January 11, 2002

Vol. LXXXI

No. 18

Omaha, NE

27Tevet, 5762

January 11, 2002

SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR 81 YEARS

Rick Recht Concert Promises 5 "Rockin Time for All"

by JEWISH PRESS News Service

•

Rick Recht, a prominent Jewish musician among today's youth, will take the stage in the Theatre at the Jewish Community Center this Saturday, Jan. 12,7:30 pm.

For several years, Recht has been touring nationwide from L.A. to New York playing at clubs and colleges, entertaining thousands with his positive, organic, groove-oriented rock. Recht has shared the stage with national acts such as the Samples, Jackopierce, Freddy Jones Band, Guess Who, America, Supertramp, Three Dog Night, Government Mule (Allman Brothers), and many more.

"He's very popular among the Jewish youth of Omaha. Everyone seems to know who he is, and many teens have heard him play at area conventions and conclaves," noted Rachel Blum, Jewish Program Director, who has been working with Stephanie Grossman, Temple Israel Youth Director, in bringing Recht to Omaha in order to bring our teens together.

"It's a great opportunity for the youth in Omaha to come together," added Grossman. "Our various

youth groups have so few of the basics so that much in common, and they are able to play when the chance came to some songs on stage with get our kids together the band. All who are through Jewish programf interested in playing ming, we just couldn't • with the band should pass it up." & arrive at the JCC SaturAfter releasing two day at 6:30 p.m. to praccritically acclaimed secutice with him. lar albums, "Good Thing" A Havdallah service and "Reality", Recht will begin in the auditoturned to his Jewish rium at 7:30, according roots with "Tov", a new to Blum, and then move Jewish album released in into the Theatre for "a the summer of 1999, rockin' performance of "Tov" is a breakthrough, the Rick Recht Band," Jewish pop album highshe added. lighting Recht's prolific Rick Recht The program will end at lyrical and melodic song writing with a backup cho- 10:30 pm, and is open to the community. Advance rus of NFTY, BBYO and USY youth singers. tickets can be purchased for $3 at Temple Israel or To add energy and excitement to his shows, Recht at the JCC Member Services Desk; tickets will also asks for all teens who play musical instruments, or be sold at the door for $5. For more information, sing, to come to the show an hour early to learn a contact Grossman at 556-6536, or Blum, 334-6404.

Israel, Palestinians Trade Charges ADL Displays After Arms Are Seized on High Seas Yad LaYeled Exhibit

by NAOMI SEGAL

—-——

by BETH SELDiN-DOTAN, Director Institute for Holocaust.Education:."

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JERUSALEM (JTA) - Israeli officials are debating whether the seizure of a weapons-laden ship bound for the Gaza Strip warrants a reassessment of policy toward the Palestinian Authority.

Palestinian officials have denied any involvement in the incident, but the ship's captain confirmed that the weapons were bound for areas under Palestinian control.

The dispute came as U.S. envoy Anthony Zinni returned to Washington after a five-day visit to the regions Despite the arms capture Jan. 3, Zinni expressed optimism that the possibility of arranging a durable Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire is improving. He is due back in the region Jan. 18.

Some Israelis argued that the ship episode proves beyond a doubt that Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat cannot be trusted even when he talks about a cease-fire.

Others, however, argued that Israeli policy had pushed the Palestinians into a corner where they had no choice but to smuggle arms.

Zinni's first visit to the region, which began in late November, was marred by Palestinian suicide bombings that killed 26 Israelis in a single day.

There were no major attacks during this visit, but the capture of the weapons ship overshadowed the security talks Zinni arranged between Israeli and Palestinian officials.

On Tuesday, Israeli officials were mired in dispute about their failure to capitalize on the potential PR bonanza from the weapons capture. Israelis believe that the issue did not get major play in foreign media, and U.S. officials initially cast doubt on Israel's version of the event — before finally acknowledging Tuesday, after the story had grown cold, that the weapons were bound for the Palestinian Authority.

The Israel Defense Force said it would examine why Israel failed to get its message out effectively.

Defense Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer ordered IDF officers to stop talking to the media about • Israel's PR failures in the affair.

In an interview with Israeli television stations from his jail cell on Monday, ship captain Omar Acawi said he had acted on orders of a Palestinian Authority official in Greece. Acawi, who identified

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A traveling panel exhibit of Yad Layeled Children's Memorial in Israel can be viewed from Jan. 14 through the end of February at the Pennie Z. Davis Gallery for Holocaust Education, located next to the Anti-Defamation League on the campus of the Jewish Community Center.

The exhibit is designed to reflect the concepts of The Ghetto Fighters' Museum and Yad Layeled Children's Memorial, whose educators help the visitor understand how to view World War II through the eyes of the child. Each panel carries a phrase stated by a child during the war.

"Every phrase seems to bring the essence of the one and a half million children lost during the war to the most basic level. Every one of those children had something to say and to live for. Each was an individual who could have made a difference in the world had they not been killed just for the sake of their religion," commented Debbi Brown, ADL/CRC Assistant Director. "It helps us to understand how important the work of teaching tolerance is in our world today."

The exhibit is supplemented by artifacts and pictures from local community members who were children in Europe during WWII. There are also articles on loan from The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. A workshop for Omaha-area teachers will be held this to educate teachers of children from fifth grade and up, about the topic and the exhibit.

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays and tours by special appointment only. For more information, please call the ADL office at 333-1303.

Photo by ISRANET.

himself as a lieutenant colonel in the Palestinian naval forces, told the interviewers that the arms were supplied by various sources, including Iran and Hezbollah.

"The weapons were in my view the contribution of the good-hearted Arab and Islamic nations to the Palestinian people," he said. Acawi said his orders were to sail for the Egyptian port of Alexandria, where the arms would be unloaded in small containers and transported by sea to Gaza.

INSIDE: Tu B'Shevat Crossword Puezlc,

Page 7

Israel's Water Crisis & the Internet.

Page 9

Docent Training Scheduled

Page 12

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January 11, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

SPARKS FROM THE WORD • DEATH Make a Difference I n Sontecitte's Life..«,&© a Memt@r!

How God Appears to Man

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE — — — Jewish Family Service is seeking an adult female Parashat VaEra to mentor and provide companionship to a 22-yearOur Sidra begins by reminding us t h a t God old woman with a learning disability, ADD, and an appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Without emotional disorder. This young woman is eager to going any farther at all, we are struck with a question: develop a supportive r e l a t i o n s h i p with a "Does God appear to man? If so, how does He appear mentor/friend.

If interested, or for further information, please to man? And when does He appear to man?" contact Teresa at Jewish Family Service.

It seems to me that we can say that God appears to man whenever man wants. Note, for example, 330-2024 how God is involved whenever we wake to a new dawn or anticipate a new sunset. How reliable nature is! The weatherman, who doesn't have to be .Fundamentals ©f a scientist himself, can tell us exactly when the Jewish Thought anil Practice dawn will come on a date three months from now starting January 16, 7-8:30 p.m. or three years from now. And the planets will whirl in their orbits on an exact schedule. So will the (runs 8 consecutive Wednesdays at the JCC) comets, even though the next appearance may be 333 So. 132nd St. many decades away.

Jewish Essentiafs-A Spiritual Guide to Jewish Life and The designation of God as YHWH indicates our Living. This 8-week coursewill investigate the sources and meaning of the , understanding that He is the Causer of all that essential elments of active Jewish life. happens in our universe. In our Sidra, we have the 5. Shabbat-Discover the first seven of the Ten Plagues that were visited on spirit of this perfectly Mitzrayim. Was not this an appropriate punishDivine day and how it ment for the Pharaoh? But we are involved immecan enhance your entire diately with the problem of the plagues plaguing week.

6. Kashrut—Delve into ordinary Mitzrim, as well as the Pharaoh. We canI the world of the Kosher not avoid our instinct for morality.

1. Fundamentals—A conDietary laws; discover And does not this instinct also come from cise overview of essential the meeting place of the YHWH? Furthermore, is not this instinct itself one Jewish practices. body and the spirit. of the ways in which God appears to man? For is 2. Prayer—Breathe new life 7. Mikvah and Mar"into your day through the morality itself one of the attributes of the Godhead, riage-Study Jewish traproper application of prayer. dition's view of intimacy and is this not one of the ways in which man 3. Torah-Journey with the and marriage. Discover shares the nature of God? Torah as it unfolds through how it can enhance your We should not, in discussing this kind of subject, the ages, illuminating your relationship. mind and delighting your " omit the emphasis on freedom, on the Exodus, for 8. Brotherly Love and soul, Tzedahak-See the divine freedom, we are given to understand, is one of the 4. Mezuzot and T e f i l l i n in your human relations. highest desiderata of our God. It is unfortunate Experience these classical Learn how to make that so drastic a lesson had to be taught the symbols of your Jewish herfriendship and giving your Mitzrim, but whether Mitzrim or Nazis, the lesson itage and their fascinating priority. mystical impact on your life. of freedom as man's proper status in the world, To register, call Jennifer at Chabad: 330-1800 must be taught.

We ought to become more sensitive to all of this CLIP & SAVE as we go about our lives. Without realizing it, we are constricted in our thinking bjf the schedules that overpower us.

The clock moves and we must move. There is SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 breakfast and work and the telephone and lunch Rick Reeht Concert, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 out and the telephone and conferences and the Jewish Youth Directors Association telephone and the clock and the telephone. We Convention, 7 a.m. at Beth El have allowed this to become our world. We have Outreach Committee Meeting, 9 a.m., at Temple allowed ourselves to be shut away from recognition Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple that our humanity, with its emotions and its aspiClub 56, noon, at Temple Israel ADL Holocaust Education Workshop, 12:30 p.m. rations, have been sharply delimited.

Israel Experience Preparatory Class, 1:30 p.m.

We ought once again to seek earnestly the posiFarewell Party for Barbara Gottlieb, 2 p.m. tion we should occupy, a position where we can be MONDAY, JANUARY 14 found if God comes seeking us.

Jewish Youth Directors Association Convention, 7 a.m., at Beth El YES Program, 10 a.m.

OTYG Board Meeting, 6:30 pm., at Temple Israel Boy Scouts, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY JANUARY 15 Jewish Youth Directors Association Convention, 7 a.m., at Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., Beth Israel ADL/CRC Executive Board Meeting,, 7:30 p.m.

Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple BESTT Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16 Jewish Youth Directors Assocation Convention, 7 a.m., at Beth El JPS Women's Symposium Committee Mtng., 9 a.m.

Friedel Brownie Troop, 4 p.m. ; Youth Group Rehearsal, 4:30 p.m., at Temple Social Justice Club, 5:30, p.m., at Temple BESTT High School & Dinner Night, 6 p.m., Beth El Adult Education, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Chabad House Jewish Learning Institute, 7 p.m.

NOTICE The Israel Experience Grant mandatory preparation class for trips during the summer of 2002 had been scheduled to begin on Jan. 13, and meet once per month through May, are cancelled. If you are making a trip to Israel this summer and wish to apply for the Israel Experience Grant, please call Kathy Hirshman at 334-6445.

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Adult Education, 9 a.m., at Temple Religious School Committee Meeting, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel NCJW Meeting, 7 p.m. \ JELS Moshe Gershowitz Lecture series, 7:30 p.m.

AIE 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*437.

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

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• . THURSDAY, JANUARY 17

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by RACHEL POMERANCE

NEW YORK (JTA)-Two months after Dr. Bernadine Healy resigned as head of the American Red Cross, the organization says it remains committed to supporting its Israeli counterpart, Magen David Adorn.

Healy was a vocal supporter of Magen David's request to join the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Israeli group has been blocked by Arab and Muslim states who argue that the international body can't recognize the red Star of David, ^Magen David's symbol.

Under Healy's guidance, the American group began withholding its dues to the international federation, which coordinates red cross societies in member countries, because of the Israeli issue.

Healy allegedly resigned because her position on the issue was at odds with that of the Red Cross.

But the organization claims that's not the case. In a Dec. 18 editorial to The Washington Post, the chairman of the Red Cross, David McLaughlin, wrote that "it is time to set the record straight," referring to two Post pieces that insinuated the nonprofit was backing away from Magen David.

McLaughlin noted that Healy was a "strong advocate" for including Magen David in the international federation, and that some members of the Red Cross board wanted to resume paying federation dues. Yet McLaughlin argued that those differences were not related to Healy's departure.

Avi Zohar, Director General of Magen David, said the circumstances surrounding Healy's departure were not related to the Magen David issue but had more to do with personality clashes. The 70-yearold Israeli relief organization has been restricted to "observer" status within the international federation. The American Red Cross says it has lobbied behind the scenes for Magen David's inclusion over the past 25 years.

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DAVID WINE Dave Wine died on Wednesday at the age of 90.

Services are today, 11 a.m. at Golden Hill Cemetery.

Known as "Mr. Synagogue", he often opened Beth Israel for many years and closed it at night. In addition to serving on the Board of Commissioners, he helped ensure the twice-daily minyan, raised funds, solved "housekeeping" problems and encouraged children by giving special gifts to them.

He was preceded in death, by his wife, Marion.

He is survived by his daughter, Leni Crounse; sister, Gertrude Sladnick, Los Angeles; nieces and nephews, Norman and Lois Wine and Bert and Leonard Lewis, all of Omaha, Harvey and Pauline Wine, Scottsdale, AZ, Doreen and Norman Goldfinger and Terri and Larry Rafael of New York City, Geri Funes of San Jose, CA, John and Giselle Wine, Holly Wine, all of L.A., and Carolyn Rupp, Concord, CA. Memorials to Beth Israel or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

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January 11,2002

SYNAGOGUES

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

CANDLESJGHTING Friday, Jan. 11 ,

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^p^|||^j^^pp FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet •will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will give the D'var Torah. The Oneg Shabbat is sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism.

SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 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, 10:30 a.m.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Jan. 13, 10-11:30 ajn.: Judaism and the Messiah with Rabbi Stiel.

TUESDAY, Jan. 15, Conversations with Rabbi Azriel, noon-1 p.m. An informal BYO Brown Bag lunch and discussion of current events and issues that effect the Jewish community.

WEDNESDAY, J a n . 16, Conversations with Judaism II - History and Sources, 6:45-8:15 p.m., with Prof. Guy Matalon.

THURSDAY, Jan. 17, Beyond Basic Hebrew with Elyce Azriel, 9:15-10 a.m.; Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m. The focus is on the writings of this year's Scholars-in-Residence; Basic Judaism, 7:30-9 p.m.

FRIDAY, Jan. 18, Beginning Refresher Hebrew with Elyce Azriel, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

SHABBAT COMES TO YOU

Cantor Wendy Shermet and OTYG will lead a Shabbat Service on Friday, Jan. 18, 3:45 p.m., at

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, 5 pan.; The West Minyan is at the home of Dennis and Susan Paley, 13014 Leavenworth Road, 5 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 12:50 pan.; Havdalah, 6:01 p.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m., and 5 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m., and 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, Jan. 15: Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m.

LETS GO OUT TO EAT! Make your reservation to attend "Let's Go Out to Eat!" on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat kosher Chinese feast. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children 4-12, 3 & under, freeMake your reservations with the office by Jan. 16.

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Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat andArvit I'shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: P'sukei D'Zimrah followed by Shabbat Shacharit, 9:30 a.m., Joshua Grossman, son of Cary and Andrea Grossman, will become a Bar Mitzvah. Kiddush sponsored by Josh's parents in his honor; TSS (grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; KTantan (K-3), 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story Time (pre-K & under), 11 a.m.; Humash Class with Rabbi Drazen, 4:30 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 4:55 p.m., in the Chapel.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Perek Yomi will meet at 10:15 aan. Dick Fellman will lead our study on the Book of Exodus.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Join us every day for breakfast after minyan.

ADULT B*NAI MITZVAH CLASS

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3012 S; 119th,8$, P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, ;JNJE 68124-5130 phone: 758 9233 ^ http:/Avelcpme.tp/beytshaIoni/ FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

Livingston Plaza.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 23, "Jewish Thought" with Rabbi Drazen, and Hebrew with Cantor Berkovitz, 7:30 p.m.

SISTERHOOD SOCK HOP Saturday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.-midnight. Cost is $12.50 per person. For more information, or to RSVP, call Beth El no later than Jan. 11.

OTYG SERVICE OF TOLERANCE Friday, Jan. 18, 7:15 p.m.: Join OTYG as they %m*ffi;^ --I . ,. _ . . . ._...... . ... . , . . _ . ,„,._,,,___,.. ,... ,. lead Shabbat Worship Service that celebrates Memberof the Union of American Hebrew • 25th and Capehart, Omaha, NE 68113-5000* diversity and teaches tolerance. "We Are the ^ • . • ^ • . • • • • i V . " : ; - : / : G o n g r e g a t i o n s - . . ; / • • , : ' , : . . • . • , . • - " ; • . . • • ; / ',., [\.\;-,:,;'::\; , . ; , - ; ^ / , ^ ^ 4 4 ^ r | R J ; v ^ ^ / ^ S a ^ v M ' 1 : * l ^ Dream," a creative service compiled by the youth |:|aoj5^2ojgs^f!|iwc^ FRIDAY; Services, 7;30 p.m. groupers, will be the basis of this service, open to 435 8004 www.sputhstreettemple.org the community.

Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser. ; ;

ROSE BISUMKIN JEWISH H 0 M B Saturday Morning Services, 9 a.m., led by Marty Shukert, followed by Kiddush.

Taylor Beth Workman, daughter of Keri and

m Tom Workman, will t?\ become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 19, at Temple Israel.

A seventh grade honor student at Elkhorn Middle School, she enjoys playing the violin, horseback riding, volleyball and swim team. She was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

For her mitzvah project, she worked with the animals at Wildlife Learning Encounters refuge in Gretna. She will also make a donation to their program.

Taylor has a brother, Ethan, 9, and a sister, Emma, 6.

Grandparents are Nathan and Ardell Firestone of Boca Raton, and Veda Workman of Omaha and the late George Workman.

Farewell Party for

Ba*ba*a Soitliab Sunday, Jan. 13, 2-4 p.m.

Auditorium-JCC 333 So. 132nd St.

Everyone invited!!

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FRH)AY: Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Religious School Classes resume MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Discussion topic WEDNESDAYS: AA Meeting, 7:30 p.m., in the will be "The High Cost of Being Jewish." Sandra Library.

Kurland is in charge of the Oneg and kiddush folTHURSDAYS: Purim rehearsal, 7-9 p.m. lowing. ^;i^Uatt^ofjtH§!^Wdwi^

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: JLI class at the JCC, 7-8:30 p.m.

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7:15 a.m.

FRtDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.

PERSONALS Sincere thanks to family ancHriends for the many contributions, flowers, cards, visits and prayers during my recent surgery and recovery. Special thanks to Rabbi Azriel. Also, my heartfelt thanks to Nurse Lois Endelman I would like to inform my friends, relatives and aquaintances that I am moving to Tuscan, AZ. At this time, I don't have a phone number or address.

I'll miss you all very much.

Shirley Trachtenbarg Thanks to my family and friends for all their cards, visits and donations for my recovery on my recent hospitalization. Special thanks to doctors and staff at Methodist Hospital for their wonderful care. I'm doin

9fine-

Elliot "Bus" Rubin

I would like to thank everyone who donated books to the Child Saving Institute for my Mitzvah Project.

Sarah Spooner

Support Group Meeting for Parents and Caregivers of Children with a Developmental Disability

Wednesday, Jan. 16,7 p.m.

Jewish Family Service Office* *JFS has a separate entrance located on the North side of the Jewish Community Center (in back of the building by the Livingston Apartments)

The group will be facilitated by Teresa Drelicharz, LMHP, Developmental Disabilities Specialist at JFS. If you plan to attend, or for further information, please call Jewish Family Service:

330-2024 Hope to See You Then!

Jewish Press,

ME

January 11, 2

The Cost of Being Jewish5 Part 2

EDITORIAL

Dry

The response to last week's editorial was overwhelming. It seems we hit a nerve on this subject, so it's important that we continue the conversation.

And, while we tried to describe an "average" Jewish family, there are others in our community who face different financial issues.

Take an older couple, for example. Let's assume that in addition to Social Security and Medicare, the couple also has a small pension and proceeds from the sale of their home, which they are now using to pay rent on an apartment. The day comes when one spouse needs additional care and the decision is made to enter the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

This couple probably doesn't qualify for Medicaid, which means the cost of care can add up to about $4000 per month at the Home for a semi-private room (which does not include paying for transportation to doctor's appointments or prescription drugs, among others). Within the course of a year, this couple's savings could be depleted; if the spouse needs the skilled nursing care because of dementia, but is physically healthy, a stay at any nursing home could be years.

The good news at the Blumkin Home is that once

a resident is admitted, he or she will not be turned away, even if it, eventually, means Medicaid pays the daily rate (which, by the way, does not cover the Home's daily costs, nor does a gift to the Annual Federation Campaign). The bad news is that the surviving spouse may have no spare funds for such "luxuries" as car insurance, a visit to her children, or a movie out with friends. That's not much of an existence for the caregiving spouse who is already stressed with additional responsibilities.

There are ways this Jewish community can prevent this scenario happening to more people.

One way is to encourage couples under the age of 65 to purchase long-term nursing home insurance (and we'd be happy to advertise that product to our readers!). Another way is to request that the Jewish Federation host a series of open meetings to discuss concerns regarding future services and facilities planned for this community.

We have some serious financial issues to face in an aging, not growing, Jewish community. While the facilities built in the last decade are beautiful, they don't solve the problems of all the folks who would like to use them.

To the Editor: All of this years 1 speakers to the 2001 Jewish Book Month events drew large crowds; both turned out to be excellent speakers.

Six hundred people came to h e a r w h a t author/journalist Thomas Friedman would say about the current crises in the Middle East.

Mystery writer Rochelle Krich enthralled the entire room by standing up without any notes and told us how much fun she has killing people on paper. Bruce Feiler took close to 200 people on a field trip of the Middle East, with a slideshow based on his best-selling book, Walking the Bible.

Also, as a special treat this year, a theater full of people came to see the movie Exodus on the big screen at the Brandeis Art Cinemas for the first time since its release 40 years ago.

Most exciting to me was the Kripke Library's first ever poetry reading. Poet Dan Jaffe brought out laughter and tears during a truly moving evening.

Keep a watch on the calendar for more wine and cheese events like that one.

Lastly, thanks to all who came during the month to buy books at the Jewish Book Sale, which had an exceptionally good collection of children's books this year.

Harris Finkelstein Director, Kripke Jewish Federation Library

To the Editor: To t h e Editor: Reference is made to the article in a December I was struck by the recommendations offered by issue, "Focus on issues" referring to the captured Rabbi Eric Yoffie to improve congregational reliNazis officials, "punishment through channel of gious schools, "End Castor Oil Approach to organized justice". You are aware that the USA, Religious Schools," in the Dec. 21 Jewish Press, with the help of the Catholic Church, rounded up because the steps he suggested are already being the top Nazis in the POW camps and secretly took implemented by Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist them to Latin America, where we gave them new Religious School. names and hired them for our CIA to teach the suc- Since our inception in 1995, we have utilized parcessful Nazi methods of finding Leftists, via torture ents and synagogue members to organize, administo the death, disappearances, terrorism, rape, etc. ter, and teach our youth. Aside from guest teachEichmann was located in Brazil by the Israeli ers, all our teaching staff and directors have been Moussad and taken to Israel for trial and death, parents or synagogue members, who feel it is our not by the USA. And Klaus Barbie, and Dr. Death obligation to give back to our community and edu(Mengala). No, they were not "tried and punished" cate our youth. Those parents who don't teach are for not only killing six million Jews, but forcefully involved with their children's education in other degrading them to the extreme before death. ways—by organizing holiday celebrations and shabNote also our trial in Scotland of Milosovic for batons, attending special services with their chilraping and killing, exactly what our "School of the dren, or teaching a special skill, such as challah Americas" has for years been teaching the officers baking or mezuzah making. of Latin American military!

To be sure, it takes hard work and a tremendous This is just history, but many of you youngsters, dedication for lay persons to run a religious school. perhaps purposely, (wisely?) have ignored it.

But our commitment to the school has so enriched Arthur Dutky our lives that we are hopeful our children will be inspired to not just live as Jews, but in some capacity, to give back as well.

Alice Weiss, Director Beyt Shalom Religious School

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January 11, 2002 Jewish Press, OmahaJSTE

Page 5

Johnny Walker Green

by DANIEL PIPES

John Walker Lindh's case may seem eccentric and unique. How many 20-year-olds from Marin County, CA, especially ones named after a Beatle and children of a convert to Buddhism, end up in a dank cellar in Afghanistan fighting with the most fanatical of Al-Qaeda terrorists? Obviously, not many.

But Walker illustrates three important and troublesome trends. One concerns the powerful lure of militant Islam for alienated Westerners. What Walker, also known as Abdul Hamid, told his Islamic teacher in Pakistan: "In the U.S. I feel alone. Here I feel comfortable and at home" is a sentiment others share.

David Hicks, for example, is a 26-year old Australian whom a friend described as someone who "didn't like the way things were going," so he also turned to militant Islam. Now called Mohammed Dawood, he has fought since 1999 for no less than three extremist groups: the Kosovo Liberation Army against Serbia, Lashkar-e-Taiba against India, and Al-Qaeda against the world.

Like Walker, Hicks was apprehended in Afghanistan.

Isanu Dyson, a 24-year-old resident of Portland, Maine, and recent follower of militant Islam, never got to Afghanistan because of family obligations, but he sure wishes he had, telling the New York Post he wants to get "out of the country, renounce my citizenship, end up in Afghanistan, pick up a gun and fight alongside everyone else against the enemy - American soldiers."

These young men are sending a message: green (militant Islam) has replaced brown (Nazism) or red (communism) as the ideology of choice for

Westerners who loathe their own societies. They revel in militant Islam's opposite outlook on everything from eating utensils to female modestjr to the role of religion in the state.

Most of all, however, they cherish militant Islam's deep hatred of the West. They cheered the Sept. 11 attack (Walker: "Yes, I supported it") and dream to see the forces of Islam defeating their home countries.

Second, the alienation of these wild-eyed converts reflects sentiments found among militant Islamic elements — converts and immigrants alike — in Western Muslim populations. Specifically, survey research found that as many as 10 percent of the Muslims in Holland sympathized with the Sept. 11 assault.

More broadly, militants vociferously oppose the war on terrorism. Reuters reported in September that many Muslims in the United States "say they would send financial help to any Arab nation attacked by U.S. forces, especially if civilians come under fire." It quoted Mohammed Batal, an 18year-old Syrian immigrant living in Brooklyn, that if American forces "attack my Muslim brothers, I will help my brothers. First, I'm a Muslim, then a Syrian and then an American."

In Great Britain, about 200 Muslim protested in October at the central London mosque in Regents Park, chanting slogans ("Tony Blair: burn in hell"), torching the U.S. flag, and burning pictures of U.S. and British leaders.

In London, militant Islamic organizations openly solicited young Muslim men to fight for the Taliban, with some success: some 200 British

nationals of Middle Eastern and South Asian origins (as well as 80 French nationals) joined Walker and Hicks in Afghanistan.

Third, even non-militant Muslims living in the West reject the war on terror. Whereas some 90 percent of Americans consistently support their president's handling of the hostilities, nearly the same proportion of Muslims dissent. An unscientific poll on a U.S. Islamic site in October registered 74 percent opposition to the airstrikes — roughly the same as in Kuwait, where, a November survey found 82 percent opposed the war effort in Afghanistan.

After the Taliban regime was tottering, a more scientific poll conducted by Zogby International found-the percentage of U.S. Muslims opposed to the war had dropped to 43 percent -- still four times higher than the national- average. A Market & Opinion Research International survey found 64 percent of British Muslims in late November opposing the war effort in Afghanistan.

That Western Muslims view the war on terrorism like their co-religionists abroad indicates how politically estranged they are from their non-Muslim neighbors.

All three of these trends are worrisome, to put it mildly. But the delicacy of the issues involved causes Western leaders and institutions to shy away and pretend all is well. This is a mistake, for the longer this estrangement festers, the more difficult it will eventually be to address.

Daniel Pipes is director of the Philadelphiabased Middle East Forum and can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.

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January 11, 2002

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The bride-to-be graduated from Curry College.

She is a freelance photographer in New York City.

Her grandparents are Selma and Isidore Tretiak, and Leona Cohn and the late Louis Kohll and Jerry Cohn.

Her fiance graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Sloan School of Management. He is a Vice-president at Fortis Capital, a corporate lending group in Stamford, CT. His grandparents are the late Jenny and Victor Bernstein and Ethel and Benjamin Persky.

A June 9, 2002, wedding is planned at Temple Israel in Omaha.

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B'RITH BREADBREAKERS Jim Murphy, retired Douglas County Court Judge, will speak on Wednesday, J a n . 16, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to chairman Ken Weiner. Cost for lunch is $9; beverage service only, $2. The program is open to the community.

Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10:15 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. Following lunch at noon, David Seay performs The Tradition. This program is funded by the Nebraska Humanities Council. For transportation, call 330-4272. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334-6521, Reminders: Deadline is J a n . 17 for Hot Dog Lunch and "Remembering When" with Lois Wine on Jan. 24. Deadline for Harvey's (now Harrah's) Casino on Jan. 31 is Jan.24. Membership dues to Y.E.S. are due. Please mail your check for $4 to Frieda Krizelman, 331 S. 93rd Ave., Omaha, NE 68114.

—

WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet on Thursday at the JCC. Finally, the terrific November and part of Exercise and bingo start at 10 a.m. in the social December's spring-like temperatures, setting hall.

Tour Girls and Boys Town campus and visit records hearkening back to the early days of daily the Hall of History Museum, and enjoy lunch at weather recordings, were blown away by the winthe Visitors Center.

For transportation, call ter solstice causing our Dec. 24 meeting to be postMaggie Conti at 334-6521. poned. We did, however, meet Dec. 31 for a farewell to 2001, and greetings to 2002.

VISIONS Fittingly, our guest speaker was the perfect indiRide the trolley to Mahoney State Park on vidual to wrap up the old year and conjecture about Sunday, Feb. 17.

Have lunch and see the show the new year. None other than "Mr. EnlightWife Begins At Forty at the Kountze Memorial enments-Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of Theater.

Cost is $20 per person.

Send reservations ADL/CRC, who broached the appalling muddle to Marilyn Fried, 2821 So. 76th Ave., Omaha, NE going on in the Middle East which, of course, 68124.

Deadline is Jan. 25. involves Israel.

Join us on a Mississippi Cruise on July 22-25.

We are so intrigued with Bob's reports, he has Cost is $499 per person, double occupancy; single been our guest speaker on more occasions than any occupancy, only $605. Send reservations to Betty other individual.

Sanford, 9205 Western St., #127, Omaha, NE At the Early Bird discussion, we wondered if 68114.

Membership Dues are due. Please mail your Senator Phil-A-Buster (you know him) is going to check for $5 to Gilda Pieck, 6955 Cuming, Omaha, set his comeuppance when the Nebraska UnicamNE 68132. eral Legislature convenes.

A reminder for Social Security recipients. You are getting a 2.6% cost-of-living increase in your Hiddush Levanah Group monthly check starting in January. That is smaller than last year's 3.5% boost. Separately, monthly Learns.Israeli Dancing Medicare premiums have increased $4 a month to $54.

We stood in reverent respect in memory of Paula ' Amster, Joe Ginsburg, Samuel Gelenter, Floyd Jandl, Helen Kirke and Ethel Shyken.

Shalom.

BIR*I Wendy (Weiner) and Peter Runge announce the Dec. 11 birth ofMichal Daniella.

Michal has a sister, Talya Gavriella, and two brothers, Yehonaton Eliyakum and Zecharia Ben Tzion Yechiel.

Grandparents are Dik and Ina Weiner and Cheryl Lerner, left, taught Israeli folk dancWalter and Margret Runge of Minneapolis. ing to participants of the Hiddush Levanah Great-grandparents are Milt and Ann Margolin.

group when they met at Beth El to celebrate the New Moon of the Hebrew month of Tevet.

Carole Lainof blew the shofar to announce the new moon.

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Oh, Those Tu-B'Shvat Trees!

by R. BERNARD MANN, Legacy Crossword Puzzles © 2002• ACROSS 1. Baseball Giant great 4. David had one for Solomon and Jonathan 10. Cease 14. Embattled arts organization 15. Summer drink 16. Atmospheric prefix 17. Ocean eagle 18. WOODEN DRINKING VESSEL 20. Mythical hot breather 22. Mao 23. TREE OF PHILISTINE CITY 26. Resides, in Rehovot 50 51 27. Lachrymal drop 28. Cuisine maestro 71 30. Possessive 33. Event maestro 36. Nova Scotia's original name HISS 39. TU-B'SHVAT FOR ONE SPECIES 68 1 43. .Palaisdel 44. One who looks over a joint nfli iBr1 45. Strive 46. My candle, in Kfar Blum 19. Ryan 48. Last California native 21.

Edward the illustrator and family 52. Ump's coworker 24.

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Caustic solution 13. Public issues organiz.

Page 7

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Omahans Meet in Israel Sally Zipursky has been named Chairman of he National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Nebraska Chapter; Bob Blumenthal and Dr. Harris Frankel have been elected to its board of directors. Outgoing board members include David Gilinsky and Joel Brodsky. '»•** //

Borsheim's Fine Jewelry and Gifts has joined with Martha Stewart Weddings to host a one-of-akind "Happily Ever After" bridal event on Sunday, March 10, 2-4 p.m. at Borsheim's Regency Court store. The event will offer brides While in Israel visiting his son, Rabbi Allan creative ideas for a memorable wedding, as well as Gonsher, left, also treated other Omahans to home decor and bridal registry information. Some pizza at Center One in Jerusalem: Zach 25 local companies, including caterers, transportaGonsher, Beth Goldberg, Lee and Gary tion services, cake decorators, stationary vendors, Shyken and Jeff Katzman; back row: Joey florists and others, will also participate in the Shyken, who is spending three weeks partici- event. Tickets are $10 to the public and free to pating in Ohr Samayach's Jewish Learning brides who register at Borsheim's. Each ticket is Experience. (Not pictured: Rachel Eshelman, redeemable as a $10 credit at Borsheim's until April 30. For more information, call 391-0400. who is also studying in Israel.)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 11,2002

My Trip to Israe

by CAROLINE JUSTER ,^-m_^CTroam^.

(Editor's note: Caroline Juster, a nine-year-old third-grader at Columbian Elementary School, is the daughter of Sorin and Sara Juster. The family spent winter-break in- Israel with their Israeli relatives.)

This year, we spent Hanukkah in Israel. How do the children of Israel celebrate Hanukkah? Even though their celebration is different from ours, in a way, the two are alike.

We started off the first night of Hanukkah by marching around the neighborhood of Eosh Ha'Ayin carrying lights and singing with the kids at my cousin Ofek's school. Some children also carried signs, and we had lots of fun chanting. When we got to the school, we lit the first candle. After that, everyone flooded onto the playground for a fun night of singing and dancing.

The Juster family celebrated Hanukkah with Sorin Juster's mother and his sister's family in Rosh Ha'Ayin.

the Golan Heights because if Syria controlled them, Syria could look out over all of northern Israel.

We also visited Palamachim Air Force Base. My dad's friend was the head of a Cobra chopper squadron. He explained to us about the Cobra helicopters and let us climb inside the cockpit. We saw videos taken from the Cobra choppers while they were shooting. It was cool. We learned that when Arthur and' the the pilot looks at the target, the gun also aims at Knights of the that spot and, when he shoots, the missile hits that Round Table. My hi spot. aunt told me that **'** -•' Another special thing we did was have lunch with every year there are special plays during Samantha and Sara Juster Gad Ben-Ari at Mama Mia's restaurant in Jerusalem. Gad was the spokesman for Prime Hanukkah just for snorkel in the Red Sea. kids. One is a music festival where little kids and Minister Rabin and is the leader of an organization famous singers participate. King Arthur starred called Keren HaYesod. Keren HaYesod builds comseveral famous television stars, and Dudu Topaz, munity centers, day care centers and other facilities all over Israel. one of Israel's best comedians, played Merlin.

We also went to the National Science Museum in All during Hanukkah, we saw all sorts of menorahs all over Israel. There was a beautiful metal Haifa. It's located in the old Technion building one at the hotel in Eilat. There were several tall where Albert Einstein visited. The Technion is ones on the way to Tel Aviv, and we saw lots in Israel's engineering school. We saw an exhibition Jerusalem. Every night, when they were all lit, about Leonardo DaVinci's inventions. We also learned about sound, light, optical illusions, puzthey would light up the city.

In Israel, unlike America, presents are mainly zles and much more. The best part was that everygelt and other small items, like spinning tops and thing was hands-on!

I had a great vacation and Hanukkah and hope dreidels. The dreidels say "A great miracle happened here," not there! On the first night of you did too! I also hope that someday you will visit Hanukkah, I got a spinning top that lit up and Israel and have lots of fun just like I did. sang and I had a lot of fun playing with it!

We did a lot of other things in Israel • besides celebrating Hanukkah.

We had an awesome visit to the Golan Heights. First, we ate lunch overlooking Lake Kinneret. Next, we drove to Gamla. Gamla is often called the Massada of the North because the Jewish inhabitants threw themselves off cliffs rather than become the Roman's slaves. We hiked through the ruins and saw the old synagogue and the hole where the Romans finally dad's from when he studied at the Technion, and had lots of fun!

On the last day of Hanukkah, we went to a play called King

After the festival, my family went to a drum concert by Chen Zimbalistal, for the middle school.. We heard some really cool drum,s plus a synthesizer.

(Chen was an artist in residence in Omaha a few years ago; we saw him here, too!) When the concert was finished, we headed home for candles and sufganiydt. In Israel, sufganiyot have all sorts of fillings, not just jelly. I ate ll/2 jelly, 11/2 chocolate and one whole cream-filled sufganiya. They were delicious!

The next day, winter vacation started for the broke through the wall.

Israeli kids. It lasted until the last day of Later, we went to Har Ben-Tal, a Caroline and Samantha Juster explore the trenches and Hanukkah. During vacation, Israelis travel all strategic army post overlooking Syria, bunkers of Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem, site of one of around Israel. We went to Eilat with friends of my Many people think Israel should keep the fiercest battles of the 1967 Six-Day War.

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Page 9

Israel's Water Crisis & the Internet

by MARK MIETKIEWICZ — - — — — .

Earlier this fall, on Shemini Atzeret, Einneret has been falling. If the level Jews around the world recited the continues to fall, there is the risk that beautiful Tefillat Geshem, the Prayer the intake pumps will draw air not for Rain: "...for blessing and not for water from the Kinneret: curse. For life and not for death. For http://israeliculture.about.com/lib plenty and not for scarcity" -- rary/extra/blwater.htm. www.ou.org/chagim/shmini-simThe Kinneret isn't the only Israeli chat/geshem.htm. lake with problems. The Dead Sea, [Editor's note: Now that Tu B'Shevat the lowest point on earth, is also is coming up (on Monday, Jan. 28), experiencing a serious decline in sea we should also remember the level. Water diversion projects and Birthday of the Trees.] industry on both the Israeli and Unfortunately, Israel and its neigh- Jordanian sides has reduced the Dead bors have been suffering from a Sea to record lows. As the Jerusalem scarcity of rain for the past three Post said this year, "The Dead Sea is years. The general shortage of water dying of thirst." in the region has become one of the www.jpost.com/Editions/2001/04/2 most contentious issues between 9/Features/Features.25267.html.

Israel and its neighbors. Today, as As the level drops - at the rate of the rainy season begins, a look at one meter every year - Dead Sea Israel and the water shortage. resorts are finding themselves farther After three years of drought, Lake and farther from the water's edge.

Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee) is at its Of course, Israel's water crisis lowest level in recorded history. extends well beyond its own borders Sinkholes have appeared on the and could result in regional conflict, shores of the Dead Sea and earlier or worse. Ismail Serageldin, vicethis year, there was talk of a ban on president of the World Bank said in watering gardens in Israel. Why has 1995: "If the wars of this century the situation been allowed to deterio- were fought over oil, the wars of the rate so seriously? next century will be fought over water As reporter Herb Keinon says in a — unless we change our approach to detailed and depressing article in the managing this precious and vital Jerusalem Post, there have been resource." — www.serageldin.net/ warnings for years but no-one seemed framechtm. to be listening. He quotes Haim Perhaps the best site to read up on Gvirtzman, a Hebrew University the environmental, economic and milhydrologist: "No one cares. Everyone itary problems tied to Israel's water cares about politics, about peace, shortage is Haaretz newspaper's onabout making money. Who cares line Water Crisis we'bsite: about things like health, the environ- www2.haaretz.co.il/special/waterment, or water?" e/. The website is divided into secHillel Shuval, also at Hebrew tions for the latest news, another that University, says that Israel hasn't looks at regional aspects and a third had a long-term water plan since the that examines possible solutions. decision was made in 1956 to create In the article The Water Dispute the National Water Carrier: Reawakens, journalist Ze'ev Schiff www.jpost.com/Editions/2000/06/2 suggests that the most sensitive item 2/Features/Features.8585.html. on the Jordanian-Israeli agenda is Levi Eshkol was instrumental in water. Schiff explains how intimately the creation of the National Water tied the countries water needs are Carrier. The future prime minister from dam creation in Jordan to helped develop plans for a single net- desalination plants to Israeli providwork to link most of the regional ing the Kingdom with millions of water projects throughout the coun- cubic feet of water annually. And for try: http://research.haifa.ac.i1/~ a view on how things are seen on the eshkol/ #water. The huge civil engi- other side of the Jordan River, take a neering project joined the Kinneret look at Waternet: http://allserv.rug. with Israel's other aquifers and is ac.be/~sdconinc/waternet/. credited with pumping water and This site reprints water-related bringing life to the Negev and allow- articles from a variety of sources ing portions of the desert to bloom, a including a large selection from the dream of another prime minister, Jordan Times. And the Applied David ben Gurion: www.boker.org. Research Institute-Jerusalem has il/eng/mdrabt.htm. published a paper entitled "The But with low rainfall and high Water Conflicts in the Middle East demand, the water level of the from a Palestinian Perspective," —

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www.arij.org/pub/wconflct/. can tolerate water of lower quality, Although the situation is extremely treated wastewater is seen as a serious, there have been some sugges- source of water for irrigation. You can tions about easing Israel's water read more about this and other initiashortage. Despite its current prob- tives at website of Water Research lems, Israel has seen some success in Institute based at the Technion in its battle to conserve water. For Haifa: http://wri.teckiiion.ac.il/. example, visitors to Israel are famil• RAINFALL ENHANCEMENT: iar with "drip irrigation," the tubing Israel began seeding clouds with silthat snakes its way through city ver iodide crystals over the Lake parks and kibbutzim. Thanks mostly Kinneret basin in 1976. Cloud-seedto drip irrigation, Israel's water ing in Israel can significantly increase requirements for apples, bananas and rainfall in a normal winter and propotatoes declined by more than half duce as inuch as an additional 80 milafter its introduction: www.world- lion cubic meters of water. Although bank.org/htinyfp d/technet/drip_ir cloud-seeding is far cheaper than r.htm. desalination, it can only be effective But in order to solve its current when there are suitable rain clouds in problems, Israel will have to do much the area and even then, there is no more. Here are some of the options guarantee that the rain will fall exactly where needed: www.jpost. being discussed: • IMPORTING WATER: Israel is com/Editions/2000/12/14/News/New negotiating a deal with Turkey to s.l7371.html. import up to 50 million cubic meters • WATER BANS: Israelis love their of water a year. The national water lawns. This year, plans for a total ban agency has been instructed to con- watering lawns were discussed but struct a 13-kilometer-long pipeline not approved. There has also been from a wharf in Ashkelon to a reser- talk of no new municipal parks or voir, where the imported water would gardens and the introduction of water be connected to the national water quotas for local authorities. system: http://israeliculture.about. Industries could face a cut in quotas: com/library/extra/blwaterb.htm. wwwjpost.com/Editions/2001/05/2 But importing water is expensive l/News/News.26613Jitml. and Israel,s National Infrastructure • NEW CANALS: One of the oldest Minister has said it should only be schemes for restoring the Dead Sea to considered an emergency measure to its traditional level, is through digbridge the gap until the country ging a canal linking it to the begins producing desalinated water: Mediterranean Sea. The so-called www.jpost.com/Editions/2000/06/ Med-Dead Canal would also take 23/News/News.8607.html. advantage of the 400-meter drop • DESALINATION: "Nuclear between the two bodies of water to desalination plant will be ready by generate hydro-electric power: 1971" reads the headline in the www.unu.edu/unupress/unupDec.18, 1965, edition of The books/uul8ce/uul8ce0e.htm..

Jerusalem Post. "President Lyndon Since the route of the proposed Johnson has assured Prime Minister canal would take it through the Gaza Levi Eshkol of US willingness to help Strip, the United Nations passed a finance the joint US-Israel nuclear Resolution in 1984 condemning a posdesalination plant," the article states: sible canal: www.us-israel.org/jwww.jpost.com/Editions/2001/04/2 source/UN/unga39_101.html. Israel 9/Features/Features.25249.html.

Foreign Minister Shimon Peres advoThe nuclear desalination plant cates a different canal that would never saw the light of day and connect the Dead Sea to the Red Sea: although Israel is a pioneer in www.jewishpost.com/jpextracting salt from salt-water, there 0706/jpn0706h.htm. His "Peace has been a great deal of criticism that Conduit" would be built with the cothe country has been slow in develop- operation of the Kingdom of Jordan ing more desalination plants. The and would become a great unifying country has 40 desalination plants project for the countries. and this year approved the construc"Water," Peres said, "knows nothing tion of a 50 million cubic meter sea- of politics; it flows for all." water desalination plant in Ashkelon.

Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto• WASTEWATER TREATMENT based television producer who AND-REUSE: Agriculture cannot writes, lectures and teaches about afford to pay for the high cost of the Jewish Internet. He can be desalination. But since many crops reached at: Mghway@rogers.com.

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January II, 2002

JCC Offers Variety in Health and Fitness Workouts

New Year's Resolutions Made Easier with Personal Training

by MIKE NOBLE , JCC Health and Fitness Supervisor

The JCC Phil Sokolof a contagious Fitness Center has someenergy that thing for everyone, from spreads"mind-body" exercise throughout the classes like Yoga and entire class," he Pilates to heart pumping noted. "high-energy" classes inFor exercisers cluding Spinning and wanting to Power Pump. Group exerimprove flexicise classes are ideal for bility, strength, people interested in beginposture, balning a fitness program ance, and coorwithout the stress or dination, intimidation of starting a "mind-body" workout regimen based on exercise classes fitness equipment alone. •— ' -— ' such as Pilates One of the JCC's newest Yoga and Pilates classes are offered by the JCC. or Yoga are additions to the Group Exercise circuit is Power available. Pilates uses floor work, exercise balls Pump . . .and it is truly taking off! Taught by a and resistance tubes to condition the entire body, certified instructor, Power Pump is a strength and is particularly effective for developing the torso training class using dumbbells and resistance and abdominal musculature. The exercises emphasize breathing, form and posture with the purpose bands.

JCC member Sherri Passer-Dietrich says that of increasing flexibility, strength and mobility.

Vicki Sanford takes the class because it's differfinding the motivation to workout on her own is sometimes hard. "The extra incentive I get from ent from all other group exercise classes. "Pilates is the other participants really motivates me. The a total body workout. I'm working muscles I instructors are great, they make sure that I'm haven't used since my gymnastic days here at the using safe correct form, and their enthusiasm J," she explained.

Yoga produces the same result as Pilates but makes the class enjoyable," she added.

Spinning, or Cycling, classes at the JCC continue uses more internally focused exercise that may to bring in new and veteran cyclists alike on a help you calm your mind and increase your concenweekly basis. Enthusiastic instructors lead the tration skills.

Member Ann Goldstein stated, "Larisa cycling classes, using fast paced music as additional motivation. All fitness levels can participate in Treskunova (Yoga Instructor) is wonderful. She cycling classes, as the cyclist controls the resis- relates well to all participants and gets the most out of each of us." tance on their own bike.

Both Yoga and Pilates classes are offered during Member Ron Frank says he loves the cycling a variety of times during the daytime and evening. classes because he gets a great workout in a fun and motivating atmosphere. "The instructors have Schedules for all JCC Group Exercise Classes are available at the JCC Member Services Desk.

The Phil Sokolof Fitness Center addresses all fitness needs, from lifting weights to trekking miles on treadmills; from high intensity group exercise to meditative yoga and pilates classes. For more infor-

programs, or to schedule a tour of the JCC, please contact Jill D o y l e , Member Services Coordinator, at 334-6552, or me at 3346422.

byANNEHENGGELER JCC Fitness Staff Supervisor - •

—

With the New Year upon us, consider a couple of sessions with a Certified Personal Trainer.

Whether you need to change your workout program or need to get one started, the JCC offers members the opportunity to train individually or in a group setting with a personal trainer.

The benefits of weight training are tremendous.

Weight training tones your muscles, which causes you to burn more calories 24 hours a day, even while sleeping. Weight training can also reverse the natural decline in your metabolism, which begins around age 30. And it strengthens your bones, reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis, and increases your strength, which gives you confidence and makes daily activities easier.

The benefits of working with a personal trainer are many.

"My stamina has improved, and I feel 200% better," remarked Marty Ricks. "My personal trainer, Ed Heller, works me on the machines that will do me the most good."

Personal trainers work with clients one on one to meet the individual's specific goals; teach the proper technique and variety of lifting weights; provide the challenge for improvement and progress; and motivation towards personal goals.

Just ask Kathy Hirshman, who has been working with a JCC personal trainer for five months.

"Five months ago I made a serious personal commitment to get myself in shape. As part of that commitment, I started a new diet and became serious about weight training with Anne Henggeler, my personal fitness trainer. Minus 30 pounds and 14 and a half inches later, not only do I know I look better, but I know I feel significantly better. My strength, endurance and flexibility have improved beyond what I thought would be possible.

"Working out with Anne has become something I look forward to. She knows how to make me challenge myself and strive to do 'just one more.' If you are serious about feeling better, I strongly recommend developing a training program using one of the professionals in the Fitness Center," she added.

I am certified, along with Ed Heller and Sharon lindstrom, as personal trainers through the American College of Sports Medicine.

For more information regarding personal training, or to schedule a tour of the JCC, please contact Jill - Doyle, Member Services • Coordinator, at 334-6552, or me at 334-6423.

Power 'pumps' in the JCC Fitness Center.

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January 11, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha^NE

Page 11

Are Yoy Curioys f o r SATaste of Judaism?5

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator . ~ ~ ~ ~ i ™ .

Intended for beginners, "A Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?" is a three-session class that starts Thursday, J a n . 24, at Temple Israel.

Participants don't have to know anything about Judaism or Hebrew. In fact, they don't even have to be Jewish.

Originally developed by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAH© for interfaith couples who aren't necessarily interested in enrolling in longer, more formal introduction to Judaism classes, "A Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?" "has been tremendously successful beyond what we originally hoped for," said Kathy Kahn, UAHC Associate Director of Outreach.

Some 44,000 people have already taken the class which explores Judaism's relevance in today's world. "A Taste of Judaism" was first introduced in 1994 as a pilot program. In the first three years, it was presented in about 30 cities. Since 1997, it has been reintroducing Jews and clarifying Judaism to non-Jews in approximately 25 cities each year. The class has been presented in Russian, in French (in Canada), and in Spanish as far away as Alaska, Hawaii and South America.

It's not just the numbers that have been surprising, said ELahn. The class has appealed to people "that we never expected." In addition to interfaith couples, participants who were born Jewish who may not have had any contact with a synagogue since their Bar or Bat Mitzyah, "who have a hunger to learn about Judaism" have been enrolling in the class. "It throws them a line," she said. Kahn also reported that "seekers," people she described as "having no formal religion in their lives" as well as "interested Christians" have taken the course.

Kahn believes that the "key" to "A Taste of Judaism," in addition to being only three sessions and requiring no previous knowledge of Judaism, is "each session stands on its own, and there are no

books, no cost, and no homework." "'A Taste of Judaism' has never been offered in this area,"said Jill Idelman, co-chairman, along with Lee Needelman, of Temple's Outreach Committee. "Based on our own congregation's membership, we are confident that in the community, there are similar situations," referring to interfaith couples as well as "those who may have wandered from their Jewish roots and want to reconnect."

A former "Taste of Judaism" participant, from a small congregation in California, said he took the class because he had "a curiosity and a desire to reconnect with a Jewish community. I had moved away from it and would like to explore a reconnection. I find that I don't know much about being a Jew." A non-Jewish person who enrolled in the class said she was "impressed with the beauty and power of the Jewish Sabbath." After she completed "A Taste of Judaism", she recognized similarities between her Protestant faith and Judaism, and wondered, "How did we (Christians) interpret Judaism so wrongly?"

Idelman encourages "anyone Jewish or nonJewish, who has the desire to learn and wants to get a taste of Jewish spirituality and ethics and understand a little about our community, to register for the class." She indicated that "A Taste of Judaism" will open additional opportunities for further exploration of Judaism for those who are interested.

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will teach the class which will run from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on three consecutive Thursday nights (Jan. 24 and 31, Feb. 7). There is no enrollment fee, but space is limited and registra-« tion is required.

For more information and to register, call Temple Israel at 556-6536.

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—.

Cholent, that special Shabbat stew that was our Eastern European ancestors' idea of comfort food, will be featured on the menu at the "Stew and Stories" luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 26, during the first annual Beth El Synagogue Cholent CookOff. The event is sponsored by BELLS-Beth El Lunch and Learn on Shabbat.

According to Susie Drazen, Beth El Program Director, "All those who want to enter the Cholent Cook-Off Competition should just dig out their favorite cholent recipe and then call me at Beth El at 492-8550 to reserve some cooking time in the synagogue kitchen on either Thursday, Jan. 24, or Friday, Jan. 25. We'll provide the meat, beans and vegetables, then we'll serve each variety at the

BELLS luncheon, vote, and decide which recipe is the winner!"

After lunch, Ozzie Nogg, Beth El's resident storyteller, will share some personal meisehs that show how the food we ate as children can provide all of us with warm memories.

Cost of the luncheon is $7.50 for adults, and $5 for children under 12. Reservations for the lunch, which begins after Shabbat morning services, may be made before Wednesday, Jan.23, by calling the Beth El office at 492-8550. Free baby-sitting is also available by advance reservation from 12:451:45 p.m. This special taste treat and adult story time is presented by the Adult Education.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 11,2002

'Elvis' Sighting Predicted at Beth El's Sock Hop

by OZZIE NOGG

If you love to wallow in nostalgia, you'll want to be at the Sock Hop sponsored by Beth El Synagogue Sister hood on Saturday, J a n . 19, when Bobbie socks, poodle skirts, Levis and white Tshirts will be part of the approved dresscode.

Remember The Opener-The Turkey Trot-- The Spring Fling—and all those other fabulous high school dances you went to at Peony Park back in the 1950's?

Remember the evenings you spent at Tiner's and the Saddle Creek Drivein after the movies? If you long for the good old days, the Sock Hop will zap you right back to your teens.

According to Co-Chairmen Julie Stein and Kathy Weiner, "The Social Hall will be jumping from 7 p.m. to midnight, and the $12.50 per person cost includes grilled-on-the-spot burgers, footlongs and curly-Q fries, plus dancing to the DJ from Bandstand Music. So put on your Blue Suede

Doing some advance food-prep for the Beth El Sisterhood Sock Hop are: Helen Kay, left, Kathy Weiner, Lynne Shkolnik, M'Lee Hasslinger, Gayle Tichauer and Amy Reynolds.

Shoes and join us! This will be the best dance at the gym, ever!"

The Sock Hop is open to the entire community. No dance partners are required. For more details and information, call Julie Stein at 496-9964, or Kathy Weiner at 397-8028.

Reservations may also be made through the Beth El office, 492-8550.

Decent Training Scheduled for''Unpacking on the Prairie1

by DIANE AXLER BAUM

—

—

The "Unpacking on the Prairie" committee has scheduled a two-part course of docent training to be offered at alternative times. The sessions will be presented in the Social Hall of the JCC; part one of the course will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 79 p.m., and repeated Thursday, J a n . 17, 1-3 p.m. Part two is Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7-9 p.m., and. again on Friday, Jan. 25,1-3 p.m.

Docent trainees will prepare to lead age-appropriate tours of this extraordinary traveling exhibit, opening Jan. 27, 2-4 p.m., at the JCC, said Midge Bowers, docent training coordinator. To register for both parts of the course, call her at 393-5722.

"Unpacking on the Prairie: Jewish Women in the Upper Midwest" will remain at the JCC through April 21.

The innovative, interactive exhibit uses the voices of four generations of Jewish women to show how they transported and transformed their Jewish culture and religion from the shtetls and towns of Europe to the wilderness of the Great Plains.

"With the support of our docents, we look forward to offering entertainment and multi-cultural enrichment to individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds," said Caryn Rifkin, coordinator of the exhibit in Omaha.

Invitations to arrange docent-led tours have been sent to Jewish religious schools, public and private schools, colleges, churches, youth groups and scout troops throughout the metropolitan area.

The Omaha showing is a joint effort of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Jewish Cultural Arts Council. The following have provided financial support: the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, the Herbert Goldsten Trust, the Nebraska Humanities Council, the Esther K. Newman Memorial Fund, and the Carolyn Kully Newman Memorial Fund. For more information, or to schedule a group tour, call Dottie Rosenblum at NJHS, 334-6441. Information is also available from Rachel Blum at JCAC, 334-6404.

Kooper and'Fellman Scholarships Now Available

by JEWISH PRESS News Service — — — . ___™ The Robert H. & Dorothy G. Kooper Trustees for the Kooper Trust Charitable Foundation Trust and the include Howard and Sharon Kooper Bruce M. Fellman Charitable and Tom Fellman. Trustees for the Foundation Trust have announced Fellman Trust include Darlynn the availability of college scholarships Fellman, Terri Schrager and Howard for the 2002-03.academic year. Based Kooper. on financial need, the scholarships Applications are available by callare available for Jewish students con- ing 392-1800. Deadline is April 1, tinuing post-secondary education.

2002.

February 3 Jewish Community Center 12:30-2 p.m.

Our Phil Sokolof Fitness Center has dozens of high-tech programs in a low-key, comfortable setting, Programs include spinning, pilates, yoga, step-aerobic and tae box to name a few. The Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center is a gentle transition from home to a loving, learning social experience. Just two ways families grow together here in body, mind and spirit. •

FREE admission when you bring your tzedakah box you decorated in religious school!

Start a new family tradition. Come in today and see. „ how it feels to be right where You Belong. To schedulea tour or for more information, please contact: Jill Doyle, Member Services Coordinator at 334-6552, or Lisa Shkolnick, Assistant Executive Director at 334-6425.