverly Zuber, and her husband, Bob, The Committee for Lifelong Jewish Learning and son, Frank, and his wife, Leanne, have blessed Friedel Jewish Academy Goldye with a total of five grandchildren.

She recently celebrated her 85th birthday and MAY WE ALL BE INSCRIBED enjoys her life, in spite of a few recent health probIN THE BOOK OF LIFE lems. She credits her family for making sure she has a happy, meaningful life.

Leaders of the Omaha Jewish community

N. S. Yaffe. Second row at right: Jacob J.

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JCC on 20th and Dodge in 1924. Front row: unidentified men, Harry Wolf, Dr. Philip Sher Louis Sommers, left, Harry Lapidus, unkown, and Rabbi Frederick Conn.

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Page 12 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

Remembering Omaha (Continued from page 11) "I don't think I'd even be here if it weren't for my kids. They're so encouraging and helpful."

One of her co-workers was Kalah Franklin, who was in charge of the Philanthropies and secretary to Paul Veret. The two women shared an office and Goldye remembers Kalah as being "all business."

"When Kalah became ill and died in 1966, everything totally changed. I stepped in to help with her work, and I could see that it was bothering Mr. Veret," Goldberg recalled. "Kalah was so efficient and did so much and I guess it was difficult for him after she died. I left my job because it was just too hard to do her work."

Goldye then regretted her resignation from her job and remembers Harry Sidman, president of the Federation, came to her house to ask her to return.

"I loved working at the 'J' and it was part of me.

It was a happy, friendly atmosphere," she said with a smile. "It wasn't just a job."

Goldye Pish Goldberg, 2000

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Kalah Franklin Remembered

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer — — — — —

Even though they are both grandmothers now, Renee Kazor and Helene Shrago are living their lives the way their aunt, Kalah Franklin, taught them.

They both share happy memories of living with their Aunt Kalah and their grandmother, Mollie F. Franklin, at a home on 33 and 'Q' Streets in South Omaha. They were four and five years old when they moved from the home that was above a clothing store.

Renee and Helene have happy memories of holidays and Shabbat dinners with their aunt, grandmother, and their parents, Mollie K. and Morris Franklin. They recall family gatherings and remember their mother had an extraordinarily close relationship with Aunt Kalah.

Later, when they attended Central High, they always went across the street to the old Jewish Community Center to visit with Aunt Kalah and other staff members: Goldye Goldberg, Lottie Colick, Bess Blank and Paul Veret (who always gave them Jewish books to read).

On Friday nights, Mr. Veret would drive them home with their aunt for Shabbat dinner.

"No matter what else we had going, we would have dinner with our family on Friday nights!"

Kazor said.

Aunt Kalah had come to work at the Center in 1939. She was executive secretary of the Omaha Jewish Federation for more than 27 years. She also served as director of the Federation of Jewish Women's Clubs and adviser to the Women's Divisions of the annual Philanthropies campaigns.

She was an officer of Mizrachi Women and was also a member of B'nai B'rith Women and the Order of the Eastern Star.

People who worked at the Center said that Kalah knew no rest. She was at her desk when they came in the morning and she remained there for long hours after they left. It is said that she worked long

Kalah Franklin, circa, 1934 hours without complaint and communicated to everyone the sense of urgency she felt about the annual drive.

Frances Batt remembers that Kalah had a natural alliance with the Jewish Community because of the kind of home she had come from.

"It didn't matter that her parents didn't have a lot but they were always giving. Kalah was immersed in this kind of a giving philosophy. She had a tremendous sense of the importance of Judaism, community and her family," Batt recalled. "I always marveled at her total devotion to her job."

Batt added that Kalah practically did the fundraising campaign all by herself.

"We need to stop and think how many people it takes to do the job today. When Kalah did the job, she put her eye on the ball and she didn't look to the right or the left. She was an inward person who went straight ahead."

Kalah Franklin, center, with her nieces, Renee Franklin (Kazor), left, and Helene Franklin (Shrago) at a Beth Israel Sisterhood Mother-and-Daughter Banquet, May 13, 1947,, at the JCC on 20th and Dodge.

Many say that Miss Franklin's great interestsoutside of her job—were her nieces. She bought a brand new Chevrolet in 1956 and took them to all kinds of cultural events.

Helene remembers going to the Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha Symphony Concerts and any cultural event that came to town.

In 1965, they accompanied their aunt and their mother to Israel and Europe~a trip they still talk about today.

Renee and Helene said their aunt was dedicated to her job. However, when her workday was ended, she came home to enjoy her family. In later years, they would attend services on Saturday morning and then go downtown to have lunch at Brandeis, Northrup Jones, or Bishops. After lunch, they all would attend movies and cultural events.

Sometimes, they would shop.

(Continued on page 14)

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September 29, 2000

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Kalah Franklin Remembered (Continued from page 13) an organizer and a leader.

After her last camShe was a woman who paign, it became physiwas ahead of her time who cally evident that Kalah always reached out to othwas in failing health. ers. Although she was a She never eased the pace dedicated career woman, that she had maintained she never hesitated to for so many years. When play ball outside with her she finally had to go to nieces. the hospital, she apologized to her co-workers She is fondly rememfor "letting them down." bered as the family photographer who was always Kalah Franklin died in the first one to organize April, 1966, at the age of family holiday dinners 50. An overflowing crowd and was always a friend packed the Jewish Funand confidant to her eral Home to pay their nieces. They remember respects to her family.

Paul Veret said, "Kalah H e l < m S h r a g O j leftj w i t h h e r s i s t e r > K e n e e that Kalah's organizationwas efficient, under- Razor, and their mother, Moilie Franklin, al skills sometimes got them "volunteer" jobs at standing, devoted and a perfectionist in every respect." He said that, above the Center when they came after school. They cherall, she was an understanding friend whose loyalty ish the legacy that has been left to their families by and support knew no bounds or limits throughout their aunt. the three decades of their association.

Helene is married to longtime Omaha grocer, After her death, Omaha Chapter of Mizrachi took Jack Shrago. Their son and his wife, Lesli, have a action to change their name to "The Kalah son, Ethan, who is one year old. Renee and her husband, Louie Kazor, have three children. Mark Franklin Omaha Chapter of Mizrachi Women."

Libby Lewis, president of the group, said, "This lives in Minneapolis; Karen is in Omaha; and was a resolution of the board to recognize Miss Stuart and his wife, Michelle, are in Omaha. Their Franklin for her many years of service to the daughter, Emily, is 16 months old.

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'Those were the Days, My Friends, Those were theDays!'

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

by MARY ARBITMAN FELLMAN, Editor of the Jewish Press, 1943-47 ——

A new life started for me after my happy graduation from the University of Nebraska in 1939.

In 1940, the national convention of Sigma Delta Tau sorority was held in Omaha and, unexpectedly, I was elected national secretary. It meant wonderful trips to all of the SDT houses on the East coast, conventions in local resorts and party areas I had never dreamed about, and lasting friendships with other college graduates. It also meant a job for me at Supercraft Garment Company and for an insurance company, none of which lasted too long.

By then, I was national treasurer of SDT, a job I feared for all the mistakes made almost each time I touched the books. Those years included the tragic and sudden death of my beloved brother, Morris, at the age of 22, the beginning of my work on the Jewish Press staff, and getting to know and learn from publisher David Blacker, a formally uneducated but probably one of the smartest and best read Jews of my time.

I began as a news editor, working with scholar salesman Harry Mendelson, who was a spirited, very knowledge person about almost everything.

Upon Harry's retirement, I became the editor and, until my marriage in 1947 to Morrie Fellman, I was one of the busiest and happiest single women in Omaha.

World War II meant the involvement for so many of us in areas of life including starting two new columns in the Jewish Press called "With Khaki and Blue" and "Yancs in Action." With 200 or more youngish Jewish women, we ran a wonderful canteen at the 20th and Dodge JCC. We hosted many uniformed Jewish men and a few women at social events like dinner dances and home hospitality.

I was second president of the Business and Professional Women's group of Hadassah and we (including past president Valva Feldman) planned fantastic fundraising events at places like the old Music Box. It was a busy busy time of editing the Jewish Press with news of a growing community, including a Sioux City page every week, writing a variety

»„_=»__,——^-^ of strong and schmaltzy editorials, working many long hours on the New Years' issues, with all of their original half-page ads for stores like Carmans, Herzbergs, Goldstein-Chapman's and so many others.

Henry Monsky and Harry Wolf were leaders of the community, of the beginning of Beth El Synagogue and a community that had sent hundreds of men and many women into the service of our country.

The discussions about the founding of the State of Israel took place during my tenure, as did of the move by many Jewish families to "Bagel" (the Dillon Fairacres area near Western Hills School), the beginnings of the Jewish camp and Jewish Girl Scouts Troop No. 4, of two Jewish fraternities and one Jewish sorority at the University of Nebraska.

Dr. Philip Sher Home for the Aged on North 52nd Street was founded, monthly luncheons by the three synagogue and temple sisterhoods, and strong men's groups were the order of the day.

We remembered the more than 22 young men who died in the service of our country, welcomed back those who had served and been imprisoned in some cases and those who came home to be married and start a family.

Through it all, the Jewish Press told the stories, showed the pictures, went into Jewish homes every Friday, as it still does today.

It was a decade to remember for good and bad times; it was a time for community growth and fund raising and, always, it was a time to dream of a future that would be brighter and more px-osperous.

Yes, the '40s were the years to remember with joy and sadness, with hope and positiveness. And for this Jewish community, a time to be proud of those who served their country with distinction and honor. Truly, this is, indeed, a community of honor and distinction, a community of which we can all be proud.

Yes, those were the days, my friends, those were the days!

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Philip KlnUnick w&o re-elected 84 head ot the Bupr-ame Advisory Waahlnctos (JTA) —£rettt!oa Council for the next tire* year* ifF a. "KatlonAl Committee Against at th« Slat Annual meeting of * azl PervecuUon and SMermlaathe Supreme Advisory Council of loa of Jetra ot Baropa" TO ftniounee4 hero by Associate Janice Jt*»lt Marpbr pi the Untied States Saproma Court who will Urs. Baa Sliver, who la general chairman of all -JewUi woicad ths new rroup. organUatloaa, who are Justica Kuxphy announced that men's w&r bonds baa sUraouBced imatt£ t&6 members ot the Cam- sellingFebruary y 9tii has been » t ulttss »r» Tlee-PrwUoot Hanrr that id fts da h D»r, D r, M ,, lrl sH aside Had&asah i. Wallace, Wendell Winkle, (JOT. asde Is of the i l*rin l i I ehalnnaa hl Ljeverett SaltoqsUll oPHassKehu- Tin letta, AsiL Attorney-General Nor- Hadassah booths. Hftdftsuh woman J4. Littell and many prom- men Till man txwefis at the folinent federal and state- church- lowing stores and theaters on men and business leaders. The that day: purpose*oi tho new committee, aa Nebraska Clothing — Mrs. Arjmlised fey Justice Hurpby, are: thur idler, chairman; Mesd&met 1.—To rally the fnll toree ot Xi Widtnan, Morris KoQm, Frank public consciousness In America Brookatefn and Phil Taret against the persecution and exHerzberga—Mrs. Ernest N s g , termination ot Jewish men. wo- chairman; Meadames Louis Kn~ men and children. iafcofaky, I. Chapman, Alfred

p

By CAItL nAXTMA.^ >* Woahtogtim (JTA)—A ttuAn* Uos vrglRe ths UaUea SOlea t» Uke "appnjprlata zn«anzreo" te»4> Ins to the establfshrau M a' JewtoB Oinmosirealtfft In Une was tatrodoced atrodce in in th* BOOM Rfefeti U off ReprefesfetiTes Ufft week vith tba tapport of leaders of both'

New York (JTA)—The Rt. Rer. Henry St. Gtoorgti Tucker, pre«tdent of I t e Federal Council of tho Chnrehea of Christ to Amerlitia UT ? ? ica, Toleed hia endorsement of the foar-polnt {ilcdxe Tecaatly f<xnd to the Hoo»e Po propoced by Jadga Jweph M. fairs Coauatttee, docs mot ~ mer, president of UM Ara-what me**nroB ihoaldE bo afcm, Jewlsli Committee, tor in* bac town **fr*« entry ot Jtem**,, ter-sroop accord.

Into FAlestlBO *&d advocate* "toll The pledge, arigtaaUy , , . „ , — opportunity for colonisation'*, vy, ©d by JQCIBO Proakauer tat u nt- Jews In Palestine. Spoiwox«4 hf" dlo tuldreu OD January 11, IUMthe American Zlonlat Ema-geacf Already been approved by the Council and by tho Most Rer. Francis 3. Spelln JJewish i h C C of a f e , th h* r l H t a a HOIDAH Catholic Archbishop fntroduced by Bepresentatire NCTT Sfork. la announcing his was James A. "Wright ( P « n . Denu) support irt the pledge. Bishop JUKI itxnaM Com pton (Ootau Tac3t.tr said:

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

B"H

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Wishes You a Happy, Healthy New Year!

U S Y (United Synagogue Youth) Open to any Jewish youth, grades 9-12 8 Chapter programs • Tikun 01am social action projects • Regional and National Conventions • Summer programs in Israel **Award Winning Chapter** i International & Regional Chapter of the Year)

Other Youth Programs • Kadimah (grades 7-8) • Club Chai (grades 3-6) For information, call Beth El Synagogue

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Page 17

September 29, 2000

(

Wiskinfi\tht Community a and fMeaninjjful

y

Eage 18 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

The Gathering Place for a Strong, United Jewish Community

by FORREST KRUTTER, President, Jewish Federation of Omaha

Uniting the Jewish Community in Omaha and Worldwide—What an exciting time for the Jewish Community of Omaha and Council Bluffs!

We are now completing the rejuvenation of our campus and moving on to transform the bricks and mortar into a center for Jewish community activities and services. We can truly say that together we have built one of the finest libraries, fitness centers, child development centers and health clubs in the United States.

At the same time, the Rose Blumkin Home has renovated key areas to better serve its residents.

The infrastructure of the campus is being modernized to meet the needs of the community. In the coming months, we will rebuild the community's mikvah to meet certain religious needs and allow for religious conversions under the supervision of each of our rabbis in an inspiring setting.

This is only the beginning.

Otherwise they are just brick, mortar and cement.

Buildings and infrastructure will only he judged in the long run by the programs and services we provide in them.

Our key challenge is to provide the programs and services that unite our Jewish community and meet our community's needs. The goal is simple: to build a stronger Jewish community that grows spiritually and culturally into this new century.

While this is a formidable task, the Federation and its agencies have the two prerequisites: an

incredible cadre of dedicated voluncommunity. teers and professionals; and very A brief survey of the educational and generous contributors that support cultural programming existing on the the Federation through our Annual Federation campus demonstrates that Campaign and through endowthe investment you have made in our ments and other long-term gifts in campus, our Annual Campaign and in our Foundation or private foundaFoundation endowments is being put tions. to the best possible use.

This combination of generous From the very youngest of our donors and dedicated volunteers Community to our senior citizens, assures that our newly-renovated we strive to offer Jewish programcampus will be filled with Jewish ming that meets the needs of all programming and services to members of our Community. This appeal to all members of our comlist is not exhaustive or intended to munity. be all-inclusive; it simply highlights a handful of our key educaI believe that the key to maintional programs from each of our taining Omaha as a thriving center agencies. for Jewish religion and culture and to hold us together as a community Forrest Knitter, President, The best place to begin is the are the educational programs, very Jewish Federation of Omaha Pennie Z. Davis Child Development broadly defined, that the Center; an incredible facility with a Federation and its agencies provide. truly enthusiastic teaching staff who give our chilThis is not a job for the Federation and its agen- dren a great Jewish start. cies alone; these efforts must be done in partnerStop by and see our teachers lead the children in ship with our synagogues, our key religious institu- joyous Shabbat songs on any Friday afternoon, and tions in the community. you will appreciate what a wonderful resource we We are remarkably fortunate in this community have. The Center is beginning its first full year in to have synagogue rabbis and presidents who are this incredible facility. The Federation this year committed to working together and with the has significantly increased the financial resources Federation to strengthening our community as a so that every member of our Community can afford whole and providing educational and spiritual to send their children to the Child Development opportunities for the Jewish community through- Center. Your Federation is committed to making out Omaha and Council Bluffs. The synagogue rab- the Center's educational programs available to all bis and presidents and the professional and volun- members of the community. teer leadership of the Federation are committed to (Continued on page 19) combining our strengths for the overall good of the

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September 29, 2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 19

A gathering place (Continued from page 18) Omaha has one of the The Federation also supports, financially, Jewish with our six synagogues finest Jewish libraries in education at the synagogues and at the Friedel and our agencies to sponthe country. Started as a Jewish Academy. Our community teacher program sor a wide range of educasmall personal collection enhances the schools by employing experienced tional programs for 50 years ago, the library Jewish teachers. By working together as a commu- adults. These efforts are is now a top-notch acadenity, we can bring to Omaha the right educators for supplemented by private charitable endeavors such mic and cultural facility. the benefit of all our schools. as the Omaha Center for The Dorothy and Myer We will not prosper as a Jewish community if we Kripke Federation Licannot attract top-notch Jewish educators who can Torah Learning. brary is showcased front excite students of all ages. Education of the communiSeminars, classes, the and center in our new ty's children is primarily the responsibility of our syn- Klutznik Symposium and facility; a testament to the agogues; the Federation, supported generously by the nationally-known speakgenerosity of Rabbi and Foundation and private foundations, can play a key ers are integral to prorole, however, through financial support, attracting gramming sponsored by Mrs. Kripke. The library top-notch educators to Omaha and providing teacher Jewish Educational and Three new tennis courts and two intramural s e r v e s a u a g e s a n d p r o . training and special education for students requiring Library Services. The basketball courts are now available for use v i d e s r e s o u r c e s f o r all that service.

Jewish Cultural Arts J u s t outside the new Pennie Z. Davis CDC t a g t e s a n a interests.

Financial incentives and aid for teenagers to Council, which unites a and the Phil Spkoldf Fitness Center., But educational opporattend Jewish camps and experience Israel are broad range of Omaha-Jewish institutions under tunities are not restricted to the Omaha Jewish other key components of our educational program- one umbrella agency, brings to Omaha outstanding community. The "World of Difference Program," ming. These uniquely Jewish experiences have a events including Israel Independence Day, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League, life-changing impact.

Holocaust Remembrance programs, concerts and strengthens human understanding and helps fight prejudice. ADL also assists junior and senior high Research shows that young adults who attend other Jewish cultural programming.

Jewish summer camps and who visit Israel have a Jewish Family Service brings us family life work- school teachers by providing Holocaust education deeper, life-long connection to their Jewish commu- shops that help families through education to deal and educating the general community about relinity than those who did not have camping and with the stresses of life, including parent support gious tolerance and living in a multi-cultural society.

Israel experiences. This year, the Federation joined groups and bereavement support groups. the Birthright Israel program to assure that all col- The Jewish Community Center provides proYour Jewish Federation and its agencies, worklege and young adults can travel to Israel and gramming for children, teenagers through BBYO, ing with our partners, the synagogues, are commitexperience our heritage directly. and adults through the facilities of the Sokolof ted to strengthening Omaha's Jewish community The Federation's Missions Program provides cru- Fitness Center. Our seniors enjoy companionship with unique formal and informal educational cial experiences to adult members of our communi- and intellectual stimulation through Y.E.S. and opportunities and services for every taste and age ty to see what we, as the Omaha Jewish communi- Visions, two popular social programs sponsored by group. The Jewish programming being provided is designed to meet the needs of our community and ty, are doing for our brethren in Eastern Europe, Jewish Senior Services. to take full advantage of the facilities the commuthe former Soviet Union and Israel. In this way, all In addition to these community educational proages of our Community can experience first hand grams, we are fortunate to have the Jewish Press nity has made possible through its generosity. the international Jewish Community and celebrate to provide each of us in Nebraska and Western The Federation is committed to assuring that our our unity as a people. This investment provides Iowa with timely Jewish news and intellectually beautiful new campus will be the gathering place tremendous long-run returns for our community. stimulating articles. for a strong, vibrant and educated Jewish commuIf all that is not enough, we are privileged that nity today and far into the future.

Closer to home, the Federation continues to work

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

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Samuel Ravitz 1905-1915

Morris Levy 1916-1923

Dr. Philip Sher 1923-24;1929-30

William J.HoLzman 1925-28,1931-41

Henry Monsky 1941-43

Sam Beber 1943-45

Morris Jacobs 1945-47

Milton Livingston 1947-49

J o e M, Rice 1949-51

Hyman Ferer 1951-53

J. Harry Kulakofsky 1953-55

Jack W. Marer 1955-57

Dr. Abe Greenberg 1957-58

Robert Kooper 1958-60

Harry Trustin 1960-62

Ernest A. Nogg 1962-63

Arthur H.Goldstein 1963-65

Milton R. Abrahams 1965-67

Harry Sidman 1967-69

S. Elmer Gross 1969-71

CM. Wick' Newman 1971-72

Morley Zipursky 1972-74

Harlan J. Noddle 1975-76

Leonard "Buddy' Goldstein 1976-78

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 2

It's a Wonderful 'Jewish' Life

(Continued from page 20)

by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director •

MaryFellman 1978-80

JoeKirshenbaum 1980-81

Paul Cohen 1982-84

MortTractenbarg 1986-87

Saranne Gitnick 1987-90

Jay Lerner 1990-92

Jerry Slusky 1993-95

Tom Fellman 1995-97

Howard Kooper 1997-99

Recently, the Jewish Federation of Omaha celebrated our community's achievements at its 96th Annual Meeting. It's incredible to think that there's been almost a century of Jewish philanthropy in Omaha, Howard Kaslow Nebraska! Especially when most people can't believe that there are any 1984-86 Jews in Omaha!

But I was curious about how things have changed for our community since 1904. Many of us had relatives who, trying to escape anti-Semitism, pogroms or just yearning for a better life, left Eastern Europe for the U.S. -..

They settled in Omaha for, I assume, a variety of reasons. Maybe the thought of crossing the Rocky Mountains was just too daunting. I Donald A. Yale mean, heck, they had just crossed 1992-93 Iowa's bluffs and the Missouri River!

And this after what I guess was a fairly unpleasant and lengthy boat ride.

I like to think a lot of them just said, "Feh! Mountains, shmountains!

This place is nice and flat! We like flat!" So they stayed in Omaha.

Whatever their reasons, our mishpacha settled, opened up businesses, and went about the task of establishing a Jewish community in the midForrest Knitter dle of the United States which, in 1904, was just a little bit west of 1999"The Middle of Nowhere." I gotta hand it to them—they had a lot of chutzpah.

Let's look at some statistical com-

parisons of Jewish life then and now.

(FYI: I would like to make it pub licly known that it was really hard tc find this information and it was ali over the place. Also, a lot of the information I wanted to illustrate mj point apparently does not exist, such as the number of Jewish-owned business in 1904, the number of koshei establishments, the annual average income for the Jewish population, average number of kids per family, etc. This kind of information would have made my chart much more compelling^ but you can only work with what you have. If anyone has this kind of information, or any ideas on where I could find it, call me (I mean it!).

A special thanks to Harris Finkelstein, Carol Katzman and Barbara Bresler for joining me in digging through dusty, bound back issues of the Jewish Press, grubbing through boxes in the boiler room of the 'J' when it was 123° down there, and having a great time looking at stuff. I gained a lot of information that was basically useless for this article, but it was an interesting side trip. If you have some time and are on the obsessive side, call me.

Have I got a job for you!

Back to the statistics. Garnering all of my math skills, I have devised a little chart for your convenience.

(Continued on page 23)

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September 29, 2000

for a Jcycus New year!

World WarII and its Aftermath

As we begin the New Year, we would like to thank the many "Friends of JFS" who gave so generously to help us fulfill our mission: to strengthen and preserve life in the Jewish and general community at every stage in the life cycle.

Mr. & Mrs. Harold Abrahamson, "In memory of our son Bruce" Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Aizenberg Mr. & Mrs. Leon Alexander Rabbi & Mrs. Aryeh Azriel Mr. & Mrs. Alan Baer Mr. & Mrs. Jack Baker Mr. & Mrs. Norman Batt Cantor & Mrs. Emil Berkovits Mr. & Mrs. Steven Bloch, The Bloch Family Charitable Trust Mr. Brent Bloom Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Bornstein Mr. & Mrs. Randal Brand Mr. & Mrs. James Bresel Mr. & Mrs. M. Ronald Brodkey Mr. & Mrs. Peter J. Brodkey Mr. & Mrs. Harold B. Brodkey Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Budwig Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Cassman Mr. & Mrs. Alan Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Jack Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Sheldon Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Conn Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Cooper Mr. & Mrs. Samuel V. Cooper Mr. & Mrs. Henry A. Davis Mr. Pennie Z. Davis Mrs. Rose M. Davis Mr. & Mrs. Larry DeBruin Dr. Steven Denenberg Rabbi & Mrs. Paul Drazen Mrs. Bella EEsenberg Mr, & Mrs. Arnold Epstein Mr. & Mrs. Howard Epstein Mr. & Mrs. Paul Epstein Mr. & Mrs. Richard Fellman Mr. & Mrs. Tom Fellman Mr. & Mrs. Francois Flatowicz Mr. & Mrs. Dean Frankel Mr. & Mrs. Sam Fried Mr. & Mrs. David Friedland, Friedland Family Foundation Mrs. Roz Friedman, Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Larry Gendler Mr. & Mrs. Donald Gerber Mrs. Beverly Gilinsky Mr. & Mrs. Bennett Ginsberg Mr. & Mrs. Mort Glass Mr. & Mrs. Steven Gold Dr. & Mrs. John Goldner Mr. & Mrs. Donald Goldstein Rabbi & Mrs. Allan Gonsher Mr. & Mrs. Alan H. Goodman Mr. & Mrs. JeffGordman Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Gordman Mr. & Mrs. Harold Gottlieb Ms. Barbara Gottlieb-Ware Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Graul Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Greenberg Mr. & Mrs. Barton H. Greenberg Mr. & Mrs. Donald Greenberg Dr. & Mrs. Arthur M. Greene

Tracy Grinstead-Everly & Robert Everiy Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Gutnik Mr.&Mrs.YaleHalperin Mr. & Mrs. Sheldon Harris Dr. & Mrs. Joel Hellman Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Hoberman Dr. & Mrs. Philip Itkin Mr. & Mrs. David Jacobson Mr. & Mrs. Richard Jacobson Mr. &Mrs. GaryJavitch Ms, Sylvia Jess Mr. & Mrs. Richard Juro Mr. & Mrs. Marcel Kahn Mr. Franklin R. Kaiman Mr. Howard Kaiman, The Samuel and Ida Kaiman Fund Julie Frank & Howard Kaplan Mrs. Dorothy Kaplan Mrs. Beatrice Karp Kaslow Charitable Trust, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Kaslow, Trustees Mr. & Mrs. John Katelman Mr. & Mrs. Milton A. Katskee Mr. & Mrs. Michael Katzman Mr. & Mrs. Richard Katzman Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Kay Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Kirshenbaum Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Kohll Mr. & Mrs. Howard Kooper Mr. & Mrs. Harold Kosowsky Rabbi & Mrs. MyerKripke Mr. Forrest Krutter Mrs. Shirley Kulakofsky Mr. & Mrs. Marshall Kushner Dr. & Mrs. Benton Kutler Rabbi & Mrs. Howard Kutner Mr. & Mrs. Martin Lehr Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lerner Dr, & Mrs. Michael Levine Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Lewis Dr. Deana Liddy Mr. & Mrs. Michael Linn Mr. & Mrs. Scott Littky Dr. & Mrs. Neal Malashock Dr. & Mrs. Stanley Malashock Ms. Joan Marshall Mr. & Mrs. David Meyers Mr. & Mrs. Scott Meyerson Mrs. Harriet Miller Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Mitchell Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Monasee Mr. & Mrs. Henry Monsky Dr. & Mrs. Gordon Moshman Mr. & Mrs. Allan Murow Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Muskin Mr. Gary Nachman Mrs. Jeanette Nadoff Dr. & Mrs. Howard Needelman Mr. & Mrs. Murray Newman Mr. Jeff & Dr. Patricia Newman The Harlan Noddle and Joe Kirshenbaum Donor-Advised Fund Mrs. Earnest A. Nogg Mr. & Mrs. Steven Nogg

Mr. & Mrs. Harold Novak Ms. Linda Novak Mr. & Mrs. Donald Novicoff Mr. & Mrs. Albert Oruch Mr. & Mrs. Sydney Osten Mr. & Mrs. Louis Pachman The Alan and Carol Parsow DonorAdvised Fund Mr. Sol Parsow Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Passer Dr. & Mrs. Eric Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Steve Pitlor Mrs. Rose Pitlor Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Polikov Dr. & Mrs. Oliver Pollak Dr. & Mrs. Ira Priluck Mrs. Lola Reinglas Mr. & Mrs. Miles Remer Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Rennard Mr. & Mrs. Yale Richards Mr. & Mrs. Carl Riekes Mr. & Mrs. Steven J. Riekes Mr. & Mrs. Henry Riekes Dr. & Mrs. Blaine Roffman Mrs. Sheila Rosen Mrs. Joyce Schmidman Mrs. Rose Schupack Mr. & Mrs. Natan Schwalb Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Shackman Dr. & Mrs. Norman Sheldon Ms. Lisa Shkolnick Mr. & Mrs. Alan Shulewitz Mr. & Mrs. Alan Simon Mr. & Mrs. Ervin Simon Mr. & Mrs. Frederick J. Simon, The Simon Charitable Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Simon Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Simon Mr. Todd D. Simon Mr. & Mrs. Richard Slosburg, Slosburg Family Charitable Trust Mr. Phil Sokolof Mrs. Audrey Sophir Dr. Stacie Spies-Matz Rabbi & Mr. Steven Stiel Mr. & Mrs. Alan G. Stoler Mr. & Mrs. Carl Tichauer Shirley Trachtenbarg The Kenneth Ray Tretiak Memorial Fund, established by the parents of Kenneth Ray Tretiak Mr. & Mrs. Irving Veltzer Mr. & Mrs. Norman Veitzer Mrs. Miriam Waldbaum Dr. & Mrs. James Wax Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Wiesman Mr. & Mrs. David Willensky Dr. & Mrs. Martin Wolf Mr. & Mrs. Philip Wolf The Jim & Elaine Wolf Foundation Mr. Donald Yale Mr. & Mrs. Ted Zetzman Mr. & Mrs. Morley Zipursky Mr. & Mrs. Barry Zoob

»Wfehins \\OM ANew Ve&r biesscb with , $oot> •health,

femfhj Service Strengthening Jewish families for tie&rty 90

•Hjc Jewish State of "Israel" Proclaimed Local U.IA l»riv<; Pusses Hi*'. Hiilf•WnjMiirk

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Top photo: the Zamir Choral continued performing in Lodz even while the Jewish community was confined to the ghetto. More than six million Jews perished in the Holocaust, including 1.5 million children.

Middle photo: The State of Israel is proclaimed, May 15, 1948. Bottom photo: The Jews of the fledgling State of Israel celebrate; how^er^tifceie-celebBation-was shortlived as the next day they were attacked by surrounding Arab countries. > ..

Photos courtesy ofWBGB and PBS

September 29, 2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 23

It's a Wonderful Jewish Life (Continued from page 21) your existence was tenuous. There cause the Federation calls and asks? was at least one major Jewish crisis Why do we need an organized Jewish during every generation except mine community in this day and age anyOmaha Jewish Population 6500 10,000 (under 40). way? % Total OmahaPopulation 4Fi% 1% When the rest of the world is out to Good questions. get you, you stick together and take Let's play a little game based on the Jewish Neighborhood West of 90th Street 21st and Lake Streets care of each other. No matter how movie It's a Wonderful Life. Close much or how little Jewish families your eyes for just a minute. . .you'll Intermarriage Rate Approximatel 40% Approximately 10% had, they gave when they were called need them to finish reading this story upon. Jews were in trouble. That was (c'mon, ple-e-e-e-ase?).

Education Level College + High School all they needed to know. Wait here Now open them up. You're still in while I get my checkbook.

Total $ Raised from the $3,000,500 $2,405.25* good, ol' Omaha, but all the Jewish Federation Annual for the 2000 *This figure isfrom1912, Fast-forward to what can only be organizations are gone. They never Campaign/Philanthropies Federation Campaign earliest records available described as the most prosperous existed. group of people in global history...the There's no 'J,' no Library, no Things have changed. Whether it's No doubt, my grandfather-in-law American Jewish community.

Jewish Press. For the sake of examchange for better or worse depends on was an amazing and passionate man.

Our existence isn't threatened here, ple, I'll star myself in the George whom you talk to.

A good deal of the information that I and the world that was out to get iis Bailey role (one of the many perks of My husband's families, the came across from the 1940s and early up until about 40 years ago, is wel- being the writer). But instead of seeMonskys and the Ferers, have a won- '50s extolled his accomplishments coming us with open arms. We have ing how the world would be if I'd derful legacy of philanthropy in this almost to the point of Jewish saint- Jewish Vice-presidential candidate, never existed (a frightening thought town. Almost daily, I encounter peo- hood. But the fact remains that the for cryin" out loud! Of course, there is (Continued on page 24) ple who have a story to tell me about seeds he and so many others planted still antiHenry Monsky or Hyman Ferer. continue to be harvested and nur- Semitism in our I'll never forget one visit to the Rose tured by our entire community. midst. The differBlumkin Home. Henry (grandson of (I won"t praise his virtues here, but ence this time is 'the' Henry Monsky) and I were going you can check out his biography, that we're fightto visit my Nana who was a resident Henry Monsky: The Man and His ing back. of the Home for a short time several Work, in the Kripke Library if you're So, with no years ago. interested.) crises, why We were walking down the hall on How does this lead back to the state should we give the way to her room greeting everyone of the Federation in the 21stour hard-earned, along the way. Henry stopped and Century? well-accepted chatted with everyone (he always I can point to one major reason why and very happily does!) and the look on their faces when we, as American Jews, are philan- assimilated dolhe introduced himself was priceless! thropically very different from our lars to .the We imagined them saying to each great-grandparents: Crises.

Jewish Federaother as we walked on, "Oy, doesn't Up until very recently, Jewish phil- tion of Omaha? he look GOOD!" Of course, the Henry anthropies were doing what I call Why should we Monsky they knew died in 1947 of a "crisis fundraising." It was certainly run to get check- Pam Monsky...as George Bailey (with apologies to heart attack at the age of 57. legitimate. Being Jewish meant that books just be-Frank Capra!)

1904

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J P a g e M . Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

A Soldier's Story

It's a Wonderful 'Jewish' Life (continued from Page 23) to be sure), well see how the Jewish world might be if there "were no organized Jewish life. Please remember, -though, all of this is pure conjecture based solely on my own wildly overactive imagination.

One of my first memories of organized Jewish life is of my dad coaching a youth basketball team at the JCC in Toledo, Ohio. I think I was eight.

Without the JCC, Dad would have missed out on some great exercise and I would have lost a wonderful role model of volunteerism. The boys he coached (or wouldn't have coached) would have also missed out on a great Jewish role model and probably would have filled their free time with junior high school hijinks.

One time during practice, I automatically (and accidentally) followed Dad into the men's locker room and got an eye full of a dozen middle-aged men's tushiesl How my life would be different had I missed out on that sight!

I also remember my parents and their friends writing and performing shows and musicals (ala Joanie Jacobson) to benefit Jewish organizations.

That too, would never have happened. How much creativity and laughter would have been lost?

BBYO was a big part of my teen years in San Antonio, Texas. I would never have learned about leadership (I was Vice-president of my chapter), been expected to write and deliver speeches, learned to play the guitar, had volunteer opportunities or gone to and planned conventions. I also would have missed out on my first "real" kiss from David Sugerman, a really great guy and my date for my first Beau Dance!

When we moved from Pittsburgh to Omaha in 1980, one of the first things I did was become an advisor for BBYO. If BBYO had not existed, I might have filled those extra hours with unsavory diversions while I wallowed in my teenage angst (I was 18)3

by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor

I also need to think about what my parents' life might have been like without the Omaha Jewish community. They knew virtually no one when they moved here. My mom began playing the piano at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and the "Sing-ALong" is now a beloved tradition! And how would mom have survived without her mahjongg games?

It's enough to scare a person to death!

My "wonderful Jewish life" really blossomed after moving to Omaha in 1980. I've lived in a lot of places and most of them had great Jewish communities. As kids, we were always Jewishly involved sometimes peripherally and sometimes wholeheartedly.

But only after moving here and beginning my "adult" life (quit laughing!!), did I come to appreciate the richness and joy that our heritage has to offer. The Jewish community is a safe haven in an often hostile world.

Here, Omaha's wonderful Jewish life welcomes us with open arms. It's a very non-conditional, familial kind of love.

It really is frightening to imagine being a Jew in Omaha without the incredible resources we all enjoy. The point is, don't take it for granted. As we all know, things can change in a flash, and public sentiment could turn against us at any time. We don't want to wait for a crisis to happen so that we can pull together.

The kind-hearted citizens of Omaha support the Joslyn, the Zoo, the Symphony, the Playhouse, and all the other worthwhile causes that exist here. But most of those citizens are not lining up to support Jewish education, Bar and Bat Mitzvah grants for Jewish camp, Jewish cultural programming or Jewish Family Service's Tzedakah programs.

If we, the Jewish people of Omaha, don't support them, then POOF! They cease to exist. It really is a wonderful Jewish life. Let's make sure it's here for another 96 years!

He was only 22 years old, but the son of Morris and Sarah Epstein died a hero's death in the Pacific during World War II. Killed by a bniper's bullet, he was awarded a gold star

by Brigidier General Sidney Erickson at a ceremony in Omaha.

Though he was born in Minsk, then p a r t of t h e

Hymie Epstein, 1921-1943 Soviet Union m 1921, Epstein lived an All-American life. His parents brought him to Omaha a year later. He attended Lake School and graduated from Kellom, entering Tech High in 1936, where he made the football team his first year. Epstein was named to the All-City team his senior year, swam at the JCC on 20th and Dodge, and was an active member of Sam Beber AZA. After graduation, he worked for Jules Newman and Ben Silver at the Hinky-Dinky store.

But the attack on Pearl Harbor made him "anxious to get into the fray," according to a 1943 article by Abner Kaiman in the Jewish Press.

"His number was one of the first to be called. In January, 1942, he was inducted. . .Attached to an infantry unit, he went overseas. . .and was immediately placed in the medical detachment of his unit."

(Continued on page 28)

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September 29,2000 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

An Outgoing Editor Writes "30"

by Mary Arbitman Fellman, December, 1947 To most persons who, in addition to their ing of lives in Europe, the raising of funds, good health and good fortune, have been the fight for a homeland, the elevation of blessed with the opportunity of following a some of our greatest men, the fight against field of endeavor to their liking, there even- rising anti-Semitism, the building of new tually comes a day when the traditional education centers, the concentration on the journalistic Symbol of "30" must be writ- training of our young generation in the histen! The last editorial is "sweated out," the tory, culture and language of their people, last story is typed, the last page is "made the development and the pride in a couraup," the last "proof is checked, and the geous body of men and women fighting last issue is "put to bed." openly in the defense of a country and land That day is now here for your editor of they call home-these and many other phasthe past three years and the pen and type- es of Jewish life have passed through the writer is being put aside for the new career kaleidoscope of an editor's eye. of marriage, which beckons with its many For the opportunity of serving during facets of joy and happiness. these exciting years, your resigning editor The person is rich and indeed fortunate is grateful; but for more than that, for in a who has the delightful opportunity of greater sense, there has been the gratificaworking with his community, its people, tion and supreme satisfaction of working young and old, its projects and its func- with one's own people, of discovering the tions. Through the editorship, it has been richness and maturity of their thinking, the my privilege to grow stronger in mind than progress and high standards which they I thought, through association with those foster and demand in their community and who lead and those who work to make the civic lives—the humor and the hopefulness Omaha Jewish community one of the finest that prevails as a binding thread through all times of good and bad fortune, the progress in this country.

To work with them has been a joy, but an and failures which our Jewish people have even greater degree of pleasure has come learned to face with serenity and courage. from the eagerness and the desire of those To my successor, Harry Mendelson, go many representatives of every type of orga- my best I wishes for all the excitement, the nization, from the 10-year-old enthusiasts of joys and yes, even the many heartache that a youth group to the experienced chairman accompany the editorship of the Jewish of the oldest organization in this community Press, because without some pain and -all eager to cooperate in bringing their anguish and worry, there cannot be as news before the Jewish community—all much final joy.. desirous of exerting their finest efforts in And to the Omahans and those who read promoting their cause, whatever it might be. the Jewish Press each week, my sincerest In the over-all picture of Jewish life, the and wannest thanks for your cooperation, past three years have seen many shifts, interest and friendship. steps forward and a few backward.

May our Omaha Jewish community, Progress made both locally and in the through your participation and guidance, national and international Jewish scene has continue in its growth to serve as a blessing been fraught with heartache and joy. There to the Jewry of our generation and those has been much hard work put into the sav- which follow!

Page 25

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Page 26

newish Press, Omaha, NE

September 28,2000

The 'Home

by BERT LEWIS, free-lance writer

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Months ago, when I was asked if I wanted to prepare the following articles for this issue, I readily agreed. Mostly because "the Home" is a topic dear to my heart, but also because I felt it would be an opportunity to enlighten any readers who were not familiar with it's history.

My personal involvement with the Home goes back to a few years before the end of the Sher Home and the beginning of the Blumkin Home. My family had been actively connected with Sher since the days when my late Mother, along with many other dedicated volunteers, worked to raise funds to build the facility.

Dozens of volunteers maintained an active interest for all the years of its operation. Many proudly held a seat on the Board of Directors, meeting regularly and constantly staying in touch on a personal level, always interested in the Home.

In fact, many of those same volunteers held the connection and transferred it to the "new" Blumkin Home.

Some lived to a time when they would personally experience what it was like to actually be a resident.

So many good people gave the greatest gift humans can give-they gave themselves. They managed to participate in the realization of two of the three facilities for the elderly in our Jewish community.

This, then, is my tribute to all of those good folks, including my own Mother, who believed "we take care of our own".

BWL

THE HOME If one of the purposes of this retrospect of the last 80 years is to shine a spotlight on some of our achievements, we must tell again the now familiar story. We should chronicle the history of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home because the time frame fits almost perfectly the eight decades to which we call attention.

In fact, 1917, not 1920, was the year a humble frame house on 25th and Charles was opened and designated the Jewish Old People's Home. This house, with nearby mikvah, was home for an estimated five or six elderly folks, with credit given to a group called the Daughters of Israel Aid Society for having raised the funds required for the project.

This group of dedicated ladies was the auxiliary of B'nai Israel Synagogue, and they operated the Home for the next 20-some years.

We can skip the many details of those years, and only note that it was cared for and maintained as well as possible for the time, but the neighborhood was beginning to decline and the Home was described as at least 25 years behind current standards. As the calendar year approached 1940, there appeared to be community interest in replacing the Home. Enough interest for the creation of a building fund, which unfortunately didn't have time to reach a goal because suddenly, World War II was a reality.

Fast forward to 1944 when the Jewish Federation got behind the old dream, and allocated $10,000 for construction of a new Home for the Aged. Soon a ' (Continued on page 27)

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' Top left: Omaha's first mikvah was built near the Jewish Old People's Home in 1917; top right: that home was located at 25th and Charles; bottom right: In 1976, Bev Seldin, left, and Jan Schneiderman, President of National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section, presented Sherm Poska a check for the Young Energetic Seniors group. NC JW founded the group in 1951 as the Golden Age Club and has since donated $25,000 for the building of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, $10,000 for its expansion, $33,600 towards two vans, $45,000 for a third van, and an additional $25,000 for other capital projects.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 27

'Home' (Continued from page 26) building fund was established and the movers and shakers of Jewish Omaha joined the effort. One of the most diligent was the beloved Dr. Philip Sher, who was known to everyone. His constant efforts advanced the cause immeasurably.

The necessary money was raised and a site was purchased near 52nd and Ames Avenue. The groundbreaking ceremony was in November, 1946.

It took just 15 months for completion and when the doors opened, 35 elderly Jewish members of the community moved in.

At the formal dedication, the home was named in honor of Dr. Philip Sher. . .a beautiful, modern upto-date structure which cost $225,000 and was debt free. Quickly becoming known as the Sher Home, it had space for 45 residents, with estimated cost of under $4.00 per day per resident.

As early as 1961, the families of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Cherniak donated the funds for the addition of a new wing, as a lasting memorial to their parents. Known as the Cherniak Chapman Pavilion, it had 12 private rooms in addition to lounges and gardens, and was intended for use by folks well enough to be fairly independent.

Further expansion was realized with a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Hymie Milder, which paid for the construction of the hospital wing, extending the already excellent services available at "Sher".

This beautiful home was the pride of the community and served very well for the next decades.

Many pages could be filled, recounting the humanitarian work accomplished, the loving care given and the importance of the availability of such care to the many folks who lived out comfortable lives in

this hamisha environment. Suffice it to say, until 1981, the Sher Home filled a special need for countless elders.

Let's skip to what we may refer to as Part HI of the Jewish Home history of Omaha.

That brings us to our present structure, known by many names.. .The Blumkin Home, the Nursing Home, The Home. I've recently heard it affectionately call Eosie B. No matter which name is chosen, this facility, which opened in November, 1982, is known by all as probably the finest skilled nursing home in the city.

Looking back over the two predecessors, and understanding what goes on in the present home, it might be thought of as a work in progress. Under the exceptionally fine leadership of first Eugene Brandt; who came from the Sher Home and was Executive Director at the new home until retirement, the place flourished. When poor health made Brandt decide to leave, an extensive search for his replacement began.

After a number of applicants had been seen, a bright young woman named Barbara K. Gottlieb expressed interest in the job; following the usual formalities, the search committee unanimously voted to hire her.

Known by some as "the human dynamo," she's been at the helm since 1996. She's seldom still, always on the run, knows exactly what's going on at all times in every corner of the building and is respected and loved by staff, residents and volunteers alike.

enta 1 Center NORMAN M. SHELDON, DDS 12100 W. Center Road #110 Omaha, NE 68144

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(Continued on page 28)

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Photo, courtesy ofNJHS from left: Robert Kooper and Ida Bernstein, Some familiar faces were at the dedication of the Dr. Philip Sher Home stationwagon in 1946: front, Dr. Sher, left, received the official papers from Milt Livingston; second row,

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

A Soldier's Life (Continued from page 24) Epstein's unit was sent to carry you can give mine to that little rations to another unit in the jun- Hymie Epstein, and that goes for all gles of New Guinea. As he crept of us." through the fire, a soldier nearby Epstein's brother, Simon, was at was shot by machine-gun fire. A officer's training school in Camp medical aide, Epstein was prohibit- Hood, TX, at the time. Two sisters, ed from carrying arms, but he Ida and Rose, were living in Omaha. crawled to the wounded man anyToday, Epstein's sister, Ida, is way. Unpacking his bandages and married to Yale Richards, who sulfa, he bound the soldier's neck noted that "Ida's brother received and crawled back. the first gold star" among the 600+ But that wasn't the first time he Jewish servicemen from Omaha. acted. After dark, another soldier His death, and the awards ceremowas hit. Again, Epstein crawled to ny, was also covered by the Omaha the wounded man, bandaged his World-Herald and the Chicago head and crawled back to safety. All Daily News. night long, the Japanese snipers He would have been 79 years old picked off the soldiers in Epstein's company. As dawn It.' broke, Epstein was spotted crawling off to attend yet another casualty, but this', time, Epstein was fatally wounded.

Maj. Bert Zeeff, Epstein's commanding officer, summed up the unit's feelings about their comrade, "When you are ^ ^ handing hon- General Erickson.iniddfe, presented theGold Star to ors around, Hymie Epstein's parents, Morris, right, and Sarah.

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The 'Home' (Continued from page 27) Barbara, as she is known by all, came to the Blumkin Executive Director's office with a rich background of training and experience. Her enthusiasm never wanes and those who know her tend to believe she "hits the ground running."

She believes that many new trends in the industry are naturally reflected in the kind of service provided by RBJH. "Our residents are consumers, and they not only want the best we can give them, they expect the highest quality available," Gottlieb said. "Residents come here not as a retirement center, but as a place where they can be taken care of. If they or their family are no longer able to handle the tasks necessary for an independent lifestyle, we fill that need."

She reminds us we're all living longer.

In fact, the average age in the Home is 89+. We will need such places as our Home more and more, even though there are a number of assisted living facilities opening all the time; such places serve the part of the geriatric population known as "well elderly."

Gottlieb tells proudly that "staff competency, as indicated by government regulations, has increased fourfold in the past six years. Nurses must be masters at computers, computer assessment tools and need to understand how our financial reimbursement system works."

The lay leadership is important, always counted on and, like everything else, has changed. T e a r s ago, Board members were able to assist with more operational decisions. Now it is in the hands of staff, due to the regulatory complexity and federal mandates," she added. listening to her, its clear she's ontopof

everything"3 important. She's quick to praise the work and generosity of many volunteers, but wishes there were more.

She's proud of the work done by the dietary V department.

Jewish cooking is important, but Barbara Gottlieb, meals have Executive Director, become more Jewish Senior sophisticated.

Services Every effort is made to make the facility more home like. Some of the additions include: a dog and a cat, birds and fish; entertainment such as Bingo, Pokeno, Sing-a-longs, movies, card games, outside trips and discussion groups, to name a few.

Under the heading of "a work in progress," Gottlieb says "the facility is renovating and redecorating in the following areas at a cost of $1.75 million: physical therapy suite, recreation offices, multipurpose room, beauty salon and resident computer area".

She also speaks of a new auxiliary, which successfully carried out Grandparents Day, a new event which has perpetuated itself every year.

In fact, if you let her, Barbara can go on and on, relating all the wonderful things going on at 323 So. 132nd Street. And, if truth be told, she can take credit for most of them.

(Continued on page 30)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 29

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer - — - — - — —

In was in May, 1980, when Joseph Kirshenbaum, president of the Jewish Federation, announced that Harlan Noddle would be co-chair of the building of the Center for the Aging.

Kirshenbaum noted, "I am delighted that we have found someone who is knowledgeable of the construction field and also understands the Jewish Community. Harlan Noddle is a past president of The Jewish Federation and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Noddle Development Company. His experience on the Building Committee of the JCC will be invaluable to us."

"In addition to serving in many positions within the Jewish Federation; he has headed every division of the UJA Campaign and the Campaign itself," he added.

In accepting the job, Noddle said the building would be completed in 1982 and would, house 52 people. This construction would take place at the northern end of the JCC and would be a replacement for the Dr. Sher Home. He hoped to select an architect and get final approval by the end of 1980.

The Dr. Sher Home, on North 52nd Street, was getting old and got caught in the federally mandated updates for care facilities.

"The Federation was faced with an enormous bill to bring that building up to code, and they began to think about building a new home," Noddle recalled.

"The main reason for choosing the site at 132nd Street was so that we could have an entire campus that would house a home for the aged. There was always a plan to add the home on to the building!"

He remembers that the fundraising was enormously successful and went much faster than they had planned.

"The selling point that everybody has in their mind is that they might end up there someday!

This is a good community for fundraising anyway, and it just didn't take much time.

"It helped when Mrs. B. gave a million dollars!"

he added with a smile.

When the new Home was built, it was designed to allow flexibility in grouping residents according to the level of nursing care required. Residents of the Sher Home continued to receive care in the new facility, built to also accommodate those who needed specialized nursing care.

Registered nurses would be on duty around the clock to provide skilled nursing attention. It would no longer be necessary for residents who were acutely ill to go to other nursing homes. There were 12 private rooms available and roommates in the semi-private rooms were selected by general compatibility.

In order to keep the Home scrupulously clean, the rooms were not carpeted and floor coverings were selected from a wide range „,, „ , , „ . . . . „ _ The of designer tile. The rooms Hebrew and English plaques from the Dr. Philip Sher Home were attractively decorated w e r e m o v e d t o t h en e w R o s e B l u m k m Jewish Home when it opened and contained furniture m which was comfortable and passed strict fire and The new Home was designed to provide the resihealth codes. Common areas such as lounges, the dents with an enriched environment. Facilities tea room and solarium were carpeted. included bright areas where residents could relax It was announced that all food would meet the and visit with friends and relatives. The beautiful strictest laws of kashrut and that the meals would synagogue provided a place for residents and their be nutritional and appetizing. Professionally families to gather for worship. trained dietitians and cooks would pay attention to The new Home opened in the fall of 1982. Noddle special diets.

(Continued on page 30)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

Building the Blumkirs Home

The 'Home'

(Continued front page 29)

(Continued from page 28)

Left photo: Nancy and Harlan Noddle. Right Solomon Circle, along with Joe Eirshenbaum photo: Harlan Noddle, center, is inducted into left, Richard Slosburg, Noddle, Budd the Jewish Federation of Omaha's King Slosburg, Phil Sokolof and Steve Simon. noted that Midwestern values and a high level of commitment in the Omaha Jewish community mean that we have one of the most generous communities.

In 1988, money was raised for a 22-bed addition to the Home. The 25,000-square-foot addition was projected to cost $1.8 million dollars and included 16 private rooms, three double-occupancy rooms, a kitchen, offices and a new entrance. This expansion increased the capacity to 119 beds. A waiting list had existed since the Home opened in 1982. The construction was completed in 1990.

Noddle was born and raised in Omaha and graduated from Central High in 1954. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant from 1959 to 1961.

Prom 1961 through 1971, he was employed by American Community Stores. During his employment there, he served in various capacities ranging from the Store Planning Department to Group Vice -president. He left in 1971 to start Noddle Development Company. He is married to the former Nancy Farber; they have two adult children, Jay (and Kim) Noddle and Susie (and Marvin) Levine and three grandchildren.

Noddle Development is the largest developer of

community shopping centers and office buildings in the upper Midwest. The company is headquartered in Omaha and provides a full range of development and management services, from site acquisition through financing, construction and property management.

In addition to his volunteer work in the Jewish community, Noddle is on the Board of Directors of the University of Nebraska Foundation, the Midlands Board of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Executive Board of the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of American, the Executive Committee of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and is chair of the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Health System.

He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and the New Community Development Corporation, as well as on the Metropolitan Omaha Sports Convention and Entertainment Authority, the Board of Directors of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra. He is also president of the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation and a trustee of the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Foundation.

Building the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home isn't the only thing Harlan Noddle has built in this community!

(DACURA OFOMAHA

OUTREACH PROGRAMS As though responsibility for running the Home wasn't a full time job, Barbara Gottlieb is also in charge of other parts of the Jewish Senior Services known as the Outreach Programs. Generally speaking, this means maintaining a direct connection between the professional staff headquartered at Blumkin and senior members of the Jewish community living on their own or with family members.

Specifically, this includes such help as the following: Social Service counseling with the seniors and/or their families....problems arise often when folks who live alone find themselves unable to comfortably cope with frightening change. In such cases, people find Social Worker Shane Kotok ready with expert guidance.

Hospital visits are included in this program, again with Shane calling on people who might be recovering from a stroke or perhaps a broken hip.

Hospital regulations being what they are today, the patient is usually told arrangements must be made for care, following dismissal. The solution here is made easier when Kotok steps in, instinctively knowing how to make things easier.

Also part of Outreach services are "Meals On Wheels," which delivers a nutritious kosher meal to housebound folks who find it difficult to cook for themselves. This also serves as a way of keeping in touch with such elders.

In addition, there are JSS sponsored older adult groups and clubs, trips arranged and taken, excursions planned and countless events carefully orchestrated by the dedicated activities leader. In short, everything possible is done to include and involve the seniors still in their own homes.

Perhaps one of the most valuable parts of the Care Management department is acting as a bridge to other services in the community which could better serve the client. Though it isn't often, there are times when some other agency in the city would be more suitable, and help in finding the right one is found with the very caring social worker.

It's difficult to sum up.everything accomplished by the Outreach Program, but this part can be easily understood: for the over-65 Jewish member of this community who still maintains private residence, there are countless services readily available, from transportation to a medical appointment to a group trip to the Zoo. Whether it's serious or fun, there are ways to connect with those standing by, ready to help.

(Continued on page 31)

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rhe 'Home' Continued from page 30) Yet another way in which the presence of Jewish Senior Service is seen and felt is at the Livingston 3 laza, the HUD/Jewish Federation low income ipartments. JSS provides counseling, meals on wheels, transportation, nurse visits, and even the ielp of a nutritionist.

Many social programs and other extras are available, and all the organized senior groups that meet at the JCC are open to Livingston residents.

Thanks to a special JSS endowment, there are funds to cover all of the above.

In addition, Barbara Gottlieb serves in an advisory capacity, yet one more place in which her experience and expertise are invaluable.

INSUMMAKY Just as a Jewish newspaper has been printed in this community for the past 80 years, so too has there been a steady growth history of caring for and tending to the needs of the Jewish elderly. As seen in the beginning of this retrospect, the latter actually preceded the former by several years.

Those three years notwithstanding, from the first : humble house on 25th and Charles street to the impressive structure on 132nd Street, many changes and improvements have evolved.

The present facility is state of the art and, without question, a testimony to the hard work of a caring Jewish community. Anything and everything necessary to make the resident comfortable, safe and happy is provided in this beautiful home. A professional staff any such facility would envy is on the job and trained to understand and be of the best help possible to the resident.

Everyone connected with the Rose Blumkin Jewish House can feel a very special pride. Jews for centuries have practiced the philosophy that says "we take care of our own".* Here in Omaha, we have demonstrated the truth of this philosophy by working industriously to build and maintain the

Page 31

On Name Changes and l i f e Changes

best facility of this nature. It's true.

We take care of our own.

by SILVIA ROFFMAN, President, Jewish Senior Services

VOLUNTEERS A book titled It Takes A Village stresses the importance of adult involvement in the lives of children. The same might be said of the elders of society-more specifically, it takes the participation of a caring community to maintain the highest standards for the health and welfare of its geriatrics.

Through the years, an exceptionally large number of local citizens of the Omaha Jewish community have volunteered time, interest and energy to the facilities built for our seniors. Both the old Sher Home and the present Blumkin Home have operated with the help of lay leadership provided by active Boards of Directors.

Each Board is headed by a Chairman, who balances the fine line between professional staff and board members. Some of the people who have served in this capacity in the recent past are: Silvia Roffman, Jerry Kohll, Jerry Dann, Robert Lepp, Don Klein, Jerry Milder, Jack E. Cohen, Jack B. Cohen and myself.

Going back to earlier days at the old Dr. Sher Home, many names come to mind. Names of people who served on those Boards and who were responsible for taking Sher from its first years of somewhat unsophisticated operation and management to the finely honed, smoothly functioning entity it became.

Most are gone now, but the passion with which they approached the project of making Sher the best, will never be forgotten. Donald Nogg helped me remember these names, but we ask to be forgiven for any we may have forgotten: Nate Nogg, Art Cohen, Joe Rice, Abe Pellman, Bill Racusin, Eli Zalkin, Joe Kirshenbaum, Mort Richards, Elmer Gross, Mary Fellman, Mary Wine, Donald Nogg and Alvin Abramson.

..

Abram Abraham Sarai Sarah Jacob Israel Bureau for the Aging Jewish Senior Services No, we were not the first Jews to change our names. Abraham, Sarah and Israel did it to reflect their changed status, their new dimensions, and their hopes, as they gazed into the future.

A few years ago, we, too, changed our agency's name-and for the same reason.

The Omaha Jewish community, for more than seven decades, has maintained programs, residences, and care for our elders. This has always been a priority* This has never changed.

Yet, at Rosh Hashanah, I reflect upon the multitude of changes that have occurred and will continue to occur, changes that bring the JSS Board of Directors both hope and promise, challenges and opportunities.

These things have not changed: our community's commitment to provide avenues of growth, wellbeing and care to our senior family members and friends; our family ties and sense of responsibility to help each other; our community's historic generosity of money, time and spirit; an administrative, nursing, clerical and support staff that excels.

These things have changes: there are more Omaha Jews, age 62 and older; the 100-year birthday celebrant is no longer a rarity; people keep themselves physically and mentally active and vibrant—for longer; changes in medicine, government policies and insurance have undermined the carefully-built foundation most seniors have counted on for care; living patterns have changed.

So, as we begin 5761, we face changing demographics, needs and philosophies. What doesn't change is the JSS commitment to make the crucial decisions affecting all our lives.

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September 29, 2000

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In 1970, when Morley Zipursky met with leaders of the Omaha Jewish community to talk about building a new JCC, the group made several important decisions. The people who built the old building a t 20th and Dodge Street had worked hard to pay for their building, therefore, the money from the sale of the old building would go into an endowment fund to help keep the new Center going.

Another goal of the group was to raise the money before they began to build. Murray Newman, chairman of the building fund campaign, appointed Arty Pazol and Arnie Breslow to be co-chairs of the general division of the campaign involving hundreds of families.

Newman said that the $3,2000,000 goal of the campaign was only part of the goal. The other part was to get 100 percent participation from every Jewish family in the community.

The Livingston Foundation had made a commitment to buy the ground and match all the pledges by 25 percent, and the Livingston money came in first.

Milton Livingston had been in the forefront of Omaha communal affairs. He served as president of the Jewish Federation, chairman of the annual philanthropy campaign, chairman of the federation budget committee, president of the Highland

Country Cub and a leader of Israel Bond campaigns. He was also active in t h e Omaha Community at large and was president of the Board of Regents of Creighton University.

Livingston h a d dreams of a new Jewish Community Center "out West," and because of bis financial gifts, the present building became a reality. He was the recipient of the Brotherhood Award, given by t h e Omaha Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

"Dan Katzman was chair of the committee," said Zipursky. "Nick Newman was President of the Federation and I w a s Vice-president. Chuck Monassee became chair of the Planning Committee and we agreed that Norman Batt would be in charge of construction."

A piece of ground on the corner of 96th and Western Streets was purchased for the new building.

"The original architect, Eichard Neutra, died and his son took over. When they looked at the original plans, they decided that the ground wouldn't be big enough," Zipursky recalled. "Meanwhile, Milt Livingston had died. We were all greatly concerned about what the Livingston Foundation would think if we wanted to move the building!"

(Continued on page 37)

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VoL jam—No. 34

NKIlltASK.V

FKIDAV.

.Mill I,

Id, IBffi!

Omaha Jewry Stunned by Passing of David Blacker The sudden death! of David Blacker has stunned our, community. We have tost an unfailing source of vision nmt lend, ership.

Scores of groups and organizations, as well as a host of friends who loved and esteemed him, hnve been enriched by his vibrant spirit, by his restless searching; mind, and by his convictions which were deeply held, mid expressed with eloquence and enthusiasm.

His life has set before its an. example of greatness that, will continue for many years to inspire our community MILTON R, AIIKAIIAMS. President Omaha Jewish Federation In the deepest sense it is .an unwarranted selfishness on the part of a community to consider itself bereaved; for the real bereavement is in the sanctuary of the home circle, where David Blacker was beloved as husband, father, grand. lather, brother. But from another point of view the selfishnesg Is warranted; for all of the rich qualities of intellect and emotion thnt he shared with his family--he nlso shared with the community. "Community" here means Jews; in Onmh.i, In the United States, in Israel and in nil the world; it inenns Omahans, of all religions and rnces nnd politicnl persuasions: it means Americans rich nnd poor, black nnd while, conservative and liberal; and it means the whole human race the world over.

So broad was the spectrum of his interests that one would think he spread himself too thin. The fact is the reverse: he plunged into his activities with an incredible intensity and a total, almost reckless, investment of his whole personality.

It was-because of this that his contributions of energy, as well as of substance, were so extraordinary. It was because of this that hi! leadership was so persuasive, so magnetic.

•••>'•• • WhenhW'famih/i» be»«V<!d,*J&v»o.iirB w e . i j f a , fellow Omnhans.tafel1ow Americans, fellow men ^ ^ S ^ S M ^ P S S g ^ R A B B I MYKB ig.

Funeral services were held Monday. April 12. nl Beth.Kl Synnc'ifiUP fcr David Blacker, 6:1, who died on Sundny. Burial was at Belh El Cemetery.

Jewish Press Publisher Mr. Wncker was the publisher of the Jewish Press from 1930 to 19511, and until his death was the publisher of Hie Sun Newspapers of Omaha.

Helleved in Philanthropy Mr Blacker was actively itli'iitificd with the Jewish community and with civic a f f a i r s thrmiRhnul his life time. He deiti (mstraled his belief in Ihe Jewish Philanthropies C a nl pfl.I g n by serving as campaign chairman for three years, the only chairman who ever served as the hend of three cninpniRiw. In I!M7. his second term as campaign chairman, Mr. Blacker's leadership resulted in a campaign total of $656,355, the second highest amount ever raised in an Omaha Philanthropies Campaign. That same yenr, lie was a member of the action committee, at a conference of the United Jewish Appeal in Reading. Pa. He helped draw up plans for its emergency cam, paUjn th.at raised 170 million dollars fnr'rrilrifw iMtliahllHallfln and n.3CtUtj!nei

in Europe.

Civic Campaigns Mr. Blacker was director of David Blacker was an unusually good man who contribthe Douglas County Multiple uted a great deal to everything that represented human good Sclerosis Society ana past head and improvement of the national firms division of He was intensely Jewish, and vitally Involved In the the United Community Services Jewish community, but his interests, were not limited to Jewdrive. He served on numerous ish life alone. He felt deeply about all the right things.

UCS standing nnd special comHe spoke with passion and fervor, both from his heart mittees. and his exceptionally keen mind. He gave not only his subJewish Leadership stance, but his intellect and his energy to all worthwhile Mr. Blncker was highly regoals. garded by the Jewish CommunAs our community was enriched with the friendship and ity to whom he gave many leadership of David Blacker, so we now feel impoverished years of devoted leadership. No by his untimely death. Yet I nm sure that among all of us served as President of Beth Kl Who knew him, and benefited from his counsel and work Synagogue. Chairman of the Isamong us, David Blacker will be Insured a living immortality. rael Bond Drive, Chairman of May we be worthy of his blessing to us. the Anti-Defamation League of RABBI SIDNEY II. nnoOKS B'nal B'ritli, nnd in Ja58, ChairTemple Israel man of the tenth anniversary celebration of the State of Israel. He served In key commit• tecs of the board of the Omc\h;i Jewish Federation, nnd was an Inspired leader in the advancement of Jewish education and Jewish culture.

Editorial policies and busi- and Mrs. Dnvid Blacker. HiCommunity Leadership ness -operation of the Sun joined the South Omaha SUN In !!ir>7 Mr, Blacker was Newspapers will remain bas- shortly afterward nnd remained awarded ftFederal Civil Defense until he was called tn duty witli Icnlly unchanged, Stanford the Air Force Reserve during Administration c e r t i f i c a t e Lipsey said this week. the Korean crlsi-i. of merit. He was the recipient of Lipsey, 37, assumed the a life membership award in liio He returned to civilian Mr publisher's post following the Nebraska P-TA and the Order July, 1912, became editor «t death of David Blacker, who had In of thi> Tower awnrd from Ilic Ihe South Omnha SON anil n«. built the organization over the •Islam publisher of Ihc Sim Unlvorsity of Omaha. p u t 30 years.

Mr. Blacker was a member of Newspapers In I95J. "Well Mnllnne ID build and In civic affairs, he has been the Mnyor's Biracial Commitdevetop the Sun Newspaper* a founding member nnd chair, tee, a member of the boards of In the ideals and tradition! let man of the Douglas County tho Chamber of Commerce. bjr D«rld Blacker," Llpsey chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis YMCA, Lutheran Hospital, nnd •aid, "lie *ul everyone la the Society and a member of Die the South Oinnhn Boys Club. He •rgaahatlw h u always had board of Beth El Synagogue. He served as President of the Hie goal •( pmhiems; the best is on the board of the South Smith Omaha Merchnnls Assoh h l weekly newspapers la the naeinllnn tba (tr Ihr petple of Omaha."

Sun Ivors the Wnodson Center and the Stan Llpaey's auumption of Jewish Fnundation Mr Blncker is survived In hit leadership of the Sun comes aft.

In 1961 hr was e l t r d M •He, Marie, daughters, Mr» Arer lg jresra of training in the "Advertising Man of the Year" mon Kamesar, Milwaukee, Wit; organixation. A native of Omaha by the O m a h a Advtrlkliig Mrs Stanford Lipsey. Omaha; •nil a IMS graduate of Central Clab. son, Dr. H Martin Blacker, High School, Lipsey took hli Madison, Wls.: brothers, Dr. A S . degree from the University We mourn the Ion of Da- Morris marker, L M fllaeker and of Mictugan in 1 M and then vid Blacker: He wax an out. Harry Blncker, all of Los Anworked for two jrean aa a salesgeles, California; sisters, Dorostanding Omahan whose spirman and public relations man thy Blacker, Mrs. Mel Matlwi it and philosophy and actions forjjljbj McNeil and Ubby In and Mrs Oeorge Thomas, all of embraced the entire world.

Los Angeles, and Mrs. Marvin Rabbi Rrajamla Crener la June of IN* he married Ksollsh.

Phoenix, Arizona; five Belh Iwael SvMg*«« M M BUdnr, daughter vi Mr. grandchildren. ' ' " ' - •''#.-••; • ; * . • ? ; • « « ? • • • ' • • ' • • '

In His Life W« Were Bleised. In His Death We S t a n d Bereaved.

May the Blessing of His Memory Serve to Guide And Strengthen Us.

Beth El Synagogue

Stanford Lipsey Will Assume Leadership of Sun Newspapers

I was deeply grieved to learn of the untimely death of David Blacker—one of the finest human beings I have ever known. * David Blacker was a gifted lender and his devotion to his people was exemplary. I always looked to him while I served as Rabbi of Belh El Synagogue in Omaha for advice nnd guidance, and he never foiled me. I remember especially his words of ndvico on how to approach people for philanthropic causes. He said: "You must leave a message with them. When you take from them, you give them something in return which will enrich their souls." This was David Blncker's philosophy of life. Whenever he gave, he felt he nlso received.

He was o profound spiritual influence in the Jewish community of Omahn, nnd on the general community as well.

He will be missed, because he cannot be replaced.

He was great, because he was unique.

There is no other like him.

Mrs. Goldstein nnd I join the members of his family in mourning his death, because we too have lost a great and good friend.

RAIIBI DAVID GOLDSTEIN liar Won Temple Philadelphia, 1'a.

In the world of newspapers the number "30" is placed nl the end of a story tn Indicate completion. So it is now thnt ",10" must be used reluctantly to signify that the meteor-like life of David Blncker is too suddenly completed, Our community, bolh Jewish and non-Jewish, was enlivened and enriched by his presence. It is Impoverished by his leave-taking.

David Blacker was a complex, dramatic personality composed of ns many themes as a symphony, opening with an overture bused on poverty, developing a theme of impatient effort to successfully build security, a theme encompassing love for the family of "every man" as strong u love for his own, a theme created from an intensity of moods as he was stirred deeply by actions nnd reactions of those who surrounded him.

No one who heard his enchanted plea lor the life and sustenance of Ihe enslaved and desperate Jews In Europe In the 1940's will ever forget his passion as Jewish Philanthropies campaign head. No one who either agreed or disnfireed with him will ever foiget his frankness, his clear thinking, his undaunted devotion. Ills stubborn determination to fight for whatever cause he championed No one who knew him as parent or friend, business associate or, as he was to me—'boss," will ever forget his perceptive, quick, inquisitive mind, his retentive memory, his constant pleasurable search for knowledge, hia aelf taught voluminous vocabulary, his gratefulness at acceptance as a respectable human being When David Blacker walked In Uic streets of Omaha his friends knew color and excitement and challenge: without him there ia a dullness to the lustre of our community, but then Is gratitude for having walked with him.

MRS. MORRIS C. FELLMAN JrwMl Prcaa Mller. 1MJ-47

September 29,2000

A Legend in her Own Time

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 33

Happy New Year from

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I've known Jane Brooks for nearly 40 years, but you ever seen a tornawe have never sat down and visited. Until a few do?" They went to the weeks ago, we would exchange casual greetings, back door and viewed a funnel cloud. Although but we had never spent time talking about anyit is rumored that she thing. So, when I learned she had been a member was the calming influof the Building Committee for the JCC, I decided ence during the tornaour time had come! do, she recalled saying, After visiting with her for an hour or so, I real"Oh my God, Sidney! ized some things that everyone else in the commuWhat are we going to nity probably already knew. First of all, she is do now?" every inch a lady. Secondly, she possesses a marShe and Rabbi Brooks velous sense of humor that is laced with intelliwent to Temple's basegence. And, last, but not least, she is deeply comment and though the 22 mitted to being a volunteer in the Omaha commustudents all survived, nity.

Jane Brooks the Temple sustained She met Sidney H. Brooks in Atlantic City when serious damage; all off Temple's classes, meetings she was only 16 years old. She was in high school and weekly services then had to meet in the newly and went to a Passover seder at her aunt's house when she was swept off her feet by the young rab- opened Jewish Community Center on 132nd Street.

Jane remembers all the time in the old Center. binical student. She decided at that moment she Temple had their offices and held services there had met the man that she would marry.

They,dated for the weekend and then she didn't and she often went to use the library.

"That was the only Jewish Community Center I see him again for a year. After high school graduation, she went away to college but they resumed had ever seen. I had never even been in one their courtship. They were married in 1944 at the before," she explained, "so I didn't realize it was an end of her freshman year. She attended Duke old building that needed to be replaced."

Since she had been an active volunteer in the University, University of Richmond, University of Cincinnati and has a Bachelor's Degree in English non-Jewish community, she was chosen to serve on the Building Committee when plans began for the and Philosophy from Wittenberg University.

Rabbi Brooks was hired to work in a synagogue new building. In addition to being on the overall planning of the building, she was assigned to do in Richmond, VA. research and planning for the preschool; "They had an old rabbi named Colish; his assisInformation was gleaned from the community tant enlisted in the Army ,so they hired Sidney! We before the project was begun. were there one year, we went back to Cincinnati for "Our first task was to find out if we even needed Sidney's senior year, and then he took a job in a preschool. Beth El had their own as did Temple.

Springfield, OH," she recalled.

After seven years in Cincinnati, they came to They all said if a preschool was opened at the 'J,' Omaha in 1952 because Temple Israel had a larger they would close theirs to eliminate any competicongregation. They loved Omaha when they first tion," she noted. "Even though ours was started as arrived. She recalls that the people were all so nice **a preschool, it very quickly evolved."

She remembers being on all kinds of "silly" comand they knew they would stay here for a long time. During their first year, Temple Israel was mittees. She says they couldn't decide if the building should be "windowless." Since the building was located at 30th and Park Avenue.

In May, 1953, Rabbi Brooks conducted the last "out in the wilderness," they had to be frugal with service in the Park Avenue Temple. The building energy. It was thought it would be cheaper to heat had been sold to the Greek Orthodox Church and, if it didn't have windows."

"The prime movers were Nick Newman, Morley for one year, Temple Israel held services at the old Jewish Community Center on 20th and Dodge Zipursky, Dave Katzman, Chuck Monasee and Norman Batt. They were bright, bright men!" she Street.

When a tornado hit in the late afternoon on May noted. "All of them! They made most of the major 6, 1975, it severely damaged Temple Israel. decisions and they knew exactly what they were Rehearsals for the Confirmation class were being doing. They did a wonderful job, when you realize we started from scratch." held and there were two classes present.

(Continued on page 34) One of the confirmands said, "Mrs. Brooks, have

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

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(Continued from page 33) Brooks attended meetings and held meetings for potential students in the new preschool. Much of the needs assessment was done with mailings to the whole Jewish community.

Since the old downtown site had been used primarily by Central High students, the new building had a whole new mission; it would be used by the whole community. The preschool opened with the new building in 1974.

In June of 2000, a new Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center was opened. The new facility offers a media resource room where teachers can check out books and puzzles. Also, each classroom is equipped with a sand table and a tiled basin for water play. The new Child Development Center has 160 children enrolled, and the classrooms are segmented by age in a home-style atmosphere.

Although this is an entirely different kind of child care, the whole concept was developed in the late 1960s by Brooks and her committee.

The new building was built with ease and agreement, according to Brooks.

"There never was a time when the rabbis of the three congregations got along better. Rabbis Nadoff, Kripke and Brooks all compromised and found a way. She recalls that Rabbi Brooks supported Kashrut, and he was part of the decisionmaking of the hours the building would be open.

"They all worked together and they didn't give the Building Committee any problems!" she recalled.

She proclaims the new building was a joy after it was opened. She says it was used and filled with people; it has become a part of people's lives.

"It's a wonderful institution!" she stated proudly.

One of her recollections is of a biblical archeological exhibit that took over the whole building. The exhibit, in 1977, contained magnificent artifacts from Israel. She and Nancy Noddle were chairmen of this exhibit and were helped by Dr. Joe Seger from Omaha University.

"This project took us a year to put together, and it was exciting."

Being part of the Building Committee was interesting for the three women who led various components: Mary Fellman, Frances Batt and Brooks.

She admits that women weren't too active in the top, echelons of the JCC or the Federation in-those days.

"It took a little shoving to get us up there," she said with a smile.

During her years in Omaha, she has been active in too many volunteer organizations to count.

In 1963, she was President and founder of the Eastern Nebraska Mental Health Association. Just a few of her other activities include being President of District 20 of the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods, the Board of Directors of the Bureau for the Aging, a member of the United Community Services Board of Directors and the Omaha Section of National Council of Jewish Women.

She also served as a member of the Governor's Advisory Committee for Long-Range Planning for Mental Health in Nebraska. She has also served on the North American Board of the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

She helped establish a volunteer bureau of Omaha's near North side and was a member of the Omaha Fair Employment Practices Committee. In 1971, she received the B'nai B'rith Women's Citizenship Award and, in 1995, the Hannah G. Solomon award from NCJW. Although Jane readily admits she isn't as active in volunteer projects as she used to be, her interest perks when a worthy cause presents itself.

She still enjoys time with her children. Miriam and her husband, Phillip Wright, live in Cambridge, MA. She is an Administrative Director of BioTech Company.

Joel and his wife, Naomi, are in Tampa, FL. Joel is an Executive Director of Reach Out, a non-profit confidential counseling service for children and families. Their son, Joseph, is a junior in high school and spent last summer in Israel with National Federation of Temple Youth Group.

Russian Resettlement Recalled

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer

Miriam Simon and Natalie Rubin never knew each other before the beginning of the resettlement of former Soviet Jews into Omaha. Little did they realize they would beErvin and Miriam Simon come good friends and that they would work together -side by side-to help many Russian immigrants find new homes.

Miriam Rubnitz Simon grew up in Omaha, attended Dundee Grade School, Central High and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She is married to Ervin Simon; they have three children: Neil, who lives in Arizona, Julie Martens of Champagne, IL, and Sally Gold of Betar Illit, Israel.

The Simons have five grandchildren.

Mrs. Simon has been President of Hadassah and Beth El Synagogue Sisterhood. She has also served as President of the Federation of Jewish Women's Clubs and chairman of the United Jewish Appeal Women's Campaign. She has been Vice-president of the Federation; she also helped found L.6.VSE (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly) 29 years ago at the Dr. Sher Jewish Home.

In December, 1973 (right after the Yom Kippur , War), Miriam took a trip to Russia because she had cousins living there. She was anxious to see her father's sister and some of her cousins and was concerned because many Russian Jews were being persecuted. She was curious to see if they wanted to leave Russia because, at that time, there was only a "trickle" of Jewish people leaving.

"It bothered me that some people were getting out and I didn't know how. I didn't know if my family wanted to leave or if they had the means."

She was unable to ask her relatives, in a letter, if they wanted to leave.

"I got the message loud and clear that there were certain things we couldn't talk about in letters!"

Simon recalled. "So, when the opportunity arose for me to go there, I decided to go and see for myself."

Shirley Goldstein was also on the trip and, on the way home, they began to talk and ask the question: "Why isn't Omaha getting families?"

When they arrived in Omaha, they contacted Jewish Family Service and were told that the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) was in charge.

Simon went to the Federation Board and asked for money to be allocated to bring Russians to Omaha. However, the process took time, time needed to organize committees to prepare for the first families that would came to Omaha in 1975.

Her task was monumental.

A committee to help people connect into community agencies was one of the first. After that, she organized committees for Education, Employment, Financial Management, Furnishings, Furniture, Groceries, Housing and Hospitality.

She also organized a committee to pair the newcomers to synagogues and the Center and another committee to take care of their medical and dental needs.

The Transportation Committee had a huge job because the new immigrants couldn't drive or read English well enough to use public transportation.

It wasn't until 1979 that the big influx of people began. "At this time, I realized we needed more than committees, we needed a director. We convinced JFS that we needed to hire someone," Simon recalled. "They put an advertisement in the Jewish Press and I interviewed the applicants.

When I interviewed Natalie, I knew right away she was the one!""

September 29,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 35

A Newcomer Herself

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer

Natalie Comen was born in Bridgeport, CT. She lived in the same house all her life until 1958, when she married Herman Rubin from Waterbury, CT. She was educated in the Bridgeport schools and went to Connecticut College for Women in New London and received a Bachelor's Degree in Latin, Spanish and Education.

She taught Latin and Spanish from 1952 until she married Herman, a social worker. She became active at Beth El Synagogue when the family arrived in Omaha and has been chair of the Torah Fund. Previously, she served on the National Board of the Young People of United Synagogues (now USY) and is a member of B'nai B'rith and Hadassah. The Library of Congress has certified her as a braillist and she transcribes reading material for people who are blind.

Natalie hadn't really thought about working for money, but the job sounded interesting to her.

Allan Greene, then Director of the Federation, encouraged h e r to apply for t h e position of Resettlement Coordinator.

"In 1979, when I took the job, families were coming fast and furious. We were on a block grant from the government and I had paperwork you wouldn't believe!" she recalled.

She began her work with the Resettlement Committee and did everything, from meeting the families at the airport to taking them to their apartments and more.

Rubin also supervised all the committees and made general arrangements for the well being of the new families. She loved her work because she felt she was doing something very important.

"I felt I was helping these people and getting them out of bad situations where they had been persecuted," Rubin said. "I loved my work and it was the most gratifying thing I ever did. The newcomers thought I was their mother and they called me at all hours. I was considered part of their families and they still invite me to everything—their weddings and Bar Mitzvahs."

Miriam Simon added, "Natalie was natural for the job because she has a 'Jewish Heart!' and she was

organized. We worked retire was a difficult one. She readily admits she misses well together because we her resettlement work and that there are still days work along side each when she ponders her decision. Her job was "a fun proother. We resettled about ject with a wonderful ending!"

— 300 people."

Those who have left Omaha did so only because of employment.

Many others brought other family members !•• after they were settled.

Each year, the Resettlement Committee made a commitment to HIAS to Natalie Rubin take a certain number of families. Because of professional opportunities, the families had to be scrutinized before they were invited to come to Omaha. Doctors were the most difficult to place because of the problems of passing the certificationexams.

•"••--.

Rubin served from 1979-81, and left when the influx of newcomers slowed down. She returned and served again from 1990-95, when she retired.

"The first wave" consisted of mostly "blue collar workers" and the second was mostly professional people, she noted. The second group was "maybe a little harder to place" because they needed specific jobs.

"Both groups were difficult to place because of the language barrier," she added. "Most did well after they got into their jobs and some went back to school and went into completely unrelated fields."

The families were overwhelmed when they saw their completely furnished apartments after they arrived in Omaha. Although the furnishings were donated and not always new, families were happy because they didn't have to share their apartments.

At a later date, arrangements were made for the families to repay some of the resettlement cost, which was used to bring more families from Russia.

The Rubins have three children: Bill lives Framingham, MA; Joel in Chicago; and Lori RubinNacht, who lives in Riverdale, NY. Rubin's decision to

Top photo: Miriam Simon with Leonard Goldstein and Soviet Jewry activist Shirley Goldstein. Bottom: Celebrating the 98th birthday of Natalie Rubin's mother, Rose Comen, front, were: Rubin,- (standing) Sammy Nacht, Lori Rubin-Naeht, Joel Rubin and Bill Rubin.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

The Way Things Were

by MICKEY GREENBERG, Editor of the Jewish Press, 1964-74.

The Jewish Press is 80 years old! (It's nice for me to be younger than something!)

I grew up with the Press, although I don't remember too much about the paper during the early years. I do remember there were changes when it became a community newspaper owned by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Prior to that, it had been an independent newspaper published by David Blacker and there were valiant efforts by some people to maintain its independence.

The paper, however, was not financially solvent; the Federation was paying its bills and like other Jewish communities, the Press became a house organ. The talented professionals left and the weekly paper became just another task for the Federation's clerical staff.

By the early 1960s, news was primarily birth announcements and obituaries, organizational and Federation activities, and iddy-biddy basketball scores. (The JCC was big on basketball leagues then! Starting with the youngest players, there were also 'midget'leagues for grade school kids, Youth Council Leagues, Varsity and Senior Leagues for the older group. The only thing missing was a pre-natal league!) Center sports dominated one of the four pages of the Jewish Press.

In 1964, when Paul Grossman was chairman of the Press, he asked if I would become the Editor. Paul Veret, then Executive Director of the Federation, used other words. He avoided "Editor" and suggested I "put outf the paper for a few weeks on a trial basis.

I went to work part-time for $50 a week, serving as editor from 1964-74. The "trial basis" status was in effect for 10 years; I was never given permanent status. It was an interesting period — for me — for the Jewish Press, for Omaha and world Jewry.

The office in 1964 was one desk in an office shared with three of the Federation's clerical staff.

With the help of the Sun Newspaper staff, where the Press was published, I managed to get the first few issues off the ground. Four pages, similar to the previous weeks, contained the b-ball scores, meeting dates, births, deaths, synagogue schedules and little else. They were not impressive issues.

I was a one-woman newspaper, gathering the news (and making sure the iddy-biddy scores were accurate), taking pictures with my $10 personal camera, typing the copy. I solicited and produced the ads, took the paper to the Sun, proofread it and

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laid out the pages (I think I made coffee, too!). The only thing I didn't do was deliver the paper, though I did get blamed when the Press was late.

There wasn't much time left for creativity, but encouragement from Stan Lipsey and David Blacker kept me going.

In November, 1964, two new columns were introduced: In My Opinion, which solicited readers' opinions, and Teen Talk. But I had to figure out how to get readers to write (this was before e-mail, so it required paper, envelopes, postage and mailing). It presented a real challenge.

What subject would spark a response? I hit on a sure-fire subject: teenagers. With the help of Barbara Jess, the first editor of the column, Teen Talk, was launched. She posed questions to selected teens; their views were expressed in the column and readers responded to their provocative answers.

Teen Talk was an instant success and its topics ran the gamut of inter-dating, curfews, participation in Christmas programs, BBYO conventions, sexual behavior, driving, Bar Mitzvah parties, religious education and more.

A column about teenage drinking prompted a flood of responses by readers who were shocked at the responses (most of the teens thought a little drinking was okay). Some letters chastised the kids for their opinions; some chastised the parents and some the Press for printing the column.

The important things was that people were reading and reacting and that was the right direction.

Some 35 years later, parents are still concerned about the same things. Some of the teens quoted in those columns are now parents of teens themselves; I wonder how and if their views have changed!

In January, 1965, I was given approval to write an editorial column on a trial basis and Sidelines was born. I managed to upset Jewish tennis players, Republicans, Democrats, women golfers and card players. I responded with anger to the antiSemitic remarks by Arthur Godfrey who talked about boys dying in Vietnam, while Jews were still having ostentatious Bar Mitzvah parties in Florida.

Since I had two boys

eligible for the draft and a daughter about to become a Bat Mitzvah, I assured Mr. Godfrey we would call off the Bat Mitzvah if that would stop the dying in Vietnam.

Then there were the senseless remarks by Nebraska Sen. Roman Hruska, who also thought there was a place in government leadership for mediocrity. I took exception to that, as well as to Vice-president Spiro Agnew's comment, "If you've seen one slum, you've seen them all."

Four pages do not a newspaper make, however, and I convinced the Press leaders to let me work full-time and produce an eight-page paper. On Feb. 18, 1965, the first eight-pager of my regime hit the mail. Overnight, I doubled the size of the paper, doubled my salary, and doubled the deficit!

Hadassah helped by buying two pages for their monthly bulletin and a number of other organizations, from ORT and Brandeis Women to NCJW, followed their lead.

In the following years, I had the privilege of interviewing many notables: President Lyndon Johnson and Vice-president Hubert Humphrey, former Israeli Prime Minister David Ben Gurion; Rabbi Abraham Joshua Hesci also attended two American Jewish Press Association Meetings in Israel, heady experiences for someone still on "trial basis," Basketball scores were still in the paper, but no longer dominated. There was still a deficit and the paper had grown from eight to 12 pages.

New features were added, including editorial comments by Harry Golden. Regular news stories from Lincoln, Sioux City and Des Moines expanded the Jewish Press to a regional paper. There was a cooking column, one from the library and Looking Back. Regular reports from the ADL and Center Youth activities. It was a good newspaper, providing a wide range of world and local news.

Federation events were still included, but the (Continued on page 42)

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September 29,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 37

Thinking of Future Generations (Continued from page 32) The committee went to Dave Beber, Omaha attorney, who became chairman of the Livingston Foundation.

"You have no problem," Beber told them. "Find a piece of property that you think will be suitable.

We'll pay for it and we'll take the other ground back." The present 22-acre piece of ground was then purchased.

The committee had a dream that the campus would eventually house a school and a nursing home. Originally, they were going to use the kitchen for the whole complex, but the original kitchen wasn't designed for that kind of use.

"The mistake we made was not pushing back the whole building," Zipursky said. "Now, we have that Former Vice-president Hubert Humphrey, huge piece of ground in the back.

Later, Ed Baker, the architect who designed the seated, left, and then governor J.J. Exon Minneapolis Jewish Community Center, was hired were guests at a Federation Campaign event to design the plan for the Omaha building. The in 1972 while Mprley Zipursky, standing secfundraising continued and the present wall in the ond from right, was Federation President.

Also on the committee were Bucky Greenentrance shows many of the contributions.

"When we were raising the money and we saw that berg, left, Bud Slosburg and (unidentified). things were going well, we decided to add the outdoor building. Nick Newman, then Federation president, pool, which cost $250,000. Money from the old build- died, and the dedication of the building had to be postponed. Newman, 47, who died of cancer, left a ing was still to go into an endowment," he added.

One of the biggest issues was whether or not the great legacy to the Omaha Jewish community.

He had served in many capacities on the board of building would be open on Saturday afternoons.

"We decided that we wouldn't even discuss the the Federation and was a past chairman of the issue at that time because it would only divide us. Omaha Israel Bond Committee, and a member of We agreed that we would make that decision after the board of Temple Israel. He also served as a the building opened," Zipursky explained. "We member of the National Campaign Cabinet of the always made sure that we avoided controversy in United Jewish Appeal. In spite of his many involveour planning!" ments and contributions to the community, he conAnother problem they faced was whether or not sistently refused any public honors or commendations for his efforts. Zipursky became president of to have non-Jewish members.

"At that time, we found out that there was only the Federation after Newman's death.

Zipursky recalled, "This was a very important time one other Center in the United States which did.

So, we decided there wouldn't be any quota for because the Newman Family had been an integral Jewish members but there would be a waiting list part of the planning for the new Center. We said kadfor non-Jewish members." dish for Nick when we laid the cornerstone. That was In 1972, they set the cornerstone of the new the best thing we could have done for him."

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He added, "There was a tremendous rebirth of the Omaha Jewish community in 1967. We raised over a million dollars in the UJA Campaign and people wanted to get involved. There was ncTproblem getting people interested because there was new leadership."

Zipursky, originally from Winnipeg, Canada, has served the Omaha Jewish community for many years. He has been a Vice-president of B'nai B'rith, Vice-president of Beth El Synagogue, Campaign Chair along with his wife, Charlotte, and President of the Federation from 1972 to 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma at Tulsa.

"One of our most important decisions was that we said that our (my) generation had the responsibility to build a new building, but that it would be the responsibility of future generation to maintain it." he added. "What happens later is up to the generations after us."

•""'""" -- -•

The Zipurskys and their grandchildren, from topz Matthew and Zachery Thompson, Morley Zipursky, Naomi Zipursky, Rachel Goldman, Aaron Zipursky, Charlotte Zipursky and Alisa Goldman.

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September 29, 2000

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They both feel t h a t Denny Greenberg came Ornahans are warm and to Omaha in 1976 when ,r accepting. her husband, Carl, took a During the latter part job as an assistant of h e r employment, Professor of Psychology Denny's job was elimiat the University of nated because of a reorNebraska at Omaha. ganization in the This was her first move Children's Department. away from home in Oak At the same time, a job Park, MI. in t h e social work dePrior to this, she interpartment opened up in viewed for the position of t the Loess Hills Area Director of Children's Education Agency 13 in Services and Director of Council Bluffs. Since she the Pre-school Summer had originally looked for Camp at the Jewish social work jobs in Community Center. Phil Nebraska, she jumped at Coffman hired her. She Carl and Denny Greenberg the opportunity when it was to replace Robyn Glick (who left the job in order to complete her came up in Iowa. She remained in that job until Master's Degree. Robyn now lives in Milwaukee they moved to St. Louis. and she and Denny remain friends.)

Even though.Denny no longer worked as a profesGreenberg received her Bachelor and Master's sional in the Jewish Community, she and Carl put Degrees in Social Work from Wayne State their efforts into volunteer services. Carl became University in Detroit. While she lived in Omaha, involved with the Jewish Community Relations she enrolled at UNO and eventually received a Council and he eventually served as the Chairman of the Board of the ADL-CRC. Specialist Degree in School Psychology.

Herman Rubin was then the assistant director of Denny worked with Jewish Family Services and the Center and Denny's supervisor. served on their board for five years-three of them "He had years of experience in programming and as president. As an agency president, she had the he taught me a lot about the field of Jewish opportunity to serve on the Federation Board and became involved with the UJA Campaign.

Communal Services," Greenberg recalled.

The couple chaired Super Sunday one year and She also worked very closely with Jessie Rasmussen, Director of the Preschool, who left the worked on other aspects of the campaign.

Center to become a Nebraska State Senator and The Greenberg family moved to St. Louis 10 later became an Executive in State Government. years ago when Carl took a job with Southwestern She now serves in the Iowa Social Services Division. Bell. He is currently a human resource consultant Greenberg also remembers Chuck Arnold, Director for a New York-based company; Denny has worked of Physical Education, and Mollie Delman, Director of as a school psychologist for the Special School Senior Services. Mollie was always supportive to "a District of St. Louis County for nine years. new kid on the block." Jan Perelman then ran the They continue to be involved in the St. Louis Cultural Arts Department, along with Sheila Polikov; Jewish community and they are active on the board high school student Corey Kirschenbaum worked for of their synagogue, Congregation B'nai Amoona, Greenberg as part of the playroom staff!

Denny has just completed a three-year term as secMarlen Frost taught classes and later became the retary of the synagogue board and is also involved Preschool Director when Rasmussen resigned. with the Business and Professional Women's Greenberg's office was at the back of the building Division of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

The couple have two children. where the Dance Department is now located. The Bryan recently graduated from Tisch School of the Theater Director's office was next to hers, occupied Arts at New York University. He aspires to be an by director Fred Vesper.

"I learned a lot from Saranne," she said about actor and has had small roles in Law and Order, Saranne Gitnick, volunteer chairman of Denny's The Third Watch and the Sopranos, He is currently living in Los Angeles and has had a small part in department.

Greenberg found her years at the JCC positive the movie A Civil Action. because she enjoyed working with children and Rebecca is beginning her second year at the their families. In addition to the enrichment classes University of Arizona, where she is majoring in fine for children, she was able to run Family Life arts. She has followed in her mother's footsteps by Education programs with other departments and working at the local JCC, staffing the children's playagencies. She is most proud of her sex education for room and working in the early childhood day camp. pre-teens and their parents. This involved Jewish Even though they have been gone from Omaha Family Service, physicians in the community and for a decade, they have maintained close relationoutside agencies. ships with many of their friends and with members Carl and Denny were welcomed into the Omaha of Beth El Synagogue. Omaha, too, remembers Jewish community when they came as newcomers. Denny and Carl Greenberg!

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A college girl Her other from'New Haven, involvement in the CT, Gloria Cooper Jewish community was at Vassar when began when Cantor she met Yale stuChaim Najman dent Howard invited her to teach Kaslow. Living in at Beth El Omaha, NE, was Synagogue because probably the farof her extensive thest thing from her Jewish background. mind when she was She had attended fixed up with a classes in Jewish blind date for a footstudies, continued ball weekend. her studies in college and lived on a She remembers kibbutz in Israel in that her date "had 1958.

She taught at just a little bit too 1 Beth El for 25 much to drink' and years arid continues wasn't able to go to teach the Holoout. So, his roomcaust in Omaha mate, Howard , , „. , , From left: Jennifer and David Kaslow, Joanna Kaslow.... , ic T Kaslow, offered to S p i v a c k , Howard and Gloria Kaslow, Aaron Kaslow, EmiUa p u b h c a n d P a r ° ffll in ools Kaslow-Zieve, Allison Zieve, Benjamin Kaslow-Zieve. Notc h i a l Is c hbecame in"I came home pictured: Howard Spivack. volved at Beth El in from that first date and I told my roommate, "I'm gonna marry him!" various committees—curriculum, ritual—and that led to being on the Jewish Federation Library she recalled.

However, she readily admits t h a t it never Board," Kaslow noted. "This was because of my occurred to h e r that, if she married Howard love of literature and Jewish books. JFS always Kaslow, moving to Omaha was part of the bargain! had a soft spot in my heart because of Joanna, but "We thought about living somewhere else, but I became an active volunteer because of t h e when it came right down to it, we decided we would Russian resettlement."

She became very close to one family, Alex, Olga go where we had family and Howard would go into and Dina Kogan, when she was asked to teach practice with his father, Ben E, Kaslow."

They were married in 1961 and remained in the English to some of the newly-arrived immigrants East until Howard finished Yale Law School. from the former Soviet Union.

"They have really become our family," she said of Gloria became a junior high school teacher. Their first son, Aaron, was born in 1964, the year they the Kogans. T v e enjoyed helping families and love going to the airport to meet them. When they get returned to Omaha.

"I was fine with leaving my family, big cities and off the plane and I see their faces, I see my father's the ocean! Even at that very young age, I knew I face when he came from Russia! It's a marvelous had made the right choice," she admitted. "I was feeling!"

She went on the JFS Board during her involveyoung and very much in love. And, in those days, ment with resettlement and continues to serve on you went with your husband."

Her first impression of Jews in Omaha was a pos- the board. She was president from 1996-99, and itive one. She was busy with a new baby but still chaired the Jewish Family Life Education found time to attend Omaha University in order to Committee.

Daughter Joanna is a now a social worker spereceive her Masters Degree in English literature.

Their son, David, was born after they arrived here. cializing in helping foster children and adoption.

Life was good for the young couple until tragedy She and her husband, Howard Spivack, live in struck after the birth of their daughter, who died Chicago. Aaron and his wife, Allison, are attorneys during heart surgery as a result of RH-negative living in Washington, D.C., with their two children. blood problems. After blood counseling, they were David and his wife, Jennifer, live in St. Louis, advised by doctors not to have another child. They where he is a portfolio manager.

Kaslow feels that the future of Omaha Jews, "our were determined that they would have a daughter but that they would adopt. This became their first children, scholarships and the programming for our agencies," depends on endowments from people introduction to Jewish Family Service.

"The world of adoption was quite different then in the community.

"What was once a one-person operation h a s than it is now," Kaslow recalled. "When we came to Jewish Family Service, Pearl Yager was the whole grown to include many different things," she thing! I remember her coming to the house and explained. "The whole mind set of the Jewish comdoing a home study. That's not what she called it, munity has changed. What used to be a family but that's what it was. We joked that we were included two parents an3 children. Now, we have going to get a kid from down the street because we all different kinds of families and we have to change how we think. Jews have the same probnever knew what Aaron was going to do!"

Sadly, there were no children available in the lems as others and we have to address this.

Omaha area, so Yager made a request of the "For example, the adoption program now involves counseling for infertility, international searches for Jewish Family Service in Denver.

"One year later, in 1970, Howard and I went to adoption and support groups. We have a sliding-fee Denver and we were given the most beautiful gift scale because JFS recognizes that there are Jewish families in our community who are in need and we of our lives—our daughter, Joanna!"

Kaslow has always been grateful to Yager and are sensitive to those needs."

Confidentiality is a big part of JFS and its serJFS for making the adoption happen. Yager was so sensitive to the needs of grieving parents and all of vices.

Kaslow added, "We're a small community and the options that might be open to them; that attitude led to Kaslow's longtime involvement with people need to know they aren't in the public eye because they need counseling or financial help."

JFS.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 39

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September 29,2000

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

The Way Things Were %

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(Continued from page 36) Jewish Press was no longer a house organ of the Jewish Federation. In 1970, the Federation adopted a Publication Policy for the Press which freed the paper and created an independent Jewish Press Committee, headed at the time by Chuck Monasee. In his presentation to the Federation Board, Monasee noted that the paper had expanded and was now a regional paper. As such, it could no longer be under the control of the Federation.

The growth continued; by 1973, the staff tripled to include an advertising manager and an associate editor. The paper was recognized by the AJPA as "an example of excellence in the field of Jewish journalism." Today, the Jewish Press continues on the path of growth and improvement.

When I resigned as Editor in 1974,1 wrote the final Sidelines column (which was still on a trial basis!). I was pleased with the accomplishments of those 10 years and wished I could have said I passed the trial periods, because it was the best job I ever had.

There are still forces around to keep me humble.

I soon learned some things are not meant to be changed.

When my Omaha daughter and her family (Marcia and Steve Pitlor and their children, lisa, David and Kim) come to visit us in Scottsdale, AZ, my son-in-law often spends time flipping through the pages of the bound copies of the old Jewish Press issues which I have as a momento of my years with the paper.

Frequently, I hear him call to his children to "come and look at this!" It is not all the innovation in the Jewish Press which he finds exciting. It is not the brilliant Sidelines columns written by his mother-inlaw.

What he wants my grandchildren to see is his name or his picture or the score in the Center Sports basketball column!

RISONERSt Eeypll«a wldlen Guess you can't lit Ike Slnul. win 'em all!

with the Arabs.

• 1968: Golda Meir is installed as Jsrael's fourth Prime Minister, following the death of Levi Eshkol.

• 1970: Paul Veret dies, ending a 26-year career as Jewish Federation Executive Director; Mort Greenberg succeeds him. Plans begin for a new JCC on 132nd Street; independent publication policy adopted for the Jewish Press; ADL warns of Radical Eight activities.

•1971: Temple Israel celebrates its 100th birthday; Hubert Humphrey speaks at the Men's Campaign Pacesetter event; town meetings are held ,to determine the needs for the new JCC. • 1972: Sally Priesand was ordained as the first female rabbi by the Reform movement, while Jewish youth participate in a Washington rally protesting the Vietnam War; David Ben Gurion resigns from the Israeli Knesset; three of the four students killed at the Kent State tragedy were Jewish; the community mourns the deaths of President Harry Truman, Rabbi Heschel and Temple's Cantor Manfred Kuttner; the world is shocked by the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes at Munich's Olympic Games.

• 1973: JCC cornerstone dedication delayed due to the death of leader Nick Newman; Israel faces the Yom Kippur war; Vietnam peace agreement signed; President Lyndon Johnson and David Ben Gurion die.

• Official opening of the new JCC.

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September 29, 2000

Sidelines Revisted

by MICKEY GREENBERG, Editor, 1964-74

I spent a great deal of and grandchildren living time going through back there, childhood friendissues of the J e w i s h ships and ties that have Press from 1964-74. My not been broken. mission was to choose a When I come "home" to few major stories; it was an visit, I'm startled by the impossible task! My ego many new faces and new kept getting in the way. names which have beThere was no question that come part of the Omaha every word of every issue of Jewish community. Then the Press during that periI walk through the halls od was important. (Would I of the JCC and look at the print anything that wasn't Nebraska Jewish historiimportant?) cal Society exhibits; there a r e so Then I was distracted by ,ÂŤ , v , r. , many familiar 59 all the errors which ^\ c _ k e y which }?

J? ' ?ff Greenberg), left, and faces__s0 m a n y r e m i n d e r s weren't caught when they M a r y Felhnan, right at "Tins is Your Life" for o f t h e contributions made should have been: wrong Ethel Edgar Levinson, center. Five years b y m y generation, that T identification of pictures, *a*er> Gerehck became Editor of the Press; s t m feel a t home, bridal photos switched. FeUman was Editor from 1943-47. , I n t h e p a g e s of t h e Yipes! Can you imagine what young grooms must Jewish Press, I see an important historical record have felt when, in a moment of terror, they thought of my family. There are pictures of my mother as they married the wrong girl?

Beth Israel Sisterhood President; me as Youth In one issue, photos of Marty Shukert and Rabbi Council President (in the old days, it was called Myer Kripke were switched (readers weren't con- Round Table of Jewish Youth). I see photos of my fused; they knew Rabbi Kripke never had that children in leadership roles in the JCC expansion much hair!). and pictures of their children-my grandchildren-in Then there was the "Do You Remember" column. I all their various youth activities. tried to be very careful with that one. I tried not to The pages of the Press recorded the births of my include the weddings of couples who were no longer children, their religious school activities, their Bar married or people who were deceased. But once, I and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, their.school graduachose a couple who were still married to each other tions, marriages and births of their own children. after 25 years, but the heading was dropped and the The historical record continues with the life cycle item ran under "15 Years Ago." Go explain that to events of my grandchildren. The death of my parkids who were 17, 19, and 21! (Today that land of ents were in its pages and someday, mine will be, mistake might not upset the kids, but 27 years ago it too (although I hope I can hold out until the 100th was kind of a problem.) anniversary of the Jewish Press).

Once I accepted a Statute of Limitations on proofDoes it matter? I think it does. reading errors and that 26 years was enough time for The same historical records of other Omaha bridegrooms to discover who they really married, I Jewish families attest to the continuity of Jewish began to enjoy the nostalgia of reading through those life in Omaha. I attended Central High but rarely old issues. missed a day at the old 'J' on 20th and Dodge after One particular issue captured my imagination: school. I met my old friends and developed new the Passover edition of 20 years ago, dedicated to friendships there. The JCC was the hub of teenage the 50th anniversary of the Jewish Press. The and organizational life. As an adult, I found myself first thing that hit me were the incredible accom- on the pages of the Press as a participant in many plishments by the Omaha Jewish leaders then. community projects, including the creation of the Their deeds and their deaths are symbolic of current JCC. these giants, not only in Omaha, but also throughThere have been many changes since the Jewish out the Jewish world, like: Harry Lapidus, William Press made its debut in 1920. On a recent visit to Holzman, Henry Monsky, Phil Klutznick, Sam Omaha, I stopped in to see its new suite of offices Beber, H.A. Wolf, Sophie Neveloff, Dr. Philip Sher, in the expanded JCC. That was a real change from Sadie Kulakofsky and Dr. Abe Greenberg. a single desk in the corner, my office in 1964.

Add to that list some of the leaders during the It is likely there will be more changes in the past 30 years: Nick Newman, Elmer Gross, Harry years ahead. The important thing is that the Sidman, Jack Marer, Joe Rice, David Beber, Jules Jewish Press will continue to serve the communiNewman, Mort Richards, Morris Jacobs, Milt ty in the future as it has for the past 80 years.

Livingston, Paul Veret, David Blacker, Rabbi That's continuity.

Sidney Brooks, Mollie Delman, Rose Blumkin, Milt I can visualize the 100th anniversary edition of Abramson--the list goes on. the Jewish Press when Marty Shukert's grandA special edition could be devoted to each of them children might look at a picture of him and say to How fortunate we are to have known them and their balding grandfather, "Gee, Zayde, you sure that there are others taking their place. If I had to used to have a lot. of hair!" choose one word to describe the Omaha Jewish Perhaps the bridegrooms will look at the community, it would be "connected." It took us switched bridal pictures and know they married moving away to an unconnected community to the right girl. make me realize how important that is.

And maybe, if I'm lucky, my great-grandchildren Although I left Omaha 26 years ago, I still use the will find my picture, but won't find my obituarypronoun "we" when I speak of the Jewish communi- yet. ty; I still consider Omaha my home; I have children Happy Birthday, Jewish Press!

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His Project

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer

Norman Batt feels a tremendous gratitude to the old Jewish Community Center on 20th and Dodge Street. It was there, when he was only 10 years old, that he met his sweetheart and future wife of 55 years, Frances Blumkin! After a long courtship, they were married in 1945. They returned to Omaha in 1946 after World War I ended.

Norman's "volunteerism1' in the Omaha Jewish Community was a gradual thing. He remembers that Paul Veret, Executive Director of the JCC, wouldn't "let you sleep." Veret was a "natural community man who had a way of involving everybody." He had an outgoing personality and thought he could do everything.

"If something needed to be done, Paul would go to someone in the community and say, 'I know you're the person for the job." Veret made people feel as if they could accomplish anything.

Veret left the legacy of the Jewish Federation Library. ~ "Omaha has one of the great Judaic libraries in the country because of Mr. Veret," added Frances Batt "Another one of bis great loves was a vision and interest in Israel before it even existed!"

Her husband spent a lot of time at the downtown JCC taking care of camp business. Norman and Dr. Dan Miller co-chaired the camp when it was located at Camp Brewster in 1953. Their own children, Larry, Bob and Ellie, attended. .

Everything was going smoothly until Sol Silverman, the camp director, resigned in the middle of the camp session. It was a difficult time, but they were able to find a new director in the middle of the season-Sherman Poska.

When Sherman took over, he put "his body, heart and soul into the camp."

"He evolved with the kids as campers and no small detail escaped him," Norman recalled. "He was just a natural with the kids. They loved him

and he loved them.

One time he had broiled grapefruit as a treat and the kids just loved it. He had a lady named Addie as the cook and it was a wonderful combination. Addie worked at the Center and she'd come to camp every year. She worked until she was too old to work anymore!"

When the "new" camp was constructed near Louisville, NE, Norm was the construction chairman. The camp, named Esther K. Newman Camp, was Norman Batt at his JCC named in memory of the wife of longtime Omahan Jule M. Newman. because of its size. His job was to handle the conThe chapel was named in memory of Kalah tracts and make sure the building was constructed.

Franklin, who worked at the Center for many years This was a long, rough job. His training was from his work with Nebraska Furniture Mart, where he before her death.

Poska found the site where the Newman Camp was in charge of remodeling. He had also been was located. The land was owned by a family who responsible for the building of a warehouse for the wouldn't sell it because they had a mentally Mart.

The architect came up with a plan for a long buildimpaired son who also lived on the land. The ing with a door on the North side. Norman looked at Federation promised they would take care of the the plans and thought it would be silly to make peoson if the family would sell them the land; the ple walk the whole length of the building.

Federation wrote it into the sale agreement.

"I thought it would be a very foolish move on our The Building Committee The area now occupied by the Jewish Community part to build it that way," he explained, "so I sugCenter used to be a horseriding stable. According to gested we put the doors in the middle and put the Batt, this was the second choice of the committee building on both sides. It looked very simple to me."

(Continued on page 45)

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His Project (Continued from page 44) The outdoor swimming pool was built only after it was discovered there would be enough money.

Norman says that he went to Denver to see their Center. While observing the pool in Denver, he suddenly remembered that, since an outdoor pool wasn't part of the original plan, they had forgotten to allow for a door in order for people to have access.

Frances recalls that he exclaimed one day, "Holy Smoke! We forgot a door to the pool! " When Norman became the construction chairman, the building became a magnet to him.

"Every night after dinner, we came out to check what the workmen had done," Prances said. "It didn't matter that it was a big black hole. We still had to come see what had been done for the day. If there was an emergency, we came more often. Meetings went on constantly, and anybody who was involved, did it with their whole hearts and souls."

There was a community spirit," Norm added. "I had a wonderful feeling because I was building a new structure for the Jewish community. The majority of Jewish families in Omaha were interested and wanted to help. It didn't matter the size of the contributions, because they did it with such love," Some people thought they had gone crazy and overbuilt.

"My feelings were that we'd never have the right traffic flow if we added on later. We had raised the money but we didn't want to bankrupt the community with the personnel and upkeep that would be ongoing. It was a large building for the size of the community. Many people objected to having a theatre, but it has all worked out!" he stated.

Since many of the men and women on the committee had been through the Great Depression, they watched the money and tried to be so careful.

They tried not to make too many changes and to manage every dollar and every penny.

The cornerstone of the old building is now located in the lobby of the Center. The contents of the origi-

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 45

They Planned to Move On

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer

Charles (Chuck) and Lyra Ann Monaseeirad no intentions of staying when they came to Omaha in 1953. He was a career commissioned officer in the United States Air Force when they were stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. They planned to finish their tour of duty and then move on. It was just a stroke of fate when they struck up a purely social friendship with CM. (Nick) and Raquel Newman.

Both are southerners, (Lyra Ann is from Dallas, Texas, and Chuck is from Montgomery, AL). They were invited to a dinner party at the Newman home, and Lyra Ann recalled, "The men went into the other room and I stayed with the women. I didn't M think anything about it until we were on the way Norman and Frances Batt home and Chuck told me that he had been asked to nal cornerstone were unrecognizable! but the pre- leave his commission andjoin Hinky Dinky."

After much deliberation, he-ieft the Air Force and sent stone will be opened in 2027. When the building joined Hinky Dinky Stores in 1955. He remained opened, Norman says it was a bittersweet day.

"CM. (Nick) Newman and his family had put so with the company until 1980. During his career much into the building and then he died before it with the chain of grocery stores, he served in many opened," he recalled sadly. "Nick's presence was there executive positions, and he was president from 1968 to 1980. In 1973, the stores were sold to the because of his effort and love for the whole project" Cullum Companies of Dallas and he remained on Norman was the second president of the new the Board of Directors until 1980, when he retired. building. The January blizzard of 1975 was during Cullum (Tom Thumb Stores) was the largest superhis tenure, and he tells the story of a young couple market chain in Dallas at the time. who became lost in the blizzard.

Chuck remained in the Reserve and retired as a The couple were trying to walk to the building with their small child when the child became lost Lieutenant Colonel. Since his retirement from in the banks of snow. Panicky, they ran, screaming Hinky Dinky, he worked for Alco Standard, the into the Center for help. Chuck Arnold, then Riekes Group. He then became President and Athletic Director and a huge man, ran outside and Executive Director of a foundation for Creighton University, which became the endowment for the rescued the child.

He credits the opening of the building to a cohe- Health-Science School.

The Monasees have been members of Temple sive bunch of people who had one goal in mind—to Israel from the first day they came to Omaha. get the building built within the budget.

"All of these men and women came from all parts Chuck was Vice-president of Temple and served on of the city and all synagogues—it didn't matter the Board of Directors three times.

(Continued on page 46)

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Page 46

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September 29,2000

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He has served as the Vice-president of the Jewish Federation and became President of the Jewish Community Center in 1973. He turned a shovel of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony when the "new" building was begun.

In May, 1973, Chuck canceled the dedication of the cornerstone of the new building when Nick Newman died. The cornerstone was to have been dedicated in honor of the Newman families and it was rescheduled one week later.

He remembers when the idea of the new Center was born. He recalls that the "young" guys, Morley Zipursky, Nick Newman, Norman Batt, Dan Katzman and himself, wanted a new building but there was some reluctance on the part of some of the older men.

"Finally, there was a succession and Nick became President of the Federation and that broke the dam!" he laughed.

Chuck chaired a committee to determine the needs of the Jewish community. He remembers some of the people who .were on the committee were: Jane Brooks for education, Ruth Katzman (who was interested in the cultural aspects), and David Friedman. He recalls many small meetings to interview people and, frequently, there were only two or three people who showed up to discuss the needs of the community.

The planning committee made several trips to other cities to see other Centers. They traveled to Minneapolis, Houston and St. Louis before deciding on an architect for the project.

Monasee added, "We finally realized that this community of 6,000 Jews had expectations for a building that were realistic for a community of 25,000!"

They decided on a building that was about 100,000 square feet. They choose Richard Neutra to be the architect and Omahan Don Polsky would be the Omaha contact. Neutra died soon after and Ed Baker of Minneapolis took over.

Chuck explained, "The building would have never been built if it hadn't been for Norman Batt. He was the one who made sure that everything went correctly. He even made sure the doors went in the right places!"

Omaha architect Alex Weinstein did the preliminary drawing of the building at 96th and Western Avenue. He determined that parking would have been on a hill and space would be "tight." Bud Slosburg found the tract of land where the building is now located.

The original land had been purchased by the Livingston Foundation and was returned to them.

The Foundation purchased the new site and, for a time, they owned both locations. The present location had been a horse farm and, according to Chuck, "gets better every year!"

Raising the money was easy according to Monasee.

"When you're selling bricks and mortar, it's easy to put things together. You put up a bunch of product that you can sell!"

He says they had a goal of four million dollars and they had raised $3,600,000 when they decided to solicit the general community. He ran a small drive and solicited 43 firms in 30 days; contributions, came in from 42 businesses. : "We went to V.J. Skutt of Mutual of Omaha and asked him for a $25,000 contribution. V.J. said he wasn't going to give the contribution, but that he would contribute $30,000 in honor of Dr. Abe Greenberg!" Monasee recalled. "That was the kind of attitude we r a n into. The Omaha Bankers Association came up with over $100,000!"

Chuck thinks there was a delay in building a new Center in Omaha because of the location of the old 'J.' Most of the Centers that were in existence after World War II were replaced with new buildings because of changes in population and location.

However, because the building at 20th and Dodge was in such a good location, near the Jewish students at Central High School, it was not replaced when others around the country were. Therefore, Omaha went from a 1920s building to one built in 1974.

When the new building opened, hours of services were under the direction of the Omaha rabbis. All of them were cooperative and the task was an easy one. He recalls that Rabbi Nadoff, Rabbi Kripke and Rabbi Brooks all agreed, making the task easy.

"If they had differences, they were united in getting this building open and running in the best possible way!" he noted.

The people from the Planning Committee became members of the first board of directors. Monasee was President for the first two years "I think this building has been a cohesive force and a common ground where Jews meet," he admitted.

Lyra Ann and Chuck agree that "Omaha is the best thing that ever happened to us. We're so glad we stayed!"

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"Jewish learning and education were always a According to his daughter, "He taught all of us our part of my dad's life," recalled Mary Yager Jaffe, Torah and Haftarah portions when we became B'nai daughter of the late J. - . . , - , Mitzvah. And to his Louis Yager. r»..,.-•*-» credit, considering the ' "t • Orthodox background he So when Jewish came from, was just as Educational and proud of my sister and Library Services (JELS) my Jewish achievements celebrates growth and as he was of my brother." expansion, not only in That brother, Robert, the physical sense, but was killed, tragically, in a in the number and car accident in 1967 scope of educational while he was home on programs offered to the summer vacation from community, Lew Yathe United States Naval ger's name must be Academy. Jaffe's,sister, mentioned.

Ellie Morse, also makes He died in April of her home.in Houston, TX. 1987, but his influence is "I know my dad had a felt even today. Yager tremendous commitwas a member of the ment to education in boards of directors of the general and Jewish eduformer Bureau of Jewish cation in particular," Education and the JewJaffe noted, adding that ish Federation Library it had a subtle, but pow(now part of JELS), and erful, impact on his own the Nebraska Jewish family.

Historical Society. He was also a volunteer for "As far as what his L.O.V.E. (the auxiliary involvement in Jewish for the Rose Blumkin Pearl and Lew Yager education meant to me, Jewish Home, League Offering Volunteers to the in raising my children.. .1 remember how tedious it Elderly). As an active volunteer at the Blumkin was to go to Hebrew school after a full day at public Home, Yager also led services, something which came school," Jaffe recalled. "For this reason, and very naturally to him. because I felt the Jewish education would be much Yager grew up in New York. His family was very more consistent and comprehensive, my husband religious, and he graduated from the Rabbi Jack and I opted to send all three of our children to the Josef Yeshiva, which he attended all through high Solomon Schecter Jewish day school. school. One of seven children, Yager's oldest broth"I sometimes wondered what they really learned, as er, a rabbi, is still alive and active in Jewish activi- kids aren't too willing to participate, but as they have ties at age 95. become adults, I realize they are much more knowlHe met his future wife, Pearl, in Cleveland, Ohio, edgeable and committed to their Judaism than if they where they both worked at the Jewish orphanage. had gone to Hebrew school," she added.

She had moved there from New York, after attend"I really attribute their Jewish knowledge to my ing the Jewish School of Social Work (now dad, who always stressed education as an imporWurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva tant part of child development. He was very proud University). Yager earned his PhD in child psychol- of them all, and he even made a point of learning ogy from the University of Chicago. their Torah and Haftarah portions when they were According to his daughter, Yager "was always about to become B'nai Mitzvah." involved at Beth El Synagogue in education while I All her children continued with their Jewish was growing up. education until high school graduation. Daughter "I even had him for several Hebrew classes which, Tracy majored in religion in college, and though of course, created some bad and good moments," she now in her residency in radiology in North recalled with a smile. "All my friends were in his Carolina, she seriously considered becoming a classes, and they always talk about him when I see rabbi. While in college, she taught Sunday school them. I don't know whether this was good or bad!" at a synagogue near her university.

Yager worked in the department of psychology at Jaffe's other children are Debbie, who has a masVeterans Hospital, starting in 1951, until he ter's degree in occupational therapy and works for retired as chief in 1982. He also served full-time on the Los Angeles Mental Health Department, and the Douglas County Mental Health Board from the Bobby, who recently moved to Chicago and works early 1970s until 1986. in advertising.

A week after his death, Steve Riekes, who had Ellie Morse is also carrying on Yager's love of been very involved with Dr. Yager on behalf of Jewish education and teaches Sunday school durJewish education, wrote a tribute to him in the ing the year at her synagogue in Houston. She also May 1,1987, issue of the Jewish Press. is very adept at Israeli dancing and joins in dance In it, he noted that Yager "had a passion for edu- classes with all ages of children during the year at cation. He was a man of great knowledge and wis- Temple Emanuel. dom. . .(who) loved Judaism and the Jewish people.

Her son, Robby, 14, just started high school.

He used his abilities and his love in a quiet, digniYager's wife, Pearl, who moved from Omaha to fied way to be of service to others.

Houston to be close to her two daughters, is in ill "Until the time of his death, he served on the health. When she was active, however, she was Scholarship Committee of the Jewish Day School also involved in the Jewish community as a social (now the Priedel Jewish Academy). For reasons of worker; she continued working with Jewish agenconfidentiality, the names of those who serve on cies throughout her career. (this) committee are not generally known until As Riekes so eloquently stated in his tribute to either their passing or retirement. Likewise, they Lew Yager, "He was a man of character and serve, not for honor, but out of a sense of obligation." integrity who also sparkled with wit, humor and That sense of obligation was apparent, even in the charm. In sum, he was all that a man should be in efforts to provide a Jewish education to his children. the finest sense of our tradition."

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

Federation Foundation Established in 1983

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Foundation Public Relations Coordinator — — — — — — — — — — — — . - — —

In a letter dated July 11, 1983, to Paul Cohen, President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha at the time, Howard Kaslow, a Vice-president of the Federation, reported that the Endowment Fund Study Committee, which he had chaired, recommended the establishment of a foundation to oversee the Federation's bequest and endowment program.

1 strongly support the recommendations of the committee," wrote Kaslow, "and I believe that the effective development of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation can be one of the most important accomplishments of our community in the years ahead."

Other members of the committee were Joe Kirshenbaum, Sandy Friedman, Miriam Simon, Jack Marer, Mort Trachtenbarg, David Friedland, Iz Tretiak, Lois Friedman, Marty Lehr, Dean Frankel and Phil Schrager. Allan Greene, who was then the Executive Director of the Federation, also assisted the committee.

"The Federation had a variety of endowment funds at that time," noted Kaslow. "But it was a hodgepodge of funds with no coherent oversight. We wanted to create a structure to administer the funds."

Morton Richards, who died earlier this year, was also influential in setting up The Foundation. He served as a chairman of a steering committee to develop an endowment development program for the Jewish Federation in 1979. It was the committee's responsibility to analyze existing endowment programs and formulate a feasible approach to assure the continuity of community activities through the Jewish Federation.

At its September, 1983, meeting, the Federation

Board of Directors approved The Foundation concept Established as a division of the Federation, The Foundation was charged with soliciting, receiving, holding, investing, reinvesting, managing, and distributing contributions made to the Federation other than contributions to the annual fund-raising campaign.

In addition, The Foundation was directed to provide the means to fulfill charitable objectives beyond the annual campaign, to improve the quality of Jewish communal life by providing funding that was not available, to serve as a reserve fund to meet emergency needs, and to educate potential donors. A 12-member Board of Trustees appointed by the President of the Federation with the approval of its Board of Directors would oversee The Foundation. » The Milton S. and Corinne Livingston Foundation donated $75,000 in 1983 and in subsequent years as seed money for the development of the Jewish Federation Foundation, according to an article in the Jewish Press in July, 1998.

Mort Trachtenbarg was named as the first chairman of the newly formed Foundation. Kaslow recommended Trachtenbarg, who was a certified public accountant, "because he had a strong interest in The Foundation and had a strong accounting background.

I knew he'd do an outstanding job," Kaslow said.

In accepting the position, Trachtenbarg said, he looked forward "to the challenge of setting up our Federation's Foundation and (I) am privileged to have been asked to serve as its first chairman."

Trachtenbarg, who died in 1992, served from the end of 1983 until December 1985. "I think Mort

really enjoyed and took great pleasure in his position as the first chairman of The Foundation," Kaslow emphasized.

Trachtenbarg had been involved in Jewish community service work for 15 years. His wife, Shirley, believes her husband "was anxious to try something new for the Jewish community" when he agreed to be chairman of The Foundation.

Trachtenbarg's first task was to help select mem-. befs to serve on The Foundation's Board. Those first Board members were Carol Katzman, Iz Tretiak, Jane Brooks, Norman Veitzer, Pennie Davis, Mimi Waldbaum, David Friedland, Jerry Gitnick, Joe Kirshenbaum, Murray Newman and Marvin Polikov. Don Greenberg and Bob Gordman served as Ad Hoc members. They all served on various committees, including financial aid, publicity, development, professional advisory, investment, status of funds-grants, Esther K Newman Grants Committee, and planning.

By the summer of 1984, Trachtenbarg reported that in the previous two years, 23 new funds had been established with The Foundation, totaling $879,500. With those funds, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) purchased playground equipment for the preschool; JCC youth lounges were renovated; meals for low-income senior adults were being provided; Jewish Family Service offered several family life education programs; and seed money was donated to help create Chairs in Holocaust Studies and Modern Judaism at both the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Lincoln campuses.

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Page 49

Three Directors Return to Omaha To Be Part of Foundation Experience

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

Sherman Oaks, CA, to take the position. Having retired as a partner and Vice-president with Wachbrit, Groll, Freedman and Bernstein, the new director recognized that the Foundation was already a strong fixture within the Federation and in the community and had had a strong and enviable growth. "I hope to continue the success pattern," he pledged.

During his tenure, Bernstein said that the growth, of the Foundation (to $28 million in endowment funds) was the most important accomplishment along with the number of new funds.

"We were better able to serve the Omaha Jewish community and serve more beneficiaries from the very young to the elderly," he pointed out.

In 1993; the Foundation office was moved from the JCC to the western end of the new addition of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Providing an environment of confidentiality, a private entrance to the ground-level twooffice suite faces south.

"Those six years were among the most satisfying of the years I was practicing my profession. I enjoyed the challenges and helping the agencies and individuals," Bernstein added. Having agreed to remain as director for three years, be retired in April, 1998, after nearly six years.

Harley Schrager, then chairman of the Board of Trustees, praised Bernstein "for his exemplary service." Schrager noted that the Foundation had grown at a rapid rate under Bernstein and acknowledged that searching for a replacement "will be difficult."

However, another transplanted Omahan living in Thousand Oaks, CA, considered the Foundation Director's position an "opportunity" to return to Nebraska. Martin C. Ricks was then serving as chief financial officer/controller of Coyle Reproductions, Inc. He has been the Director of the Foundation since June 1998.

Since then, "about 25 donor-advised funds and endowment funds have

Jerry Rosen, left, first Director of the Foundation, and Mort Trachtenbarg, center, its first chairman, affix a mezuzah to Rosen's office They were joined by Iz Tretiak, who was the first Omahan to receive the Council of Jewish Federations Endowment Achievement Award.

Jerry Rosen was hired to be the nent endowment funds with the first Director of the Foundation of the Foundation, to be one of the major Jewish Federation by the Board of accomplishments while he was direcTrustees in November of 1984. Mort tor. The Wall (funded through a gift Trachtenbarg, Chairman of the from Murray and Sharee Newman), located just inside the front lobby of Foundation Board, knew Rosen well.

"They were good friends who grew the Jewish Community Center (JCC), up together," said Sheila Rosen, was dedicated on April 22,1991.

Rosen died suddenly in March, Jerry's wife. After 35 years as an insurance agent with a background in 1992. About a year earlier, he was pension funds and estate planning, quoted in the Jewish Press: "I feel Jerry Rosen wanted to make a that when it comes time for me to step down as director, I'll be able to change, she explained.

Having returned from Tucson, AZ, look back at this experience with a in 1982, after living there for eight great deal of satisfaction, knowing years, Rosen started as a part-time that I was part of something big that director but the position grew to be benefited our community." full-time. "He loved it," Mrs. Rosen In a tribute to Rosen, Howard said. "He met wonderful people and Bloom, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation at the time, wrote worked with wonderful people."

While he was Director of the that Jerry labored to develop and proFoundation, assets climbed from $5.1 fessionalize the Foundation. He million to $13.79 million. The number "patiently welded and built" a nucleus of endowment funds (not including sup- of funds "into what is perhaps the porting foundations, donor-advised, finest Foundation of any Jewish custodial or discretionary funds) Federation this size."

Sheldon A. Bernstein was hired increased from 45 in 1984 to 84 in 1992.

According to Mrs. Rosen, her hus- later in 1992 to become the second band considered the Wall of Director of the Foundation. BernRecognition, which pays tribute to all stein, a native Omahan just as his those who have established perma- predecessor was, returned from

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been set up and we have surpassed $30 million in assets." Ricks has met and had discussions about additional funds with many families in Omaha and believes he has "developed a trusting relationship with the Omaha Jewish community."

Looking to the future, Ricks said, "There are some gaps that must be filled to fund worthwhile programs that cannot be funded by the annual Federation campaign."

These include programs for post-college young adults to attend organized leadership conferences and to go on trips to Israel. Additionally, he said . there is a definite funding need for enhancing area-religious and day school education. _ Ricks indicated that he is preparing a booklet that will contain a comprehensive list of projects representing the "wish list" of the centers of excellence and affiliates on the JCC campus giving families opportunities to establish funds in support of unfunded needs.

"We have experienced and are experiencing extraordinary financial gains fueled by a protracted bull market," Ricks pointed out. "My responsibility is to help steer some of those windfall profits to our Federation with innovative ideas to enhance our community.

I'm sure that all things being equal, families would prefer to help their favorite charity as opposed to paying significant income and estate taxes to the federal government."

He went on to say he would be surprised if the federal estate tax is eliminated in the near future.

The 16-year-old Federation Foundation has already become a favorite way among several hundred families and individuals to save taxes, while at the same time, perpetuate the future of the Omaha Jewish community.

Norm Veitzer, a past chairman of the Foundation, said, "In our relatively short history, we've been very fortunate to have Rosen, Bernstein and Ricks—all exemplary professionals."

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

The History of the Jewish Federation Library

by BERT LEWIS, free-lance writer

-—-————

Where to begin? Do we start at the present, with the magnificent new space dedicated to books in the newly-remodeled Jewish Community Center, and work our way back in. time? That seems somewhat illogical, so let us go back to the beginning.

The very beginning was, of course, in the old JCC building at 20th and Dodge Street. Although documented proof is unavailable, by prodding the memories of a number of folks who have been around since then, there seems no doubt of the part played by the late Paul Veret.

People who knew him well recalled his passionate interest in books, records and periodicals, and his many late nights working on this fledgling library.

It seems clear he dreamed of some day seeing a beautiful commodious area, filled to capacity with thousands of books. He must have envisioned acres of space, compared to the small, second-floor rooms where books were sometimes stacked on the floor.

Anyone I spoke to, who remembered those days, well recalled how little room there was to accommodate this growing inventory. It did, however, grow and, in time, there were people who cared enough about Jewish education to work toward making Veret's dream a reality.

In the fall of 1945, a library of Judaica opened at the JCC in the offices of the Bureau of Jewish Education. Figuring importantly in this event were Ben Kaslow, Chairman of the 1945 Book Month Committee, and Dr. Philip Sher, who chaired the Bureau of Jewish Education.

Although it managed for three decades without professional guidance, this library became well known and highly praised. Carl Alpert, a columnist whose work is known internationally, visited the city and wrote glowingly about a "veritable treasure of Jewish knowledge and culture," the library.

He called it "an acknowledged authoritative center of information and material on every aspect of Jewish life in America and abroad."

In the spring of 1973, the first signs of a new era began to emerge. The new Jewish Community Center on 132nd Street was under construction, with one special area designated as library space.

In addition, the very first professional librarian, Edythe Wolf, was hired.

Wolf recalled that much of her first year was spent

preparing for The library is proud of five the move. special collections: large print Some 650 books, Russian books, videocasboxes were settes, audio books and CDs. A packed with special children's library has 13,000 books, more than 3500 books, plus 1,000 filmvideos and audio tapes. strips, 600 Credit must be given to the films, and support of the Federation 2500 records.

Board. In recent years, In April, Friends of the Library, a group 1974, the lidedicated to permanent supbrary official\ port, has supplemented income ly moved into --also. In 1996, the Library and its new home. j ^ ^ . M y e r a n d D o r o t h y Kripke are pictured here at a the Bureau of Jewish EducaEdie Wolf, rec eption hi then* honor. With them are Rose Ziegman, a tion merged into the Bureau of as Librarian, family friend; Madeline Kripke, Sol Kripke, Tamar, Educational and Library had her work Yossi, Netta and Gil Stern. The new library will be dedi- Services; however, library policy and direction continue to be cut out for cated in their honor Nov. 19. provided by the Library's own governing board. her. Which is to say, she had to take this vast collecAlthough Wolf retired last year after 26 active tion and create some sort of proper system of catayears, she retains a deep interest and pride in the loging. She says, "There were no call numbers on library.

She told me, "Scholars from all over the books, no location, no order of any kind." In the old setting, when a book was checked out, a woman at a city come here to access books only we have." She desk wrote the name of the borrower in a ledger. also mentions "nobody has a better Holocaust colPeriod. That was the system. Nobody ever heard of lection, or Israel collection, in addition to a Jewish a card file, never mind stamping a date or any other Art collection." She says, with notable pride, "This library is a credit to the community. It's unparalmethod of record keeping.

This librarian has dozens of stories relating to leled for a city of this size." what she calls "a labor of love"—her work. She As if to underscore the truth of such statements, always loved what she was doing and claims she here are some interesting statistics. When first in the learned so much and "although I put a lot into it, I JCC in 1974, circulation was about 5300 transacgot a lot out of it." tions, with more than 5800 people using the library She praises the generosity of the Federation for annually. Since that time, the basic collection has the ongoing support and understanding of the increased to more than 38,000 titles. Circulation of importance of everything the library gives the com- library materials to the Jewish and general commumunity; also expresses gratitude for the grant from nity now exceeds 8900 transactions annually, and the Livingston Foundation, which paid for computer- the number of users of the library now number nearizing the library. This job is not quite finished, but ly 8650 people and organizations every year. when it is, books will be accessible through the If you are one of those regular visitors to this beauWorld Wide Web from personal computers. tiful library, you know what a local treasure it is. If The library has much to be proud of, including a you've never visited, you do yourself a great dissermonthly book discussion group (active over 20 vice. Take advantage of all it has to offer-stop in years), an annual book report contest, parent con- and get acquainted. You'll always be glad you did. nection book club, the annual Jewish Book Fair While you're there, meet Harris B. Finkelstein, the and the sponsorship of numerous special programs young man who was hired as Executive Director of related to Jewish books and literature. the Library when Edythe Wolf retired last year.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Readers are Leaders!

Faithful Volunteer

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer

David Friedland loves books! He came from Chicago in 1962, when he married Omahan Nancy Blotcky.

He had nothing to do with the old JCC and he knew nothing about it.

However, when the first Board of Directors was formed for the new building, he was approached to serve.

He and Don Nogg searched for a new Library Director, which culminated in the hiring of Edythe Wolf.

Friedland has read heavily all his life and considers himself a collector.

"I've always loved libraries and enjoyed going to them. I can spend a day in a good library without any trouble! So, when Edye came along, we jumped at the chance to hire her."

Since that time, he has served as Vice-president of the Federation and an original member of the Foundation Board. He has served as chair of that Board and remains a member.

He remembers the extensiveness of the old JCC Library was incredible. Paul Veret, former director, was also a book lover. However, according to Friedland, "Paul bought every book that dealt with Jews and Judaism so, in the old Center, there were books stacked from the floor to the ceiling. Paul created the nucleus of the Library and that's to his credit!

However, there was no rhyme or reason to them. They weren't catalogued or anything else. Edye did yeoman's

David

service and put together a library!"

"It turned out that Edye was incredibly capable and dedicated and a great asset." She put the Federation and the library ahead of herself, he added, noting, "When it was a budgetary question, Edye always took the money for books and for her staff. She never asked for herself."

Friedland believes the library still is the largest collection of Judaica between Chicago and the West Coast.

Because of this, there is a great obligation imposed on the Jewish community.

"A library is a living, breathing thing. It's critical for the community to make it current and useful.

Although it would appear there's more financial help, it's been a budgetary struggle to keep it going."

Libraries are comforting to him. As a book collector, he owns about 4000 books in his own library. "You hope that children will pick up on how to use books and research the library. Libraries aren't just repositories; it's a place where people go to use their heads. It's important to keep a library current. Once you let a collection lose its continuity, it breaks down.

Now that we have a school within the complex, we have an even greater obligation to the children to maintain a good library!"

He is proud of the new library. "We , owe a lot to Paul and Edye; they both proved that *readers are leaders!""

Naomi Bordy and her four sisters grew up in Walt Hill, a small town on an Indian reservation in northeastern Nebraska. Her father, Reuben, was a Russian immigrant who owned a store in the town and was respected in the community. However, when his daughters approached puberty, he moved to Omaha where his children would have the chance to socialize with other Jews.

The family moved here in 1929, right before the Great Depression, where they lived on 57th and Leavenworth Street, the edge of Omaha. Their new house was on. the streetcar line so the children were able to ride to Central High. Naomi graduated from Central in 1933 and then attended secretarial college. She and Seymour Cohn, a resident of Council Bluffs, were married in 1934.

Cohn always had a love for books and reading. However, after her marriage, she was busy raising her daughter, Carolyn 'Rocky1 Stern. She speaks proudly of her grandchildren; Jeffrey in Portland, OR; Richard and his wife, Lori, who live in Colorado Springs; and John and his wife, Cynthia, who live in Omaha. She has four great-grandchildren.

"At th'at time, women married and had children. We didn't think about going out into the community and working. Things are different now and women have careers. We stayed home and baked cookies!"

In the 1980s, she decided she would pursue her desire to work as a volunteer in the Center Library. She registered new books as they came in, sent out "past due" notices and checked

Naomi Bordy Cohn . out books. She became a faithful library volunteer every week for many years.

"I didn't do anything great there! I did a lot of filing and whatever they needed!" Her volunteer work enriched her life because of the people who worked with her.

Edye Wolf, Director of the Library, said, "Naomi came every week for years and years. I considered her a faithful and capable volunteer and I really enjoyed having her. We missed her when her health kept her from coming!"

Dorothy Kaplan, longtime Library employee, added, "Naomi was just remarkable. She did filing and alphabetizing that was tedious, hard work, and she did it with such grace and without ever complaining. She was very efficient at any task in the library. We truly miss her now that she doesn't come anymore. She is really a wonderful lady!"

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

JELS Builds on Long Tradition

by DIANE AXLER BAUM, free-lance writer — — — —

Left: I n 1980, Federation Library Director E d y t h e Wolf {second from left) received a gift of books for adult Jewish education, a cause championed then, as now, by Steve Riekes, left. The gift was donated by the B'nai B'rith Lodges of Omaha, represented by Ron Gordon, right, and Howard Epstein. Bottom photo: Joe Kirshenbaum served as President of the Bureau of Jewish Education from 1984-87.

Today's "burning moral issues" and the "basic teachings of Torah* have equal chance to emerge in discussion at a meeting of the Jewish Educational and library Services board.

How can one body have such broad scope?

President Jeff Smedlund answered, "The JELS board is charged with fulfilling the educational needs of Omaha's Jews in every stage of life-from children to senior citizens; new parents to great grandparents; preschoolers to graduate students."

Carolyn Novicoff, who last April became Director of JELS, added, "We took the place of the former Bureau of Jewish Education, including adult Jewish education programs previously sponsored by the Jewish Cultural Arts Council. The current objective of JELS is to provide, promote and help pay for a full range of educational and enrichment opportunities for everyone."

Library, Committees under JELS One of JELS' main departments is the Eabbi Myer and Dorothy Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Director Harris B. Finkelstein has the support of a dynamic Library Committee, chaired

by Nadine Kutner, JELS Vice-president.

Other JELS divisions include the Financial Aid Committee chaired by Aveva Shukert, and the College of Jewish Learning Committee, co-chaired

by Steven Riekes and Justin Cooper. Both committees reflect many decades of devoted service by volunteers in partnership with paid professionals.

Additionally, JELS is a support service for the Talmud Torahs and for Friedel Jewish Academy and a source for the finding, training and ongoing development of Omaha's community teachers. In that regard, JELS is extremely pleased to report the recruitment for the current school year of a new and exciting group of teachers, several from Israel. Moreover, thanks to funding from the Phillip and Terri Shrager Supporting Foundation, JELS has appointed the Jewish community's first full-time special needs teacher.

Aid 'Completely Confidential' The JELS Financial Aid Committee supervises the use of various endowment funds which are financially administered by the Federation Foundation. The committee, whose work remains absolutely private and confidential, encourages parents to take advantage of the monies it makes available.

Through financial aid," said Novieoff, "we want to assure that every Jewish child has access to Jewish

preschool and day school, to college and graduate school, and to a range of valuable experiences, such as Jewish camping, trips to Israel, retreats, conventions and youth training institutes."

The College of Jewish Learning grew from the Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee of the Jewish Cultural Arts Council, which was established in 1970

by Steven Riekes to oversee community-wide adult Jewish education. With the reorganization of the Federation into Centers of Excellence in 1997, the College of Jewish Learning was placed under JELS. Last year, Leonard Greenspoon, holder of Creighton University's Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, was largely responsible for putting the CJL into high gear.

Adult Education 'The Thing5 Now, numerous courses, activities and presentations that fall under the auspices of the College of Jewish Learning serve a range of adults and families. Among the courses are Hebrew language and an introduction to Judaism known as "Derekh Torah." Some CJL events are co-sponsored with other community organizations, including the synagogues and the Omaha Center for Torah Learning.

In addition, the College is a sponsor of the annual Klutznick-Harris Symposium in conjunction with Creighton University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

As head of JELS, Novicoff intends to help people see what they can gain by taking advantage of opportunities for learning, and, conversely, what

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"Our goal is to create an environment in which learning and a love of learning are paramount," she noted. "In such an environment, Jewish learning is deemed not only useful and pleasurable, but, also the 'the thing to do'."

That's why she's exploring age-specific and group-specific programming. For example, programs to meet the needs and desires of seniors, including Elder Hostel activities; offerings especially for young moms, families, singles, emptynesters; and luncheons or evening lectures aimed at particular professional groups, such as teachers, attorneys, realtors.

Not surprising, then, that Novicoff uses terms like "evaluation, reevaluation, and innovation" when she talks about the future of JELS. She looks forward to cooperating with Pam Monsky, Communications Director for Federation and Campaign, to prepare a survey that will determine more accurately what kinds of programming the community considers most desirable and valuable.

Exciting programs coming The College of Jewish Learning already has scheduled a variety of education and enrichment opportunities for 2000-01.

On the calendar are Omaha's first all-community Shabbaton, Feb. 9-11, at Mahoney Park; a continuation of inter-active study sessions on the Ten Commandments, starting next month; a 20-week introduction to Torah and Judaism course, beginning Nov. 2; and a series of discussions to explore the most controversial contemporary issues, in light of the teachings of Judaism, next spring.

The first five study sessions on the Ten Commandments took place last spring at the JCC. Each featured, a rabbi and a lay person to introduce two different perspectives on the commandment under consideration. The successful format will be used again this fall on five consecutive Monday evenings, Oct. 16 to Nov. 13.

The Derekh Torah course provides a wide range of information to individuals interested in Judaism, whether they are considering conversion or merely wish to expand their knowledge. The class addresses the Hebrew calendar, seasonal holidays, biblical occurrences, halachah, aspects of religious services, and rituals and life-cycle events.

(Continued on page 53)

d

September 29,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 53

JELS Builds on Long Tradition (Continued from page 52)

•13-

•1f"r -'

1

In July, 1997, Susie Drazen was Margo Riekes served as BJE Jeff Smedlund is the current Carolyn Novicoff was hired in appointed Director of the BJE President in 1980.

JELS President.

June of 2000 as the first full-time (now part of JELS).

Director of JELS. Shabbaton for everyone The mid-winter Shabbaton at Mahoney Park is aimed at individuals and families with and without children. Noam Zion, internationally-recognized scholar of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, will keynote.

Zion, who specializes in helping Jews world-wide celebrate holidays with meaning and creativity, is co-author of A Different Night. This innovative, pluralistic Haggadah includes stories, readings, commentaries and activities to infuse Seders with drama singing, discussion and in-depth relevance for participants of all ages.

The large Eiverview Lodge at Mahoney, already reserved for the Shabbaton, has enough space to provide for different services to accommodate different religious observance. There will be group activities for children and adults, and all meals will be kosher.

Continuing a proud history Novicoff and Smedlund, excited as they are about the present and future of JELS, openly express their gratitude to the many individuals involved with the cause of Jewish education over years past.

Susie Drazen, who held the position of Bureau of

Jewish Education Director from August, 1986, to 1996, also looks back gratefully.

She paid tribute to Steven Riekes, "Nothing in Jewish education happens here that he's not part ofand speaks of the "unique strengths and interests" that BJE presidents brought to their positions.

Drazen shares treasured memories: Joe Kirshenbaum's kindness and his knowledge about administration; Margo Riekes as "the dreamer," with whom Drazen created a recruitment program for teachers, a regulated teacher payment program, and the basis for the ARTZA (To the Land) program; Rosalie Saltzman's Procedures Manual that formalized structure; Michael Linn, whose input provided expertise in the area of special needs; and Spencer Brookstein, a strong champion of education within the congregations.

Drazen started part-time as an Interim Administrator after Rabbi Jonathan Rosenbaum left the BJE to teach at the University of Hartford (He currently heads Gratz College in suburban Philadelphia, PA.).

Her first efforts included the supervision of special needs teachers, administering of scholarship programs, and observing and working with community teachers. Back then, Marty Wolf was chair-

man of the committee, which later evolved into the Community Teacher Committee.

Rabbis provide support With the support of the Rabbinic Council, she developed the Jewish Experience Grant Program, and she later spearheaded Margo Riekies' idea for an Omaha Community Trip to Israel program, which evolved into ARTZA, a cooperative venture between the BJE and the Jewish Community Center. This set the groundwork for the Passport to Israel Program, established in 1996, which called for matching funds on the part of Federation and the congregations.

Drazen's interest in greater formalization of teacher training was made possible in part by the (Pennie) Davis Institute for Jewish Educators, which provided programs of professional training and enrichment for teachers in the Jewish schools.

Then, as now, the mission was to make Jewish education the best it could be and accessible to all.

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Jewish News Expands

The Forward in Nebraska

by MORRIS MALINE, Editor, 1977-96

by OLIVER B. POLLAK, free-lance writer •

(June 1, 1990, Jewish Press)~The major news gathering organization serving Jewish newspapers in North America is the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

"With bureaus in Israel, Washington and New York, and representatives in many cities throughout the free world, the JTA provides hundreds of stories each week to its constituent papers and other consumers.

In many ways, the JTS is to Jewish newspapers what the Associated Press is to secular papers.

The big difference, of course, is that the JTA does its job with a fraction of the manpower and a microscopic budget, compared with the giant AP. Nevertheless, the JTA does a remarkable job and now is poised for making even further improvements.

For example, not too long ago this newspaper received JTA dispatches by mail from New York, a three-day delay, making it almost impossible to get timely material into the Omaha Jewish Press.

Now the stories come in daily by electronic mail and we are limited only by our internal deadline of making up a paper on Wednesday with a Friday dateline. The latest news, however, is that the JTA is taking on the challenge of using its member newspapers as correspondents.

In recent weeks, the Omaha Jewish Press has been asked to provide coverage of both a national singles conference and the national meeting of the American Jewish Historical Society.

This means that activities taking place in Omaha now have the opportunity to make national news through exposure to more than 100 Jewish publications across the country.

With the help of the JTA, all of the member publications will have the opportunity to transmit news taking place in their respective communities.

Thus, if all goes according to place, Omaha will have growing access to stories coming out of such places as San Francisco, Phoenix, Kansas City, Denver, Cleveland and Atlanta, to name a few.

Now, more news.

Do you remember the Forverts (phonetic spelling)?

This is the famous Yiddish paper which made a special contribution to the immigrant population coming into America for almost a century.

Well, the Forward, as it is known in English, will be publishing a national edition on a weekly basis, and will include coverage from its own news bureau in Moscow.

Stay tuned. Jewish news is getting more exciting daily!

The Jewish Daily Forward started in New York in 1897 as a Yiddish-language newspapers for Jewish immigrants. It had a clear social, economic, and political agenda under the editorship of Abraham Cahan.

Perhaps most remembered are the "Bintel Briefs," an advice column, excerpts of which have been reprinted in book form and been read on National Public Radio. , The English language weekly, begun in 1990, has a circulation of about 26,000.1 started subscribing in November, 1996, and have been a happy Forward reader ever since.

The Forward has a global reach in news coverage—politics, film, literature, art, the profane, obnoxious and sacrosanct. As a weekly, and published in New York, the Forward is able to scoop the slower, narrower and glossier monthlies. Ben Katchor's neurotic cartoons are praiseworthy. It has a questioning and skeptical tone, though the editor, Seth Lipsky, has left, replaced by former columnist J.J. Goldberg.

A couple of years ago, I was driving by the Gene Leahy Mall on my way to Council Bluffs. While listening to the country and western station WOWFM, to my surprise, the Forward was advertising for subscribers, a most unlikely place to reach its target audience. I wondered what magic salesman got that account! Are there demographics for Jews who listen to country and western?

Well, pardner, I don't know how many people responded to that ad!

Forward's subscription office provided further information on current Nebraska subscribers.

They, of course, could not give me names, but they did give me zipcode information. In the area around Omaha, there were 34 subscribers and, around Lincoln, seven. So for the entire state of Nebraska, I speculate there are about 45 subscribers, including libraries and synagogues.

I know a couple of local Forward subscribers.

Knowing they might be reading the same stories as I is common link for quick conversation openers.

"Did you read that piece on. . .?" Eabbis sermons sometimes mention an item in the Forward and study groups have focused on some provocative articles.

So impressed am I with the Forward that at Hanukkah, 1998,1 decided to send several gift subscriptions, which I got around to doing at Hanukkah, 1999.

(Editor's note: Hanukkah 2000 -- or 5761 -is not far away; a gift subscription to the Jewish Press is just $28 domestic delivery, or $32 overseas. Call 334-6448 to order today.

Major News Stories, 1977-96 • 1978: Society of Survivors is formed; Mary Fellman named first woman President of the Jewish Federation; Israel Bonds honors Norm Krivosha, appointed Chief Justice of Nebraska Supreme Court; 47,000 people attend Festival of Biblical Art and Archeology at the JCC; community mourns death of Sadie Kulakofsky and Lois Schrager; Camp Esther K. Newman closed.

• 1979: Jewish Federation celebrates its 75th anniversary; Philip Klutznick honored by B'nai B'rith.

• 1980: Morris Maline meets President Jimmy Carter at American Jewish Press Association meeting at White House.

• 1981: Rose Blumkin donates $1 million for new home for the aged; NCJW founds Seven Can Help.

• 1982: Rabbi Paul Drazen chosen as spiritual leader of Beth El; Livingston Plaza dedicated;

Shirley Goldstein given Humanitarian award for efforts on behalf of Soviet Jewry; Ruth Sokolof dies.

• 1983: ADL hosts ElieWiesel.

• 1986: Chabad of Nebraska founded.

• 1987: First ARTZA trip to Israel for teens; Jewish Day School rededicated as Friedel Jewish Academy; community mourns Robert Goldstein and Edward Zorinsky; Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization established at Creighton University.

• 1988: Rabbi AryehAzriel to head Temple Israel.

• 1992: Community mourns Rabbi Isaac Nadoff.

• 1993: Peace Accord signed by Yitzchak Rabin and Yasser Arafat.

• 1995: Beyt Shalom forms first Reconstructionist synagogue; Peace Accord between Israelis and Jordanians; Yitzchak Rabin assassinated.

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Page 55 >--

*«'l&'"'-'

SERVING NEBRASKA AND IOWA SINCE 1920 19 Cheshvan, 5750 Friday, November 17,1989

Vol. LXVII No. 8 Omaha, Nobr.

Every Soviet Jew a refugee from anti-Semitism . ' JBy Morris Maline Note: This article is one of a series resulting from a recent trip to the Soviet Union. Warning—you may consider the information to be unsuitable for young children. •-,•''.

••'.••' When the United States stopped providing refugee status to Soviet Jews recently, insisting that new emigrants prove persecution, the policy sounded reasonable to me.

After all, Glasnost, the new openness in the Soviet Union had made it possible for Jews to meet, talk publicly and participate in Jewish cultural activities.

So, I thought conditions must be better for the Jews.

At least they can improve their cultural existence without being afraid and those who now want to leave probably want to go because of economic conditions.

I should have known better.

My mother, may she rest in peace, told me of the pogroms, the Cossacks riding through her village—maiming, killing, raping and looting—when she explained why my maternal side of the family left the Soviet Union in the early 1900s. 3 1 ! ' History of the Jews In addition, before leaving on the trip I had access to a History of the Jews in the USSR, written by Soviet Jewry activists Marilyn Himmel and.Shirley Pollak. . And when I arrived in Moscow, Helen ZUber, who acted as an unofficial tour guide for us and who now has settled in Boston, delivered a history of the Jews in Russia while showing us the Jewish historical places in Moscow.

•

/•,•.. , A\ • . ,(Continued onnPage.4) •,.-_. ''

This is Salaspils today—a memorial to slave laborers during the Holocaust. During World War II, an estimated 100,000 Jewish men, women and children were imprisoned here for the benefit of the Nazis. See additional photos on pages 10-11.

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Page 56

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

The Military, Mangement, and Major Changes

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer â&#x20AC;˘

Omahan Paul Cohen is living an entirely different life than he ever thought he would. Born in New York City, he was the son of an attorney for the State of New York. His father served on ,the staff of Republican Governor Thomas E. Dewey.

Paul recalls that Albany County w;as controlled by the "Democratic Machine," so being a Jewish Republican took a lot of courage on his father's part.

Henry Cohen worked in the Attorney General's office until Governor Dewey was elected and then he became Counsel to the Governor. Following the 1948 "non election" of Governor Dewey, Paul's father was asked to write legislation that would enable the State of New York to build a "super highway" that would later be known as the New York; Freeway. I n 19&2, when Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected President of the United States, this legislation became the model that was used to build the New York State Highway System.

Paul didn't even know about Nebraska when he attended public school in Albany. He graduated from Milne High School, a practice school for the Albany State Teachers College. He then attended Union College in Schenectady, NY, and graduated in 1960 with a BA in Economics and a commission in the United States Air Force.

After working for IBM for a short time, he went on active duty in the Air Force and was stationed at Amarillo Air Force Base in Texas.

"This was a shock for a kid from New York. It was a whole new way of living!" he laughed.

While he was stationed in Texas, he met and married his first wife, Jeanne Hurwitz, at the University of Oklahoma. They were married in 1962; he was then transferred to Minot, N.D. "That was the garden spot of the world!" he said with a smile, They then moved to England from 1963 to 1966.

In 1966, Paul left active duty and came to Omaha

to work at Northwestern Bell.

"I almost went to work for Ford Motor Company and somebody from Northwestern Bell asked me if I would consider their Management Training Program," he recalled. "So, I looked into it and here I am!"

He didn't have time to think about whether or not he would like Omaha when he first came. The Cohens had two children, David and Debbie, and hadn't planned to stay for a long time.

"Moving was just something that we expected to do with my job!" he explained. "Omaha was just a place for me to start and my parents thought I'd moved to the end of the world. They thought that there were cowboys in Omaha!"

Paul became involved in the Omaha Jewish Community from the very beginning. He recalls joining B'nai B'rith and, before he knew it, he was an officer of the Cornhusker Lodge.

"Interestingly, the old JCC was across from where I worked, so I thought I probably should belong. I met Sherm Poska who worked there and he told me I didn't need to join. 'Just come on in' he said, and 'use the facilities!'"

In 1974, Cohen went to work for Riekes Crisa as manager of operations for the crystal division. He soon became involved in the building of the new Jewish Community Center. This was the best organized major campaign he had ever seen.

"They looked out and involved the whole community. Up until this time, decisions were made by a handful of people. Now came this gigantic program and it became crystal clear to the people who were involved that they had to involve everyone," he recalled. "So, they went to all the Jewish organizations and asked for people to serve on committees and make recommendations about what should be in a new Jewish Community Center."

This was even more exciting because they actually took some of the recommendations of the committees.

There were literally hundreds of people involved in

Paul Cohen the process. Some were interested in music, theatre, PE, the library, and some were concerned with meeting areas for various organizations.

"All of this input really did involve our Jewish community," he noted proudly. Money for the project came from everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not just major givers.

"This campaign said, 'Hey, if you're in the Jewish community in Omaha, then you have an obligation to belong and to contribute.'"

This was a major change for the Omaha Jewish community. Change was certainly in the wings and Paul thinks it was brought about by a whole new crowd.

(Continued on page 56)

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Major Changes (Continued from page 56) "These were the sons of the older generation and it was time for change," he said. "There was a major change in the governance of the community and, at the same time, we had decided to build the new building. There was a revitalization because people had moved out of "Bagel Row* and they were now starting to live all over town and it was good!"

The early 1970s was a good time to be around and the new building became the focus for a lot of new things happening in the community.

"Although there wasn't anyone who denied that we needed a new building, there was a lot of opposition because some people felt it was too far west and too big!" he laughed.

In 1981, he left Riekes and joined Mid America Business and Enterprises, the same year he became President of the Jewish Federation. Funding times were difficult during his administration because of the economic recession from 1981-83. The Lebanese incursion by the Israeli Forces was also during this time and that was a major communal issue. Many family businesses were "drying up" and the base for funds had to be broadened.

"Inflation was sky high and we had a lot of issues on the table in order to keep the community solvent," Cohen recalled. "It was difficult to keep the Omaha community on track and meet our obligations overseas at the same time. Those were tough years. On top of everything, we formed the Bureau for the Aging."

As a favor to his friend, Marv Polikov, Paul came on the board of the JCC. This led to his presidency from 1994-96, a job he hesitated to take.

"It looked like a terrible job at first but it turned out to be very enjoyable because of the staff," he said. "They are hard working and they want to do it right. They aren't just working for the money they're working to meet the needs of the Jewish Community. It was a good time."

Chairmen Lead Foundation Through Growth, Community Needs

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN,

—

—

—

—

Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

Following Mort Trachtenbarg, who was the first chairman of the Federation Foundation Board of Trustees, "Murray Newman was appointed the second chairman. In 1987, while chairman, Newman emphasized to the Jewish community the lack of college scholarship funds.

"One of the most urgent needs in our community continues to be scholarship funds to send our young people on to college," he wrote in a newsletter. At the time, there were eight funds for college scholarships administered by the Foundation. Over the years, the scholarship funds have grown to 30.

Along with FirsTier Bank, the Federation Foundation presented a women's symposium on financial planning in 1987.

"We did a lot of work in standardizing, streamlining, and promoting the Foundation," Newman said, contributing to its evolution and on-going growth over the years. He credits the Foundation with contributing significantly to the Federation's Centers of Excellence and to the long-term process of educating the community on the importance of its role in securing the future of the Jewish community.

Newman set an early example of perpetuating their support for the Jewish community when he and his wife established the Murray and Sharee Newman Supporting Foundation in 1987 to provide grants to the Jewish Federation and individuals for charitable, educational, and religious purposes.

David Friedland, who has served the Foundation since its inception, succeeded Newman as chairman of the board. During his term from 1988-90, there was an emphasis on seeking unrestricted endowment funds. Unrestricted funds are not predesignated for a specific use, and allow flexibility to respond to our community's changing needs.

"They're still important today," he stressed.

"The Foundation is the bulwark of the Jewish community's success," Friedland said. "We are a very small community with a big appetite for services and infrastructure. As the community grows and expands, we need the Foundation or we'll face financial problems in the future."

Joe Kirshenbaum, a board member since the beginning and chairman from 1990-92, agreed with Friedland. "The Foundation is the vehicle that is going to financially sustain the community in the future. It's the insurance policy to our Annual JCC Director Jeff Aizenberg works out in t h e Campaign and insures the longevity of our communinew Phil Sokolof Fitness Center. ty." While Kirshenbaum was chairman, one of his Photo by Michael Parsow goals was to make more contacts in the community.

During his presidency, he developed a mission He and other board members participated in the statement and a plan for the community.

"We Make House Calls" campaign.

"From our seeds, we can see some of things we The^Foundation also co-sponsored a tax seminar have today!" he noted proudly. for professionals with FirsTier Bank while Paul and Jeanne were divorced in 1985; he mar- Kirshenbaum was chairman. The focus of the semiried Arlene Trachtenbarg Goodman in 1988. Her nar was "Charitable Giving: Big Business— Big children are Andrea Laytin, Lisa Goodman and Benefits." Also during Kirshenbaum's chairmanEric Goodman. ship, The Foundation and FirsTier Bank sponsored Paul has worked part time in radio since 1982 at a symposium for women, "The Plan of a Lifetime; KOIL and KEFM where he currently still works. Investments in Your Own Well-Being."

He is the administrator for the Omaha Douglas By 1992, the Foundation's assets climbed to Public Building Commission, overseeing t h e $13.79 million. The number oLendowment funds Omaha Civic Center, the building housing the city increased from 45 to 84. and county offices, and the Hall of Justice.

Norman Veitzer> also a board member since its forIn addition to his other activities, he is a retired mation, succeeded Kirshenbaum as chairman. "We Brigadier General from the United States Air Force. focused on perpetuating the Foundation's role to proPaul sees the Omaha Jewish Community grow- vide benefits for the community today and far into ing because of major firms in Omaha, the UNL the future," Veitzer commented. "The Foundation Medical Center and people coming back to work in has given us a tremendous feeling of stability. As the medical and legal professions. economic face of the Jewish community changes, the "These people compensate for those who are leav^ growth of the Foundation allowed us to have a focal ing, but we need to find the new people and keep point from which to promote the charitable feeling in them involved in the synagogues," Cohen stated. our community today."

"We need to take a more proactive role in trying to A seminar which dealt with estate planning and find economic opportunities to encourage our kids charitable giving was sponsored by the Foundation to stay here. We need to change our image by during Veitzer's tenure. becoming involved in the community at large to Ted Seldin, the next chairman, believes his help to develop an economic base.

Board's "major accomplishment was continuing the "The work of the Foundation of the Jewish work done by previous chairmen and directors."

Federation of Omaha is vital because that's what Pleased with the growth of assets and activities, will continue those Jewish things of which we are Seldin said the Foundation has given "our Jewish so proud in a declining population," he concluded. community the method to plan for future endow"The Foundation is key because we won't always be ments while supporting programs that otherwise able to count on individual contributions. It's criti- would not have been accomplished." cal that we continue to support it!"

(Continued on page 60)

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 57

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

An Example for his Sons

Always Active and Effective

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer

It was during the increase programming pl|||j||||| ' :: tggjj Vietnam War when Norm A and remodel our buildiii Sheldon finished undering. That was all part of graduate school at UCLA. his vision," he stated.

He wanted to go to dental Norm was on the school, but, because of the "Oversight Committee" war, it was difficult to be for the remodeling. He accepted anywhere. proudly says the Omaha JCC is one of the finest So, he applied to a very JL Jewish facilities in the remote place—Creighton 1| country. He marvels that University in Omaha, Js| the building is over 30 NE! |§ years old and still looks He thought there would ~ J good. This is not the case be cowboys in the wilderwith other cities throughness of Nebraska and he out the country. readily admits that he hated Omaha for the first "We use our resources three years. He was marto maintain the buildried after his first year ing," he added. and he and his wife, The Sheldons are glad Suzy, thought Omaha they decided to stay here. was a cultural desert.

"Omaha is a great com"We thought Omaha was munity in which to raise a small town with nothyour children as Jews! ing to do and the weather My daughters have had a was terrible! We had j§| much stronger Jewish never seen ice and snow identity here than I did before!" he said with a as a child. Jews in larger laugh. cities just get lost!"

Wendy has a position at As time went on, Norm the Jewish Community decided Omaha wasn't Center in Chicago. She such a bad place to be. In serves older adults with 1973, during his last the Senior Net Program year, he decided they didn't want to go back to Top photo: The Sheldon family includes Adam and is helping to develop Los Angeles.

Raffel, seated, Norm and Suzy Sheldon; Elderhostels. Her father "I got a business opportu- Wendy Raffel and sister Lisa Sheldon. Bottom knows that her interest nity and we decided to stay photox Norm and Suzy hold their grandson in Jewish services was and give Omaha a try!"

Benjamin Raffel. born because of her It wasn't hard to meet upbringing in Omaha, people in Omaha.

He says that being active in the Center has been "It's always easy to meet people when you have an integral part of his life. It has given him much children. Our children went to the JCC Preschool pride and joy. and we hooked up with other couples."

He remains on the Board of Directors and the Their daughter, Wendy, was born in 1972. Budget and Allocations Committee of the Another daughter, Lisa, was born in 1974. Their Federation Board. He was chair of the B'nai B'rith good friends, Gloria and Glen Decker, introduced Youth Organization and served on the boards of them to other young couples: Janie and Allan the Jewish Family Service and the Rose Blumkin Kulakofsky, Sheila and Marv Polikov and Margie Jewish Home. and Bruce Gutnik. It wasn't long before Norm was "Norm Sheldon was an outstanding president invited to serve on the board of Jewish Family and leader of the Jewish Community Center," Service. noted Jeff Aizenberg. "He always pushed lay leadIn 1986-87, Norm became president of the JCC ers and staff to understand that the Center had to Board. He claims as his great achievement during both fulfill its Jewish mission and operate in a his presidency the hiring of Jeff Aizenberg as businesslike manner. Under his leadership, the Executive Director. Bob Zuber chaired the commit- Center moved much more aggressively in the fitness area and, at the same time, initiated the poptee and Norm says it was a very difficult search.

"It's hard to find a professional who you think ular ARTZA community trip to Israel for teenst" will do a good job. You have to find the right person Aizenberg added that Norm was very supportive of and the right fit!" he recalled. staff and initiated the annual staff recognition proHe says that Aizenberg was chosen because of his gram, a model to other JCCs throughout the country. organizational skills.

"Norm continues to be deeply concerned and "He has good management skills and he's able to involved in the JCC today," Aizenberg added. "He get people to do a good job. He has led the board to is one of our most active and effective past presi-

IPi

111

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer ——————

Marv Polikov headed the United Jewish Appeal in 1988, has been on the BBYO Adult Board and has received the Young Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation. He was President of the Henry Monsky Lodge of B'nai B'rith and was a board member of the Jewish Federation.

"I always have my hands involved someplace because it's important for me," he noted.

Polikov, who was born in Omaha, thinks it's important to give back to a community what you've taken out. Although his sons no longer live in Omaha, he has given of his time and talents to Jewish organizations as an example for his sons, Ken, Chad and Lance. He is a scrap metal broker, and married the former Sheila Goldston in 1968.

Ken, bis wife and son live in Chicago. Chad lives in Atlanta and has followed in his father's footsteps by being involved with BBYO and a single's board at his synagogue. Lance attends the University of Wisconsin in Madison and is active in Hillel.

Marv was on the committee to raise funds for the building of the new Jewish Community Center in the early 1970s. He was also a member of the first Board of Directors when the new building opened in 1974.

"My heart was in the Center," he said, "because that's where I had made my connection as a teenager. There were only three Jewish kids going to Westside High at that time and I came to the Center for my social life."

Although he admits things are different now, because everybody goes their own way, he still wanted the building for his children.

"I needed it as option for my kids to use to come together with other Jews."

All of the Jewish community leaders were in favor of having a new building. However, he also remembers the people who were naysayers.

"They said it was too big, too fancy, too much!" he laughed. "That's kind of standard whenever you make a change, and we had a lot of discussions about those kinds of things!"

Harry Sidman, then President of the Jewish Federation, announced on Sept. 27, 1968, that Milton Livingston had been chosen to head the new Jewish Community Center Building Committee.

In the announcement, Sidman said, "With the acquisition of a 10.7-acre tract of land for the future Center building, our next task is to proceed and make plans for the construction of the building proper."

However, the original site was located on the Southwest corner of 96th and Western Avenue, and it was soon discovered that this land would not be adequate to meet the needs of the new building.

Arthur Goldstein chaired the site committee and served along with Livingston, a leader in the Omaha Jewish community for many years. At the same time Polikov headed the Building Committee, Livingston served as a member of the Omaha Planning Board and was Chairman of the Building Committee of Temple Israel.

(Continued on page 59)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 59

'Jewish Values Shouldn't Follow the Bottom Line!'

Example (Continued from page 58)

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer -* J &

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The Polikov family, ^t>m fe/fc Sheila, Chad, Jodi, Ken, Lance and Marv.

Polikov is largely responsible for the a successful overnight camping proeducation wing at Temple Israel, as gram and the preschool grew." His well as the Milton and Corrine only sadness is that Omaha isn't Livingston Chapel at Temple. Bis first large enough to keep his sons from volunteer job at the new 'J' was the leaving for other cities. chairmanship of the Health Club. All of "I hated to encourage them to leave the plans and visions came to fruition for bigger cities, but it's just a fact of when he saw the 'J5 opening day. life," Polikov admitted. "The only kids "When it opened, Chuck Arnold who are staying here are those who formed an early morning exercise have gone into family businesses, and group," he recalled. "We met at there are fewer and fewer of those.

6 a.m., and would go out in a group to It's like a double-edged sword; in my jog two, three or four miles. We'd jog own little way, I've tried to be active four days a week, swim one day. We in the Jewish community in the hope even entered some runs as a group." that somebody's children will stay!"

The group grew to about 25 men and Unlike some volunteer jobs, Marv a few women. admits that he truly enjoyed his pres"Art Adler was probably the oldest, idency. but he used to run six miles with us!"

"With all of the headaches and all of ,P,plikQV said. "Unfortunately, many of; r the.problems, I loved the job and I them have died and there are proba- would do it again!" he admitted. "The bly only five or six of us left from the Center is a place where all Jews can original group!" come together. It doesn't matter if During his presidency of the 'J,' his you're Orthodox, Conservative or board helped to build the member- Reform. It doesn't matter about your ship, strengthened programs and beliefs, and I feel good about that! hired excellent staff.

"We have a vibrant Jewish communi"I think we became a very strong ty; the renovation of the Center and the organization and bridged a lot of gaps things happening here are exciting!" with other organizations. We started

Omaha attorney Julie Frank was born in Omaha and grew up close to the Jewish Community Center on 20th and Dodge. She attended Central High and spent time after school visiting with her friends at the 'J\ Frank began her volunteerism because of her mother, Elaine Frank Potts, a charter life member of the National Council of Jewish Women and active in the Council Thrift Shop.

"When I was a little kid, I remember that volunteer work was a big part of my mother's life; that was just what she did." .~ Frank graduated from the University of Texas, majoring in psychology, and received her law degree from Creighton Law School, She is in private practice in criminal and civil litigation in the law firm of Frank and Gryva.

In 1985, Julie married attorney Howard Kaplan. They have a son, Marty, 11.

Prior to Marty's adoption, Julie and Howard went to Jewish Family Service to have a home study done.

She was so impressed with the goals of JFS it was easy for her to accept when asked to serve on their nominating committee some time later.

"I had gone there to explore adoption and they were honest with us.

They said they placed very few children, but we chose them to do our home study," she recalled.

Her service on the nominating committee led to her becoming a member of the board. She was surprised at some of the things done by JFS. "I didn't realize they did direct aid and assistance to families," she noted.

"I was impressed there was a place where Jewish people in need could go.

"I thought I could make a contribution to the board. I never thought about being president!"

Her interest in adoption issues and the difficulty in finding a child were still fresh in her mind when she

began her tenure on the board.

During her term, the second wave of the Russian Resettlement took place.

Natalie Rubin was rehired as Resettlement Coordinator and this became an agency-wide project.

Frank helped with greeting and employment issues. She recalls the output of support from Omaha Jews as "astounding."

"Now, we need to help Russians become part of the community. They need to serve on boards and attend synagogues. Some already do!" she said proudly. _.

Frank became President of JFS in 1994. The expectations of the agency changed. It became more difficult to get reimbursement for therapeutic services. These changes probably hit JFS harder because they were a small agency and it reduced the revenue.

"This was when we had to take a long, hard look at what we were doing," she said. "You have to write specific grants to fill functions-things like abuse prevention and recognition and eating disorders, or diversify the kinds of services you provide."

She added, "People who had previously come for therapy couldn't come because their insurance companies would no longer pay. JFS always had sliding scale but that didn't help. We then changed and began providing more services to the general public."

Frank now serves on the national board of the Association of Jewish Family and Children's Agencies, the umbrella for all Jewish Family Services across the U.S. and Canada.

She is saddened that JFS isn't able to provide more therapeutic services.

"These services should plug a hole in the community," she explained.

"We spend too much time looking at the bottom line of agencies, and Jewish values get compromised. We don't always need to make money and be cost effective when it comes to Jewish lives!"

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

Chairmen Lead (Continued from page 58) The Foundation realized "tremendous growth^as assets grew from $18 million to $25 million, noted Harley Schrager, while he was chairman of the Foundation from 1996 to 1998.

Pointing out that the annual Federation campaign doesn't raise enough money by itself to support all the activities of the Centers of Excellence, "The Foundation provides the lifeblood' to them and their services," he added.

Immediate past chairman Mike Erman indicated that under his leadership, the Foundation continued to record growth and success. One of those successes was the Inaugural Yale Richards Professional Education Seminar, endowed by the Livingston Foundation and presented by the Federation Foundation in October, 1999. Nearly 100 attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, certified financial planners, and foundation executives attended the seminar on "Strategies for Creative Estate Tax and Charitable Gift Planning."

Dr. Blaine Rofl&nan, who has been associated with the Foundation for about 10 years, has been the chairman since July 1 of this year.

While the previous chairmen considered what they have accom! plished, Roffman con| templates what lies ahead for the Fouhdaition. His goals are to Dr. Blaine Roffinan i n c r e a se the number as well as the amount of donor-advised and endowment funds and to streamline the grant allocation process.

Aware of the Foundation's role in the community, Roffman pointed out that it provides an on-going access to funds for the Jewish community, serving hundreds of recipients every year.

Strong Leadership and Tradition: Hallmarks of Omaha ADL-CRC

by GARY JAVITCH, free lance writer — — — — — —

The flame of religious bigotry burned Leo Frank, a Jew, so badly, it took his life. Falsely charged and convicted in 1913 of the murder of a young girl, the transplanted northerner was sentenced to death by an Atlanta court.

The Georgia governor intervened later to commute his term to life in prison. Frank, however, never served the sentence. Instead, a vigilante mob yanked him from his cell one warm August night in 1915~and lynched him. (Repercussions from that act 87 years year ago are being played out today with the recent publication of a book that finally reveals the names of those involved.)

American Jews were still very familiar with overt anti-Semitism. Because of their heritage, they were denied jobs, were not "permitted" to live in certain neighborhoods, and were admitted to certain schools (if at all) only if their numbers did not exceed the "quota."

Compared to living in fear of pogroms in czarist Russia, living in America lulled Jews into complacency. Frank's arrest aroused Jews from their somnolent state.

Across America, Jewish citizenry reacted with anger over Frank's jailing. That very year, it sparked a response that led to the formation of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) under the sponsorship of The Independent Order of the B'nai B'rith.

Chicago attorney Sigmund Livingston, originator of the ADL, saw the organization evolve into a national presence that eventually found its way to New York, City, where its headquarters is still located. Livingston developed the initial mission statement to "stop by appeal to reason and conscience, and, if necessary, by appeal to law, the defamation of the Jewish people, to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike. . ." Those

ideas still serve as ADL guideposts today.

"Fighting anti-Semitism j and bigotry here and! abroad, the ADL probes j the roots of hatred against j Jews and serves as a public resource for government, media, law enforcement agencies and the public at-large," according ] to their Internet site. In broader terms, American Bob Wolfson, Jews can look to the ADL Executive Director in their concerns over bigotry, racism, extremism, and counter terrorism. Over its long history, the New York-based operation involved itself in issues of church-state separation, civil rights, hate crimes and internet bigotry, to name just a few of their activities.

Today, in the Great Plains Regional office located in Omaha, the ADL enjoys a strong reputation and is held in particularly high esteem. However, that was not always the case. Nor was it always assured that the regional office would be located here. Omaha, after all, was neither a major metropolitan area nor a city with a large Jewish population and great financial support.

The origin of the Omaha location, its sustenance and maintenance is largely the chronicle of two Nebraska families, one from Albion and one from Omaha. The narrative of its growth and high regard is mostly the story of one man, his marshalling of a supportive group of Jewish community volunteers, and his warm welcome throughout the river city. That is the account that will follow.

(Continued on page 61)

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September 29, 2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 61

Strong Leadership (continued from page 60) J e w s in Albion, NE Jim Wolf can trace his family roots back to Albion where, in 1884, his great-uncle, Meyer Becker, ran a general merchandise store. Last year, Jim and Elaine Wolf celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and more than half a century of financial success in various aspects of cattle ranching, farming and banking. Their efforts enabled the hard-working pair to expend a great deal of money over the years to fight bigotry and prejudice. The Albion couple, working with the ADL, staunchly defended their Jewish faith and principles.

Their involvement with the ADL stems from the triumphant work of Elaine's father, Colonel Melvin H. Schlesinger, a volunteer and veteran of World War I and II. An artillery captain at the conclusion of the Great War, her dad retired as a full colonel

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6171GroverSt. Omaha, NE 68106 551-8422

Bob and Murray NewmanWhile many Omaha-families have supported the ADL over the years, the Newman family, in particular, stands out. Like many Jewish fathers who experienced discrimination, Jule Newman, the late founder of the Hinky Dinky grocery store chain, recounted the story to his children.

Recently, his son, Bob, described the incident to the J e w i s h Press. His father, born in AustriaHungary, had little training in Judaism. Jule grew up in Sioux City. Nevertheless, Bob occasionally heard his father utter some Yiddish and remembers his father calling the national head of Safeway stores an expletive; the story behind it was interesting and demonstrative of the "subtle" discrimiJ i m and Elaine Wolf nation encountered by Jews. in transportation at the end of the second conflict.

The incident took place during the grocery store Born in Lincoln in 1900, Col. Schlesinger graduat- price wars. The Safeway President was trying to ed from UNL in 1916, and was a member of the dis- drive his father out of business with its predatory tinguished Pershing Eifles; he lived to see two grand- pricing practices, so his father decided to visit him sons graduate from Lincoln before he died in 1989. in Oakland, CA. During the discussion, the Schlesinger got involved in the fledgling ADL Safeway President revealed he had thousands of during WW I and eventually rose to become a employees across the country, yet had hired only national Director and Vice-chairman of the league. three Jews in his entire work force. Coincidentally, Following WW II, he worked with Harold Sacks, the president knew their names. Why? And for whose sister married Omahan Joe Soshnick. Sacks what reason? became the national Director of AOL's "Community Services Division. Between the two of them, they developed the concept of regional offices-getting to the Jewish people with a grass roots organizational approach. Both knew ADL had to spread out from NYC. Their work laid the foundation for the success of ADL: it was their hallmark achievement.

Sacks and Sehlesinger worked hard to develop and staff those offices. They did all this from Denver.

Sacks was the professional and Schlesinger was the lay leader in Denver doing the work. The colonel was ADL President Ann Goldstein, left, and Bob the chair of the Rocky Mountain region and was Wolfson, Director, center, with holocaust surinstrumental in getting the quota system dropped at vivors Miriam Grossman, Sam Fried, Bea Karp and Leo Fettman, honored at a 1998 ADL event. the University of Colorado.

For more than 25 years, Newman has served on He also played a major role in quashing the KKK movement at Ft. Lipton in Colorado. A Klan cell the ADL board, once as chairman. While only expethere actively pursued anti-Catholic activities. The riencing prejudice a few times in his lifetime, the colonel worked with Jewish leaders to "knock the Stanford graduate is keenly aware of its devastating effects and has worked tirelessly with the ADL clan down," according to his son-in-law.

Experiencing bigotry and prejudice first hand, the to prevent discrimination.

Like his father and his younger brother, Murray, all Wolfs stood steadfastly in support of civil rights for Jews and others. Recently, they donated $100,000 to have made generous contributions to the ADL over create an endowment fund for the ADL and a like the years in support of educational projects. Several amount as a challenge grant to ensure the continua- years ago, Murray and his wife started underwriting tion of the ADL in Omaha and the success of its the Prejudice Elimination Workshop for ADL through work. To date, the principal amount in the endow- their fund, the Murray H. and Sharee C. Supporting ment fund is $312,583. The fund, designed to support Foundation. The all-day program teaches teens how the Plains State office and keep it in Omaha, is a fit- to deal with stereotypes. Sharee is also a member of ting way to commemorate events; it is hoped future the ADLrCRG Board of Directors. donations will help it grow.

(Continued on page 62)

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Page 62

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

Strong Leadership (continued from page 61) The ADL Director For the past 12 years, the story of the Plains States ADL has been the leadership of Bob Wolfson. A large man, he has left a larger imprint on the community.

In describing the success of the Omaha ADL, he said, "A good cause needs angels. We are fortunate that so many families helped, in particular the Wolf and Newman families."

Today, the ADL has broader support from B'nai B'rith locally and a number of Jewish activists on the national scene. Omaha, he stated "has more connections than many other cities because the National President of the NCJW is a native. I t gives us more clout." Omaha has a great tradition behind it; influential organizers and participants in B'nai B'rith and ADL were "benefactors Sam Beber, Henry Monsky and Phil Klutznick, all national figures. They had their fingers in every Jewish pie and played a big role here."

Prior to Wolfson's arrival, Omaha served as a training ground for young, up-and-coming ADL field personnel. They would arrive here, stay for a year or two to get experience, and then move on to a bigger city and assignment. That constant turnover led to an incident and the development of poor relations with a local black activist and the African-American community.

ADL leaders, like Bob Newman, Fritz Cassman, and Syd Osten, agreed with Jim Wolf that to reduce problems, Omaha had to have a local person with roots in the community to take the job and stabilize the office. Furthermore, they needed someone who was knowledgeable and dynamic and had the ability to forge friendships across racial and ethnic lines.

Wolf put up the money to supplement the compensation for the position.

Wolfson fit the bill and the Federation hired him in 1988 at the tail end of the Farm Crisis. He immediately reached out to the moderate elements in the black community, developing and expanding relationships. Soon, a new bond of trust developed.

For his work, the Urban League of Omaha awarded

Wolfson their prestigious Whitney Young award for his efforts in improving race relations in the city.

Wolfson's achievements include the development of strong relations with the Federation. He tries to keep them all informed on actions and events taking place in the region. He consults consistently and regularly and has been rewarded with respect and a high level of trust.

Other accomplishments include the city-wide World of Difference program that promotes understanding and diversity. In addition, Wolfson has played a central role in the passage of hate crimes legislation in Nebraska. He monitors potentially dangerous activity and has become an expert on different extremist groups, with law enforcement agencies often calling him for information.

About himself, he says he is a "cheap date" because he loves to speak to various groups and share what's going on. He is passionate; "sharing what's going on and being a straight shooter," is most important to him. Sometimes "I'm considered a little blunt, but not in an offensive way."

Jim Wolf nominated Wolfson for a special award for his ADL work. He wrote the following: "I am constantly amazed by his unflagging energy, devotion and persistence toward achieving his goals. One of his most outstanding attributes is his basic good nature, which positively affects all who are privileged to work with him. That is exactly how I feel after working with him for nine years: privileged.

"After working with ADL professionals for over 40 years, I can truthfully say Bob is one of the best!"

Wolfson is aided by his assistant, Debbi Brown; current Board President Ann Goldstein, and immediate past-president Larry Raful, who point to several other of his accomplishments: the Holocaust Survivors Dinner, Prejudice Elimination Workshop, Anne Frank, Schindler's List essay contest and monitoring of Lincoln neo-Nazi Gerhard Lauck.

With Wolfson at the helm of the ADL, the Great Plains Region and Omaha are well positioned to move forward into the 21st century.

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Prank (Francois) Platowicz knows what it's like to be a child who was raised poor and different. He was born in 1954, six months after his parents immigrated to the United States from Paris, where (after the Holocaust) his parents met and married.

"Being raised Orthodox in Omaha in those days wasn't easy for a kid," Flatowicz recalled. "My father, Henry, worked in the kosher packing house in Glenwood, IA. Other kids would pick on my brother and me as we went tp^hul^Wewere caljed names and they ] threw things at us j u s t because we j dressed different- j ly—we wore hats, j coats and ties. I t was difficult for a j young boy."

Being a volun- j teer today is just part of who he is! more than part of C h c i ' y 1 a n < l ' ' his religious background. "I care about my Jewish community, it's that simple," he stated. He's also part of the Chevra Kadishe, a group who prepares bodies for Jewish burial. "In our community, it's very difficult to get people to become members; it's for everyone," he added.

His family was "different" from some of the neighbors who lived in an apartment house on 34th and Cass. They attended the Kapulier Shul at 31st and Cuming, and later became part of the "library xninyan," the Orthodox segment of then "traditional" Beth Israel Synagogue.

Flatowicz graduated from the Omaha Hebrew xA.cademy with the first sixth-grade class. After graduating from Central high School in 1973, he earned a degree in accounting at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He and his wife, Cheryl, have (Continued on page 82)

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September 29,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 63

Warming Hearts!

by JOAN K. MARCUS, free-lance writer

Mark Sanford grew up in Omaha and, in addiJewish organization. tion to his parents, Ted and Betty Sanford, recalls Aizenberg said Mark was always patiefflfwith the Cantor Manfred Kuttner at Temple Israel as one of many committees with which he worked and that his role models. He admired him because of his he always listened and helped the committees to musical ability and his witty personality. Kuttner focus on what is most important to the Center. came to Temple Israel in 1981 as the first full-time "Mark's efforts brought forth a remarkable rejucantor. Mark sang in the Junior Choir and looked venation of the facilities with many open spaces up to him because they shared singing and instruthat are dedicated to enhance participation by our mental talents. entire community. It was a great pleasure to work with him."

"Cantor Kuttner was always there for me," Sanford recalled. "He really helped me with my It was purely a coincidence that Mark was presiBar Mitzvah because, at that time, he understood dent during the renovation. No other architects that Hebrew wasn't one of my strong points. I had were even interviewed for the project because Mark and his company, The Sanford Group, had a vision a great Jewish childhood and good role models. for the rejuvenation. "I had a vision of how I want"Rabbi Brooks was a good friend of my father and ed it to look and I could just see in my mind how I looked up to them both. I had a great time and I the Child DeyelopmentCenter shoaildJae," he loved Omaha and the old JCC. I still wonder why explained.

"I wanted the children to feel comfortmy brother and sister left!" he laughed. able in a warm atmosphere and I didn't want it to Sanford started a singing career in a play at be an institutional setting."

Central High when he was only eight years old.

"My brother was in Acappella Choir and they needHe added that many Centers lose members during remodeling times. However, he noted Omaha's JCC ed a little kid who could sing and goof around!" gained, members because of the way in which the In 1960, the family moved to a home on 69th and difficult task was accomplished. "There are still peoUnderwood Street, which gave Mark easy access to ple who are calling to donate money for the remodelthe Omaha Community Playhouse.

Joanie Jacobson, longtime Omaha performer, Vicki and Mark Sanford and their children: ing and the campaign is over! I'm proud to say that I'm part of the Omaha community and I'm so grateproducer and director, says it would be very hard Mitchell, nine, and Taylor, 11. ful to the Jews of Omaha for what they've done!" to find a better entertainer than Mark Sanford.

"He sings and used to play in a rock band.

Audiences love to hear him because he sings and plays the piano with warmth and sincerity. He sings with his heart and soul with facility and ease," she explained.

Jacobson added that performing is easy for Mark, "Audiences then feel that easiness and it's so pleasant. It's so engaging to listen to him and he's as nice as he can be. His ego isn't all over the stage and he's always a team player. His character is so easy to get along with because he's so uncomplicated. He's so steeped in talent and this carries over into his life because he's so creative inside.

"He's one of those lucky people who can express 2»* his creativity visually and in music. His vision is part of his gift and he is gifted in so many separate ways. On stage, he has the ease of Barry Manilow and the charm of Billy Joel. He is a skilled technician and he also engages people because he sings with his heart," Jacobson added.

Mark recalls being active in many things at the f Has educated more than one-halt ot the physicians, dental and allied health professionals, old 'J* on 20th and Dodge Street. pharmacists and mastei Vprcpared nurses* practicing in the state.

"We had a great time playing basketball and I was in Iddy Biddy Basketball with 'Uncle Chuck' • Has had a presence m more than 130 Nebraska communities Arnold. I'm still friends with some of the kids I this >e.ir through its teaching, service and research programs played with and now we're giving awards to their sons! Some of those guys are David Kutler, Keith • College of Dentistry's htst-vear class has ranked first nationally Wagner and Steve Nepomnick." in grade-point average frve ot the past six years In 1972, he graduated from Central and left • I'hjsician Assistant 3'rogram was Omaha for UNL, where he earned a B.S. in architecture. He recalls the old 'J* was still in use when he chosen by U S News & World Repoit left, but the new building was under construction. as among the top 10 programs m "I remember we went across the street to the old the counhy JCC after school and then went to the Music Box to bowl and have a hamburger for a quarter," he • Received a nationally competitive laughed. "I played basketball and learned to swim; $8 million grant targeting chronic it was terrific because Mom always knew where I heart failure and a M million grant was. I was in plays and did everything in that old to move ruial nursing education building."

In 1977, he moved to Lincoln to work for a coninto the home tractor. After becoming licensed in residential and • hstabhsheJ the world's fust piogram small commercial architecture, he returned to Omaha in 1982. "When I came back, the new buildto collect cells lequired for bone marrow transplants, trom a ing was here!" patient's blood, rather than pamfullv horn bone marrow Mark and Vicki Klein were married in 1987.

They have a daughter and a son: Taylor, 11, and • Transplant program during the past 13 \ ears has brought Mitchell, 9. more than $370 million into the state As the years went on, Mark became a member • Developed a new, more efieetn e drug foi glaucoma of the Building and Grounds Committee of the JCC, and then chairman and a member of the Board of Directors. He became President of the JCC in 1998 and served for two years during the remodeling and rejuvenation of the building.

University that's 1 Jeff Aizenberg, Director of the Center, said, "In of Nebraska addition to his creativity and expertise as an archiMedical Center tect, Mark Sanford brought a great deal of passion Nebraska's Health Science Center and love of the Omaha Jewish community to his A P^rtnti ivirft Mmtikj Health Swem work on the renovation project. Mark and his family have participated in the Center for many years Nebmskans can take pride in their onh puhlich funded academic health sciences center If you or an and he understands what Center members need, as organization to which you belong Mould like to arrange a tour of our campus, call l4O2) 55 well as the overall purpose that we have as a

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Jewish Press. Omaha. NE

Sentember 29. 2000

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402-434-5100 4949 O Street Lincoln, NE

September 29, 2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 65

Candlelighting Friday, Sept. 29 Saturday, Sept. 30

Meml>ei-;pftlio Union'of Ahw^ican Hebrew

Services are conducted by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum.

EREV ROSH HASHANAH, Friday, Sept. 29 First service ......6:15 p.m.

Second service.

8:30 pan.

ROSH HASHANAH, Saturday, Sept. 30 Morning service 10 aan.

Family Youth Service 2-3 p.m.

Young Children's Service 3:15-3:45 p.m.

SUNDAY, Oct. 1, 1 pan. Memorial service and dedication of the new cemetery entrance at Temple Israel Cemetery, 6412, No. 42 St. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, Oct. 3: "Soul Searching through the Kabbalistic Ocean," 7-8:30 p.m. Prof. Guy Matalon will explore the realm of Jewish mysticism, from Biblical to modern times.

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 4: "Myth and history in the Hebrew Bible," 7-8:30 p.m. Dr. Rami Arav will attempt to place the Biblical narration in its proper time by studying various perspectives.

THURSDAY, Oct. 5: Adult study with the rabbis is from 10-11:30 a.m. Rabbi Azriel will focus study on the writings of the scholars-in-residence who are visiting Temple Israel throughout the year; from 7-8 p.m., the Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class will meet.

TIFERETH ISRAEL mbeir of the United.Syiiagogue.: '423-8569 Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m.

EREV ROSH HASHANAH, Friday, Sept. 29 Services 8 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH, Saturday, Sept. 30 Morning services 9 a.m.

Mincha/Ma'ariv 7 pan.

Junior Congregation 11 aan.

ROSH HASHANAH, Saturday, Oct. 1 Morning services 9 a.m.

JuniorCongregation..

11 a.m.

Mincha/Ma'ariv 7 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM An Affiliate of the" Jewish keeonslmctionist Federation

3012 S. 119th St., P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 phone: 758-9233 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/ EREV ROSH HASHANAH, Friday, Sept. 29 Services 7:30 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH, Saturday, Sept. 30 Morning services 9:30 a.m.

Tashlich 5 pan.

Unless otherwise noted, all services except for Tashlich, are at the synagogue (3012 So. 119 St.).

Tashlich takes place at 33 Indian Hills Road in Council Bluffs, Please dress appropriately for the weather.

6:51p.m. not earlier than 7:49p.m.

BETH ISR^ELSYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Synagogues of America 1502.NW-52 St.vOmahay NE. 68104-5013 • • v;>v-;\; /. /;;:••' i •;556-6288- '••:.}\-:0''Y\Bethlsrael@novia.net Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

EREV ROSH HASHANAH, Friday, Sept. 29 Morning service.....

6:30 a.m.

Candlelighting.

6:51 pan.

Mincha ,...7 pan.

ROSH HASHANAH, Saturday, Sept. 30 Morning service 8 a.m.

Torah reading 9:30 a.m.

Sermon 10 aan.

Children's services 10 a.m.

Musaf.

10^20 aan.

Mincha 6:40 p.m.

Candlelighting ....7:49 p.m.

Babysitting will be available from 9:30 aan.-l pan.

ROSH HASHANAH, Sunday, Oct. 1 Morning service 8 a.m.

Torah reading 9:30 a.m.

Sermon 10 a.m.

Children's services.

10 aan.

Shofar 10:20 a.m.

Musaf.

10:40 aan.

Mincha 6:50 p.m.

Havdalah 7:48 p.m.

Babysitting will be available from 9:30 a.m.-l p.m.

Tashlich 5:15 p.m., atElmwood Park.

A walking group will leave from Beth Israel at 4:45. p.m. Anyone who is elderly or homebound who would like to hear the sounding of the shofar, please call Rabbi Kutner at the synagogue office.

FAST OF GEDALIAH, Monday, Oct. 2 Fast begins.... .......6:09 aan.

Morning service ,.,.,,.,6i80^a.m.

Mincha 6:35 p.m.

Fast ends 7:39 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 3-5 Morning service ...6:30 a.m.

Mincha ...6:45 a.m.

Celebrate the joy of Sukkot; order your lulav and esrog. Call the synagogue office by Oct. 3.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movernent

1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone: 330-1800 E-MAIL--chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: WAVw.chabadcenters.com/omaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

ROSH HASHANAH I, Saturday, Sept. 30 Morning service 9 a.m.

Special children's program .11:30 a.m.

Mincha.....

7 p.m.

Maariv....

7:30 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH H^ Sunday, Oct. 2 Morning service..... ......9 a.m.

Shofar service 11 a.m.

Children's program 11:45 a.m.

Tashlich service 5 p.m. at the home of Leonard and Shirley Goldstein, 11213 Woolworth Plaza Mincha 7 p.m.

Maariv 7:30 p.m.

Fast of Gedaliah, Monday, Oct. 2 Mincha/Maariv 7:15 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE 25th and Capehart, Omaha, NE 68113-5000 294-6051 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 pan.

Member of United Syijagogiiiies ."' ofConservativeJudsasms ;: -••--Y-Q^i

492-8550

J •••?<WYv

WEB—www.be thel-oihaha.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.

EREV ROSH HASHANAH, Friday, Sept. 29 Ma'ariv .........:.......8:15 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH, Saturday, Sept. 30 Morning service .......8:30 a-m.

Alternative service..

9:45 a.m.

Services end, approximately... . 1 pan.

Minha-Ma'ariv.......

7 pan.

Sunday, Oct. 1* Morning service ...........8:30 a.m.

Services ends, approximately 1 pan.

Tashlikh service 6:26 pan.

Minha-Ma'ariv ....7:10 pan. *Main sanctuary only.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 pan.

SUNDAY, Oct. 8: Memorial service at Beth El Cemetery, 11 aan.

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union of American Hebrew

•

2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, N E 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebr.aska.org*..

Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser.

EREV ROSH HASHANAH, Friday, Sept. 29 Evening worship 8 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH, Saturday, Sept. 30 Morning worship..

10 a.m.

Children's service.... .2 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH, Sunday, Oct. 1 Worship 10 a.m.

Community Memorial Service at Mount Lebanon Section of Wyuka Cemetery ...3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, Oct. 9: Make a reservation now for then annual Break-the Fast, following concluding services on Yom Kippur. Amy Zlotsky is in charge of this event.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME EREV ROSH HASHANAH, Friday, Sept. 29 Services conducted by Andrew Greenberg....7 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH, Saturday, Sept. 30 Services conducted by Andrew Greenberg..9 a.m.

ROSH HASHANAH, Sunday, Oct. 1 Services conducted by Phyllis Hoffman 9 aan.

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 Phone: 322-4705 e-mail: docjeb@aol.com ROSH HASHANAH, Friday, Sept. 29 Services... .7:30 pan.

Saturday, Sept. 30 Morning services 10 a.m.

Jeff Taxman will conduct services.

Make reservations with Sandra Kurland for Break-the-Fast potluck dinner, following concluding services on Yom Kippur, Oct. 9, 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the Council Bluffs cemetery. A special stone will be dedicated by the synagogue, stating, "Remember the Jews and others who perished in the Holocaust." Sam Fried will speak.

Page 66

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 22,2000

Photos used in this New Year's issue are now available for pick up at the Jewish Press office, M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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DOUBLETREE HOTELHTH & DODGE STREET DOWNTOWN

A History of Temple Israel

by IRIS RICKS, Program Director

' -

Omaha was a thriving river town of 13,000 residents in January, 1871, the year that the Congregation of Israel (the name at the time of incorporation) was formed.

Founded just a few years after Nebraska statehood, the congregation was the first Jewish congregation in Nebraska and only the second religious institution in the state. The 11 founders: Louis Brash, Aaron Cahn, David Davidson, Morris Elgutter, Issac Frank, Bernard Gladstone, Meyer Goldsmith, Meyer Hellman, Simon Lehman, Max Meyer and Emmanual Simon, were mainly of German descent.

Within the first year, Temple members had established a burial society, bought land for a cemetery and opened what would be the only Jewish religious school in the area for many decades.

In 1884, the 50-member congregation built Nebraska's first synagogue at 23rd and Harney. As the Jewish population began to move west, Temple Israel dedicated its second building at 29th and Park in 1908. The gold-domed synagogue was acclaimed one of the most elegant buildings in Omaha.

Anticipating a further expansion westward, the congregation built the current synagogue at 70th and Cass on what was then the outskirts of Omaha.

Active Temple benefactors Milton S. and Corrine Livingston donated matching funds and outright gifts to construct the expansion of the education wing in 1962, and the Livingston Chapel in 1966.

The Livingston Chapel Ark contains an Ashkenazic Torah rescued from Germany in 1938, and a Sephardic Torah smuggled out of Egypt in 1963. Both Torahs, as well as the design of the Ark, represent the two endangered communities that found sanctuary in the United States.

In 1976, Ella and Hymie Milder, in celebration of their 50th anniversary, built a conference center.

The congregation continued to grow,"more space was needed and, in 1995, the administrative area was enlarged, more classrooms were added and additional meeting rooms were built.

In 1996, the Newman Gateway was created through the generosity of the family of Jule Newman. This improved access to the building from the south allows people to experience a beautiful transition from the secular world to the spiritual. In recognition of their longtime support of Temple, in particular the 21st Century Endowment Fund, the Social Hall was renamed to honor Roz and Ike Friedman.

The synagogue has been blessed with distinguished leaders who have made it possible for our congregation to experience phenomenal growth. Today, more than 800 families belong to Temple Israel.

Rabbi Sidney Brooks, who en-j joyed the longest! tenure at Temple.: Israel, served the congregation as Rabbi from 1952 until 1985 and was Rabbi Emeritus from 1985 until his . death in 1999. He was a dynamic and . innovative leader | who will be greatly ] missed.

Temple Israeli has been a member ! of the Union o f Rabbi Sidney Brooks American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), the congregational arm of the Reform movement in North America, since 1889.

(Continued on page 67)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 67

(Continued from page 66) 1977-1979 1979-1981 1981-1983 1983-1984 1984-1985 1985-1987 1987 1987-1989 1989-1991 1991-1993 1993-1995 1995-1997 1997-1999 1999Left photo: 1975--Temple Israel is forced to Newman, Ajon Farber, Bob Freeman, Murray rebuild in the aftermath of the May 6 torna- Newman, Rabbis Azriel and Stiel, break do. Right photo: 1996-Michael, Bob and Betsy ground for the Newman Gateway.

PRESIDENTS 1936-1938 Harry Wilinsky 1938-1940 David Goldman 1871-1873 Bernard Gladstone 1940-1942 Morris E. Jacobs 1873-1877 M. Hellman 1942-1944 Milton Abrahams 1877-1878 N. Goldsmith 1944-1946 Louis Somberg 1878-1883 L. Brash 1946-1948 JackW. Marer 1883-1885 Emmanuel Simon 1948-1950 Paul Blotcky 1885-1889 Issac Oberfelder 1950-1952 Louis E. Lapp 1889-1891 Meyer Hellman 1952-1954 Alfred S. Mayer 1891-1899 Samuel Katz 1954-1956 Milton S. Livingston 1899-1907 Morris Levy 1956-1958 AH.Brodkey 1907-1912 Samuel Katz 1958-1960 Harold P. Farber 1912-1914 N.A. Spiesberger 1960-1962 Lazar Kaplan 1914-1916 Samson Frank 1962-1964 Millard H. Krasne 1916-1918 Charles Elgutter 1964-1966 Warner B. Frohman 1918-1920 William Holzman 1966-1968 David E.Beber 1920-1922 Isador Zeigler 1968-1970 Morris J. Lipp 1924-1926 Harry Rosenfeld 1970-1972 Stanley J.Slosburg 1926-1930 Henry Rosenthal 1972-1974 Abe L. Katelman 1930-1932 David Rosenstock 1974-1976 Stanley J. Perimeter 1932-1934 Abe Goldstein 1976-1977 Sydney S. Osten 1934-1936 Samuel Joel Leon

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RABBIS OF TEMPLE ISRAEL 1889-1892 William Rosenau 1892-1898 Leo Franklin 1898-1903 Abram Simon 1904-1934 Frederick Cohn 1933-1941 David H. Wice~ 1942-1944 Arthur J. Lelyveld 1944-1951 Lou H. Silberman 1952-1985 Sidney H. Brooks 1985-1987 Stephan F. Barack 1988Aryeh Azriel ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE RABBIS 1965-1968 Lawrence Rubenstein 1971-1983 Barry Weinstein 1983-1984 Stephan Barack 1992-1994 Dan Fink 1994 Debbie Stiel CANTORS 1961-1972 Manfred Kuttner 1977-1980 GailKarp 1980-1990 Harold Firestone 1990-1994 Karen Webber-Gilat 1994-1995 Dr. Michael Yabolnski 1995-1998 Erik L.F. Contzius 1998Jennifer Blum

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Again this year, MAZON has united with the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements in "The Corners Of Our Field."

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As you look inward during these High Holy Days, please reach outward. Please give to MAZON what you would have spent to feed yourself and your family on Yom Kippur. Funds raised will support programs providing food, help and hope to hungry people in our own country, in Israel and worldwide. And please contribute to your congregation's food drive.

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Page 68 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

A History ofBeth El Synagogue

by CAROL GENDLER, Special to the Jewish Press from Beth El

A number of attempts were made throughout the 1920s to organize a "modern orthodox" congregation in Omaha, but the effort was not really successful until a -visit and sermon by young Rabbi David Goldstein late in 1928.

The Conservative Synagogue became a reality the following year as officers were elected and weekly services scheduled at the Jewish Community Center at 20th and Dodge Street. Eabbi Abraham Bengis

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served the congregation during the first year and, in November, 1930, Rabbi Goldstein returned to begin 15 years as spiritual leader of the rapidly-growing, yet struggling, congregation.

The first services of the new congregation on Sept.

13, 1929, were attended by more than 1000 and soon 200 families had become members. Sam Beber served as the first president; other officers were J. Harry Kulakofsky, Mose Yousem, Jack Marer and A.B. Alpirn. The Cantor Aaron Edgar, left, and Rabbi Myer Kripke in the sukkah at ladies auxiliary was orga- t h e <ol<j» B e t h j ^ 4 9 ^ ^ a Farnam. nized shortly thereafter with Mrs. J.J. Greenberg as President; Mmes. Irvin week after the United States entered World War II. Rabbi Alexander Katz began a lifetime of service Stalmaster, M.F. Levenson, Abe Weinstein and to the congregation when he was appointed Julius Stein were members of the executive board.

Assistant to the Rabbi in 1943. Rabbi Myer S. Poor economic conditions in the 1930s seriously Kripke succeeded Rabbi Goldstein in November, affected the financial condition of the congregation, 1946, welcomed by the Jewish Press as "an which often could not meet its obligations. ardent and spirited guiding hand, capable and giftBuilding plans were delayed and services continued ed in transmitting his knowledge to both Jew and to be held at the Jewish Community Center. non-Jew alike."

The Conservative Synagogue became Beth El in Continued growth required additional space and, January, 1935, the year in which the Zimman famiin December of 1952, a new wing provided a school ly donated a site at 49th and Farnam and a buildbuilding, chapel, offices, a recreation room and ing fund was begun. In 1936, the first issues of the kitchen.

Beth El News (now the KOL) were published, Beth El Schools educated children of the congreCantor Aaron Edgar joined the staff and the Beth gation from pre-school through high school. Its El choir made its debut. A Talmud Torah, which Sisterhood, Men's Club and synagogue youth group started in 1938, met in various Dundee locations were active participants. Staff members such as for a number of years.

Director of Education Jack Molad, Executive Construction began at 49th and Farnam in 1939. Director Toby Kagan and Beth El Nursery School The $106,000 building, designed by John and Alan Director Belle Katz, played significant roles in the McDonald, was dedicated during a week-long life of the synagogue.

Hanukkah celebration in December, 1941, one (Continued on page 69)

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September 29, 2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page <

Beth El Synagogue (Continued from page 68)

Le/? photo: Leaving the building on 40th and Cantor Emil Berkovits and Abe Gendler.

Farnam with the Torahs in 1991: Lili and Right: the dome rises over the new santuary.

Rabbi Kenneth Bromberg succeeded to the pulpit in 1975 when Rabbi Kripke assumed emeritus status. Rabbi Paul Drazen has served the congregation since 1982.

Cantor Edgar became emeritus in 1972, followed by Chaim Najman and, in 1979, Robert Shapiro. Cantor Emil Berkovits was appointed in 1981. In 1999, Hazzan G. Michael Horwitz joined the ritual staff.

As Omaha's Jewish population moved gradually westward and Talmud Torah classes were moved to church buildings and the Jewish Community Center in west Omaha, it became increasingly apparent that Beth El would need to relocate.

In time, land was acquired, funds generously contributed, and in July of 1991, 50 years after construction of the original synagogue building, Beth El moved nearly 100 blocks west to 14506 California Street, the building designed by Notter

Finegold + Alexander Inc. of Boston. After a brief life as home of Opera Omaha, the original building now serves as office for an architectural firm.

Early in January of 1997, an addition comprising an expanded social hall and kitchen and an eightclassroom school building allowed the congregation to once again accommodate BESTT (Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah), which, for a number of years, had been combined with Beth Israel as the United Talmud Torah of Omaha.

As Beth El moves toward the millennium and the celebration of its 75th anniversary in 2004, we are reminded of words written by Rabbi Paul Drazen on the occasion of the 1991 building dedication: "May our congregation always be one which fosters Jewish life and Jewish living, devotion to Jewish traditions and values, so that all who visit here may say, 'Surely the Lord is in this place."

PRESIDENTS OF BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Sam Beber: 1927-1929 Harry Kulakofsky: 1929-1931 Joe Greenberg: 1931-1934 Harry Silverman: 1934-1936 Dave Cohn: 1936-1937 Dave Greenberg: 1937-1939 Art Cohn: 1939-1941 Robert Kooper: 1941-1943 Moe Venger: 1943-1945 Joe Rice: 1945-1947 Sam Steinberg: 1947-1949 Loyal Kaplan: 1949-1950 Dave Blacker: 1950-1952 Nate Nogg: 1952-1954 Ben Kaslow: 1954-1956 Harry DuBoff: 1956-1958 Ralph Nogg: 1958-1959 Al Rimmermaii: 1959- 961 Morrie Fellman: 1961-1963 Yale Gotsdiner: 1963-1965 Ernie Wintroub: 1965-1967 Jack Green: 1967-1969 Lee Gendler: 1969-1971 Stan Silverman: 1971-1973 Hubie Rosenblum: 1973-1975 Arnie Stern: 1975-1976 Bucky Greenberg: 1976-1977 Ben Kutler: 1977-1979 Don Nogg: 1979-1981 Ken Sachs: 1981-1983 Howard Ruback: 1983-1985 Dean Frankel: 1985-1986 Ben Wiesman: 1986-1987 Ozzie Nogg: 1987-1989 Ray Goldstein: 1989-1992 Sandy Friedman: 1992-1994 Bruce Friedlander: 1994-1996 Bruce Shackman: 1996-1998 Mike Abramson: 1998-2000 Howard Epstein: 2000-

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Page 70 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

A History of Beth Israel Synagogue

by JEFF KAT2MAN AND BETH COHEN, Special to the Jewish Press from Beth Israel

The presence of an was hired.

Orthodox community here The creation of Beth dates back to as early as Israel was a major 1883, when the "Iitvische stepping stone in the Shul," Beth Hamedrosh history of Omaha's Hagdol, was built at 1407 Jewish community.

So. 13th St. Grand events were centered around the conOther small synastruction of the synagogues were formed over gogue, including a the next few years, groundbreaking cereincluding the B'nai mony in September of Israel Adas Kussia, bet1948, a cornerstone certer known as B'nai Israel emony in May of 1950, (the "Kipplier Shul"), and, after the compleB'nai Jacob Anshe tion of the building, a Sholom (the "Kapulier dedication ceremony, Shul"), and Beth HameSeptember, 1951. drosh Adas Yeshurun.

Later, B'nai Jacob Anshe Beth Israel was a Sholom and Beth Hamemajor change to the drosh Adas Yeshurun Orthodox community merged to form B'nai due to its mixed-seatJacob Adas Yeshurun, ing sanctuary and but kept the nickname microphone system "Kapulier shul." (the microphone was a In the middle of the large dispute due to the century, there was a At the 1948 groundbreaking were: Iz Elewitz, iggue of w h e t h e r o r n o t growing attitude left, unkown, Harry Colick; at right: Rabbi i t s u s e ig p ermitte d on ^ e Sabbath) towards "modernism," Moskowitz and William Milder. while many of the customs in the synagogues were Also, the building was a major advance in architecincreasingly being viewed as "old fashioned." ture; its large sanctuary and social hall spanned For the purpose of attracting members, B'nai Israel about 200 feet without any support columns. The and BHH merged to form the Union of Orthodox original design of Beth Israel was to include a school Congregations of Omaha (the UOC), with the wing and a tower; however, construction of the intention of eventually designing a new building.- school wing was postponed until 1961. Meanwhile, In addition, the lot where B'nai Israel sat was BHH, at 19th and Burt Street, was kept as a place bought by the city for the new Civic Auditorium, to hold services for those who lived in the area and and B'nai Israel would eventually be forced to couldn't move near the new synagogue. move. As a result, the new organization needed a Over the past decade, Beth Israel has realized place for a new synagogue and, in 1946, architect that, though it is sometimes difficult, a synagogue Clarence Kivett of Kivett and Meyers, Kansas City, must define itself and its standards. In this time,

Beth Israel has moved toward being a more authentic orthodox synagogue, eliminating the use of a microphone on Shabbat and adding a mechitza, allowing for separate seating in the sanctuary for Shabbat and Holiday services.

In 1999, the membership of Beth Israel Synagogue approved the building of a new synagogue on property owned by the synagogue at 126th and Pacific Street.

Since that time, the New Building Committee, headed by Dr. Paul Shyken and Rick Katzman, have been busy laying the ground work for the building project. Marty Shukert has been hired as the architect to design the new building, and a Schematic Design Committee completed its work in May. The new building designs, including a scale model, was presented to the congregation Sept. 10.

As in 1951, a commitment to Beth Israel members has been made to maintain a location in midtown Omaha for congregants living in the area of the current building. Beth Israel looks toward a future as rich in heritage, community, and dedicated volunteerism as we have enjoyed in our past.

Front elevation by Marty i agogue planned for 126th and Pacific.

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September 29,2000,

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 71

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Page 72

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

Rosh Hashanah Messages from the Rabbis

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by RABBI ARYEH AZRIEL, Temple Israel •

What a wonder it is to have photographs! The availability of snapshots has helped create a new ,; way of looking at life.

Through pictures, we have the opportunity to freeze time and know, for all time, what things looked like at one point.

That information has become vital to understanding t h e world.

Would it really be possible to appreciate t h e Tower of Pisa without having seen it? The Taj Mahal could be described as a magnificent building, but without pictures, how could anyone in new world really know what that meant? We can read about the Kotel, but only when we see it, does it become truly real.

Photographs also can help us learn more about ourselves as a community. With pictures of facilities and places, we can begin to understand what we have accomplished through the years. By looking, we can see how much we have, quite literally, built in order to give new options and new opportunities to our community.

Photographs can do much more than that, of course. Pictures help us to remember who we are as individuals and family. Through pictures of relatives, we see our roots, where they lived, how they lived and what they did. That helps us gain new perspectives on our roots. With the new technologies available now, we can see relatives and friends easily and quickly, no matter where they live. Distance shrinks as events from around the world can be seen on screen within seconds. That helps us make today's ties even firmer.

Much can be done with pictures to help us grow and learn, especially at this time of introspection and growth. May the pictures of our lives be ones of health, happiness and peace in the coming year.

I think I am a little strange. But, then again, maybe everyone i s , i n one way or another.

For example, when I face a crisis I recite the Kaddish. The Kaddish is, for me, an exultant song of thanksgiving to God for life. The Kaddish j imposes a new perspective on the crisis. When bleakness or despair require a ray of light and a dash of hope, the Kaddish is a saving, renewing melody. Believe me, a song helps!

Perhaps even more of a peculiarity, I use the yahrzeit glass after all the wax has burned out of it.

If Elyce didn't insist otherwise, I would drink out of the yahrzeit glass, even when company is present.

I like thinking of dear ones I have lost. The glass is a reminder of them. Used for a purpose, the yahrzeit glass prods me to use their memories as well for a good purpose.

Before the High Holy Days, I first focus on the good things of the past year. There is so much wrong in the world. The list is easily and quickly made. Just read the morning papers. Moreover, I know that we are supposed to render judgement on all the wrong things for which we are personally responsible.

But, I don't find it easy to look at myself with the critical eye that self-judgement requires, and reviewing the news, I feel overwhelmed by the world's problems and my inadequacies. So I first count my blessings. It is then that I can cultivate the internal resources for critical introspection.

Relishing the good things, and once you look, the blessings are numerous, then I continue with the list of regrets. Many people say, "I have no regrets.

I would do everything the same way."

I wonder about that. To have no regrets is to lack the humility and the courage to admit error and missed opportunities. I bet those who have no regrets never had a truly great dream, so great a dream that a lifetime could not contain it. I like to believe that my dreams are so significant that they breathe of immortality.

I admit, however, my perspective is peculiar. I hope your peculiarities have served you as well as mine have served me. The night when Yom Kippur concludes, the world is new for me. I even feel new.

I pray, you will too. Happy New Year!

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September 29,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Mazal Tov!

The Power of Speech

TRAME

by RABBI STANLEY M. ROSENBAUM Congregation Tifereth Israel, Lincoln —

"Mazal tov!" is often used to express our congratulations on the birth of a child. It is not entirely inappropriate, then, for marking the New Year, since Rosh Hashanah celebrates God's creation of the universe and~most especially—the creation of human life (uHa-yom harat

by RABBI HOWARD KUTNER, Beth Israel Synagogue >.

SXPSR7 PI€Tim% FRAMING

The theme for this year's Rosh Hashanah edition is "The 80th Anniversary of the Jewish Press."

Each letter of the Hebrew alphabet has a numerical value. The number 80 corresponds olam" "Today is t h e to the letter peh. The birthday of the world").

Hebrew word for mouth is likewise peh. As we The High Holy Day period enables us to express approach the High Holiour gratitude for God's bringing us into existence. days, it is certainly | It also affords us the opportunity every year to appropriate to review make a new beginning. what Judaism says about using OUT peh in speech.

Our Tradition encourages us to reflect on our The power of speech is one of those things that behavior, so as to build on our strengths and sucseparates man from the animal kingdom. We are cesses. Where we have gone wrong, we have been therefore instructed to guard our tongues from given the ability to learn from our mistakes.

Mending our errors, we can rebuild our lives and inappropriate speech.

There is a beautiful prayer printed in some our relationships. machzorim called Tefillah Zakkah. The author Judaism directs us to perform a detailed selfspeaks of the importance of proper speech. When analysis every year to better ourselves morally, we use our gift of speech for gossip, lies, bickering, spiritually, mentally and physically. Thus, our obscenities, or putting others to shame, it's a terri- Heritage affirms that we always have the opportuble misuse of its intended purpose. nity to strengthen ourselves and, by our deeds, to Our speech was intended to be used for positive contribute to the fulfillment of God's plan by creatand holy purposes, such as Torah study, prayer, ing knowledge, insight, meaning, love, justice and obtaining wisdom, and communicating with others, good in the world. indicating how much we value them.

This period of reflection is an appropriate time to On Yom Kippur, as we recite the "Viduy" consider the effect of our presence here. As true as (Confession), the litany of sins we may have com- this is for individuals, it is also true for institumitted throughout the year, it is amazing to see tions. The Jewish Press is celebrating its 80th how many of those Al Chets refer to sins of speech. year.

Of the 46 Al Chets, 10 relate to the misuse of Our Sages said, "Attaining the age of 80 is a sign speech. "For the sin we committed before You of strength." This newspaper has informed us of with...idle chatter...offensive speech...hurtful local, regional, national and international events speech... gossiping...scorning...and loshan hora of importance. It has helped to draw us together as (slanderous or derogatory speech)." a community. It has chastised us in our weaknessWhat a better world we would all have if every- es, congratulated us on our achievements, and challenged us constantly to better ourselves. A one was more mindful to guard their tongues. "mazal tov" is in order.

The letter of the Hebrew alphabet immediately May the New Year of 5761 bring peace, justice before the letter peh is aiyin, the Hebrew word for eye. This order of letters indicates that before and blessing to Israel, the entire world, and all of using one's peh (mouth), one should use one's aiyin us! (eye). Before accusing, judging or commenting on others, one must look deeply and investigate before speaking.

Best wishes for a year of peace, harmony and togetherness for us and all Israel. Shana Tova.

Wishing You A Healthy New Year!

Page 73

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Jewish Press, Omaha, ME

September 29,2000

SPIRITUAL LEADER Rabbi Howard Kutner BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS President, Donald Gerber; Administrative Vicepresident, Dennis Paley; Membership Vice-president, David Kohll; Financial Vice-president, Michael Shrago; Treasurer, Jack Kozlen; Secretary, Susie Shyken; Commissioners: Bonnie Bloch, Richard Buck, Shelly Goren, Howard Gendelman, Allan Gonsher-, Mary Sue Grossman, Julee Katzman, Ann Moskovitz, Marvin Parilman, Al Ross, Lynne Saltzman.

SISTERHOOD CABINET Charlotte Kaplan, Georgia Ann Steinberg, Nadine Kutner, Leah Siegel, Lesli Shrago, Sandy Kohll, Tibe Stoler, Susie Shyken, Annette Fettman, Jeanette Nadpff, Bernice Cohen.

For information, call 556-6288

BIRTHS

B'NAI MITZVAH

Samuel Gabriel Kricsfeld son of Dr. Alan and Debbie Kricsfeld

Joshua Grossman son of Alex and Mary Sue Grossman Adam Gendelman son of Dr. Howard Gendelman and Dr. Bonnie Bloch Avigail Katzman daughter of Michael and Carol Katzman

Ethan Herschel Shrago son of Michael and Leslie Shrago Rylee Perrin daughter of Michelle and Shane Perrin

MARRIAGES

Nehemiah "Max" Kohll son of Dr. David and Janet Kohll

Doris Kwaitek and William Cohen Sarah Kohll and Nosson Meretzky Leora Jaeckel and Jason Weiss

(Continued on page 75)

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DEATHS Ruth Goldstein, Bess Katzman, Frieda Kolm, Beverly Franklin, Margaret Nearenberg, Seymour Steinberg, Jay Lashinsky, Bertha "Billie" Spiegal, Keith Peltz, Sam Kutler, Fanny Levinsky, Dr! Vincent Marshall, Gertrude Zorinsky, Israel Berkowitz, Danny Epstein, Mabel Katskee, Libbie "Bebe" Marcus.

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B'NAI MITZVAH

Shayna Kurland, daughter of Allen and Sandra Kurland Jacob Bleicher son of Jon and Helen Bleicher

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lynn Salmi, President; Sharon Allen, Secretary; Sarah Tuttle, Treasurer; Marti Nerenstone, Ritual Committee; Alice Weiss, Education; TrusteesBOARD OF DIRECTORS _ Jean Goldfein, Deana Liddy, Arnold Radloff, David DeLand, President; Jerome Bleicher, CoMichael Salmi.

For information, call 758-9233' President; Harold Sporin, Vice-president; Peggy DeLand, Secretary-Treasurer; Alan Kurland, BAR MUZ YAH Chairman of the Board; Dr. Eugene Freund, Program Director. For information, call 322-4705.'

Adam Trubnikov son of Maya and Alexander Trubnikov

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

1 Tvve^vv (ML

Page 76

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

The Month of Tishrei: A Time to Pack Inspiration for the Year

by RABBI MENDEL KATZMAN, Chabad House

—

Similar to a visit to the market place where we procure all sorts of merchandise, the Hebrew month of Tishrei enriches us with an abundance of experiences that enable us to draw inspiration from it throughout the year. The entire spectrum of emotions as Jews in our relationship with G-d is experienced. We need just to unpack, the merchandise year round as needed and put it to use.

From the awe of G-d that Rosh Hashanah inspires, to the somberness of Yom Kippur. From the outpouring of love and brotherhood and exhilarating, increasing joy, which are Sukkos trademarks, to the absolute ecstasy of Simchas Torah.

Tishrei runs the gamut of the cycle of Jewishness and empowers us to live accordingly.

As we mull around in the Tishrei "market place"absorhing all of its enchanting, and compelling sights, scents, flavors, sounds and ambiance we are enjoined to select our wares with the intent of maximizing their messages.

Rosh Hashanah provides for us the assurance of our enduring bond with G-d. It is the day on which we reenter out relationship with Him and coronate Him as our King. It provides for us the framework for a meaningful and ongoing rapport, even amidst the trivialities of life. It is the time we learn the power of prayer.

On Yom Kippur, we receive what is perhaps G-d's most sublime gift: His forgiveness. We learn to be compassionate, understanding, forgiving. Moreover, the magnitude of the effects of the spoken word is brought into focus. Consequently, during "Kol Nidrei" we nullify promises we could not keep in the past and commitments we might not fulfill in the future.

On Sukkos, we learn about Jewish family, unity and responsibility. We are taught that no brother or sister is inconsequential. Each individual, notwithstanding inherent qualities or lack thereof,

Tifereth Israel Lincoln

SPIRITUAL LEADER Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum is uniquely valued by BOARD OF DIRECTORS G-d as a member of our Allan Kenyon, President; Richard Evnen, and people. This is learned from the Mitzvah of Albert Weiss, Vice-presidents; Nancy Coren, Lulav and Esrog as each Secretary; Howard Feldman, Treasurer; Trustees: of the "four species," Alan Hersch, Cece Hill and Albert Weiss.

For information, call 1-402-423-8569 whether fragrant, tasty, or neither, are crucial to its observance.

MARRIAGE By rejoicing during Succos, we train ourJoAnnHill and Steven Gold selves to incorporate joy into our rushed, presBAR MITZVAH sured lives. We hone our ability to see the beauty of being Jewish and to be Noah Weiss grateful for our numerous gifts. son of Dr. Marlon and Cindi Weiss We experience total immersion in spirituality by eating festive meals or merely visiting in a Sukkah. It is the one Mitzvah that envelops us BIRTHS entirely—the entire individual, Yarmulka to shoes, Daliah Beth, Ulyana Marie and Tziporah Peggy, enters the Sukkah. Succos conveys to us the possitriplet daughters of James and Nanci Hamicksburg bility and comfort of basking, as it were, in the Talia Tharese, Divine Presence. daughter of Andrea Eisen and Daniel Pomp As we stand at the threshold of 5761, we ponder as to what we wish to accomplish in the upcoming year. I sincerely urge and encourage you, dear DEATHS friends, to be discriminating consumers this Tishrei at "the market."

Frances Faye Abrahams, Tillie Breslow, Marilyn The above mentioned are merely selections of the Goldberg, Marion Graetz, Belle Katz, Harry array of commodities "for sale." The possibilities Levinson, Gerald Seidband, Gretl Wald, Kitty are endless.

Wishnow, Vera Tepperman.

Together we are changing the world one Mitzvah at a time. May our collective, cumulative Mitzvahs (Synagogue listings continued on page 77) bring about the ultimate transformation-a world perfected, peaceful and prosperous, with the coming of Moshiach in 5761.

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September 29,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 77

Beth El Synagogue SPIRITUAL LEADERS Rabbi Paul Drazen Cantor Emil Berkovits Hazzan G. Michael Horwitz Rabbi Myer S. Kripke, Emeritus BOARD OF TRUSTEES Howard Epstein, President, Richard Fellman, Carol Gendler and Michael Linn, Vice-presidents; Hyman Sukiennik, Secretary; Ron Feldman, Treasurer; Mike Abramson, Past-president; Board members: Paul Cohen, Justin Cooper, Dr. David Finkle, Glen Fineman, Alan Goodman, Barbara Gottlieb, Caryl Greenberg, Michael Hellman, Sara Juster, Dr. Fred Kader, Myron Kaplan, Les Kay, Cheryl Lerner, Dr. Allen Morris, Kim Novak, Marcia Pitlor, Phil Ratner, Mary Rich, Steve Riekes, Rhonda Saferstein, Lynne Shkolnik, Martin Shukert, Harry Werner, Sally Zipursky.

USY BOARD

Michael Hellman, President; Joanna Kay, Programming Vice-president; Rebecca Murow, Religion/Education Vice-president; Naomi Katskee, Membership/Kadimah Vice-president; Ariel Shukert, Social Action I Tikkun Olam Vice-president; Jessica Hasslinger, Communications Vice-president.

SISTERHOOD Lynne Shkolnick, President; Kristy Leahy, Vicepresident; Kim Novak, Secretary; Amy Reynolds, Treasurer.

MEN'S CLUB Glen Fineman, President; Harry Weiner and Lloyd Roitstein, Vice-presidents; Les Kay, Treasurer; Fred

Kader, Secretary; Board members: Larry Hasslinger, Michael Linn, Ben Shapiro, Gerald Shkolnik, Hyman Sukiennik.

DEATHS

MARRIAGES

Bruce Abrahamson, Norman Abrahamson, Ben Blatt, Bruce Bloom, Emma Briggs, Murray Cohen, Leonard DePorte, Valva Feldman, William Fried, Zalman Friedman, Sarah Ginsburg, Marion Graetz, Meyer Green, Sylvia Greenberg, Rochelle Konigsberg Henriques, Harriet Herman, Mabel Katskee, Bess Raznick Katzman, Spencer Abraham Klopper, Dorothe Koren, Dorothy Kripke, Carl Lagman, Jay Lashinsky, Ronnie Linn, George Malacoff, Julia Nakhimovich, Jeanette Nepomnick, Julie Novak, Albert Oruch, Harold Oruch, Lee Jane Parsow, Keith Peltz, Tillie Plotkin, Morton Richards, Morris Roitstein, Rachel Roitstein, Louis Roth, Aaron Schwartz, Hilda Schwartz, Rebecca Segal, Edward Shafton, Ben Shefren, George S. Shrago, Helen Shukert, Allen Siegel, Ben Simons, Pearl Singer, Kate Frederick Sonnabend, Billie Spiegal, Maurice Steinberg, Mac Warshauer, Arthur Weise, Fannie Witt, Richard" Wolf, Norma Wucker, Rose Comen, Rose Fischer, David Cherwitz.

B'NAI MITZVAH Bar Mitzvah: Douglas Barenbaum Meyers, Stephen Lercher, Robert Mosenkis, Joshua Sweet, Zach Josephson, Ben Rabb, Corey Green, Matthew Cooper, Alex Raksin, Marc Cohen, Nathan Fineman; Bat Mitzvah: Jessica Belmont, Amy Saylan, Brittany Sukiennik, Gal Tsabari, Naomi Rennard, Jodi Levine, Rebecca Kahn, Elizabeth Cody, Shayna Kurland, Anne Turetsky, Elizabeth Goodman, Ariel Fried.

Tiffany Magid and Steven Denenberg Lori Kooper and Wayne Schwarz" Ruth Mitchell and Paul Lesser Jennifer Weiss and David Kaslow Leslie Golbitz and Brian Eades Jennifer Kay and Anthony Chamberlin Allison Skid and Jay Gordman Holly Friedman and David Weill Marti Epstein and Charlie Katz Emily Larmore and Joshua Cooper Karen Schwalb and Ruston Ross Elizabeth Epstein and Stuart Bohart Doris Kwiatek and William Cohen Luann Chandler and David Golbitz Linda Gelfand and Samuel Wildstein Michelle Abramson and Herbert Tuisana Suzanne Riekes and Tracy Daw

BIRTHS Ethan Herschel Shrago son of Leslie and Michael Shrago Joshua Alexander and Hannah Rose Stein son and daughter of Julie and David Stein Natalie Tate Pichik daughter of Shelly and Mike Pichik Elita Gendler daughter of Amy Gendler Jacob Austin Kirshenbaum son of Barbara and Scott Kirshenbaum Catherine Joseph Cox daughter of Penny and Michael Cox Adam Charles Cooper son of Amy Cooper

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Page 78

Jewish PRress, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

Teifiple Israel SPIRITUAL LEADERS Rabbi Aryeh Azriel Rabbi Debbie Stiel Cantor Jennifer Blum BOARD OF TRUSTEES Paul Epstein, President; Michael Walts, Spencer Brookstein and Angela Krieger, Vice-presidents; Andi Willensky, Secretary, Dennis DePorte, Treasurer; Rick Pox, Assistant Treasurer; Larry Roffman, Past-president; Board members: Thomas Baker, Mitzi Delman, Shayna Denny, Allyson Freeman, Robert Freeman, Larry Gendler, Wendy Goldberg, John Lehr, Jon Meyers, Howard Needelman, Jeffrey Passer, Barbara Rips, Jane Rips, Kimberly Robinson, Stacey Rockman, Margo Rosen, Rosalie Saltzman, Jeffrey Schweid, Jeffrey Smedhmd.

WOMEN OF REFORMJUDAISM Wendy Goldberg, President; Elyce Azriel, Betsy Baker, Deb Marburg, Melany Weinstiiie, Stacey Rockman and Kay Weinstein, Vice-presidents; Jackie Cohn, Treasurer; Amber Baker, Recording Secretary; Sharon Brodkey-Yoel, Communications.

TEMPLE YOUTH GROUP Shayna Denny and Allyson Freeman, Copresidents; Ben Taxman, Steve Sternberg, Adam Rosen and J a m i e Skog, Vice-presidents; Ben Delman, Treasurer; Alex Bloom, Secretary; Sara Rips and Margaret Terry, JYG Liasions; Lauren Freeman, Emily Sternberg and Rebecca Sternberg, Membership.

BIRTHS

B'NAI MITZVAH Michael, son of Mr and Mrs. Ben Belmont Jacob, son of Dr. and Mrs. Jon Bleicher Jeremiah, son of Drs. Stacie and Bob Bleicher Jacob, son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Finnicum Jonathan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gates Jordan, son of Dr. and Mrs. Jay Kenik Dustin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lepp Max McCann, son of Julie Tully Joel, son of Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Passer Max Rogers-Marcovitz, son of Mimi Rogers and Dr. Michael Marcovitz KC. Ruback, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Ruback Adam, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Skog Jared, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Waldbaum Sara, daughter of Drs. Kenneth and Alison Cowan Naomi, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Fox Angela, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Friedman Erica, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Alan Langnas Jamie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Tully Stephanie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Wilson Naomi, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wolfson

ARRIVALS Nicholas Alexander and Allison Clare son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Gribens Emilie D'rai Min daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Stein

Ethan Dann and Michael Ihsan Adato, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Adato Brayden Alexander, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Bramhall Benjamin Aaron, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Cohen Eliot Rach, son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Cohn Jack Elias, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Fletcher Adam Jay, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Folsom Michael Hunter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Goldstrom Jonathan Jacob and Harley Nelson sons of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Gordman Noah James, son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hale Cole Williams, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Horner Abraham Rubin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lewis Andrew Stephen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Curt Myers Seth Harry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Norton Jacob Henry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marty Roos Harrison Jon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Stoneking Jake Samuel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Danny Thiess Joshua Daniel and Eric Jacob, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Vann Benjamin Morris, son of Marc Warren and Barbara Benenson (Temple Israel's listings continued on next page)

For information, call 556-6536.

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September 29,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, JNE

Page 79

Temple Israel (Continued from page 78)

DEATHS

BIRTHS Hannah Faye, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Damon Bargas Bailee Renee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Todd Gerber Sophia Madison, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Gilinsky Jane Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Glazer Madison Helene, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Kiper Kathleen Tompkins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Kirshenbaum Amanda Margaret and Jessica Regina, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Jay M. Malashock Liza Diane, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Douglas Monasebian Zoey Haiden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jody Newman Chloe Madison, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Ray Eliana Rochelle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reiss Sydney Rae, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Scott Ellie Paige, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Simon Peyton Abby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Skall Samantha Frances, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sullivan

IsaDavida,

Milton R. Abrahams, Norman Abrahamson, Lucille Schwartz Benke Andrew, Irving Becker, Morris Becker, Dr. Harry Berman, Leonard Bernstein, Bruce Bloom, Dan P. Bohbot, Reva Bolotnikov, Michael Bookin, Duane Bramsen, Ruby Christensen, Ben K. Cohn, Mollie Coolik, Lester Doucet, Ajon Faidley Farber, Alvin H. Friedman, Leonard Friedman, Stewart Gilinsky, Rose Ricks Gimple, Ruth Goldstein, Harold Gordman, Minnie Green, Sylvia Turkel Greenberg, William Greenberg, Stephen Greenwald, Anne Halper, Jack Hamburg, Donald G. Harris, Harriet "Happy" Herman, Louis Kaiman, Dorothe Koren.

Eunice Krasne, Elaine June Whitman Kuklin, Ilya Levit, Dr. Eugene London, Lorraine Mellick, Martha Migdal, Frieda B. Milder, Mayer Moskovitz, Perry I. Nadler, Rose Nadler, Jeanette Nepomnick, Harry Noodell, Julie Ann Novak, Turan Onat, Albert Oruch, Harold Oruch, Lee Jane Parsow, Dewey Pistulka, Beverly Toby Portnoy, Morton A. Richards, Herman Roesberg, Morris Roitstein, Larry Sadofsky, Vernon Schiff, Sonia Schrager, Edward Shafton, Lori Shanhouse, Ben H. Simons, Irwin Soref, Bertha "Billie" Spiegal, Jeffrey S. Spiegal, Malvina Spitzer, Sylvia Stein, Betty Sternhill, Arlene Walter, Herman Weinstein, Frances Wilczewski, George Wright, Hermene Zweiback.

Happy New Year from Dan & Usha Sherman

daughter of Rabbi Josh Zweiback and Jacqueline Hantgan

MARRIAGES Tracy Bernstein and Lester Lewis Nikki Circo and Adam Kirshenbaum Antonia Delgadillo and Andrew Schroeder Barbara Ann Donenberg and Thomas Harris Saundra Dwinnell and Kevin Clarke Didi Fitzgerald and Jeffrey Turkel Randi Turkel Katelman and Joseph Nanfito • Karen Kushner- and Robert Weirich Tracy Kutler and Lance Kugler Tiffany Magid and Steven Denenberg Kimber Myers and Steven Givner Susan Noddle and Marvin Levine Diane Olsen and Larry Rosenthal Claire Passer and Pierre Flatowicz

Edye Roffman and Joseph Vitek Patti Seeger and Richard Milder Jill Segel and Michael Erman Susan Stern and Alan Kohll Kris Stootsberry and David Kully Sarah Yanes and Daniel Wigodsky

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Page 80

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29,2000

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Forrest Knitter, President; Bob Lepp, Vice-president and Secretary; Jane Rips and Suzanne Singer, Vicepresidents; Bob Eisenberg, Treasurer; Howard Kooper, Past-president; Agency Presidents: Jeff Smedlund, JELS; Prank Flatowicz, JFS; Richard Jacobson, JCC; Silvia: Roffman, JSS; Ann Goldstein, ADL-CRC; Constitutional Committee Chairmen: Margo Riekes, Marketing; Steve Pitlor, Planning & Evaluation; Arnie Weitz, Budget & Allocation; Sorin

Juster, Building & Grounds; Lloyd Roitstein, Jewish Press; Stacie Brodkey, YJO; Blaine Roffman, Foundation; Zoe Riekes, Overseas; Board members: Paul Shyken; Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Paul Drazen, Rabbi Howard Kutner; Women's Campaign: Cookie Hoberman and Sharee Newman; Men's Campaign: Joe Kirshenbaum and Bob Kully.

For information, call Jan Perelman, Executive Director, 334-6433.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE/

Richard Jacobson, President; Bob Belgrade, Gary COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Epstein, Roxanne Kahn, Jeff Kirshenbaum, Vice-presi- Ann Goldstein, President; Mimi Waldbaum and Sara dents; Mark Sanford, Immediate Past-president; Board Juster, Vice-presidents; Larry Raful, Immediate Pastmembers: Tom Baker, Ben Belmont, Paul Cohen, Mary president; Board members: Jill and Mark Belmont, Al Kay Davis, Penny Endelman, Lisa Epstein, Wendy Crounse, Joe Erman, Larry Gendler, David Gilinsky, Goldberg, Don Goldstein, Carol Hahn, Marti Harris, Bucky Greenberg, Jim Harris, Gary Javitch, Maurice Sorin Juster, Larry Kelberg, Kevee Kirshenbaum, John Katzman, Bob Kully, Lisa and Denny Lewis, Gary Lehr, Steve Levinger, Michael Miller, Janie Murow, Nachman, Robert Newman, Sharee Newman, Magda Susie Norton, Julie Phillips, Marcia Pitlor, Steve Pitlor, Peck, Kevin Saltzman, Anne Shackman, Sylvia Wagner, Marv Polikov, Nancy Nogg Rauhauser, Kimberly IrvYaffe.

Robinson, Dave Ruback, Natalie Rubin, Bruce For information, call 333-1303.

Shackman, Norm Sheldon, Tom Vann, Nancy Wolf, JEWISH EDUCATIONAL AND LIBRARY SERVICES Jamie Zacharia.

For membership information, call Lisa Shkolnick, Jeff Smedlund, President; Nadine Kutner and Dennis Paley, Vice-presidents; Mitzi Delman, Past-president; Member Services Director, 334-6425.

Elected Board Members: Justin Cooper, Judy Finkle, JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE Linda Gordman, Karin Levine, Debbie Salomon, Aveva Frank Flatowicz, President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Shukert, Nancy Wolf; Representatives: Elyce Azriel and Stacie Spies-Matz, Treasurer; Gloria Kaslow, Immediate Joan Cooper (TIRS); Michael Linn (FJA); Scott Littky past-president; Directors: Sheri Abramson, Susan Cohn, (BESTT); Jeff Ferber and Alice Weiss (Beyt Shalom); Beth Tracy Grinstead-Everly, Barry Grossman, JoAnn Hill- Cohen (Beth Israel); Rabbis Azriel, Drazen and Kutner; Gold, Sally Kaplan, Lisa Lewis, Scott Littky, Patricia Ex-officio: Howard Epstein (Beth El); Paul Epstein Newman, Sandy Passer, Zoe Riekes, Sheila Rosen, Susie (Temple Israel); Don Gerber (Beth Israel); Lynn Salmi Shyken, Todd Simon, James Wax, Andi Willensky, (Beyt Shalom); Leonard Greenspoon (Klutznick); Kathy Nancy Wolf.

Hirshman (JELS Administrator); Harris Finkelstein For more information, call 330-2024.

(Library Director); Carolyn Novicoff (JELS Director); Forrest Knitter (Federation President); Frances Gottlieb, JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Steve Riekes, Marge Bresel, Patricia Newman, Sherri Silvia Roffman, President; Joan Bernstein and Yale Green, Harry Berman, Jennifer Glazer.

Richards, Vice-presidents; Morton Glass, Secretary; John For information, call 334-6445.

Lehr, Treasurer; Jerry Kohll, Immediate past-president; Board members: Bob Belgrade, Stanley Edelstein, JEWISH PRESS Sandy Epstein, Sam Fried, Sanford Friedman, Bruce Lloyd Roitstein, Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Vice-chairGoldberg, Gary Javitch, Marcel Kahn, Joan Kaiman, man; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Maxine Kirshenbaum, Harold Mann, David Meyers, Treasurer; Committee members: Jill Belmont, Jean Myra Oberman, Marcia Pitlor, Norman Smeerin, Duitch, Penny Endehnan, Kip Gordman, Gary Kudym, Marlene SuMennik, Andi Willensky, Tim Zweiback; Toby Howard K. Marcus, Linda Saltzman, Steve Simon, Aimee Kagan, Honorary Member; Rabbis Azriel, Drazen and Zetzman, George Schapiro (Honorary).

Kutner. .

For information, call 334-6448.

For information, call 330-4272.

THE FOUNDATION OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

Blaine Roffman, Chairman; Steven Bloch and Suzanne Knitter, Robert I. Kully, Martin J. Lehr, Jay Noddle, Singer, Vice-chairmen; Committee members: Henry Harley D. Schrager, Stephen H. Simon, Richard Davis, Barbara A. Epstein, Michael M. Erman, Morton Slosburg, Norman Veitzer.

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September 29,2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 81

Organizations NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

Beth Friedman, President; Stacie Brodkey, Elizabeth Cohen, Deb Marburg, Kim Noddle, Jennifer Meyerson, Ann Moshman, Susie Norton, Pam Monsky, Vice-presidents; Cheryl Lerner, Treasurer; Jill Baron, Financial Secretary; Iris Ricks, Member Services Secretary; Debbie Friedman, Recording Secretary, Directors: Beth Cohen, Pam Friedlander, Karin Levine, Lori Miller, Patricia Newman, Heidi Schneidennan; Committee Chairwomen: Sally Zipursky, Carol Katzman, Pam Friedlander, Roxanne Kahn, Kate Kirshenbaum; Cindy Goldberg, Past president; Sara Juster, State Public Affairs; Carol Bloch, National Board Member; Jan Schneiderman, National President. For membership information, call Jennifer Meyerson, 492-9878.

YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS

OMAHA CHAPTER OF HADASSAH

L.O.V.E.

Beth Gaynes Ginsburg, President; Sandra Kohll, Joye Marlene andHyman Sukiennik, Co-presidents; Eileen Wees, Carol Parsow, Georgia Ann Steinberg, Nancy and Miles Remer, Co-presidents-elect; Margo Parsow, Rampey Biniamow, Vice-presidents; Esther Wax, Carol Parsow and Judy Brookstein, Vice-presidents^ Treasurer; Phyllis Fried, Recording Secretary; Board of Dinah Raful, Recording Sec'y; Ellen Platt, Directors: Etta Epstein, Pauline Guss, Rim Gonsher, Corresponding Sec'y; Eileen Remer, Treasurer; Nancy Madeline Katzman, Bette Kozlen, Corinne Levin, Iris Wolf, Ass't Treasurer; Patty Nogg, Advisor; Elected Ricks, Linda Saltzman, Charlotte Kaplan, Miriam Board Members: Joanie Bernstein, Joann Blatt, Debbi Meyerson, Doris Shukert, Faye Ruback, Mary Fellman, Brookstein, Pam DePorte, Leslie Eades, Ellene Ervin Simon. For membership information, call Joye Edelstein, Rocky Lewis, Donna Olesh, Jill Sideris, Kathy Weiner. For membership information, call 330-4272.

Wees, 498-0812, or Carol Parsow, 289-3211 VISIONS

Jim Wax, Exeutive Chairman; Marilyn Sacks, Treasurer; Gilda Reck, Recording Secretary; Wally Elkon, Advisor; Committee Chairmen: Wally Elkon and Marvin Gerber, Luncheons; Marilyn Fried, Cultural; Irv and Mildred Chudacoff, Historians; Selma Sadofsky, Membership; Marcel and Use Kahn, Mitzvah; Dee Fox, Publicity; Maurice and Rosalie Meiches, Social Programs; Marcie Gallner and Elaine Feldman, Trips & Travel For membership information, call Staff director Margaret Conti, 334-6521.

Sarah Lewis and Art Grossman, Co-presidents; Ilene Pachman, Vice-president; Millie Altman, Recording Secretary; Ann Margolin, Treasurer; Frieda Krizelman, Membership Secretary; Chairpersons: Jean Marshall, Program; Kay Ferer, Telephone/Hospital; Reva Oruch and Julie Schapiro, Contributions; Charlie Susman and Dan Greenfield, Matre D; Charlotte Kaplan, Historian; HENRY MONSKY LODGE OF B'NAI B'RITH Sally Venger, Hospitality; Norm Zevitz, Member-atGary Javitch, President; Dan Marburg and Aaron large. For membership information, call staff director Weiner, Vice-presidents; Lois Epstein, Financial Margaret Conti, 334-6521.

Secretary I Treasurer; Adam Jacobs, Immediate PastNEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY president; Gerald Meyer, Guardian I Warden; Jim Bob Belgrade, President; Joan Bernstein, Vice-president; Farber, Banquet Chairman; Sol Kutler, Lunch Karen Pollak, Treasurer; Dottie Rosenblum, Secretary; Chairman; Trustees: Al Abramson, Mike Abramson, Mary Fellman, Executive Director and Co-founder;0]iveT Richard Diamond, Rich Juro, Myron Kaplan, Larry Pollak, Co-founder; Board of Directors: Louise Kelberg, Howard Kutler, Steve Riekes, Ed Rosen, Ira Abrahamson, Phyllis Bittner, Tuffy Epstein, Lois Tractenbarg. For membership information, call Lois Friedman, Charlotte Kaplan, Sheldon Kushner, Linda Epstein, 334-6443, Mann, Ben Nachman, Max Neiden. For membership OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING information, call 334-6441.

Allan Gonsher, President; Leon Shrago, Vice-president; JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL Myra Oberman, Secretary; Mike Katzman, Treasurer. For Frieda Krizelman, President; Rosalie Greenspan and Beth information, call Rabbi Shlomo Levin, Director, 551-1564. Friedman, Vice-presidents; Esther Wax, Treasurer; Dora KALAH FRANKLIN CHAPTER OF AMIT WOMEN Goldstrom, Financial Sec'y; Shirley Brody, Rec. Sec'y; Corinne Levin, Corres. Sec'y; Goldye Goldberg, Counselor; Charlotte Kaplan, President; Annette Fettman, Sarah Maxine Noddell, Historian; Committee Chairmen: Rose Landsman, Ruth Babendure, Georgia Ann Steinberg, Rosenberg, Anne Skolkin, Lila Jacoby, Betty Goldstrom, Vice-presidents; Jean Epstein, Secretary; Reva Elaine Tepperman, Allison Latenser Pachman, Sylvia Ruderman, Treasurer; Jeanette Nadoff, Advisor; Marion Daivs, Betty Fisher, Barbara Bernson, Babe Aronoff. For Strauss, Reservations. For membership information, call 551-£j658. membership information, call 391-0661.

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Page 82

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

Leading the Change (Continued from page 62) been married for 24 years; they have a son, Jason, 23, and a daughter, Shayna, 21. Because of his background, Flatowicz wanted to help others in some capacity.

"In the '80s, I asked Howard Epstein, then President of Jewish Family Service, how I could volunteer. Somehow, my message was not relayed and time simply passed," he recalled.

While in Israel nine years later with Jan Perelman, (then Missions Director and now Executive Director), he again offered to volunteer. "This time, Gloria Kaslow called me as soon as I returned to Omaha and put me on the Jewish Family Life Education Committee. That was the focal point of all the programming for the agency."

He only intended to work on a committee and learn about the agency through its programs. "I received another call from Gloria and was asked to become a board member," he said. "After a limited number of meetings, I became treasurer."

His responsibilities changed overnight and he explained, "I was then asked to be Vice-president. I became President in 1999 and now I'm on my second term. I wasn't sure I could do it because I had never been president of anything before!"

JFS is truly asocial service agency. Some of the programs are consistent every year; others are developed for changes that occur. JFS offers adoption services and home studies, hosted a Women's Symposium last year and will sponsor a Men's Symposium on Nov. 12.

The agency also offers programs responding to teenage suicide, drug use, and parenting issues, as well as intermarriage and bereavement issues.

After the departure of Todd Ephraim from JFS, Flatowicz "ran the agency" for two months.

During his presidency, Flatowicz is proud of leading the search committee which hired Steve Stiel as Executive Director. "He is well-networked in the Jewish community," Flatowicz noted, "and has business strengths, but understands the human interest point of view."

Now a controller for Innersalon Designs, Inc., Flatowicz learned how exciting it is to have positive interaction with a board. He particularly enjoys seeing volunteers who are excited and involved.

"My own knowledge has grown tenfold and I am able to give the board direction, something I feel good about!"

BtRT'S EYE VIEW

by BERT LEWIS

It wasn't a surprise for me to learn a Jewish newspaper has been published in our community for 80 years.

For one thing, I remember researching something a few years ago, and discovering a fascinating issue of the Jewish Bulletin. That paper was dated March 12,1920, and one of the social items was a report of a wedding of particular interest to me.

One of the bridesmaids was Miss Bertha Rothenberg and the other was Rebecca Bercovici, both names undoubtedly familiar to descendents of the ladies. The wedding was described as a "short ceremony of benediction which united the young couple into a companionship of life".

Whoever wrote that was right on the mark, because that "companionship of life" lasted for 69 years. I can be certain of this because the "young couple" were my parents. You can't imagine what it was like to stumble across this little note in that old paper!

Anyone who's been around this city for some (if not all) of those 80 years since 1920, could undoubtedly tell many stories about the changes they've witnessed.

Folks must recall the synagogues scattered in all sorts of neighborhoods, from the near north side to south Omaha. They are remembered by many, but no longer exist in the original; some have been replaced by modem, handsome buildings.

And I wonder how many oldrtimers remember those early streetcars that represented public transportation.

They were noisy, clattering down the tracks, but they must have been a godsend to those folks who had no other mode of travel.

If you remember them, you probably remember when the milkman still traveled in a horse-drawn wagon. That was the power for many delivery businesses. Remember when fresh-baked products were brought to the door? (My roommate has happy memories of Mr. Forbes appearing on Sunday morning with the best doughnuts in the world! They were enjoyed while reading the funnies,) Yes, if you were around 80, 70, 60 or even 50 years ago, you must remember many things about this community back then. You might remember when the first JCC was in it's heyday at 20th and Dodge, or the Highland card rooms downtown, which preceded the

Highland Country Club building on Pacific Street.

If those are familiar, you probably also recall how Jewish demographics began to change. In the early days, the north side (commonly known as 24th Street) was the area in which to find everything from kosher meat to fresh fish, from marvelous pumpernickel and rye to the world's best smoked salmon, plus the barrels of dill pickles.

Also (I'm told), in that neighborhood, there were hardware stores and others of that nature, which meant that when my mom, as a new bride, needed to amass Passover kitchen utensils, she could find tbem at the Star Store. (I'm still astonished when I remember the "butcher knife" bought for a nickel and used nearly all of her years of housekeeping.)

There could also be found a movie theatre and perhaps if you knew the neighborhood, you remember my father-in-law's jewelry store which somehow, with time, evolved into the better known appliance business.

I'm not certain when the tide began to turn more toward mid-town, and then to the west, but movement began as we all know. Some few stores remained for years after the major exodus. I certainly recall when the only place to buy kosher meat was on "24th Street."

So many changes through these eight decades we've been talking about. . .look what we've lived through, one day at a time. When I was a little girl, my grandparents used to talk dreamily about Eretz Yisrael some day, some day maybe, they thought, a Yid could touch the ground of the Holyland.

When the dream came true, with the birth of the State of Israel, well, who could believe it had finally happened? And who would have thought they would some day actually be in Israel? When we count the many changes we've witnessed, Israel maybe should stand out at the top of the list.

There are hundreds more, but we already know how the world has changed since 1920, when the Jews of this city first had access to a newspaper. Still, a person can't help but feel amazed. And isn't it nice to know, after all these years, you can still count on the Jewish Press in your mailbox on Friday?

On that note, I send my personal good wishes for a very happy new year, enjoyed in the best of health!

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September 29, 2000

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 83

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Index of Advertisers Advertiser

Page

Abraham Catering 50 Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman 38 Acura of Omaha 30 Adley.Dottie 73 Ak Sar Ben Beef 28 Ak Sar Ben TV Service 11 Alamar Uniforms 54 Albert's .26 All Makes Office Equipment Co. 50 All Seasons Home Improvement Co 9 Aliens 48 American Family Inn , 50 American National Bank 51 Ameristar Casino Hotel 81 Amit Women .

40 Anderson O'Brien Fine Art Gallery 19, 32 Angies ........^.

53 Anti-Defamation League 83 AON 29 Aramark ; 79 ARMDI 68 Arnold Weitz & Co 21 Associated Counseling Professionals 12 Bag "N Save 10, 78 Bagel Bin 15 Bags & Baggage , 68 Bakers „. ........ 3,77 Bare Elegance 75 Barrett Reed 74 Baxter Jaguar . ,. 62 BebOs 72 Belgrade Family 27 Bell Federal Credit Union 11 Bergman's »15 Beth El Synagogue 40 Beth Israel Sisterhood ; 40 Beth Israel Synagogue 40 Beyt Shalom 23,40 Bike Rack 12 BILU/USY -16 Blue Cross Blue Shield 43 Blumenthal, Cady & Associates Inc , 25 B'nai B'rith Youth Organization • 16,40 B'nai Israel Synagogue 40 Body Basics • - 73 Bookworm 71 Borsheim's , 75 Broadmoor Development Company • • ••••• 42 Broadmoor Market 71 Brodkey's 57 Bruegger's Bagels „ 62 Builders Supply 27 Camelot Cleaners • •• 46 Canfield's Sporting Goods -. . 48 Care Consultants for the Aging 50 CBS Home Real Estate 46 Chabad of Nebraska 40 Charleston's 48 Chen's Hallmark 67 Child Development Center 45 Christel's 59 City Glass Company ••..

43 Clarkson College 33 Cohen 34 Comfort Care Homes 70 Commercial Printing Co 9 Contemporary Eyewear • 38 Country Inn & Suites 76 Countryside Village ......; 71 Creighton University 60 Custom Gems, Inc. • • •• 47 DainRauscher •••• • • 26 Dance Shoppe 71 David Morton Food Marketing 67 Davidsons ......

42 Dean's 21 Deniz 73 Eisenberg Art Gallery 46 Eisenberg, Robert 7 Elan 76 Elisa liana 81 Elliott Equipment Company 43 Enterprise Bank 18 Euro Cafe & Deli 39 Events, Inc. • 54 Factory Eyeglass 55 Family Enrichment, Inc. • • 53 Farm House 72 Fashion Cleaners 80 Fast Frame 73 First National Bank 4 First Westroads Bank 58 Fitzgerald, Schorr, Bannettler & Brennan, P.C 14 FlatironCafe 61 Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha 20 Frankel, Zacharia, Arnold, Nissen, Stamp & Reinsch, LLC 20 Fraser, Stryker, Vaughn, Meusey, Olson, Coyer & Bloch 61 French Cafe 15 Friedel Jewish Academy , , 23,40 v

Advertiser

Page

Funny Bone Galaska Printing and Decorating Inc. Garbo's , Garden Cafe Ginger's Hang-Up Goldberg & Shrier Gordmans Grace/Mayer Insurance Great Wall Great Western Bank Greek Islands Grubb & Ellis Hadassah Halperin Hampton Inn Harveys Casino Hawkins Construction Company Henry Monsky Lodge B'nai B'rith Herman's N u t House Hockenbergs Honeyman Rent-All Horizon Dental Center —••

• • • , •••• •

.

——•

27 34 74 31 - 24 12 84 10 79 14 57 45 ~ 40 5 35 6 53 40 61 24 - 38 27

• •

Husker Auto Group • • • 64 Hy-Vee 17, 66 I-G6 Van & Storage 20 Imperial Palace • 72 Independent Roofing Company •••• -> • •••• *21 Industrial Label Corporation • • —13 Industrial Packaging Corporation 19 Isuzu Truck of Omaha ,.

32 Jack & Mary's 72 Jacobson Fish Co., Inc 46 Janousek Florist Inc _ 67 Jewish Community Center 52 Jewish Cultural Arts Council 70 Jewish Educational and Library Services • • 11 Jewish Family Service ...

• 22 Jewish Federation -82 Jewish Federation Library ;.

69 Jewish Federation of Lincoln 18 Jewish Press 2, 67 Jewish Senior Services 40t 44 Jewish War Veterans ••.. ;.................

- 40 Jewish Women International • • •—• 40 John A. Gentleman r 20 Julio's • • , •• 34 Katelman Company Antiques • • —-28 KETV • • •«••- • 29 KingFong Cafe • ••• • 9 Kolill's Pharmacy & Homeeare —......19 KPMGLLP 9 Krieger & Krieger • - 26 La Strada 72 • — 51 Landon's • • 38 Le Cafe de Paris 50 League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly (LOVE) • 40 Lemer Company • —-• 76 Life Care Center of Elkhorn 18 Iindy Freed Design • .

70 linen Gallery • 71 Lion's Automotive Upholstery • 32 Louie M's Burger Lust • — • •• 38 Louis Liquor ......................

••••"28 Lynn Roberts International • • 58 Malashock Jewelry • 48 Malbar Vision Centers —•• • • "-rrSS- •> 32 Mann's •• • ; • 67 Marathon Realty Corporation •••••• ; • •• 25 MarkSanford Group Market Basket Marks Clare & Richards —— Maetercraft ••— • • M a t u r e Resources ••

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McDermott & Miller McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C. Mediterranean Bistro • —••• Mediterranean Foods, Inc Mega Corporation Metropolitan Community College Mid City Bank Mid-Con Systems, Inc. Mid-City Jewelry & Loan Midwest Box Co. Midwest Ear, Nose, & Throat, P.C. Midwest Woodworkers • Millard Lumber Inc. MJJava Montage Mt. Sinai Cemetery Mulhall's ^ Mutual Protective My Gym N. Pitlor & Son, Inc. NanC. National Conference of Synagogue Youth National Council of Jewish Women Nebraska Furniture Mart

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Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Nebraska Warehouse Nebraska Wine & Spirits, Inc No Frills Nobbies ..'

•• Noddle Development Company Nogg Chemical & Paper Co. Norm's Door Service Nu Trend Dry Cleaners • Omaha Center for Torah Learning •• Omaha Compound Company Omaha K Gifts ~............

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Security National Bank SenorMatias Siegler's Catering Service Silvercreat Assisted Living ••—•• Sol's Jewelry & Loan Sonny Gerber Auto Sales Sparks Computerized Car Care Spirit World St. Joseph Villa Stan Olsen Nissan-Hyundai State of Israel Bonds Stokes Grill & Bar Sunridge Village Superior Pools, Spas, Etc Sutin, Ruth & John ••—• • Swartzbaugh Farber •-

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Sweet & Associates, P.C. 36 Temple Israel •— —• • — • 40 The Times • •—•• •• 49 Thompson, C h e s t e r -• • • —— 5 1 Tilly • , 74 t i m e Center • • • 77 Tipp, S t e v e n J . •••••• • • • — •••• 7 Togs "• •••-•••• • • • 77 Topps •• • • .......:......

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74 Tower Travel ••— ••.».

• -• —•• 26 Travel Faire • • • 80 Trovato's ••.

• —— ••• - 20 TruGreen Interior P l a n t Care • 62 United Distillers Products Co. 61 University of N e b r a s k a Medical Center 63 University of N e b r a s k a , Lincoln 31 US Bank '.

6

V.Mertz Valentino's Vann Realty Village Stationery Village Toymaker Vincenzo's Visions Westroads Medical Group Wheat Fields Wicks TST Sticks Wiesnian Development Winery WolfBros WolfsonUsed Cars Woodmen of the World WOWT Yo Yo Grille - • Young Energetic Seniors/Oldtimers

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46 * 81 36 71 68 :•— 32 40 24 72 5 47 51 62 14 28 54 81 40

Page &4 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 29, 2000

Happy New Year BRANDS YOU WANT Savings you deserve!