Friday, April 6,2001 • 13 Nisan, 5761
Vol. LXXX No. 26
:- 7
Max and San Rotfrenherg, or is it fan and Max, practice reading the Torah in preparatkmsfcrthetB'naiMitz^
at Beth B Synagogue in June,
Page 2 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
The B'nai Mitzvah Class of 2001 In the 1989 Pasaover issue of the Jewish Press, Jewish camping experiences or the long prepara- our regular weekly issues. Allan Handleman, hired just last October as our Silvia Roffman wrote, "To most of us, I'm sure the tion for Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Others have written year 2001 seems like a really long way off. And I'm about people important to their young lives: par- newest Account Executive, has now stepped into certain the words 'twenty-first century7 have a feel- ents, grandparents, teachers, Holocaust survivors the role of Advertising Manager. On top of generatand others. They've allowed us to share a glimpse ing additional revenue for this newspaper, he is ing of belonging to the distant future." The theme of that issue began when Roffman into their lives through their writings, their person- now responsible for the administrative duties assorealized in 1987 that children born the following al prayers, their devrei Torah and their photos. ciated with the advertising department. Though not every teen who has or will celebrate a year would be celebrating their B'nai Mitzvah in Tim Ketelsen, also new to the Press, is now "logBar or Bat Mitzvah this year has participated in ging" ads for the paper in addition to his duties as the year 2001. Some of us did have babies in 1988. And when we this issue, the Jewish Press has tried to feature bookkeeper. And Jen Gates, Production Assistant realized that their B'nai Mitzvah year—2001— additional teens through photos, some recent, some since 1998, is working extra hours in page makeshared a futuristic feeling with the movie of the taken in preschool, some in one-year-old play up, runs to the printer, scanning, and more. same name, Stanley Kubrick's 2001, A Space groups. The hardworking, conscientious staff of the Odyssey--it seemed only natural that the Press fol- We hope those who were not featured in this Jewish Press deserves our heartfelt thanks and our low these infants from birth. issue will join this group in a future Passover edi- sincere appreciation! The 1989 issue featured articles written mostly tion. And we hope you, the reader, enjoy this jourBut there are more people who helped: Barbara by parents; the pieces offered the hopes and dreams ney of sorts as we look forward to discovering more Frankel and Rocky Stern, longtime salespeople, of the future and the trials of parenting active tod- about the Class of 2001 once again, in 2006, when also stepped in with offers of help during,this busy dlers (including a pair of twins and a set of they graduate from high school! season, all while selling ads. Longtime volunteer triplets!), An issue of this size does not happen by magic. It George Schapiro dutifully filed insert orders and Roffman hoped that first issue would be the takes months of planning, extra hours on the phone photos. beginning of a chronicle of sorts, that would take and in the office, tracking down information and Roffman wondered how many of the initial group readers through the lives of this group of babies photos, creating computerized pages and physically of babies in 1989 would still be in Omaha in 2001. through kindergarten, their B'nai Mitzvah years, putting ads, photos and articles on the pages in We're happy to report that few have moved away, high school and beyond. And so far, the Press has preparation for printing. and those who have are still in touch as noted by been right on target; in January, 1993, the second These past few weeks have been especially diffi- the stories sent by Maggie Fried (now of Kansas part featured a group of about 15 preschoolers who culty since the death of Larry Axelrod, Advertising City) and Sarah Schulman of Texas. entered kindergarten the following fall. Manager of the Jewiah Press for the lasi; seven These young teens are about to enter a critical And now, for Passover of 2001, it's time for this years. His responsibilities have been ably handled stage in their development. We pray the communigroup to share their own experiences. Some of the by the capable Press staff, who leaped into one of ty welcomes them and supports their efforts to predictions made by their parents in 1989 have our busiest seasons with enthusiasm. grow as responsible, independent Jews. May we all Maureen LaPour, who has been Managing Editor share in a peaceful Pesach in this year and beyond, indeed come true-talking computers, astronauts on space stations, videophones and portable phones of the Press for nine years, organized the logging Carol Katzman, Editor and layout of this entire paper, in addition to her (all portrayed in the film of the same name, 2001!) Some of our young authors have written about regular duties of ad creation and page production of Lloyd Roitstein, Chairman
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The
The,Jewish Press Staff & Committee Lloyd Roitstein
(Founded in 1920) Chairman
Nebraska Press Association
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.
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The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $28 per calendar year U.S.; $32 foreign, by the Jewiah Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402-334-6448; FAX: '102-334-5422; e-mail editorial material, photos and address changes to: cbatzman#jewiBhomaha.org; send ads (in .Til'"1 or .PDF format) to: mlapour#jewishowiaha,org. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. l.T2nd St., Omaha, NB 68154-2198.
Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Barbara Frankel Rocky Stern Sales representatives Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer
JEWISH PBESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauor, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyce Azriol; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Penny Endolman; 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 wsawrves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Frews is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment.
April 6, 2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
In the spirit of the Passover season, we wish, for all a world of peace.
Page 3
Page 4 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
Choosing Role Models by MAX ROTHENBERG —
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When you're asked to write an article about an important Jewish figure in your life, it's tough to chose about whom to write. Of course, there are my preschool teachers, my Hebrew school teachers, the rabbi, the cantor, family and friends. They were, and still are, important in my life, but my mom and dad were the first two people who popped into my mind. I believe they are the most important Jewish figures in my life because, by teaching me what Judaism means to them, they have given me the foundation I need to continue my Jewish development. My parents began by bringing me up with all the typical Jewish traditions. It started with my Bris and has continued through all the usual celebrations. We are now approaching Bar Mitzvah time! As I got older, my parents always explained to me what each Jewish holiday meant and why we observed it. They read books especially written for kids about these holidays They discussed and showed me what customs we observed and the special foods we ate. They have taught me that when we go to the synagogue, we are observing the mitzvah of prayer. They have also talked about keeping kosher and why Jews have certain dietary laws. My parents have taught me about the Torah, the history of the Jews, the Holocaust, and the State of Israel. My parents sent me to a Jewish preschool and Hebrew school to continue my Jewish education. They made sure I followed in their footsteps and would have a Bar Mitzvah. These were all very important to them and are now important to me. Through their teachings, I have learned a great deal about Judaism. I am proud to be Jewish and thank my parents for everything they have taught me. I realize how important it is to know about my Jewish heritage in order to make sure it remains strong and does not die out. I hope I can do the same for my children when the time comes.
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Ian
Max by IAN ROTHENBERG
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Judaism is a religion that is not always understood. Our beliefs and our customs are different from other religions, and it takes a lot of education to learn about them. My parents and grandparentSj preschool teachers, Hebrew school teachers, and studying for my Bar Mitzvah have taught me about these beliefs and customs. You could say my parents began teaching me about Judaism from the time I waa born. They would always make sure I knew what every holiday was about, why we celebrated it, and foods that were special to it. My mom and dad would tell me great stories about the Jews, their wonderful triumphs and terrible defeats. They enrolled me in a Jewish preschool and made sure I attended Hebrew school. Now that I am practicing for my Bar Mitzvah, they are always willing to listen and help me. I am
glad to have parents who have raised me in a loving Jewish household. My grandparents have also taught me a lot about Judaism. My mom's parents have told me so much about the old days when they went to synagogue and what it was like to be Jewish when they grew up. Their parents, my great-grandparents, all came to America from Russia in the early 1900s. My grandparents can both speak a lot of Yiddish and love to teach it to me. My dad's mother always supplies ua with dreidela, Passover treats and other Jewish items. My parents enrolled me in the JCC preschool at the age of two. There I learned the stories and legends about the Jews. The teachers taught us about the various holidays and customs. Each week we took part in celebrating Shabbat and saying the (Continued on page 5)
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April 6» 2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Role Models (Continued from p a g e 4) —————— appropriate pmyorh. Wo learned the Hebrew alphabet, ami many Jewish songs. My Hebrew school teachers havo taught me about the history of our people and our religion Thuy have also taught mo about the Torah and how to read and write Hebrew. They have continued to help me develop :is a Jew. Practicing Tor my Bar Mitzvah ih another step I 1.ak.e in lourniny about Judaism. It has noi, only i,night HIP about Judaism, but also about patience and hard woik [ iiud Hint
practicing for my Har Mit7,v.ih is a true responsibility thai F must keop so I can do my bost when \ am on 1 he himah. Those are only a few people orevents that have furthered m> knowledge of Judaism. 1 urn thankful fot all of them. They have helped me jjrow stronger not only as :i rlew, but at. a >ounp adult.
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Max and Inn Roihenberg, twin nous of Stove and Bunny Rothonberg, are seventh graders at Wostsido Middle School and members of Beth El Synagogue.
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Rachel Katzman and Alexis Rolhenberff. Above: 2000--The Rothon-berj; family; Ian, left, Bunny, Max, Steve and Alexis.
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Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
Years to Remember at Friedel by JASON RICH
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As a member of the B'nai Mitzvah Glass of 2001, I feel the seven years at Friedel Jewish Academy had the most impact on my Jewish identity. I would like to share my sixth grade graduation speech with you. Welcome to the 11th annual Friedel Jewish Academy graduation. Last week at my brother's high school graduation, his class chose their motto to be "We stand here together, we stand here as one." I have also chosen this to be my motto. The "we" in "we stand here together" refers to me, myself and I. Since I AM the class, the we stand here as one makes a lot of sense. For as long as I have been at Friedel, my teachers, friends and fellow students have made these past seven years of my life, years to remember. Everybody here at Friedel has chipped in to make these years wonderful. I would like to thank the major contributors who have helped me pass through these seven years. Dr. Wohlberger—you taught me aleph-bet and basic Hebrew words through my kindergarten and first grade years. Thank you for your energetic way of teaching music. Rabbi Friedman—You had the coolest class in school and you started up the coolest club in school—The Flex 5 Floggenschlockers. Thanks for all your help. Scott Littky—And yes, I am your friend. Usually history class would be boring, but yours was actually interesting. Mrs. Thai;—I know we had, a hard
time in fifth grade, hut in sixth, I realized that you could be a really fun and exciting teacher if the kids would cooperate. Mrs. Azriel and Mrs. Varkony—~
Thank you for teaching the remainder of my sixth grade year. If you would not have come into the picture, Mr. Linn would have come in to teach while they were finding a replacement. Thaaaaaaaank you. Thanks to all of you who filled me with Hebrew knowledge. Miss Lucille Saunders; thank you for your kindness and generosity during my kindergarten year, Mrs. Voss—you taught me that life does not always go the way you want it to and to just go with the flow, Mrs, Sather—your fun loving attitude and your interesting way of teaching make you a remarkable teacher. Mrs. Bennett—your exciting field trips and your energetic style of teaching has made me feel right at home these past three years. Your ingenuity will stay with me for years to come. I would also like to thank Yoni Freund for being the best friend anybody could have had for 6 years. Thanks, buddy. Finally, I would like to thank my family. Mom and Dad—Thank you for helping me through the rough times and when I needed you the most. Brandon—whenever I am bummed, you always find the perfect joke and the right thing to say. Adam—thank you for all the help you have given me, all the pride and joy you have put into me. All these people have prepared me for my next milestone, Beveridge Middle School. I know we have time to name,all the principals I have had these seven invigorating years. I might run out of breath so bear with me—Kindergarten: Jodi Goldstein; First Grade: Michelle Biojas; Second Grade: Dr.
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r«-v 1992--Jason when h e started kindergarten at Friedel. Sorenson; Third Grade: Mrs. Peterson; Fourth and Fifth Grade: Rabbi Herzig. . . Thank you for having the courage to stay with me for two whole years; And finally, Sixth Grade: Mr. Michael Linn. Mr. Linn, thank you for being supportive during my sixth grade year and for spending time with each student and treating us as individuals. Thank you and good luck next year. I will always remember the good times I had, at Friedel, from my first day when my two brothers escorted me down that long sidewalk to the f?6nt doors for the beginning of my elementary years; to being the second student in the Friedel's history to be a back to back Civic Oration winner, to having the privilege of standing here
Jan. 13, 2001--Jason as a Bar Mitzvah. in front of you tonight reciting my farewell Bpeech. When I saw my older brother, Adam, graduate from here, I set a goal for myself. That no matter what, I would graduate from this school also. When I saw my other brother, Brandon, do it three years later, it gave me even more incentive. It turned out like I knew it would. I have now graduated from the Friedel Jewish Academy in Omaha, Nebraska and I AM THE CLASS OF 1999!!! Like Walter Cronkite said when he was retiring from CBS news: "Thank you for the memories and good night." Jason Rich, son of Phil and Diana Rich, Is a seventh grader at Beveridge Middle School and a member of Beth El Synagogue,
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April 6, 2001 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Everything You Need to Know is in Bereisheet by REBEKAH PRILUCK
This week's Parashah is Bereisheet, which means "the beginning," just as tonight marks the beginning of my responsibilities as a Jewish woman. Almost everything you need to know you can learn from Bereisheet. Bereisheet teaches us that the day begins at night, "There was evening and there was morning, one day." Thus we celebrate the beginning of our holidays at dusk. It is significant that my Bat Mitzvah is celebrated on Friday night, the eve beginning the Sabbath. It is also said in Bereisheet, "Darkness is upon the face of the Earth and G-d says let there be light." From the void and darkness we go into the light. From the void of ignorance we all have the ability to go into the light of performing mitzvot which are good deeds. As an adult Jewish woman, I understand the importance of this concept. According to Bereisheet, people were created last, and therefore, should, be humble. G-d blessed man, which is the greatest blessing of all, telling us to be fruitful and multiply. We are supposed to grow up, leave home, and marry to be whole. Bereisheet relates that a "man shall leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife and they shall be one." When G-d creates a mate for Adam, He does not create woman from Adam's feet to be beneath him, nor does He create woman from man's head, to stand above him. Rather, G-d creates woman from man's rib, from the middle of his body, near his heart to stand beside him as his equal. And together they each have their responsibilities to each other and to their Creator. The first calendar was first established in Bereisheet. On the fourth day, G-d created the stars, sun, and moon to divide day and night and for signs, seasons, and years. Bereiaheet teaches us not to add to or subtract from G-d's commandments. When Eve added "do not touch" to G-d's commnndment, not to eat the forbidden fruit, just look at all the trouble she got into! From Bereisheet, we learn that it is best to eat vegetarian. It was written in the Torah first long before it became in vogue. To man, G-d said, "Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed which is upon the face of the earth-to you it shall be for food.*1 We all know how many medicines are contained in the plants that G»d created. By the way, this also answers the tomato question. G-d defines fruit as growing on a tree and yielding seeds, so since tomatoes do not grow on trees, the definite answer is that a tomato is a vegetable and not a fruit. We learn it is wrong to kill. There is only one G-d,
Left photo: BebekaJh Priluck. Right: 199S-JCC Girl Scout/Brownie Troop, first row, from left: Efjfi Tsabari, Rebekah Priluck, Gal Teabari, Anna
Clark, Avi Katzmon, Chelsea Taxman, Becky Kahn and Leann Harris; second row; Amy Bresel, three unidentified, Becky'.Smedlund and Naomi Fox,
and He created everything. Like G-d we should work six days and rest on the Sabbath and keep it holy. Jealousy leads to destruction and evil. The earth is a living entity with a eoul and we all come from the earth. All kosher foods, both plants and animals have souls. Follow G-d's commandments, even if a Snake tries to convince you otherwise—in other words, always do the right thing. Remember that all of G~ d's creations ar© good and we should take care of. each other. Taking care of each other is a repeated theme throughout the Torah and of course throughout Judaism. Cain asks G-d if he is his brother's keeper. G-d does not answer; however the rest of the Torah answers that question continuously, and the answer is "Yes." When HJHel was asked what the essence of the Torah was, he responded, "Do not do to others that which is hateful to you." Yes, we are our brothers keeper. Beruisheet also eoufcefltta <* ruferuuuu to my gruut grandmother for whom I was named. G-d is unhappy with man's wickedness and evil thoughts, and has decided to destroy His creatures. "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Grace comes from the Hebrew root, hain. My parents wanted to make "grace' a part of my everyday life by giving me the middle name of Chanah, which means favor, mercy, or grace. These are attributes which I aspire to attain. Now, here is a Bereisheet trick question. Which son of Adam and Eve is Noah descended from? The answer is Ssth, the son Adam and Eve had
after Cain killed Abel. For those of you who got the right answer, go directly to the social hall for a pjeee of cake. The rest of you have to stay a little longer for the rest of the sermon. There is one GM and He created everything. G-d created the heaven and the earth and saw that it was good. And when He created man He saw that man was very good. May we all strive to be good before the Almighty. From our good deeds we can make the lives of others better and the world a holy place. May we all enjoy the Blessings from G-d of goodness and peace, as individuals and as nations. Just as G-d saw what He created was very good, may we all be blessed for goodness and may this be the Bereisheet, the Beginning of a good new year and a good life for all of us, I would like to thank my family for their encouragement and my friends for their support and all of you for coming here tonight for my Bat Mitzvah, I especially want to thank Rabbi Kulncr for all of MB help. lie wua very uucouru^inc with Bat Mitssvah on this Friday night. Aiso> I wish to thank Marvin Parilman and Cantor Fetfcraan for helping me with my Haftornh. I would also like to thank Rini Gonsher for her assistance in conducting this evening's services. I also want to thank all the participating women who helped in tonight's services. And remember, almost everything you need to know, you can learn from Berelaheet, Rebekah, daughter of Ira and Sheila Priluck, Is a seventh grader at Beverldge Middle School and a member of Beth Israel.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
Camp - My Home Away From Home by ALY R. FRIEDMAN
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I have discovered that my religion has had a great impact on my life. I visited Israel, attended Hebrew school and help out in Pre-kindergarten at Temple Israel on Sunday mornings. At this point in my life, my Jewish activities help me along with my Jewish studies. And on June 16,1 will celebrate my Bat Mitzvah Throughout my life, I have realized that one of the best things about being Jewish is summer camps. I've only been to one, out of the many Jewish summer camps in the U.S., and that is Shwayder. Shwayder Camp is run by Temple Emmanuel, a Reform synagogue in Denver, GO. The camp is located on Mount Evens, outside Idaho Springs. I love the mountains. Shwayder has encouraged me to continue my Jewish studies. For one thing, it actually makes services fun and interesting!. The songs encourage us to sing and to even dance. A day at Shwayder usually contains a sport, such as basketball or soccer, a pick of the day, which might include arts and crafts or guitar lessons, and a rest time. Ropes (rappelling) and horseback riding are weekly features. There's much more. But, on Shabbat, it is a little different For Shabbat, we clean the camp, clean ourselves, and light the candles. We bring special clothes for Shabbat services and dinner, and afterwards, we all dance to traditional Jewish music. There is no way camp could be complete without family. My cousins, Emily Friedman and David Martin, come with me to camp, along with my brother, J.J. My other cousin, Sam (Samantha) Friedman, used to go, but last summer was her final year. But, the most important thing in anyone's life... are friends. My friends are really why I like to go to camp. They make it all worth while. If they weren't there, the services, the songs and even Shabbat
Photos, from "left: 1997--Aly's first year at Camp Shwayder at age eight; 2001-Aly at age 12; summer, 20O0--Aly at age 11 (fourth from right, back row) and her friends at Shwayder. wouldn't be as fun. Our friendships do not end even after we leave camp. We write letters, e-mail each other and call one another almost once a month. So, really it is my friends and my "Home away from Home", Camp holds us together in song and in prayer and makes my Jewish life different, fun and religious. I have been going to camp for four years; This will be my fifth summer and I can hardly wait. I leave for camp the day after my Bat Mitzvah!
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Aly, daughter of Tom and Sue Friedman, Is a seventh grader at Klewit Middle School and a member of Temple Israel.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Forming a Jewish Person by MAGGIE FRIED
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When I moved to Kansas City, I began going to a Jewish day school. Now, just like any other kid, there are some subjects I like and some I don't. I have never really understood the reason for my Jewish studies. To me, being able to carry on a conversation in Hebrew isn't that important. Same thing with learning about sages that were alive 200 years ago. . It never really occurred to me that learning Hebrew and learning about sages isn't really about each individual topic, it is about making every topic come together to form a Jewish person. Learning each thing makes me more and more Jewish. I never got to show people how much I knew because everybody I know is Jewish, and they know the same information! To me, all the stuff I was learning was going to waste. I finally learned it really wasn't going to waste. I found that out at my first year of camp.. The camp I went to (and still go to) was not a Jewish one, but an all girls, non-religious camp. When I went the first year, I didn't want to express my Judaism in the normal way (prayers, lighting candles, and so on and so forth). I wanted to find a
way to express myself in a different way and I found one. Although most of the girls who go to that camp are Jewish, most are not very educated about their Judaism. Without noticing what I was doing I began to explain to the Jewish and non-Jewish girls about becoming a Bat Mitzvah, learning and speaking Hebrew, and keeping kosher. Many of them where amazed and were very supportive in helping me find something to eat when something non-kosher was served. I was surprised at the response I was getting from people. Even the girls who were Jewish began to take pride in their Judaism. They began to talk about their Bat Mitzvahs and other Jewish parts of their lives. It was amazing to see how a little bit of openness about a topic could create such a wonderful effect. To me it is not what I learn in school that is important, but the person I am becoming because of it. Maggie, daughter of former Omahans Sand! and Ed Fried of Overland Park, KS., Is a seventh-grader at the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy and and a member of Beth Shalom.
Top photo: Maggie (second from right) with her Camp Sabra pals; bottom: 1992-Maggie, left and Lexie Newman.
Photott at lefts Grandpa Sam and Gramma Zane Fried, Josh, Maggie and Eli Fried, Ariel Frances Fried with "the girls": cousin Ariel Fried and Sydney Robinson. Photo at right; Fried, Maggie and Gabricllo Fried. Middle: Maggie's sixth-grade class trip to Washington, most of the Fried-Robinson elan in Omaha .D.C., which included a private evening'tour last August at Ariel's Bat Mitzvah, front: of the White House, a piz/a party in Hillary Brenna Robinson, Gabrielle Fried; back row: Clinton's office and dinner with. "Buddy,"
ay your Passover be with promise, filled with hope, blessed with peace and joy.
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April 6,2000
The Most Influential People in my Life by JUSTIN JACOBSON —-
Like Ben and my dad, Along with my parents I love basketball. They and grandparents, the have influenced my three most influential choice for my mitzvah Jewish figures in my life project for my Bar are my older sisters, Mitzvah. I am coaching Sara and Rachel, and my a team of first-grade older brother, Ben. I basketball players at have been blessed to the Jewish Community have caring older sibCenter with my friend, lings (seven, eight, and Spencer Gallner. 10 years older!) to help Through this experiguide and teach me durence, I have learned ing my 12 years. patience and how to Sara is on the Dean's work with younger kids. List at Creighton, majorI am so thankful for ing in public relations my family and for my and working part-time. Grandma Marge BrickShe knows a lot about son, my late Grandmusic and art and is fun mother Helen Jacobson to be with. I have Speier and my Greatlearned from her, the aunt Bert Weintrob, benefits of how hard who made me feel so work pays off. special growing up as a Rachel graduated with Jew. I'm also thankful honors from the Univerfor my mom and dad, sity of Illinois and is now who have given all of us following her dreams, liva Jewish education. ing in New York City and working for Mira- Top photo: The Jacobson family: Rachel, left, Sara, David, Nancy, Ben and Grandma Marge It's funny, when I help maz Films. She's very Brickson; bottom, left: Ben and his eat, Alex; middle photo: Ben, another Jacobson basketball my mom study Hebrew, she also helps me learn funny and knows a lot player! Right photo: Ben at age ll/2 with Grandma Helen Jacobson Speier. it! Mom is going to be a about the movies. She taught me the value of education and how you Basketball Team, which will compete this summer Bat Mitzvah this year, along with 20 other adults at the International Maccabiah Games in Israel. at Temple Israel. should follow your dreams. My sisters went to Israel with USY and I hope to It was fun going to the B'nai Mitzvah 1 my sisters My brother, Ben, has been a major influence in and my brother, Now it will be my turn, Nov. 3, my life. He was an All-State basketball player at go there this summer to watch Ben play. Ben makes me laugh and gives me good advice. 2001. Central High and now attends Lamar "University Along with Sara and Rachel, Ben has also taught Justin, son of David and Nancy Jacobson, Is a sixth on a Division I basketball scholarship. He was the youngest player selected to partici- me that if you have a dream and work hard grader at Columbian Elementary and a member of Temple Israel. pate in the United States National Maccabiah enough, your dream can come true.
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Today, I am a Bat MltZVah by CAROLINE TERRY
Teens and preteens celebrate nearly every weekend during "B'nai MitsKvah" f season in seventh)' and eighth grade, Top photo: Max Rothenberg, right, and school friends; middle photo, My Friedman, left, Zev Elsenberg and Kate Gotedinerj bottom, .Avi Katzman and Lexie Newman. • •
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 11
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Today, I am a Bat Mitzvah, daughter of the com- adult and have accommandments. I stand here now as a sign of my com- plished something mitment and devotion to Judaism. It took a lot of important. effort, concentration and hard work. The experiBy preparing for ence has taught me many things and made me care this day, I have more about my faith. learned how to better My Torah portion is about having no leavened manage my time and bread in our house on Passover, and spreading be responsible. I have blood of a lamb on our door posts as a sign of a also learned it is Jewish home. The blood was not for God to see, but important to rememfor the Israelites. ber the holidays and God is all knowing and knows a Jewish home. traditions. I look forThe blood was an act of faith for the Israelites and ward to continuing my a way for them to prove to themselves their devo- Jewish education. tion to God. Today, we put mezuzahs on our door Since November, I Caroline posts instead to show our devotion to God. have been volunteering once a week for an hour Eating unleavened bread is a symbol for when and a half at the Campfire Boys and Girls. There the Israelites were fleeing Egypt; they left so hur- are kids in kindergarten through fourth grade from riedly that the bread did not have time to rise. If three schools who meet at Our Lady of Guadeloupe you ate leavened bread during Passover, you would Hall for an after-school program. They come, eat be cut off from the assembly of Israel. snacks and do projects. Today, that still happens. If we stopped celebratI help the kids who have homework and don't ing Passover the way it should be, we would begin understand it. It feels good to know I am helping to forget. Each generation would know Passover someone. less and less until one generation would totally forI would like to thank everyone who helped me get get. That generation would be cut off from the here and accomplish this: Elyce Azriel, my mentor assembly of Israel. That would mean they would for helping me learn the prayers; Cantor Jennifer forget the traditions. Blum for helping me learn to chant my torah and So it's still important to celebrate Passover and Haftarah; and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Rabbi to remember that once we were enslaved and were Debbie Stiel. I am grateful to all my teachers who freed by God. There will always be someone who have taught me. needs to be freed. There are many people who are , And a special thanks to my skating coach for enslaved in one way or another. People who are teaching me so much over the years. Thanks to my sick are enslaved. Others are enslaved by addiction parents fox* being supportive and loving. Thank you or poverty. to Alex, my brother, for knowing when to leave me My Haftarah portion is about the prophet alone, and to Margaret for helping me and reading Jeramiah, and his vision about King Nebecenezuar from the Torah when no one else from the family defeating Egypt. It's also about Egypt, a land of could. exile, while the Jews are exiled in Babylon. As I continue to learn, I will always appreciate The Jewish destiny is tied in with living in exile. the work this took and remember not to waste it. Living In exile means we need to be even more devout in Milling our tradition in order to avoid Caroline, daughter of Mlchele Marsh and John Terry, being cut off. Is a Hoventh-grador at Brawnell-Talhot, and a member Becoming a Bat Mitssvah moans I am a Jewish of Temph torml.
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Page 12 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6,2001
My Jewish Experience by ABBY GINSBURG —
—
With four months, and counting, until my Bat Mitzvah, there is a lot I am doing to prepare. I have attended Hebrew school since third grade, and have always gone only three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Sunday! Now that this is my Bat Mitzvah year, I also go Saturday for TSS, Sunday for Sunday school, Monday for Hebrew school, Tuesday to meet with Cantor Bmil and lili Berkoyitz, who are helping me prepare, and Wednesday for Hebrew school. That was a big change. Along with practicing for my Bat Mitzvah, the whole preparation has, in. a way, taken control of my life; it is my big goal right now. I go to the synagogue a lot to make sure that every aspect of my Bat Mitzvah is perfect. I really enjoy being there and preparing. Going to synagogue has become a huge part of my life and, after my Bat Mitzvah, I know it will continue to be because it is so important to me. Throughout my Hebrew school experience, I have met a lot of new people, learned many new things, and gone new places. Over the year, I admit there have always been a few days that I have begged my parents not to make me go to Hebrew school and sometimes they've even given in. But over all, I would never give up the wonderful experiences of learning about my heritage, learning a new language, or becoming very close to a great group of people my age. • There are many people over the years who have helped me prepare for the big day, June 2, and I would not be able to accomplish this without
them. For starters, all my Hebrew school teachers and instructors have taught me Hebrew, religion, about my ancestry, and to really be proud to be Jewish. Also, my family has always been behind me even when I have wanted to give up. My parents have always shown me how to be a good person and, thanks to them, I will always keep my Jewish faith with me and will know how very special it is. One person who I am especially grateful to have with me today is my grandpa, Wally Elkon. He has been very sick the past year and, thanks to his faith and strength, he will be there sitting in the front row, smiling that his little granddaughter is becoming a Bat Mitzvah. So far, my Jewish experience has been wonderful, but I hope to continue it with many more great times. I hope to go to camp again. Then, when I am in high school, I plan to go to Israel. Between preparing for my Bat Mitzvah and starting middle school, this is a fabulous time in my life! Abby, daughter of Bill and Bell Ginsburg, is and a seventh grader at Beveridge Middle School and a member of Beth El Synagogue.
Left photo: one-year-olds play group included Avi Katzman, Maggie Fried, Nikki Bernstein and Abby. Top: Abby in 1996; bottom: 2000Abby goes fishing with dud.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 18
The Importance of Freedom by ZACH MUSKIN "
— — —
My experiences as a Jew come from being part of a Jewish Family. Our family has many Jewish traditions I am able to count on: celebrating holidays together, special dinners and luncheons at my grandparents' homes, homemade applesauce at Hanukkah and more. However, at the age of 10,1 had a Jewish experience that was like no other. My grandparents took me to Washington, D.C., where we visited the Holocaust Museum. Although I had read about the Holocaust, seen films and participated in family discussions, I found the museum to be a tremendously scary experience. Seeing proof of how all the Jewish people were murdered was disturbing. But on this same trip, we also went to New York, where I saw the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and a place where my Jewish ancestors entered this country. I understand the importance of freedom because of Thong. She left her country of Laos as a refugee when she was about my age, leaving everything behind to live in the camps in Thailand so she and her family could be free. It was several years before she was able to come to the United States as a refugee and live with us. Coincidentally, the Torah portion for my Bar Mitzvah is also about the importance of freedom. My Bar Mitzvah fell on the portion about the departure of the Israelites from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. Moses got the Israelites out of Egypt at a harsh time. He did this with great
poise and discipline and God responded with many miracles, including the Jewish people listening to one man, Moses (who gathered the Israelites to leave Egypt), and the awesome parting of the Red Sea as the Israelites were walking toward it. The miracles continue when, just as suddenly, the Red Sea closes on the Egyptian Army, saving the Israelites once again. Many great rabbis, in the past and present, discuss whether there was a scientific reason for all this to happen or whether it was truly a miracle. I prefer to believe there just are some miracles. Moses did all this for his people, the Israelites. The people initially accepted this with great pleasure and went forth on a religious journey. The real miracle in all of this was how Moses saved the Israelites and defeated the Egyptian army. It is because of Moses, with guidance from God, that our people were safe and lived a better life after the hard times in Egypt. Moses and our people were walking toward a new land and a new life, just as my great grandparents were when they came to this country, and just as Thong did when she and her family came to America. Thoughts of freedom seem to be a large part of my life. I wonder where this understanding and experience will lead me?
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Above: Mary-Beth and Zach, Photos below, from left: l»98--the Muskin family: Mary-Beth, Annie, Zach, Bruce and Emily; middle photo: Annie, Zach and Emily celebrate Grandma Lena Grossman's birthday; right: Zach Zach Muskln, son of Bruce and Mary-Beth Muskln, Is becomes a Bar Mitzvah ai Temple Israel. a seventh grader at Beverldge Middle School and a member of Temple Israel.
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Page 14 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6,2001
My BarMitzvah: A Family Affair
Highlights of my Jewish Experience
by MARTY NACHMAN — —
by NATE JOSEPH
On June 9, a very important event will take place in my life: my Bar Mitzvah. I have been practicing since August of 2000. When preparing, I have worked on my Torah portion and Haftorah portion. Once a week, Cantor Berkovits and his wife, Lili, teach me my Torah/Haftorah. They are excellent teachers. I couldn't have a Bar Mitzvah without their help. My mom took the trope class with me and is practicing for Torah portions. She has read Torah three times thus far. Also, my father is reading torah. I am reading four or five Torah portions. By reading together, I will be showing my love for my parents. For my Bar Mitzvah project, I was a junior counselor at camp Hot Shots, a camp for children with diabetes. Next year, I am going to be a junior counselor at the camp again, There, I helped with keeping the kids calm during activities and doing different tasks, such as filling the water balloons. Also, Ilearned a lot of things about diabetes, Such as there is a certain amount of sugar that people with diabetes can have. In addition to this, I will donate some of my Bar Mitzvah money to a Jewish fund. This will allow me to help a Jewish cause. In addition to reading Torah and Haftorah, I am practicing different prayers, learned through a program at my synagogue called T.S.S., which stands for 'Torah Study Skills', I have learned to annunciate some words in prayers that I couldn't pronounce before. Some prayers I have learned are Sim Shalom, Aleinu, Amidah, and Ashrei, just to name a few. TSS has helped me feel even more confident than before by helping me know the prayers well. All the work and effort I am putting into my Bar Mitzvah preparation will help me. throughout my life. I think I
NOW,
I attended OSRUI Camp (Olin-SangRuby Union Institute) in Onomowoc, WI, where I learned Hebrew terms for everyday uses, such as knife, fork, spoon, plate. The campers also wished everyone a boker tov every morning. In addition, I learned how to play different sports, swam in the lake, rode horseback and Top: Nate, back row, between his parents and more. I also took w i t h his family at his Bar Mitzvah on Sept. 16 at lesions in photogra- Temple Israel. Below: Nate does the limbo at his phy and learned how party. '»-,*•" to take black and "" white photos. \ We were in charge of services in the , ',\ morning and evening. As a Boy Scout in Troop #218 at the JCC, we had weekend Jewish camp,'. _ "' • ing experiences, cooked out and had a -*-..» Marty service on Friday nights. ^ j ^ ; '•:,•. will be even better at speaking in traditional For my Bar Mitzvah, I spoke about front of large groups. I may learn my Torah and Haftorah portions in my i greater leadership skills from leading DVar Torah, my speech, which remindthe congregation. ed everyone that we can exist anyThroughout school, and in my pro- where to be able to believe in God's fession when I grow up, leadership presence. I learned we can come from will be important. By learning those different parts of the world and that no skills now, I may have greater oppor- matter where we are or who we are, we teacher, who showed me the history tunities in the future, should have faith in our God. of the Jewish people and the right I really hope my Bar Mitzvah goes way to live as a Jew. I learned to focus on God's teachings well; I feel confident that I will be Rini Gonsher and Doris Parker able to lead the service in a strong about right and wrong and the conse- taught me the beginning of Hebrew, quences that follow. The path I will way. from learning the Hebrew aleplvbet As I said, on June 9, a very impor- take is to trust God always. Becoming to the words that began my journey a Bar Mitzvah means I will continue tant event will take place in my life. I to be active in Hebrew School, my towards becoming a Bar Mitzvah. am looking forward to it. For my mitzvah project, I helped Jewish education and youth groups, I also hope that my mitzvah project and to be a good person. the residents of the Rose Blumkin had and will have a helpful effect in Kecollections of some Jewish figures Jewish Home with bingo and transthe community. in my life include some of my religious porting them to and from many activschool teachers and my mentor, Marvin ities, I truly enjoyed getting to know Marty, son of Beth Nachman and Gary them. Nachman, is a seventh grader at Parilman, who helped me learn my ' Nate, son of Ed and Anne Joseph, Is a Weststde Middle School and a member blessings and taught me Hebrew. seventh grader at Westslde Middle Patsy Wallace was my fifth grade School and a member of Temple Israel, of Beth El Synagogue.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 15
Anticipation by SARAH SPOONER
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The year 2001 is a very special year to me because I will be celebrating my Bat Mitzvah on Dec. 15 at Temple Israel, Actually, everybody's B'nai Mitzvah are special to them, but I think mine is very special. I feel proud. Bar/Bat mitzvahs are something in everybody's Jewish life. All kids want to get the studying done, do their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, have the party and that's it. Well, really it's not it, because you will be studying Hebrew the rest of your life. For my Mitzvah Project, I will be collecting books for the Children's Saving Institute and helping at the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center summer camp at the Jewish Community Center. (If you have any extra books you would be willing to give away, please call me). In my lifetime, I have gone to so many camps I have loved. One is Sabra, a Jewish camp for kids. I went there for three years. Sabra was a great overnight camp (I recommend it.) I also went to the JCC camp. Laura, Molly and a bunch of counselors there added fulfillment to my life.
There is one teacher I want to tell you about who has helped me through a lot of times, and that is Elyce Azriel. She is my mentor but she is also a sixth grade teacher at Temple Israel. She pushes you hard, but it helps very much. I can't wait till I start studying my Torah Portion, called Miketz in Genesis, 41:1-44:17, and doing the rest of my Bat Mitzvah (but really you know I want a party!) When all your relatives are there at that special time for me, I know Til love it. Friends are good, too, because when you are saying a Hebrew part and you mess up, you look at your friends and they will (supposedly) make you laugh. I learned that from my cousin Allie's Bat Mitzvah because she always looked back at her 'buds'. I know I will do great at my Bat Mitzvah and I know I will have to study, but I also know I will Above: 1998-Sarah, left, with Sarah Sherman and Taylor Sanford; Bottom row, from left: have fun! Sarah, daughter of Gayle and Jim Spooner, is a sixth 1992-Sarah's fourth birthday; 1992-Allison grader at Columbian Elementary School and a member Levinger, left, and Sarah; 2000-Sarah, left, and Kelsey Lepp. of Temple Israel.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6> 2001
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April 6,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Page 17
Page 18
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6,2001
Camping at Herzl
A Shwacler $u mmer
by DAN MUROW'——
by TODD SEARSON
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"B-I-K-K-U-R-I-M, bikkurimV the whole ulam (gathering building) is chanting with you, "B-I-KK'U-R-I-M, UkkurimV That is all you hear at Herzl the night before color wars (bikkurim). It is great! You go back to your cabin and look for clothes the same color as your team and you start chanting, "Red is dynamite, don't mess with dynamite," or "We are the red team, couldn't be prouder, if you can't hear us, we will shout a little louder!" Color wars is a camp activity when the whole camp is divided into four different teams, with each team a different color. All four teams compete in different activities, such as sports, arts and crafts, singing, dancing and more. As you're trying to fall asleep that night, you are thinking, "I should be in the basketball event, but my team really needs me during the big race." You finally fall asleep and the next morning you wake up to the same noises, "We are the red team, could- Dan and Ellen Makowsky from Memphis n't be prouder, if you can't hear us, we will shout a became friends at Herzl. little louder." Camp is a great experi- Friday night services. "Hey, Ellen," I ask my friend, I can't wait for ence, and I have the privilege of attending camp Shabbat dinner, do you want me to save you a every summer. I have so seat?" I ask, many friends I never get "Sure," she says, "that would be great" to see except for during That is what happens at the beginning of a typithose great three weeks cal Herzl Shabbat. Next we go into the chadar (eatout of the year. ing area) and have a great dinner with all our Herzi Camp is an awe- friends. some Jewish experience. I hope you understand why I love going to Herzl However,' bikkurim is camp. It is so much fun. I have made many lifeI only one great memory I long friends whom I wish to see more often. have of camp; another is I alBo hope more people will be able to afford to Dan Shabbat. go. I want to see someone in the years to come havEvery Friday night, the entire camp dresses up ing a great time, along with me, at camp, in white and we march around the campgrounds in a caravan singing different Shabbat songs. Once Dan, son of Janie and Allan Murow, Is a seventh we have finished singing, everyone gath'ers around grader at Beverldge Middle School and member of benches overlooking Devil's Lake and we have Beth El Synagogue.
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When I got to Camp Shwader, I didn't know anybody. Eventually, I got to know everyone there. We had services every day. They were 45 minutes long except on Friday, we would have an hour-long service. Also on Friday, we would have a bigger dinner than usual. It was a very good experience which I will remember for a long time. For my Bar Mitzvah project, I worked at a local library. I dusted shelves; put books back on the shelves and passed out bookmarks to little kids. I sometimes read to the kids. I checked the books to see if they were returned to the right library. The most fun thing we did was put on a play for the little kids. I learned that volunteering is rewarding in it's own way, and I enjoyed my mitzvah project. One of the best memories I have was sleeping downstairs on the couch on Friday nights and watching the candles burn, I also liked listening to my mom read the Torah. Shabbat was always fun when I was little. Todd, son of Margy Schneider and Greg Seatson, Is a seventh grader at Lewis and Clark Middle School and a member of Temple Israel.
Jay, 15, and Todd Searson, 13.
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May the sounding of the shofar remind us of our continued prayers for peace and harmony, Happy New Year! Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center JCC of Omaha 333 S. 132nd St. 334-6413
April 6,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 19
Making Shabbat for Others by L A U R E N B A E R
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I attend Temple Beth Torah in Melville, NY. Last year I participated in a Temple Havurah program as part of our sixth-grade curriculum. Along with four other girls from my temple, we came together to participate in this project. Throughout the year, the five of us did community service and charity work including delivering Shabbat dinner to a less fortunate Jewish man, and cooking breakfast at the Interfaith Nutritional Network Home, a shelter for abused women and children. In the fall, our group made a decorative box, with the word G-D, for Rabbi Moskowitz to pul all her papers in. We learned that Rabbi Moskowitz does not throw those papers away, instead she buries them. In order to fund our projects, throughout the your we were also busy raising money. Our first fundraiser was collecting children's videotapes which families were no longer using. We sold them in a consignment shop and made a good profit. In the winter, we were busy baking for the buku sale for the students in our religious school. Wi* raised nearly $200. We decided the money we raised would be us<'d l» buy something for the children a t Schneider's Children's Hospital. We discovered they could .v •*
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controllers for Sony Playstation and Nintendo 64, as well as games. We then took a trip to Toys *R Us. Along with the other things, we also bought bubbles for the children. We had fun selecting things we thought they might like and would make them happy. One day in May, we had the opportunity to go to Schneider's Children's Hospital to present the gifts. It made us feel really good, that we were helping ill children. The staff told us we were not allowed to visit with them because of the risk of infection. But we could just imagine their smiling faces when they received the gifts. Lauren, daughter of Ken and Robin (Schnelderman) Baer, Is a seventh-grader at West Hollow Middle School In Melville, NY and a member of Temple Beth Torah.
Top photo: The Bner family: Robin, Lauren, Adam and Kenny. Left photo: Lauren and friends prepare meals for shut-ins. Right photos Grandma Sally Ricks with grandchildren: Lauren and Adam Baer, Brooke and Tyler Schneiderman, and Emily and Andrew Trenton.
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Page 20
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
My Personal Prayer by ALEX WOLF
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Baruch atah Adoshem, Elokheinu melech ha'olam she'asani Yisrael; Blessed is the Lord, Our God, who has made me a Jew, I stand before you today as a Bar Mitzvah, a son of the commandments; one of the 600,000 souls at Mount Sinai, Each Jew alive today has in him or her a soul shared with someone who was at Sinai.
1999-2000--A11 Alex's photos were taken in Israel on the Family Mission. Above: at the Western Wall; upper right: with Ms brother, Nathan, and an Israeli soldier; lower right: in the Golan. My Torah portion today is called Yitro, from the Book of Exodus. In this portion, the Jews received the commandments from God and made a covenant with God. God said to the Jews, "If you obey me faithfully, you will be my treasured possessions for all time." This means that I have to obey Him faithfully, along with everyone else, Keeping the covenant means to me doing mitzvot, such as keeping kosher, having a mezuzah on my door and studying Torah. I learned that Jews have a responsibility to be good people and help the world be a better place. Therefore, I will try to make the world a better place. For my mitzvah project, I helped
with Project Dreidel, wrapping Hannukah presents for kids and delivering food for residents of the Livingston Apartments. I am also collecting supplies for the Humane Society. I went there last weekend to drop off some of the supplies I've collected and saw the animals. It made me happy to see people adopting them. My Bar Mitzvah ceremony teaches me I can help make the world a better place by observing the mitzvot, continuing my Jewish education and being responsible. When I went to Israel last year, I learned a lot about the history of the Jewish people and what it. means to be Jewish. I am proud to be a part of that Jewish history, and believe the knowledge I gained in my Israel experience will help me achieve my goals. My Haftarah is from the book of Isaiah. In this portion, the prophet Isaiah has a revelation with God. Isaiah is told by God to go to the people and tell them about taking responsibility and to remember the covenant made at Sinai. My Torah and Haftarah portions go together because Moses and Isaiah both have revelations of God. The Bar Mitzvah ceremony means to me that I have now committed to more responsibilities. I will continue studying Torah for the reat of my life. I will observe more mitzvot. I will do my best and be a good person. I will return to Israel some day, maybe to study, maybe to live, maybe to visit, and I will always be a Jew. Thank you to everybody who helped me get here. Mom, thank you for setting everything up and for encouraging me to work hard. Thanks for always being there for me and being a great Mom. Dad, thanks for helping me with homework and my Bar Mitzvah studies and for working hard to take care
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of our family. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for bringing me to life. Hannah, thanks for giving me advice from your Bat Mitzvah and for being a great sister. Nathan, thanks for being such a great brother. Thanks to Marvin Parilman for helping me with my Hebrew, my blessings and my prayers. And to Rabbi Stiel for helping me with my Torah and Haftorah introductions, and to Rabbi Azriel for studying Torah with me and helping me with my personal prayer. Thanks to Cantor Blum for help with trope and getting me ready.
Thank you to all my religious school teachers and thank you to everyone who came today, especially to all the people who came from out of town. And thank you to all the people who have helped me or will help by donating Bupplies to the Humane Society. I am proud to share one of the 600,000 souls at Sinai and will do my best to keep my part of the covenant. Blessed is the Lord Our God, who has made me a Jew. Alex, son of Phil and Nancy Wolf, Is a seventh grader at Russell Middle School and a member of Temple Israel,
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Page 21
Dallas and Omaha — A Jewish Connection by SARAH SCHULMAN
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As one of the original "Class of 2001" published in the Jewish Press in 1989, it is fun to be included in the update, even though I don't live in Omaha any longer, and don't remember a lot of it. After moving from Omaha in 1995, we lived in Tulsa, OK, for three years, where we belonged to Temple Israel. Upon moving to Piano, Texas, in 1998, we joined a small synagogue. My Bat Mitzvah will be May 19, 2001, at Congregation Analmi Torah in Piano. I will daven the entire service, including Shaeharit, Torah and Mumf, I think its going to be. a lot of work but I'm up for it. I am enjoying my Bat Mitzvah studies with my tutor, Jack Molad, educational director of our synagogue, I learned Jack was the educational director at Both El Synagogue for my
parents' generation so that's neat that he taught my father in Omaha and now he's teaching me in Piano. Jack works all the B'nai Mitzvah kids really hard and makes us learn it well. Unfortunately, he is retiring at the end of this year. Currently, I am in seventh grade at Robinson Middle School in Piano. I am an honor roll student and I play on the "A" team for volleyball, basketball and track. These three sports have kept me pretty active all year long and they were all very fun to be a part of since I am really into sports. 1 enjoy playing softball and swimming in our backyard pool during the summer, I also like to ride my bike with my brother, Joe, who is 16. I don't remember a lot of people from Omaha, unless I Bee pictures, of them or my older brother and parents tell me about them. I was lucky enough to meet up with another original "Class of 2001" old friend at Camp Sabra two years ago, Maggie Fried. We didn't plan it or anything, it was just a coincidence we were put in the same cabin that summer. That was fun oven though we
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didn't remember each other too well considering we hadn't talked or communicated at all for about three years. I do remember my favorite JCC preschool teachers, Bettie Adams and Vicki Perimeter, and some fun times we had there. I am looking forward to a fun Bat ."f Mitzvah weekend Texas style! Sarah, daughter of Mark and Kris Schulman, Is a seventh-grader at Robinson Middle School and a member of Congregation Anshai Torah.
Top left photo; 1092-JCC. Preschoolers Max and Tan ltothenborg, Artel.Urkowiiz, Sarah Schulman, unidentified, Avi Katzmon; left: Sarah's seventh-grade picture; right: 1997" Sarah and her brother, Joseph.
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Page 22
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
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From This Day Forward by CHELSEA TAXMAN
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As I stand here this day as a Bat Mitzvah, I remember when I was really little and I attended my sister, Whitney's, Bat Mitzvah. I guess I never realized how much work goes into a Bat Mitzvah ceremony. I thought it was just learn your Torah and Haftarah and then write a few speeches that may have a few jokes in it. But that's not it! I had to learn a Torah portion I thought wouldn't take long, learn my Haftarah portion, think of a mitzvah project, write an introduction to both my Torah and Haftarah portions AND read tons and tons of commentary that helped me understand more of the background of my portion. I've learned that just because you should always listen and respect God, doing everything God tells you (if God spoke to you for that matter), doesn't mean you should do it if you know it's wrong. Even though Abraham listened to God, he did know it sounded sort of odd to place his son, Issac, as a burnt offering. He knew it was wrong, but did the right thing by not doing it, and placing a ram there instead of his son. God told him this as a test to see how much Abraham thought about his son and life and how much he obeyed God.
Rabbi Stiel for helping me write my prayers and helping me understand more about the background of my Torah and Haftarah portion. I wouldn't understand it as well without you two. Cantor Blum, thank you for teaching me trope and helping me with my Torah and Haftarah portion. I would be singing way off key without you. Thanks to my mentor, Marvin Parilman, for helping me with prayers and for letting me teach you my version of chanting prayers. All my religious school teachers, thank you for teaching me Hebrew in order for me to even be up here today. A special thanks goes out to my mother. This day wouldn't be so great if it weren't for you nagging me constantly to study and read. Although I didn't like it very much, I'm glad you were there to help me. I have to admit that I DID put this off for a really long time but you really made sure I did it and had it done "perfectly" in time. I love you so much and I'm glad to spend this day with you. Dad, I'd just like to say thank you for always being there. Whether you were there to help me real late at night on last-minute homework when everyone else went to bed, or helping me practice
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May, 2000-Chelsea, Whitney, Iindsey and Ben Taxman at Whitney's graduation from Westsidc High School. I believe this is a great lesson for all to learn. for something, or just there to help me solve my When people read this story they think of many problems, when I'm either stressed or don't feel things such as, "How does Abraham feel at this well. You make everything great and I love you a moment? What about Issac? Is this really right for lot. Thanks for everything. Abraham to proceed in doing this?" Lindsey. . .although we aren't as close as I A rabbi named Donald Splansky believes wished, there is still time for us to bond more. Abraham is not a "madman," but that he must You've been a great older sister to talk to throughhave believed somehow that God would spare him out the years. It's sometimes neat to learn how diffrom carrying out the order to offer up Issac as a ferent we are because of our ages. burnt offering. Even though God has not given Whitney. . .we've had our great times together. even a hint for reconsideration (because then Between talking about personal stuff, camp, boys Abraham would have known what we readers sometimes, going shopping, reading stories late at already know-that this is only a test), Abraham night, or just hanging out. You are so wonderful must have had faith that God would spare Issac. and I really look up to you. You've done so many The Torah portion for this week contains the amazing things. I love you and I'm very proud of story of Abraham and Issac. However, the you. Haftarah relates to another portion of today's Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben...it took me a while to parasha. Elisha is considered to be the "Abraham" think of what to write about you, of his time. This is shown by telling the story of I don't know if I should be glad you're my brother Elisha's compassion for others. Elisha saves a or disappointed. Sometimes you can be really nice widow's children from a creditor by providing oil and caring, like when you used to take me down to for her to sell so she can pay her debt. Quik Pik and we would spend money on candy and Now that I have carried on the tradition in my junk food, or when we used to go down and play in family as a Bat Mitzvah, I plan on attending reli- the creek when we were told not to. gious school and being in the confirmation class You get frustrated with things like losing at when I'm older. I will continue to read Torah when Nintendo or something and you possibly take it out I receive the opportunity, and make sure to attend on me. No matter what though, I have to say I love services and have children of my own. you because you're my brother. But I really do love I can't wait to be in the same situation as my par- you even though you probably don't feel the same ents are now and watching their young child grow way judging on your personal prayer at your Bar up and have more responsibility and stand here on Mitzvah about me! the bimah as a B'nai Mitzvah, I would like to thank you, grandma, for ALMOST Now that I have finished with the hardest part, I every Friday night Shabbos dinner. Those nights can relax, but I won't ever stop reading and study- are always wonderful, as are you! ing Torah. I will never give up on Torah or Hebrew I'm glad you could be here today even though you or the Jewish holidays, or my religion. Judaism are possibly mad at me because I'm in middle will never leave me, nor will I leave it. school and you can't attend anymore As I stand here this day, I know it wouldn't be "Grandfriend's Day" programs. I love you so much! possible without so many people. First, I would like to thank Rabbi Azriel and (Continued on page 23)
April 6,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 23
From This Day uMay your home heblessed •with Diecdih a ihis Passover.
(Continued from page 22)
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. „*-. X<e/?.* Cousin Annie Rips, Ze/$» helps Whitney, photo; 1988—Chelsea enjoys t h e pool at right, celebrate Chelsea's birthday. Right Highland with her mom. Grandpa, if you can hear me, I'd like to thank you for always having the best things to say, whether it's a joke, a riddle, a math problem, or an interesting story that happened in your past that relates to something that happened to me! I love to listen to your many stories. They are always fascinating. I will always remember everything! Next, 1 would like to thank all of my relatives who are here. It is so great to know I have family who cares about me, And I'm sorry for those relatives who couldn't make it here. 1 love you Aunt Fanny, and I wish you could be here. And Papa Harry.,.. I will always remember you. I really wish you were here to spend this joyous occasion with me. 1 miss you and love you ao much. I want to thank all my teachers who have come today. It's really great of you to join me on an occasion other than school related. Throughout all the years, I've thanked you lots and I'm thanking you more today. Our great times throughout nil of the school ynfira I've, spent at Rockbrook have boon great. And at Weatside, it's boon really uwuaomo so far. "I've been very privileged to have such groat teachers," my mom has said to me. Also, school could have never been ao groat without all of my friends in it! You guys an; all so groat and I'm so happy you could all be here to share my simcha with me. I know many of you don't necessarily understand everything that's going on, but you still came. I would like to thank my swim coaches, also, who have decided to join me here this day. I know this year, so far, I haven't been coming to as many practices or meets as you would like, but now you sort of know why!
My Bat Mitzvah haa taken up a lot of time. Now that it is almost over, you should be seeing me a lot more. Aren't you excited? Every year, kids in school always say, "I can't wait for the summer!" They all think of it as a treat for not being in school, but I think of it as CAMP! OSRUI is one of the, greatest places to be! And what makes it hard sometimes is that 1 live BO far away from everyone who goes to it. But, Katie, Yarden, Mollie, Sam and Cam have all come in from out of town to join today with me! I'm so happy and excited. It's so great to be with you guys! I love you all ao much and I can't wait to go to all of YOUR B'nai Mitssvah in Chicago and Sioux Falls. Right, mom? Someone I would like to thank who many of you do not know is Alekaandra Galitsky, She is my twining partner from Latvia. This moans [ was paired up with a girl my atfu who is part of tho Soviot, Union. I have aprood to Hlmro thin dny with her. AH you can BOO, thort> is u chair up hero with hur name on it, This symbolizes she is here with me even though she physically isn't. I think this twining ia very cool, beciuitm it let's mo interact with Homoone far away, and I will hopefully stay "penpals" for a long time, I have, written, her a letter but 1 don't hnvo one buck from her yet which I could share with all of you. But we can still think of her and imagine she its okay and will appreciate what I've done for her today. Now, if you're a good Mend of mine, or the family, or a relative, then you'll know that I spend lots of time in the pool. Swimming year round and in the summer ia a big part of my life and, of cours, swimming in the summer means I'm in the sun a LOT! Hundreds of kids can't do what I do; hundreds of kids don't have the free life in the summer. Hundreds of kids are diagnosed with something called xeroderma pigmento&um disease or known as XP. Many of these kids attend a summer camp called Camp Sundown, This is a camp where the kids do activities OUTSIDE in the summer, but they do them late at night. I've become very interested in this and I've talked to the people who run it, Caren and Dan Mahar, I asked if I could help in any way, and they told me to mainly just spread the word about it, BO people know about it und then maybe get donations to help got supplies. So, for my mitssvah project, I'm collecting money to donate to .Camp Sundown, and any contributions would be appreciated, From this day forward, I know I am looking forward to attending services more, studying, attending confirmation class, and graduating. Then I will attend college and later, when I get married and have children, we will be your typical Jewish family who attondu rolipious school and serV1COH.
1
AK a {'losinjt, 1 j u s t waul, to thank everyone who's 1 1H*I'<> and know how much I apjirvdnU cvorythinjf you've doiu\
1995-Parcnts' Slwrry- and >h-,(t enjoy J H I W H Chelsea, (laugtitor of Joff unit Sherry Taxman, Is a heach party with Ch&lstta. seventh gmttof at Wcstsitte Middle School and a member of remple Isriwl.
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April 6, 2001
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This summer will be my fifth summer at Moshava Jewish camp in Wild Rose, Wisconsin! I'm really excited to go, especially because it's about the only time in a year that I'm able to see my camp friends. It is also a big Jewish experience forme. I remember my first year at Camp Moshava when I went with my older sister, Rachel. I was really nervous because I didn't know anyone. My only other overnight experience was at Camp JCC. Then, I had been with my three other siblings. Every year at camp, there is a special day about three weeks into the session where Mends and/or family come to visit. It's obviously called Visitors Day. My first year at camp, my older sister, Melissa, came to visit Rachel and me. We hadn't seen her in about 11 months as she had been away studying in Israel. Another thing every year at camp is an overnight in the woods. It's called a Machane Chutz. It's when we walk (which seems like an eternity)'to a campsite far off of camp grounds. When we get there, we set up tents and have a lot of fun for two more days. That is just one of the things I love about camp! Another one is the Maccabiah eames. You could
also call it color war. We have so much fun. The whole camp is split into two teams and we use teamwork and spirit to win the mighty victory. There is a series of sporting events and several group night activities throughout the two days of competition. Also, each team sets up a lunch and a dinner to impress the "judges" (head counselors of the camp). For example, two years ago, my team did an Oriental-style dinner where everyone sat on the floor on rugs. Everything is a blast and no matter who wins, we all have fun during competition! I have made such good friends that I have even gone to some of their Bat Mitzvah celebrations, including one in Florida. I'm really thankful I have an opportunity to go to such an awesome camp! (Also, I'm glad my parents suggested that I try it out!) After four weeks of intense Jewish learning, doing fun activities, and especially making new friends, nothing is more fun than looking forward to coming back the next year! Avi, daughter of Michael and Carol Katzman, is a seventh grader at Westside Middle School and a member of Beth Israel.
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I'hulw from ln/t Up: Avi :m<) hi*r c.imp fi it-nd, Elyssa Brent from Pittsburgh; summer of 2000--Avi {second row, left) and her bunkmates at Camp Moshava; the Katzman siblings at Avi's Bat Mitzvah: Rachel, Jeff, Avi and Melissa; Avi and the rest of the 2000 Destination Imagination Team from Swanson Elementary School at World Finals in Ames, Iowa: Tori Rafael and Lexie Newman {front row); on the wall: Dan Torson, Drew Wilson, Jeff May, Avi Katzman and Dara Chesnutt
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April 6, 2001 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 25
The Present Version by A L E X A J I L L I E N N E W M A N
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Nine years ago, my parents wrote an article about me in the Jewish Press. They were right, I am happy and entertaining but I'm not a "delightful four year old" anymore, but I still am full of life and loved by.. .most all. Lexie is my nickname but I changed the spelling for fun! It used to be L-e-x-i, but I was tired of it and I wanted a change. I don't exactly love all my teachers, considering I do go to a Middle School. I still am very social with lots of friends and have had my share of slumber parties. Like my parents said then, "Eating is one of my favorite activities," and it still is. I enjoy drawing and painting, but I like designing clothes more. I dress up, from time to time, in my fun costumes, and no more Barbies; my trolls are long gone (they left with Polly Pocket). Muffys are around but I don't "play" with them anymore, and instead of a play kitchen, I work in the real one. I have the same great imagination, but I don't make
up games such as my old favorite, "Katie wind-up". Oh, yes, and I still love hearts and flowers. In addition to Middle School at Westside, I play basketball for school and for the "Y". I'm continuing to take dance, and many more hectic activities. I would still rather be at home than doing all this stuff. I 'despise' my older brother, Nick, who is 15, and he feels the same way about me; I try to stay away from him, unlike my earlier years. I don't want to get married, and I don't want the responsibility of kids. I finally grew out of thumb sucking, which left me with braces. Although my thumbs still taste like chocolate and vanilla, like most girls, I prefer the real thing. Lexie, daughter of Murray and Sharee Newman, Is a seventh grader at Westside Middle School and a member of Temple Israel,
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
How Becoming a Mustang Mentor Changed My Life by SARA MUNZESHEIMER —
I've learned that helping people makes me feel good. My Bat Mitzvah project is called "Mustang Mentors," which is at my school, Millard North Middle School. In this program, I tutor disabled and special needs students in their classroom. Before becoming a Mustang Mentor, I was really uncomfortable being around people who were different from me. But after I got to know them, I started to have fun. Sometimes I push the kids in their wheelchairs or hand out folders. I help them with their morning activities such as updating the calendar and counting the days of school. We also check the weather, count the amount of change in the money cup, and tell the time. I help them choose the kind of lunch they'll have for that day. During work time, I assist the students with different activities. These may include counting numbers, spelling words or identifying colors. The students seem to appreciate me being there, and that makes me feel good. My Bat Mitzvah will be in May at Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Synagogue. It will be a big step for me. I've been studying for a long time, and have a better understanding of what it means to be Jewish. Many people have helped me to have the knowledge I have today. These people include my teachers Maya Wertheimer, Marti Nerenstone, Rini Gonsher, Jeff Ferber, Arnold Radloff and Rabbi Myer S. Kripke. Mrs, Wertheimer has taught me how to read, write and understand Hebrew. Ms. Nerenstone has taught me prayer and all parts of the service. I learned the history of my ancestors, as told in the Torah and other books, through Mr. Radloff and
Sara as a seventh, grader today
Sara at age live
Mr. Ferber. Mrs. Gonsher helped me understand the ways of being Jewish. And Rabbi Kripke explained the meaning of my Torah portion, and helped me understand my responsibility to the Jewish people. Religious school has been a challenging and exciting part of my life, I've learned so much about
Judaism and being Jewish. Thanks to my teachers, religious school and my parents, I'll be a Bat Mitzvah soon. Sara, daughter of Alice Weiss and Ken sheimer, Is a seventh grader at Millard North Middle School and a member of Beyt Shalom.
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April 6, 2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 27
My Personal Hero by E L I B L O O M
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I have had many Jewish experiences in my life, but Twill only write about one of them...the one that is most important to me, being mentored by Marvin Parilman in preparation of my Bar Mitzvah this spring, I first began toi study with Mr. Parilmant in fifth grade Hebrew school and I enjoyed his class very much. After sixth grade, I began meeting with him on Tuesday afternoons. Every week, I look forward to meeting him at Temple Israel and enjoy working with him on my torah studies and the everyday prayers. As I work with him, I am filled with knowledge until I can't fit any more in. Then I am sent home to study and empty that knowledge into my long-term memory slot! Next week, I'll go back for a refill and the same
with the week after that, and so on, until my Bar Mitzvah on March 31. After my Bar Mitzvah, I will see Mr. Parilman every Wednesday and Thursday as I continue to work for Temple Israel in the office. This year, I am working there for my Mitzvah project. After high school, I would like to go to the Air Force Academy. I would like to learn to be a pilot. After college, I will hopefully come back to Omaha and once again be a part of our ever-growing community. Mr. Parilman is very multi-talented. He sings, teaches and acts in wonderful plays. So the truth is, that Marvin Parilman is one of the best teachers I have ever had. Ell, son of Rebecca and Brent Bloom, Is a seventh grader at Lewis & Clark Middle School and a member of Temple Israel. • <•*'>
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Photos from top: Eli, right, with his older brother Alex; left photo: Eli shares n moment with his grandmother, Dina Bloom; right photo: 1999 -EH visits the Henry Doorly Zoo.
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April 6, 2001
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Top row, /row left: Jacob Phillips, son of Eric and Julie Phillips, became a Bar Mitzvah on Nov. 18, 2000, at Beth El. David Bresel became a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Israel on Aug. 25, 2000. Jon Lerner, son of Martha and Dick Lerner, will become a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Israel on June 9. All three are seventh-graders at Westside Middle School. Second row: Shevy Katzman, daughter of Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman, becamcs a Bat Mitzvah' in 2000. Abby
daughter of Bill and Bctb Ginsburg, will become a Bat Mitzvah at Beth El on June 2. 1987-Eli Bloom visits the Strabucker pumpkin farm when he was in first grade. Third row: 1994-Celebrating Avi Katzman's sixth birthday are Brent Saltzmau, left, Aviel Friedman, Shoshy Sbrago, Avi, Zev Eisenberg, Rachel Katzman and Sarah Schulman. Bottom row; 1089-At Avi Katasman's first birthday ar« Mas: Rothenberg, left,. Avi, Ian Kothenberg and Maggie Fried.
April 6,200X
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 29
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row, from left! Lauren. Baer, granddaughter of Les and <Jan Schniederman, today, and as a baby; 1087<-Chel8ea Taxman receives her Siddwr at Temple Israel. Second row: 'Denise Bemnett's 4-6 class at Friedei Jswish Academy inctodes Beth Rich, fe/l, Elina Yurikov, Brent Saltseman, M». Bennett, Ariel Levlae, Andrew Taylon, and former F»JA student Eachei Reno. Third mwt
1990-Seth Rich, left, and Zev Eisenberg work on an art .project at FJA. Bottom row: 1991Childcare at the «JCC includes^ buck row; Danwy'Raasnick, left, Marty Kaplan, Michael-Kraft, Sarah Spooner, unidentified; front row: Andrew Miner, Alex Epstein, .Aly Priedman, Austin Davidspik, Sash Fininicum* t i n d s a y .Belmont and': Jeffrey MaJashoek. . .
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Page 30 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
A Full Life by LEANNE HARRIS
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I was born on May 20, 1988, so I will be celebrating my Bat Mitzvah on May 19 of this year. I have been working hard to prepare for this special day by studying with Elyce Azriel, my mentor, as well as Cantor Blum. By the time you read this, I will also be studying with Rabbi Azriel and Rabbi Stiel. I've enjoyed going to many Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties this year, and I can't wait for my friends and family to party with me. Most of my day is spent at Beveridge Middde School. My class schedule keeps me very busy with homework almost every night. If nothing else, I can usually count on having algebra to do. I can't wait for summer! Right after school, I come home to take care of my dog, an eight-year-old Sheltie, who has rheumatoid arthritis. She has to be carried outside, because it's hard for her to walk up and down stairs, especially when there's snow and ice on the ground. Tami is the sweetest dog in the whole wide world. Our other dog, a wild Keeshound puppy, needs me to let her out, too. After she's let back in, Carli does laps around our house. She's crazy! I love sports! My little brother, Zach. (a real pain), and I are very active in sports, so my mom and dad are constantly driving us to the JCC and other places. This year, I have played on the Beveridge soccer team and the JCC seventh grade girls' basketball team. Our team only lost one game during the regular season. (The tournament starts right after this article is due.) I am currently participating on the Beveridge gymnastics team and a Millard Star soccer team. When I'm not doing schoolwork or sports, I like to spend time with my friends, either in person or chatting online or talking on the phone. I like to go to movies and shop (but not with my mom). My dad is one of my best buddies, because he'll do anything forme if I just ask him in a nice voice and give him one of my looks. My life is very busy, but I couldn't imagine it any other way, Leanne, daughter of Marti and Jim Harris, is a sevPhotos, clockwise from top left: Leann Harris enth grader at Beveridge Middle School and a member loves to play soccer; Leann and her family, of Temple Israel.
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Following in the Footsteps of my Brothers by B R E N T S A L T Z M A N —
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\ r I came to Friedel Jewish Academy to follow in my brothers' footsteps. I accompanied my mother when she drove the various classes to gym at the Jewish Community Center from the old building on Pacific Street. I watched all the children during their gym classes and yearned to join them, The school was part of my life long before I actually attended kindergarten there. I enjoyed going on many class trips; my bria was a Jewish life cycle event to which the entire school" was invited. My brother, Evan, is now 24 years old and just graduated from Yeshiya University. My brother, Scott, is now 20; he is currently attending his second year in Israel at Yeslxiva Neveh Zion.
Both graduated from Priedel long before I entered kindergarten. Denise Bennett, my current sixth grade teacher, taught both my brothers. I was so happy to finally be in her class. She was Evan's age when she first started teaching at Friedel. It's fun when my brothers come home and come back to visit Mrs. Bennett and her class. I will graduate from Friedel at the end of this school year. 1 enjoyed being in a Jewish environment and learning about my Jewish heritage. Attending Friedel has helped me in preparation for my Bar Mitzvah, which will be Dec. 22 of this year. It is much easier for me to learn my Haftorah because I have had a good foundation aa a result of my years of
practice. I look forward to continuing my Jewish education as my brothers have done. I^iere is so much to learn and, as we get older, the information becomes more relevant to our lives. I am especially looking forward to going to Israel to see all the places I've learned about. Bmnt, son otErrol and Lynne Saltzman, /a a slxth«gtader at Friedel Jewish Academy and g m0tnb»r of Beth Israol Photos from top leftt Brent Saltxman today; and the Saltzman boys in 1998 and 1989. Synagogue.
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April 6,2001
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Remember the Stories by SCOTT EGERMAYER
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I was born on July 1.8, 1988. My mom, Jan Egermayer, does volunteer work, and my father, Bob, owns both Pun Services in Omaha and the Kart Ranch in Lake Okoboji, IA. There are three kids in our family and all of us are graduating this year. I will graduate from sixth grade at Loveland Elementary school; my brother, Matt, who is 18, will graduate from Westside High School; and my sister, Julie, who is 21, will graduate from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. I like to play football, tennis and the electric guitar. Also, I'm president of our Loveland student government this semester. My Bar Mitzvah will take place on Oct. 6 of this year. For my B'nai Mitzvah project, I will help at the Pennie Z. David Child Development Center preschool day camp this summer. I decided to do
would sit on the other. . In 1937, Use's parents and older brother moved to Holland because they had some relatives there who could help them. Use didn't go with them because she was a medical assistant and wanted to finish her training. She did try to go to Holland at one time but the Nazis stopped her at the border. They took her passport and other things and made her return to the clinic in Frankfurt. In 1939, Use was able to leave Germany; she was helping bring homeless German children to Holland. There was an orphanage set up for these children when they arrived in the Netherlands. In 1940, the Nazis made all German Jews leave Holland, and the Dutch Jewish Committee moved Use's family to a small apartment in GVoenigen; they lived on Jewish welfare. Use moved to
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Photos from top left: Use Rutner-1993; Scott Egermayer and his grandparents, Ed and Sally Malashock-October, 2000; Matt, 18, Julie, and Scott, 12, at the Ak-Sar-Een Ball -October, 2000. this because I like to be around lads and it would seem like a fun time for me and the pre-schoolers. I was asked about an important Jewish figure in my life. The person I chose is Use Kuttner. I really did not have a chance to know her very well, but she was always a very special person to my mother and my mother's family, the Malashocks. Whenever I've studied about the Holocaust, I remember the stories my family told about Use. Cantor Manfred Kuttner and his wife, Use, came to Omaha and Temple Israel in 1961. My uncle, Mark, was one of the Cantor's first Bar Mitzvah students in 1962. My uncle really enjoyed music and it was because of his getting to know Cantor Kuttner that my family became lifetime friends of Use and Fritz (Manfred) Kuttner. The following story of Use was told to me by my grandparents, Sally and Ed Malashock. Use was 12-years-old when Hitler first came into power. Kids would throw rocks at her family as they walked to the Temple. In school, the Jewish kids would sit on one side and the non-Jewish kids
Amsterdam where she got a job in a hospital. All of a sudden, everything got worse, Jews were not allowed to see movies, go inside stores, ride on busses or trains or do anything. They had to sew a yellow Jewish star on all their outer clothing, suits and dress. On Yom Kippur, 1942, the rabbi stopped services and said there would be a raid to collect Jews that night. Bach night, the Nazis were sending people to the concentration camps. The rabbi told everyone to be prepared. A close friend of Use's came to visit her and insisted she let her take her to the underground where she would be taken care. Use at first said no but her friend would not listen and arranged for her to meet with the underground. There was room for her parents to go underground but they did not feel they were in any danger so they refused to join her. Use never saw her parents again. (Continued on page 38)
April 6,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 83
Remember (Continued from page 82) —-— _ _ In the next three years, Use lived in 21 different places, Some of these places she had been before and others were new. While she was in hiding, she could never go higher than a window sill. Also, she taught herself six different languages by reading books that were smuggled in to her. Her life was like the stories I have read about Anne Frank. She was always kept hiding in a shelter and the people hiding her were very brave because they had put their lives in danger, too. Use's best times, when she was underground, includes the time her host did the laundry by hanging sheets tent-fashion, dragging on the ground, •and told Use she could go out at the night and enjoy the fresh air and grass between the sheets. For the rest of her life she loved nature. I have learned so much about the Holocaust because of her story. I think Use was a very courageous person, and I am able to understand what actually took place during the time of Hitler. I am very lucky to live where I want to live and be with my family and friends. Scott, son of Jan and Bob Egermayer, Is a sixth-grader at Loveland Elementary School and a member of Temple Israel.
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Page 34 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
A Hero Fights for Life by LINDSAY RACHEL BELMONT •
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If you could e-mail someone past or present, who would you choose? Why would you choose that person? When I was a fifth grader, my class wrote essays about whom we would e-mail and why. I chose Anne Frank. I've always been fascinated by the way she survived in that attic with her family, plus another one. I would've been scared to death if I were she, thinking that at any time, all my family could've been taken away to a concentration camp. Sometimes when I think of Anne Frank, I can sort of feel what she felt, just by reading her diary and listening to all of her emotions. I can't totally feel what she felt, though. Nobody except she will ever know exactly what it felt like to go through what she did. If Anne Frank were living today and if she responded to my e-mail, I would be in awe of what she would write. I can only imagine all the pain and horror she went through in that unbearable time in her young life. Fighting for her life the way she did makes me look at Anne Frank as a hero. She truly was. I look up to her as a role model. I also think Anne Frank was a hero because during that terrible time in her life, she was so full of life. She made the best out of the awful events that were actually happening. She described going into hiding as an "adventure." I recently saw the play, The Diary of Anne Prank, with my sister and my grandparents. It truly touched me. It made me think, from her point of view, how she felt during this horrible time. She was so strong and so brave. I deeply admire her. As I said before, Anne Frank was the person I chose to e-mail for my school assignment in fifth grade. I'd like to share with everyone what I wrote. (Continued on page 35)
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Left: 2000--Jessica, left, Colin and Lindsay Bolmont enjoy a family vacation in Chicago. Above: 1992—Preschoolers Lindsay, left, and Maggie Fried mix up a batch of cookies.
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April 6,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 35
A Hero (Continued from page 84) • Dear Anne, The other day was Yom HaShoah, and I said a prayer for you. I would like to thank you for being strong and for how you tried surviving. I think it would be really hard and painful to go through what you had to experience, and I am sorry for what you and the other millions of innocent people had to go through. The good thing is that Hitler's plan, which was to exterminate all Jews, Gypsies, disabled people and many others whom he hated, failed. I go to Hebrew School every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, and I pray on Saturday and light the Shabbat candles every Friday, and so do my family and my Jewish friends. Last year, something interesting happened at school to my older sister, Jessica. In one of her classes, they were studying about the Holocaust. After class, a girl came up to Jessica and said she was really sorry because her grandfather had been a Nazi. My sister replied to her friend that it wasn't her fault, and that she didn't have to apologize. I think it was nice that she was thinking about it. We can never forget the Holocaust. Last year, I went to Beber Camp in Wisconsin. A Holocaust survivor spoke to the whole camp about her experience. I thought it was very brave for her to tell about her experience. It must have taken a lot of guts to tell what it was like. Maybe you knew her. I was wondering, what was it like in Auschwitz? I mean, I know all of the concentration camps were
, horrible, but I would like to know from different people's perspectives. I would like to learn more about the Holocaust, and I would really like to meet you if you were still here this very day. A few years ago, there was an. episode about the Holocaust on one of my favorite shows, "Seventh Heaven." .There was a man who didn't believe the Holocaust ever happened, and it was all fake. That just goes to show you that if we don't continue to tell what really happened, it might be forgotten, and we can never do that. I know that when I have children, I will tell them about the Holocaust. That way, they can pass it down to their children and through every generation, so it will never be forgotten. A week ago in Sunday school, we went to the sanctuary and the rabbi was talking about a man who lost all his relatives in the Holocaust; this man said one of the most special things that he can see is a group of Jewish children sitting in a synagogue singing songs and prayers. I think you are one of the most special people whom I have studied about, and I think that living in a cramped attic for a couple of years, and then trying to survive Auschwitz, was amazing I think you are one of the most amazing people I've learned about, and I'm glad I could e-mail you, I wish you could answer me, Lindsay, daughter of Jill and Mark Belmont, Is a seventh-grader at Mlilard North Middle School. She will col' ebrate her Bat Mltzvatt on Oct, 13 at Beth El Synagogue.
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Page 36 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
A Personal interview, Nine Years Later by LISA EPSTEIN,-with Alex Drew Epstein
2001--I want to be a basketball coach, Alex: 1992--"! love you, you love me. We are a Alex Drew Epstein is a native of Omaha. He was Lisa; What will you look like at your Bar happy family. With a great big hug and kiss from born on Oct. 11, l"988. The following interview was me to you, won't you say you love me, too?" conducted by his mother, Lisa, on Dec. 14, 1992, Mitzvah? and updated on Feb. 10, 2001, in hopes of letting Alex: 1992-Tall, straight hair like Dad, big feet. 2001—Rolling Stones is my favorite band. you, the reader, gain a deep understanding of one I'll wear a green suit and have fur on my body. of the members of the B'nai Mitzvah Glass of 2001. 2001—1 will be tall, wear a dark suit, and a Alex, son of Lisa and Gary D. Epstein, Is a sixth-grader at Columbian Elementary school. He will celebrate tallis from Israel. his Bar Mitzvah on Oct. 11 at Beth El Synagogue. Lisa; Who will you invite to your Bar Mitzvah? Lisa: How old are Alex: 1992—No girls, because they will wear you? dresses. Alex: 1992--I am 2001--I will invite a lot of people, hundreds four years old. of people. 2001--I am Lisa; What will you be like when you are 13? 12 years old. Alex: 1992—A big, big, big man and I will have Lisa: What do you . my own house. like best about being '• 2001—1 will be a basketball player. this age? Lisa; Who will you marry when you grow Alex:1992--Be. V'' >.3,up? cause it is so fun. Alex: 1992—1 will marry my mom, Lisa. 2001-1 have 2001--How the heck am I supposed to privileges now. know? Lisa; What is the saddest thing that Lisa; What is your favorite sport? k*hrf»-.' \ 4 . ' V ' . ,' .• has happened in Alex: 1992-Football, basketball, baseball your life? Alex at age 3J/2 and hockey. ^Alex:l992-Throwingup. 2001-Basketball, basketball, basket2001-When my Grandpa George died. ball. Lisa: What is the happiest time in your life? Lisa: What is your favorite movie? Alex: 1992-1 always get to go outside and ride Alex: 1992-KBarney." my bike. 2001- don't have one. I like comedies. 2001-When I get to play basketball. Lisa; What is your favorite book? Lisa; What is the most important thing in the Alex: 1992--KWinnie the Pooh." world? . 2001--"Danger Zone," a basketball Alex: 1992—You can't tell people what their pre- book. sents are. Lisa: What scares you? 2001—The most important things in the Alex: 1992--Monsters scare me. world are family, religion, school and basketball. 2001-Spiders and reptiles scare me. Lisa: What is your favorite holiday? Lisa; Do you you ever get in trouble? Alex: 1992-Hanukkah, because I always get preAlex: 1992—Sometimes because I always sents, but nobody tells me what they are and I s a y . . . ! always get decorations to see. 2001-Oh, yeah...especially in Hebrew 2001-Hanukkah, because it is joyous and School. fun. l i s a : What can you do by. yourself? Lisa: What do you feel like in synagogue? Alex: 1992-Play, dress myself, make cas- 1999-The Ep»ieia family ut Ben's Bar Mitzvah at Alex: 1992-It is so boring. tles, make cookies, clean the kitchen, put Beth El: Robbie, Alex, Ben, Lisa and Gary. 2001-It is important,.but boring. shoes on, roll dough, press buttons on the Lisa: What do you want to be when you grow up? garage and then it opens. Alex: 1992-Whatever Jeffrey is, but I don't 2001--I can go places by myself. remember what that is. Maybe a McDonald's guy. Lisa: What is your favorite song?
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 87
The Game at its Best by ALEX EPSTEIN
.
— ; —.
Bob Franzese is the Jewish Community Center Basketball Director, Skutt High School basketball . coach, and a great honorable man; He's influenced many lives by asking players to work hard on the game of basketball. He doesn't just ask players to listen to him, but to do what is correct, "Go out there every day and work hard, and be dedicated to basketball." Franzese has helped young teenagers work hard, make the high school basketball team, and be successful! He has the desire and skills to teach the game at its best, but will not tolerate kids who don't work hard. Working with little kids all the way through college, he has the love for the game. He has helped high school players get college basketball scholarships. He has worked with players such as Ben Walker, Matt West, Ben Jacobson, Omar Bynum, and many more, He has affected the community around us by helping, persuading, and being certain and firm. He takes his players through workouts like NBA teams do. He has had teams from High School Nebraska All Stars, Omaha JCC Maccabi games, to ICC sixthgrade select basketball. Franzese is my hero because he encouraged me to become a basketball player, If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be playing right now. Ask any player who has worked with him, and the answer will be "the best." Franzes© also has a great personality-h© is humorous, alert, confident, emotional, certain and giving. He has affected my brother's life and my lifa-and not just a fraction of
it, but all of it. He has done so much for Ben and me. He is the moat respectful coach you will ever find. When I wanted to quit basketball or when my skills weren't improving, he got me through and worked with me on drills. He has also taught me talent doesn't just come to
you, you have to work to earn it. I like working with this special man so much I volunteered to work 50 hours to help coach the JCC Maccabi basketball team. If you have an opportunity to be coached under Bob Franzese, don't pass it up! He teaches the game at its best..
- - ; , . . ' » •
JCC Basketball Coach Bob Franseese
Alex
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April 6,2001
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Marty Kaplan, Josh Pilley, Raffi Bloom, Sarah Klein, Sarah Spooner, Sarah Sherman, Right photo: Purim, 1998, with Taylor Workman, left, Jeffrey Malashock, unidentified, Sarah Spooner, Michael Kraft and Erin Abramson.
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April 6,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, HE
Page 39
.of the B'nai Mitzvah Class of2001
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2bp photos, from left: 2000-Ritik Klein, second from left, carries the colors for Yom Ha'Atsemaut. The son of Rosalie and Larry Klein, ho is a seventh-grader at Kiewit Middle School and became a Bar Mitsevah on Oct. 14, 2000, at Temple Israel; 199l-~Avi and Rachel Katzman; 1999--Ilya Poluetkov, left, and Jason Rich participate in an FJA art project.
Bottom photos, from left: Ben Goldstront, a seventh grader at Lewis and Clark Middle School and son of Larry and Carol Goldstrom, became a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Israel on Nov. 11, 2000; Sarah Sherman, a aeventh-gradcr at Kiewit Middle School and daughter of Ruth and Marc Sherman, became a Bat Mitxvah at Temple Israel on
Happy Passover To AH Our Friends.& Customers
Dec. 8, 2000; Jacob Godwin, a seventh grader at Kiewit Middle School and son of Nancy and Pete Godwin, became a Bar Mitzvah on Nov. 4, 2000, at Temple Israel; 1999-Sarah Spooner, left, Taylor Workman, Allison Lovinger, Taylor Snnford and Kelsey Lepp enjoy summer fwua at Camp Sabra in the Missouri Ossarks.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, Ne
April 6,2001
Best Wishes for a Happy Passover from
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Omaha Chapter of HADASSAH
(Rose BlumMn Jewish Home Auxiliary)
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WISHING YOU A HAPPY, HEALTHY PASSOVER from
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May Passover bring specialjoy to you and yourfamUy.
formerly American Mizrachi Women
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OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING
wishes its friends in Ifte Jewish community a Passover filled with good health, happiness and peace
Members of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization Cornbelt Council Would like to wish everyone a Healthy and Happy PesachI
Our best wishes for a Happy and Healthy Passover
ENERGETIC SEN1QBS/ §LDTIMEft§ Monday, JCC
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and joyous Pesaeh.
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A Modern liberal Agenda 4 LIBERAL JEWISH TRADITION FOR ALL
April 6,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 41
A '2001' Photo Album
IWL-PJwtos, top row, front left: Avi Katzman, left, Abby Ginsburg and Maggie Fried participated in a Preschool Purim parade. Maggie Fried and Lexie Newman shared a moment in August, 2000; 1998-cousins Emily Friedman, 8, and Aly Friedman, 9, wait for the bus to Camp Shwayder. Bottom row, from left: Alex
Wolf, Sarah Spooner, Avi Wolfson, Sam Anderson, David Bresel and Sfairi Tene. Sara, son of Magda Peck and Jim Anderson, became a Bar Mitzvah on March 24 at Temple IsraeL He is a seventh-grader at McMillan Magnet SchooL Shiri Tene, daughter o# Gary and Mindy Tene, celebrated her Bat Mitevah
last Shabbat at Beth EL She is a seventhgrader at Westside Middle SchooL David Bresel, son of Marge and Jim Bresel, became a Bar Mitzvah on Aug. 25, 2000, at Temple IsraeL He is also a seventh-grader at Westside MiddleSchooL
'Best Wishes for a joyous
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CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
Page 42
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6,2001
BBYO: A 75-year-old Tradition by REBECCA MUROW
.•
—
Once a*child has become a B'nai Mitzvah, he/she (along with parental advice) makes a decision regarding, his/her continuation of Jewish studies. Many students choose to attend a Hebrew high school once a week. In many cases, Jewish teens also decide to join a youth organization in an effort to become more involved in the Jewish community The B'nai B"rith Youth Organization (BBYO) is one such teen-led youth group. BBYO is unique in that boys and girls do not always meet together. The boys' section of BBYO, Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) was founded in Omaha in the early 1920's. B'nai B'rith Girls (BBG) evolved later that decade. Omaha's BBYO council now consists of two AZA chapters, Mother Chapter #1 and Chaim Weizmann #1510, and two BBG chapters, Ediar #710 and MZ Yoshanah #2053. BBYOers convene every Tuesday night at the Jewish Community Center to hold chapter meetings where old and new business is discussed and various elections are held. Along with weekly meetings, the students coordinate numerous programs to be carried out during the year. AZA members plan programs based on five different subjects known as "folds," athletic, social, educational, community service/social action, and Judaic. BBGs determine the quality of program ideas on the basis of six folds—sisterhood, community service, social action, creativity, recreation and Jewish heritage. With all of these high standards to meet, Omaha BBYO chapters are constantly holding programs AZA #1 recently held a Super Bowl program and invited the girls of Ediar. MZ Yoshanah hosted a cake date where cakes were auctioned off to the
boys of AZA #1. ; Ediar conducted a successful Mother-Daughter meeting, and BBYOers danced all night long at Chaim Weizmann's annual sweetheart dance last month. Throughout the year, three regional conventions are attended by the Omaha, Kansas City and St Louis councils. BBYOers build new friendships, participate in community service projects, pray together, and socialize with one another at these conferences. The teens always return home with a strong love for BBYO and the motivation to increase membership and programming. Membership drives will be held in late spring to introduce this new class of Jewish high school students to the wonderful opportunities that BBYO has to offer. • If you're interested, call Rachel Shkolnick, BBYO Director, 334-6404. Above: Tony Endehnan, left, and Danny Morris sing the kiddush at last year's 75th anniversary of AZA #1 in Omaha, birthplace of BBYO. Photo at left: BBYOers ride the bus to last April's Spring Regional at Camp Sabra: Rebecca Murow, left, Ariel Shukert, Leah Raful, Shane Cohn and Anne Muskin. Below left: BBYOers gather for a workshop on Teens and Violence; Loora Azriel, Sarah Linn, Andrew Malashock, Kym Pitlor and Jen Cooper. Below right: the men of Chaim Weizmann won an award for Best Newsletter at Winter Regional: Ben Delman, left, Trevor Gerson, Igor Ginzburg, Adam Rosen, Alex Katz, Eugene Ayol and Keith Graul.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
A Year in the Life of Beth El's KadimaandBILUUSY by OZZIE NOGG (with help from the USYers) —
Dear D i a r y . . . July 5, 2000--USY on Wheels! Whatta weekend! Fifty USY kids from all over the country came by bus and bunked at 25 Beth El host homes. We didn't get much sleep, but we sure had a blast! The visitors loved Lucy's fried chicken so much, they want to make Omaha a regular tour stop! • Sept. 17, 2000--Hospice House The first person we visited was in a wheelchair that spoke for her—it was invented by the smartest man on earth. That intrigued us and made us more comfortable. After hearing the patients' stories, we felt close to them. It was sad knowing they didn't have long to live, We were happy to bring them some smiles. Sept 22-24, 2000-Emtza Region USY's Leadership Training Weekend Ninety USY kids and 30 staff met at Beth El to learn more about USY. The weekend was wonderful! We increased our membership by 10% and we now have 36 members! BILU USY President is Michael Hellman; his Executive Committee -includes Ariel Shukert, Rebecca Murow, Joanna Kay and Jessica Hasslinger Oct. 12, 2000-Decorated the Beth El Sukkah The loopy paper chains looked terrific, until the rains came. Oct. 26,2000-Trick or Can! Our Pood Drive collected canned goods for the Omaha Area Food Bank, plus money for Tikkun Olam-USY's Tzedakah Program that aims to help make the world a better place. Oct. 29, 2000-Ooops! A storm washed out our trip to the Pumpkin Patch, so we played Laser Tag at Tilt in Westroads, instead. Nov. 23- 26, 2000--Kinnus Countdown! Up early for bus ride to Des Moines and Emtza Region Pall Kinnus over Thanksgiving vacation! We were with kids from all over the Midwest. Ate Lucy's brownies all the way home. Yum! Nov. 16,2000-Children's Hospital Visit We made and delivered Happy ThanksgivingCards to sick kids. First, we traced our hands onto construction paper — then we cut them out and they looked like turkeys! The kids loved them and it was fun for us. Nov. 18,2000-USY Shabbat
Michael Hellman, left, Brandon Rich, Rebecca Murow, Leah Raful and Joanna Kay visit a resident of Hospice House. We davened, read Torah-did everything-at USY Shabbat. Dec. 7, 2000«SilIy Stuff! This afternoon was the Pound Auction! Everybody brought a pound of something (I brought peanuts). After we auctioned the stuff off, the money went to Tikkun 01am. Tikkun 01am does good stuff for people all over the world. Dec. 21-28, 2000-Beantown Report! Jessica Hasslinger and Rebecca Murow represented BILU Chapter at the USY International Convention in Boston. They loved it! Big bonus was a concert with "The No Talking Blue Guys" from the Intel commercials. Jan. 11, 2001-Israel Interest Scavenger Hunt! Incredible idea-constructing edible maps of Israel! My team's map was made of vanilla pudding, green sprinkles, graham crackers, Rolos, chocolate frosting and kisses (they were the mountains.) Everybody enjoyed the activity because we were creative with food and designed a map of Israel at the same time! Jan. 21, 2001»Clean-Up Volunteers! Cleaned bedrooms at Ronald McDonald House. (If my mom finds out, I'm a gonner!) Jan. 25, 2001--7Ta/«* Time! We started our toZZii-making project. Rabbi
Jessica Hasslinger, left, Ariel Shukert, Leah Raful, Rachel Javitch, Rebecca Murow and Sarah Edelstein share a USY moment. Drazen's helping us make the fringes and knots, which is NOT easy if you're all thumbs, like I am! Feb. 3,2001-We Love Art! Helped set up for the Art Auction. Ooooo, I'd love to own an Again, someday. Feb. 9-11-Boo, Blizzard! Rats! Fourteen eighth graders were going to Excelsior Springs for Kadima Kinnus but a Bnowstorm put the skids on that plan! Kadima Kinnus is rescheduled for the end of March. Will the snow be melted by then? Feb. 28-25-Meet Me In St. Louie, Louie! Sixteen of us went to the Winter Shabbaton in St. Louis. There were socials, services, plenty ofruach and time to just chill with friends. Our chaperones were Hazzan Michael and Heidi Horwitz. March 11,2001-Purim Carnival! This year's carnival was the best ever! Fun games! Great food! Super prizes! Yoni Drazen was USY Chairman and Michael Hoberman was adult chairman. Gotta stop now, diary. Can't wait until April 26-29. That's when I go to USY Spring Kallah at Camp Chi in Lake Delton, WI. And, in June, 111 be at the USY CMT-Candidate Membership Training Program. No doubt about it. USY is Utterly. Super! YES!
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April 6,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 45
Herzl Camp Gets Back to Nature by STEVE MINTZ, Director-
Imagine learning Torah by tracking a deer through the north woods of Wisconsin, or gaining a new understanding of Jewish customs by navigating a kayak through the gorgeous waters surrounding the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. This is exactly what some intrepid campers at Herzl Camp do during a truly unique four-week program called Teva Trek. Open to young adults entering tenth or eleventh grade, Teva Trek is now in its third season. Originally, this program was conceived as a way to address the need for more spaces for high school aged campers. But, during the last several years, it has grown into much more. The first and last weeks of this program take place at Herzl Camp. Participants live, laugh, learn, play and pray with the rest of the campers. During the middle two weeks, however, Teva Trekkers go on the road, travelling throughout Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, taking part in extraordinary events that few people ever get to
experience in their lifetime. • Among the fun and exciting events for Teva Trek 2001 will be sea-kayaking around the Apostle Islands, hiking through Jay Cooke State Park, Whitewater rafting on the St. Louis River, and rock climbing in Taylor's Falls. Professional outfitters and guides, as well as specially trained Herzl staff, are responsible for leading every aspect of the program, and kashrut is maintained throughout the trip. A small Torah even accompanies the group wherever they go! As a culminating event, the Teva Trek campers and staff host the entire camp for Shabbat, leading t'fillot (services), teaching about their experiences and giving everyone a taste of their incredible summer. Herzl Camp, located in Webster, WJT, has been serving the Jewish youth of the Midwest for more than half a century. There are still a few spaces available for this summer. For more information, call the camp office at 1-962-927-4002.
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Photn at teftt Teva Trekknr (jrota JLJebo climbod Taylor^ Falls in MinnoM>ta IUNI summer. Above: Omahun Leah Raful, who will be an Ozo thi« summer (counhelor-in-truinintf), worked on a service project for Ilerzl Camp in 2000.
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April 6,2001
OTYG: Enhancing Jewish Identity by STEPHANIE GROSSMAN, Youth Group Adviser
JYG (Junior Youth Group) is Temple Israel's youth gramming, 'as well as fregroup for seventh and eighth graders. At the begin- quent social events. ning of the year, the two OTYG Junior Youth Goals of OTYG focus on Group Liaisons set goals with a focus on enhancing the following: • To enhance Jewish the Jewish identity of our JYGers by helping them to become comfortable at Temple Israel as a place Identity; for socialization in addition to worship and educa• To become an active tion, Activities with these goals in mind have part of Temple Israel as ranged from Shabbat dinner to havdalah and ice- both a group and individskating to an overnight at Temple. uals; • To encourage involveThe JYG Liaisons work with other members of the OTYG board to plan several rush programs for ment with North Amereighth graders to introduce them to the senior high ican Federation of youth group programs. The first opportunity was Temple Youth (NFTY) the annual JYG conclave in February, hosted by through regional and B'Nai Jehudah and Congregation Beth Torah in national events; • To develop leadership Kansas City. The purpose of the conclave was to introduce skills with a focus on eighth graders to NFTY: (North American Jewish values; Top left: Shayna Denny, Federation of Temple Youth) and provide the • To have fun! OTYG Co-president, opportunity for them to make new friends with NFTY National serves cotton candy at the recent Purim carniReform Jews throughout the Missouri Valley Convention Region. For more than 60 years, val. Top right: Adam Other rush programs include an overnight at the the North American Fed- Rosen helps, also. Co-president zoo in March and the annual trip to Worlds of Fun eration of Temple Youth Right: 11 y Freeman assists in June. Eighth graders are also included in the (NFTY) has offered them- A sands of young people the M i cah Stiel and Leah yearly OTYG elections. make opportunity to explore ^ f ^ * * ® * " OTYG Shaloch Manot baskets. and live Reform Judaism. OTYG's purpose is to provide interested youth in grades 9-12 with a variety of opportunities to Through involvement opportunities offered locally, attend and be involved in social, spiritual, and regionally and nationally, NFTYitea strive to forge social action events. Programs are planned and an identity in consonance with the goals and values run by elected OTYG members, under the supervi- of Reform Judaism. sion of the youth group director and other staff In February, more than 1,400 youth from Reform members. Many successful activities are being congregations throughout North America came implemented throughout the year: creating and together in Los Angeles to learn more about what it leading the High Holy Days Family services; writ- means to be a Reform Jew today. Because of a gening and leading the first Tolerance Service for the erous donor, eight Temple Israel OTYG members entire congregation; the annual Spaghetti Dinner and the youth group director were able to attend. and Auction for Camp Rainbow and OTYG pro(Continued on page 47)
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OTYG
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 47
J-ROK: Kids Keeping Busy
(Continued from page 46) -
•" "•
by RACHEL SHKOLNICK, JCC Program Director
NFTY National Convention only that has much to offer both Temple occurs every other year so only two Israel and the entire community. opportunities are available in each Youth groups offer the chance for a student's high school career. shy middle school student to progress Youth Groups in a very short time from being a OTYG, JYG and NFTY offer many youth at his/her first conclave to a opportunities to our youth but the young leader who is elected to the core of our youth groups is its mem- OTYG board and/or NFTY Missouri bers. Their enthusiasm, dedication, Valley Regional board. In some cases, interest in Judaism, and growing these teen leaders return later as leadership skills has created an ever- youth group advisors or synagogue growing, ever-changing youth group board members.
Club 56ers, back row from Uftt Allison Levinger, Taylor Workman, Anne Rips, Sarah Sadofsky* Avi Wolfson, David Clark, David Anderson, Joe Goldberg and Michael Vann; front row, Sarah Spoonor, Jacqueline Neesman, Jessie Danon, Amy Schweid, liachel Monsky, Jennifer Laudin, Evan Baack, lindsey Wolpa, Rachel Brodsky, Rob Friedman and David Hirshman.
S a r a h Sherman, left, Steven Meger, S a r a h Spooner, Jessica It's been just over six months since the youth group J-ROK was founded here in Omaha, and since then, the reaction has been incredible, J-ROK is an acronym for Jewish Realm of Omaha Kids, and it's a program designed to keep our youth active in the Jewish community. Our mission is to offer an atmosphere where Jewish youth in the fifth-eighth grade can come together to develop a positive Jewish identity while enhancing their leadership skills, A total of more than 40 Jewish preteens have actively participated in the programming. With a wide variety of activities, including community service, Jewish heritage, and socially oriented programs, J-ROK has a lot to
Danon a n d Amy Schweid have enj oy cd J-HOK activities. offer Jewish adolescents in Omaha, Some of our previous programs have included painting dreidels at That Pottery Place as a way of celebrating Hanukkah, visiting area hot spots like the MAX and Mount Crescent, and even just having laid-back socials at the JCC with plzssa and movies, And there's much more to come as the weather gets warm and the action heats up! Every new member receives a "My Kid J-ROKs" bumper sticker and a chance to win a prisse. If you'd like to get involved in J-ROK, either through programming or volunteer work, please contact me at 334-6404. We'd lovo to have you join us!
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Page 48
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
More Pages from the Class of 2001
Brent Saltzman, front row, second from left, joined other students for a FriedeJ Jewish Academy sleepover.
Seth Rich blew the shofar last September to usher in the Jewish New Year, 5761, at FJA.
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Alex Epstein is a member of the sixth grade JCC basketball team.
Lexie Newman, left, and Avi Katzman wait for their flight back to Omaha at the airport in Tel Aviv. They w e r e p a r t of Omaha's Milenniuna Family Mission to Israel, during1 winter break, 1999-2000. Other Class of 2001 B'nai Mitzvah participants included Sam Anderson, Aly Friedman and Alex Wolf,
April 6, 2001 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Page 49
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Page 50 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
NCSY Goes on the Road! by BETH COHEN, Executive Director, Beth Israel — -
Shabbat, rowdy singing, bowling, learning sessions, Israel trips, ice skating, Sukkah hopping. . . this is the National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY). NCSY, run locally by Beth Israel Synagogue and operated nationally by t h e Orthodox Union, is the foremost youth group serving Orthodox congregations. ••-..• Eabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel explains, "NCSY is one of the oldest and most successful youth outreach movements. It is particularly important to smaller communities such as Omaha, where our young people can connect and develop relationships with Jewish kids from around the country. "Beth Israel is proud of its award winning NCSY chapter, started by Rabbi Isaac Nadoff in the 1960's, and led for many years by Rabbi Allan Gonsher," he added. "NCSY locally has dozens of success stories, where young people who grew up in Omaha are now leading religious lives around the world." As an outreach organization, NCSY reaches to both teens who have been raised in observant families and those seeking more in their Judaism. In both cases, NCSYers spend time learning more about Judaism and ritual observance, about Halacha (Jewish law) and, of course, socializing with other Jewish teens. Sierra Gendelman, President of the Omaha chapter of NCSY and a junior at Burke High School, says one of the great things about NCSY is that "everyone is observant in their Judaism. You know you never have to worry about being able to observe Shabbat, or if the food is kosher. We participate in Jewish holidays at shul and do lots of fun stuff in Omaha and at regional conventions," NCSY has activities for Juniors (fifth through seventh graders) and Seniors (eighth through 12th graders). The Omaha Chapter belongs to the Midwest Region, based in Chicago and encompassing Kansas City, Omaha, St. Louis, Des Moines, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Winnipeg. As part of the region, Juniors and Seniors each have opportunities throughout the school year to travel around the region to weekend Shabbatonim. "A synagogue needs to be committed to offering a quality youth program," says Dr. Bonnie Bloch, current Youth Commissioner at Beth Israel and advisor for NCSY. "It is so important for our kids to have the opportunity not only to get to know other Jewish kids in Omaha, but to get to meet Jewish kids from around the Midwest."
Lynne Saltzman, mother of Evan, 24, Scott, 20, and Brent, a sixth grader at Priedel, has seen her children grow up in NCSY. "Evan joined NCSY in fifth grade and he stayed active all through high school; he continues to be an advisor at Regional events and met his 'intended' through NCSY," she said. "He has made a lot of friends all around the world, developing long term friendships as a teen that* have continued into adulthood. Brent, now in his second year a s an NCSYer, has wanted to be president of the Omaha chapter since he was in kindergarten, watching his brothers grow up in NCSY." NCSY presents exciting learning experiences for teens, both as part of t h e formal program and through encouraging kids to seek out more for themselves. NCSY offers summer Israel programs focusing on Torah learning, leadership training, and touring. There are also NCSY summer camps run in the United States for teens. Besides these opportunities, NCSYers find out about all sorts of other ways to explore a n d learn about t h e i r Judaism, Saltzman added, "Both Evan and Scott learned about the Yeshiva of the South (a high school in Memphis) through NCSY, and both attended." NCSY offers a great deal to Jewish teens. In addition to local events going on throughout the year, the Midwest Region has upcoming Shabbatonim. Junior Shabbaton is M a y 3-6, and Senior Shabbaton is May 10-18. Both conventions are held at Camp Chi in Wisconsin (about 90 minutes north of Chicago). NCSYers from Omaha will travel as a group to each of these conventions, and enjoy a great weekend including "playing" outside, visiting t h e Wisconsin Dells, celebrating Shabbat and spending time with Mends. For more information or to be added to the NCSY mailing list, contact the Beth Israel Synagogue office at 556-6288. Top photos; NGSYeus g e t r e a d y f o r s p r i n g
conclave: Sierra Gendelman, left, Sarah Grossman, Rachel Katzman, Josh Grossman, Adam Gendelman and Shoshy Shrago; middle photoi NCSYers help with Yachad, a Jewish youth group for mentally and physically challenged young people; bottom.'. J r . and Sr. NCSYers unpacked books for Beth Israel's library: Shoshy Shrago, left) Daniel Grossman and Avi and Rachel Katzman.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
Do Teens Drop Out or Tune In After Their B'nai Mitzvah? by JULIE WIENER — —
<
NEW YORK (JTA)-The "report card" for nonOrthodox American Jewish teens should feature either an A or a C—depending on which of two new studies you read. With teen outreach a growing concern in the American Jewish community, a number of communities and agencies, including the Reform movement, have launched special teen initiatives and task forces in recent years. The Conservative movement has set itself a goal of doubling youth group membership. But results of the two new studies are mixed enough that translating them into policy recommendations will not be easy. The two research projects on affiliated Jewish teens--a national study of Conservative teens commissioned by the Jewish Theological Seminary, and a survey of Boston-area teens conducted by Brandeis University's Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies-are the most comprehensive surveys yet of Jewish teen involvement. Both studies consisted of interviews with approximately 1,300 teens who have celebrated Bar or Bat Mitzvahs. The Conservative study interviewed its participants twice, shortly after their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs and then again four years later. The Brandeis study surveyed teens aged 13 to 17 once in 1998-99. Like most American Jewish youth, the majority of respondents in both studies had attended congregational Hebrew schools, rather than day schools. The Conservative study was the more upbeat. The two studies' findings differ in several key areas: • Feelings about pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah Jewish education: In the Conservative study, 97 percent of respondents described their Bar/Bat Mitzvah training as positive, with 44 percent of them describing
But on other issues, it as "very positive." In the Brandeis researchers contrast, more than half said, the Conservative of the Brandeis responteens—approximately dents said they seldom or one-third of the totalnever enjoyed Hebrew had attitudes similar to school, with two-thirds those of other responreporting they always or dents. often felt bored there. » Gender differences: It's also possible that The Conservative study no single metropolitan concluded that gender area, like Boston, is repexplains "very little resentative of the nationabout individual variaal scene. tions among the sample Teens enjoy dancing at one of the many B'nai Some commentators population." said the phrasing of the Mitzvah; Nate Joseph is second from left. In contrast, the Branquestions could explain deis study reported that girls are more likely to the divergent findings. participate in formal Jewish education as teens, Steven Cohen, a sociologist at Hebrew University feel positively about their Jewish education and of Jerusalem who has authored a number of key find Israel experiences personally meaningful. studies on American Jewish identity, pointed out • Attitudes toward intermarriage: Fifty-five per- that Hebrew school and Bar or Bat Mitzvah traincent of the Conservative-study teens said they ing are "not at all the same," think it is very important to marry someone For example, Bar or Bat Mitzvah training might Jewish, while only 32 percent of the Brandeis include tutoring and experiences at day school, and respondents agreed. a small percentage of the respondents in the Some of the differences may stem from the fact Conservative study went to day school. that the JTS study focused on Conservative teens, Leonard Saxe, Director of the Cohen Center, while the Brandeis study included teens in agreed. Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and inde"The personal attention kids get in direct prepapendent congregations. ration for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is seen more posiFor example, the Conservative teens differed tively" than Hebrew school, Saxe said. from Reform and Reconstructionist peers in their Other differences may be due to spin. strong opposition to intermarriage, the Brandeis Saxe described the divergences between the two researchers said. studies as the difference between seeing the cup aa That's not surprising, since the Conservative "half empty" or "half full." movement forbids rabbis from officiating at inter"Do we celebrate the involvement and the knowlmarriages and does not allow non-Jewish spouses edge of a substantial group of our B'nai Mitzvah," to become congregation members. (Continued on page 58)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 53
After Their B'nai Mitzvah (Continued from page 52) ~ — Saxe asked, "or do we worry about the people who didn't get to the bimah in the first place and who didn't end up continuing to be involved?" Neither study found particularly high rates of post Bar/Bat Mitzvah Jewish education, such as part-time Hebrew high school. Twenty-seven percent of the Conservative teens graduated from a Hebrew high school program. Only 22 percent of the 11th graders in the Brandeis study were enrolled in formal Jewish education. Other key findings of the Brandeis study include: • Parents have a strong influence on teens' attitudes and behavior when it comes to issues such as continuing Jewish education, intermarriage and the importance of raising children as Jewa. For example, teens whose parents strongly oppose intermarriage are more likely to oppose intermarriage than peers whose parents are less concerned about the issue. • Secular schools exert a "powerful, even dominating influence" on teens. More than a lack of interest in things Jewish, academic demands help explain the decline in Jewish involvement. Key findings of the Conservative study include: • The overwhelming majority of teens said they want to maintain or increase their level of Jewish observance. • Ninety percent of teens attend synagogue on the high holidays, 75 percent have "some connection with organized Jewish activities" after their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs and half have been to Israel, • The intensity of the teens' Jewish involvement dropped significantly between their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs and senior year of high school. The exception is opposition to intermarriage, which increased as the teens matured. The decline in intensity was most marked in the teens' feeling that Jewish education is "very important to their sense of Jewishness." Two-thirds of respondents felt this after their Bar or Bat
Mitzvahs, but only half did four years later. Synagogue attendance also fell, from 65 percent who attended services at least once a month at age 13 to just 40 percent four years later. Yet the authors of the Conservative study take heart that patterns of Jewish identity set in the early teen years persist through high school. The feeling that being Jewish is very or somewhat important, for example, decreased little in the four years after their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs—from 98 percent to 90 percent. The Conservative study shows that "early educational experiences play a crucial role in shaping the Jewish identity of the younger generation," said Barry Kosmin, executive director of the London-based Institute for Jewish Policy Research and one of the study's authors. In the study's conclusion, Kosmin writes that "the myth of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah as an exit from Jewish life, at least in today's Conservative synagogues" has been "debunked." The conclusions of the Brandeis study are more nu'anced. Judaism is "important" to today's teens, the authors write, but "only as it fits into their lives and their goals in a secular, pluralistic society." Top photo; P h i l i p H i r s h m a n and Sain Anderson celebrate their B'nai Mitzvah within six weeks of one another. Eight: Leann Harris practices for her Bat Mitzvah on May 19 with her Dad, Jim.
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Page 54 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
by BERT LEWIS
April 6, 2001
r———
Wlio could get through any holiday, neighbors, friends and community. without remembering the joys of fami- For the most part, the men went off to ly gatherings when everyone was pre- the synagogue and the women stayed sent? Before there were empty places home. This is not to say the ladies were at the table, places where a dear uncle always sat or the special place where uninvolved in the religious aspects of the beloved grandparent presided over family life. Hardly...since custom and whatever the occasion, whether a tradition were under the direction of the lady of the house. We learned by Shabbat dinner or Passover seder. We can all relate to that, can't we? observation, by example, by having Since I'm the one who will create the role models to watch, didn't we? Didn't we see special preparations traditional table, it's only natural that I remember every detail of "how before every holiday? Wasn't it your mother who spent hours and hours in Mother did it." This year, I realize that while I can the kitchen, making everyone's do everything I always did, it takes favorite foods, everything from latkes longer, I also recall that Mom was 10 for hanukkah to honey cakes before years older than I am now when she the High Holidays? Not to mention all was taking care of a big house, a hus- the specialty food preparation for band, cooking three meals a day, Passover! Yes, the women set the pattern for making big holiday dinners and still observance by providing everything doing some volunteer work! These memories tell me I'm either necessary to make a lasting impresreally a wimp or my mom was a sion. To make the children notice that which would be indelibly imprinted in human dynamo or a little of both. memory, so that years later, a senior That generation' knew they had to citizen might wistfully remember "my do what was expected of them (and mother always used the best linen." .tnnybe'a little more). They put themIs it a tribute to every mother or is selves last, not first. They took care of everyone, starting with the immedi- it, rather, the trip down memory lane ate family and spreading to in-laws, we take every Yo.m Tov? Or is it a
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way to compare ourselves to the gen- the days I remember and, like my eration which raised us? Or maybe brother, also recall the way Bubbe it's just because we Jews like to ana- made her famous Passover mashed potatoes. lyze everything. It doesn't mean that mashed potaI don't know the answers, only the questions. I'm certain I was not pay- toes are important, but whenever we ing as much attention to my role speak of our Passover memories, we model as I should have. Those family always mention that dish! Silly as it gatherings around my grandparents' sounds, they were such a reliable tables and later in my own dear par- presence, they can't be forgotten. ents' dining room will remain forever Along with so many other little with me, no matter what else I forget. details woven together, they form the The Yiddish which I so enjoy was a canvas on which our family pictures natural part of my life because I grew are painted, I'm not sure what made them speup with it-because, even as a little kid, when either Bubbe or Zayde cial—maybe the gribennes, or the spoke to me, that was the language chopped onion or the hard boiled they used.-Although I answered in eggs, or just because we could count English, each of us understood the on the pot on the stove during Pesach. Memories. Tradition. Family. other with no problem. That part of my childhood is still with me and it's Certain reminders of long forgotten incidents cause a lump in the throat, a part I treasure. I recently asked my brother to tell one that's hard to swallow. I someme what he remembered about those times wonder when 1 hear kiddush on early seder gatherings and his first a Friday night how much longer I'll answer surprised me. He recalled a still be able to recall my father's time which must have preceded my sweet voice as he san^ tho words. appearance in the family, when the Here we arc ou the <rvo of another seder at our grandparents' house was holiday. It's a time to be with family around the kitchen table. and friends, to he grateful for the As he described the scene from chance to toil tho Passover .story, to decades earlier, we figured out some enjoy the specialties which eonm out details. He named each person who of the kitchen ut your houao. , If you're lucky enough to have the would have been there: three uncles and an aunt, Pa's siblings, who were little ones at your seder table, do a kids themselves, in addition to the good job of it; remember, you're helping to form another chapter of tho grandparents and parents. In the years which followed, a shiny family history. dining table provided room for all, by And from our house to yours, we then, grown to adulthood. Those are wish you a Happy Passover!
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April 6, 2001
PEOPLE
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 55
Passover, Kids and the Internet
by MARK MIETKIEWICZ
i
On Seder night, we are supposed to drink wine until: a. Uncle Irving's jokes sound new to you b. you can no longer tell the difference between Pharaoh and Moses c. you don't miss bread That's just one of the many Pesach jokes found on the World Wide Web, located at: wwwvjr.co.il/humor/passover.html The Internet is full of puzzles, games, songs and coloring books to help kids gear up for the big holiday. Today, some of the best. My favorite Passover kids, site is Nurit Reshef s Prom Pesach to Shavuot: www.bus.ualberta.ca/yreshef/pesach/pesachframes.html. (You will need a browser which can handle Java in order to enjoy this site.) Dr. Reshef has created a "four room" virtual playhouse. In the Library, for example, you can listen to stories in Hebrew and English, learn about the history of the holiday and click on an on-line Seder, plate and create some silly holiday stories. When you get to the Playroom try out the holiday Word Search, complete the on-screen jigsaw puzzle. And don't forget to play (and win) Passover Tic-Tac-Toe against the dumbest computer in the world. Need to keep the kids creative while you»re getting ready for the holiday? Here are a couple of sites worth checking out. Kids Domain Passover has craft suggestions (make your own Seder plate, placemats and afikomen bag): www.kidsdomain.com/hoJiday/pa88over/, The Disapora Yeshiva has an, online coloring book that follows the entire seder (Kadesh, Urehatz, Karpas, Yachatz.,.) in fifteen panels: www.9msBnet.orgr/hoMday8/holidays.htui. Just download, print and color. Torah Tots also has pages illustrating the story of Pesach and £he Ten Plagues: www.torahtots.com/holidays/pesaoh/ posach.htm.
Since much time before Passover is spent in the kitchen, why not include your kids? According to cookbook author Joan Nathan, "When children help you cook for a holiday, they learn the meaning of that holiday." Go to: http://family2.go.com/recipes/ family/features/family_1997_04/dony/kidpassoverl/kidpassoverl.html. You can find her kid-friendly recipes for Chocolate covered matzos, charoset, apple and carrot kugel muffins and chocolate chip kisses. Speaking of food, parents will appreciate the hundreds of recipes at the Jewish-Pood Passover Archives: www.jewish-food.org/category.htm, and at the Passover Cyber Kitchen: www.cyberkitehen.eom/rfcj/passover.html. And if your child has a food sensitivity or allergy to eggs or wheat or dairy, Passover can feel like an almost insurmountable challenge. Rivka Leah Schwartz has been there and has some advice: wwwjewishholiday.com/allergies.html. Are your kids making their singing debut at this year's seder? They can brush up on tlieir rendition Ma Nishtana at Passover Tunes for Kids: www,618.org/kidpassover.html and Nurit Reshef s site, at: www.bus.ualberta.ca/yreshefi' pesach/audiomusicroom.html, And they can sing along with instrumental versions of those songs at Classic Passover Tunes: www.kosher4passover.coin/time8.htm. If your computer has a quick connection to the Internet, you take see a few examples of how Hollywood does Passover: http://ko8her4passover.ooni/movicclip8.htm. In a "Rugrats Passover, Angelica is Pharoah, Tommy is Moses and the babies are the Hebrews. Also, on the page you'll find several clips from Dreamwork's Prince of Egypt, But for the definitive word, watch Charleton Heston as he splits the Red Sea and later receives The Ten Commandments. If your kids still need more, have them check out
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On behalf of the Omaha Symphony, I send you warmest wishes for a Happy Passover.
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1999-FJA teacher Demise Bennett help students Arielle Levin©, Heated, and Jason Bich use the computerized catalog at the Kripke .Federation •Library.' . ' < the quizzes at the Department of Jewish Education; www4aJ5B-ed»org.ii/pesg'nen.html. Billy Bear's Pesach Holiday site has mazes (Help Moses find the Ten Commandments; Help the people cross the Red Sea): www.billybear4kids.com/holidayts/pesaeh/pes ach.htm and Passover in Cyberspace has dozens, .more links: www.desijpi8bydttybreak.oom/holidayB/paseover/index.html, . :. : . Another amusing gam© encourages you to search for any ehometz which may bo hiding on your computer screen: www.an6he.org/chometz.htm. With a few deft clicks of the mouse, you are
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Page 56
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6,2001
5
More 'Class of 2001 Memories
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1991—JCC Preschool class with teachers Kini Polsfcy, left, and Ruth Oruch, included, back row: Anna Clark, Nikki Bernstein, Lexie Newman, unidentified, and Abby Ginsburgj middle rowt unidentified, Sarah Schulman, Zev Eisenberg, Ariel Urkowitz and Marty Nachmanj front row: Sarah Munzesheimer, Maggie Fried, Avi Katzman, Alex Wolf, and unidentified.
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FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service, 8 pan. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will give the sermon. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY; Bagels and Bible, 9^0-10:15 aan. Please join us for our continuing study of Shir Ha Shirhn, Song of Songs; Services, l(fc30 aan. PASSOVER SUNDAY: Passover Service, Hfc30 aan^ Congregational Seder, 6 pan. WOMAN'S SEDER THURSDAY, April 12: The story of the Exodus and the special parts played by our matriarchs will be celebrated. Lunch will be served from 11:30 aan.-noon. Cost is $5. Seder will follow from noon-1 pan. There is no charge to attend the Seder only. Please make reservations with the office. ADULT EDUCATION Thursday, April 12; Adult Study with Rabbi Debbie Stiel, 10-11:30 aan. Focus will be on the theological and historical perspectives of Reform Judaism. CONCLUSION OF PASSOVER SATURDAY, April 14: Morning Service and Yizkor, 10:30 aan.
Page 57
Office hours: Monday through Thursday,
Office Hours: Ifonday tiiroogh Thursday, 9 a.m.8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 5 pjn.; Friday, 9 aja.-4 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutoer. Services are conducted by Eabbi Paul Drazen FRIDAY, April 6- Parslia Tzav, Shafobos and Cantors Emil Berkovits and 6 . Mlebael Hagadol: Chametz to be burned no later tb.an Horwite. 12:09 pan,; Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 pan. THURSDAY, April 5: Siyyum B'kborim, SATURDAY, April 7-Erev Pesaeh: Morning a.m.; Shaiiarit, 6^5 aan,; Bfincha-Ma'ariv, service, 7:45 a.m. followed by a kiddush lunch; Chometz not to be eaten after I<te52 a-m.; Kiddush FRIDAY, April §: Shaharit, 6:55 aan.; Madialunch to be over at 10:52 aan.; recite Kol Chamira Ma'ariv, 6 pan* (nullification of Chometz) by 12:09 pant.; Mineha, SATURDAY* April 7--Shabbat HaGadol: 7:30 p.m.; earliest time to start Seder, &40 pan. Shaharit, 9^J aan.; Mincha-Ma'ariv, 7:45 pjocu SUNDAY, April 8-lst day of Pesacfa: Morning SUNDAY, April 8--first day: Shaharit, service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha, 7:40 p.m.; Candle 9^0 a-m.; Mincha-Ma'ariy, 6 p-nu; Second Seders lighting no earlier than 8:41 pan.; earliest time* to 7 p.m. start Seder, 8:41 pan. MONDAY, April 9-second day: Shaharit, MONDAY, April 9--2nd day of P e s a c t : 9:30 a-m.; Mincha-Ma'ariVj 8 pas. Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha, 7:40 p.m.; TUESDAY, April 10-THURSDAY, April 12Havdalah, 8:41 p JE. Hol Hamo'ed: Sfaaiarit, 6:45 a.m.; MiaaehaTUESDAY, April 10-THURSDAY, April 12- Ma'ari?, 5^0 pan. Services, 7 a.m. and 7:40 p.m. FRIDAY, April 13-Hol Hamo'ed: Shaharit, FREDAY, April 13--Erev Yom Tov: Morning aan,; Miaeha-Ma'ariv, 6 pjn. service, 7'aan.; Candlelighting, 7:44 pan.; Mincha, SATURDAY, April 14-seveatli day: Shaharit, 7:50 pan. ajn.; Mincba-Ma'ariv, 7^5 pan. SATURDAY, April 14-7tb. day of Pesacfa; SUNDAY, April 15-eIgktfa day; Shaharit Morning service, 8:45 a.m. followed by a special (Yizkor is said), 9:30 a.m.; Mincha-Ma'ariy, Pesach kiddush; Mincha, 7:40 pan.; Candlelighting no earlier than 8:47 pan. SUNDAY, April 15-Final day of Pesaeh: Morning service, 8:45 a.m.; Yizkor, KH30 a.m.; Mincha, 7:55 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:48 pan.j Chometz should not be used before ffc2© pan. y i- yyr] V -TiFERETH J S R f t E L ^ f i ^ f f -"^»-i»*rMember-of the United:Synagogue.^v -I ; i ' g ,
Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 pan. " SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10 aan.-noon SUNDAY: Community Second Seder, 6:30 p.m. Cost is $8 for Adults; $4 for children under 6. Reservations required. MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study/Movies, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: AA Meeting, library, 7:30 p.m.
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Page 58 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
Passover Recipes by JEWISH PRESS News Service — —
Prom Passovers Made Simple by Zell Schulman, recently reviewed in this paper, came two recipes: spicy carrots and sweet and sour chicken. Enjoy! ALLEGRIA COHEN'S CfflZU SALADA 2 lbs. peeled baby carrots 2 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. dried red pepper flakes or ground red pepper Juice of one large lemon 2 tbsp. olive oil Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
BAKED APRICOT-GINGER CHICKEN WITH SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE 2172-3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts one 13/4 oz. box mandlen (soup nuts), ground 1 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground white pepper 2 large eggs or 1/2 cup egg substitute 1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 eight-oz jar apricot preserves 1/2 cup white wine 2 tbsp. melted margarine
Preheat oven to 350°. Cut chicken breasts in half. SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE Combine soup nut crumbs, ginger, salt and pepPlace carrots in medium saucepan. Cover with 2 cups apricot-peach cold water and cook over medium heat until the tip per in shallow dish. Beat eggs in small bowl with 1/4 tsp. gound ginger duck sauce of a knife can pierce them, about 15 minutes. Drain lemon juice and pour into pit plate. Dip each chick- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves en part into egg mixture, then crumb mixture. and cool. 1 tbsp. honey In a small bowl, mix cumin, paprika, salt, red Arrange in a single layer in a 9x13" baking pan. Place all ingredients in a 1-qt microwave-safe In a 1-qt microwave-safe bowl, combine preserves, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil. Add this to the dish; microwave on 'high' for 2 minutes. Stir and wine and margarine; microwave on 'high' for 3 mincooled carrots and gently coat them. Let cool for 20 microwave one minute more. Refrigerate and warm utes. Pour over chicken breasts and bake for one minutes. Garnish with parsley. These may be prebefore serving. pared ahead (keeps a week in the refrigerator). hour or until chicken is crisp. Serve with Sweet and For conventional method: Place all ingredients in Serves 4 and should be served at room temperature. Sour Sauce. Makes 6-8 servings. a medium saucepan; bring to boil over mediumRefrigerate and warm before serving. high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. (Continued on page 59)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 59
Passover Recipes (Continued from page 58)«—"——— •••••«• •• •
Prom Chef Dvorali Buhr's Passover kitchen comes Matza Taco Cliips and Matza Strudel. Buhr is a student at the Jewish Theological seminary's ILL. Miller Cantorial School in New York City and an award-winning pastry chef. MATZA. TACO CHIPS 1 box matza li/icups salad oil 3 tbsp. ground cumin 1 tbsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 tbsp. paprika Kosher salt to taste Preheat oven to 350". In a large bowl, break matza into taco-chip-sized pieces. Combine remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, except salt, and pour over "chips". Toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Spread out on cookie sheet and sprinkle with kosher salt. Place in oven and bake until crisp and beginning to brown (about IS minutes). Stir often to prevent scorching. Remove from oven and allow to cool before storing in an airtight container.
MATZA STRUDEL 12 sheets matza 8-9 apples, cored and sliced 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup potato starch or matza cake meal 1 tbsp. cinnamon 1 stick butter or margarine 2 cups applesauce
For the sauce:
2 cups apple juice 1 cup applesauce 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup butter or margarine 2 tbsp. potato starch Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil; boil for one minute and set aside. Ladle over finished strudels as desired. Serve warm or Preheat oven to 350". Wet the sheets of matza cold or try it hot a la mode! under running water and set aside. Divide stick of BARB ZACHARIA'S FARF3EL COOKIES butter or margarine into 12 equal portions and set 2 cups matza meal aside. Toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon and 2 cups matza farfel 1 tsp. cinnamon potato starch (or matza meal). ll/2 cups sugar 1/4 t sp# mie Lay a matza sheet on e clean work surface and 1 cup chopped walnuts 2/3 cups oil place 2/3 cup apple, mixture in a. line down the cenI1/2 cups chopped d r i e d 4 egfys ter. Place one pat of butter or margarine on top, in fruit, the middle of the line, and roll up, placing the raisins or candied fruit "strudel" seam side down in a greased 9x13" baking Preheat oven to 350". Combine salt, farfel, cinnadish. Repeat with remaining matzas. (When the mon, sugar and matza meal in a large bowl. Beat dish is full, it should like like manicotti.) eggs arid oil together and pour over dry ingredients. Spread two cups of applesauce on tops of the Add fruits and nuts. strudel and bake in oven for 30-40 minutes. If areas Drop by rounded spoonfuls on greased cookie of the matza darken too fast, place foil over edges. sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes or 'til lightly browned.
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April 6, 2001
Eggs and Plagues: Handling Easter and Passover in our Interfaith Family by JIM KEEN, lnterfaithFamily.com - - - - - - — - - — — -
Spring in Michigan is always a welcome event. cousins (and now their kids) is an annual happy Just ask anyone who has ever spent a winter here. occasion—even if it is the decibel level of a 747. We So when the snow melts, and the crocuses bloom, all get together in Boston for at least one of the two everyone tends to get a little giddy. Of course, in seders (ritual Passover meal, at which the story of my interfaith family, we have an extra reason to be the Jews' exodus from Egypt is told). We learn about Moses and the Pharaoh, the 10 plagues, and elated: It's the Easter and Passover season. My wife and I each have fond memories of our the significance of the Passover food. holidays. For Bonnie, it's matzah brie (eggs and There's lots of singing and lots to eat. (The food is unleavened bread fried up in a pan) and getting delicious, but too much matza gives me lead belly.) For my family, it is important to be together for together with her cousins for Passover. For me, it's Easter eggs and Disney World for Easter. As kids, my brother and sister and I used to spring break with my family. To this day, just the dye Easter eggs on Saturday night. The morning of smell of vinegar (used in the dye) reminds me of Easter Sunday, we'd wake up and scurry around brightly colored eggs that the Easter Bunny hid for the house looking for hidden eggs to put in our Easter baskets. us to find. , As we grew older, we started to spend our spring Like Christmas and Hanukkah, Easter and Passover can also evoke strong emotions in inter- break vacation in Disney World. Because this break always occurred over Good Friday and faith families.; Instead of letting these feelings be a source of Easter, it became a tradition to enjoy our holiday strife for us, we decided to make them a spring- with Mickey. Today, my whole family, nuclear and board for embarking on a whole new set of experi- extended, makes the trip to Florida. Like my wife ences. We simply did not want to deny one of us our and her side of the family, it just wouldn't feel right traditions by trying to pick which holiday would be spending the holiday any other way. celebrated in our household, We also choose not to ignore the religious aspects Before we were married, Bonnie and I decided we of the holidays. would each "help" the other celebrate his or her Bonnie usually accompanies me to the Easter holiday, We do this for Christmas, Hanukkah, Rosh church service. I once asked her if all the talk of Hashanah, etc. Jesus made her feel uncomfortable. She replied Now that we have kids, we have decided to raise that, as foreign as it was, she still viewed it as an them Jewish. However, like their mother, they educational experience. She said that going to "help" me celebrate my holidays. While making cer- church with me gaye her an opportunity to learn tain they understand they are Jews, we are teach- more about my faith and background. ing them about my Protestant background, as well. Because we're on the road for Easter, I never One of the most important aspects of these two quite know what to expect in a different congregaholidays, for both of us, is being with our families. tion from my hometown. I'm always afraid the minMy wife must be with her family for Passover, or it ister will say something that might offend my wife. just isn't the same. I don't know exactly what that would be, yet I still The big gathering of her parents, aunt, uncle, and worry. Fortunately, my fears have not even remote-
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ly come true. As Bonnie learns from my Easter experience, I, too, enjoy taking in the Passover scene. My first seder with her was on the campus of the University of Michigan, while we were just dating. We went to a house with a bunch of friends, where our host proclaimed that, due to our getting together, there were a lot of happy mothers back home. Because we were students, we did a lot more eating and talking than anything. We skipped over quite a bit of the hagaddah (book containing the prayers, songs, and story of Passover). I was not intimidated in this setting, but the following year, I wondered how would it be as I went to my first Passover with her big family in a "real" seder. My wife has a wonderful family, and any opportunity to get together with them is a lot of fun. However, I was still worried about fitting in and not sticking out like a sore thumb at the dinner table. True to their form though, they went out of their way to make sure I didn't feel uncomfortable. I was assigned duties around the kitchen just like everyone else. I can proudly say that I helped grate the horseradish for the Passover plate. (Each food on the plate is symbolic in some way. Horseradish symbolizes the bitterness of slavery the Jews experienced in Egypt.) The first couple of years spending Passover with Bonnie's family were a huge learning experience for me. There's a part of the seder when the leader of the service breaks a piece of matza called the afikoman. In some families, the kids hide the afikoman and hold it for ransom. In Bonnie's family, sometimes the leader will hide it in the room and make the kids hunt for it. Now this I could relate to!
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April 6, 2001
More Class of 2001 Memories
Left photo; 1991-Nancy Carlson's preschool back row: unidentified, unidentified, uniden- er during last summer's basketball clinic at class at the Jewish Community Center includ- tified, Abby Ginsburg, Max Rothenberg and the JCC. Bottom right; 1995-The Muskin famied: front row, from lefty Josh Finnicum, Avi Nikki Bernstein. Top right; Philip Hirshman ly, back row, from left: Mary-Beth, Zach and Katzman, unidentified, and Alex Epstein; gets some basketball tips from a Husker play- Bruce; front row: Emily and Annie,
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 63
Traveling Light: Freedom's Song by ROBERTA ISRAELOFF
Bible stories are like Tin Pan Alley standards off of which the jazz masters improvise their way to musical immortality. That is, these ancient stories of gardens, floods, and redemption from bondage provide the basic melody, the essential notes, which we absorb and around which we compose our own songs. What is midrash., after all, but a compendium of theological riffs? And so, when I think of Passover this year, I focus on a different part of the story than I did last year or the year before. For though the story is the same -is in fact, immutable-what I bring to it varies according to my own personal journey. Now, I find myself thinking about the moment the Jews left Egypt. What incomparable courage to leave everything they knew as familiar to begin a journey with no end in sight. I can't help but compare their exodus to a more recent one-the flight of Jews from Nazi Germany before the Second World War. Many of those who survive today, left as children--as six, 10, 12-yearolds--sent away by their desperate families toward the promise of a safe harbor. I try to imagine Jake, my 13-year-old son, left on his own to navigate his way through war-ravaged Europe, and I find that I literally have to flee from the image. 1 can't stay with it. It's too awful. Yet the courage to embrace the new differs from the courage required to flee the old. It requires a different set of skills, a different slant on life. Our
ancestors knew this. That's why it was decreed that indicating that we become stressed when faced those Jews born into bondage were not allowed to with too many choices. Presented with 20 different enter the Promised Land. They intuited that the types of soap or breakfast cereal, we first panic, shadow chains of bondage remain, like a phantom however subtly, and then rebel against the array of limb, long after the actual chains are loosened. choices by feeling less than satisfied with what we To appreciate the wisdom, of this, I think in ultimately choose. microscopic terms; I think of my own family. My This was news to me. We've long acknowledged sons, one at each end of adolescence, are caught up our need for some degree of autonomy: without any in their own personal exodus, away from the fami- choice, we become depressed and helpless. But ly, out of their childhood, and they move with the apparently, havingtoomuch autonomy can result swift determination of a people forced to flee. in the same feelings. That's why, when my older But they're not sure toward what goal they are son complained that he was too old to have a curmoving. In fact, precisely because the future seems few, and we agreed, he was startled. Thcmgh he so hazy, they often focus on where they've been. stayed out 'til three in the morning for a couple of Just the other morning, as I was driving Jake to nights, soon he was returning home around midmiddle school, he said, "When I have kids, I'm night-which was, of course, the time of his old curgoing to make sure they appreciate it when they're few. in elementary school." He was referring, I knew, to When we read the Haggadah this year, I'll thank the increased pressure and stress he was feeling our ancestral mothers and fathers for helping me now that he had to pass Regents and be responsible discern between two kinds of courage, and for for science labs. He longed for the days when all he reminding me that one of life's daily challenges is had to do at school was show up, draw a picture, divining how much choice ia right for us. watch some seeds grow. Freedom, it turns out, isn't instantly bestowed "We all want to be younger again," I tried to reas- but painstakingly accommodated, claimed and sure him, "But think of it this way; when you were reclaimed. in elementary school, it's true that you had fewer responsibilities, but you also had fewer privileges. liobcrta Israeloff is the author of Kindling And fewer choices." the Flame: Reflections <m Ritual, Faith and "I don't care about choices BO much," he Huid. Family. Her monthly column, Traveling Light, His emotional honesty caught mo short. It, in published by JBookft.com, a member of reminded m© of a psychological study I'd juwt read, Jeuiz.com Media Network.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6,2001
Eggs and Plagues (Continued from page 60) —— I did feel out of place when passages were read in Hebrew, or even worse, sung in Hebrew! Not knowing the language is bad enough, let alone not knowing the tune. What was reassuring for me was feeling that everyone there wanted me to be a part of the family. Over the years, I've gotten to know the different prayers, songs, and symbols of Passover. I've found that I can make this as easy or as difficult as I want it to be. The first couple of Passovers were especially hard not knowing what was going on. Rather than just sitting there, though, I've discovered that it's much easier on my comfort level— and it's a lot more fun-to learn the material and participate. Bonnie's family has always been welcoming and supportive. I've chosen to make this an experience from which I can absorb a lot about my wife's religion. This coming Easter and Passover will be our 15th together. As we learn more about each other's holidays, we, as parents, are better prepared to impart to our children the meaning of Daddy's Easter and the traditions of their own Passover. Jim Keen is a free'lance writer based in Ann Arbor, Mich. This article first appeared in
Interfaithfamily.com, o member of the Jewz.com Media Network,
HAPPY PASSOVER
-Chernobyl Child-en Prepare for their First Pesach in israei by ISRANET News Service
On Jan. 31 of this year, 20 more Jewish children from the Chernobyl region i n the Ukraine arrived in Rfar Chabad as part of the 'Chabad Children from Chernobyl' program. To date, Chabad has brought to Israel 2060 children from the region. So far, 70% of the children have been joined in Israel by their parents. The project, the brain child of Canadian-born Rabbi Yosef Aronov, began in August, 1990. Many of the children have ill-
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nesses related to radiation exposure, but part of the Chabad program is to ensure that the children have regular check ups. Those found to have medical problems are treated without delay. Almost certainly, the majority of the recent arrivals to Kfar Chabad will be celebrating their first seder ever. The children recently visited the matza bakery to watch the special shmurah (watched) matzot being baked. Photos by ISRANET.
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April 6, 2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 65
On the Shelf: The Empty Plate by JUDITH BOLTON-FASMAN
•
" —•
My mother, the seder and the empty plate—and so it was in that very order. There was no Elijahlike phantom who surreptitiously visited our house and ate food. No, this empty plate, with my smiling mother hovering over it, appeared a few years ago on the front page of the food section of her local newspaper. There she was, one of three women featured in an article about Jewish cooking for Passover. The other two stood next to tables teeming with homecooked food. My aunt was the culinary talent in the family, but that day she wasn't around to prepare the food for my mother's photo shoot. And so there was my mother sitting next to an empty plate. To make matters worse, my mother offered a recipe that she must have concocted on the spot for biscochos made with matza meal and orange juice. Biscochos are a sweet, hard biscuit shaped like a doughnut with a long history in our family. Her mother's mother made them in Greece, her mother in Cuba. Several people called the paper to say that my mother's version of the recipe didn't pan out in America. "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone," goes the old Joni Mitchell song. This is so true for housework. Family lore has it that as children my mother cleaned and my aunt cooked-a sort of left brain-right brain split when it came to housekeeping. This became especially relevant at Passover. My mother cleaned for the seder, my aunt cooked for it. It was a pragmatic division of labor that I never thought about until I had children and wanted a clean place for them and some notion of how to make them nutritious meals. I had no idea where to start so I hired a housecleaner and consulted some cookbooks to make my way. My friend brags that you can eat off of her floors. You can do that in
my house too, but only on Tuesdays and maybe polished, scoured, waxed or otherwise brought to Wednesdays, after the housecleaner has been here. its finest state." But now there is hope and perhaps inspiration for OK, maybe this is one way to begin each fall and people like me in a digest of housekeeping do's and spring, but do I really have to scrub every square don'ts called Home Comforts: The Art and Science inch of my house? of Keeping House. The subtitle identifies the root of It is the kitchen, however, for which Mendelson my domestic deficiencies. Yes there is an art, and reserves her fervor and some might say, cleaning even a science, to keeping house. Who knew? paranoia. The author, Cheryl Mendelson, is a Ph.D. in phiHere is the place where home economics gone losophy and has a law degree from Harvard. She is awry can be deadly. Using a sponge, which often very serious, high-minded, and more times than harbors germs and microbes like e-coli and salmonot preachy about the right and the wrong way to nella, is tantamount to perpetrating a homicide, keep house. Home Comforts is worlds away from I have s.ome experience with this fear of microbes volumes published in the 1960s like Peg Bracken's or as my mother introduced them to me-xnicrobios. The I Hate to Housekeep Book and Betty Friedan's The microbios I knew thrived in the cold and given The Feminine Mystique, which asserted that house- half the chance they quickly colonized a body. work enslaved women. According to Mendolson something similar happens More than 30 years later, an earnest book about in the neglected kitchen. And the spiritual counterhousekeeping has almost 200,000 copies in print part to this chilling state of affairs is the hameteand has fueled debates about whether it is part of a laden kitchen, during Passover, new anti-feminist backlash. I'm not sure about the After flipping through 884 pages of Mendelson's political implications of a book that unabashedly meticulously researched, extremely detailed tome, I tells its readers that the original reasons for spring think I have some idea of how she would feel about cleaning are no longer significant (no need to go my mother's empty plate, Housework is basic yet through the house to wipe away a winter accumu- hard work. It's the stuff of backstage maneuverlation of black grease from cooking over an open ings, But there's a romance to It that my mother fire or the grime of kerosene). never fully understood. But like the Passover purge of hanwtz, or leavBesides if Cheryl Mendelson had been there the ened foods forbidden to be eaten during the holi- day the newspaper reporter came to my mother's day, the intent is still relevant. Mendeison writes kitchen, she surely would have been able to prethat "spring cleaning still has a place for anyone pare something off the ahelvea in that kitchen. Or who can find the time for it or who rather likes the would she? As far as I know the only thing my feeling of renewal that follows the major upheaval mother stocks regularly is lota of saffron for the of turning your home inside out. Try it once before kosher paella that she is always intending to make you rule it out. It is delightful to begin the new sea- --the one with hot dogs instead of •sausage. son with a home that has been scoured top to botJudith Bollon-FiDiman in editor of tom, every drawer emptied, every piece of china JBooks.com, a member of the Jewzxom Media washed, every bit of metal polished, every fabric Network. Her columttt On the Shelf, appears washed, every square inch of all surfaces washed, monthly.
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Page 66
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6, 2001
The Israeli Passover: Different and the Same by CARL ALPERT
—
——
Haifa-Jews overseas may find much of interest in-Israel's experiences at Passover time, and we devote this space to appropriate observations. Israel's Chief Rabbi Yisrael Lau once stated that Passover is not a gastronomic festival; its importance is the spiritual aspect. Nevertheless, the mood and the spirit here on the eve of the Seder have more to do with food than with the lofty principles noted by the rabbi. As we look about, we find confirmation on every hand. There are estimates that about 8,000 tons of matza will be consumed by Israelis during the holiday, along with half a million jars of horseradish. About 16 million bottles of wine will be emptied. Digestive results to be expected include constipation, heart burn, gas and more. Pharmaceutical companies report that sales of their medicaments to treat these conditions always rise sharply on the eve of the holiday as folks anticipate their problems. A nutritionist adds sage words of advice: go easy on consumption of salt. A leading dietician estimates that the average
HAPPY PASSOVER
Israeli will add from four to six pounds to his Haggadah, and about one fourth will read it only weight during the holiday, as we are reminded that up to the meal. While only 27% of the Jews here one piece of matza contains about 140 calories, will carefully clear their homes of hametz, 75% conduct thorough house cleaning before the holiday. equivalent to two slices of bread. Despite the rabbi's admonishment, food does play Advice: The second matza ball has the same taste as the first. About 40% of Israelis are said to go on an important role in many forms. Thus, eggs that are kosher for Pesach are marked with a rubber a diet after the holiday. Commercialization of the holiday sometimes stamp. Last year, there was some consternation takes strange forms. A warning was sounded: What when it was charged that the ink used in the stamp would you do if, after you had cleaned up and pre- contained hametz. This year, a special kosher ink pared for the holiday, and were on your way home has been used so that, as one observer sardonically from synagogue in blowy, blustery weather, the commented, those who enjoy eating egg shells, can wind deposits half a loaf of bread on your head, do so without violating religious law. covering you with hametz crumbs? You wipe them As in previous years, the market offers a plentiful off, but that evening at the seder a couple of the supply of pet food kosher for Pesach, so that cats hostile crumbs drop from your head onto the seder and dogs can enter into the spirit. plate. Horrors! "You can avoid this by utilizing the Passover may mark the exodus from Egypt, but new special brand of kosher I'Pesach hair shampoo last year some 20,000 Israeli tourists spent the holdeveloped by our company...." iday in the Egyptian Sinai, and were joined by According to a survey, no less than 96% of Israeli 15,000 more who, immediately after the holiday, Jews will mark the Passover seder in one form or went on organized tours to Egypt. another. Two thirds will read a good part of the But that was last year! E J&jraJELJSJHJBJSJaJSJiaJ5JELIcLrS^
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Page 67
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Page 68
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 6,2001
Best Wishes for a happy Passover and a celebration of freedom with family and friends.
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