=JEWISH PRESS Voi.LXXXI
No. 14
Omaha, NE
29 Kistev, 5762
December 14,2001
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR 80 YEARS
'500-strong' UJC Solidarity Mission Stands by Israel by JEWISH PRESS News Service
A 500-strong "Israel Now and Forever" solidarity mission of the United Jewish Communities of North America arrived in Israel last week in a show of strength and support with Israel in the wake of the wave of terrorist bombings and attacks that took the lives of 26 Israelis and wounded hundreds. The mission, chaired by Omahan Joel Alperson, represented 37 different communities from across the United States with special emphasis on western and central USA. The UJC is the Larry Raful, center, one of 14 members of the Omaha contingent of Jewish Agency's partner- last week's mission, shows solidarity at the Western Wall. ship and fundraising link with Jewish communities location of the car bomb which exploded as rescue of North America. Jewish communities from abroad workers arrived at Ben Yehuda Street after two are linked with Israeli communities through the Palestinian suicide bombers killed 26 Israelis. Members of the group visited the Gilo neighborJewish Agency's Partnership 2000 program. Some 550 Diaspora communities participate in this pro- hood, which has repeatedly come under terrorist fire. With UJC funding, the Jewish Agency supports gram. The first stop for the group was the Western kindergartens and cultural institutions in the neighWall, for a nighttime ceremony. Mission members borhood and has installed air-eondilaoners and built also toured the Yad Sarah rehabilitation center, playgrounds for kindergartens. The Jewish Agency is where the UJC donates funds through the Jewish also involved in building a music center in the area, Agency. UJC volunteers assembled walkers at the with the assistance of Keren Hayesod. (Continued on page 2) Yad Sarah facility, located on Rav Kook Street, the
J5S Director Barbara Gottlieb to Take Post in Pittsburgh by JEWISH PRESS News Seivte »
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Joan Bernstein, President of Jewish Senior Services, has announced that Barbara Gottlieb will become Chief Executive Officer for the Jewish Association on Aging in Pittsburgh. PA. ^In the past five years that Barbara has been our Executive Director, she has lifted the Blumkin Home to new heights.". Bernstein noted. Barbara Gottlieb "Barbara has provided the residents with warmth, understanding and innovative programming. From her first day in Omaha, she has worked to make herself a vital part of the Jewish and Omaha community. B She will be missed by her many friends and certainly by JSSj* Berastein added. "But we know our loss is Pittsburgh's gain. We wish Barbara and her daughter, Carolyn, happiness and success in their new home." A national search, for her replacement is under way, said Bernstein. Eobert Cox has been named Interim Administrator until a new Executive Director has been hired. Cox has served as Comptroller for Jewish Senior Services for the past eight years and was recently named JCC Chief Financial Officer.
The Project Dreidel Chronicles
The 'All-American' Nightmare by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director
* The story you are about to read is true and used with permission. The names have been changed to respect the privacy of individuals and fmailies. Over the next several weeks, you'll get to know some the Omaha-area Jews helped by Jewish family Service. Bach person depicted in these stories has graciously agreed to share their story with the community to increase awareness of the programs and services of JFS that have made such a tremendous difference in their lives. Through Project Dreidel, JFS provides Hanukkah gifts and Jewish holiday meals to families in our area who cannot afford them. But sometimes, families and individuals have unexpected emergencies that require immediate intervention. JFS is there to provide the financial and emotional support needed Photo by Jen Gates to get back to normal, and that support costs money ried for six years and were the parents of three year 'round. Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha beautiful children, ages 5, 3, and 18 months. James was a controlling man with a quick temper 2002 Annual Campaign, along with donations to the JFS tzedakah fund, is what allows us to take and the couple had a tumultuous relationship right care of each other. Despite our best efforts, our com- from the start. Throughout their marriage and the munity's needs continue to outpace the increase in birth of their first two children, James had made it gifts to the Annual Campaign. clear that Miriam needed to hold down a full-time Your increased campaign gift ensures that every job to help support the family. Omaha Jewish community member will have access But when the youngest child was born, Miriam to professional and compassionate help in a Jewish carefully explained to James that she wanted to environment To find out how you can help make a quit work and stay at home full-time. James didn't difference in the lives of others, please contact JFS think they would be able to make it financially on at 330-2024, or the Jewish Federation at 334-6431. his salary alone, but he reluctantly agreed to try. Miriam Faiman thought she had it all worked out. Miriam discovered that her life as a full-time mom Less than 18 months ago, she was living the all- was what she was meant to be doing. She felt fulAmerican dream. But today, she's seen with her own filled and happy, and even though money was tight, eyes how quickly dreams can turn into nightmares. Miriam enjoyed finding ways to economize. Miriam and her husband, James, had been marShortly, though, Miriam began experiencing
exhaustion and body aches. She chalked it up to the flu and bought some over-thecounter medicines and got some extra sleep. But no matter what she did, the pain and fatigue continued to worsen during the coming weeks. She was depressed and snapped at James and the children. When she finally went to the doctor, he couldn't find anything wrong, and Miriam's pain and sleeplessness continued to plague her. She consulted a string of other physicians who misdiagnosed her as having rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Meanwhile, Miriam's symptoms made it almost impossible to properly care for the children. She was also racking up some serious medical bills and James was becoming increasingly resentful. His temper flared and he blamed Miriam for all their financial problems. They were spending a fortune on doctor bills and nothing was helping her. James began to think that Miriam's illness was all in her mind. The couple's relationship began to quickly disintegrate in the wake of their financial misfortunes and Miriam's mysterious illness. (Continued on page 12)
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December 14,2001
: Can Power Be Power Without Corruption? by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE
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Shabbat Hanukkah •' The political scientist is not likely to think of the Bible when he studies the affairs of nations and. civilizations. But he might do worse than study its Arizona Arizona Arizona Arizona Arii-on, pages, as well as reactions of later generations of religious thinkers to particular events in history. Mishpucha in Arizona!! I think of our Sidrah, where we are told how Moving to the Sunny Southwest? Joseph, thinking in "global" terms, made Egypt the j Winter homes, ASU housing, investment prop center of economic activity for the Southwestern I'll find just what you're looking for Near East: Egypt had food when other countries I've been in Arizona 20 yrs., after leaving Omaha faced famine. Where did Joseph get his knowhow? (However, it seems like only yesterday) We are told only that the Lord favored him. The rest was his personal acumen and his incisive Sheldon Babendure WEST grasp of economic affairs. Thus, his "seven-year Multi-Million Dollar Producer USA 8687 E Via De Ventura #110 plan" was born. And Egypt's economic clout gave it Scottsdale, AZ S5258 hegemony over the whole area. e:mail: Shelrltor@aol.com How do nations rise to prominence?.By careful raits. 1-602-740-4564 consideration of their natural resources, careful .-1 Ariiortaft' husbanding of economic capabilities and planning, planning, planning. Now this Sidrah, Miketz, is often the reading for Shabbat Hanukkah, as though it were part of the planning. For here we deal with politics, if not with • We appreciate Your Patronage high level statesmanship. And what is Hanukkah, • Every Party or Event is Equally Important to but the celebration of an ancient demand for, first, AAA Rents (from 5 to 500) religious independence, and second, political independence—a demand marveiously filled by the suc» We Specialize In Party Planning and Arrangements, Trade Shows, Exhibitions and Special Events cessful Hasmonean armies? And then, also as if it were part of the planning, Let Us Add That Special Flair the Haftarah is chosen from the second chapter of and Touch to Your Entertaining Zechariah, with its electrifying (wrong word!) picJACKIE LAW, PRESIDENT ture of the Menorah and its lesson that it is not to armies we must look, but to the spirit of the Lord: Lincoln Omaha Kearney "Not by strength) nor by power, but by My spirit, (402) 467-4151 (402) 339-3707 (308) 234-1015 declares the Lord of Hosts." This should catch the attention of the political sci5620 S. 72nd Street « Omaha. NE 68127 entist! Really? The ethical character of a nation mat2700 North 27th Street» Lincoln, NE 68521 ters? Its human stance? Its love of humanity— which 112 E. 6th St. "Kearney, NE 68848 we now translate into action the "by My spirit, declares the Lord of Hosts?" All this matters? CLIP & SAVE We American Jews, whether political scientists G M E N D A R OF EVENTS or simply parents and children, have elevated Hanukkah into something it wasn't—because we FRIDAY, DECEMBER 34 need a foil for Jewish children charmed by the Temple Israel "Shabbat Comes to You," JJ:30 p.m., at Remington Heights hype of Christmas. The rabbis of the Talmud and Akko Youth Orchestra, 5 p.m., at Temple- Israel Midrash paid scant attention to Hanukkah. They Hanukkah Family Dinner, 6 p.m., ;vt Temple had their innings with both Greek-Syrian and SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 Roman oppressors. They knew the lure of power Akko Youth Orchestra, noon and might. And they saw the Hasmoneans had Hanukkah Kiddush, noon, at Beth Israel Shabbos House, 3 p.m., call Beth Israel tor location fallen prey to the" same corruption that power conOTYG Event, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel ceals within itself, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 The rabbis were unimpressed. They preferred Outreach Committee Meeting, 9 a.m., at Temple Zechariah's dictum to the trappings of power B'nai B'rith Hanukkah Torch Run, 9 a.m. Kids Snack and Learn, 11:30 a.m., at Beth El because they sensed power must have a spiritual Dance and Hanukkah Theatre, 2 p.m. base. Without that, it is only oppression. Business Cards • Mailers
•Postcards
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Hanukkah Fun Night, 5 p.m., at Beth El MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 YES Program, 10 a.m. JFS Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m.,at Market Basket Foster Care Review Board, 6 p.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m., a t Temple Talmud Torah Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Beth El WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19 USY International Convention, 7 a.m., afc Beth E l Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Kutner, noon, at Noddle Development, 13710 First National Bank Parkway "The Ninth Day of Hanukkah," 3:30 pjn. Y Friedel Brownie Troop, 4 p.m. , NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. p Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Board of Commissioners Mtng., 7:30 p.m., Beth Israel THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 &i USY International Convention, 8 a.m., a t Beth E l S Yiddish Club, 1 p.m. A Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Meeting, 7 p.m. y NCSY Winter Conclave, through Tuesday at Camp Chi, WI All events held at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. Tho Jewish Press Is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hart at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION'S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (dick on calendar)
KohlVs PHARMACY & HOSVSECARE City wide Delivery 7 Locations
SAMUEL GELENTER Sam Gelenter died Nov. 28 in Hollywood, PL, at the age of 90. Survivors include his wife, Lucille, also of Hollywood; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Steve Bloch; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Gayle Gelenter of New York City; grandchildren, Jenny and Scott Meyerson of Omaha, Michael and Melissa Bloch of Reno, NV, and Alyce and Jaclyn Gelenter of New York City; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials to the National Council of Jewish
Solidarity Mission (Continued from page 1) Group members spoke with Gilo residents and saw their reinforced apartments. They also saw the GiloBeit Jalla-Bethlehem Intersection and learned first hand about its strategic implications. The group later met with Natan Sharansky and held a candlelighting memorial ceremony at the Ben-Yehuda Jerusalem pedestrian mall. Nineteen buses transported contingents to Partnership 2000 projects, run jointly by members of American and Israeli partner communities. Omaha's 14 mission participants travelled to the Western Galilee to visit such sites as a coffee house for Jewish and Arab teens, which provides resource materials and on-sit;e counseling. Alperson commented that "Israelis are more heartened by our visit today than they were in the past. Today, it is our duty to get the message out and tell our people back home to visit Israel and support Israel now."
New York Officials Visit Israel
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In an emotional visit on tho eve ol Manukkah, New York Governor George Pataki and New York City Mayor-elect Michael Bloomberg visited the injured at the Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem on Sunday morning, a week after the Ben Yehudah terror attack.
See Their Faces and Hear Their Music
Food Service Staff Attends Kosherfest 2001 —•—
The Acco Youth Ensemble from Israel's Western Galilee will perform in Omaha on Saturday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., at the JCC. Their visit to the United States is part of the Musical Connection, a project of Partnership 2000, a program of the Federation and the Jewish Agency for Israel that promotes business and social relationships between Israelis and Americans. Participants on the Women's Mission to Israel last May heard the Youth Ensemble and recommended they perform here. The concert is free and open to the community; an ice cream social will follow. In addition, the Youth Ensemble will perform tonight at Temple Israel's Hanukkah dinner, and Dec. 16 at Beth El's Sunday School assembly.
Pat Morgan, left, Director of Food Services at the Rose Bburakin Jewish Home, recently attended Kosherfest 2001 i n New Jersey, along with h e r assistants Laura Bail" and Mary Lou Phillips. Kosherfest is the premier opportunity to see new kosher products, visit kosher restaurants and production plants. The staff will share their experiences with the community during a panel discussion, sponsored by the Va'ad HaKashrut, Thursday, Dec. 20, 3 p.m. at the JCC. For more information, call Kathy Watkins at 334-6432. Rabbi Howard Kutner, Rav Hamacshir of the Va'ad, said, "We're very pleased that three professionals from the Home were sent to this important event. I'm sure they learned a great deal; this will enhance the already excellent service they provide our community."
December 14,2001
SYNAGOGUES
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
CANDLEUGHTING Friday, Dec. 14
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4:37 p.m.
itliilliiillsOG^ FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You, 3:45 p.m. Rabbi Azriel and OTYG will lead a Shabbat service at Remington Heights; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Rabbi Debbie Stiel will officiate, along with the Kol Rina Choir, at this Hanukkah Family Service. Dr. Michael Walts is the soloist. Special guests include the Acco Israel Youth Ensemble. Oneg Shabbat sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Boohs, 9:3010:15 a.m. Please join us as we continue our study of "Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The S'hma and Its Blessings;" Services, 10:80 a.m. Sarah Mackenzie Spocmer, daughter of Gayle and Jim Spooner, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. 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 SUNDAY, Dec. 16: Seminars on Sunday, "A Help Mate? The Art of Living Together in the Storied of Adam and Eve", lO-llsJM) a.m. Rabbi Azriel will lead a discussion on contrasting views of companionship in the Biblical Creation stories and their interpretations in classical and contemporary texts. TUESDAY, Dec. 18: Conversations with Rabbi Azriel, noon-1 p.m. An informal BYO Brown Baf* lunch and discussion of current events and iKtuion that effect the Jewish community. THURSDAY, Dec. 20; Beyond Basic Hebrew, 0S.15-1O a,m,, Elyce Azriel is the instructor; Adult Study with Rabbi Stlel, 10-ll,j80-a.m,, The fnr.uH will be "Beyond the Torah: What Happened to the Israelites After They Reached the Promised Lund?"; Basic Judaism, 7:80-9 p.m.; Walking the Path of Grief, 7-8:30 p.m. This six-week Jewish Journey Group is designed to facilitate a sense of a earing community in the midst of the. mowninj; process, Sally Kaplan, L.C.S.W., and Steve Htiol, JI-\S Executive Director, will lead the group,
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.; The West Minyan is at the home of Donald and Maggie Gerber, 426 S. 126th St., 4:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; Free Babysitting begins at 10 a.m. and runs through the conclusion of services; Hanukkah Kiddush with latkes and jelly donuts sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha will follow kiddush a t 12:45 p.m.; The Shabbos House is at the home of Bonnie Bloch and Howard Gendelman, 3-5 p.m. All school age children are encouraged to attend with parents. Israeli Shaliach Zlil Chen Saks will lead a Hanukkah program; Havdalah, 5:42 p.m. SUNDAY; Services, 9 a.m., and 4:40 p.m.. WEEKDAYS! Services, 7 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Talmud class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY.- Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Kutner, noon,, at the office of'Joe Kirshenbauni. Bagel Bin Lunch m available; call the office for reservations; Beth Israel Board of CommissionerB Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
;;v"'lf3<i<rSo.::120th:S(.^ ;l»hip>n^:'SW WEBSITE: www.ehabatlcentei's^coin/oniaha Services conducted by liuLibi Moudol Kutznuu). MONDAY-FRIDAY: .ServiroH, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. MONDAY: FrophotH Lunch, 11:45 a.m.- I p.m. TUESDAY: The Womanly Art of Prayer, 9:30II a.m.; Torah Tots, 1-2:30 p.m, WEDNESDAY: Mommy and Me, 9:30-11 a.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, 0:30 a.m., Kiddush sponsored by Amy and Sanford Friedman; TSS(gra.des 3-7), 10 a.ra.; KTantan(K-3), 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story Time(pre-K & under), 11 a.m.; Hurnash
Class with Rabbi Drazen, 4:10 p.m.; MinhaMa'ariv and Havdalah seroices, 4s40 p.m. in the Chapel. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 5s80 p.m.; Perek Yomi, 10:15 a.m.» the group begins its study of the Book of Exodus, Discussion leader is Rabbi Drazen. 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-kindergnrten. " WEEKDAYS! Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.. Join us every day for breakfast after minyan. ADULT B'NAI MITZVAH CLASSES The clasfi continues on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 7:30 pan, KIDS SNACK AND IJSAKN A fun time for pre-aohoolora und parents, Sunday, Doc. 16, 11:30 a.m.,tonturnip Ilumikkuh KOMRH niul trcatH.
IIANUKKAir FUN NKillT (•omo and «>lobntto tlio last nijjht of flanukkah tit Hoth Kl on Sunday, Doc. Hi, 5 p.m., fbnturinff Hanukkah crafts, dinner and a movie.
B'NAI MITZVA.H
Jeffrey Malashook, son of Diane and Larry *•- ' '..•'• V-vJ^w^i'v1'* OT^Malashock, will become ]a Oar Mitzvah on Saturd a y , Dec. 22, at Beth El jSynnpopjuo. .It-wish U A seventh grade honor • 3012 S.;i , student a t Beveridge jMagnet School, he enFRIDAY: Services, 7:80 p.m. jjoys playing the piano, FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home; Hanukkah Party, fjiiaxophone and video 7 p.m., open to the community; bring a dessert, your ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME mies, and being with Menorah and candles to have fun! friends. He has been Saturday Morning Services, 9 a.m., led by Alan SUNDAY; Religious School, 9:45 a.m. a t the selected to participate in Shulewitz, followed by Kiddush. the Duke University Talent Identification TUESDAY: Religious School at the JCC, 4 p.m, Program. Jeffrey has a sister, Michelle, and a brother, Andrew. (Jnuidparonts arc Doimu. and Donald Barna of Omaha and Barbara and Stanley Malnshock of Kaacho Mirage, ("A. Croaf.-^nnulniothor is Myrtle FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Discussion topic Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Vox of Chicago, will be "Short Days, Long Lives." Onci; and kidRosenbaum. Minyan, M o n d a y a n d T h u r s d a y ) dush will follow. Brent IJ«njamin Salt/.man, HOU of Krrol ruul 7:15 a.m. Lyuno Saltzman, will FRIDAY: Services, B p.m. bt'coino a Bar Mitzvah SATURDAY ( S h a b b a t H a n u k k a h ) : Services, on Saturday, Din:. 22, at 9;}J0 a.m., followed by Lunch and Learn. Hcth Israel .Syuiu(o^ue. ADULT EDUCATION A .seventh (nrrade stuSUNDAY, Dec. 16: Pirkei Avot, 10 a.m. dent a t Beveridge MONDAY, Dee. 17: Perek Yomi, 7:30 pan. Magnet School, he enTUESDAY, Dec. 18; Aleph Bet, 7:15-8:15 pan.; joys movie making, Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser. Introduction to Judaism, 8:15-9:45 p.m. I buildintf with legos, comFRIDAYS Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m. puters and special SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, PERSONAL effects. Kor his mitzvah 10:30 a.m.; Community Hanukkah Dinner, We would like to thank our family and friends for all I project, he plans to 6:30 p.m. their kind words of condolences, the many contribudonate money to the lied Cross for the vicLims of SUNDAY: Religious School Classes resume tions and gifts of food after the death of Annette the Sept. 1. L attacks. Jan. 6. Frank Schloff, our beloved wife, mother and grandBrent has two brothers, Evan and Scott. MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 p.m. mother, A special thank you to Rabbi Kutner and Grandparents are Martin and Selnm Weber of WEDNESDAYS: AA Meeting, 7:30 pun., in the Rabbi Drazen. C^ueenn, NY, and t h e late Perry and Beatrice Library. Abe Schloff and Family Saltzmun. THURSDAYS; Purim rehearsal nights, starting Deo,
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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December 14, 2001
Dry Bones
Jobs Going Begging The Omaha Jewish community needs to grow; that's a given. If we don't at least replace our declining numbers, we'll be looking at some drastic changes in our future. This is nothing new; it's been mentioned in the Press time and time again. But we can't keep pretending it's not a problem. Editorials have previously mentioned the need to attract our young people back to Omaha. But there's also a need to keep people from leaving. Despite the current recession and increasing numbers of unemployed, there are still jobs available in the Omaha-Lincoln-Council Bluffs area. In addition, there are family businesses and medical, dental, legal and accounting practices that could be sold in the short-term because younger family members are either not interested or not available. Add to that, the high cost of living on the East and West Coasts, and an opportunity presents itself. We should be playing matchmaker here-not just in the traditional sense of introducing young Jewish men and women to one another, but also employers to talented, but currently out-of-work members of our Jewish community. This Job Bank could also be used to attract Jews looking to get out of the 'mean streets' of the bigger cities.
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We've done it before, when the very efficient volunteers of the Jewish Family Service Resettlement Committee used a Job Bank to match employers and business owners to newly-arrived Jews from the former Soviet Union. And we can do it again. It's not just about bringing our young people back. And it's not just about retaining working parents already here. It's about maintaining a vibrant, growing community that serves all the interests and needs of its Jewish members. And that means more than jobs-it means a financially-healthy, educationally-sound day school; availability of kosher products; viable synagogues of every stream; and opportunities for Jews to meet and socialize across denominational lines, regardless of age. Beth El is looking for a new rabbi; Temple Israel, a new assistant rabbi and, now, Jewish Senior Services is looking for a new director. Let's get our house in order and take a good, hard look at what's missing from our continuum of services. Think of this as a great opportunity, not a difficult challenge. We like to call ourselves the "Best of Jewish Communities". Let's put our money where our mouths are and make it a reality...before it's too late.
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by RABBI MARVIN HIER —''
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It is clear from President Bush's new executive order authorizing the establishment of military tribunals to try foreigners accused of terrorism that the United States would prefer dealing with Osama Bin Ladin and his Al Qaeda network in Afghanistan or Pakistan, rather than in America. What is even more clear, is Washington's preference for killing him rather than bringing him to trial. That is certainly understandable, given that capturing him would put more American lives at risk and subject our cities to possible new terrorist attacks. It seems to me that even if we could capture him, many in Washington would prefer him dead than ratchet up his past on how he became the world's most successful terrorist, But this has received scant attention. : Instead, the issue of military tribunals has become the central focus. Some in Congress criticize it as a kangaroo court while others defend it as the only way to prevent thousands of suspected Al Qaeda terrorists from clogging our judicial system. What seems to be lost is the fact that neither U.S. Intelligence nor any other foreign intelligence agency has been able to penetrate the closely-knit Al Qaeda network. Bin Ladin's organization has structured itself in a manner where each cell is compartmentalized preventing any low-level operatives from having a total knowledge of the organization. This begs the question: If Bin Ladin and all the senior members of Al Qaeda are killed, what about the secrets that will die with them? Don't we want to know who funded him, and which Arab governments looked
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gave the civilized world an unforgettable and chilling look at the most evil and sinister government in all of human history. Our knowledge of that period would have been greatly diminished had these trials never taken place. As Justice Robert Jackson, Chief Counsel for the United States remarked on Nov. 25, 1945, "What makes this inquest significant is that these prisoners represent sinister influences that will lurk in the world long after their bodies have turned to dust, They are living symbols of racial hatred, of terrorism and violence, and of the arrogance and cruelty of power..." Those sinister influences that Justice Jackson spoke about can best be destroyed when they are exposed. Granted, there are differences between the Nazis and the Al Qaeda network, When the Nazis surrendered, the war was over and the threat they posed to civilization ended abruptly. But, as we all know, the threat of international terrorism will not end with Osama Bin Ladin's death.' Nonetheless, the questions will linger about his connections with other Middle Eastern terrorist organizations and even what possible role the CIA played in his growth. No one but Osama Bin Ladin or the senior members of Al Qaeda can answer those questions; as the old adage goes, "Dead Men Don't Talk." Rabbi Marvin Hier is the Dean and Founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance.
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_wi j Bin Ladso and the Lessons of Nuremberg
the other way or directly assisted him? What was his relationship with Saddam Hussein or with members of the Saudi royal family? Even if Osama didn't talk, perhaps one of his senior associates would, as is often the in mafia trials. Of course the risks are greater by putting huh on trial. We may turn Mm into a martyr and encourage even more attacks by his supporters. But by not knowing the full truth, we run comparable risks from unknown cells we may never have known about. Pifty-six years ago, as Nazi Germany was on the verge of collapse, we faced a similar dilemma. Then, the United States and England opted for trying to capture as many top Nazis alive as possible in keeping with the 1942 Inter-Allied Declaration to place amongst their principal war aims "punishment through the channel of organized justice of those guilty and responsible for these crimes." A year later, the 1943 Moscow Declaration added, "...those German officers and members of the Nazi party that had been responsible for having taken a consenting part in atrocities and crimes, will be sent back to the countries in which their abominable deeds were done in order that they may be judged and punished..." The Allies obviously felt that those responsible for the murder of millions of innocent people should be put on trial for all the world to see. They believed there was a lot about Nazism that only a public trial could discover, and they were right. History is always best served when the full truth is recorded. Indeed, the trials that followed at Nuremberg
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Jewish Family Service is seeking responsible, friendly, fun-loving volunteers to be involved in our Yachad group activities. Yachad is a social group for individuals with developmental disabilities. Volunteers are needed one Sunday per month for approximately two hours. Training will be provided, scheduled for January, 2002.
Come and join the fun! Call JFS at 330-2024, or Linda Novak at 493-8575 (Founded in 1920)
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December 14,2001
Ililiiisiliiliiliiiii
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
The Legality of Israeli Settlements
by DR. MOSHE DANN --------——— —• Who decided that Israeli settlements were illeMany governments, including the United States obstacle to peace, but to demonic political ambigal? An international court? A group of distin- for example, refer to the territories as "disputed," tious, corruption, greed and Jihad. guished jurists? No. A.group of Swiss bureaucrats, rather than "illegal." Although the ICRC has done good work, its histoworking for the International Committee of the The Fourth Geneva Convention was intended to ry with relation to Jews is nothing to be proud of. Red Cross, meeting secretly in Geneva. protect innocent and defenseless local populations During World War Two, they were reluctant to It's an outrage! And they are so proper. Except from displacement, or threats to its existence, as investigate Nazi concentration camps, massacres, their banks, which tried to destroy their records of was t h e case in Czechoslovakia, Hungary and brutality and human rights abuses. When they did Holocaust claimants. And the ICRC, The people Poland before and during World War Two, This is visit some of the camps, their reports whitewashed who administer the Red Cross, How can they be obviously not the case in the "territories," where Nazi atrocities. bad? Well, when it comes to Israel, they are. They Palestinian terrorists and gunman regularly attack After the war, the Red Cross was a m^jor conduit did their dirty work during the Nazi era. Now Israelis and murder their own people as well. for high-ranking Nazis to escape Europe. The Red they've set their sights on Jews. Few Arabs were displaced from their homes and Cross provided false passports, for example, to the Accusation by the ICRC's delegation to Israel and lands by virtue of t h e Six-Day War in 1967. commandants of Treblinka and Sobibor concentrathe territories, that settlements are "war crimes" at Property lights of Arabs are respected and protect- tion camps, and enabled Alois Brunjier, a time when Palestinian gunners and suicide ed by Israeli courts. Eichmann's assistant, to escape to Damascus. bombers are targeting civilians is a moral outrage. Jews who moved to Judea, Samaria, and Gaza Francois Poncet, former President of the Red It is meant to strengthen the hand of Palestinian did so voluntarily, in some cases to property which Cross, collaborated with the Nazis and helped them murderers and terrorists. was lost during Israel's War of Independence in and their Slavic allies get out of Europe. Condemnations of Israeli settlements as "illegal" 1948-49, or before, as a result of Arab riots. During the war, the Red Cross failed miserably to according to international law are not new. The Many settlements were established on sites, which help POW's and inmates of concentration camps. ICRC has been spewing these lies since the early have deep historic and religious meaning in Jewish Worst of all was their silence. They knew it all and 1970's. They rely solely on Article 49 of the Fourth history. Others, like Gush Etzion and Flobron - oven they said nothing. Geneva Convention, drawn up a few years after the refugee camps, like Dehaishe -- were built on properEven today, the ICRC continues to reject the end of the Second World War, which states: "indi- ty thrtt had once boon owned by Jews. In other .symbol of the Magen David Adorn (Red Star of vidual or mass forcible transfers, as well as depor- instances, settlements were established on public David) iiB part of their humanitarian effort. Red tations of protected persona from occupied territory (state) land, which wus not privatoly owned, and on Orescent facilities and vehicles are used in* attacks to the territory of the Occupying Power or to that of land purciumed from Arab owners. against Jews, and the ICRC is silent. This demonany other country...are prohibited...The Occupying AB a result of Jewish settlement, tho living stan- strates I C R C ' B consistent and determined bias, Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own dards and economic position of the local Arab popu- which undermines its claim to impartiality, civilian population into the territory it occupies," lation improved dramatically, Jews and Arabs Theirs is a shameful past and a dishonest preAccording to the ICRC, the recognized authority worked together and both were rewarded. Perhaps sent. on the Geneva Convention, this applies to what that cooperation was precisely why i t was perThe author^ a former asnintant profsmor of ceived as such a threat by the current Palestinian hUtoryy ina, journalist and writer living in they call "Israel's occupation of the West Bank," leadership. It was nob that things were not working Jerusalem* He may ' he reached; at; But it doesn't! , There was no court and no judicial process. The out; it was that they were. Settlements were not an raoshedan®n©tvi8io«i.»i.et4.L * ICRC was judge and jury. This decision is the sole legal basis for opposition LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to Israeli "occupation" and "settlement." But these decisions, unlike any other legal opinion, are not To t h e Editor: who had no money to buy a ticket for Rome. I still public. They are made in secret, without any form I am conducting my doctoral dissertation on chil- had several hundred dollars in traveler^ checks, so I of due process. dren of Holocaust survivors and am looking for par- changed them for dollars and lent the young man 1 When someone refers to settlements as "illegal" ticipants. The study will examine the impact of the money. He said his father was a rabbi and would they rely only upon an arbitrary tendentioua inter- Holocaust on the relationships Imtwuun chikhvn of repay Urn loan. Sure DUO ugh, upon roLurniug home, pretation of the Geneva Convention by the ICRC. survivors and their parents and significant others, Kubbi Stern sent me a chock, with thanks. That's all there is; afewSwiss citizens (appointed It involves completing a mirvuy which takes about Many years Inter, I wrote to Rabbi Stern because by law) decided issues that affect the lives of 20-80 minutoa. 1 wtis curious about t h e source of a passage in Israelis and the future of the State of Israel! That's For every completed interview, I am donating $ I, (kites of Prayer, "The growing good of the world is all there is! to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. partly dependent on unhistoric acts. That tilings Those in the ICRC who made the decision and Those interested may complete the .survey online are not BO ill with you and mo as they might otherthe procedures by which they arrived at their con- at; www.hosttsdware.com/8tuiure/hs/takcKur- wise have boon is partly owing to those who lived faithfully a hidden life and now rest in unvisited clusions are "confidential," Every attempt I made vey.asp?cwg<merationH I. to obtain more detailed information was rejected. If you have any questions or would like mo to tombs." I reminded Rabbi Stern I loaned the price So much for democracy and judicial fairness, mail you a copy of the survey, please call me at of a plane ticket to his son; he wrote back that he In fact, Israel has not occupied territory belong- (781) 642-7041. You m a y also e-mail me a t : remembered the incident and thought the passage ing to another state. Jordan's occupation of Judea EilieBergwcl@cs.com. If you know of others who might have been written by the British-Jewish and Samaria, like Egypt's occupation of the Gaza might be eligible, please give them my name and philosopher Samuel Alexander, In the early '90s, I saw the film Quiz Show and Strip, was invalid under International Law; only contact information. England and Pakistan recognized i t ISIHc Borgcre was moved to write an admiring letter to Charles Boston, MA Van Doren. He responded and recommended severPreviously, the entire area of Palestine was al of his favorite books, including Middhtnarch by To t h e Editor: under the British Mandate. The readers of the Press might be interested to know George Eliot. What should I find at the end of that Article 2 of the Fourth Geneva Convention states that it applies "to cases of partial or total occupation I had several encounters with Rabbi Chaim Stem, the book, but the lines Babbi Stern had attributed to Alexander! I informed him of my accidental discovof the territory of a High Contracting Party." Judea, author of Gates of Prayer, who died last month. Samaria and Gaza were not the territory of a High In 1977, while waiting for a flight at Ben Gurion ery, and he again responded and again thanked me David Bittner Contracting Party. It has no relevance in this case. Airport, I struck up a conversation with a young man for the kindness to his son.
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Epstein Memorial Fund. to Offer Loans to Medical Students by CLAUDiA SHERMAN — Foundation Public Relations Coordinator
—
—
"Life was an adventure" to Barry Epstein, accord- the native people. ing to Irving Epstein, Barry's father. "We were all very close," added Cynthia Epstein, Born in Omaha in 1960, Barry Epstein graduated an Omaha attorney, as she recalled the relationship between her brother and from Central High School, was a another sister, Leslie Epstein, state winner in the National a counseling psychologist in Forensics League debate compeOmaha. tition, and won a World-Herald college scholarship. He was a "We still get calls and letters congressional intern during the from Barry's friends all over term of former U.S. Rep. John the country," mentioned Geri Cavanaugh. Epstein, Barry's mother, an art gallery owner for 25 years. Barry Epstein was the class Shortly after Barry's death, speaker at his graduation cere"to honor his memory," his parmony a t the University of ents established an endowNebraska College of Medicine in ment fund at the Jewish 1986. He went on to become Federation Foundation. The chief resident in radiation oncolguidelines of this fund have ogy, his specialty, a t Johns recently been finalized to proHopkins University School of vide loans for tuition and livMedicine in Baltimore. ing expenses to Jewish stuFollowing his residency, he was dents entering their third or an American Cancer Society fourth year of medical school Clinical Oncology Fellow and or graduate medical school the recipient of a fellowship and programs. Loan applicants travel grant to the European must have attended high Society for Therapeutic Barry Epstein school for at least two years in Radiology and Oncology awarded by the American Society for Therapeutic Nebraska or Iowa. Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO). Initially, loans up to $10,000 can be granted each After his training, Dr. Epstein was an assistant year for eligible applicants and will be interest-free professor of radiation therapy at the University of until two years after a student completes his or her Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Fox medical program. Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. By creating a loan fund, the endowment will be Since 1990, Dr, Epstein had represented ASTRO able to serve a greater pool of medical students. in the House of Delegates of the American Medical Preference will be given to students who demonAssociation (AMA). He was a frequent lecturer on strate financial need, Other considerations include radiation therapy, to medical groups, Irv Epstein prior academic performance; extra curricular activsaid, including the European College of Radiology ities, in particular, being involved in communal, in Vienna, Austria, in 1991. Dr. Epstein was also charitable, religious and civic affairs; performance the author and co-author of many articles and on tests that measure ability and aptitude for colabstracts and wrote chapters in two books on radi- lege work; recommendations; motivation; characation oncology. A textbook on clinical radiation ter; ability; axid potential. oncology was dedicated to his memory. "Narrowing the scope (of the endowment fund's "A leader in his field," Dr. Epstein was "in the purpose) was difficult and the mechanics took forefront" of cancer treatment that involved thought," said Irv Epstein, an Omaha attorney, implanting radiation seeds in patients, his father "We had a series of meetings with Marty Ricks said, adding that Barry was "always seeking new (Executive Director of the Jewish Federation frontiers." Foundation) to design the program. I drew on In January of 1997, Dr. Epstein died suddenly at Marty's experience and he was a great help. I the age of 36. At the time, he was an assistant pro- would encourage anybody in a similar situation to fessor of radiation oncology at Vanderbilt consult with him." University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Ricks commented that "although Barry is greatly "He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a missed by his family, friends and associates in the true Renaissance Man," said Cynthia Epstein, medical field, his sentiments, ideals and high stanBarry's sister. She remembers him as a fun loving dards of dedication and professionalism will be young man who loved to scuba dive off the Barrier reflected in the work carried on by the endowment Reef in northern Australia, float down the Amazon fund's loan recipients, thanks to Irv and Geri's genRiver in a small boat, and travel to places such as erosity and their heartfelt wish to keep Barry's Brazil and New Guinea where he lived in huts with memory alive."
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Summer Planning Results in SfiAmazingss NFTY Fall Conclave by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
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• • ••' — — — —
Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) hosted 145 meet other Jewish kids. It gets monotonous to just high school students from seven youth groups, pri- stay in your own circle of friends. This opens up marily from Kansas City, Denver and Boulder, at your mind to other people's views and helps your Western Fall Conclave last month. ' • * '•-,•" . * , " " • . ' ' opinions and ideas Co-chairmen Janet Baack, 16,! - ' >.' " "' • >; ? ' ', _ ' , ' ' grow." and Ben Taxman, also 16, spentj"^. ; <."v ,V.,i '' -1 "\> •""'', ; Aliya Gordon the summer arranging and over-!; ,;• /•„. • - , . from Sioux City, seeing plans for all the different}/ IA, agreed t h a t aspects of the conclave, including [, ;, conclave "is a realprograms on Israel, Jewish values !•*•."/>v' [Y T* ly good opportunity and friendship. [" '^ ^ ^ - ti,\ to learn, meet peoBy Saturday afternoon, with a'vlj^r.1 v """». and make dozen or more groups of teenagers I ' . ^ V ' friends." The Israel scattered throughout the cav-j;V! <•' program "is araazernous Chili Green's facility n e a r ! - . ' ing," she added. 72nd and Spring Streets, Taxman •' According to said he thought the programs "are [/'• Stephanie Grossgoing real well so far." (• man, Temple's -:?- 1 ! The previous evening, they all j youth group direcattended Shabbat services togeth-, tor, the weekend er at Temple Israel before spend-' was a huge success ing the night at the homes of their "because of the host families. The service was tuiorgy and comcompiled by Steve Steinberg and J a n e t B a a c k and B e n T a x m a n w o r e co- niitnuMil, of all in Ben Taxman. chairs of t h e Western Fall Conclave, hosted volvod. I'Yom Hen Elise Kntssif, a 17-year-old senior by OTYG. and .Janet, all of from Kansas City, commented that "the co-chairs the ()TY(ierH involved, and tin1 national board to have good control over what's) going on. I t ' s the visiting advisors and '/Am Zimmerman, region planned well," and added, "I really liked services nl advisor, everyone lias dedicated thoniHclvoH to last night and this morning." making fall conclave u positive c'xperiencu for all," Daniel Gutman, 18, a sophomore at. Central Rabbi Aryoh A/.riel attributed much of the conHigh, said he thought conclave waa "great." He clave's .success to "the hard work of youth director especially liked being with "people from all over Stephanie (}ronsmnn and nswiHtnnt youth director western Hub-region of NFTY ( t h e National Josh Katelnum. Their work, planning every detail, Federation of Temple Youth, Missouri Region) and .started months ago, reuniting in mi amazing conopenly discussing Jewish issues." His favorite part clave. of the conclave was "meeting other Jewish kids." "Our congregation i.s extremely mipporl.ivo of the David Ladon, a senior from Denver, who is serv- youth group, which also added to the conclave's ing as regional Religious and Cultural Vice-presi- HUCCOHM, Rabbi Azriol added. dent of Missouri Valley Region, was attending his Taxman, a junior a t Wt'KtHidc High who wan • 22nd.conclave, (including regional and North attending bin 11th conclave, and Haack, a sopbo American .meetings). He liked the emphasis on more at, Millard West at h(;r fifth conclave, agreed mixing social and educational programs a t the they will miss the dinners, Hong HOHMJOIIH, social Omaha conclave and meeting "nice Midwestern activitiea, Ravdalah, and the cloning friendship cirkids." cle when they graduate high school. "But they plan to Htay in touch" with all the Margaret Terry, 16, a sophomore at BrownellTalbot School in Omaha, felt that "it's important to friends they'll make over the yours.
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HIDDUSH LEVANNAH Women of the Omaha Jewish community are invited to a Rosh Hodesh Tevet service on Sunday, Dec. 16, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Beth El, sponsored by JELS, Celebrate the New Moon, and the holiday of Hannukah, by learning Israeli folk dance with Cheryl Lerner. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Elly Greenspoon at 384-9890, or Deirdre Evans at 551-9005.
WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. Exercise and bingo start at 10 a.m. in the social hall. Join us for Pizza & Game Day. Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $3 per person; please pay in advance. For transportation, call Maggie Conti at 3346521.
VISIONS Join us for Beehive, showing at the Jones Street Theater on Sunday, BTSTAIBTHTH BREADBREAKERS Jan. 6,6 pan. Cost is $23 per person. Mace Hack, PhD, will speak Wednesday, Dec. 19, noon, at Send reservations to Elaine Feldinan, Breadbreakers at the Park Inn 770 N. 93rd St.. #2D5, Omaha, NE Regency, according to chairman 68114. Deadline is Dec. 17. Membership dues are due. Please Marty Ricks. Hack is assistant administrator and head of research of mail your check, payable to Visions the wildlife division of the Nebraska for $5 per person, to Gilda Pieck, Game and Parks Commission. Lunch 6955 Cuming, Omaha, NE 68132. is $9; beverage service only, $2. The NATIONAL COUNCIL program, which meets every WednesOF JEWISH WOMEN day, is open to the community. NCJW-Omaha Section continues to wrap gifts for the holidays at Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the Bookworm and Zany Brainy. To volJCC. Play bingo at 10:15 a.m. with unteer, call "It's a Wrap" ChairEileen Remer, or exercise with Stacey woman Susan Rothholz at 391-3043. "It's a Wrap" benefits local proPaskert at Mh30 aan. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at 11 a.m. grams and projects, such as the Following lunch at noon, Beth recent Dictionary Day, R.A.F.T, Ellsworth, field representative for the (resources Available for Teens Guide) Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and and Yellow Dress, a domestic violence Hard of Hearing, will speak. For trans- prevention project. portation, call 330-4272, Make reservaSave your 'gently worn' clothes, furtions with Maggie Conti at 334-6521. niture, sports equipment and elecReminder: A visit to Bluffs Run tronics for NCJW's Second Annual Casino is Dec. 27; cost is $5 per per- Spring Garage Sale. son. Deadline is Dec. 20. Membership Call Kim Noddle at 391-7022, or dues are due. Please mail your check, leave a message at the NCJW office, payable to Y.E.S. for $4 per person, to 334-6565, to arrange for pick-up. Frieda Krizelman, 331 So. 93rd Ave,, Omaha, NE 68114.
Jewish Omaha! &JEWISH GENERATIONS
Bev Haber (of blessed memory)
EPSTEIN/WOLPER Mel and Lois Epstein announce the A June 8, 2002, wedding is planned engagement of their daughter, Robyn, at Temple Israel. to Will Wolper of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The,bride-to-be is employed by GE Capital. She graduated with a degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa. Her grandparents are Dave and Jeanne Dvorkin and the late Harry and Sophie Epstein. Her fiance, son of Jerry and Susan Wolper of Beverly, MA, is Director of Information/Assistant to the Commissioner for the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, He has a BS in sports management from Springfield College.
by ART GROSSMAN
"\t isn't proper to isolate one generation from another. We've proved when you mix varying age groups together, everybody benefits." Darlene Golbitz
—Darlene Golbitz, R.N., Rose Blumkin Jewish Home on the reading program with the Child Development Center and the residents at the Home.
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
Our most recent meeting was designated as a pre-Hanukkah party, featuring storyteller Rita Paskowitz, daughter of Lucille and Harry Paskowitz, members of Y.E.S. Starting with the explanation of the spinning dreidel, with each of its sides containing a Hebrew letter which together spells out "A great miracle happened here", Rita went on to talk about how the Maccabees triumphed over idol worshippers and why we light the menorah for eight days. Rita's presentations are a 'ball of fire' as she prances back and forth to emphasize a point. It's hard to distinguish who gets the most kick out of her storytelling-the young kids or the snow-white-haired kids! At the Early Bird class, we dis-
cussed the suicide bomber attacks in Israel, occurring just when it appeared peace talks would resume. We also talked about Dr. Nachman's 30-year-plus dedication to researching the Holocaust. His efforts appeared in the December issue of New Horizons, the official publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. The paper is distributed free to people over 60 years of age in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Washington and Cass counties. Those outside the region may subscribe for $5 annually by contacting New horizons, 7400 Court Bldg,, Suite 200, 808 So, 74th Plz, Omaha, NE 68114, or call them at 444-6654. We welcomed new life member Jean Epstein. Happy Hanukkah!
December 14, 2001 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Beth Israel Sisterhood Hosts Donor Event
Rosie Zweiback Retorns to Temple as Program Director by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator ...i
•• • *•.-....
Rosie Zweiback, Temple Israel's new program director, attended Sunday School and celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Temple, was involved in Temple Youth Group, and was "completely committed to Jewish camps," she said. •«' I Born in New York City, Zweiback graduated from Westside High School and Princeton University, . . • . . ' ! She was the recipient of a Rotary Fellowship and studied in Spain from 1986-87. "I just had a wonderful time there," she remarked. From Spain, Zweiback traveled to Kenya and Tanzania before returning to the United States. „ » <• * She taught at a high school in New Jersey and then spent six years in California, teaching and earning a master's degree in education at the University of California at San Diego. From 1994-96, Zweiback lived in Liverpool, England, with her husband, Mace Hack, whom she married in 1989, "and always plugged into the • 'S( Jewish community wherever we were," she said, Returning to Princeton in 1996, Zweiback was an admissions officer for the university, Last year, Rosie and Mace moved back to Omaha with their three children, Grace, 8, Joe, (3, and Abby, 3. "In all my wanderings," she noted, "1 always wanted to find a Temple Israel." .Growing up here with brothers Josh, a rabbi who lives in Los Altos, CA, and Adam, a teacher in 'it " "• • » Phoenix, AZ, "gave me a tremendous connection toThe donor event, sponsored annually by Beth the Jewish people and a sense of the common reliIsrael Sisterhood, drew about 100 to the lun- gious and spiritual connection Jews have all over cheon last month, according to chairman the world," Zweiback said. She credits her parents, Dr. Eugene (Hpuedy) and Sandy Kohll. Above, Don Gerber, President of Beth Israel, greets guest Bora Qoldstrom. Hermene Zweiback for influencing her Jewish Below, Helen Epstein, left, and Vieki Chesen, sense of commitment. "My mother's whole life was admire the centerpieces created by Bette committed to Jewish causes," Rosie emphasized, Kozkm and Judy Feldman, Decorations "and my father's as well." Her mother died in 1999. Chairmen. . Working part-time at Templet "foals like the right • : <
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fit," Zweiback confirmed. "I feel like I have a good education in Judaism," she said, from growing up at Temple, camp experiences, visiting Israel four times, a year of Torah study and a year of Talmud study and participating in Hadassah's Leadership Academy at Princeton. Rosie Zweiback During her first year at Temple, Zweiback plans to support, enrich, enhance and solidify what former program director Iris Ricks had put in place. "A big goal I have is to do whatever I can to help people feel more connected to Temple and to each other," Zweiback added, "In terms of Temple's multi-generational community, the congregation is still very open and benefits from people moving here and adding their energy and love." Temple's Aryeh.Azriel said, "We are very happy to welcome Roaie back as a professional now. She brings with her much wisdom and care and intelligence,*' "I feel proud to say to my children that I'm working at Temple," Zwoibuck commented. "My Judaism has been such a source of comfort and joy and intellectual wonder." She hopes her new job will help her show her children that "Judaism is a troHsuro." By achieving that, MI can say I've accomplished a lot in my life!"
CORRECTION Sarah SpootuirH middle mime was iucorructly apellod in Inai; week's lumuimwment of her Bat Mitzvah; it should have read Sarah Mackenzie Spoonor. The Jewish Press regrets the error.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 14, 2001
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Become a fiLove and Logic Parent" KAREN GUSTAFSON, JFS Therapist Becoming a Love and Logic Parent is the name of the parenting class offered at JFS. It is fast becoming popular for its simplicity of style, its practicality of implementation and its relevance and compatibility with Jewish parenting principles. The first principle is that children need lots of love, but they also need discipline. The program emphasizes discipline with empathy, always with love and empathy. The goal is not to shame children for their behavior, but to have them learn from it. This thinking goes right to the second point: "Every teacher isn't necessarily a parent, but every parent is a teacher," It is our job to teach our children both by how we deal with them and how we deal with other people, including our spouses and
our elders. A final example is written in the Babylonian Talmud: "A man should never impose an overpowering fear upon his children and household." This came after a boy committed suicide for fear of his father beating him for breaking a bottle on the Sabbath. The rabbis then passed a law: no parent should threaten a child with physical punishment. The third "Becoming a Love and Logic Parent" class is scheduled for March 14 and 21, and April 11 and 18, 2002, 6-8 pm. Registration information will be coming out in February; however, pre-registration will be accepted by calling JFS,.330-2024.
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"Train up a child in the way he should go and tion where you can vote for the cutest Baby of the even when he is old he will not depart from it." Month: www.totallyjewish.coni/parentmg/. (Proverbs 22:6) Also check out the Jewish Parenting page pro"Honor your father and your mother." duced by Tempe, Arizona JCC at: http://trici(Deuteronomy 20:12) tyj cc.org/family_lifel. The Torah makes it seem so simple. All parentWhen Anne Ludden's son had a birthday, a funny ing has its challenges (and of course, rewards) and thing happened: "Somehow in turning seven, my Jewish parenting is no exception. Today, Jewish son miraculously acquired the ability to know all parenting advice from the World Wide Web. there is to know about everything all the time." What does it mean to be a Jewish parent and Ludden says that although her son's new indepenhow does it differ from parenting in general? Here's dent streak has made life tough for her, she has how the Mishpacha.org website answers the ques- found guidance in the Talmud. tion. "Being a Jewish parent means utilizing "Barachot 54a obliges us to bless HaShem, or Judaism as a map or guidebook in order to start God, for the bad in one,s life in the same way that your family,s journey. Jewish values, beliefs, cul- one blesses God for the good. I can live with this ture, and rituals all serve as entry points through stage of absolute defiance and opposition, because which your family can begin or proceed on its indi- it,s a very good thing, after all, that my son is vidual Jewish journey. These Jewish practices and growing up and becoming his own person," she is traditions will enrich your family's life and encour- quoted as saying at the site: age you to continue your Jewish parenting." wwiv.jflmail.com/articles/2568.html. For more, visit: www.mishpacha.org/indexHow many families have been torn apart by petty parent.shtml. Browse the Mishpacha.org site for bickering and grudges which fester and grow? advice on celebrating Jewish holidays as a family Several sites look at how to deal with dealing with and traditional texts on parenting. imperfection—and forgiveness-from a Jewish point All the sites agree that the best way for parents to of view. really communicate is to participate in Jewish activiRabbi Hara Person writes that her daughter ties with their children. Both the Union of American finds it reassuring that Judaism has a "built-in Hebrew Congregations and the Jewish Theological mechanism for forgiveness. She knows that no Seminary have prepared sites for parents. matter how angry I get, 1 will ultimately forgive The UAHC Jewish Parent has includes blessings, her. What seems to be especially reassuring to her prayers, historical background and suggestions for is that I forgive her not just because I love her, but celebrating the Jewish festivals: that because as Jews, it's part of how we start a http://uahc,org/educate/parent/. Similarly, the new year together as a family." JTS Together: A Child-Parent Kit presents some She then talks about her family's variation of the delightful suggestions for enjoying the holidays Tashlich ceremony during which sins are rifcually together. For example, the Hanukkah section not cast into a lake or stream during Rosh Hashanah. only tells you about the holiday's traditions. It also Members of their family write down on a piece of gives you ideas about what discuss next to the glow paper something they regret doing over the past of the Hanukkah candles: year. They show each other what they have writ8 Do you think it would have been hard or easy ten, and forgive each other. Then they throw the to be a Jew in the time of Mattathias and Judah pieces of paper into a plastic tub filled with water and watch their misdeeds dissolve. Maccabee? • If the candles on. the ehanukiyah could talk to "Forgiving and being forgiven, enables us as a us, what do they think they'd want to tell us? family to put the last year behind us, to grow, and • Do you think it,s okay for Jewish families to to enter renewed into the new year." See more at: have Christmas trees? www.clickonjudaism.com/pages/parentLearn more at the JTS website: ing01.html. http://learnjt8a.edu/topics/kids/together/. Next time, more ideas for raising a mensch. "Totally Jewish" is a British website geared to Mark Miethiewiez is a Toronto-based televinew parents and parents-to be. There are some sion producer who writes, lectures and teacharticles written by new parents "Anything for a es about the Jewish Internet. He can be conQuiet Life!", parenting tips, pregnancy information tacted at highway@rogers.com. and a own message board. There's also a conipeti-
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
JCC Gallery to Featyre Worlcs by Local Artist by RACHEL BLUM, JCC Program Director
Albert Khea, an Omaha native, is exhibiting both his colorful geometric paintings and his metal sculptures in the Gallery of the Jewish Community Center this month. Rhea describes his paintings as "wall-based sculptures." The idea for these assemblages came from the ancient Chinese puzzles called "tangrams." All the paintings shown are made up of seven elements which are repeated over and over again in different sizes and configurations. "I have always created these groups with the odd number of seven elements, one of the truths of the at Rhea's metal sculptures arc exhibited in the «XGC Chinese tradition, Seven Gjf\\ aller this month Ways of Cleverness," Rhea y » a l o n ^ W l t h h * s colorful paintings. According to this Omaha artist, abstract art can explained. "There is an ancient Chinese saying that be a puzzle. 'restraint and limitation reveals the master.'" Rhea's colorful "puzzles" and bold metallic sculpRheu said he's been influenced by Ellsworth Kelly and his 'decorative' art and called his works ture are on display during gallery hours, Monday "the most pure art because it is completely sepa- through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. rate from life or nature."
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From inside the social hall at the Jewish Community Center, come sounds reminiscent of another world. A Yiddish Conversation Group has been meeting there every Thursday from 1-8 p.m. Anne Skolkin, who acts as facilitator, thought there was a need to form a group and enjoy this clever and delightful language. With the interest shown from a number of people in the Jewish community, the name for the group was decided: Lomir Redn Yiddish: Let Us Speak Yiddish. I'm very passionate about this language and I know others feel the same way too," Skolkin commented. "People want to go back to their roots," Yiddish has been a living and developing language for almost a thousand years. The language baa been both a means of communication and a unifying force for the Jewish people aa they moved to different parts of the world. In its long, rocky existence, Yiddish reached its greatest height of creativity in Europe and America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, up to World War II. Yiddish literature, theater and film
thrived in that period. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Yiddish. It is currently being taught in more than 60 universities in North America, as well as in Europe, South America and Israel. In newspaper and journal reports, attempts ore made to explnin the increasing interest in Yiddish. Reasons given range from: "Il'ts the. 'in' thing to do" to "It's fashionable to learn Yiddish" to other more serious reasons. Yiddish, n combination of written Hebrew letters, German and 1'Castorn European languages, is an expressive, colorful language of a people with a long and unparalleled history. For many Jews, studying Yiddish i.s a way to reclaim their history or preserve, their heritage. Kor othe.rn, speaking the language helps spark dormant memories. For more information about, joining the group, call Ann Skolkin at IM.'l-KJ.'lM, or me at, Jewish Senior Services, 334-6521,
by BERT LEWIS
Here's a thought: I think it's time for me to make a big change in my journalistic career. Time to add an element of excitement-to perk things up and add some interest. I've been giving this some thought and finally came up with the perfect answer. I'll become a foreign correspondent! Think about it tor a minute. You can't pick up the newspaper or turn on CNN without getting a report from somebody a zillion miles away, right? So why wouldn't it lie a good idea for me to write these columns from a distant location, instead of from my house in Omaha? I knew you'd agree. I don't have; to go anyplace, because I'm already away from home, and will be for most of the winter months. Of course, I'm not in Pakistan or Afghanistan (which is lucky, because I don't look good in those ahmattes) but I'm far enough away to qualify, I'm almost positive. Where am I? I'm in Arizona, and the reason is because my roommate and I have decided we're now old enough to avoid being present for our least favorite season in Nebraska. In fact, that knowledge alone makes it. easier to admit to our what? Maturity? That's the word I was looking for--you know, the word you use when you don't want to say senior citizen, or retiree, or whatever, '•:•••. So that's how come I've decided to become a foreign correspondent, since I'm already away from
home. And while I suppose foreign is stretching it a bit, well, this environment is definitely different. I will admit I can't go very far without running into someone from Omaha, but for the most part, we're surrounded by strangers (and corn chips and salsa.) And, in addition to that, there's a big, friendly Jewish community and lots of things going on within that community. And certainly a variety of .synagogue!-; and temples, an well as casinofi for tlio.se who are more intwotiU'd in praying for a winning hand Limn for peace and fra>duiu, are all available for the c.hoosing. Plu:-;, if a person in bored with using lh« family car fur gulling around, them are horses to be ridden. Which brings l,o mind the differences in di'ess between IMioenix and (hnahu. While it's Lruts peu pie seem to dress more casually everywhere, f don't, think 1 see quite so many cowboy boots on nicely dressed ladies at, Oakview Mull as; I do here at Fashion Square. Yes, now that I'm seriously thinking about, it, I'm convinced I'm right, to do (he rer-t of this hitch as a foreign correspondent.. (.See? I'm already beginning to speak the language oft he natives.!) So that's my .story kids. From now on, think (if me aw (hat. mys teriouf; woman doing duty on foreign soil. That's all lor this lime, from waaaaauuy over there itt the soul.liwest... Mure next. lime...
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Page 12
December 14,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Project Dreidel Chronicles
Couple Celebrates 70 Years Together
(Continued from page 1) •-• One morning, Miriam woke ap to the sight of James packing Ms bags. by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor He told her he was moving out, feat her constant "illness1* was making Ms In an age when life miserable. Although Miriam had nearly half of seen this coming, she hadn't the enermarried couples gy to act If she had been honest with will divorce, it's herself, she would have seen that refreshing (and James leaving was a relief. But she unusual} to meet had three small, active children to a couple who have care for and she could barely get oat stayed together ofbed. for so long. Dorothy and Max A few weeks later, Miriam was Platt, lifelong Nefinally diagnosed withfibromjaigia%a' braskans, recentchronic condition characterized prily celebrated their marily by exhaustion and widespread 70th wedding anpain throughout the body. Treatment niversary with a includes getting enough, deep sleep family luncheon and controlling the pain through therat their home, the apeutic methods like water therapy Remington and acupuncture. Sometimes, Miriam Dorothy and Max Platt Apartments. Harlan Noddle's father, Robert, and feels okay, and sometimes, she cannot get out ofbed. Compounding her situThey met in 1930 at a fraternity named his business, Ideal. The couple eloped in 1931 and ation was the fact that James had party at Creighton University. Dorothy was only 20, and her date moved back to Omaha to be near filed for divorce and was not providwas Max's older brother, Dave. But Max's father. Years later their son, ing any financial assistance for since Dave had to stay late to clean Mike, would open a water bottling Miriam and the kids. Over the course of the next year. up aft^er the party, he asked his "kid plant and name it Ideal; his daughbrother" Max (only 19 years old) to ter, Max and Dorothy's granddaugh- Miriam just tried to get through the ter, Kim, would wind up marrying days. Her divorce became final. Her take his date home. Jay Noddle, Robert Noddle's grand- health made it difficult to hold onto a "He's been taking me home ever son. job. James continued to avoid paying since," said Dorothy with a smile. As the couples' lives have come full child support. When Miriam took Her parents, Bess and Louis circle, they attribute their longevity legal action to garner James* wages, Margolin, had eight children. They to several factors: a close-knit family he quit his job. In desperation, ran a pop plant in Lincoln and were (they have two children, eight grandMiriam filed for government assisapproached by a distributor to sell beer at 100 a bottle to students. So children, and nine great-grandchil- tance. Unfortunately, it's not enough instead of paying for a wedding, dren), good genes and a great outlook Louie Margolin gave Max $500 to on life. "We've had a lot of good luck," Max invest in a bottling business. Max borrowed additional funds from added. "And that's the big story!"
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to support her and fee children. A few months ago, Miriam hit bottom when site was served with an eviction notice. With aowhere else to 'turn,*she .contacted Jewish Family Service. Director Steve StM listened to Miriam*s sad story and wondered how she had managed as long as she had. He was astounded at how much her life had changed in a little over a year. He immediately paid the family's rent of $555 directly to the apartmeat complex and gave them $75 in grocery certificates. Stiel said it's been a while since he's heard from Miriam..He knows she's been able to get government disability income, which pays more money to the family than the original government assistance she received. Ifs an unfortunate, but true, fact that some of oar Jewish families in need wait until they are desperate before seeking help through Jewish Family Service. It's also true that some families accept assistance one time only without taking advantage of the counseling and long term coping services that Jewish Family Service offers. We can only hope that Miriam and her children will remember that Jewish Family Service is always there for them. To find out how you can help make a difference in the lives of others, please contact JFS at 330-2024, or tiie Jewish Federation at 334-6431.
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