August 10, 2001

p)EWISH PRESS Vol.LXXX

No. 42

Omaha, NE

21AV, 5761

August 10,2001

SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR 80 YEARS

Religious and Secular Jews Join Ranks in the IDF

by BETH COHEN. Executive Director— —For many years. Yeshiva University graduates and rabbinic students have spent their summer vacations going into communities to educate, enlighten and Inspire. For a week in August, Beth Israel Synagogue will host three recent Y.U. graduates as part of its Summer Terah Seminar.

Harry Berman and Juiee Katzman will chair a series of events from Aug. 14-18, to help Y.U. fulfill its unique mission of blending secular and -Jewish worlds.

Simcha Hopkovitz, Yonaton Gross and Duvie Nachbar will arrive Tuesday, Aug. 14, to open the Seminar with "Moses and Leadership/7 a presentation to BBYOers at the JCC at 6 pjn. At 7:15 p.m., the Y.U. staff will present a shiur > lecture) at Beth Israel on "Bringing the Talmud Back to Life," followedfayMincha/Ma'ariv at 8tlO pjn.

Hopkovitz is a recent graduate in biology; he also spent two years at Yeshiva HaKotei in the Old City of Jerusalem. Gross will enter the Smicha 'rabbinic • program at Y.U. this fall. He graduated with a degree in math and participated in Sephardic Studies program, as well as at Beit Midrash L'Torah in Jerusalem. Nachbar was a Jewish to their new units for training. Some 95 hxtre- History major and studied at Har Ezion in Efrat, di (ultra-religious men) also joined their col- just outside Jerusalem. He, too, will enter the leagues at a religious Nahal group. The httre- Smicha program in the fall. di soldiers are reported to be very motivated Each morning from Aug. 15-17, the Seminar will and are pleased to be able to serve in the begin with Shacharit at 7 a.m., followed by breakarmy, while at the same time being able to fast and Talmud Topics at 8 a-m. observe the mitzvot.

Photo dy ISRANET. On Wednesday, Aug. 15, noon, Lunch Jn Learn features "Tzedakah, Beyond the Pushka," at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum, Noddle Development, 13710 First National Bank Parkway. A Bagel Bin lunch is provided for $3.

Wednesday night continues with a combination of fun and learning. A family barbeque is at 6 p.m. at the JCC's Frohm Pavilion. Following dinner, there will be two learning sessions: one for adults on "Why Keep Kosher?" and one for teens entitled "Why Be Good?" The dinner is $7.50 for adults, $4 According to Dr. Kehat, adult heart cells are not for children ages 4-12. In case of rain, the event able to renew themselves and so any damage will be held in the JCC Auditorium. caused to the heart muscle is irreversible and Lunch 'n Learn on Thursday, Aug. 16, noon, is results in a decrease of the heart's activity. Heart on "The Kosher Piggybank", in the JELS failure is a disease that severely damages the heart Conference Room at the JCC; a dairy lunch will be muscle and weakens the heart so that it cannot provided by the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home for $3. pump enough blood through the body.

"We are all Sons of One Man: A History of the "This is one of the major killers in the world Sephardic Community" is the topic of Thursday today," says Prof. Beyar, adding that this research evening's program at Beth Israel, 7;15 pjn. may lead to breakthrough interventional tools for On Friday, Aug. 17, 7 pan., Beth Israel will host a patients with end-stage heart failure, who are often Shabbat dinner following Kabbalat services, open to dependent on the availability of heart donors. the entire community.

Cost is $10 for adults, $6.50 "The potential treatment of heart disease with for children, ages 4-12.

Following dinner, a speech on cell transplantation is simply huge," concludes The False Messiah" will be presented.

Beyar.

Shabbat services on Saturday, Aug. 18, start at This research will hopefully enable future appli8:45 a.m. with a guest sermon delivered by one of cations such as implanting muscle cells into the Y.U. staff. Lunch will follow services; cost is impaired areas to improve heart function. The $7.50 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12. An adult transplant could take place by injecting single cells learning session will feature "Elul: the Month of during catherization or implanting an engineered Introspection."

Jr. and Sr. NCSYers will learn tissue. Since these cells exhibit characteristics of "How We Prepare for the High Holidays." young heart tissue, there is a chance that this tis(Continued on page 3) sue could repair damage caused to the heart.

Prof. Itskovitz's and Dr. Gepstein's research is just a first step in this direction of treatment.

Research being conducted in the world today is examining ways of directing the differentiation of New book on Jewish Omaha page 8 embryonic stem cells to create tissue in which the percentage of heart cells in larger.

"Elderhood" „ page 9 There is still a need to examine if these cells survive a more extensive period of time after being Legacy Crossword Puzzle-.,,™-.. page 13 implanted in a human heart, and if they suceeed to repair damages to the heart, how to prevent the Maccabi Games Update..........—..^pags 16 rejection of the implant. . •

Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer talks to new recruits as they are inducted to the Israel Defense Force. Minister Ben-Eliezer, himself a retired general, visited the main recruitment center at Tel Hashomer, near Tel Aviv to witness some of the new soldiers receive their basic uniforms and be allocated

Yeshiva University's Summer Torah Seminar Comes to Beth Israel '

.

Breakthrough Research at Technion Uses Human Embryonic Stem Cells

by JEWISH PRESS News Service —

;

For the first time in the world, a group of researchers from the Rappaport faculty of Medicine at the Technion and the Rambam Medical Center have succeeded in growing human heart cells in a lab from embryonic stem cells.

The tissue they have created can spontaneously beat and has the electric and mechanical characteristics of young heart tissue.

The research was published Aug. 1 in the prestigious scientific journal, Journal of Clinical Investigation. The study was conducted by Dr. Itzhak Kehat, under the instruction of Dr. Lior Gepstein of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion and Rambam Medical Center, Haifa.

It was conducted in collaboration with the team of Prof. Joseph Itskovitz, a member of Technion's Faculty of Medicine and Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rambam Medical Center.

Prof. Itskovitz was the first scientist to describe human embryonic stem cells three years ago, together with researchers from the University of Wisconsin. These cells posess two main characteristics: they have infinite ability to proliferate, and

they can differentiate into all the tissues of the body. Since that breakthrough, leading laboratories in the world have been researching ways of differentiating embryonic stem cells into various tissue, such as: nerve cells, blood cells, cartilage, pancreas, Prof. Raphael Beyar, Dean of the Baruch Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at Technion and the Director of the Invasive Cardiology Unit at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, says that Dr. Gepstein and Dr. Kehat's research "carries far reaching research and application implications."

INSIDE:

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 10, 2001

The Law of Consequence

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE

A. Gavallo Violins, CCe Jine Violins. Violas & Cellos

ROSS DMA.

.

Violinist

1O525 Pacific St.

Phone: 827-9270 lax: 827-9271

introducing <i totally new hotel concept In Omaha.

Regency lodge A Retreat in the City

A full service, upscale hold featuring resort amcnilics in wcsl Omaha, Book your special event now.

Pacific Street al 107th Avenue 40S-.197-8000

CLIP & SAVE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 Beth El Mishna, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 Beth El Men's Club Retreat, 10 a.m.

Temple Israel Club 56, Noon, at Temple MONDAY, AUGUST 13 YES Program, 10 a.m. .

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Talmud Class, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel

c L I P S A V E

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 BESTT Teachers Orientation Meeting, 6 p.m., at Beth El Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 pm., at Beth El JELS Teacher In-service, 7:30 p.m.

c

c

P

P

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16 L L Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m I I All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.

The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION'S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

COMMERCIAL . and

RESIDENTIAL COMPANY

8037 H Street Omaha, NE 68127 • (402) 593-1242

Parashat Ekev Continuing his address to the children of Israel on the threshold of the Promised Land, Moses reminds them of the Law of Consequence: if you,do thus and so, obeying God's laws, then various good things follow, to wit: and Moses outlines prosperity arid well-being. But if you do thus and so, refusing to obey God's commands, then various bad things follow, to wit: and Moses lists disasters of many kinds, some simple, some compounded.

Both horns of the dilemma are introduced by "Ekev." Ekev means "because." Literally it means "on the heels of." On the heels of morality, there follows well-being. On the heels of immorality, there follows punishment.

Many of us have remarked to each other from time to time that this picture of the relationship of morality and immorality to reward and punishment is simple and direct, but it is confined to the world that ought to be, not the world that is.

An essay by Professor Kraemer of the Jewish Theological Seminary is titled "When God Makes Mistakes." The title is audacious, and we need not have the details, for everyone of us can fill in details, even from the limited life experience each of us has had. And history paints pictures of evils in the broader experience of humankind that none of us alone has been witness to. Ekev? History denies it.

Perhaps not in the long run. But in the course of the long run, how many lives have been despoiled, how many good people have been treated shabbily?

There is nothing profound here. It is only that the rewards and punishments of life are not handed out in some just pattern, but are strewn about haphazardly. Colloquially, people say that we must play with the cards that are dealt to us.

In The Politics of Survival, Primo Levi suggests that the human being is not physically constituted to live well on the earth as it is constituted. He suggests that many animals, faster than we, stronger than we, would do better than we if they had human intelligence. Or, to put it the other way, we would do better and be better adjusted to life on earth if we had (in addition to our brain power) the animal powers that we lack.

Was the author of the Garden of Eden story trying to tell us something like that? Adam had the whole gamut of living creatures to choose from. He wouldn't choose, and he was given Eve. Would he have been better able to withstand the forces of nature, had he chosen the lion or the elephant or the wolf?

Carry on this kind of speculation further if you wish. But we must return to Ekev and the very world we live in. Testing Ekev with our human demands, we have learned that there are no certainties, only probabilities. If so, however, in what ways are we better that the atheist, for that is the way he sees life?

It is only that we believe deeply that there is purpose to life—another way of saying that there is.

God as Master of life, and that we serve Him. Is there proof? No, there is no proof.

Nonetheless, as we contemplate our lives and the world, we cannot abide the thought that all is without point or purpose. The fact that we live requires us to strive to better the world. Ekev, because we live we are compelled to strive, to attain, to inform our meager lives with substance.

DORIS IRENE PROSTERMAN Doris Irene Prosterman died July 24 at the age of 82. A private gathering was held.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Jerome Prosterman and Robert Froslev, and daughter, Roberta Ocain.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Lyle and Janice Prosterman and Keith and Josie Prosterman; daughters and sons-in-law, Lueen and Carl Mansfield, Karen and Manuel Delgadillo, all of Omaha, and Marcia and Paul Tippery of St. Paul, MN; daughter, Annette Prosterman of San Antonio, TX; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Jack and Richard Powell; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Powell.

NORMAN WOHLJNER Services for Norman Wohlner were held Aug. 6 at Beth El Cemetery. He died at the age of 87.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Barbara Wohlner of Los Angeles, and Lloyd and Lynne Wohlner of Long Island, NY, and three grandchildren.

Memorials to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Chabad Students Teach Others is*.

toasf &J

j Yeshiva students Levi Simon, center, and Mendy Click, right, both of New York, have been learning with Omahans for the last six weeks here. In between selling weekly advertising and ads for t h e New Year's issue, Jewish Press Advertising Manager Allan Mandelman takes a break to learn the weekly Torah portion. Nearly every day of the week, learning takds place at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, where Director Harris Finkelstein welcomes students of all ages.

CORRECTION In last week's article on the Federation Campaign, Mary Bernstein's name was inadvertantly omitted. She is a member of the 2002 Campaign Event Committee.

Job Openings In Jewish Communal World Now on internet

by JEWISH PRESS News Service — -«-_--_---__«_»_..,_«,.«,,_..

The need for a centralized website that truly to serve as a clearing-house, attracting many serves Jewish communal staffing needs has bright candidates with diverse skills who actively recently launched under the name www.Jewish- seek jobs within local Jewish communities.

Jobs.com, a free online Jewish jobs classified webUndoubtedly, a broader listing of jobs and selecsite dedicated to the American Jewish community. tion of candidates will provide each applicant and Started by Brandeis University graduate job with a better match for every single position Benjamin Brown, Jewish-jobs.com seeks to.provide throughout the American Jewish community, a free resource and tool for filling vacant positions thereby enriching the American Jewish community within Jewish communal organizations, helpful for in ways that were not previously possible. both organizations that post open positions online Jewish schools, synagogues, federations, JCCs, and job seekers searching for jobs as well. summer camps and dozens of other Jewish commuJewish-JobK.com has a national audience with a nal organizations within the community are focus on local communities. A search function and encouraged to post open jobs for free and, similarly, organizational categories allows Jewish-Jobs.coin job seekers are encouraged to peruse the listings.

August 10,2001

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

CANDLELIQHTINQ..o........,.8;12 p.m.

SUMMER SCHEDULE Prom 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. Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Dr. Michael Walts will officiate.

Rabbi Stiel will speak about humor found in Jewish holidays and lifecycle events. P a r k Service, 6 p.m., Frohm Pavilion at the JCC: The evening begins with a bring-your-own picnic supper, followed by a worship service led by Cantor Wendy Shermet and members of the Adult B'nai Mitavah class: Katherine Finnegan, Jordana Glazer, Kathy Hirshman and Nancy Jacobscm. A sitter will be provided for young children. (An alternative service will be at Temple Israel at 5:30 p.ra.)

SATUBDAY: Bagels and Bible, 0:30-10!IS am, Please join us as we begin our study of the Rosh Hashanah liturgy; 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 infants.

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 Donald and Maggie Gerber, 426 South 126 Street, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Yale and Ida Halperin in honor of the 72nd anniversary of Yale's Bar Mitzvah and by Pred and Rita Amster in honor of Roman Amster's 90th Birthday; Rabbi's class, 7:35 p.m.; Mincha, 8:05 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot and Ma'ariv; Havdalah, 9jl8p.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m,, 8:10 p.m. : WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m, and 8:10 p.m, YU SEMINAR See the front page article continued on the bottom of thin page for Ytl Seminar ttmes and topics!

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzmnn.

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 0:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Service*, 8:30 a.m.

TUESDAY: BIUH Modrnah, 7 p.m.

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, 9:30 a.m, Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Devar Torah will be given by Steve Reikea; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:20 p.m. in the Chapel SUNDAY: Morning services, 9 a.m.; Men's Club Retreat.

ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Adult B'nai Mitzoah Class will meet. Participants will continue their studies with Rabbi Drazen and Cantor Berkovits.

WEEKDAYS: Scrvicon, 6:55 a.m, and 5:30 p.m. in tlio Ohnpol. Join us yvory day for breakfast.

FRKK SITTI3K SKItVICG Avniiablo ovory uhabbnt uiominf' from 10 a.m. to tho roncluoion of aorvicoa. This program is funded by the- Kurly Childhood Uovolopmonl, Committee and wolcomoo children aw" 18 montha-kindergartou.

MEN'S CLUB URI'lUSAT Sunday, Aug. 1.2 OMT/USY RKTUKAT Sunday and Monday, Auguat. 12 and 1.3.

ish JlU'ii;o'U^Ui'M(.'(K>ob*;(;. S.'Yu I n f i l l i.00

:ROSE^ SATURDAY: ScrvicoB, 9 a.m., led by Andrew Grecnberg, All. aervicos arc followed by Kiddush.

;.•;• ;• ..i>h>i>iu«: 7 5 8 - 9 2 3 3 . - f ••V--:~^

KKIDAY: Si i-viri-. 7:30 p.m. DiitciKwinii lopn-

will he "How JudaiKiti Reacts to its Multitude of Talmuclic Laws." Oneg Sluibbat and kidduah will follow.

FKTDAYs Shabbat, in the Home.

Religious School is finished for the sernoster.

Classes resume in late summer; please call for more, information.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

Services) conducted by Rabbi Stanley M, Roscnbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services}, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 9:80 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Aug. 18: The Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser. congregation is invited to sharo t,ho joy when Dani FBIDAY: Shabbat services, 7'AS p.m.

Hochntani becomes a Bat Mitzvah. The (>nt*g SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.-noon, Shabbat on Friday evening and KiddiiHh luncheon MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study/Movies, 7 p.m. on Saturday are sponsored

by Hluirry and Gary TUESDAY: Conversion class, 7-8:30 p.m.

Hochman in Dani'a honor.

WEDNESDAY: AA Meeting, library, 7:80 p.m.

ANNUAI, PICNIC GAME NIGHT SUNDAY, AUG. 19, noon:Bring the whole famSATURDAY, AUG. 18, 6 p.m.: Join us for a potluck meal, followed by games and puzzles. For ily to Tierra Park, South of 27th St. and Highway more information, call Deborah Swearington at #2, for a barbeque and games.

476-7528.

Summer Torah Seminar (Continued from page 1) ....i— m,,>

-„•„„•

The Summer Torah Seminar will close at 7:25 p.m, with a shiur on "Pirkei Avot-Greatest Hits," followed by mincha at 7;5S p.m., Shalosh Seudot (the third meal), one last lecture on "Chasing Kindness" and Havdalah, 9sO2 p.m.

All meals are free for children ages three and under, Free babysitting is available on both Friday evening from 7-10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please make reservations in advance.

The Seminar will be held in. conjunction with the

Max Stern Division of Oommuncal Services and the Rabbi Isaac Elchanon theological Seminary of Yeshiva University. Men and women are invited to attend all sessions; however, appointments for individals or small groups are available each day following breakfast.

For more information or to reserve for the barbeque., Shabbat dinner or lunch, call the synagogue office,, 556-6238, or e-mail:

Lev Glnsburg, won of Ltirisa Treskunova and Miko Ginsburg, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 18, at Both El Synagogue.

A seventh grado diatigui&Uttd honor student at Wtwtaide Middle School, Lev enjoys piayin(.f clarinet in bund and jazz band, basketball, math and computer scift

\\

He has been presented with the Award of Merit, President's Education Award, WMS Band Award and was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Search Program, Lev has a brother, Henry.

Grandparents are Margarita Treskunova, Mara Levit and Pefcr Orinsburg.

PERSONAL We.wish to thank all of our friends and relatives for the many cards and donations during the recent loss of Helen SiegeL A special thanks to Cantor Berkovits for his kind words and compassion.

Wayne and Simmy Siegel and family

Page 4 :

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

iiiiiliii

August 10, 2001

Time for Kids

Last week's issue of Time magazine featured some pretty horrifying stories of spoiled brats whose parents just can't say 'no.' Mentioned in the story was last year's Bat Mitzvah party at which the boy band 'NSync appeared for the reported sum of $1 million.

Of course, we should eringe when we read stories like these, and not just because some of these teens are Jewish. We should be appalled at the behavior of their parents, who obviously don't know the meaning of the word 'discipline,' and take a good look at what's going on in our own homes and our own community.

By and large, the kids in the Jewish community are prettygood.

B'nai Mitzvah parties sometimes showcase a live band, but more often than not, it's a DJ who plays the most current songs kids want to hear. Gifts usually range from $15-$25, and most young teens are happy just to have their friends and family celebrate with them.

As these teens grow, so do their expectations.

- However, by age 16 fewer than half have their own cars and of those who do, 'clunker' is the descriptive word here! Cars are given because many families in the Jewish community today have both parents working; teens who do drive their own cars are expected to transport younger siblings to and from school and afternoon activities.

Many of our teens knew the two Westside students who were drivers in serious car accidents this summer. In one case, the teen driver was drinking and drove his car into a young father, killing him and injuring his daughter. In the other case, a 16-year-old who was basically 'a good kid' made a bad decision; he drove while "under the influence" and at high speed; the accident resulted in his death.

No, the kids in these accidents weren't Jewish, but they could have been. Our teens are not immune to driving too fast or to underage drinking.

That's why we need to be involved.

We need to set rules and stick to them; we need to be at home when friends are just visiting our kids or partying. We need to be aware of who our kids' friends are and make sure those friends know that we do enforce the rules in our homes. But we also need to direct our kids into appropriate activities and provide guidance and support.

Visit the campus on 132nd Street, especially during the summer, and you'll find teens volunteering or worldng part-time in the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and the Kripke Library.

Sure, many of them are giving their time because their schools demand community service as part of graduation requirements. But, they could be volunteering somewhere else...or they could be working at telemarketing jobs (which pay more and don't require diapering toddlers!).

Half the teens in the Jewish community belong to either a synagogue youth group or the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO). Yes, the numbers could be higher for all youth groups...and parents could help by encouraging their kids to at least check it out. It would also help if each teen brought a friend to an activity...may we suggest that any teen who does so be granted a price reduction on the groups' next activity!

Let's continue to keep things in perspective, but watch out for those kids who are in trouble because we do have resources to help them. The adults with whom these teens have contact need to pay attention to them, develop relationships with them and help steer them on the right course. Just asking a simple question like, "What are your plans for the summer?" can make a young adult know that someone cares.

We also need to say 'no' once in a while -- and mean it. And our teens need to understand that, like everything else in life, they can't have it all.

(At least, not all at once!) We've got some good kids here; let's make sure they stay that way.

Hones AftrVOU G

The SephardSm

by TEDDY WEINBERGER

For someone on his first visit to the U. S. after Yosef, is a dominant political force that garnered having lived in Israel for four years, a striking dif- 17 Knesset seats in the last Israeli elections - placference between Jewish life in the States and in ing it third out of a dozen or so parties (after Labor Israel is the relative lack of Sephardim in the U.S. and just behind the Likud).

This difference gets expressed in Jewish religious It would be unthinkable to go into an Israeli town life as well as in other aspects of Jewish culture and not find a synagogue that prays with the (music, food, clothing, etc.). It's expressed in one's Sephardic rite and, in fact, you might very well be consciousness of what a Jew looks like and what it able to choose between a Moroccan synagogue and means to be a Jew. a Yemenite synagogue, as is the case in our town, Growing up in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, I Givat Ze'ev. was exposed to many Sephardim, since there is a In America, the situation is reversed, and many significant community of Syrian Jews there. (In cities with Jewish populations contain no general, Sephardim are Jews whose customs derive Sephardic synagogues and no public expression of from life in Spain, Portugal and the Land of Israel, Sephardic culture, while the Ashkenazim trace their roots to Eastern Sephardim have put their stamp on the cultural Europe and to Russia). map in Israel. There are cliches and caricatures of Because the "Syrians" were my only contact with the differences between Moroccan and Yemenites; Sephardic Jewry, I (like all of my friends) tended to there is the Middle Eastern beat of the Mizrahi use the words "Syrian" and "Sephardic" inter- music that so encourages dancing (indeed, Sarah changeably. How surprised I was to discover in takes a belly dancing class mainly with Sephardic Israel that the Israeli Syrian Jewish community is women at the local JCC); there are Sephardi pop quite a minor community, when compared to the stars like Ayal Golan and Sarit Hadad; there is the Sephardic Jewish communities from Morocco, peppery zchug and other spicy relishes and foods, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Tunisia and Kurdistan. and there is also what the Sephardim do to the conThe Sephardim are everywhere in Israeli culture, ception of what it means to look like a Jew. though many of them carry remembrances of great One of the fitness center instructors in Givat discrimination and humiliation at the hands of the Ze'ev is a Sephardic woman named Zahava Ashkenazic Israeli elite during the initial few ("Golda"). decades of Israeli history.

When Sarah first began to work out at the The Shas political party, founded and adminis- Center, she asked me how she would know how to tered by former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Ovadia recognize the instructor, I told her, "That's easy:

JIWISH PRESS

The

Nebraska Press Association

National Newspaper Association

(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 (OSPS 275620.) is published weekly on Friday for $28 per calendar year U.S.; $32 foreign, by the Jewish Federation, of Omaha. Phono: 402-,'J;M (i4'lK; KAX: 402-334-5422; o-inail editorial mated a], photoÂŤ ami address changes* to: ckatxmais^jewishOHiaha.org; send ads fin .TiF or ,I'l )K format) to; mlapour@>j<>wlHho(naha.org.

Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POHTMAHTKK: Send uddresK ehunfeH to- The ,k>wiah I'rews, U33 So. i;S2nd St., Omaha, NIC l>H154-ÂŤ19rt.

Fred Tlchauer Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Barbara Frankel Rocky Stern Sales Representatives Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer

Walk in, look around for a woman who looks like a Native American Indian, and you've found her.9 In fact, Zahava readily acknowledges this similarity, although to her mind she bears more of a resemblance-stemming from a previous life according to her-to a member of one of the native South American peoples.

I've written in the past about how in Israel there is no such thing as a Jewish nose, but the truth is more encompassing: there is no such thing in Israel as a Jewish body or a Jewish "look", Why, there are various Sephardic Jews in Givat Ze'ev who, in the U.S., would easily pass for Chicanes, Puerto Ricans and Hispanics, I miss this Israeli multiplicity of Jewish looks in the States; I miss the Sephardim. Because let's not forget, with the relative monochromatic Jewish body in the States, come certain implications about this body (yes, even in the States), many of them negative, In Israel, as with other aspects of Jewish life, your Jewish body is what you make of it. And oh, what bodies! Though my life in America had not prepared me for it, after a few years of living in Israel, it suddenly became clear to me, thanks in part to the Sephardim: the Jews are a very beautiful people.

It seems to me that the potential for personal and professional fulfillment is greater for a Jewish person who has internalized such an observation than it is for a person who has internalized less flattering characterizations of Jews.

I'm glad my children are growing up in Israel.

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Lloyd Roitstein, Immediate Past-chairman; Elyco Azriel; Jill Belmont; J e a n Duitch; Kip G o r d m a n ; Gary Kudym; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Linda Saltzman; Howard Silber; Amee Zotxman; George Schupiro (Honorary Committee Member).

Editorials express Iho view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish 1'WSBH Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omnhn or thoOmaha -Jewish Community as ;i whole. The Jewish P H M reservon the ritfht to edit letters and articles for spswe and content.

The Jewish Press ia.mtt rertjicmKibio for tint Kitjihruih <il" any product or establishment,

August 10, 2(K)1

Arafat Must Learn Violence Will NotPay

by LISA S. LENKIEWICZ, Staff Writer Connecticut Jewish Ledger •-«--———.

WEST HARTFORD, CT--New diplo- fire", including 40-50 separate mortar matic initiatives that call for a freeze attacks, the problem in the Middle in Israeli settlement activity in East is not the lack of international exchange for cessation of the 10- observers, according to Gold, the month-old warfare, known as the Al- problem is the lack of observance by Aqsa Intifada, could seriously under- Yasir Arafat in complying with the mine any future agreements, warned cease fire.

Dr. Dore Gold, former Israel Ambas"The only way we can get Arafat to sador to the United Nations. change his modus operandi is if he In an underexcl usive stands that Visit www. /cpa. interview he is not with the for articles written by Dr. Dore Gold. making any Connecticut tangible Jewish Ledger last week, Gold warned gain by the use of violence and that his that if Yasir Arafat is successful in strategy has backfired," said Gold, pressuring Israel into a full settlement Regarding the current U.S. adminisfreeze and obtaining the international tration and its policy toward Israel, observers he seeks, the consequences Gold said that at first, "original for Israel will be severe. instincts were very good," with "Arafat will understand that vio- President Bush making it clear that lence pays off and as a result, we Arafat would pay a price for terrorism could face serious escalation on the and would not be invited to the White ground," said Gold, who is an infor- House. However, Gold said, there is a mal advisor to Prime Minister Ariel concern in Israel now that "certain Sharon and previously served as for- voices" in the Buah administration to adopt a more eign policy advisor to former Prime may feel compelled "even-handed*1 policy vis a vis Israel in Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Not only would any such linkage be tho hopes of obtaining Saudi agreeinterpreted m a reward for violence, ment on America's new Iraq policy. thereby undermining any future Gold said that ho beliovoa the concept cease fire, Gold explained, but, Uui of linkage between the peuice process Palestinians will interpret this as and Iraq ia historically baseless, agreement with their view of thu "There is no correlation between entire West Bank and Gazn Strip as the status of the Israel-Palestinian Palestinian territory, and the out- relationship and containment of come of eventual negotiations would Iraq," noted Gold. bepre-judgod.

Asked if he believ«a Israel will noon Gold spoke briefly to the Ladgor face a major war. Gold replied, while visiting his hometown of WUHL "laniel is u democratic ttocuity, aud by Hartford last week to visit family. He nature, democratic societies don't lives in Jerusalem, where he is presi- want war." dent of a think tank called the Israel has spent the last eight years Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs doing "everything possible to make (JCPA), He is also co-publisher of the peace with the Palestinians. In the Jerusalem Letter, which analyzes last four months, Israel has done Jewish and Israeli public policy everything possible to prove to itself issues. and the world it is trying to bring the (Gold's position is laid out in full in violence to an end," Gold added.

However, if that effort fails, said his article, "Untenable Linkages,* Tying a Cessation of Palestinian Gold, "the government of Israel will Violence to an Israeli Settlement' have to do. what, it takes to protect its Freeze," which may be found at citizens." www.jcpa.org.)

He concluded, "Arafat has demonstrated that this is not a war over Problem is Arafat With hundreds of terrorist inci- settlements; it's a borderless conflict. dents in Israel since the June "cease It's a struggle for all of Israel."

Deadline Approaches for Claims on Dormant Swiss Bank Accoynts

by FREDY ROM

— — —

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

To the Editor:, My name is Leah Breslow and I live in Efrat, which is a 15-minute drive from Jerusalem.

Eight months have passed since the war has started and it feels like eight years. During that time, I have gone to four funerals. Three of the people who were murdered were in my community.

The fourth funeral was for Koby Mandel, a kid I knew.

When I want to go to Jerusalem where I do all my shopping, I need to wear a bulletproof vest and helmet and ride in a bulletproof bus. I don't usually follow that because my motto is, "If it's your day to die, you're gonna die."

I am angry with most Arabs, who kill innocent people and enjoy doing so. Koby Mandel, who was murdered two months ago, was a close family friend. When I heard about his horrible death, I was shocked and in denial. I kept asking mysolf, 'how could a human being do something like that?'

I took it upon myself to to tell my friend what had happened to Koby. We burst into tears and talked about him and prayed for him, After his funeral, I

understood that he is gone forever.

I will never see him when our two families get together. I will never play football with him, like I did two weeks before he died.

After living through the murder of a person I knew, it is hard for me to believe we will ever have real peace with the Palestinians, but I pray anyway, and hope every day for peace.

Many people ask if I'm scared to live in a dangerous place. When I think about it, I understand that things have gotten so bad that I am used to being shot at. It's hard to comprehend that hearing about another person that was murdered has just become another part of my everyday life.

Leah Breslow Efrat, Israel (Editor's note: Leah is the daughter of former Lincolnite Aryeh Breslow and the. granddaughter of Minnie Breslow who still Hues in Lincoln.

Leah is 14-years-old and attends Neveh Channah high school for girls and is active in herR'nai Akiva youth ffroup, This letter was originally printed on JVibe, a weabitc for Jewish teens, located at: wwwjvibe.com/iHraftl/livingwai7s

just ask a "teach ef:

Nothing EI«NWtt*cs

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION

NEW ESSAT CONTEST^ in flte Jewisft Press!

CATEGORIES Under age 25: "What Being an American Means to Me" Age 25 & Over: "What Being an American has Meant to Me." Cash prizes of $500 will be awarded to first-place winners!

•—

ZURICH (JTA)-Holocaust survivors or their heirs who believe they have a valid claim on, a dormant Swiss bank account; dating back to the Holocaust era have until this week to file claims.

In February, Swiats banks published the mimes on 21,000 accounts that may have belonged to Holocaust victims, At the time, they imposed a six-month deadline to claim those accounts.

The Claims Resolution Tribunal, which is overseeing the claims process, says it has already received some 25,000 claims.

The tribunal also says it. has processed 10,000 of these claims and approved payments to Holocaust survivors totaling $40 million.

The total number of names published in February was far lower than what some U.S. banking officials had sought, Jewish groups rep-

resenting survivors had a similar reaction, saying the process of returning survivors' assets necessitates full uccuss to bank records.

Swiss banking officials refused-but, in a compromise, said claimants' who have a reasonable case could request a full database search.

Survivors have long complained about delays in the restitution process. Given the survivors' advanced age, every delay means that some survivors would not live long enough to get their money.

Advocates for survivors estimate that some 1,000 survivors around the world die each month.

In 1907, Swiss banks published two separate lists published that included some 16,000 names linked to dormant accounts.

Further information and claims forms are available at: www.dor. man.taccounts.ch.

Page S

* Essays should be typed, single-spaced and limited to 1000 words. * A cover page with name, age and phone number should be included.

Essays are due August 24, Winners will be announced in late September and reprinted in the Press during the High Holidays.

MAIL TO: Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St. Omaha, NE 68154-2198

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE;

August 10, 2001

U °20 Years Experience e Personai Touch "•Creative Designs ®Professional Installation

Piilverente MONUMENT CO. Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

Mention this ad and receive 10% Discount

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

1439 So. 13th 341-2452

iiiSliii Climate

PRi-SIASON AIR CONDITIONER SP1OIM OFFER

• Mention this ad and get $1 qo off any heating and air conditioning system installation, or • Call us and have one of our factory trained service technicians tuneup your central air conditioning system to get the maximum efficiency for just $59.95. a rnrtlrtil

HEATING

S a v e 1 0 % t 0 40 % b a s e d o n

,

comparison of the

e COnirui .advertisers Mantaeturer system with a typical 8'""v, _ i10 year old system using Department of Energy » - « » * ™ » * ' - itast procedures. Actual savings may vary.

AjnCONOrTtONINQ

•

".

'

l^aU^otiayjE&if^^

f rmms tpmi&v^mdkef' 558-15551 """""

L J = a

Central

Look to the Eagle!

SECURITY or m

,-•• F E D E R A L :

• Great Home Loan Rates & m Lower Costs m • New Home Construction m • Refinancing m Mike Skolkin m

11820 Nicholas St.

402-934-3344

FDIC INSUHI.I)

www.securityfederal.net

-"frT?r»"'^--

•--A^'^&"$'^~i?^^^

Emtza Region of United Synagogue Youth invites all former USYers to a reunion in Minneapolis, MN, the weekend of Nov. 2-4, The reunion begins with family-style Shabbat dinner and service at Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park. Shabbat morning includes services at Beth El, kiddush lunch and sichot, with Havdallah and a dessert buffet at the Minneapolis JCC. The Sunday brunch will honor Rabbi Kassel Abelson.

For more information, e-mail your name and address to: emtzausy50@aol.com, or check the USY website at: www.emtza.org.

Mark Hoffman, son of Phyllis and David Hoffman, will receive his Master's in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is the CIO of the J.C. Robinson Seed Greenblatt and Seay will offer its Schoolhouse Company and is married to Dr. Mary Kay Drake, a Performance Series on Sundays (Oct. 14, and Nov. resident in radiology at the University of Nebraska 11), 2:30 p.m., at 504 Garfield St., Avoca, NE. Medical Center.

Private lessons are available, as well as field trips for school groups, camps, scouts and families.

Former Omahans Daniel, Joel, Matt and Tom For more information, call Debby Greenblatt at LeMaistre, sons of Lee and Deanne LeMaistre, 1-402-275-3221, or visit the duo's website at: made the news in Round Rock, TX, recently. wwvi7.ma8tercaU.com/g-s/.

Daniel's original home design and blueprints won first place among high school juniors in the regionJewish Community Center member Dianna al and state competition for future architects. Joel Griffin recently won six gold medals at the World received the ROTC medal for academic excellence Dwarf Games in Toronto. She trains regularly at and has been named photojournalist for the school the JCC pool, and won gold medals in all four newspaper and yearbook. Twins Matt and Tom swimming events, setting world records in freestyle were both selected for the Junior Honor Society. and backstroke. She's also President of the Little All four boys attended Friedel Jewish Academy People of America Nebraska chapter. and are the grandchildren of Phyllis and David Hoffman.

The Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra is currently auditioning potential members for the Bennett Greenspan, formerly of Omaha, will be 2001-2002 season from Aug. 20-24. All instrumeninterviewed on the TV show "CBS Sunday talists are encouraged to audition, especially string Morning" on Aug. 12, 8-9:30 a.m., on a piece per- players. Rehearsals are every Monday night, 7taining to genealogy. Greenspan, son of Bud and 9:45 p.m., at the Strauss Recital Hall on the camRosalie Greenspan of Omaha, is President of pus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. For Family Tree DNA, which utilizes DNA testing for more information, call newly-appointed Music Genealogical purposes. Greenspan and his family Director Dr. Christopher Staniclmr at 554-276H. live in Houston^ The SihglBB Group of the JCC of Greater"1 Jennifer Lee was a member of the pit orchestra Pittsburgh sets sail Dec. 9-16 with its National for the Ralston Community Theater's recent out- Singles Cruise. The ninth annual cruise is geared standing performance of Andrew Lloyd Weber's for Jewish singles ages 20-50; they will visit the musical, Jesus Christ Superstar. Jennifer plays ports of San Juan, Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten violin and is also Concertmistress of the and St. Thomas. To receive a brochure or more Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha, information, call Malori Asman and Amazing She is the daughter of Sheryl and David Lee. Journeys, 1-412-571-0220 or 1-800-734-0493,

JCC Members and Staff Join Corporate Cup Run

by JEWISH PRESS News Service —

Maple Crest Care Center has been committed to quality care and outstanding service for over 50 years.

Offering: • Skilled Care • Medicare and Medicaid • Rehabilitative Therapy • Dementia Care • Short Stay Admissions

Recruitment has begun for this year's race, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 30, 8:15 a.m.

Deadline for registration is Sept. 4. The 21st annual run benefits the American Lung Association of Nebraska. The events include a 10K run or twomile walk. The entry fee is $20 and includes a T-shirt.

All racers (or walkers) who finish in the lOKwill receive a prize. Children under age 11 will be allowed on the two-mile course; children younger than five are not required to register or pay a fee.

For more information or to register, call Ed Heller at 334-6423, or stop by the JCC's Member Services desk at the Sokolof Fitness Center entrance.

Call Barb today to visit our caring community!

American Baptist Homes of the Midwest

The third largest festival and art show in Greater Kansas City, the Jewish Arts Festival, is expected to bring some 15,000 visitors back on Sunday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m.-7 p.m,, at the Kansas City Jewish Community Center.

Located in Overland Park at 5801 W. 115th St. (between Nail and Lamar), the all-day event features cookbook author Joan Nathan, Disney entertainer Craig Taubman, The Rugrats, guitar player and singer Danny Maseng, and the Maxwell Street Klezrner Band.

In addition, 68 artists from throughout the country and Israel will exhibit their Judaica, jewelry and artwork, all for sale. Kosher food from area vendors will be available for lunch as well as for 'snacking' throughout the day.

Kids will have the opportunity to make their own havdalah sets, magnetic picture frames, shrink art, and friendship pins, paint pottery, and participate in a hands-on science project.

Advance tickets are $5; children under 12 are admitted free. The day of the festival, tickets are $7. Free parking and shuttle service is available at the Sprint garages For more information, call the JCC at 1-913-3278005.

lilll

551-2110

2824 M. 66th Ave. Omaha, NE 68104

Charlie Sullivan, President of Sullivan Homes, has been named to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Home Builders, a federation of more than 800 state and local builders associations throughout the country. For the paM | f two years, Sullivan ' Homes has been recognized by the Omaha " , .

Chamber of Commerce as one of the 25 faste&i' • growing companies here.

Last year's Corporate Cup Run included 22 members and professionals from Omaha's J e w i s h Community • Center, including Executive Director Jeff Aizenbergv hack row, second from right, and Mike Noble, Health and Fitness Director, seated second front left.

Kathy and John McGauvran announce the July 10 birth of their son, Adam James {Adorn Eliyahu), named for his paternal great-grandmother, Ada Mann, and great-uncle, Eddie Belgrade.

Adam has a brother, William, 2 Grandparents are Harold and Linda Maim and Ron and Sally McGauvran of Clinton, IA. Great-grandparents are the late Sara and Eli Zaikin and Ada and Irving Mann.

August 10, 2001

Illiliiiiiiiiiii

by BERT LEWIS •

As I write this, we're still in the midst of an oldfashioned blistering hot summer. The good news however, is that it's the time of year when people come visiting. The bad news is that they arrive when our humidity is at it's worst. Well, having said all that, let me just tell you, we recently had a little family gathering, and although there was a lot of discussion about the weather, it was wonderful.

It seems to me we never manage to get together often enough, when the clan is scattered around the country. It was so much easier in the old days, when cousins or aunts and uncles lived close by — if there was a simcha, the group gathered at somebody's house and enjoyed sharing it with all. Today, it's more than likely that such a gathering takes lots of long distance calling, planning with airlines and checking the calendar a dozen times a day.

No matter, we were able to get together and laugh and talk and repeat some of the same old stories we always tell when we're together. Siblings who live many miles apart recall how they did this and that together, how Mama and Papa reacted to their generation, how much fun they had with not very much.

Wistful expressions are a common sight, looking around the table when the last cup of tea and the last piece of mandelbread have disappeared.

Even though this one may need help walking, or that one leans on a can© or a walker, it's still a joy just to be together and talk, talk, talk. And even though the conversation inevitably includes some sad references to those who are gone from our midst, it's still a warm and wonderful experience.

I sat in my place at our dining room table and looked around at my last remaining aunts and uncles and silently said a shcheohayunutomyself.

I BO wishedrayparents and the other missing members were there, but I was so grateful for those who were.

And I thought, this is such a little thing, just having a meal together and remembering so much silly old stuff, how can it be that it's so satisfying? So geshmahk, if you're familiar with that word.

I have no fancy answer for that question. I only know that we shouldn't take such joyful events for granted. We should first of ull, try very hard to arrange for frequent gatherings, and secondly, when we finally accomplish the act of getting everyone to the same place at the same time, we should really appreciate the experience, I spent days working out the logistics of our little reunion, preparing this or that favorite, making sure any needs were met, bothering other people to help with details.

And you know what? I loved every single minute of the entire drill!

I hope your summer is going well, and that the heat isn't unbearable for you. I also hope you know the joy of dear ones you haven't seen for a long time, arriving for a visit. So you'll shvitz a little, true, but you'll kvell enough to make upforit. I promise,

Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCG, Play bingo at 10:15 a,m. with Eileen Remer, or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:80 a.m. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at II tun. Following lunch at noon, Jackie Delehent from the National Heart Savers Association will be our speaker. For transportation, call 330-4272.

Deadline for reservations is Aug. 16 for the Hat Dog Lunch and Game Day on Aug. 23; Aug. 23 for Garden Day Trip on Aug. 30. Make reservations for the Jazz Delicatessen on Monday, Aug. 20. A kosher deli lunch will begin at noon, followed by a performance by Luigi Waites. Deadline is Aug. 13.

Call Eileen Remer for reservations at 334-6521, WALK-IN/DROP-IN Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Exercise starts at 10 a.m. For those going on the day trip to Linoma Beach, meet at the JCG main entrance at 10:45 a.m. I?or transportation, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521.

BTSFAI B'RITH BEEADBREAKERS Congressman Lee Terry will speak a t Breadbreakers on Wednesday, at noon, according to Gary Javitch, Chairman. Rep. Terry will discuss his experiences in Congress. Breadbreakers meets every week at the Park Inn Regency. Cost for lunch is $9; beverage service only, $2. The program ia open to the community.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN The Board of Directors of NCJW, Omaha Section, will meet at the JCC on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m., in the Social Hall, Board meetings are open to all NCJW members, For more information, call the new NCJW office at the JCC, 884-6566.

WOMEN OF KEBX)RM JUDAISM "WRJO to Go" is an opportunity to sample new recipes, share your own unique creations and purchase dinner for another ovening, SpontMirdd by Women of Reform Judaism (fonnerly Temple Israel Sisterhood), the event is on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., at the homo of Ruaic Zweiback, 1736 S. 87th St Bring two recipes of your favorite diah—nppetizcr, main dish or dessert-for the group. One recipe will be enjoyed by all for dinner. The other will be sold to enjoy at a later date. (All proceeds go to WRJO.) Participants are also asked to bring 15 copies of their recipes.

Please RSVP to Penny Bndelman at 333-0236.

When responding, please be sure to tell her what you will be bringing, Not a cook? Not a problem! A $5 donation is welcome in place of food items.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

WANTED To try a New, Easy Play Organ Course "Lowrey Magic" • No Experience Needed • No Organ Required > Receive 10 Lessons FREE • No Obligation

Call

334-1935

Over 25 Years Experience Installation Parts & Repairs • Custom Work Sandblast Designs Visit Our Showroom

Craft Shower Doors :

778-9596:

12100 W. Center Rd. #507

13237BSt.* Omaha, NE

CORPORATION "Servlca First~Quallty Always" MACHWERYfAulo&Seffll) • Slrolch Him machines PRODUCTS •TlptftMKhlM* •» Corrugated, S.U.8,1 SJ.S. Boxes < Packaging Inpfls nnd glu«,<3 • Strapping machines * Slrotch film, shrink film & lidding f i l m • Conveyor systems • CUM oroctors * Poly & stool stropping • A full lino of new & * Prlntod zipfH.tr bags, poly bittis,

UMd machinery

* Polypropylene & styroionm trays

709 N. 108th St.

963-9111

www.lndu8lrlnlpack.oom Fax; 003-9303 E-mail: l d

as unique as you are.

Ideal for Moms, Grandmas or Teens.

Israeli General 'Jams' with Boys Town Stydents

onlt»r« nro wi'lroiiK'-'Britlnl jrwelry avail.-iblc. ( l ! iti today.

When Israeli Brigadier General ttalik Shaftr, iwntet", heard btrahi« of music coming from Boys Town •Jerusalem's in'wiy*oi»«nod Munic School, lie r<u)(«\stc(I an opportunity to play

with the student rnusiclans. Founded In I04H, Boys Town turns young boys from limited 'backgrounds into young m«n. with •academic and economic opportunities.

'/'){) .'itW • WV.itrtuili Mull * MIMU M H K ;U l'mui from i'k

PageS

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 10,2001

Local Historian to Publish New Book on Jewish Omaha

by ART GROSSMAN

Oliver Pollak, co-founder with Mary Fellman of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, guided our group down Memory Lane at the OT/Y.E.S. meetby CAROL KATZM AN, Editor ing July 30.

Less than a month ago, Writer, attorney, UNO history teacher, Pollak Oliver Pollak completed the struck a responsive chord from the audience in last captions to describe 228 relating how he has combined history and historic previously unpublished phophotos in a soon-to-be-published book on Jewish tos in a new book about the life in Omaha and Lincoln. history of Jews in Omaha Augmenting his discourse, Pollak's wife, Karen, and Lincoln. circulated a two-page flyer made up of a montage of old-time photos that stirred memories of long The local historian, author ago. and attorney is a co-founder Our age group is vitally interested in health topof the Nebraska Jewish ics. One of the medical features we follow is Historical Society. This was "Health on Parade," authored by Isadore Roaenfeld a natural for him.

CWCKSHWG, KNABX in Parade Magazine.

"I was approached by V0SS&S0NS, GABLER We discussed his recent article--"Can We Stop Arcadia Publishers in Alzheimer's?

Are You at Risk?" Dr, Rosenfeld Chicago about compiling a writes in understandable language. Our discussion photograph history of the group doesn't offer college credits for participating Jewish community here," in these enlightening subjects, but we do learn. said Pollak.

An ad for Meyer's store was one of the thousands Pollak previewed Events in Israel are constantly reviewed. Israeli This company has a long for the book; this photo from the NJHS archives, however, didn't police expectations became reality on the obsertrack record of publishing make it into the final publication. vance of Tisha B'Av. Those praying at the Wall historical photos about other ethnic communities, named for a Jewish immigrant, Wolbach. were attacked by Palestinians. Police in riot gear such as Jews of Boston or Italian Chicago, to name He has captured the faces of immigrants at the rushed in to quell the situation. They were met by a few, They use a "Lemplate," according to Pollak, turn of the century, as well as after the Holocaust, a hail of rocks. of a select number of photos with captions contain- and the strains of life during the depression and We paused in reverent respect for Esther Kunik. ing a specific maximum of words.

World War II. In addition, Pollak has recorded the Shalom "Choosing 228 photos was no easy task," Pollak balance of maintaining a Jewish life in a predomirecalled, noting that he and his wife, Karen, poured nately Christian world.

Choosing a College? through several thousand photos belonging to the Though Jews did populate small towns across Visit Historical Society and others. From that large Nebraska and some still live in places like number, they narrowed the group down to 550, Columbus, Norfolk, Grand Island and Albion, the majority of the state's 8000 Jews today live in then 240 and then, the final 228, for the book.

Some of the photos feature economic development Omaha and Lincoln.

Describes over 500 colleges and universities located in the United A grant from the Carl Frohm Foundation helped in areas such as South Omaha and North 24th States,Canada and around the world.

Street. Others display synagogues, cemeteries, fund this project; the book is due to be published Hillsl: The Foundation for shortly and will, no doubt, be available at both the family gatherings and Jews in political life. Pollak Jewish Campus Ufa Kripke Jewish Federation Library and the NJHS. even discovered that a small town in Nebraska was

WWW.Hmel.org

C-ing Is Believing!

They say seeing is believing. We say C-ing is believing.

Introducing the ail new, totally cool

C-Class Sports Coupe and Wagon.

The C-Sporls Coupe starts under $25,000.

Rclh include all maintenance lor 4 yrs., 50,000 miles.

At I he all new Mercedes-Benz of Omaha.

Come see the "C" at our new location.

1

* HI

'ljl

$&$mW£$ •-il.il IS \ l

$38,450

Beautiful Environment... includes library, activities center, beauty and barber shop, exercise room and much more.

Professional Services.,.. providing weekly housekeeping and laundry, dietician and nutrition services, activities, transportation and more.

Assisted Living Service... assistance with activities of daily living provided on site.

Affordable Retirement...

Mercedes-Benz of Omaha

all services included in one low monthly rental.

Peace of Mind...

Remington Height's 24-hour staff emergency call system means assistance is just seconds away.

In a Class by Itself.

1 4 4 T H AND OLD " L " ST. « 3 8 4 . 9 9 9 9 (ACROSS FROM CHARLIE'S ON THE LAKE) WWW.MERCEDES0ENZOFOMAHA.COM

"2001 Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer

12606 West Dodge Road Omaha,NE 68154

(402) 493-5807

August 10,2001

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

lor

I

by Mary Fellman, Editor

Books Now For Sale at the Literary Kripke Jewis "C't

the J C C

I'M

C

„

c

I.IV

BE ON THE LOOKOUT Don't forget to regularly check the Kripke' J e w i s h Federation Library at the JOC to see what sale books are FOR THESE SPECIAL DEALS: available.

IIardc.ovflr»7Gtf each/3 for $2 The Library always has'hundreds of new and uaed books for REGULAR BOOK SALE/BARGAIN BOOKS sale at bargain prices. Books which are either already in the colPaperback-2i>0 each/6 for $1 lection, or which do not contain Jewish content are continually Hardcovor--$ I each donated to the Library, BO the books for sale are constantly COME ON OVER! changing,

Y.E.S. UPCOMING EVENTS August 16: Lunch Bunch at Linomci Bench • Depart from the JCC at 10:45 a.m. Order from the menu or buffet.

August 20: Kosher Dell Lunch In (he JCC Auditorium, noon. Special musical enter tainnu'iil l>y Lulgl Wattes.

August 23; Hot Dog Lunch & Game Day In tho JOC Social Hall.

August 30: Garden Tour and lunch at the Garden Cafe lnjhe Old Market [; October 8: New members of NCJW sire invited to attend a special program at 10 a.m.

Following a bagel breakfast, tour the Henry & Dorothy Riekes Jewish Museum at the JCC. THINGS ONLY MARTHA STEWART WOULD KNOW: 1. To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

2. To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard-boiling.

3. When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.

4. Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

5. Potatoes will take food stains off your lingers. Just slice and rub raw potato on the stains and rinse with water.

6. To polish jewelry, drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two, minutes.

Do you suffer from tecluwphobiat Havo you heard of tho . . .but iir

sure what il. is?

up for VUKK a i the Kripkft Jewish Federation Library • Learn one-on-one or with frkmda • Choose e-mail, web surfing, word processing.,.. * G«tyour owix e-mail account! www.jewlshomaha.org Visit tho web site of the Omaha Jewish community lor information about events, organizations, synagogues, the Rose Blumkin Home, the Jewish Community Center's new additions, sports, classes and programs. You can even send a singing greeting card! www.ellisislandrecords.org In a nation of immigrants where more than 35% of the population-or 100 million Americans-has at least one relative who passed through Ellis Island, officials at the historic entry point fo New York have unveiled a new web site that will enable even the least tech-sawy to mine a motherlode of Information on their family's roots.

The web site contains records of iho 17 million tmrnigrants-and 5 million other travelers and c;rnw members-who passed through Ellis Island botwocn 1892-1924.

Jerusalem on the web: www.thewall.org www.jerusalem2000org.il ^www.templemountorg www.knesaet.gov.il ^

TIPS FOR HEALTHIER, MORE ACTIVE AGING • Surprisingly, senior athletes don't Just focus on the body, they keep their minds engaged. In fact, 41 percent choose to remain employed, at least part time.

• Winning is riot everything. Senior athletes compete for health and for personal prlde~-not Just to win. « You have to love if. Sixty-six percent of senior athletes have played their sport, for more than 20 years beeause they loved it. Find a sport yon can love.

.

I

|

A Brief History of the Jewish Community of Omaha

I

Omaha-a city on the Missouri. in the southeast corner of Nebraska. . . J

When 4 he city w»»s lir.%1 srfUet) in thr • \ mldlK.'iO's by some Cbitslinn pioneers, a few f • Jewh also came {u settle, Including Aaron • I Calm, his wife and Mrs. Calm's brother, 8 * Meyer Ilellman, In 18S0. They had come from !

I Germany and eventually became well known I . tnerehsmls atid I Kdward Rosewater, founder and editor of 5 j the large Influential Omaha lk>c newspaper, j I state legislator in 1870 and after whom a [ j public school was named, was llu: most • J prominent early Jew, along will) Julius J a Meyer, who was formally adopted by the j I Pawnee Tribe with the name llox-ka re-sha- 5 i has-ta-ka, which means curly headed white g ' chief with one tongue. \ I 7he Jewish population In Omaha began to I ! Increase In 1882 after the arrival ol' the first ! j Russian Jewish refugees. "Colonies" of g .Jewish homesteaders were established. « | Second and third wave Jewish Immigrants f - found jobs in packing plants, smelters, rail • | road shops and stores. | The keeping of Ihe Jewish dietary laws was | very difficult lor Omaha Jews until about | • 1H81, when fix* flrsf permanent shtx'hcl came " I to Omaha. Prior to this, Jews who observed I " ktishntth had meal brought front l)es Moine.s, j I where II was killed in the proper manner by I a Jewish buIchor.

I The first Jewish butcher In Omaha was llenoeh Marks, in a house at 10th ft Dodge.

In the years lo follow, there were a great number of Jewish butchers.

The last kosher butcher shop on 49lh & i Hamilton was owned by brothers Joe J liuchelster and David Klchlinan, two surg vivors whet came to Omaha. ! The crowning achievement of Omaha Jewry | in the early years was Ihe $'100,000 Jewish | . Community Center building ;it ihe northwest » | corner ol''J.Oih ft Dodge, whieh opened Its | . doors June tt, 102n. It was made possible by » | a sno.OOO gift irom the late Morris 1^'vy. aug- J

s

• Stomp out stress. Senior athletes huve lower stress levels due to exercise and leisure aetivi ties. Seventy-eight percent take at least one vacation a year.

• Remaia current. Sixty-nice pmvui of senior athletes are online, 60 percent own punsonalj computers and 54 percent read three to l-l| hours each week.

I • Keep in touch with family and friends.'

Fifty four percent say this Is essential to enio : tional well belin'; ; • menled by the tireless eilorts of I h u r y I I . -

WATER,AEROBICS a i tho JCC SWIMNASTIC )$: I hi' v dt-'i (jitrMl tor profile with phy! •l<;al lUffiOiilhos, s Ul II IS tit! Mil \u\t\ • itijiirics, and i -c 1 Diubl HIS. 1 ow if'vi '1 aoiiibi•, a<tlVltlt s No svvitutriiKt) Skill*. H" j l K M ' t I 1 Cost, i HI 1 ' Won /Wed /|-"ri '• I'i '11 t t a : i i

ii!il[cmt

| l,apid>!'. The moveineTi1! for this bulldiiu 1 , had | ' iis IncepHou In UUWi with Ihe nri'.unl/aMou t*f ° j tin- <i|i| Oin.iii.i .Iiv.'c-h lie>|[!n!«\ and moved | " linnU'-Ji i-.iill delisi'.'e sl,i'-,r>, ncinri' il bi'e..inie " 1 ;i jcjiilV 1

Page 10

JsWish Press, Omaha, NE

August 10, 2001

Even Though Violence is FIating9 Yeshiva Student; 5till Going to Israel

by JULIE W I E N E R - — —

Offering Personal Assistance in Medical Bills Si Insurance Claims Call, now for free initial consultation.

392-0745 9162 Meadow Dr., Omaha, ME 68114 E-mail: skI4040@att.net

This announcement is neither an pffer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities.

This offer is made only by offering circular and related amendments.

Mamaiin Securities Corporation has available Douglas and Sarpy County Nebraska 8% Tax-Exempt Sanitary and Improvement District Warrants For an offering circular and additional information, please contact:

CHARLES RICHTER (402) 330-1166

Manarin Securities Corporation 11605 West Dodge Road, Suite I Omaha, NE 68154 Copies of the offering circular and related amendments may be obtained from the underwriter of this offering in compliance with applicable securities laws.

Member NASD/MSRB/SIPC

Skilled staff are at your disposal in both Bernina stores. They are ready to discuss and demonstrate all that is new from Bernina

BERNSNA180

for the Creative Sewing Enthusiast Now available with Artlink/CPS Software Computer Hookup at no cost.

• LCD Touchscreen • 250 Stitches, 45 CPS Stitches • Maximum stitch width 9/45mm • Maximum stitch length 5mm • 7 alphabets

SALE already discounted price I HHr*" our of any single IN STOCK item We need the spacel Summer's winding down and we have to make room for the early fall orders of furniture and accessories that will be arriving soon.

We're inviting our customers to come in now through Labor Day and save!

Sorry, discount does not apply to special orders, closet classics'or techline* and may not be combined with any other offer. Some fWpr samples excluded from this sale.

CONTEMPORARY FURNISHINGS

URBAN FURNISHINGS

Wtontclair Center 132nd and Wesr Center Road Omaha, NE 68144 402.330.3336

Old Market Lofts Building ! I th and Jones Street Omaha, N£ 68102 40Z.342.3S26

MON-rHU/IO-8>FRI-SAT/tO-6'SUN/l2-5

MOM-SAT/ I I - 7 . SUN/ 12- 5

www.el.incanternporary.coni

NEW YORK (JTA)--While Ameri- type to "back out of things" and, havcan Jewish tourism to Israel is way ing already deferred admission at the down, and American enrollment has University of Pennsylvania for a dropped sharply at secular institu- year, wasn't sure what she would do tions like Hebrew University of if she stayed at home.

Jerusalem, post-high school yeshiva But ideology also played a part. programs in Israel are—so far—an "My mother has always said if peoexception to the trend. ple stop going to Israel, then the • Almost 2,400 American yeshiva Palestinians have won," she said.

Going to Israel, Kessler said, and seminary students will be departing for Israel in the next seemed like an "opportunity to do month, according to Cheryl Stein, a something good for my people." spokeswoman for El Al Israel AirRachel Singerman of Baltimore lines. The number is "a drop" from said, "It makes a difference that last year, "but not significant," Stein we're going to be with people in a said. However, she could not provide time of crisis; I wish more people statistics for last year. would."

Singerman, who will attend Orot (Editor's note: Four Omahans are spending the year in Israel. Rachel Israel College, which is in the West Eshelman will attend Michlelet Bank, 20 minutes outside Tel Aviv, Esther Har Nof, a suburb of grew up in a family that commemoJerusalem; Zack Gonsher returns for rated Israeli Independence Day with a third year to yeshiva in Tzfat; and a special meal each year. She says Jeffrey Katzman will complete his she has wanted to make aliyah since fourth year, obtaining a Bachelor of she was a small child.

Talmudic Law at Ohr Samayach in The Israeli-Palestinian violence did Jerusalem. not affect Singerman's decision, nor Though the program in which did it deter her acquaintances who Stephanie De Porte is participating had already decided to go to Israel for is Reform, she, too, is in Jerusalem to the year. However, she said, she obtain a Master's in Jewish Educa- knows people who had "been wavertion from Hebrew Union College- ing over tuition and other issues, and Jewish Institute of Religion. HUC- the situation pushed them over."

JIR requires all rabbinic, cantonal Singerman's day school, Yeshivat and education students to spend the Rambam, is sending 13 of this year's first year of their multi-year pro- 15 graduates to study in Israel. grams at its Jerusalem campus.)

In addition to ideology and idealism • Yeshiva University, centrist —and studies have shown centrist Orthodoxy's flagship institution, Orthodox Jews have stronger feelings reports that almost 1,000 recent male of connection to Israel than liberal and female high school graduates and unaffiliated Jews-other factors will be under its auspices in Israel at have kept enrollment fairly stable at Bar-Ilan University and 36 yeshivot post-high school yeshiva programs, and seminaries, the same as last say observers. year. Y.U. officials said very few peoFor one thing, pre-college Israel ple left in the middle of the last study has become a standard rite of school year, and virtually no students passage for modern, or centrist, registered for this year have canceled Orthodox Jews. In a 1999 study, their plans.

Berger found that close to 90 percent of • Yeshivat Har Etzion, a boys' yeshi- modern Orthodox young adults spend va in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, a full year studying Torah in Israel, folexpects 45 students this year—the lowing high school graduation. same as last year—and had to turn The fact that yeshiva programs are away a number of applicants. the communal norm means that most Of course, these numbers could still potential participants have either decrease if the violence intensifies, or friends or family members who if there is a major bombing targeting recently attended them and can young adults, and, as a result, the vouch for their safety. yeshivot are still "on pins and nee- "A lot of the boys who were going, dles," said one official in modern especially initially, were siblings of Orthodox academia. boys who were there already," said Rabbi Shalom Berger, a teacher at Shirley Schuster, Executive Director of Midreshet Lindenbaum and a faculty The Etzion Foundation, the American member at Bar-Ilan University's office for Yeshivat Har Etzion.

Lookstein Center for Jewish "The parents were really happy Education, said he recently spoke to with how their boys did, what the a Yeshivat Har Etzion teacher who, year did for them, and they're very commenting on the expected committed to the yeshiva and feel American students, said, "Let's see if they get so much out of it," Schuster they really come." said. "They were much less reluctant But these potential changes aside, to send their sons, with everything why, at a time when Israel's tourism that's going on, than someone who's industry is on the rocks, are Ortho- never sent a child for the year." dox students still flocking to the Another reason Orthodox study Jewish state? programs aren't affected the way After all, unlike Birthright Israel other Israel programs, say yeshiva participants—one of the only other officials, is because their primary steady sources of young travelers to focus is on study, rather than travelthe Jewish state since the ing around the country.

Palestinian uprising began last "They're going to a place to stay September-yeshiva students are not and the purpose is to learn and getting a free trip. And a year at a develop in their religion and within post-high school yeshiva program themselves," Schuster said. "They're costs an average of $10,000, plus air- not just going there and hanging out fare, according to Berger, an expert on the streets." on such programs.

"I think the entire year will be Jennifer Kessler of Los Angeles more focused on learning than it has said she decided to stick with her in the past," she said. "I don't think plans, in part because she's not the that's a bad thing-it's a good tiling.

August 10, 2001

Muskins1 Focys Evolves from Baby Business t o JCC Youth, JSS Seniors, and Future Generations

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Public Relations Coordinator

Stuart and Bettie Muskin's lives are similar to on the Federation annual campaign and served on many of their generation. Stuart was born and the Beth El Synagogue Board as treasurer and as raised in Omaha. He went to Central High School president of Highland Country Club's Board. and then graduated from the University of Now the Muskins spend a lot of time with their Nebraska at Lincoln. children and grandchildren. The family includes Bettie Grossman Muskin was born in Alan's wife, Linda, sons and daughters-in-law, Manhattan, KS, but she Bruce and Mary Beth grew up in Council Muskin, all of OmaBluffs. She graduated ha, and Michael and from Abraham Lincoln Diane Muskin of High School and then Loveland, CO. The attended the University Muskins are also of Iowa and the Univerproud grandparents sity of Nebraska at of two grandsons, Lincoln. She met Stuart \ three granddaughters when they were in high j and two great-grandschool. j sons, Like so many young As a retiree, Stuart men in the mid-1940's, volunteers with Muskin served in World - SCORE, Service OrBettie and Stuart Muskin War II. In late June, ganization of Retired 1944, just after the D-Day invasion, he landed in Executives, a volunteer group sponsored by the Europe where he was a member of the infantry. Small Business Administration to assist small Twice wounded, he was awarded the Purple Heart businesses. He also teaches GED classes for the with a cluster.

Omaha Public School District and has served on Muskin came home in August, 1945. He and the Anti-Defamation League Board and Project Bettie were married in 1946 at the Biackstone HOPE, a North Omaha Pood Bank.

Hotel by Rabbi Harry Jolt, a friend of the Both Stuart and Bettie enjoy playing golf and Grossman family. tennis and like to travel. They are planning to celeFor about three months, Stuart traveled, selling brate their 55th wedding anniversary in December leather goods on the road, Oae day, he stopped to by taking their entire family on a cruise, see his friend, Yale Gotsdiner, in Council Bluffs.

Although the Muskins spend about three months Gotsdiner worked fit his father's grocery store. a year in California, they have no intention of movNeither Muskin nor (Tofcsdinor were particularly ing there pornmnoutly. They are "very happy" livhappy with their jobs. Clotsdinor's father, .Joe, sug- ing in Onmliu where "the people are friendly and gested that the two younger mcu buy Bnbytown, u warm," Huid Itatliu. children's department Htoro at .'Ifith and For the past few yonra, the MimltiriH have been Leaveaworth in Oiuahri. thinking of "dohtf.; HoimM.hintf for Omaha." They At the time, Babylovvn was owned by Cy Silver, met with Marty Ricks, KxoniUvo Director of Lh'o Muskin's brother-inlaw, who nlwo owned a night l''oumUilkm of the Jewish Federation. club, "lie really haled the baby .store," Muakin "We wore very iiupruHwtl with Mnrly," Ut<> recalled]'So Silver was glad to sell the store to Muskins reported.

Muskin and Gotsdiner. They paid $24,000 for the "Stuart and Bettie approached me with some prebusiness. liminary ideas for the purpose of their donation," Rose Muskin, Stuart's mother, had been working said Ricke. "I, in turn, helped them match their in the store when Silver owned it. Together, with ideas with the needs on this campus. 1 had never the new owners, the three of them ran the store. "It met Stuart and Bettie before, but we bonded immewas hard to get merchandise, but anything we got, diately. What a wonderful couple!" we sold," Muskin said.

Lena Grossman, Bottle's mother, was a resident of After nearly 20 years at 35th and Leavenworth, the Rose Blurakin Jewish Home until she died about the business was moved to Crossroads Mall at three years ago at the age of 100. aA philanthropist 72nd and Dodge; the name was changed to in her own right who donated her time and her Youngtown, which featured about 8,000 square feet money," Bettie described her mother us u lender of of merchandise, including1 furniture, toys, clothing, the family who was admired and loved by all of and even a photographer for babies and young chil- them. dren. Five years after the move to Crossroads, Due to their respect for Lena, the Muskins have Muskin and Gotsdiner opened another store at established an endowment fund to support programs Southroads Mall, followed by their largest store, and activities sponsored by Jewish Senior Services 16,000 square feet, at Rockbrook Village Shopping (JSS) for senior citizens living in the Omaha area.

Center, 108th and West Center Road. Another out- Part of the principal of the fund can also be withlet was leased in Lincoln within a Ben Simon's drawn for initial construction or to purchase furstore. nishings for an assisted living facility if JSS under"We were lucky there wasn't very much competi- takes such a project in the future. tion," mentioned Muskin, "The scene started to A second endowment, the Bettie and Stuart change when the big discounters came."

Muskin Jewish Community Center YouLh Sports Gotsdiner retired from the business about 1984. Fund, will be used to support youth sports proMuskin continued to run the store with his son, grams at the JCC and to help defray COH1,H of sendAlan. In 1987, Stuart retired. Hia BOH then ran the ing a team from Omaha to the Maccabitfiumwanybusiness until 1998 when it was closed. where in the United States, Israel, or other counNot an idle person herself, Bettie worked for her tries. "Our kids and our grandkidw all played father, Morris Grossman, tit Grossman's sports," the Muskins pointed out.

Department Store in Council Bluffs when she was Thirdly, "this generous couple set up a Perpetual still in high school. After her college years, she Annual Campaign Endowment Fund," said Kicks. went to California "for the adventure" as she put it. "The annual income will accumulate and be added She worked in a factory and then returned to Iowa to the fund's principal while the Mask'ms are living about 1942 and went to work as a keypuncher at and, afterwards, supply income in perpetuity t.o the Union Pacific Railroad where she sang in the choir Federation annual campaign. This is one of the1 as well. Bettie also worked at World Radio and most important types of endowment funds that u family can establish, because it helps insure our part-time at Youngtown.

Bettie had a busy volunteer career as well. In financial health in future yearn." addition to singing in the Beth El Synagogue Choir It only took one meeting with Hicks and about for 30 years, she performed in National Council of one month to set up all three fundw, norordinK l« Jewish Women's Trouping Theater and in plays for the Muskins. Their advice to others thinking about Hadassah and Beth El. She volunteered at Radio setting up an endowment, ist "not to wait t.«u louij. If Talking Book, a t Nebraska Psychiatric'Institute you intend to do something extra, just do it!" thry working with children, at J. P. Lord School, and for recommended.

Project Head Start, After it; was all done and signed, F>ctJi** Mu.skin Not to be outdone by his wife, Stuart has worked said it felt "real good."

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Oldies but Goodies® Cutmpafsfnn Care .: Character Is priestess

Excellent References, Nationwide FBI Criminal Background Check, DMV Records, and Hold Harmless Contractural Agreement Provided.

Experienced, Tailored, Quality Eider Care that's Professional and Sale for those needing assistance.

Siisass 933»7737

, OunftaitSeti

swa2iynk@yah00.com

WJfTM

.HONEYMAN RENT-ALL FOR J71BFINFM IN EmBWTMNING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU TEROWA MHTF^W) NOTINVm US??

• Tables < CMra « 14MM.? Chin» • Silver • Glassware. • Punch Bowls « Fountains • Chaflng Diahe» • Party Canopies » B1JQ Grills • Wedding * Church Displays • I'ortiiWe Bara * Dance Floors • Skirting • Gout Backs • Coflfc* & Ton Servers • C«»uiel»br»8

11226 Wright Circle II Stick SaollNlhS Ctml

333-2882

Cleaning the best homes for over SO years BBB

IS N O T B E T T E R .

I T ' S BEST.

The bost you can do for the one you love it* to call for moro infornmtion and arrange! a visit to a C.om(brl.0uro Home; in your area.

PERSONALKED ALZHEIMER'S CARE IN THE COMFORT OF

Licensed nrtd ref minted, ('nrrjtir till meiiuny-htss disorders AHi

445-4474

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 10, 2001

New Website Seeks Ways to Reach Lost 'Generation J'

FRAME EXPERT Pi€TURE FRAMING

Alison Lindhiem OWNER Wsstridge Shopping Center • 132nd & W. Dodge Rd. 4 9 3 - 3 8 9 3

HOME APPLIANCE SERVICE "Serving Omaha Since 1946"

SERVICE PARTS PROMPT AND DEPENDABLE ONE COMPANY REPAIRS ALL YOUR MAJOR APPLIANCES 8827 Maple 391-4287 THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS

M can't predict the future, but you can plan for iMow Ask about Long Term Care Insurance the State Farm way • flexible • affordable • backed by good neighbor service Call State F a r m Agent: Gary Kudym, CIAJ 8514 Caas Street, Omaha, NE 402-390-1166

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Home Office: Bloomingfcon, Illinois statofarm.com™ Call for details on coverage, coats, restrictions and renewability

by JULIE WIENER - — — - — — - - - — - - - - « - — • • - - - While many established Jewish organizations NEW YORK (JTA)--For years, they've been conlong have had "young adult" groups or singles sidered a sort of lost generation of Jews.

Out of college, highly mobile and—to a large events with mixed results, in recent years a numextent-unmarried, Jews in their 20s and 30s his- ber of new groups and projects have emerged that torically have been underserved by an American focus more directly on 20- and 30-somethings.

Jewish community focused on children, students, Among them are Makor, a Manhattan cultural families and senior citizens. center, and GesherCity, a national franchise of outNow, several key national players are betting reach groups that link young Jews to each other that the way to reach out to this cohort — which and to local Jewish activities. they are labeling "Generation J" in a play on the Several Jewish foundations and mainstream familiar "Generation X"—is through the Internet.

Jewish organizations also have come together to supThe United Jewish Communities, the umbrella port young Jews creating their own innovative profor North American J e w i s h federations, the jects. For example, the San Francisco-based Joshua Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation and Venture is funding eight "fellows," whose projects Jewish Family and Life, a nonprofit Jewish media range from an edgy magazine called Heeb to a procompany, are teaming up to develop an ambitious gram training Jewish teens to be film makers.

Web portal for young Jews.

Single Jews also are targeted by a seemingly endPlans are still in the early stages, but the new less array of Jewish dating Web sites, many of site aims to. "attract large numbers of 20- and 30- them for-profit enterprises. somethings to be engaged in Jewish life" and faciliParticipants at the recent focus groups expressed tate communication among the range of Jewish little interest in more Jewish singles or dating sergroups that reach out to them, according to a mis- vices, said Susan Sherr, assistant director of the sion statement.

UJC's Jewish Renaissance and Renewal pillar, the According to Yossi Abramowitz, editor, publisher UJC committee involved in the project. and founder of Jewish Family and Life, "There's not "Dating was mentioned maybe once in the focus one single endeavor out groups," said Sherr, who there for this age group For More About Omaha, is 32 and thus a member t h a t has the budget, of the targeted audience. know-how and marketing Vfsft: www.jewsshomaSia.org "They were much more savvy to get a super-critiLots of new pages have been added to our com- interested in arts and culcal mass of young adults munity's website: wwwjewishomaha.org. t u r e , social action and and to find them on the Log on and check out "Virtual Tour" for a look information acceBS." Web on a regular basis. at Jewish activities on the Federation campus.

One challenge for the new "Instead of each group try- Visit "Israel Update" for the latest info on the mega-site will be appealing ing to do that-what we call Middle East conflict or "Annual Campaign" for to as broad a market as posmaking cyber-Shabbos for our annual report and Volunteers of the Year. sible, say those involved in themselves-because we're "Jewish Federation Library" is a link to book dis- the planning. acting in concert this will be cussion group dates and topics.

"Our needs, even for a critical mass of people those who are marginally coming in through the main gateway," Abramowitz said. or moderately affiliated, are so different," said Jewish Family and Life, which hosts more than 15 Laini Wolman, 25, a program associate at the Jewish Web sites, already has a site called GenerationJ. Schusterman Foundation, The site initially was created with the UJC, but has "Some of us are pulled in through arts and culbeen running independently for the past year. ture, but what about those of us who are really GenerationJ currently gets 15,000 to 20,000 visitors interested in sports or who are outdoors people?" a month, but is much more limited in scope than the Wolman said. "There are several different audimega-site envisioned, with about eight articles at a ences and sub-audiences, so whatever approach we time. Ourreiit ones include "Mahjong? At Your Age?" take has to appeal to as many as possible, but we and "Is Affirmative Action Good for the Jews?" also have to be realistic."

It also hosts occasional off-the-Web events, like a recent Sherr noted that the site may have to balance poetry slam (competitive poetry readings) in New York. various audiences and needs when dealing with The future portal likely would offer more interac- touchy issues like intermarriage and interdating. tive features than Gen J does and would link users "We were discussing what should the values be of a to various programs, events and organizations in site like this and someone raised the point that it should the Jewish world. be welcoming of people who are not Jewish, because It is not clear how soon the new site will be up many Jewish people this age are products of intermarand running. The site's planners recently held two riage, dating non-Jews or have significant relationship focus groups, and are now preparing a business with people who aren't Jewish," Sherr said. plan. Work will not begin on the site until addition"The question is, How are the Jewish organizaal funding partners come aboard. tions going to feel about funding things like that?"

College Advice

by REBECCA MUROW, Jewish Press Student Intern -

^ o n that wo'

Time to enroll for Fall Classes begin September 4

^METROPOLITAN C O M M U N I T Y

C O L L E G E

Call 457-2400 or toll free 800-228-9553 www.mccneb.edu

"Stress" is a term I use loosely. The most minute then I watched my friends stress out." conundrums rencounter cause anxiety attacks. But Since most deadlines are inconveniently set duras I quickly approach my senior year of high school, ing finals, it would be beneficial to get those applionly to face the lovely college admissions process, cations out of the way as soon as possible during "stress" becomes quite an understatement. The senior year. "The longer you wait," he says, "the term takes on an entirely new meaning when sooner the deadline approaches." applying to college. For me, anyway.

Ally Freeman, incoming freshman at "I haven't really thought about it," Jessica Northwestern University, also applied early.

Hasslinger, senior at Burke High School, said. Tin "I applied early, so that made the whole process a not really worried about the whole college application lot easier," she said. "If people know where they want process, I just have to decide where I want to go." to go, I would definitely (advise them to) apply early.

Robbie Epstein, incoming freshman a t the My application was due in November, so the whole University of Wisconsin, believes that deciding on a month before was really stressful. That's all I did. . . school is the hardest part of the process, before homework and everything," "Visit campuses," he recommends. "Tour with The admissions essay is a very time consuming admissions officers, b u t stay with a student. piece of the college application. It is a way for admisExperience the student night life." sions officers to learn more about the applicant.

Epstein believes that although parents, friends, "Be yourself/ advises Noah Priluck, incoming teachers and guidance counselors play an impor- freshman at Stanford University. "Check it (the tant part in your final college decision, it is impor- essay) over a few times." tant to listen to how you feel.

Freeman agrees that the essays must be proofread "Choose a school for academic purposes, but the thoroughly. "Start them (the essays) as early as possocial life is important, too," he said. sible because then you have time to go over them a Epstein confronted the process by applying to lot," Freeman advises. "Revise them a lot." schools early. He advises seniors to apply as early Priluck advises seniors to relax during the process. as possible to avoid unnecessary stress.

"Don't worry about it," Priluck said. "Whatever's "Apply early!" Epstein said. "That's what I did, going to happen... it'll work out for the best!"

August 10,2001

innNHHNHHi Jewish Cooking for Dummies

1

by R. BERNARD MANN, © 2001 i i 14

Review by LOIS FRIEDMAN.

1.'/

ROSEMARY ROASTED POTATOES On many tables, roasted potatoes are a frequent accompaniment for Shabbat roasted or baked dhicken. You can simply season them and roast them, but to shorten their cooking time, I like to first cook them slightly in water. Whether or not to peel the potatoos is up to you. Ofchor fresh horba like thymo or HHRO also make good flnvoringH for tho potatoes. You can mw. u photo of HUH rocipu in the color insert, suction of thin book.

Special tool: Heavy roasting pan Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Yield: 6 servings Keeping kosher: Pareve

2 lbs. baking potatoes, halved or quartered Freshly ground pepper to taste 6 tbsp, vegetable oil 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp.paprika 1 or 2 large rosemary sprigs Preheat oven to 350", Choose a heavy roasting pan that can hold potatoes in one layer. Put potatoes in a saucepan and add water to cover. Bring to a boil Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Drain gently.

Heat 3 tablespoons oil in roasting pan in oven for 5 minutes. Add potatoes and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika and remaining oil, Put rosemary sprigs in base of pan, Roast potatoes uncovered, carefully turning them over two or three times, for about 50 minutes or until tender. Serve hot.

Per nerving; Calories $3.9; Protein 29g; Carbohydrates 31.Ig; Dietary fiber 3.0g; Total fat 13.7g; Saturated fat 1.9g; Cholesterol Qmg; Sodium 300,6mg.

JEWISH MOTHER'S TIP: Another popular category of foods are those designed for serving cold. Every family has its favorite first courses. Fish appetizers appear on many tables. Naturally, salads figure, prominently on the menu, too.

If you're serving a cold dish made with olive oil, remove it from the refrigerator ten or 15 minutes before serving HO that 'the sauce will become more

Page 1 3

Summer's Sweet End

by Faye Levy (IDG, $19.95) Remember the familiar yellow and black college books called CliffsNotes? Well, move over Shakespeare, make room for this award-winning author and this informative guide to Jewish cooking.

It i s divided into seven parts—Jewish Pood Origins, From Divinely Inspired to Downright Delicious, The Holidays, Beginning the Feast, The Heart of the Celebration, Grains and Vegetables Side Dishes and Pareve Entrees, Sweet Noshes and The Part of Tens.

The parts are divided into 24 chapters. In a perky style, discover such gems of cooking wisdom as the secrets to the incredible versatility of kugels, the many faces of tzimmes and the Ten Commandants of Jewish Cooking, twists on traditions and more.

The chapters and recipe headnotes include chatty, easy-to-read information and lots of drawings.

Preparation and cooking times, yield, keeping kosher and nutritional data are included in over 100 recipes. Jewish Mother's Tip, Menu Haven Says, Taste of Tradition, Warning! and Remember icons, give additional highlights. Numerical instructions are easy to follow.

Part of a best selling book series for beginners and a reference book for the rest of up. From the chapter Shabbat: A Weekly Excuse to Rejoice, try this pareve recipe next Friday.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

1pPP

Mystery Bookstore 1422 South 13th St.

342-7343

Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.^6 p.m. e-mail: hudunit@radiks.net www.mysterybookstore.ws

10% off all US papetixwks

18% off all U.S. hardbacks

M

wmss ssssf • M R

ART • Come Visit See Our Stock or Special Older Compare Prices!

Across 1." haMakom", Kol Nidre phrase 6. Major Israeli political party, briefly 10. Notations used, forwarded clippings 14. Sir, in Paris, in the old days 15. Menorah 16. Summer's sun rises here 17. My scent, in Hebrew 18. Famed New Yorker cartoonist 19. A segen or a sargeant (var.)

20. Many hang by this in the Big Apple 21. Summer refreshment slogan 23. Old playing card 25. Lots of holes in this tool 26. " „ _ _ outl," gleeful students' cry •30. 32 Down may be this good 31. A hero may be this, in some cities 32. These in summer may show dew 37. Popular summer escape sites 38. Where the bump Is, in old song 39. Can get this In your palm, at beach 40. Have one on your summer fun-boat 42. Beat-up jalopy, to Chalmke 43. Caribbean island chain (abbrev.)

44. Treat your guests before their time?

45. Hugh .„, ,, sired French dynasty 48. It's between loam and clay in (fixture 49. Like, I mean, coot irv th© mmttmt, mm, 51. Slew 86, First rower in the shell 57. Undercover drug police 58. Summer fun substance 59. Nothing, in Nimes 60. One color, as it were 61. The good-night song girl 62. Warhol 63. Maasim, in English 64. Les _ _ . choses Down 1. This repetition works a simile 2. Letters, in doctoral acronym 3. Letter start 4. Shows persona around the person 5. Many Jewish youngsters take one in the summer 6. Small valley or ploughshare bottom 7. Had a bar in Italy, Hemingway rnecca 8. Prefix, popular pregnancy procedure 9. Backer of cause, program, or career 10. You may be foiled doing this 11. Variant spelling, Esau'twin 12. One of 43 Across, to Giuseppe 13. Leaf pore (abbrev.)

22. A welcome summer treat at Tiberias 24. Function (abbrev.)

26. Irish club, for short 27. _ „ _ fan tutte, Mozart comic opera 28. A whole divided in two 29. Arch or molding form 30. Where peat is big 32. Goes, In a word, with 30 Across 33. Mama, in Metulah 34. Dwarf, in Adano 35. Vacates the premises, in oaters 36. Thin piece of carpenter's wood 38. Rgt's opposite 41. Herod rebuilt and renamed this tower 42. Path in the outdoors (abbrev.)

44. Fish, in Roman Firenze 45. Daisy or human 46. Was seen on the tube 47. Roman elder or younger 48. Two may be under your car 49 Girl'r namo 50 Reform Judaism',1' U V> oiqani/ation h? Pt'il rummer fruit, or any f;e;«u«V« f>'5 You, plural, tn Ypjtif.ri.tUtyim f>4 an'fit, filurinli'sqt.tci; !/> Pot lit" {(Ohms p<>' tit: I)* \w

cus torn framing

POI'NTRYWOODQ" V ^

c o i , I. K <: T I O N

K J

it's all about style WliiMlli-l Jiill It'ull lumllil furmtil in- in«tiul, ii'mlilum il ill' rnilll'lMlmr MfV. Sol) w I If fiiwl vmtp »lvE** tit (In(|>IIU|I> %imil»< jilli'illllr CliiiiM.i' (iniu mi j t i n n irl i-ii»»illih I'.ilhlcil tiih-!nv in In t

(iiiv riHim in m u f h<«iii

HuiiteHSougfas t *

MMM

www.tiurlef(imgl»,m Wh«ra Great Rooms Boflln

David Bercutt

Call (402) 681-1817 for your free simp al home iippoliiiiuctill

• 24-Hour Caskio • 251 Oeluxo Rooms k Suites • 3 Award-Winning Rastauranta * Live Enlertsinmon!

In Mr. G's Lounge

For Reservations CaB l-800-HARVEYS

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 10, 2001

Being Part of a Living Bridge

by DEBBI BROWN Assistant Director, Anti Defamation Loaciuo'Community Relations Council •

& Bakery

LRFKHXS

Is Something Different Full Menu • Lunch & Dinner

Cakes, Pastries, Cannoli, Gelato & Granila

MEDITERRANEAN |iOiI|!(|^Si|f^m^,^ We Do CATERING! • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Receptions • Any-Occasion Party

> OPEN Man-Fri Lunch; Tues-Sun Dinner • NOW OPEN SUN 5-9:30 p.m.

'Take Out Available • Try a variety of Kabobs

1712 North 120th St.

493-3080

(Candlewood Shopping Center)

PASTA AMOREE FANTASIA : E £ BAH catering for all occasions pasta made fresh daiJty private party room • dell lunch iri-f 11-2 dinner m-sat 4:30-on

I 1027 Prairie Brook Rd Rockfarooli Village 108 & West Center O H For Reservations

CWNEO (, OPEHATED

BY THg FASCIflNEULA FMAU.1'

Zoe Riekes, right, visited Acco's coffeehouse for troubled teens, in January, and met the staff, volunteers and some of the teens, along with P2K staff Ahuva Lipsman, left. They returned in July with Mark and Kim Schwartz, Dr. Speedy Zweiback, ADL-CRC Assistant Director Debbi Brown and J a n Perelman, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Walking in Acco and Nahariya recently was radical- mation center for youth between 18 and 18. Young ly different than past visits to our Partnership 2000 people come after school to meet in an environment region in Israel. Where once tourism' was noticeable that is relaxed, inviting, supervised and staffed there was little activity in our sister cities. with professionals who help provide information on There are many implications for our P2K chaver- topics such as alcohol abuse, AIDS, domestic vioim (friends) in Israel; the economy is bad and the lence, army service, drugs and more, morale of the people so low. There is a pall lingerThere is a lot to be "mixed up" about in this age ing over the country. If, indeed, we are partners, group and in this area. Hafouch is a safe house, we have a responsibility to acknowledge their giving diverse young people an opportunity to get plight just as we should be acknowledging their for- to know each other as individuals and to interrupt tune. a cycle of mistrust and misinformation about each P2K is a relationship between Israel and the other's cultures, rituals and traditions.

Diaspora through which we encourage and support "Partnership 2000 is a symphony," said Shmulik one another in business, education, medical, culturKahane, Director of the Acco Youth Ensemble. He al and social environments. Our relationship is a will visit Omaha, Dec, 14-16 with an ensemble living bridge. Each and every step of the way we from his Acco Municipal Music Consewafcodttm, have walked together hand in hand, thus crossing The ensemble is composed of two groups: Shiran, the divide more securely, more safely, forging the choir, has 32 teens, ages 14-18. The second another link between the Diaspora and Israel. group, The Acco Soloists, consists of 12 violinists, Thirty-five centuries ago, our ancestors gave up ages 12-16.

Established nine years ago as their nomadic way of life to settle in the land and Operation Exodus, it brought thousands of immibecome a nation. Over the years, this land was known by many names: Zion, Eretz Yisrael, grants from the Former Soviet Union to Akko, The Ensemble will play Hanukkah and Israeli Palestine, the Holy Land, the Promised Land.

Today, six million people live in Israel. Close to music at Temple Israel on Dec, 14 and on Dec. 15, five million are Jews, while about one million, or for residents of the' Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

20%, are people defined collectively as Arabs.

After years spent envisioning, planning, sculpting Living together peacefully is both challenging and and enacting the interactive, cooperative relationcomplicated. ship between our mishpocha (family) in Israel and In our Partnership region, Jews and Arabs live us, in the Diaspora, one is reminded of the words of closely together. This multi-cultural region is literally Theodor Herzl in his novel, Altneuland (Old New located a "stone's throw" away from the Lebanese Land), "Im tirzu ein zoh aggada" (If you will it, it is border. This living bridge demonstrates that there is no fantasy). an alternative to war.

"It is imperative we continue to work cooperatively because this is working!" said Ahuva Lipman, the Israeli Partnership Director. "Turning the Tide, and the Acco Youth Ensemble, for example, are exciting successes."

Hafouch at Hafouch means "upside down or mixed up"; it also refers to an Israeli coffee drink. Hundreds of Jewish and Arab young people have made this coffeehouse in Akko their meeting place.

Hafouch at Hafouch is a unique consultation and infor- The Acco Youth Ensemble will perform in Omaha Dec. 14-16,

JIM & JENNIE'S GREEK VILIAGE1 Traditional Greek Dishes

Restaurant Frances

Introducing a- comer of ^France in Idlest Omaha 156th & Dodge

Pepperwood Village

934-9374

4 • • 4 ,* 4

Roast Lamb xgy 7 " 7 ""?^ FishPlakl "Q-j j Stuffed Grape Leaves T Chicken Reganato i I Souviaki | Mousaka

TAKE-OUT

*Saganaki

||

* Spanakoplta

l|

• Lamb Kabob II • Chicken Kabob | • Seafood Specialties II

* Full Bar j | : CATERING ; 1

3026 No, 90th S t 0 571-2857

I

August 10, 2001

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Israel: A Personal Connection

by MARK SCHWARTZ

(Editor's note: Mark and his wife, Kim, recently visited Israel, along with four other Omahans: Zoe Riekes, Chairman of Partnership 2000; Dr. Speedy Zweiback; ADL-CRC Assistant Director Debbi Brown; and Jan Perelman, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.)

Like most people, before I left to travel to Israel for the first time, I didn't really understand what to expect. Friends told me of their emotional experiences, their connection to the people and history, and all commented on the unrivaled natural beauty.

But no amount of advice could have prepared me for what I experienced.

It is a feeling so intense, so touching, so deeply personal, that to describe it would be to somehow lessen it. So, rather than attempt to do what my well-meaning friends tried to do, and rather than try to communicate some of the impact of my trip, allow me to try another tact.

I'd like to present some random occurrences, some 'Frozen Moments', if you will, that occurred while in Israel on a Mission with the Jewish Federation of Omaha. These moments impacted me deeply, profoundly, and personally.

You walk upon the craggy rocks of Ein Gedi, a nature reserve located along the Dead Sea, You follow a stream of water that cuts through the cliffs, pausing only to splash water on your steaming face, You openly wonder what all the ibex^ a email deer-like animal, are thinking, and what's behind their Mona Lisa smiles.

In places, the hike gets so challenging that you can only concentrate on where to put your feet, and silently you wish for the next water break. But, nil at once, you come around a hidden bend, and you are confronted with a dramatic waterfall running down from 100 foot high. It cascades clown around you, creating rainbows of color and mist in the air.

the technology and forethought that went into the creation of such a place. To think that this was planned to be a simple retreat for King Herod.

And then you hear the story of the sacrifice of that last

Above; The Western. Wall looms above the Kotel Plaza. Below: At the top of j e w g You Masada, remains of the ancient fortress still stand. Below left: Ibex gather at the c a t c springs of Bin Gedi. Below right: Children at a shelter in Netanya welcomed the gcjjf yourgroup with smiles and songs. intensely proud of the men of the place; that they chose their death rather than give up their Judaism. What right do 1 have to feel proud? How presumptive am I to feel pride in their sacrifice? But you can't help it; you swell with honor at the thought that your people wore able to frustrate plans of the mighty Roman Empire.

You travel down a road of broken pavement in a auction of Notanya Hint has aeon hotter days.

There is a children')* shelter here, one that has taken a unique approach to helping disadynntagod youth, You witness for yourself their colorful bedrooms, their ability to nuikft choices nbout their clothes nnd schools, the details of their life.

There is a music show prepared specifically for your visit. A timid girl plays a melancholy folk song on tho keyboard, her confidence growing as the m e l o d y iiioi'.t'CMir1:!, "IVeiiiii;!' ijirlrt Mti|* aa t h e y boat,

f.li« drum;:, their i»yivi imt'tiiini; w t/i<>ir /ifiruis synchronize.

Tin* Kronen Moment ctyMtalli/.i'H here ;ilmo>it nt imwi, mid you luk<> out, your camera tu> this children

A

As you stand in this oasis of color and warmth, your first thought is of the simple ibex. Because now you've learned a little bit of why they are smiling.

You're touring the Tunnel of the Kotel now, and looking at a 600-ton block lifted 120 feet off the ground. This block, you're told, is from the time of King Herod, 2000 years past. The guide explains that there is no scientific explanation for how that stone was lifted, There was no technology available that could have hefted a 600-ton sterna this high off

the ground. This atone remains n mystery to modern scientists.

Afterwards, you make your way to the Western Wall. The view changes to the single 12-inch stone that your eyes have locked upon as you pray, You contemplate your life, you daven, you cry. And the mystery of that 600-ton block is not all that mysterious all of a sudden, now that you're talking to God, and He listens.

The cliffs of Masada loom before you like a solid wall of history. You stand in awe of the vision, and

crowd around you, in turn shy or mugging for u picture. And their laughter in infectious, and you laugh nnd giggle and snort and chuckle and burst.

You can't undo-rotund their words, but you know exactly what they are saying. Your heart knows wlmt the sound of children laughing freely mentis.

These Krossen Moments that I describe are only a small sample of what I personally experienced while traveling iu Israel, For me, it was like arriving for a menl not thinking I was hungry. But once J tasted, I discovered a hunger that was endless and insatiable.

The places I visited spoke to me personally, in voices that my soul recognized. These voices told mo that I am Israel; that the land at Ein Gedi is my land; that the men who built the Wall are my fathers; the warriors at Masada are my brothers; that the children at Netanya are my children.

Their God is my God. My friends told me before 1 left that I had to go to Israel to find that out, to hear what those voices are saying. My friends told mo before I loft of their personal connection.

My friends, let me tell you.

HUSt 2S0S South 174th Plassa Omaha, NE 6^130 : 697-3838 I 697-3888

Nebraska 's # 1 Volume Cruise Agency!

) /DISCOUNTS UP TO 50% " - •' •-,- (lidfit, M(M ILWMKFJ). %»«!«* (MM IMS... MM.IMW • OPF.N WEEKDAYS V;m)-7:»0, SAT. & Sl'N. W-t

^ raise or 1-800-289-5505

Mention this ad, receive 10% OFF (new patients only)

Hct-i>irui/(.'<J

Page 16 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 10,2001

JCC Maccabi Games Athletes 'Play for Keeps' in Sarasota

by RACHEL SHKOLNtCK, JCC Maccabi Games Omaha Delegation Head opportunity to share their had already performed Live it. Love it Play it. skills with developmenThis Is the motto of the 2001 JCC well in several competiJCC MACCABI GAMES taily and mentally chalMaccabi Games, which ran this week tions. The girls' basketball lenged youngsters. team beat Harrisburg 45in Sarasota, FL. Seven hundred athThe Omaha delegation 17 and followed that win letes from around the world travelled is proud to be a part of by trouncing Toledo 55 to with their delegations, coaches, and the 2001 JCC Maccabi TEAM families Sunday for a week of Olympic- 36, ac-cording to Phil Wolf, Games and. this year, style competitions, social events and father of Hannah Wolf, the only freshman who played varsity took the largest number of athletes to community service projects.

After arriving in Sarasota on Aug. girls basketball last year at Millard the Games. Some 30 teens, between the ages of 13-16, made the trip to 6, the athletes were picked up by West High School.

By Tuesday morning, the girls had Sarasota. forming one boys' and one their host families and broughttothe girls' basketball team and a variety Manatee Civic Center for Opening won two more basketball games, of individual sports. making them 4-0 in the tourCeremonies. This is the first time all nament.

They beat both St. of the athletes and coaches were The Maccabi Games are together, as the traditional "Parade of Louis and New Jersey and, also featured in the JCC's as of press time, w&re on Athletes" kicked off the Games.

2001-2002 annual calentheir way to winning a dar, being mailed our this Competition began first thing medal in the final rounds week.

In addition to photos Monday morning and continued of play. of current and past Maccabi through Thursday, with a variety of athletes, a complete list of evening programs, community serIn addition, Aliyee Brand 2002 committees and chairmen vice, and Judaic educational program- has already won three gold ming mixed in. The athletes are medals in swimming, and one silver are featured in the book.

The athletes who competed in the scheduled to return late Friday after- medal. noon.

Alex Wolf won a silver medal in the 2001 MaeeabI Games in Sarasota This year, the JCG Association doubles competition with partner, include: launched a new program called David Zimet, from Ann Arbor, MI, in Boys Basketball "Hang-Time." Run by Israeli shlichim the 14 and under table tennis on (counselors, staff;, this program con- Tuesday. Wolf also compete in the Brad Abramsoa Ben Epstein sisted of fun, informal activities singles competition. which offered a chance to experience Jon Lerner was in fourth place in Adam Gendelman Israeli culture in an exciting, active the boys bowling at the end of Ben Gerber way. Pre-selected groups of athletes Monday.

Corey Green participating in individual athletic Maccabi athletes helped with the Matt Kelberg events had the opportunity to meet Special Olympics on Tuesday in a day Dustin Lepp and socialize and enjoy their common of Caring and Sharing. Both tourna- David Phillips heritage in joint, scheduled activities. ments took place in Sarasota this Jacob Phillips As of Monday afternoon, the teens past week, giving Omaha athletes an

Hy-Vee PUDDING CUPS

Hy-Vee Fruit & Grain

CEREAL four 3.5-oz. cups

/ \

WATER 12-PACK

$

2/ 5 1/2 liter

i

Individual Sports Jon. Lerner-Bewling Shayna Kurland—Daraee Anna Turetsky—Dance David Martin-Go/f Harris Brand-Soccer Allyce Brand—Su-imming Ales Wolf-Table Tennis Ryan Blumkin-Te^Ris Lauren Freeman—Tennis Kate Josephson-Tenms Kim PiUor-Tennis

Omaha is proud to be a host city of the JCC Maccabi Games from Aug. 49, 2002! To find out how to become a part of the Omaha Delegation, call me at 334-6404.

2 10.4 oz.

Midwest Country Fare LUNCH BAGS 50 COUNT. Ocean Spray CRAISINS 6 ox... ,

Hy-Vee

Girls Basketball Emily Gordon lindsay Itkin Jamie Lovette tindsey Lovette Stephanie Lovette Emily Muskin Michelle Simon Sasha Skuisky Rachel Taylon Hannah Wolf

09* $ 175

Del Monte $.4 99

FRUIT CUPS

four 4-oz. cans