JEWISH PRESS yol-LXXX)
No. 13
Omaha, NE
22 Kistev, 5762
December 7,2001
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR 80 YEARS
Israel Retaliates for Murders Schrager Foundation of 25 in Weekend's Suicide Bombings Awards Six New Community Grants
fay JEWISH PRESS News Service
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN
There has be —?. a steady stream of people visiting the scene of Saturday nighfs double suicide bomb blast in downtown Jerusalem, which took the lives of 10 Israelis hetween the ages of 14 and 20. On Sunday, American peace envoy Anthony Zinni placed a wreath, at the spot; Representatives of diplomatic missions in Israel also visited and placed wreaths.
Since the blast, hundreds of people have come to light memorial candles. By Monday, the IDF had shelled Gaza City and Jenin and Ramaliah. Ari Fleischer, spokesman for President Bush, told reporters, "Israel is a sovereign state and has the right to defend itself." More on Omaha's Solidarity Mission on page
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Photo by ISRANET.
Foundation Public Relations Coordinator Since it was created in 1984, the Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation has allocated thousands of dollars to help support charitable, educational and religious activities of the Jewish Federation and other organizations in the Omaha area. At the Schrager Foundation's recent meeting in October, sis new grants were approved. .Temple Israel's Women of Reform Judaism's Days of Awe-some Discovery for Children, a program intended to provide children with meaningful Jewish content-based curriculum on the High Holy Days, received a grant. The curriculum, geared to children who are a year old through fourth grade, is meant to provide age-appropriate activities while adults are attending services on Rash Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Young children who are not able to sit still through a lengthy service will learn that their place is in the Temple on the High Holy Days while developing a sense of what it means to be Jewish, according to the grant request. The long-term impact of this program will help children understand why the Jewish holidays are celebrated and honored. A grant was also awarded to the Girl Scouts, Great Plains Council, and the National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section, which are among the sponsoring organizations of The Yellow Dress: Doln'the Right Thing, a community collaborator to build healthy relations among children and youth. The grant will help fund productions of the programs for Title 19 eligible schools (which offer free or reduced price breakfast and lunch programs due to family"economics) and/or agencies. (Continued on page 9)
The Project Dreidel Chronicles
Avi's Story by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director
Welcome to the second installment of The Project Sara juggle their Dreidel Chronicles. Starting with the very first kids' activities, Project Dreidel Chronicle story last year, maintain- schlep them here ing the privacy and integrity of the people who and there, do the receive services from. Jewish Family Service has Hebrew school been paramount. rounds and cook Up until now, we have respected their wishes by meals. changing their names and altering details that If you've raised a members of our community might recognize. Since family, then you're last year, JFS has seen an increase in the number of familiar with the local Jewish families and individuals who are in daily grind. But famcrisis or faced with overwhelming challenges. ily life is also stressThis week's Project Dreidel Chronicle is different ful and exhausting. because Doug and Sara Wolfson want you to know Doug and Sara and exactly who they are. They wish to raise our aware- their three children, nessof'thedevelopmentally'-disabled segment of our Aaron, 17; Naomi, Avi Wolfson Jewish community. 15; and Avi, 12,.deal And the Wolfsons want you to know about their with the same things that other families do. And 12-year-old son, Avi, and how caring for him affects then some. That's because Avi has severe developtheir family. Educating the rest of us about the mental disabilities that require constant care and developmentally-disabled among us is so important, supervision. The level of daily care he requires is to the Wolfsons, they were willing to expose some of enormous; as a result, the family's usual daily routhe intimate details of their family life with the tine, even on a good day, would overwhelm even entire readership of the Jewish Press. What follows the busiest family. is an honest and poignant account of what life is Avi has a genetic disease called mitochondrial like for One family with a child like Avi. . myopathy. It's progressive, degenerative and life threatening. It causes limited mobility, seizures, Life in a "normal1' Jewish household with two and mental disabilities along with many other posworking "parents and three active kids (two sible symptoms. Its ravages have compromised Avi teenagers and a 12-year-old), can be described as enough that he requires extensive help to dress and hectic and boisterous mixed with healthy doses of wash himself, to be toileted and to feed himself laughter, friendship and love. The home of Doug Since he cannot speak, he communicates using sign language and special picture cards. He requires and Sara Wolfson is all of the above. like other "normal" Jewish families, Doug and constant supervision.
Doug and Sara know how tedious their life appears to others. They acknowledge that managing Avi's specialF needs takes a physical and! emotional toll on the entire* family. They sometimes can't believe how things have turned out to be so different from the life they had envisioned. But Avi continues to amaze them and he enriches their lives in ways they didn't expect. Avi leads a stimulating and satisfying life despite his limitations. He attends Westside Middle School where he's mainstreamed into seventh grade and participates in many activities at Temple Israel including Hebrew school, and will become a Bar Mitzvah in June, 2002. Like any other 12-year-old, Avi has fun... he plays, runs and can laugh himself silly. He also has quite a reputation as a flirt. But the truth is that Avi will" never have the kind of life that Doug and Sara thought he would when he was born. Avi's story begins when he was 21/2 years old. (Continued on page 12)
INSIDE: Teen Age Maccahi Delegation.
Diggingfor the Truth.
—.page 7 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 2
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December 7, 2001
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 Board Training with Rabbi Moshe Edelman, noon, at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Moshe Edelman, 6 p.m., at Beth El Scholar-in-Rcsidence with Dr. Guy Ma talon, 8 p.m., at Beth Israel C SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 L Scholar-in-Residence with Dr.Guy Matalon, 9 a.m., I at Beth Israel p Kutler Scholar-in-Reaidence Weekend, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El Lunch & Learn on Shabbat, 12:30 p.m., at Beth El 4 BBYO Color Wars, 6 p.m. Melaveh Malkah with Rabbi Moshe Edelman, 7 p.m., 5 at Beth El A SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 V Kutler Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, 10 a.m., at Beth El E WRJ Cradle Roll Event, 10:30 a.m., at Temple Club 56, noon, at Temple Israel Camp Sabra Recruitment & Reunion, noon Yachad Hanukkah Party, 12:30 p.m. Chabad House Hanukkah Party, 5 p.m., at Skateland (Irvington) MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 YES Program, 10 a.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 WRJ Executive Board, 11:30 a.m., at Temple Israel WRJ Board Meeting, noon, at Temple Israel Sisterhood Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., at Beth Israel Hanukkah Theatre Reheasals, 4 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Talmud Clasa with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 Mali Jong Club, 11:30 a.m. C Edward Zorinsky B'nai B'rLth Bible Quiz dinner, 5 p.m.; L quiz, 7 p.m. I Social Justice Club (7-12), 5 p.m., at Temple Israel p Youth Group Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Both El 6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 Yiddish Club, 1 p.m. S JFS Special Needs Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. A NCSY "Laths and Learning," 7:30 p.m., at Caffeine Dreams V FJA Hanukkah Program, 7:30 p.m. All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of 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)
COMPANY
by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor —
—
When representatives of the Westboro Baptist Church arrived in Omaha today to "picket North High School and Forest Lawn Cemetery in religious protest", Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of the Anti-Defamation League, was inside the high school helping students, parents and teachers cope with the virulent hate-filled messages outside. At a news conference yesterday, Wolfson spoke about the ADL's role, "We are available to North High, exercising our rights of free speech to counter the free speech rights of Rev. Fred Phelps, ST., and to expose his hate and bigotry. We have urged the community to ignore Phelps and Ms associates, rather than give him what he wants, which is a 'newsworthy* confrontation." Phelps, who operates one of the most antiSemitic, anti-gay websites, lives in Topeka, KS, and has been barred from practicing law by the Kansas Supreme Court. Though he continued to practice in federal court, he surrendered his license in 1989. His websites often feature Nazi symbols, caricatures of Jews, and even attacks on other Christian denominations. According to the September, 2000, special report from the ADL, the Phelps' group picketed the funeral of Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in Wyoming for being gay. Brad Fuglei, North High senior and class president, committed suicide last month and is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Phelps has accused principal Bernice Nared of "making a hero" of Fuglei because of Ma homosexuality. Wolfson reiterated his appeal for calm when Phelps proposed marching down Ames Street in the heart of North Omaha. "The last thing we want to give Phelps is a spot on the nightly news."
Beth El Presents Hanukkah Family Fun Night
CLIP & SAVE
CITY
Parashat VaYeshev Joseph and his brothers, whose marvelous story begins in our Sidra, will have to wait. Hanukkah demands our attention. The Hanukkah story begins about two centuries before it begins. Say that again? Yes, the Hanukkah story begins long before the events of Hanukkah, which are well-known and need no repetition. The story begins with Alexander the Great. Alexander was ambitious and resolute, but also meretricious and dissolute. His early death left large areas of Asia remaining under Greek control and with an overlay of Greek culture. Thus began the Kultur Kampf that led to our Hanukkah. It was, to tell the truth, a great favor to the world that Greek culture overlay the Asian cultures which it strongly affected. For this Greek culture, which later dominated Rome as well, was superior to any of the cultures it replaced. It missed out, however, in understanding the place of the spiritual. It was this failure which caused the Jews of Palestine to resist Alexander's influence. Their victory, however, resulted in an amalgamation of Greek culture and the Jewish insights of Palestinian Jewry. The Greek influence on Judaism, an influence •that bypassed the resistance of loyalist Jews, resulted in a better Judaism. Judaism now included an intellectual and "scientific" view of the world and the human condition. Judaism needed the esthetic and intellectual stimulus which Greek cul-> ture offered. With these Greek influences, Judaism became well-rounded. It became so well adjusted to the world and human needs that it was able to persevere as a world-view capable of dealing with the intellectual and spiritual problems that beset ancient humanity and prepared it for a serious contribution to human progress. Happy Hanukkah!
ADL Offers North High Support During Friday Protests
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(402) 593-1242
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Beth El Synagogue's annual Hanukkah Family Fun Night is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. According to Program Director Susie Drazen, "The evening will include new Hanukkah crafts which will be done under the creative eye of our evening's chairs, Beth Dotan and Julie Phillips. The dinner will feature Lucy's latkes, of course, plus a special screening of Shrek. Munchies will be available during the evening. It will be a great way to spend the last night of the Festival of Lights!" Participants are encouraged to bring their own candles and Hanukkah menorahs to add to the celebration. Gently used toys and warm winter clothing will also be collected for donation to families at
Siena/Francis House. The Early Bird cost of the Family Fun Night, all activities included, is $9.50 for adults and $5 for children ages three to 12. The event is free for children under three. To reserve at this price, reservations must be made by Dec. 10. After that date, the price is $10.50 per adult and $6 per child, three to 12. No refunds can be made after Dec. 12. For more information, call 492-8560,
Omaha Artist Creates Dreidels by J E W I S H P R E S S N e w s S e r v i c e
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Many innovative ideas and items have originated CORRECTIONS in Nebraska. Thanks to Eliska Morsel Greenspoon, Due to a production error, corrections of the the list now includes a distinctive line of dreidels, Federation Foundation article on page 20 of last Greenspoon's three dreidels are featured in an week's Jewish Press were made, but not saved. exhibit, "Dreideling around We apologize for the errors. the USA," organized by For reprints of a corrected article, please call Congregation Adath Israel the Press office, 334-6448. in Cincinnati, OH. Artists Also, In the News, Molly Goldberg was incorfrom more than 30 states rectly listed as the daughter of Bruce Goldberg; responded to the call for she is the daughter of Wendy and David submissions. Her dreidels Goldberg. make creative use of local features. "The grain silos that dot the Nebraska landscape have influenced the de-sign . of these mesh and industrial metal dreidels," she noted. "I pay homage to silos that contain the bounty HOLIDAY GIFTS of the heartland. • Come Visit She also kept in mind the spirit of the holiday, adding, "The application of the beads lends an air See Our Stock or Special Order of frivolity, which, after all, is the purpose of the • Compare Prices! dreidel game." custom framing Organizers of the exhibit informed Greenspoon that her dreidels were sold as soon as they were unpacked. This led her to return to her studio at the Hot Shops Center, located at 13th and Nicholas, to produce more. In addition to her photography and other artistic endeavors, Greenspoon is Youth Director at Beth El Synagogue.
December 7,2001
SYNAGOGUES TEMPLE ISRAEL
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE 25th and Capehait, Omaha. NE 081.13-5000 294-6051 FRIDAY: Services, 7:80 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
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CANDLELIGHTING Friday, Dec, 7.......
,
„„...„.,.. 4:37 p.m.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. 2'N&:52^
Mt'inbfM' of .United Synagogues .•..pi' Cottst'rvativt? -Judaism
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FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 7 p.m. A short service of song and prayer, followed by cookies and juice. Come enjoy songs and a story with Rabbi Stiel and Patty Nogg; Shabbat Evening Service, 8 p,m. Rabbi Debbie Stiel will officiate. Dr. Tamara Field is the soloist. Guest speaker Rabbi Dana Kaplan will speak on "Contemporary Debates in American Reform Judaism: Conflicting Visions." Oneg Shabbat sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY; Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:3010:15 ajn. Please join us as we continue our study of "Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The S'hma and Its Blessings;" Services, 10:30 a.m. TUESDAY: Service of Sealing and Renewal, 7 p»m. This inspirational service provides a special place and time for prayer, reflection and communal connection for those who are looking for spritual renewal or coping with illness, grief or loss. SITTER SERVICE Available for Shabbat evening, 7:15 p.m. o r 8 p.m. service, Saturday mornings when there is a Bar or Bat .Mitzvah. Also, Sunday mornings when there is Religious School, Make a reservation with the Temple office. No facilities for infants. Cost is $2 per family. ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, Dec, 12s Conversations with. Judaism I, 6:45-8:15 p.m. Beginning with the Biblical period, Professor Guy Matalon will take discussion texts and place them in their historical context. This week, the clasn will meet at the JCC. THURSDAY, Dec. 13: Beyond Bam: Hebrew, 9:15-10 sum., This course is for those who already know how to read Hebrew but want u deeper understanding of this nuered language. Elyccs Ajsriol is the instructor; Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 1011:30 a.m. The focus is on the writings of the Scholars-in-Residenee who will join us this year; Basic Judaism,. 7:80*9 p.m«; Walking the Path of Grief, 7-8:80 p.m. This six-week Jewish Journey Group is designed to facilitate a sense of a caring community in the midst of th© mourning process, Sally Kaplan, L.C.S.W., and Steve Stiel, JFS Executive Director, will lead the group. SHABBAT COMES TO YOU Friday, Dee. 14, 3;45.p,m, Rabbi Azriel and OTYG will lead a Shabbat service at Eemingtoin Heights.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
'.:: ' 14500 California
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;NE.,(i8154-,1980- • • -iV,':.\';-;492-8550;
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, 4:40 p.m.; There is no West Minyan this week; Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Guy Matalon will give a lecture, 8 p.m., "Fundamentalism in Islam and Judaism," followed by a question and answer period and an Oneg Shabbat. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; following a free lunch, Dr. Matalon will speak on "The Contested Scriptures: the Torah and the Koran." Kiddush sponsored in honor of the wedding anniversary of Ben and Eve Heisler by their children and grandchildren; Mincha will follow the lecture; Havdalah, 5:41 pan. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m., and 4:40 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Sisterhood Hanukkah Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., Talmud class with Rabbi Kutnor, 7 p.m. SHABBOS HOUSE Saturday, Dec. IB, at the home of Dra. Howard Gendelm'an and Bonnie Bloch, 8-5 P'*»< Israeli Shaliach Zlin-hen Saks will lead a Hanukkah program, AH school aged children, are welcome; parents are encouraged to attend with their children.
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. FREDAY: Services, 6 p,m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; TSS, 10 a.m.; ICTantan, 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story Time, 11 a.m^ Humash Class with Rabbi Drazen, 4:10 p.m.; Minha-Ma'arh and Havdalah services, 4:40 p.m. in the Chapel. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Perek Yomi, 10:15 a.m*, the group begins its study of the Book of Exodus. Discussion leader is Marty Shukert. FREE SITTER SERVICE Available every Shabbat morning from 10 a.m. to the conclusion of services. This program is funded by the Early Childhood Development Committee and welcomes children ages 18 months-kindergarten. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. aud 5:30 p.m. Join us o.vory day for breakfunt nfler minyan. ADULT B'NAI MTTZVAH CLASSES The class continues on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE AND BELLS The first Dr. Bonton and Harriet. Kutlcr Scholar: : :. v.••;:/.': ' ' ••• C H A B A D H O U S E *• \ ' ; in-Residonce will bo this Saturday, Dec, 8, featurA n AH'ilinU" o f t h e Win I d u iclo ( h.ili;nl-l u l i . n ili-li M(»V(-m<>iit '•'••• 18<>(> So.1120th'St.* '.6ma»ui,'NE68144-itt4(i> : ing Rabbi MOBUO EdoUnan, United Synogaguo of Phonw 330-1&00. :E-MAlL--ehab;ad#aol.€Ojn. Consorvativo Judaism's Director of Leadership Development. BELLS (Lunch and Learn on , WEBSITE: www.ehahadcentcis.eoni/omahn . Shabbat) will follow Shabbat morning services. Services conductod by Rabbi Mtuidol KnUumm. HAZAK, Beth El's group for "seasoned" citizens MONDAY-FRIDAY: Sorviciw, 7 n.m. will also wlebnite its first birthday at the BELLS SATURDAY: Service*, 0:30 a.m, lunchoon. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. HANUKKAH VVN NIGHT MONDAY: Prophets Lunch Series, 11{45 a.m.Como and cult>bra(t< tht' laat night of Hanukkah 1p.m. at. Both KI on Sunday, Dec. 16, 5 p.m., featuring TUESDAY: The Womanly Art of Prayer, »;30- Ilanukkah crafts, dinner and a movio. 11 num.; Torah Tots, 1-2:30 p.m. ReKorvationa are due by Dec. 10. WEDNESDAY: Mommy and Me, 9:30-1.1 a.m.; JL1, 7-8:30 p.m. at the JOC.
BEYT SHALOM An Alfilisite (il'tlio •Jowish H<'i:«insl4"ii(?Iiiini?.l IV-dt'iKlinn
3012 S. lifMh St., P.O. Box'M 11:10, Omaha, NE (>8I2-1-51.30 phone: 758-0233 FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SATURDAY: Services at Rose Blumkin Home SUNDAY: Religious School, 0:45 a.m.. at the JCC; Clean Out the Closet Project, 2-4 p.m. TUESDAY: Religious School at the JCC, 4 p.m, FRIDAY, Dec, 14: Hanukkah Party, 7 p.m., open to the community; bring a dessert, your Menorah and candles to have fun!
B'NAMSRAEL SYNAGOGUE • GIB Mynsier St., Council Biul'IWlA r».l503-0Vd Phone: 022-4703 or ;iiifi-l244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Discussion topic will be "The Japanese and the Jews." Onog and kiddush will follow.
BAT MITZVAH
Sarah Mackenzie Spooner, daughter of Gayle and Jim Spooner, will celebrate her TIFERETH ISRAEL Hat Mitzvah on -' "' Saturday, Dec. 15, 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE OB502-S230 ; . ' . i. at Temple Israel. CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN • - , ••";• . ' ' • ; > • • • • ;..;'• ; \ 4 2 3 - 8 5 < » } > " • • •• : ;•;:• : ' :.'•• ' •. -! , . A seventh grade Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. honor student, at Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, ••;.-• V ^ ' ' - ' / • • • ' t ' " • •••• • ( ' o h g l ' t ' l f U l i o i l S .••...'•'•."•' • ''"i '•' •••'••'••: - " Itcvoridgo Middle 7:15 sum. \/20(il'S.'20th St.,|Lincoln, NE'(>B502-2797 School, she enjoys FRIDAY: First Friday-of-the-Month-Family 435-8004 vvvvw.southfeti'eettempU'.or ballet, tap and jazz, Service-Series.8 p.m, Oneg Shabbat will follow, and plays clarinet Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser. sponsored by the Religious School. in band. She is a SATURDAY.* Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior FRIDAY: Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m. member of STARS SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a,m.; Torah Study, Congregation, 10*15 a.m. (Select Theater ADULT EDUCATION 10:30 a.m. Ambassadors SATURDAY, Dec, 8: Parent/Child Book Club, SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious Reaching: Students). following services. School, 10 sum.; Conversion Class, 11 a.m. SUNDAY, Dec. 9 & 16: Pirkei Avot, 10 a.m. For her Mitzvah Project, she is collecting books MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, Dec. 11 & 18: Aleph Bet, 7:15- for the Child Saving Institute, voluteered at the TUESDAYS: Read Hebrew America, 7 p.m.; Hebrew Class: Level H-thru Dec, 11-8:15- 8:15 p.m.; Introduction to Judaism, 8:15-9:45 p.m. CDC summer camp and for the Temple Israel THURSDAY, Dec. 13: As Easy an ABC Art Religious School, 9s 15 p.m, WEDNESDAYS! AA Meeting, 7:30 p.m., in the Exploration, 10 a.m, Sarah has a brother, Zaehary. Library. SATURDAY, Dec. 15: Lunch and Learn, followGrandparents are Fran and Jerry Milder, and ing' services. Lillian Setts. MONDAY, Dec. 17: Parek Yomi, 7:30 p.m. Saturday Morning Services, 9 'sum,, led by Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, followed by Kiddush.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 7, 2001
Truth or Dare "It's now time for Chairman Arafat to show true leadership," stated White House spokesman Ari Fleischer at a press briefing on Monday. He was referring to the steps Arafat must take after last weekend's triple suicide bombings in Jerusalem and Haifa, which left 25 Israelis dead and more than 200 wounded. For the first time, President Bush did not urge "restraint" on the part of Israeli military forces, and noted that "Israel is a sovereign nation and has a right to defend itself." Both Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Colin Powell echoed that sentiment, calling on Arafat to arrest the leaders of these terrorists and ban the organizations which sponsor them. This is welcome news from the White House. Unfortunately, nothing seems to _have changed under the dictatorial government of the Palestinian Authority. According to the Israel Defense Forces, the 100 or so socalled terrorists arrested by the PA are actually on their payroll. None of the 108 suspects listed by the IDF have been arrested; none of the terrorist movements: Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Islamic Jihad have been banned. The Israeli cabinet, however, has finally decided that Chairman Arafat
is responsible for the terror and will be held accountable. They've declared Arafat's Fatah group and the Tanzim (the military police headed by Marwan Bargouti) as terrorist organizations and enemies of Israel and, therefore, legitimate targets. This is Arafat's moment of truth. Unfortunately, no one in the Israeli government (or now, it seems, among American officials) believes he's capable of making the right choices. And that leaves the citizens of Israel, once again, as targets for Arafat's radical murderers. Regardless of what happens, there is one organization that will be there for any Israeli: Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, and that's Magen David Adorn. Readers should note that while this emergency medical service is similar to the International Red Cross, it has been denied membership in that organization since 1949. One of the reasons Dr. Bernadette Healy resigned her position as head of the American Red Cross was because her board balked at the idea of withholding two years' dues to the international organization until Israel's Magen David Adorn was admitted. You can bypass the American Red Cross and make a contribution directly to Israel at: ARMDI (American Red Magen David for Israel), 888 Seventh Ave., Suite 403, New York City, NY, 10106.
A HAMUKKAH MIRACLE WE CELEBRATED M BIBUCAL TIMES'
A HANUKKAH MIRACLE WE COULD USE IN MODERN
A VIAL OF
am mi,
TWM&CFPEACE
Imam Bush?
FOCUS ON ISSUES by DANIEL PIPES<
The U.S. government wants you to know that the Taliban, who yet rule part of Afghanistan, are bad Muslims. Instead, it should be showing that they are totalitarian thugs. There's a big difference. When the Taliban destroyed the ancient Buddhist statues in their country early this year, Washington repeatedly decried this demolition as un-Islamic. It contradicts "one of Islam's basic tenets-tolerance for other religions," intoned the State Department spokesman. It is "an act of intolerance, which ... has, in our view, nothing to do with Islam," declared one of his colleagues. The Sept. 11 atrocities prompted Imam George W. Bush to declare that these "violate the fundamental tenets of the Islamic faith." His wife issued a fatwa deeming the repression of women in Afghanistan "not a matter of legitimate religious practice." More broadly, a State Department Fact Sheet asserts that the Taliban "misuse Islam" to justify their "illegal and dishonorable" policies. American officials even have the nerve to instruct Muslims on how to live their faith. "We accept that Islam is the religion of most Afghans. They can practice it in the way they want," the acting assistant secretary for South Asian Affairs conceded. But, he added, their Islam "should be in a spirit of toleration, in a spirit of acceptance of other faiths and creeds." Not surprisingly, the Taliban hotly reject these admonishments. Two^ days after Bill Clinton in 1999 had called their treatment of women "a terrible perversion" of Islam, they replied that "Any criticism regarding Afghanistan's Muslims and
women's rights should come from a Muslim. This Clinton is not a Muslim and does not know anything about Islam and Muslims." Likewise, President Bush's peculiar statements about true Islam being "nonviolent" spurred a Taliban representative to reply: "I am astonished by President Bush when he claims there is nothing in the Koran that justifies jihad or violence in the name of Islam. Is he some kind of Islamic scholar? Has he ever actually read tiie Koran?" The Taliban do have a point, for it is very strange for U.S. government officials to proclaim what is or is not true Islam. Who are they—neither Muslims nor scholars of Islam but representatives of a secular government-to instruct Muslims about their religion? And, realistically, which Muslims accept spiritual guidance from the White House? Interestingly, U.S. policy in principle agrees that this hectoring is unacceptable. "Don't presume to lecture Muslims on Islam," reads an internal State Department memo that bore the secretary of state's personal endorsement. The former top State Department official in charge,of Afghanistan, Karl Inderfurth, agrees that it is not "appropriate for non-Muslims to presume to give instruction" about Islamic faith and the Koran. Bernard Lewis, the leading American scholar of Islam, puts it less diplomatically: "It is surely presumptuous for those who are not Muslims to say what is orthodox and what is heretical in Islam." This is good and sensible advice. Rather than initiate a quixotic and unconvincing campaign to delegitimize the Taliban (or any other instances of mili-
PRESS
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The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are; Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $28 per calendar year U.S.; $32 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402-334-6448; FAX: 402-334-5422; e-mail editorial material, photos and address changes to: ckatzman^jowishomaha.org; send ads (in ,TIF or .PDF format) to: mlapour@jewishomaha.org. Periodica: postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198,
tant Islam) on religious grounds, Washington should stick to its knitting-politics. The oppression, poverty, violence, and injustice of Taliban rule offer plenty of evidence to indict it, without having also to contest the regime's Islamic credentials. Life in Afghanistan has been a living hell. Beatings and arbitrary executions are commonplace; for example, eight boys who dared to laugh at Taliban soldiers were shot dead. In 1998, the Taliban massacred 600 Uzbek villagers in the west; in early 2001, they followed with a massacre of 200 civilians in the center. To prevent defections to the Northern Alliance, the Taliban have taken thousands of families of their own soldiers as hostages and some 400 of those soldiers were just massacred to prevent their changing sides. The United States government has a powerful message for the world, a message of individualism, freedom, secularism, the rule of law, democracy, and private property. But it should have nothing to say about the proper practice of Islam (or any religion). It's right for President Bush to condemn Taliban rule for the fact that women are "beaten for wearing socks that are too thin. Men are jailed for missing prayer meetings." He just shouldn't give his opinion on whether or not these punishments constitute genuine Islam. The writer, Director of the Philadelphiabased Middle East Forum, can he reached via www.DameUPipes.org;
Fred Tichauer Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Lloyd Roitstein, Immediate Past-chairman; Elyce Assriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Linda Saltzman; Howard Silber; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kaakruth of any product or establishment.
December 7,2001
BEHIND THE HEADLINES _
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The thousands of Orthodox Jews who attended me. You're the bracha,'" part or all of Agudath Israel of America's recent He also recalled the lesson he learned from a 79th National Convention in Somerset, NJ, heard prominent Brooklyn yeshiva dean to whom he had addresses from a number of illustrious rabbinic fig- been introduced. The Rosh Yeshiva told his visitor ures. But one short speech that particularly riveted that "Torah is the soul of the Jewish people, It's not listeners was delivered by a young lawyer from a step in itself, but the source of all the steps we Texas who took his listeners firmly to task, take as Jews," Kenneth Broodo of Dallas is an observant Jew "When we returned to Dallas," Broodo recalled, today, though he wasn't a mere few years ago. He "there was one more Sabbath-observant Jew in was addressing a convention symposium on Texas." "Creating Torah Communities Across the USA" There was much more he related. How his local and related how he had come to reconnect to his community subsequently started a shul in his livJewish heritage. ing room. How the shul has since grown from 20 It was largely the story of a "community kollel"- families to 126. How he had only recently celebrata group of Orthodox families who have moved from ed his first siyum, or completion of the study of a one or another of our country's larger Jewish com- tractate of the Talmud. munities to a city where traditional Jewish obserThat, though, was when he got tough. Citing stavance is not widespread, where they open a study- tistics about intermarriage in the American Jewish hall, offer adult education classes and spend their community, and apologizing in advance for his days learning and teaching Torah. There is a large chutzpah, he asked his listeners if, as they await handful of such kollelim across the country, the Messiah's arrival and their own return to Eretz Broodo stumbled across the one in Dallas. Yisrael, whether they are "planning on taking the With an endearing lilt of a Texas accent, Broodo rest of us [American Jews]" along. related how one of the kollel's rabbis invited him to And then he reminded the crowd about the apaask any questions he might have. They included thy that tragically characterized so much of the big ones, like how God could allow the Holocaust to Jewish community during the Holocaust. happen, and smaller ones, like what in the world And getting more personal still, he then issued had possessed the kollel members to uproot themselves and their families from their insular and Referring to the continued nurturing communities in Brooklyn or Lakewood, drifting away from Judaism NJ, and move to Texas. of the vast majority of "He told me," Broodo said, "that no questions were foolish questions," American Jews, he asked <c And BO .the lawyer continued to ask, sitting at the What will history say about rabbi's dining room table week after week for three us?" years. When Broodo decided to undertake some Jewish observance, his rabbinical guide suggested his listeners a direct challenge: "When your chilShabbat, telling him at first just "to make kiddush dren are given an opportunity to join a community before going to the movies on Friday night, and kollol in Topeka, KS, what will you tell thorn?" havdalah when I got homo on Saturday night." "Most Jews in America are living without Tornh," . Along with a group of othor DallaB Jewa, mid ho continued. "What will become of, them? You accompanied by one of the kollel's rabbis, he took a can't expect them to love something that they don't trip to visit the New York Orthodox community. know anything about!" He wanted, he told his listeners, "to visit the planet Broodo might have wondered whether lie had these rabbis had come from." overstepped the bounds of propriety, crossed any He met several respected rabbis, and was deeply lines, by being so direct, so demanding of his audiimpressed with the Jewish life he saw flourishing ence. But when he concluded his remarks and the there. During the trip, he related, he was a guest at an applause exploded like a thunderclap and continOrthodox businessman's home for Shabbat, and ued for what seemed like minutes, and tho entire had an embarrassing experience. Sitting at the crowd rose to its feet in honor of the young Texan Sabbath table with his host family and other lawyer, and when he saw the tears in the eyes of so guests, he asked his friend a question and only many, he likely realized that his words had found then realized that he had inadvertently interrupt- their mark, and had been absorbed by hundreds of ed his host's blessing on the challah. After the Jewish hearts. bread was cut and distributed, Broodo stood up, went over to his host and apologized for interrupt- Rabbi Avi Shafran serves as director of pubing his bracha. lic affairs for Agudath Israel of America. This "He grabbed my hands," Broodo recalled before article comes from Am Echad Resources. the large crowd, his voice betraying deep emotion, "looked me in the eye and said, 'Now you listen to
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NEWS ANALYSIS
Orthodox Getan Earful at National Convention by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN - * - - - _ _ _ ,
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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The Premise of the Peace Process? by DAVID BEDEIN • —
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As news trickled into our home in suburban Jerusalem on this past Saturday night, of terror in Jerusalem, we waited for our teenagers to come home from downtown. They nervously walked in, each calling their friends. One of my daughter's friends called in near hysteria. She was a few feet away from the blast in a coffee shop. A severed head had rolled past her. She ran for her life} got on the bus and called from her home, safe and shaking... That is not the way it was supposed to be. At the outset of the Oslo process in the Fall of 1993, I participated in countless briefings with the late Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and the former (and current) Israeli foreign minister Shimon Peres, in which these Israeli leaders stated time and again that the purpose of handing over the Arab population to tho strong rule of Arafat, waa the assumption and assurance that Arafat would reign in the nascent Islamic Palestinian Arab movement. When Peres and Rabin conducted a briefing for the media in Oslo, when they received the Nobel Peace Prize together, with Arafat in December 1994, I asked them if Arafat had fulfilled his commitment to crush the Hamas. They indicated that he had done so. h few hours lator, when I asked Arafat the same question as to whether the PLO leader would crush the Ham an, his response was curt and clear: "Hamaa are my brothers. I will handle them in my way." And handle them he did-by bringing them into his new regime as full partners. In May, 1995, Arafat's security forces announced they would provide Hamas with arms. In December, 1996, Arafat invited Hamas to join his provisional regime. And in 1996, Arafat appointed Hamas officials to run the religious departments and schools under his authority. Yet it waH not until Oct. 28, 2001, that the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) sources met, with more than a hundred journalists to provide us with official data thai connected Arafat and the PLO to every form of Arab Islamic terror activity that now plagues the siato and people of Israel. These official Israeli army affirmed that Islamic terror groups train and opera to in full view of the Palestinian Authority security services, and that the Islamic terrorists get a clear message their activity operates with the full blessing of Arafat's regime. The IDF provided documentation that the Hamas group's military whig operates as an official part of Arafat's PA security forces in Gaza. This had been the case since May 1995, and this had always been denied, by Israel, the U.S. and the European Union, all of whom had provide the PA with arms, training and intelligence data for a security system that has now turned on the Btate of Israel. Now Israel acknowledges that the Palestinian Authority, which Israel helped to establish to control the Islamic terror, had instead become the sponsor of Islamic terror.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 7, 2001
Teens To Compete In Annual Bible Quiz
Thinking Ahead to Summer
u s q Yeshiva Offers 1st Year of Study in Israel
by LOIS EPSTEIN, B'nai B'rith •
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN —--------—. Temple Israel Communications Coordinator
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) has announced a new program for high school graduates. Beginning in September, 2002, the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem will open its pre-college yeshiva year. According to Rabbi Joel Roth, head of the yeshiva, "This program will offer North American high school graduates the opportunity to study rabbinic texts in an egalitarian atmosphere, while retaining the intensity associated with traditional yeshiva learning." During the year in Jerusalem, students will be housed in the new campus of the USGJ Fuchsberg Center for Conservative Judaism, next door to the yeshiva. Cost for the year of study in Israel is $14,000 and includes tuition, extracurricular activities, room and board, supervision, medical insurance and round-trip travel from New York. Financial aid is available, based on need. For more information, contact Jeni Friedman, North American Director for Admissions, at: jefriedman@jtsa.edu, or visit the yeshiva's website: www.ConservativeYeshiva.org,
Twenty-seven Omaha-area teens have registered to compete in the 16th Annual Edward Zorinsky B'nai B'rith Bible Quiz, announced Steve Riekes, a Jerry Kaye, director of Olin-Sang-Ruby Union trustee of the Henry Monsky Lodge. The contest, I n s t i t u t e open to the community, is set for Wednesday, ( O S R U I ) , Dec. 12, 7 p.m., in the theatre at the Jewish pets the litCommunity Center. A dinner for Omaha Jewish tle furry teens and members of B'nai B'rith. will be held in friend who the JCC auditorium at 6 p.m. accompanied The contest will be preceded at 6:45 p.m with Kaye from comments by Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Klutznick camp when Professor of Jewish Civilization at Creighton he was in University. He will comment on the Book of O m a h a , Deuteronomy, the subject of this years quiz. November 9Teenagers participating in the quiz are Jacob 11. , Kaye Bleicher, Sam Edelstein, Nathan Fineman, Ben talked to Gerber, Michael Hellman, Rachel Javitch, Steve parents and Lercher, Andrew Malashock, Shaina Meyers, Dan c h i l d r e n Morris, Robert Mosenkis, Rebecca Murrow, Aron about the joy Neesman, Joel Passer, Kim Pitlor, Alex Raskin, of spending Jason Rich, Brandon Rich, Sara Rips, Ariel summer at Shukert, Emily Sternberg, Rebecca Sternberg, OSRUI in Madison, Wisconsin. Campers at OSRUI Steve Sternberg, Josh Sweet, Gal Tsabari, Hannah will enjoy a summer of horseback riding, water ski"Wolf and Aaron Wolfson. ing, swimming, tennis, soccer, crafts, and meeting Judging the event will be Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, new Jewish friends. Rabbi Paul Drazen, Rabbi Howard Kutner, and Dr. For more informaGreenspoon. Gloria Kaslow will be the quizmaster; tion about camp and Ron Gordon will act as timekeeper. for an application, Gary Javitch recognized the contributions of call Temple Israel at Stanley Mitchell who, for 16 years, has coordinated 556-6536. Any child the contest. He also acknowledged the contribuin the community tions of Elyce Azriel of Temple Israel, Anna can attend. Gologorsky of Beth El and Rachel Blum of BBYO Financial grants are for helping to bring Omaha Jewish teens together available by calling for this event. Kathy Hirshman at "I urge all members of the Jewish community to Jewish Educational support our youth, celebrate the 16th year of the and Library Services quiz and see this exciting and informative event," at 334-6445. Javitch added.
by LOIS GOLDRICH
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Scholarships Available from Flatow Fund by JEWISH PRESS News Service - —
Create Opportunities ons. "Creighton has always been known as a nationally-recognized institution for higher education. But it's the people that have made the difference for inc. What you'll Jind at Creighton are great educators that are passiotiate about what they do. The small classes and personal relationships I've built with my professors have helped me both personally and academically. We worked together to establish the Creighton Jewish Student Group which has become a strong personal connection for me. There is a premium on this kind of one-on-one education - it's a huge opportunity for whatever you want to be."
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For those graduating seniors planning on spending a year studying in Israel, scholarships are available from the Alisa Flatow Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund was established by the family of the late Alisa Flatow, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Kfar Darom, Israel on April 9, 1995. She was a student in Israel at the time. Applications are only available at the fund's website: www.alisafund.org, and should be submitted online. Deadline for applications is Feb. 15, 2002.
Scott Yahraus, CU 2002 Finance Major
Office of Undergraduate Admissions . 800.282.5835.402.280.2703 . admissions@creighton.edu
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
December 0, 2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
OMAHA JEWISH TEEN ARTISTS PUT ON A REAL SHOW Neaiiy 30 area teens exhibited their artwork, photography and sculpture in the recent "Omaha Jewish Teen Artists" exhibit in the JCC Gallery. The event was sponsored by Temple Israel and the Jewish Press in honor of the monthly Press feature "TeenAge." The exhibit was organized by Press Vice-president Joanie Jacobson, with assistance from designer Ducky Milder and Westside High School sophomore Needelman shown with her paintings.
Press Committee Member Elyce Azriel, Shown on this page are just a few of the pieces shown by these talented young artists.
Molly
From the Spaincollection, this is perhaps my favorite „. this photograph depicts the general style expressed during the Renaissance ... The repetition catches the eye and makes this photograph art,
Sarah Linn Is a junior at Burke High School and a member of Beth EL
Nick Newman Is a sophomore at Westside High School and a member of Temple Israel.
Presidential Profile
Rachel Katzman, left, Becky Smedlund, Sam Friedman and Angela Friedman chat at the dessert reception in their honor.
Name: Slavo Slcrnborg How much time do you put into Grade: 12 your youth group each week? Youth Group; Depending on what is happening Omaha Tnmple Youth Group (OTYG) that week, roughly 10 hours. Term: 2001-2002 iicaHrnniiWhat in your goal for this year? Synagogue: u , To increase Temple Israel merobflrship High School: through numerMillard Woat ous well-planned Favorite Jewish and enjoyable Holiday: ShuvuoL programs. Favorite Quote: Who is your "Whorovor 1 go 1 right hand man. always tako tho.ftc (or woman)? twoflticku,HO when Stephanie norncono asks mo Grossman. to carry something Favorite band: for thorn, I can say Moat (punk-rock) 'I would, but I Last movie you liwvo theiso two saw (in theaacka.'" — Jack aters): Handy Harry Potter What a r e some Was it good? of y o u r main I liked it. I duties as presihaven't road the dent? book, but I Helping everythought the movie Steve Sternberg one on board do waa good. their job, filling in when needed, Favorite food: offering moral support. Vegetarian Laaagna with Spinach What do you find most challeng- What are your plans for the ing about running a youth future? (What do you want to be group? when you grow up): ()n<> word: COMMUNICATION. I'm thinking I'll major in accountWhat are you doing when you're ing, but it's always been my dream not working on OTYG? to go into politico I'm active in N[IS, Amnesty My hopes right now is to start out International, Student Council, Track by going to the University of South and 1 work at Old Navy. Carolina.
"Ljoui are only limited by ijour own ideas. 9t's okay to borrow, to share. 9(: makes life interesting."
Amy Cotton 1$ a senior at Westside and a member of Beth El.
Mi
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 7, 2001
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Abam left; children of the 1'cunie / . Duvis> Child Development Center raised more than $270 by collecting tzedakah money each week prior to Shabbat. The funds were donated to Jewish Family Service to spend on toys for financially-strapped families in the Jewish community. Above right: Corey Kirshenbaum, CDC Director, donated a check to Project Dreidel, and shows the toys purchased for JFS to the children of the CDC. Lower left: Volunteers assisted JFS in wrapping presents for delivery in time for the first night of Hanukkah, Dec. 9: Deenie Meyerson, left, Amy
Durinubkin, Jcnn> Meyerbon, Julie Durmut.kin, Steven Finkel, Iris Ricks, Judi and David Finkel and Joye Wees. Lower right: More than 80 Visionaries enjoyed an afternoon at the Venice Inn. Robert Valenta, a theater major at Creighton, performed songs, accompanied by Esther Wax, Visions Mitzvah Program raised $527 for Jewish Family Service's Project Dreidel. Pictured are Use Kahn, Mitzvah Co-Chair, and Marvin Gerber, Luncheon Co-Chair. JFS is still accepting donations. Checks can be sent to JFS, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154.
ORGANIZATIONS OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAII LEARNING Friday, Dec. 7, 6 p,m., join OCTL for Shabbat dinner at Allan and Rini Gonsher's, 6417 Franklin, followed by a lecture by Dr. Guy Matalon at Beth Israel Synagogue at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11,7 p.m., Bais Midrash returns at the Chabad House. Wednesday, Dec. 12, noon, OCTL resumes Lunch 'n Learn at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. For information about OCTL, call Allan Gonsher at 558-2767. . VISIONS China: The Panda Adventure is showing at the IMAX Theater at the Henry Doorly Zoo on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. Cost is $5.75; for zoo members, $4.75. Join us at Cascio's Steak House following the show (on your own). Send reservations with payment to Marcy Gallner, 770 N. 93rd St., #1B4, Omaha, NE 68114. Join us for BEEHIVE, a '60s rock 'n roll musical; showing at the Jones Skeet Theater on Sunday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m. Cost is $23. Send reservations with payment to Elaine Feldman, 770 No. 93rd St., #2D5> Omaha, NE 68114. Membership dues are due. Please mail your check for $5 per person, payable to Visions, to Gilda Pieck, 6955 Craning, Omaha, NE 68132. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NCJW Omaha Section started a new gift-wrap tradition—all new hours and locations began Thanksgiving weekend at Bookworm in Countryside Village, and Zany Brainy stores. To volunteer, call Susan Rothholz at 391-3043.
BTNTAI BTmri BREADBREAKERS Chuck Marr, CEO of Alegent Health, will discuss health care trends at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Dec. 12, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, 107th and Pacific, according to chairman Marty Ricks. Cost for lunch is $9; beverage service only is $2. The program is open to the community. Y.E.S. Members will .meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 1.0:15 a.m. with Eileen Remer, or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at 11 a.m. The Annual Hanukkah Party is at noon. Following lunch, the Omaha International Folk Dancers will perform Israeli dancing. Hanukkah gifts will be given out. For transportation, call 330-4272. Make reservations with Maggie Conti at 334-6521, Reminder: Pizza & Game Day is Dec. 20. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.; cost is $3 per person. Please pay in advance; deadline is Dec, 13. Bluffs Run Casino is on Dec. 27; cost is $5 per person; deadline is Dec.20. Membership dues are due. Please mail your check, payable to Y.E.S., for $4 per person to Frieda Krizelman, 331 So. 93rd Ave., Omaha, NE 68114. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those going on the Mystery Trip on Thursday, please meet at the JCC main entrance by 9:45 a.m. For transportation, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521.
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,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Schrager Grants ( C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1) ••»••»"«••»»-«•»•••••»»»•«-•«-»
Ruby Malawsky of Cathedral City, CA, recently celebrated her 90th birthday. She is the aunt of JCC Assistant Director Lisa Shkolnick, and Rachel Blum, BBYO Director.
The interactive, educational theater-based programs target aggressions at many levels, from bullying to intimate violence. Performances are followed by a panel discussion, while resource materials are provided to parents, school professionals and students. Objectives of the program include assisting youth to identify positive and negative relationship cues *A Survivor's Story", written by Oliver Pollak, and patterns; process the dynamics involved in was featured in the winter issue of the Creighton making positive, healthy choices; provide materiUniversity Magazine. Pollak, a local Attorney and als and referral resources; provide alternative Professor of History at the University of Nebraska ways of viewing relationships and perceiving new at Omaha, detailed the life of his grandfather, Dr. choices; and supplement school curriculum in Felix Bachman, a survivor of the Holocaust. these areas. Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS) Well-known environmental attorney J a n i n e Landow-Esser, a partner with the Chicago office requested continued funding for its Special Needs law firm Quarles & Brady, has been elected Program and to increase the available teacher conPresident of the American Jewish Congress, tact hours to meet needs of approximately 100 speMidwest Region, Her election comes on the heels of cial needs children in the community. years of service with the organization, including The grant from the Schrager Foundation, as it serving on the Board of Directors and chairing its has for many years, will help JELS provide special Commission on Women's Equality, needs resources to the Pennie Z. Davis Child The former Omahan received her B.A, from the Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy and University of Wisconsin and her J.D, from George synagogue religious schools. The grants will provide assistance for children Washington University School of Law, with honors. She is a frequent speaker on environmental and with learning disabilities and other handicaps to learn Hebrew, to prepare for b'nai mitzvah and to OSHA issues. learn to live as participating members of the comFormer Omahan Mark B. Levy was featured on munity. The grant is also intended to provide spethe cover of JTS Magazine, a publication of the cialized liaison between children, their families, Jewish Theological seminary. Levy obtained his religious school and to public schools, if necessary. PhD. from JTS last year; he is currently organizing JELS plans to begin to service the post b'nai mitza summer conference on teaching with puppetry vah special needs population as well. and ventriloquism. In addition, the Schrager Foundation voted to fund rabbinic-approved overnight camp scholarBIRTH ships for needy children and also maintain its commitment to fund four college scholarships. Those attending the meeting were Martin Lehr, Martin and Victoria Kips of Manhattan Beach, President; Phillip and Terri Schrager, Dr. Eugene CA, announce the Oct. 1 birth of their son, Logan Zweiback, Tom Fellman and Joe Kirshenbaum. Bishop. The Schrager Foundation is administered by the Logan has an older brother, William Sinatra, 3. Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Grandparents aro Sheldon Rips of Omaha, the Those interested in establishing a supporting founlate Barbara Wolfe Rips, Thoa Barks of Manhattan dation should contact Mttrty Ricks, Executive Director..w£the
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December 7,2001
Maccabi Delegation Continues to Grow
Joel Alpersort leads Solidarity Mission to Israel by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor-
by GARY KATZ, JCC Program Associate
— — — —
Little did Joel Alperson know, when he was asked to chair a 500-person Solidarity Mission, to Israel this week, that his flight would arrive just after one of the worst periods of attacks in Israel's history. More than 200 Israelis were wounded and 25 died after two suicide bombers exploded bombs on. Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem and a third terrorist set off a bomb on a Haifa bus, "When I arrived at JFK to leave for Israel, I was really energized when I saw the hundreds of Jewish leaders ready to leave at midnight following the news of the horrific attacks on Israel," Alperson said. "Though we're not fighting on the front lines, letting Israelis know we're here gives me a heightened sense of purpose of what I need to do when I get back to the U.S. Tve been in contact with my fellow Omahans, as we're all part of this Solidarity Mission," he added. "We're taking this mission, especially, very serious." ' Thirteen people from the Omaha Jewish community joined Alperson on the mission of solidarity .. and fact-finding. The original itinerary has been changed to include briefings by top government and Israeli Defense Force leaders regarding the current situation, including military operations to fight terrorism in Israel, The tour also includes time in Omaha's Partnership 2000 area in the Western Galilee with visits to programs like Turning the Tide, a coffee house for Jewish and Arab kids to gather and discuss common issues. The group will also meet with Avraham Burg, Speaker of the Knesset, and former Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Participants on the mission are: Debbi Brown, ADL Assistant Director and Partnership 2000 Coordinator; Tom Friedman, Howard Goldstein, Craig and Phyllis Hoffman, Wayne Lainoff, Mark Marshall, Gary Nachman, Lourdes Ocanto, Jan Perelman, Federation Executive Director; Larry Raful, Sheldon Rips, and Kim Schwartz. According to an IDF spokesman, the 100 militants arrested by the Palestinian Authority are not those on the list of 108 suspects the IDF asked Chairman Yasser Arafat to arrest. The Israeli Cabinet stated Monday that the PA "is a terroristsupporting organization" and the "IDF will behave accordingly." Polls show the majority of Israelis support the government's actions.
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The 2002 JCC Maccabi Games Omaha Delegation has been very hard at work recruiting athletes over the past few months. Several presentations have been made to some 300 potential athletes, with visits so far to Beth El, Beth Israel, and Temple Israel religious school classes. Each presentation has consisted of a highlight video of the Maccabi Games, information about the week of the Games, as well as upcoming events and the registration process. Excitement grew from the students involved as they were shown uniforms, trading pins, medals, and photos from previous sets of Maccabi Games. "The kids really enjoyed the presentations and can't wait to participate in the Maccabi Games this summer," said Athletic Coordinator Bob Franzese. In addition to all the presentations, the delegation has already hosted two well-attended recruiting events: a golf night at the Chili Greens indoor dome, and a more recent baseball clinic entitled, "Maccabi Field of Dreams," at the Strike Zone. Several Maccabi and potential Maccabi athletes participated in a private two-hour clinic given by Baseball Hall of Fame coach Bill Olson at the Strike Zone. The teens were instructed in the finer points of hitting, fielding and teamwork. Afterwards, they moved on to an intense game of wiffleball, followed by hitting in the batting cages.
Susan Freeman, left, and Rachel Martin get a closer look at the Maccabi gold medal during a presentation to Temple Israel religious school students. way through the streets of Omaha to the JCC. The torch will be carried by Israeli teen Zlil Chen Saks, and is expected to arrive at the JCC at 11 am. "We are very excited and honored to have a sh'Hcha coming all the way from Israel to participate in such a wonderful program, said Rachel Blum, Omaha Delegation Head, "Zlil will spend nearly a week in Omaha, and is an incredible resource for our community." All members of the community are invited to greet the torch, meet our Israeli sh'Hcha, and watch the symbolic lighting of the Hanukkah menorah. The Omaha Delegation is continuing to recruit athletes for the 2002 Maccabi Games. All athletes who are registered by Jan. 19 will be eligible to win one of four Baseball Hall of Fame Coach Bill Olson gives "hands prizes: A DVD player, CD Walkman, on" advice to Maccabi Athletes. Nintendo Game Boy, and a Sony Play Station, A drawing for these prizes will be But the part everyone was anticipating was the held at the Maccabi "August in January" swim raffle of a signed baseball bat by Chicago Cub sec- party and table tennis tournament on. Janu 19. ond baseman, Chad Meyers. Austin Gilinsky won Athletes need not be present to win, but they the raffle and took home the prized autographed must be registered for the Games. For more inforbat. mation about how to register for the Maccabi
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Jewish Press, Omaha, HE
Page 11
Home's Jewish Community Dates Back to Maccabee Era
Digging for the Truth: Archaeology and the Bible
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ROME (JTA)--The election of Dr. Eiccardo Di Segni as the new Chief Rabbi of Rome opens the "If you want to understand what's going on in the uncovered evidence they believe historically sup- latest chapter in the tumultuous life of a Jewish Middle East with the dispute between Israelis and ports the Bible, and with each discovery, minimal- community that traces its history back to the days Palestinians, you have to understand what's hap- ists dispute these finds. of the Maccabees. pening in archaeology. And the reason for this is Among the discoveries are: Di Segni •was elected last month to replace Elio because archaeology touches on both groups' sense • Evidence of mass destruction at Tel Bethel and Toaff, who is retiring at age 86 after 50 years in of themselves - on their national identities, on their Gibeah, supporting the story of Joshua and the Italy's most prominent Jewish religious post. The religious identities and also on their political aspi- Israelites conquering the Canaanites. new chief rabbi stressed his sense of duty in becomrations. It is at the heart of all of this." (Author and • Evidence of destruction and a large tumbled ing the religious leader of what is considered the oldJournalist Amy Dockser Marcus) wall at Jericho. est continuous Jewish community in Europe. • Two tiny silver scrolls found in a tomb near "I will be the guardian of the memory of this Since the earliest days of archaeology, scientists Jerusalem that contain a priestly benediction from community, which has never moved from here for have sought to unearth proof that the Old the Bible and have been conclusively dated to 600 more than 2,000 years," he said. "We have resisted Testament stories are true. Archaeologists have B.C. everything, including infamy. We are faithful and excavated all over the Middle East in an attempt to • Desecrated Egyptian and Canaanite religious proud of these places." find evidence that David, Solomon and Moses real- statues in Hazor, supporting the story that While Jews may have settled in Rome in the ly existed. They dig down to find the ancient cities Israelites had conquered the town and destroyed third century BCE, it was the Maccabees' successof Jericho, Hazor and Megiddo, and proof that the the idols as Moses commanded them to in ful revolt against the Syrian king Antiochus in the legendary conquests of Joshua really occurred. Deuteronomy. second century BCE that put the community on Digging for the Truth: Archaeology and the Bible • An underground water tunnel that many theo- the map. The festival of Hanukkah was estabtakes an in-depth look at biblical archaeology from rize was, used by King David in his conquest of lished on the 25th of Kislev, 165 BCE, when Judah its roots in the 19th century to the most recent dis- Jerusalem. Maccabee, his brothers and his volunteer army coveries of our own times. The two-hour world pre• A stele, or victory inscription, mentioning King held a ceremony to rededicate the Temple after miere debuts Monday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m., on the David-the first historical reference to David ever their victory. History^hannel, The program is narrated by found outside the Bible. Only four years later, in 161 BCE, Judah sent a James Woods and hosted by Arthur Kent. • A second and, possibly, a third mention of King diplomatic mission to Rome in an attempt to forge Some archaeologists have sought to scientifically David in the Mesha Stele and in an Egyptian tomb an alliance against the Syrians and preserve the prove things that they already believe are true. in Karnak. Jews' precarious independence. Others have strongly asserted that the Bible can• A small scepter head believed to originate from Prom that time on, tho Jewish presence in Rome not be proven. Presenting the evidence and theo- Solomon's Temple. has been constant. Today, Rome's 15,000 Jews ries of both the fundamentalists and tho minimal• Evidence of King Solomon's three royal cities, make up the largest Jewish community in Italy, ists, believers and skeptics, Digging for the Truth as detailed in tho Bible. which has about 35,000 Jews in all. focuses on the men and women who have worked Digging for the Truth follows tho search for conlifetimes to uncover the past. The program exam- clusive evidence of the reign of King David—perines the most recent work being done in the Middle haps the most beloved figure in the Hebrew Bible. East and the massive political implications biblical The legendary slayer of the giant Goliath, David is OLDTIMERS/Y.E.S REVIEW archaeology has had on the Israelis and credited with uniting the tribes of Israel, capturing -<<< • Palestinians, Jerusalem and turning it into the seat of the first by ART GROSSMAN < " * The Middle East first became open to exploration Israelite State. It was Abracadabra and ArtSpan time at our last But why, in all these thousands of years since his meeting in November. Following by Western scientists in 1831. American biblical lunch, Jeff scholar Edward Robinson was the firat to travel to reign, have archaeologists found only scant evi- Quinn'a amazing magic show enthralled our the region. He was successful in creating a new map dence of David's existence? Many now aay that seniors, as well as students from the Friedel of what is now modern day Israel, and utilizing his David's reign is nothing but a fairy tale-or, even, Jewish Academy and the Pennie 55, Davis Child knowledge of ancient languages, he was able to pin- propaganda. In these times of unprecedented tur- Development Center. The joint gathering featured moil in the Middle East, an attack on David is con- "Art to Span the Generations," point numerous biblical sites on the map. Charles Warren, a mining expert, came to the sidered an attack on the Bible-and feared by many Professional magicians will attest to the fact that Middle East to dig those sites decades later. His Israelis as yet another attack on their country's their tricks or slight-of-hand and hocus-pocus don't firat dig took place at the Temple Mount, where it right to exist. always fool youngsters. Maybe the hand is quicker is suspected that King Solomon's Temple was once Politicians have firmly taken hold of archaeology than the eye, but, presto, the kids' eyes and brains located. During the course of his dig, Warren made as a weapon in the Middle East, moat clearly seen are magical in, their own way. several important discoveries, including potential in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Out-of-town guests included Karen Meyer, evidence of King David's conquest of Jerusalem. Journalist Amy Marcus states, "By writing each daughter of Ida and Irv Forbes; Gary Dolgoff, son Palestinians have prevented further exploration of other out of the biblical narrative, they write each of Jncque Dolgoff; and Nina Wayne, guest of Pearl the Temple Mount, and Warren'n 125-yaar-old pic- other out of the modern narrative." Digging for the Giventer. ture of the area remains tho best information we Truth explores the monumental damage this politiAt the Early Bird discussion, Gerald Meyer have to this day. cal turmoil is having on science, detailing the spoke about our country's loose control of expired The 20th century saw an explosive growth in bib- destruction of historical sites and the suspension of visas. Tragically, three of those were among the lical archaeology. Time and again, .scientists have many archaeological digs in 2001. terrorists who attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. This reporter brought up a curious observation regarding anthrax infection. It is not a new disease. In my research, anthrax is believed to be by JEWISH PRESS News Service — — Plans are underway for the sixth annual Switch for two or three-hour shifts on Tuesday, Dec. 25, thousands of years old. Some historians think the fifth and sixth of the Torah's 10 plagues, the death Day at the Rose Blumkin Jewish homo, according 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. My staff certainly looks forward to the holiday of cattle followed by a wave of boils, represented an to Lois Wine, Director of Volunteer Services. "We are recruiting volunteers to take the place of now that Switch Day has become an annual affair," ancient anthrax outbreak. The spores can live in our regular employees in the housekeeping, added Pat Morgan, Director of Housekeeping and the ground for decades. We paused in reverent respect for Dave dietary, activities and laundry departments, Dietary services. "We know the volunteers will take Bernstein, who died at the age of 101. good care of our residents!" enabling the staff to spend the holiday with their Shalom. families," Wine explained. Volunteers are needed To volunteer, call Lois Wine at 334-6530. by JIM DOWD, The History Channel
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Page 12 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 7,2001
Avi's Story (Continued from page 1} * •
••
Until then, Doug and Sara had little reason to suspect that anything was wrong with Avi. Although he was slightly behind other children his age, the pediatrician assured them that Avi's development fell within the "normal" range. Avi was walking and talking, behaving like a healthy toddler, and the Wolfsons felt reassured. Then one day, Avi fell down and could not get up. Doug and Sara took him to the hospital where doctors ordered a battery of tests, but they all came back negative. Avi seemed to be better, and he was discharged after a weekend hospital stay. Six months later, a second attack left Avi unable to walk or speak. He eventually regained the ability to walk, but his speech never returned. Doctors still didn't know what was wrong with him, but test results indicated that their son was mildly mentally handicapped. Sara and Doug looked at each other in total shock. In one cruel moment, all the hopes and dreams they had for their child's future had just evaporated. Their life was shattered. It just took on whole new meaning. Without diagnosis, there was no way to treat Avi. So they put their lives on hold and set out on a long and frustrating quest to help their son. They needed a lot of time to travel to doctors and medical centers all over the country, so Doug and Sara had to take time off from their jobs; their social life screeched to a halt,
and family outings became a distant memory. Finally, after one trip to Johns Hopkins and another to Emory in Atlanta, Avi was diagnosed with mitochondrial myopathy. Doug and Sara listened to the doctors explain what the disease might inflict on their youngest child. What they heard couldn't possibly be real. They tried to accept what was happening to Avi. They mourned the loss of what was and could have been. Avi would never go to college, or on a date, he'd never marry and have children of his own. But just because Avi's future was suddenly drastically different, their feelings for him were just the same. This was still their son, and Doug and Sara had only one choice. They would just have to adjust to a very different reality. That day was 10 years ago, and Doug and Sara sometimes still find it hard adjusting to that new reality. Avi's daily needs require much more time and are much more difficult than they had anticipated. Fortunately, Jewish Family Service has stepped in to provide emotional support and financial assistance for families who have a loved one with developmental disabilities. JFS facilitates a support group of these families, and they take their concerns very seriously. They recently hired Theresa Drelicharz, a part-time Developmental Disabilities Specialist, whose duties include providing sup-
port, advocacy and referrals for the and they really waat to feel as though families. For fee first time, Jews wife they are a part of this community, Sadly, they will continue to feel isodevelopmental disabilities and their family members have a professional lated until we begin to understand who understands what they are going item and provide for them a variety.. through and can help them find the of activities that strengthen their Jewish Ideality. • .. services they need. This community cannot turn away. Doug and Sara think »JFS is going in the right direction, but they, contin- It is up to each individual to embrace ue to worry about the fntur&..not only and celebrate every member In the for Avi, but for the others as well. Omaha Jewish^ community.* Programs for the developmeatally Through Project Dreidel, Jewish disabled in the Jewish community are Family Service provides Hanakkaa in high demand- Unfortunately, exist- gifts and Jewish holiday meais to ing social programs for the develop- families in our area who cannot afford mentally disabled like YACHAB don't them. But sometimes, families airf have enough funds to schedule regu- individuals have unexpected emerlar activities. Without those opportu- gencies tiiat require immediate internities to participate more fully in vention. JFS is there to provide the .Jewish communal life, their plight financial and emotional support needwill remain off the community's radar ed to get back to normal, .and that screen. support costs money year 'round. Your gift to the Jewish. Federation Doug and Sara would someday like to see an agency devoted.exclusively of Omaha 2002 Annual Campaign, to the developmentally disabled in. the along w^ith donations to Jewish Jewish community. Unfortunately, Family Service tzedakah fund, is that kind of comprehensive facility is what allows us to take care of each. a long way off. Until then, they will other. Despite our best efforts, our continue to fight for services aad community's needs continue to outadvocate for the developmentally dis- pace the increase in gifts to the abled members of our Jewish commu- Asnual Campaign. Your increased campaign gift nity. Jewish Family Service is at a good ensures that every Omaha Jewish starting point, but the scope of issues community member will have access facing the developmentally disabled to professional and compassionate in our community is enormous. help in a Jewish environment. To find out how you can help make Everyone in the Omaha Jewish community is entitled to an enriching and a-difference in the lives of others, fulfilling Jewish life. The develop- please contact JFS at 330-2024, or the mentally disabled are no different,- Jewish Federation at 334-6431.
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• Wednesday, Dec. 12,7.p.m. Jewish Family Service Office Jewish Community Center3 333 So. 132nd St All parents and earegivers are welcome to attend. The group will be facilitated fay Teresa Drelicharz, LMHP, Developmental Disabilities Specialist at JFS.
NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE A STAND! Please make your increased gift today to the 2002 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign
and Stand Up for Jewish Omaha! The Jewish Federation of Omaha * 333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154« (402)334-8200 « www.jewishomaha.org
If you plan to attend, or would like further information, please call Jewish Family Service at
330-2024 Hope to See You Then!