July 27, 2001

EJEWISH Vol. LXXX

No. 40

Omaha, NE

PRESS 7 AV, 5761

July 27,2001

SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR 80 YEARS

Beth El Names New With Fireworks and X-Ray Scans, Education Director Maccabiah Games Close

by OZZiE NOGG

,

Anna Gologorsky, Beth El Synagogue's new Education Director, comes to Omaha via a very circuitous route. Born in 1974 in the former Soviet Union, Anna, together with her parents and brother, emigrated to the United States in 1980. As a very young child, Anna studied at a Brooklyn yeshiva. She then went to public school and Hebrew high school in Livingston, NJ, and eventually enrolled at Rutgers University. It was at Rutgers, while attending her Jewish Films Class, that Anna saw a job advertisement for a Youth Director at a Temple in Somerville, NJ. She applied for the job, got it, and was also offered a teaching position. For three years, Anna taught students from first through ninth grade. According to Anna, she learned a lot during those years, too. "I developed my teaching skills and I also learned how much I loved working with kids and how much I really enjoyed teaching," she said. (Continued on page 10)

JESSICA STEINBERG

JERUSALEM (JTA) - The 16th Maeeabiafa Games ended with a lot of fanfare, flaming batons aadfireworks—anda sigh of reMef from the organizers that the muds-anticipated event had ended safely and without mishap. There were hundreds of police officers and soldiers surrounding the outdoor Jerusalem space where the event was held, la addition, X-ray scanners and metal detectors checked bags and bodies, making the attendees feel secure. More titan one delegation, head said he would breathe more easily once his athletes were home safe and sound -- but lie was glad they had attended this year's Games. It didn't seem as if the athletes were ready to leave after Monday night's closing ceremony. They " (Contiaaed on page 2) Omahaa Ben Jaeobson, left, was the leading scorer for the USA Maecabi Basketball Team, winning the gold medal match against the Israeli team, The youngest player at age 19, and a sophomore at. Lamar University, Jacobson was one of only two players in the seven-man rotation not currently playing pro hall. The team was coached by Herb Brown, Assistant Head Coach, of the Philadelphia 76ers. J a c o b s o n is t h e SOB of David and Nancy Jfaeobson, who flew to Israel with the rest of their family to watch the Games.

Photoby ISBANBT.

A. A. Yossem Left Legacy of Generosity and Strong Ethics at Creighton by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Foundation Public Relations Coordinator -

"You come into this world with nothing and you go out with nothing," believed A.A. Yossem. That was part of the philosophy handed down to him from his father, said Steven Scholer, Director of Estate and Trust Services at Creighton University, and that7s the principle Yossem lived by. Scholer got to know Yossem in 1988 when he made a telephone call to Creighton. Yossem had read about the university's activities and reputation in the newspaper and knew that a chair had been established by Philip M. and Ethel Riekes Klutznick to teach Jewish civilization at Creighton. The phone call was directed to Scholer, who went to visit Yossem and his wife, Ethel, at Remington Heights Retirement Center in Omaha. "You're a nice young man," Yossem told Scholer. "Come back again." Scholer continued to visit the Yossems and they became friends. "He was a sharp guy," mentioned Scholer, who described Yossem as "insightful" as well as someone who "could be cynical." Scholer added that Yossem was known for his honesty and integrity. Bom in 1901 in Russia and raised in Lincoln, Yossem was in the grocery business in north Omaha. He liked to take credit for starting the Wednesday grocery flyer, said Scholer. Yossem and his wife, Ethel Namen Yossem, originally from Council Bluffs, lived above the store before they moved to a house near 52nd and Dodge Streets. They had one son, Stanford, who predeceased them. Later, Yossem became a health inspector. Then he became interested in land, explained Scholer, buying property from 90th and Fort to 90th and . Old Military. I t was just a pasture when he bought it," Scholer recalled, and was called "Yossem's Paradise Valley." Eventually, the land was purchased from Yossem by the U.S. Post Office, ShopKo, McDonald's, and other businesses. Part of the area was developed

A.A. Yossem into a residential neighborhood. "A.A. was a one-man development company," Scholer said, "and he was proud of that." Yossem invested the revenue he made from the sale of his property and "he became wealthy," reported Scholer. Yossem set up annuities with Creighton University in the late 1980s. In 1988, he and his wife established the A.A. and Ethel Yossem Endowed Chair in Legal Ethics, dedicated in memory of his parents and son. The chair is currently held by Richard Coffin Magrum, J. D. In addition, several scholarships were set up by the Yossems. "He wanted more people of the Jewish faith to go to Creighton in any school as undergraduates or graduate students," Scholer said. Last year, some $90,000 was awarded to 21 students, according to Scholer,

"Obviously," said Marty Ricks, Jewish Federation Foundation Executive Director, "we like to see those of the Jewish faith in Omaha and surrounding areas establish their endowments with the Foundation, of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. However, some people, for various reasons, become closely associated with other charities, some Jewish and some not. In the Yossems' situation, although not established with the Federation Foundation, their endowments have benefited both the Jewish and secular students at Greighton. "The Jewish community and Creighton have always worked closely together," added Ricks. "We are grateful to Creigoton for having accepted Jewish students years ago when they were excluded by many colleges and universities around the country." Larry Raful, Dean of the Creighton Law School from 1988 to 1999, mentioned that Yossem knew that "some well-known Jews had gone to Creighton." Raful, who is now a Professor of legal ethics at Creighton, remembers Yossem as someone who "cared a lot about ethics and was very fond of his father." Jenna Taub, who has just completed her first year of law school at Creighton, is from Seattle, WA. One of the Yossem scholarship recipients, Taub considers it "a. great honor to receive the scholarship" which is helping her achieve her "educational goals." Alexander Shleifman, from Toronto, Canada, is another recipient of a Yossem scholarship. (Continued on page 10)

INSSDE: Where Are They Now?

—page S

•Jewish Singles and the Internet.......page 11 Omahan* Visit Israel..

........page 12

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 27,2001

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ESTHEB KUNIK Former Omahan Esther Saks Greenberg Kunik died June 27 in Cleveland, OH, at the age of 93. Parashat Devarim-Shabbat Hazon She was preceded in death by her husbands, With our Sidrah, we open again the Book of Max Greenberg and Julius Kunik, and sister, Deuteronomy. As its name implies, it is a book of Sonia Mulnick. "repetition of the law," as given in Exodus, specifiSurvivors include children, Drs. Michael and Mila cally, and in parts of Leviticus and Numbers, Greenberg of New Rochelle, NY, Shelley and Ronald VaYikra and. B'Midbar. It is the fifth, and last, Lipson of Cleveland, Betty and Stan Myers of book of the Torah. Kensington, MD, Harriet and Stephen Swartz of It, i.e., Deuteronomy, purports to be largely three Minneapolis and Judy and Stanley Cohen of long addresses (shall we call them sermons?) that Morgantown, WV; brother and sister-in-law, J. Moses delivered to the Children of Israel as they Harold and Florence Saks; sister and brother-in-law, prepared to undertake the fateful crossing into the Miriam and Joseph Soshnik; and sister, Betty "Promised Land," from their encampment on the Kelberg; 14 granchildren; 26 great-grandchildren. far side of the Jordan. Memorials to Nebraska Jewish Historical Moses was not to lead them, or even accompany Society or Temple Emanu-El Lipson Caring Fund, them. He tells them, in a marvelous play on words, 2200 S. Green Rd., University Hgts., OH 44121.

that the Lord was "cross" with him and would not let him "cross over" the Jordan. The Hebrew is Vayitabar (was cross) and abar (to cross). It is not hidden; yet it takes a keen-eyed reader of the Hebrew to notice this play on words (this in the next Sidra). For many people, Deuteronomy is the favorite book of Torah. Its appeal is not that the Promised Land is finally reached, for the journey into the land is not yet attempted. The Torah closes 40 years of a long journey without achieving a goal. Do you want to get into the Land? Then read Joshua and Judges and all that follow. Deuteronomy is a kind of cliff-hanger in this respect. But Deuteronomy offers so much that no one can complain about the cliff—actually the plains of the Moab. Did you think that the Torah was written in Israel? The rabbis, centuries later, said the Torah was given, as it were, in "no man's land," implying that the Torah was riot Israel's possession alone, but, like the Ten Commandments, belonged to all humankind: whoever wants it may have it. Deuteronomy, as some have put it, is the first written document where the concept of humanity appears. Much more should be said. But I wanted to leave some space for the Haftarah, which gives the name Hazon to this shabbat. It is the first chapter of the book of Isaiah, a magnificent chapter opening of a magnificent book. This 8th-century prophet is probably the best known of all the prophets. His moral teachings are delivered in soaring language of unlimited power. Isaiah must be read to be appreciated. Description cannot do justice to the scope and the thrust of this poet. Therefore I will not quote, but urge you to read the Haftarah, and then continue to read all of chapters 1-12, which form a little book by themselves, with a short psalm as the 12th chapter. Hazon means 'vision'. The Vision of Isaiah is the book's title. To read the book past chapter 12 and encounter the rest of Isaiah's preaching and teaching, you will do best with a commentary, such as the Anchor Bible. . .As Hill el told the convert, "Go and Learn."

Maccabiah Games L (Continued from page X) stomped their feet, waved colored flashlights and hooted their way through the show. In return, the athletes were thanked and applauded for their decision to compete. Israel blew away the rest of the field in the medal race, winning 96 gold, 74 silver and 74 bronze medals. The U.S. team came in second, with 21 gold, 23 silver and 30 bronze medals. However, the USA Men's Basketball Team won the gold medal match against Israel, overcoming an 11-point lead in the third quarter, to win 82-71. Leading scorer was Omalian Ben Jacobson, a graduate of Central High School, He averaged 17 points per game in the series. "This was about solidarity, showing a deep connection to the state of Israel," said Richard Feldman, the delegation head for Great Britain, who brought 160 athletes instead of the usual 350 British delegates. "The very fact that the 16th Maccabiah was held, against all odds, is a tribute to the Jewish people of the world," said Oudi Recanati, chairman of the Maccabi World Union.

David Jacobson contributed to this story.

Jewishomaha. org: Omaha's Jewish Address byPAMMONSKY, Federation Communications Director

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Exciting changes are being made to the Federation-sponsored Jewish community website at wwwjewishomaha.org. The public can now access the Community Calendar for a complete listing of all scheduled events in the Jewish community by logging on to the site and clicking on "calendar." Jewish organizations and individuals may also submit events to be listed on the calendar as well as request rooms for meetings and functions at the Jewish Community Center. An "Israel Update" link has been added to the site for up-to-date information about the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. The public is now able to view news and opinion sites from the most reliable Middle East sources such as United Jewish Communities (UJC), the Jerusalem Post, the Forward and many other news sources. There is also a link to sign up for regular e-mail updates about the conflict and other Omaha Jewish community news. Out-of-town friends and family, as well as newcomers moving to Omaha, can take a "virtual" tour of the Jewish Community Campus by clicking on the "Virtual Tour" link. Photographs highlight the amenities and unique programs offered by the Omaha Jewish community. Future links include the Kripke Federation Library on-line catalog and Federation Campaign pages. Eventually, each Federation Center of Excellence will have their own links, Jewishomaha.org is a community website, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha and dedicated to promoting the Omaha Jewish community, our synagogues and local Jewish organizations. Comments and suggestions are welcome by e-mailingpmonsky@jewi8homaha.org.

Hazzan Horwitz Continues as Cantor in Oelware by JEWISH PBESS News Service

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Hazzan G. Michael Horwitz has accepted the Position of Cantor at Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington, DE. He served as Associate Cantor at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha since August, 1999. Congregation Beth Shalom is a Conservative synagogue with about 500 families. Hazzan Horwitz and his wife, Heidi, will leave Omaha at the end of this month. "We share their kindest regards, Todah Rabah and bid a fond farewell to the Omaha Jewish community," Hazzan Horwitz said. "Omaha and Beth El have been a rewarding and fulfilling experience for us and we will miss all of you." During his two years in Omaha, Hazzan Horwitz has been active in programs with the Y.E.S. group, Visions, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, the Jewish Committee on Scouting, t h e Jewish Cultural Arts Council, Friedel Jewish Academy and United Synagogue Youfch, in addition to his teaching and cantorial duties at Beth El Synagogue. Hazzan Horwitz added, "The staff at Beth El works on all programming and shares ideas in a manner and style which will serve me well as I continue to develop and grow in the field as a cantor,"

July 27,2001

SYNAGOGUES t*.

CANDLELIGHTING....... *5B

SUMMER SCHEDULE From July 6 through August 31, Shabbat evening services will be held at 5:30 p.m. This summer the study topic will be "Learning About Our Values and Ways Through Jewish Humor," Shabbat morning services will begin each Saturday at the usual hour of 10:30 a.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 5:30 p.m. Cantor Wendy Shermet and Rabbinic Intern Daniel Young will officiate. Cantor Shermet will give the sermon; her topic will be "Humor in Jewish Music"; Outdoor service, 6 p.m., in the Frohm Pavillion at the JCC, bring your own picnic supper, then join in a worship service led by Rabbi Debbie Stiel, Jeffrey Schweid and members of the Adult B'nai Mitzvah class. A sitter will be provided for young ehildrcm, SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Please join UH US we begin our study of the Book of Lamentations. Services, 10:80 a.m. SITTER SERVICE Available for Shabbat services Friday evening. Please make reservations through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. There are no facilities for infante. ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1: Midrashah, 10-noon..

Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. West Minyan at the home of Dennis and Susan Paley, 13014 Leavenworth Road, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; Free Babysitting begins at 10 a,m. and runs through the conclusion of services; Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Dave Wine in honor of his 90th birthday; Mincha, 6:30 p.m, (early time due to Tisha B'Av); the fast for Tisha B'Av begins at 8;4S p.m.? Ma'ariv, 9:45 p.m., followed by the reading of Eieha (Lamentations) and Kinnos. SUNDAY: Morning services, 9 a.m.; early Miiu'hn, 2 p.m. Tisha B'Av Video Presentation of "A Time to Heal" at, the Biumkin Home, 0 p.m. The video features Rabbis Yinsocher Frand and Aharon Duuner discussing.the importance of the Jewish people stand united in this difficult time of violence in Israol. Evening services, Stiff p.m.; Fust ends, 9i81 p.m. WEEKDAYS; Service, 7 a.m. and 8s35 p.m. TUESDAY* Talmud class with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m.

•.301:2 S. 110th St., P.O.-B0 Omaha, NE 0812 J.iS ';• . • . phono:758-92;$ CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN lUj'inlH'r of theIJnion of \inciio;in Hebrew •

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2001 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE «85<»2-27})7 435-H004 www.soutHstreettt'inple.org Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weissor. FRIDAY! Shabbat services, 7:46 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.-noon. MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study/Movies, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Conversion class, 7-8:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: AA Meeting/library, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: .ShubbaI. services, 7:30 p.m., IMitfiotiH School is finished far the semester. detunes resume in late summer; please call for more information. OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE 25th and Capehait, Omaha, NE'68113-5000 294-(iO5i :

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:i22-4705 t*--niail: doejel»@aol.eoni FRIDAY: Services, 7:80 p.m. Discussion topic, will be "What is Missing from the 'Synagogue Scene' that will restore it's Vitality? Is it the message or the members?" Oneg Shabbat and kiddush will follow.

8:28 p.m.

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Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m,-4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY; Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:80 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Devar Torah will be given by Larry Riiful; Minha-Ma'ariv and the reading of the Aicha, 8:40 p.m. in the Chapel. SUNDAY; Morning .sertuccs, 9 a.nt>; Mincha, 1 p,m,j Ma'ariv, 5:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6iS5 a.m. and 5*30 p.m, in the Chapel. Join us every day for breakfast. FREE SITTER SERVICE , Available every shabbat' morning from 10 HJRI. to the conclusion of services. This program is funded by the Early Childhood Development Committee and welcomes children ages 18 months-kindergarten. TUESDAY, July 31: Sisterhood Game Night, 7:00 p.m. Free snacks and card games for beginners and "old hands." SUNDAY, Axxg 5s HAZAK 2001-2002 officer installations, noon, Luncheon will be in the synagogue social hall; entertainment by Joe Taylor. For more information, call Beth El. . , ADULT EDUCATION Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class will meet Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m. Participants continue their studies with Rabbi Brazen and Cantor Berkovits. ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY; Service, (I a.m., lod by Phylifo Hoffman, All nervices are followed by Kldduslu A memorial, in memory of residents who have died during the month, ia hold on the last sabbath of ouch month.

TIFERETH fSRAEL Member of the United Syiii'igogs'iie of C'<>!is(ti'V!iitiv«'•liulaisin

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FRIDAY; Services, 7s30 p.m. CHABAD HOUSE

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1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone: .330-1800 E-MAIL--ehabacl@aol;com WEBSITE: .wwwichabadc'entei's.coin/binaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. MONDAY-FRIDAY: Services, 7 a,m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:80 a.m. 'SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. TUESDAY: Bais Medraah, 7 p.m.

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Services conducted by Rabbi Stanlpy M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 JUTI. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. TISHA B'AV SERVICES SATURDAY: In honor of Michael Wdsser's Rabbinic Ordination, B'nai Jeshuran has invited us to celebrate at their Temple at 7:30 p.m., prior l,o the start of Tisha B'Av services; Services, 9 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.

Beth El HAZAK Installs New Officers by O Z Z I E N O G G - — ;

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Beth El's chapter of HAZAK will install new officers for the 2001-2002 program year at an Installation Luncheon on Sunday, Aug. 5, at noon at the synagogue. The event promises to be an afternoon of fun, good friends and good food, with musical entertainment provided by Joe Taylor. HAZAK was created last year by United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism. Specifically designed to address the social and cultural needs of mature Jews-be they married couples, singles, divorced people or surviving spouses—chapters have been formed in Conservative congregations all over North America. Beth El's HAZAK chapter was the first one formed in the Central States and Provinces Region of USCJ, The group received its Charter last March from Lou Meltzer, National HAZAK Chairman, The new slate of, officers for Beth El HAZAK

includes: Wally Elkoh; Maure Schwartz; Alan Goodman; Natalie Rubin; Jay Chasen; Rosaline a,nd Sam Epstein; frog-rum, Doris and Nate Shukert. According to Susie Dr'azen, Beth El's Program Director, "HAZAK is an acronym. The first letter, Het, stands for Hokhmah (wisdom); the second letter, Zayin, stands for Ziknah (maturity) and the last letter, Kaf, stands for Kadima (looking ahead). Let's face it,*' Ms. Drazen continued, "Beth EFs seniors are wise, mature and continue to look to the future! " Cost of the luncheon is $6.80. Doris Shukert is in charge of arrangements. For more information about the luncheon and about joining HAZAK, please call Wally Eikon, Doris Shukert or the Beth El office, 492-8550, '

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

IliHiiil Tomorrow night, July 28, marks the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Jews all over the world will commemorate this day, Tisha b'Av, by fasting and praying until nightfall on Sunday. The rabbis tell us that the Temples were destroyed because of sinat hinam, the hateful attitude and speech among Jews towards one another. Unfortunately, that behavior continues today. We may think we're immune from this disgraceful behavior in this community because of its reputation for being close-knit and because of the appearance of community cooperation. What is said on the national scene, however, is something to which we should pay attention. Visiting speakers and scholars have noticed several disturbing developments here. Not only are professionals from various agencies and synagogues boasting about their organization, they're making disparaging remarks about others. — Several times, out-of-towners have mentioned the shock of hearing one Jewish communal professional putting down another or criticizing programs and projects of "competing^ organizations. Other visitors recall being told of the lack of Jewish observance and. the disinterest in learning

July 27, 2001

Self-destruction by Jews in Omaha. These observations may, indeed, be true, but it is not appropriate for members of this community, especially professional staff of any agency or synagogue, to speak this way. Not only does this fall into the category of lashon hara (evil tongue, or gossip), it makes the speaker look petty and disrespectful, it makes the whole community look bad. Professionals, as well as elected and appointed members of our many boards of directors, often deal with sensitive information during their meetings. This information must remain confidential if participants are to feel safe when statements are made that may appear critical to outsiders. Constructive criticism is good, but not when it leaks out of meetings in the form of gossip. The statements we make about others, whether to friends and relatives in town or to visitors, reflects back on us. In the end, those who disparage this community, its synagogues and organizations, and the people who live here, will themselves look like fools. After all, if it's so bad here, why are these gossip-mongers staying? Trying to correct bad impressions is like trying to stuff windblown feathers back into a pillow. It's much easier if we don't gossip in the first place.

To the Editor: (This letter was originally sent via e-mail to Sally Zipursky.) For those who haven't heard, this evening there was a suicide bomber who exploded himself at the bus stop across the street from the entrance to the train station. Details of those who were hurt or killed is on the news. I don't need to tell you that, and I don't have all the details yet, anyway. I still feel safe here...and I was at the area of the attack five minutes or so before it went off. Yael was at her girlfriend, Gili's, house half a block from that bus stop. And because I believe there is a

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LETTER FROM ISRAEL

LETTERS T O THE EDITOR To the Editor: Jeremy Spencer Rones will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah in Miami, FL. We thought it would be wonderful to gather the wisdom and well wishes from Jews around the world and plan on making a book and giving it to him as a gift on this important day in his life. We hope you will be so kind to email him a note. Please include your name, city, state, and country to: tzitit@aol.com. Mark the subject as Bar Mitzvah wishes. Ellen, Victor and Marshal Rones Miami, FL.

COURSE

reason for everything, it was not by chance that I was with Avi in his truck going to the fields with him before we made our way to Binyamina to pick up Yael. And again, it was not by chance that Avi decided to take the fields home from Binyamina instead of turning around and taking the road that passes the train station, If he would have taken the street instead of the fields^ we would have been there for the attack, according to what Gili told us a few minutes ago. And because it's not by chance, we continue moving about Israel freely, being aware of our surroundings and having patience with the security checks at every entrance to any parking lot or mall. Yes, this was a close one,..perhaps closer than we would like since we feel we live in the quiet part of Israel and this is disturbing for us. There is still great excitement in Israel as the Maccabiah opening ceremony is going on as I write. Many, many Jewish athletes from all over the world are here to participate in this great event and have also come in solidarity for Israel, We are proud and happy to have them here! We still invite all of you to come and visit us here and support Israel. Debbie Fine Givat Ada, Israel

by HARRY ALLEN

This past Shabbat was spent in Netanya — the scene of several car bombings and the city where, two of the teenagers killed in the Tel Aviv suicide bombing lived. It is a city which is a microcosm of Israel — with its large stretches of sand framed by a background of high rise apartments —.wisely well away from the waters edge. Netanya is a tourist mecca but its many tourist hotels are now largely vacant. But the summer festivities continue and the beach concert drew 15,000 on the Thursday before we arrived. We were in Netanya to spend Shabbat with our son, Rabbi Danny Allen, who is President and CEO of the Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel, and our daughter-in-law, a vice-principal of the Solomon Schecter School in Bergen County, NJ. They are using their summer vacations to attend Ulpan Akiva, an intensive Hebrew language school, in order to improve their Hebrew. Ulpan Akiva is a very intensive program: classes for five hours a day, six days a week and a minimum of three hours of home work each day. Some vacation. Shabbat morning we went to shul at the Masorti congregation, a very modern attractive building with a

(Founded in 1920)

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $28 per calendar year U.S.; $32 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402-334-6448; FAX: 402-334-5422; e-mail editorial material, photos and address changes to: ckafoeman^ewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIP or .PDF format) to: mlappur^jewishoimaha.org:. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NB 68154-2198,

Fred Tichauer Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Maureen La Pour Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Barbara Frankel Rocky Stern Sales representatives Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer

stunning aron kodeah (ark) and bima (dais). The ahul was very full — no bar mitzvah to pad attendance. A large number of Russian alim (immigrants) are part of the congregation, an encouraging development. Like all of our Shabbat lunch conversations the talk rapidly turned to the matzav, the "situation" in which we, the world's Jews, now find ourselves as a result of the Arafat war. 'Since our kibbutz family had joined us for lunch, we had the perspectives of our son-in-law, a veteran of all of Israel's war since 1967, and our daughter, who has been a dedicated kibbutznik for 30 years. Interestingly, we all thought Sharon was doing very well — although no one present voted for him or was a past supporter. But the opinions as to what course he should now follow were varied. Some opted for an immediate retaking of the Palestinian areas; some present thought we should continue with the present policy of restraint. But we all were in agreement that the Diaspora Jewish world did not really understand the problems and that the future of both Israel and the Diaspora were intertwined. We each need the other. It was an interesting Shabbat hope more folks from America start coming to enjoy similar discussions.

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Lloyd Roitstein, Immediate Past-chairman; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Linda Salteman; Howard Silber; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the writer and arc not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whoh>. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters ami articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not; responsible for the Kaahruth of any product or establishment.

July 27,2001

fiiilllllNlilsitil by SHARON SAMBER

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

For Jews, Stem Cell Debate Remains In the Embryonic Stage — —

At a Senate hearing Wednesday, lawmakers and public affairs for Agudath Israel, suggested there WASHINGTON (JTA)~-"When does life begin?" is not your standard political question, but it's forcing argued both sides of the issue-and, surprisingly, would not be an ethical problem with using those the debate behind one of the hottest topics in some pro-life advocates supported stem cell research. embryos slated to be discarded, but was unsure Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Gordon Smith (R- whether the group wanted to weigh in on a policy Washington-stem cell research. As President Bush ponders whether to allow feder- Oregon) both testified that stem cell research would level about use of government funds for the research, Bush has been weighing the issueformonths, and al funding for research using stem cells from discard- be Kconsistent with pro-life and pro-family views. We are at a confluence of science and technolo- White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer has been ed human embryos, Jewish ethicists and groups are gy," Smith said. "We must make the decision to do fielding questions about the president's stance. debating the finer moral points of the issue. "The president is very understanding and Like the president, some groups are still delaying the greatest amount of good." But Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) called embryos respectful of the promises of science, but he's very a formal position, but most ethicists agree that Jewish tradition allows embryos to be destroyed if "very early human beings," adding that destroying concerned about any procedure that would involve them for research would be "deeply immoral, illegal taking stem cells from fetuses that are viable," the research has the potential to benefit society. Fleischer said in March. Admittedly, it's difficult to find traditional Jewish and unnecessary." The Reform movement's Union of American During the campaign and as recently as May, sources that address stem cell research directly, says professor Paul Root Wolpe, an ethicist at the Hebrew Congregations sent letters this week to Bush said he would oppose federally-funded Center for Bioethics at the University of Bush and Department of Health and Human research or experimentation on embryonic stem Pennsylvania. Instead, Jewish ethicists are extrap- Services Secretary Tommy Thompson in favor of cells that requires the destruction of living human olating from the Jewish legal tradition and rabbinic "carefully regulated" federal funding of embryonic embryos. One compromise might be to allow funding for research on stem cells derived from the commentaries. Many authorities cite the Jewish stem cell research. Quoting Deuteronomy, the letter noted that approximately 100,000 surplus embryos—now tradition's imperative to heal and the concept of pikuach nefesh-the. responsibility to save human Jewish tradition says that while only CSoti can cre- frozen in fertility clinics around the country-but life, which overrides almost all other laws—to ate life, God has charged humans with doing every- would ban research on anything beyond that. approve a broad range of medical experimentation. thing possible to preserve it. Fleischer said Bush is carefully considering the A stem cell is a special kind of cell that has a "I have put before you this day, life and death. different perspectives on the issue. "The president is very aware that there is a balunique capacity to renew itself and to develop into Choose life, that you and your children may live," ance on this issue, where there is so much potential specialized cell types. Researchers use stem cells to the letter said. The Orthodox Union and Ajfudiith lunipl of America for health and for breakthroughs," he said. "On the replace cells that are damaged or diseased. Many believe stem cell research o.tm lead to cures for do not have formal positions cm Lho insuo, David other hand, the president is vory concerned about Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, multi- Zwiebel, Eexeculivc Vi<-i> president, for government preserving a culture of life." ple sclerosis, heart disease and more. Hadassah: The Women's Zionist Organization of America is in favor of stem cell research, as is the National Council of Jewish Women. The Jewish Council for Public Affairs has yet to take a formal stand on the issue. Jewish tradition places minimal life value in early-stage embryos outside the womb, since the Talmud defines any embryo up to 40 days old "as if it were mere fluid." Forty days roughly corresponds to the onset of "quickening," the first noticeable movement of a fetus in a womb. In addition, the location of an embryo-thai; is, whether it is inside a woman's uterus or in a labalso makes a difference. Embryos that remain outside the womb have no chance to become children and, therefore, it is a mitzvah to use those embryos for research, according to Rabbi Elliot Dorff, Rector and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Judaism in Los YOU CAN WITH 5.05% MINIBONDS PROM OPPDAngeles, "It's not only permitted, there is a Jewish YOUR PUBLICLY OWNED UTILITY. mandate to do so." Others are less certain. 5.05% interest is tax-free - excludable from Whether you have $200 or $20,000 to Invest, you "There's potential life here, and we need to Income when determining both federal and can do so tax-free by purchasing Minibonds from respect that and be cautious,"said Rabbi Aaron Nebraska state income taxes. Omaha Public Power District, OPPL) is offering $20 million in small denomination Minibonds to Mackler, Professor of Theology at Duquesne Beginning October 1,2002, and on each Nebraska residents. Many people who have University in Pittsburgh. October 1 thereafter, Minlbond owners, may sell wanted to take advantage of tax-free investment . Mackler, who supports stem cell research, notes their Minibonds backtoOPPD, subjecttocertain opportunities have not been able to because the restrictions explained in the 2001 Minibond Official that using embryos taken from fertility clinics minimum purchase amounts have simply been too Statement. high. Until now. Read on and learn how you can get makes the case for research easier, because those the most for your money just by being a Nebraskan embryos already have been created-for the purposDetails about the 2001 Minibonds and terms of and having OPPD as your energy partner. the offering are explained in the 2001 Minibond es of in-vitro fertilization. Official Statement, To obtain a 2001 Minibond Between August 13 and September 14,2001, or the Dorff, who wrote a book on Jewish medical ethics, Information. Packed including the 2001 Minibond date on which all 2001 Minibonds ars sold, : said creating an embryo specifically to be a source of Official Statement and Application forms for the whichever occurs first, OPPD will offer two types of Minibonds, return the attached coupon today or stem cells is permissible, but less morally justifiable. tax-free Minibonds to Nebraska residents; contacttheMinibondAdministratoratoppd.com Current recommendations of the National or 636-3286 or 1-800-428-5584. , : Institutes of Health state that federal funding • Minimum: $200 or multiples thereof Wo Minibond Information Psokete will be mailed should go only for research on frozen embryos that • Interest compounded serniannually and paid before August 13,2001. Application and payment: are slated to be discarded. Early this year, Bush only at maturity or earlier redemption deadline is September 14,2001, orsoonerifall asked the Department of Health and Human • Maturity Date; October 1,2021 available Minibonds have been sold: •Services to review stem cell research. OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT Government oversight of stem cell research could •*$>. • Minimum: $500 or multiples thereof 2 O 0 1 result in better research and quicker results, which • Interest paid semiannualiy on April 1 and October 1, beginning April 2002 would bolster the ethical argument for proceeding • Maturity Date: October 1,2021 with federal funding, according to Ruth Macklin, Professor of bioethics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. A just-released NIH report found that both embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells "present immense I YES! Send me more information about OPPD 2001 Minibonds. j research opportunities for potential therapy." £lf you currently own OPPD Minibonds and they are registered in your own nam«, you do not i w d to return this coupon. You will be sent an Information Packat automatically on August 13, SQ01.) But while embryonic stem cells can proliferate indefinitely, adult stem cells cannot. NAME Rabbi Moahe Tendler, Professor of Jewish Medical Ethics at Yeshiva University in New York, j ADDRESS _±J called stem cell research "the hope of mankind." "The only hope we have of understanding what's 1 CITY .stATE.LXl' :ztP L i - L d J L J going on in the whole field of oncology, of cancer S work, now resides in the stem cell research," he Mail to: Minittund Administrator, Finance and Capital Mar«a«m8nt, Omaha Public Power District, said at a recent event in Washington. I : 444 South ifStli Street Mall, Omaha. NE 68102-224?. Tendler criticized a Senate bill that would stop mm mm' mm mm mm mm mm mm mm U the possibility of stem cell research, "That I believe No brochuri) or" inlwiiwilati matiif lat«!»»!ha» !lwf )KtcW S » ! « M I « stall ciwstttut* an «flef to »H or t!»solM;itit8wi of an aHw to buy the Mhtanfc '• to be an evil, that's being perpetrated on America,"

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Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 27, 2001

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Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play Michael R. Novak has joined St. Joseph Villa bingo at 10:15 a.m. with Eileen Remer, or exercise Homecare and Hospice as its Director. Prior to with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to this, Novak has been a clinic coordinator with share for "YES Talk" at 11 a.m. Following lunch Charles Drew Health Center. He is also an EMS at noon, local historian Oliver Pollak will speak instructor at Metropolitan Community College. St. on the publication of his new book, A Year on the Joseph Villa is owned and operated by Delmar Sorbonne: A Proustian Life, For transportation, Gardens Enterprises, a St. Louis-based family call 330-4272. Deadlines: Aug. 2 for Pizza & Movie, on Aug. 9; owned developer of skilled nursing centers, retirement communities and home health and hospice Aug. 9 for Lunch Bunch to Linoma Beach on Aug. 16; Aug. 16 for Hot Dog Lunch and Game Day on agencies. Aug. 23; and Aug. 23 for Garden Day Trip on Nikki Romanik has been selected as Aug. 30. Make reservations for the Jazz Delicatessen on Chairperson of Operations for Indiana University's annual Dance Marathon, a fundraising event Monday, Aug. 20. A Kosher deli lunch will begin which benefits the Ryan White Infectious Disease at noon. Following lunch, come enjoy Luigi Waites Center a t BIley Hospital for Children in as he performs Jazz, Swing and Blues tunes. Indianapolis. When the event began 11 years ago, Waites has played professionally in and around it raised $11,000; today, the 36-hour marathon the Omaha area and throughout Nebraska for approximately 50 years, He was honored with the raises more than $400,000. To make a donation to this charitable event, send Governor's Arts Award as 1996 Artist of the Year a check, payable to the LU. Dance Marathon, to by the Nebraska Arts Council. Call Eileen Remer for reservations at 334-6521. her at 1515 No. 129th St., Omaha, NE 68154. Romanik is a junior majoring in pre-med. She is WALK-IN, DROP-IN a 1999 graduate of Burke High School and the For those going to Bluffs Run Casino on Aug. 2, daughter of Marc and Susie Romanik. please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a,m. For reservaJen Gates earned a spot on the Dean's List for tions, and reservations for transportation to the both Metropolitan Community College and the JCC, call Cathy Carroll at 334-6520. University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is a fulltime student majoring in Fine Arts and works at VISIONS the Jewish Press as Production Assistant, She also . Reminder: Board Meeting is Friday, Aug. 3, teaches 3rd grade religious school and serves as co- 9:30 a.m, in the conference room of the Blunikm advisor for Temple Israel's Club 56, a youth group Home. for 5th and 6th graders. OMAHA CHAPTER OF HADASSAH She is the daughter of Harry and Linda Gates. Vocalist Marvin Parilman, accompanied by Esther Wax, will entertain residents of the Rose The Talking History program will air the follow- Blumkim Home at the monthly Omaha Chapter of ing shows throughout August on Mondays at 10 Hadassah Oneg Shabbat on Saturday, July 28, 2 p.m., in the main dining room. a.m. onKIOS-FM(91.5). Hadassah members wishing to assist in bringing , Aug. 6: David Chandler will discuss the Dayton residents to the program are asked to come at Accords; Jeff Pasley will provide comments on 1:30 p.m. Alexander Hamilton. Aug. 13: Groucho Marx will be the subject of an OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING interview with author Stephan Kanfer; Kevin This Shabbat, July 28, 6 p.m., Rabbi Shlomo Dettmar will discuss whether rock and roll is or is Levin hosts a class on the weekly Torah portion at not dead. his home, 2001 No. 56 St. Aug. 20: Diane Ravitch, former under-secretary On Monday, July 30, 7 p.m., a class on of education, will be interviewed on Education "Women and Prayer" is hosted by Carol Katzman Reform and Ami ta Jones will comment on teachat her home, 9151 Harney St. ing history in schools. On Tuesday, July 31, 7 p.m., Beit Midrash conAug. 27: An interview with Shareen Brysac will explore the life of Mildred Harnack, the only tinues at Chabad. I Thursday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m., Talmud, Tractate American woman to have been executed as an Sukka, is hosted by Bob and Myra Oberman, 710 underground conspirator in Hitler's Germany. J.E. George Blvd. Saturday, Aug. 4,12:30 p.m., following services BIRTH at Beth Israel Synagogue, is a luncheon to honor Rabbi Shlomo and Noa Levin on their two years of Aviva Segall and Patrick McNanaara service to the Omaha Jewish community. To add announce the July 10 birth of their daughter, your name to the list of sponsors, call Mike Katzman at 34-8550. IllanaAnn. For more information about OCTL programs, Grandparents are Doris and Hervey Segall of San Marino, CA, and Joan and Frank McNamara call Rabbi Levin, 551-1564. of Portland, OR.

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Major Norm Worthen, will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, noon, according to Marty Ricks, Chairman. His topic will be "My Life as a B-52 Stratcom Pilot." B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at the Park Inn Regency at 107th and Pacific. Cost for lunch is $9; for beverage service only, $2. The program is open to the community.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Gone Almost 50 Years by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor — — — "No one seems to change," said former Lincolnite Bud Polsky, with a smile about the friends he sees every time he and his wife, former Omahan Maxine (White), visit here. "We've been gone almost 50 years, but there's always a good reason to come back." The Polskys were here in June when Marty Nachman became a Bar Mitzvah. Maxine has been friends with his grandmother, Marlene Hechtman, since childhood. They're returning this month, too, for the 50th anniversary celebration

teachers and in other community service positions for communities in need. She retired in 1995 and today happily enjoys travelling and visiting with her three grandchildren. And, of course, they stop in to visit (and eat) at their son's deli, Krupin's. For those who know the eating habits of the great and powerful, they know some important information is being exchanged over a pastrami sandwich or a bowl of matza ball soup! Wander in for lunch and you're likely to run into television personality Tim Russert, columnist Maureen n r r i i . - 1 ; n •'' n i i i F , ,. 'i TV- • 1 • f in i National Security Advisor Sandy Berger. Just this month, Esquire magazine listed Krupin's as one of the four best places in the country for matza ball soup! (Might we sugv . _, gest that the Polsky's lead a Capitol Tour for Omahans visiting D.C?) They returned in. 1999, too, for the 50th reunion of MaxinVs's Central High School gr a d u a t i n g class. "We'll probably come back ana axsaane srommy for the 86th in a Lincoln, few years, too!" she laughed. Bud Polsky was Everett's best man They also came for the Bat Mitzvah in 1951 and, a few years later, of the granddaughter of their dear Everett served as best man when Bud friends, the late Sen. Ed Zorinsky and married Maxine. Of course, there's a Cece Zorinsky White, childhood story behind this! friends whose friendship continued Bud recalls climbing the beautiful throughout the years and grew large staircase at the Corahusker stronger when, Eddie was elected to Hotel for the reception following the the Senate. It's those kind of connecwedding of Doris Schimmel to Irwin tions that have allowed the Polsky's Chesen. More than 8,000 people had to maintain their strong ties to been invited to this "social event of Omaha and Lincoln. the season," "On our last visit here, we ran into Coming down the staircase was Jean Levenson," Maxine noted. The Omahan Maxine White on the arm of community might better recognize Dave Rice, who introduced her to his her as Jean Duitch, but for Maxine, friend, Bud. she will always be Jean Levenson! The rest, as they say, is history. "We always visit the Jewish After Bud and Maxine married in Community Center here, too," Bud Omaha in August of 1952, they added. "It's just fabulous; you're so stayed in Lincoln for seven months lucky to have such a wonderful faciliand then moved to the Washington, ty!" D.C, area, where they still reside Another stop for the Polsky's is the today in suburban Chevy Chase, MD. Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, Bud operated a retail business, and where they can catch up with more retired in 1988. Maxine stayed home old friends, view the latest exhibits to raise their three children, daugh- and find out what's planned for the ter, Ellen, who works for the Depart- future. ment of Transportation; Jimmy, who And good friend Mike Milder is runs Krupin's Deli in the District always on the list to see. After all, (more about that later); and Bobby, how many fraternity brothers does a who's in a music-related business in guy have? Georgetown, Unfortunately, every trip brings sad After the kids were grown, Maxine news, too. Their wedding friends, wont to work for the federal govern- David Rice and Esther Zorinsky Rice, ment in related departments: the died during this past year. Peace Corps, VISTA and Amerkorps. Other old friends are gone, too, like It was her responsibility to rim the Bob Silverman, Dan Miller and Nick trust fund, the contractual arrange- Rips, "All friends of my brothers," ment between college atudenta and Maxine commented sadly. the government, which enabled stuBut still, after being gone for 48 dents to get funds for tuition after years, it's nice to come back here and they voluntarily served as tutors, still feel like it's home.

Once again, the J e w i s h Pr€SS will observe Ronh Hashanah with a beautiful special issue en Sept:. 14, 2001. this year, the thene for our annual New Year edition is L'ChaSmS Health P r o f e s s i o n a l s in the J e w i s h Community. wa win feature stories and photos of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, researchers, dentists, medical teclinicians, pharmacists and others who help keep us healthy—physically and mentally. A D V E R T I S E R S : This is a wonderful opportunity to target your advertising, not only to members of the Jewish Community, but to the family and friends of these health professionals who are sure to share this issue with them!

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 27, 2001

LynneM.Popp Educational Therapy

Legacy in Generosity

(Continued from page 1) • ' '> "I really appreciate it," Shleifman said, "and it definitely has helped with, my tuition." Shleifman, M.S. in Learning Disabilities, A.E.T. who is working on his second year of law school this summer, believes there needs to be more minority students represented at Creighton and fl|each<erjTra said the Yossem scholarships encourage students. from minority groups to attend higher education. 4405 North 156th Ave. Circle PHONE: (402) 498-8708 FAX:445-0433 Raful praised the Jewish community-especially E-mail: lynnep@creighton.edu. attorneys—for taking an interest in the Jewish students at Creighton. Attorneys have gone out of their way to invite the students to their homes and help them find jobs, Raful remarked. He also point10888 West Dodge Rd. ed out that the Jewish Press sends weekly issues (402) 4 9 8 - 3 4 4 4 to all Creighton's Jewish students who request it. Fax:(402)498-2828 Scholer continued to visit the Yossems at www.homeinstead.com Remington Heights. America's most trusted and "A.A. .needed a new pacemaker," Scholer recalled, affordable non-medical SENIOR-CARE* companion and home care "but he didn't trust doctors." service for the elderly. Scholer's wife is a physician and she came with • Companionship & Assistance her husband to visit Yossem. He was showing signs • Respite Gate • Meal Preparation of congestive heart failure and so the Scholers, by • Hourly, Sleepover & Xive-in gaining the older man's trust, were able to convince • Errands & Appointments

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After earning a BA in Psychology and Professional Youth Work from Rutgers, Anna took a year off to explore future options. Should she pursue psychology or Jewish Education? Reflecting on her past helped Anna decide. "Corning from the former Soviet Union, I never took my religion for granted," she explained. "I knew it was something my family got persecuted for;, and I was grateful to my parents for giving my brother and me the opportunity to live as Jews here in the States. From this, stems my desire to give back to the Jewish community. This is what fueled my desire to become a Jewish Educator."" After receiving her Masters in Jewish Education from The Jewish Theological Seminary in. May, 2000, Anna received job offers from New York and California. "But," she said, "I wanted to experience the world. There's more than just the East and West coasts. There's a lot in the middle, too." With this independent attitude, Anna left family and friends behind and moved to Des Moines, IA, to begin her career as Educational Director at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. At Tifereth, Anna ran the sixth grade Sunday morning program, developed programs for Family Education Days, led home-based family study sessions, organized mini-courses, Hebrew classes and current events programs for adults. When Anna moved from New York to Des Moines, her friends were concerned. After all, Anna was a big city girl. How would she adjust to life out there? What was she going to do all by herself out there? Her friends needn't have worried. Anna's outgoing personality served her well. And out there is where Anna found her b'sheret, Omahan Michael Besser, The couple will marry next May. Anna is very excited about her move here. "I have a good, positive feeling about Beth EL Rabbi Drazen and the entire staff have been so welcoming and helpful. I can't wait to meet the BESTT kids and their parents. I am very fortunate to love my career. Not many people can say that."

Solution to Shells Crossword Puzzle in July 20 Jewish Press S

him to have his pacemaker exchanged for a new one at Clarkson Hospital. "Steve Scholer is a good friend and, knowing him," Ricks remarked, "the extension of his personal kindness was not just connected with his position at Creighton, but also to his warm and generous spirit." Mrs. Yossem's condition deteriorated and she was moved to a care facility. Scholer visited her there "now and then." Only about a week before he died, A. A. decided he needed more care himself and moved to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. He died in September, 1989, and is buried at Beth El Cemetery. Ethel Yossem died in 1990. Yossem's father also told him that "your name will be remembered—good, bad or indifferentmake sure it is the former." On a plaque at the Creighton University Law School, A.A. Yossem's name is remembered for his generosity and strong ethical beliefs and behavior, just as his father taught him.

''Grandmother/Granddaughter -Musicians-Entertain Blumkin Home Residents

Omaha Symphony flute player Willis Ann Ross, left, and her granddaughter, Rebecca Weinberger (on recorder), played a duet for residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home last week. Sarah Ross, daughter of Willis Ann and Alvin Ross, and Teddy Weinberger and their five children are visiting Omaha from Israel. Weinberger is a regular columnist to the Jewish Press.

GLDTIMERS/Y E.S REVIEW by ART GROSSMAN

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My premier dictionary is the New Oxford. Within it are more than two columns listing the definitions of the word 'tip.' I would take the liberty of adding another 'p', making it Tipp—like in Marilyn Tippprofessional movie actress, who regaled our group earlier this month with some of her performances filmed in the Omaha area. How she got into the entertainment business and her spirited descriptions of some of the hilarious incidents while performing had us plotzing with laughter. If the Hall of Mirrors lunch room wasn't so packed, we could have rolled in the aiales! Marilyn showed taped scenes of her performances as well as displaying memorabilia for us to take home. She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has been asked to appear in a Western, which will be filmed in outstate Nebraska, Her role will be that of a madame (you are at liberty to define that). Her filming experiences have opened a new vista-print commercials. What a lady! At the Early Bird talk session, we discussed the nation's grappling with problems of our schools' educational systems. Talk of Israel revolved around invading the West Bank and Gaza crushing the Palestinian Authority and ending the rule of Yasser Arafat. We paused in reverent respect for Jack Hersch, Aaron Wolf and Ethel Greenblatt. Shalom.

July 27,2001

Jewish Singles & the Internet

PEOPLE OF THE BYTE by MARK MIETKIEWICZ

—

It's the largest Jewish Singles Club in the world. Actually, it's dozens of clubs. And for Jewish singles, the Internet can be an excellent way to look for a date, a friend, or a life-long partner. First a warning. Since there are so many services out there, it is impossible to rate them or to vouch for their effectiveness. A mention in this column shouldn't be seen as an endorsement. And as with anything else on the Internet, do not give out your name or other personal identification until you have thoroughly checked out a service, Let the dater beware-and enjoy. A good place to start is Rosie Einhorn and Sherry Zimmerman's article "Maximizing Dot-Com Dating", http://aish.com/datinef/wisdom/ MaximizingJDot-Com.JDating'.asp. Their first piece of advice: Use the Internet as a tool for introduction rather than a medium for conducting an extended on-line relationship "otherwise, you may begin to build an emotionally intimate friendship with someone whose printed words are charmingonly to later discover that his/her personality, character or appearance are not what you bargained for." Don't hesitate to ask for references. And if you do meet in person, keep your first contact short. Don't feel pressured simply because you've spent so much time, effort and money. Aish HaTorah devotes a huge website to dating advice, http://nish.com/dating/. There are over 100 articles dealing with pieces on everything from "Jekyll and Hyde Relationships" to "How to Survive Getting Dumped" to "Forging the Relationship Bond." The article "Fourteen Things to Talk about on a Date" has some suggestions for people who want to try something other than "Do you like Woody Allen?1* Here are some suggested ice-breakers for dates: • What has been the most satisfying achievement of your life? • Tell me about your family? How would you have changed the way you were raised? • Is there something you've dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven't you clone it? A great feature is that each article in the Aish HaTorah site is accompanied by its discussion area where you and others can comment on the article and share your perspectives. Sometimes, the best dating advice comes from other daters. So take a look at the Jewish Singles Chat Shidduchim Forum: www.inservice8.coTO /cgi-bin/wsmbb/w8mbh.cgi?torah. When I peaked in, there was a lively discussion about whether "singles events" are worth the bother. Elsewhere in the Forum, "eliezer74" noted that he has seen a trend in traditional communities where girls are marrying notably older men. And I was happy to learn that after going out with a dozen people, a regular to the Forum named "shainal" is finally engaged.

Since so much of Judaism is centered on the family, that can add extra pressure on singles (both young and old.) The Union of American Hebrew Congregations understands that and has put together a list of "18 Little Things You Can Do to Welcome our Singles" at its website: http://uahc.org/famHy/U18Smgl.htm. Some suggestions: • Invite single friends to bake shalach manot (Purim baskets) together with you. • Encourage recently-single congregants to feel that they still have a place in your "couples" havurah. • Don't assume every single is looking for a spouse. • Imagine being a single who booked a cruise on Noah's ark. When all is said and done, one of the best-known ways to look for love is to take out a classified ad. Rabbi Bob Alper has scoured these ads and shares some of his favorites in the JewishWorldRevietv, wwwjewishworldrevi«w,coni/bob/alperl.asiJ. • In one classified ad, a "physically active, worldtravelled semi-retired physician* was looking for an "attractive, natural,unburdened, minimal shopper." • Here's another from the Forward: "Striking, sophisticated slender redhead, former model from the Midwest. Looking to meet charming, intelligent, fun loving, self-sufficient gentleman, 50-66, for mature relationship. Must have positive cash flow, a substantial amount of stocks and bonds, and have a terminal disease with no known heirs," • And this appeared in Boston's alternative paper, The Phoenix: "Single Jewish woman seeks single Jewish man with dead mother." Here are a few personal ads that have apparently appeared in Israeli and Jewish papers: www.mazornet.com/jewishcl/liunioi7dntinti.htm • Couch potato latke, in search of the right applesauce. Let's try it for (sight days. Who known? • Yeahioa bockur, Torah scholar, lone board, payos. Socks same in woman. • Desperately seeking nhmoozingl Retired senior citizen desires female companion 70 for knetching, kvelling, and krechtzing. • Shul gabbed, 36, I take out the Torah Saturday morning. Would like to take you out Saturday night. Next time, where to find Jewish matchmakers and dating sites on-line. Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-baited sion producer who write*, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can he contact' edafchighway@home.com.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

College Studies Programs Make Some Bullish about FSU Jewish Life by LEV GOROPETSKY

i

MOSCOW, (JTA)--Since the fall of communism here in 1991, a difficult question has lingered: Isthere a future for Jewish life in the former Soviet Union? Judging from the renaissance of Jewish education here, some people answer this question with a definitive 'yes'. "The future of the community hangs on what is happening in the Jewish schools and higher education institutions and they are thriving. I see here creativity and dynamism," said Jerry Hochbaum, Executive Vice-president of the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture, "Here in Russia, the schools are building the society." Hochbaum, whose group has invested heavily in Jewish life here, spoke to JTA at a meeting of the group's Executive Committee in Moscow earlier this month. While some might disagree-arguing that the roughly 1.5 to 2 million Jews remaining in the former Soviet Union would be better off living in Israel or elsewhere-Hochbaum's group gathered ample evidence to support his claim as they met with the region's Jewish leaders, scholars and teachers, Foundation leaders watched a graduation ceremony for students receiving degrees in Jewish studies from Project Judaica, a joint venture of the Conservative movement's Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and the Moscow-based Russian State University for the Humanities. The scene, which marked the 10th anniversary and fourth graduating class of Project Judaica showed the existence of a thriving Jewish academic institution, one that would have been impossible only a few years ago. The project is partially funded by the Memorial Foundation. When David Fishmcm came to Moscow in August 1991 to negotiate the plan for Project Judnica, it was the time of tho coup nguinat then-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Representatives of the Uu»(M4iJi Siuut Univwaity for the Humanities were concerned they might soon be arrested, "Nobody could have imagined those days we would have a developed Jewish University Institution here," said Fishman, the project's founder. Since the founding of Project Judaica--Dean of Moscow's university-level Jewish institutions-neariy 50 students have graduated from the program, including many non-Jews. Ironically, many of them now live in the United States, including at least half of the project's first graduating class, says Lev Krichevsky, a member of that class who now lives in Philadelphia. Many of the graduates outside the former Soviet Union still maintain tics to Jewish life in their homeland. Krichevsky, who previously served as JTA Moscow's correspondent, still travels back and forth for the Anti-Defamation League's Moscow office. (JTA Staff Writer Peter Ephrom contributed to this report.)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 27, 2001

An Omahan's View of Israel, Part I by JAN PERELMAN, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Omaha

(Editor's note: Jan Perelman traveled to Israel with Omahans Zoe Riekes, Dr. Speedy Zweiback, Mark and Kim Schwartz and Debbi Brown, for Partnership 2000 meetings) "YoaVe come when we need you." This expression of gratitade typifies the sentiments of every Israeli we came in contact with during our eight days in Israel for Partnership 2000 meetings in the Western Galilee. Every conversation we had was the same: What Israel needs is us, the Jews of North America. Now, more than ever, Omahans can be proud of their commitment to Israel in terms of financial support and mission visits, including our relationship with Israelis through the Partnership. P2K is a national program of united Jewish Communities, similar in concept to "sister city" relationships. Omaha is one of 13 Midwest communities partnered with IsraeFs Western Galilee. Its purpose is to develop programs to help the disadvantaged Israeli Jews and Arabs and immigrant populations. Israelis from the Western Galilee and Americans from the Midwest Consortium were recently in Israel where we met to determine how to best spend the nearly $600,000 from the annual campaigns of the 13 Midwest cities on programs in the Western Galilee. Equally important, we spent two days in dialogue with Israeli community leaders and city officials about the effects of the recent political struggles, the issues that bind us together as family, and those that threaten the future of worldwide Jewish unity. We spent the first few days, prior to the meeting, in Jerusalem, and it quickly became apparent that Israelis are engaged in an existential fight for the survival of the Jewish state. This past decade, I have been fortunate to visit Israel many times, representing our Omaha Jewish community. But this visit was dramatically different, even though my last visit was only five months ago. The tourist industry in Israel, vital to its economy, has collapsed. We hear the statistics: hotel occupancy in Jerusalem is down 74%, and the overall economic losses since last September are staggering: over $3 billion. Travel agencies have closed; tour guides are without work; shops are full of merchandise with slashed prices; restaurants are empty and museums and archeological sites have no visitors.

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All of this creates a deep sense of loss and sadness, which point to a new reality: the desolate feeling that Israeli Jews are isolated from the rest of the Jewish world. Despite everything, Israelis deeply understand that life is for the living — that people must carry on. There is no doubt that they are carrying on for

American Jews, for Jews throughout the world and for our children. Their courage makes us feel proud to be Jewish. On Thursday evenings and Saturday night after Shabbat, the streets of Jerusalem fill with Israeli teens and adults enjoying the nightlife wife family and Mends. Despite the struggle for economic existence, they are cautiously optimistic that the sitaaMos will be resolved, and this struggle will eventually end. What will bring that end? Political and diplomatic pressure, world support and understanding of what these people live with daily, complete military deployment or even pe a c e f u 1 negotiation? Israelis freely talk about the possibilities and they have hope. Wherever we visited in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, A k k o , Naharriyha, we asked the same question: what do we tell the people in our U.S. communities? As Simcha Stein, Director of the Ghetto Fighters House in the Western Galilee, puts it, "We must continue the struggle. We didn't choose this situation. Tell the people at home that you've met our people; they are struggling but they are optimistic. We chose to stay and live here. "This is our land, land of the Jewish people. Just come to visit us and let us know that as Jews we are not alone." "The fear that has been generated by the media is unfounded," said Kim Schwartz, who accompanied us with her husband, Mark,, who added, "We saw footage on CNN of places we visited that distorted everything we saw and were experiencing." Sadly, American Jews are deciding not to travel to Israel based upon the media's carefully selected and edited pieces of information that is often exaggerated. For the few who do come to visit, there is a feeling of increased caution, but never once did any of us feel unsafe or threatened. During our trip, we met some young American college students who were taking matters into their own hands to convince American Jews that travel to Israel is safe. They were stopping American tourists to interview them for a video being filmed to show on North American college campuses. The purpose of the video was to show others why it's so important for Jews to come to Israel. The truth is, no one can promise safety. Yes, there is some danger in Israel, but we can niinimize it by taking sensible precautions. The reality is, that the danger in Israel is far lower than in any major U.S. city, and certainly lower than in parts of Europe. The serious loss of tourism and what it means to

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Top photo: Zoe Riekes, Omaha Chair of P2K, told a group of Israeli counterparts at the conclusion of meetings in the Western Galilee, "We have to come. It*s o a r responsibility to you, our Israeli brothers aad sisters, and to o u r own children's future. We can't l e t tiiose who want to destroy us win," Left photo: Debbi Brown, Zoe Riekes and Dr. Speedy Zwelbacfc were interviewed for a video to be shown* on college campuses in the U.S. Israelis is ose" thing, but the fact that American Jews are staying away is straining the complex relationship between American and Israeli Jews. Recently, many American Jews were offended by the strong criticisms expressed by Israeli spokespersons at the cancellation of the Reform Movement's teen programs to Israel this summer. But only when you speak directly to the Israelis can you begin to understand this sense of isolation. This feeling of abandonment is pervasive in Israel's general society and It has tremendous repercussions for the future of Israeli/Diaspora relationships. Today, the political reality is this: Israel cannot survive without the Jews in the Diaspora. Repeatedly, we were told, "If American Jews don't come, Arafat wins." I want to thank those who traveled with me on this trip, as well as the Spring Women's Mission participants; Ben Jacobson representing Omaha in the Maccabi games, with his family*; the Josephson family who traveled together for a family event; several of our high school and college students who are visiting and studying there; and any other Omahans who went to Israel during these difficult months, You represent us all, and continue to let Israelis know that Omahans are committed in our support of our Jewish homeland. Our enemies have taken a position that Jews do not belong on this land, and North American Jews need to stand up in a loud voice—we have to support this effort in any way we personally can. So what message did I promise our Israeli friends that I would bring back to my community for them? It's simple, "please come."

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