March 8, 2002

Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Highlights B'nai B'rith Banquet

by HOWARD BORDEN

Five Members of One Family Killed in Suicide Bomb Attack

—

Emmy-winning CBS Gibbs. He currently works announcer and sports with former New York host Greg Gumbel will be Giants' quarterback Phill the guest speaker at the Simms on CBS' lead NPL annual B'nai B'rith Sports play-by-play team.

Banquet this year on Gumbel also serves as Wednesday, May 8, 5:45 the host for the CBS p.m., with dinner beginbroadcast of the NCAA ning an hour later. The Men's Basketball event is at a new location, Tournament and the Final the Holiday Inn Four, U.S. Open Tennis Convention Center, 72nd Tournament and is lead and Grover, with media announcer on the College personality Otis XII World Series here in reprising his popular role Omaha. as master of ceremonies.

Gumbel is in his second This marks the 48th tour of duty at CBS. His annual sports banquet first stint occurred in a six sponsored by the Henry -year period beginning in Monsky Lodge of B'nai October, 1989. He hosted B'rith. The Lodge annualthe Emmy Award-winning ly honors the Metro-ai'ea pre-game, half-time and high school male and post-game show, "The NFL female athletes of the Today." He also served as year with the Bert Render primetime anchor of CBS and Earl Siegel Memorial Sports' coverage of the Greg Gumbel Awards. B'nai B'rith also record-setting 1994 distributes a portion of the proceeds to local chari- Olympic Winter Games from Lillehammer, Norway ties and their programs. and as co-anchor for the weekday morning broad"Gumbel will bring a special excitement to our casts of the 1992 Winter Olympics from Albertville, tribute," noted Gil Cohen, Banquet Chairman. "He France. is critically acclaimed for his work in broadcast His other host roles included Major League sports journalism, and speaks to many groups Baseball and college football broadcasts. His playaround the country. He's eager to visit with sports by-play duties included a regular-season and fans at our banquet.

NCAA tournament college basketball, regular-seaThe veteran announcer has worked with some of son and playoff NBA basketball, Major League the greatest names in sports broadcasting, includ- Baseball and College Baseball World Series ing Terry Bradshaw, John Madden, Joe Morgan, Championship games.

Bill Walton, Mike Ditka, Cris Collinsworth and Joe (Continued on Page 15)

'Film andFashion5 Promises Good Time

by RACHEL BLUM, JCC Program Director • The JCC's Jewish Cultural Arts Department is bringing film and fashion to the Jewish community.

Film and Fashion, which takes place on Thursday, March 14, 7 pan., features the documentary, Dita and the Family Business. Following the film, local teens from the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization will model clothing from Gordmans, introducing the hottest fashions of the spring season.

The film, created in 1999, documents the rise of the fashion industry while exploring the colorful history of the unique and glamorous Jewish family that created Bergdorf-Goodman's. The director, whose great-grandfather founded the posh New York department store, focuses on his grandmother, Dita, a Catholic divorcee from Cuba who married Andrew Goodman, the Jewish successor to the family business.

Gordmans has its own unique history, beginning when Sam Richman, a Russian immigrant opened a store at 16th and Chicago in downtown Omaha. In 1936, Richman met Dan Gordman, who was at the time, dating his daughter, Esther.

Richman and Gordman made a good team, and in 1948, they opened a second store in South Omaha, and renamed the stores "Richman Gordman."

By the early 1970s, the company had extended beyond Omaha and had locations in Des Moines, Topeka, and Council Bluffs. As the company continued to grow, so did their ideas, which led to an experiment in South Omaha to sell quality merchandise at half the price-thus, the Half-Price Store, which eventually expanded to 16 stores in five states.

When Jeff Gordman became CEO in 1996, he too

THE JCC JEWISH CULTURAL ARTS DEPARTMENT PRESENTS,..

FILM aU FASHION Thursday March 14,2002

7:00 pro JCC Theatre

7 pm—Film, Ptfa nn4 the Family-Business 8 pro—Gorman's Fash/or? Show Childcare available free of charge in the JCC Game Room

$5

Tickets can be purchased at JCC Member Services, or by contacting Rachel Sponsored by the Lindsey MillerLerman and the Avy L. and Roberta Blum at 334-6404

L Miller Foundation and Gordman's

had a vision for the company. "To continue the success of the company, the Half-Price Store concept was repositioned into Gordmans, allowing the focus to be on offering big savings on name brands. We are continually refining and enhancing our name brand portfolio along with the upgrading of our stores' visual presentation, which offers that unique shopping experience."

Gordmans has worked closely with the Jewish Cultural Arts Department and is supplying the clothing and accessories for the fashion show. Film and Fashion has received funding from the Lindsey Miller-Lerman and the Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Foundation. Free childcare will be available through the Youth Department. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at Member Services or by calling me at 334-6404.

Five members of the.same family were among nine people killed in a suicide bombing in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Yisrael. The bomber stood next to a group of mothers and their babies in strollers at the entrance to the synagogue and detonated a large explosive.

The Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a military wing of Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement, took responsibility for the attack. The bomber was from the Deheisheh refugee camp near the West Bank city of Bethlehem. The residents of the camp took to the streets in celebration of the attack; similar celebrations took place earlier in Ramallah. photo by ISRANET.

Beth El Presents Cantor's Cabaret

by OZZIE NOGG —

-

Plans are in the works for Beth El Synagogue's annual Cantor's Concert, scheduled for Sunday, April 7, 7 p.m. This year's guest artists are Herschel and Judy Fox — a cantonal duo who has electrified audiences in countless appearances throughout the country for more than 20 years.

Herschel Fox has traveled as a singer/actor in the Yiddish theater, starred in musical comedy and has been described as "a sort of Yiddish Jimmy Stewart" by The New York Times. He currently serves as Cantor of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, CA, one of the leading conservative congregations in the country.

Judy Fox was a Catskills favorite and a popular singer in the New York night club circuit. She is currently the Cantor for the Synagogue of the Performing Arts, the original synagogue for the entertainment industry, in Beverly Hills.

According to Cantor Emil Berkovits of Beth El, "The Foxes combine Yiddish humor, Cantorial and Hassidic music with Broadway and American Nostalgia and deliver it all with warmth and good taste. This concert will be held in the Social Hall, cabaret-style, so seating will be limited. We invite the entire community to reserve their tickets now."

Cost of four Maestro tickets is $500. Two tickets come with each of the following ticket categories: Benefactor -- $100; Donor -- $75; Sponsor - $50; Patron — $36. For reservations, call the Beth El office, 492-8550, by March 25. All proceeds from the concert benefit the Beth El Youth Scholarship Fund.

INSIDE: Where are They Now Passover Recipes

page 7

...............pages 8 and 12

Stanford Scholar at Temple...

page 11

Purim Around the Heartland

page 14

Jewish. Press, Omaha, HE

"Page 2

March 8, 2002

The Sanctuary is Completed!

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FRIDAY, MARCH 8 Beth El USY Kadima Kinnus at Lake Doniphan Conference Center, through Sunday Temple Israel "Shabbat Comes to You", 3:30 p.m.

BBYO's "Shabbat Across America/Canada", 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Outreach Program, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel 39 Forever Lunch before Exhibit Tour, noon Temple Israel Club 56, noon NAGS International Women's Day Celebration, 1 p.m.

Dance Experience Rehearsals, 2 p.m.

Workplace Violence Awareness, 4 p.m.

Pushkin Club, 4:30 p.m.

Greek Dinner, 5:30 p.m., at Beth Israel MONDAY, MARCH 11 YES Program, 10 a.m. , OTYG Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Boy Scouts, 7 p.m.

Holiday Workshop: Pesach, Part I, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel TUESDAY, MARCH 12 Annual Ministers Institute, 10 a.m., at Temple Sisterhood Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., at Beth Israel Federation Executive Committee Mtng, 6 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

BBG and AZA Council Elections, 6 p.m.

Talmud with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel JCC Budget Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 JCC Budget Committee Meeting, 7 p.m, THURSDAY, MARCH 14 Adult Education, 9 a.m., at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. .

Religious School Committee, 6 p.m., at Temple JFS Becoming a Love & Logic Parent, 6 p.m.

Priedel Jewish Academy Parent/Teacher Conferences, 6 p.m.

• Federation Budget & Allocations Meeting, 7 p.m.

BBYO Film and Fashion, 7 p.m.

JCC Budget Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

NCSY Latte & Learning, 7:30 p.m., at Border's All events hald at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press Is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

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

Kohll's PHARMACY & HOMECARE CitywicSe Delivery 7 Locations

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE —-—--——-----— Parashat VaYakhel, Parashat P'kudey, Parashat HaHodesh These last two Sidrot of the Book of Exodus happen to be on the same Sabbath as the third of the four special Sabbaths before Passover, In this third special Sabbath, Shabbat HaHodesh, we welcome the month of Nissan, in which Passover occurs. It is the month of the birth of the Jewish people.

The two Sidrot by themselves describe the final events in the construction of the Sanctuary of the wilderness. In a very real sense, this Sanctuary also marks the birth of the Jewish people. For a Sanctuary, a place of worship, becomes a center of attention and, thus, a center of the spiritual growth of a people which, until now, has been amorphous. It is the Sanctuary which gives goal and purpose to a people. It defines the people's inner hopes and inner desiderata.

It is because of this that people have been so zealous with their religions over the centuries and so willing to give their blood where necessary to maintain their religious integrity.

We think of the Pilgrims who were among the first Americans. We think of Bilu, the Jews who were among the first to settle in unsettled Israel, although it is fair to say that it was religio-national rather than simply religious ideals which motivated them. The whole land seemed to them to be a religious Sanctuary.

I remember that when I was a small boy, I was mildly shocked to hear my teacher say that he was about to leave, not for Jerusalem, but for a small town whose name I did not know. He then pointed out to me that the whole land is holy, the whole land is a sanctuary.

There was destruction in the land of Israel, both in 722 and in 586 B.C.E., and Solomon's Temple and a second temple were both destroyed, the last destruction being in the first century of our era.

But it is one thing to destroy a building, and it is quite another to destroy the Sanctuary t h a t remains in the hearts of worshippers. And it is in these spiritual, not physical, Sanctuaries that the presence of the Lord is felt.

Federation Annual Meeting Stated for June

by JEWISH PRESS News Service

The Jewish Federation of Omaha will hold its 99th Annual Meeting on Monday, June 3, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Community members and Jewish organizations are invited to submit nominations for Humanitarian of the Year, Community Service Award, Young Leadership Awards (men and women under age 40) and Jewish Teen Leadership Award.

Nomination packets and award guidelines are available by calling Kathy McGauvran at the Federation office, 334-6427. In addition to honoring outstanding volunteers, the Federation will elect and install officers. The Annual Meeting is free and open to the community.

Jewish Values and the Movies at Beth El Melavah Malkah

by JEWISH PRESS News Service —

- — —

A Melavah Malkah--the song-filled traditional ceremony that bids goodbye to the Shabbat-will be held at Beth El Synagogue on Saturday, March 16. The observance will start at 6:20 p.m., with Mincha/Ma'ariv.

Following services, at 7:15 p.m., Omaha psychologist Steve Skulsky will present: "I Learned All My Jewish Values from the Movies"~an entertaining look at Jewish values as seen through the. unique lens of the movies.

Refreshments will be served. Advance tickets are $2.50. Tickets that evening are $3. For reservations, please call the Beth El office by March 13, 492-8550.

CORRECTION In the article about Lana Kinarsky becoming Chaim Weizmann's first sweetheart who hails from the former Soviet Union, it was incorrectly stated that her family arrived here in 2002; they arrived in 1992. The Jewish Press regrets the error.

ROSABESSER Rosa Besser died Jan. 15 at the age of 88 in New York City. Services were held in New York on Feb. 16.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David.

Survivors include son and daughter in-law, Jake and Susan Besser of Omaha; daughter and son inlaw, Ellen and Sam Rausman of Woodmere, NY; grandchildren, Michael Besser and his fiancee, Anna Gologorsky, Deborah and Dr. Alan Kricsfeld, all of Omaha, Brina and Elliot Ganchrow of Teaneck, NJ, and Jason Rausman of Woodmere, NY; one great-grandson; sisters, Genia Messer of Montreal, Canada, and Eva Munn of Costa Rica; and a brother, Wolf Nitka of Natzeret Elit, Israel.

Memorials to charity of choice.

EDWIN G. FARBER Former Lincolnite Edwin G. Farber died in Grosse Pointe Park, MI, at the age of 76. Services were held in Ann Arbor.

Farber was a sales representative for the Arrow Shirt Company.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Polowe Farber.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Douglas and Rosetta Farber, James and Margo Farber, John and M a r t a Farber; daughter, Cynthia Davis; grandchildren, Lia, Kevin, Drew, Sara, Rachel, Jaclyn, Ellen and Matthew; and a brother, Donald Farber.

Memorials to charity of choice.

DONIA TEMPLE Services for Donia C. Temple, 89, were held March 1 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

A survivor of the Holocaust, she was a longtime employee of Boys Town as a stage decorator.

She is survived by her husband, Lorin M.; daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Neil Engstrom; son, Frank P. Temple; grandchildren, Jesse, Alex, Nick, Marisa, Darryl and Sam; and one great-granddaughter.

Memorials to Temple Israel.

PAUL R. ROSEN Paul Robert Rosen died March 1 at the age of 55.

Services were held March 3 at Temple Israel, with burial at Beth El Cemetery.

Rosen was President of Louis Market, originally founded as a fruit and vegetable market by his grandfather, Louis Paperny. He also served as President of the Omaha Wine and Food Society in 1991-92.

He is survived by his wife, Joanie; sons, John ? and Adam; mother, Rose Rosen; and brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Margo Rosen.

Memorials to charity of choice.

ALBERT FRIEDMAN Services for Albert Friedman were held at Fisher Farm Cemetery on March 4. He died March 1.

Survivors include his wife, Esther; sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Sidney and Barbara Friedman and Murray and P a t Friedman, all of Milwaukee; daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Dr. Steven Lauter of St. Louis, MO; nine grandchildren; one great-grandson; and a sister, Gloria Friedman.

Memorials to Beth Israel Synagogue.

ROBERTA WEINER Graveside services for Roberta Weiner were held March 5 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was 93.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry.

Survivors include sister-in-law, Sylvia Rackovsky; three nephews; four great-nieces and 10 greatgreat-nieces and nephews.

Memorials to Beth Israel Synagogue.

ROSA KOOPERMAN Graveside services for Rosa Kooperman of Youngstown, OH, formerly of Omaha, were held March 5 at Golden Hills Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob.

Survivors, include son and daughter-in-law, Sam and Kathy Kooperman; daughter and son-in-law, Dora and Leonard Shefren; and five grandchildren.

Memorials to Heritage Manor, 517 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504.

March 8, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

CANDLELSGHTING Friday, March 8

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FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You, 3:45 p.m., Cantor Wendy Shermet and members of OTYG will lead a Shabbat Service at Remington Heights; Shabbat Evening Service, 8 p.m., Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate.

Rabbi Stiel will give the sermon. The Oneg Shabbat is sponsored by Diane and Lonnie Graul in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Leslie.

SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:3010:15 aan. Please join us as we continue our study of "Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The S'hma and Its Blessings;" Services, 10:30 a.m.

Leslie Graul will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, March 12, "The Still, Small Voice: Wrestling with the Meaning of Divine in Judaism," 7-8:30 pan., John Dacey will explore theological perspectives in Judaism about the mystery of God. WEDNESDAY, March 13, Jewish Meditation, 10-11:30 aan., Mimi Rogers will lead this Jewish Journey Group through spiritual growth.

THURSDAY, March 14, Beyond Basic Hebrew, 9:15-10 a.m., Elyce Azriel is the instructor; Adult Study with Cantor Wendy Shermet, 10-11:30 aan.

The focus is on "The Jewish Year Through Music" which will include Shabbat and holiday songs; Basic Judaism, 7:30-9 p.m.

HEALING AND RENEWAL SERVICE TUESDAY, March 12, 7 p.m., Cantor Wendy Shermet and Temple President Michael Walts will lead this cathartic and inspirational service.

TEMPLE'S ANNUAL DELI NIGHT SUNDAY, March 17, 5 and 6 p.m., Please call to make your reservations for two seating times of great food (take out orders also available).

Sponsored by Temple Israel's Men's Club and Women of Reform Judaism.

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, 6:10 pan.; The West Minyan is at the home of Donald and Maggie Gerber, 6:10 pan.

SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; Free Babysitting starts at 10 aan. and runs through the conclusion of services; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 1 pan., Havdalah, 7:06 p.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m., and 6:15 p.m., Kosher Greek Dinner, 5:30 pan.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m., and 6:15 p.m.

TUESDAY: Sisterhood Luncheon, 12:30 pan., featuring a Passover Cooking Demonstration; Holiday Workshop with Rabbi Kutner, "Passover Products: the Permissible, the Prohibited and the Possible," 7 p.m. Plan on attending part two next Tuesday: "How to conduct your own Seder: an Overview of the Laws and Customs of Seder Night."

WEDNESDAY: Beth EL Board of Commissioners Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: NCSY Latte & Learning, 7:30 p.m., at Border's Cafe, 72nd and Dodge.

Rabbi Kutner will lead a session on "Preparing Ourselves for Pesach."

PRE-PASSOVER PIZZA DINNER March 26, 5:45 p.m., in the JCC auditorium.

Enjoy an entire meal (catered by Blumkin Home) for just $6.50 per person; organized by Lynne Saltzman. Please make your reservations with the office by March 21.

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 IArvit I'shabbat, 6 pan.

SATURDAY: P'sukei D'Zimrah, followed by Shabbat Shacharit, 9:30 a.m., Members of Men's Club will participate in morning services. Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; TSS (grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; KTantan (K-3), 10:45 aan.; Shabbat Story Time (preK & under), 11 aan.; BELLS luncheon follows services; Humash CZass with Rabbi Drazen, 5:40 pan.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 6:10 pan., in the Chapel.

FREE SITTER SERVICE Available every Shabbat morning from 10 aan. to the conclusion of services. These programs welcome children ages 18 months-kindergarten, in their age-appropriate program.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Minha/Ma'ariv, 5:30 p.m.; Perek Yomi will meet for the study of the Book of Exodus, 10:15 a.m.,- BILU USY PURIM Carnival, 11:15 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information about fun, food and prizes, call Beth El at 492-8550.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 6:55 a.m.; Minha/Ma'ariv, 5:30 p a n . Join us every day for breakfast after minyan.

ADULT B'NAI MITZVAH CLASS WEDNESDAY, M a r c h 13, "Jewish Thought" with Rabbi Drazen, and Hebrew with Cantor Berkovits, 7:30 p.m.

ADULT MELAVAH MALKA SATURDAY, MARCH 16: Following Minha/Maariv services, join usfora look at Jewish values as seen through the movies.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

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Saturday Morning Services, 9 a.m., led by Andrew Greenberg. Kiddush follows services.

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MONDAY-FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

MONDAY: Geneses Lunch, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

TUESDAY: Womanly Art of Prayer, 9:30-11 a.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 1-3:30 pan. Pre-Pesach Party for children; bake your own matza and create a personal hagaddah.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. An Oneg Shabbat will follow.

Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser.

FRIDAY: Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.-noon SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 aan.; Religious School, 10 aan., Exodus Walk, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 p.m.

TUESDAYS: Introduction to Judaism, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS: AA Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Library THURSDAYS: Haggadah Studies, 7 p.m.

FRD3AY: Shabbat services for the congregation, 7:30 pan.

SATURDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

SUNDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 9:45 a.m., at the JCC. TUESDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 4 p.m., at the JCC.

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and T h u r s d a y , 7:15 aan.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Junior Congregation, 10:15 aan. Parent /child Book Club, following services.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Pirkei Avot, 10 aan.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12 AND 19: Aleph Bet class, 7:15 p.m., year-long course in Jewish living and Jewish thought; Introduction to Judaism, 8:15 pan.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14: Contemporary Issues, 8 p.m.

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Sheldon Gallner, will become a Bar Mitzvah

on Saturday, March 16, at Temple Israel.

A seventh grade distinguished scholar honor student at Westside Middle School, he enjoys sports, as well as i movies and games.

I Spencer qualified for the Duke University Talent Search. For his m i t z v a h project, he coached first grade basketball at the JCC. Spencer has a sister, Elyse, 17.

Grandparents are Sylvia Phillips of Columbia, MO, and Robert Lohsse of CO, and the late David and Esther Gallner.

Great-grandparents are the late Sam and Ida Sacks, and the late Morris Speir.

M a r c i E l i z a b e t h R o s e n b e r g , daughter of Brenda Mentgen and Mark Rosenberg, will

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March 15, at Congregation B'nai Jeshuran (South Street Temple) in Lincoln.

A seventh-grader at Luz Middle School, she enjoys playing volleyball and basketball, as well as shopping with her friends.

M,irci has a hrother, Eric, 15.

Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Richard Martin of Omaha and the late Marshall Zalkin, David Rosenberg of Hastings, NE, Myrna Rosenberg of Grand Island. Great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Louis Reiner of Longview, TX,

'

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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March 8, 2002

The Saudis and the Peace Process

Don't be fooled by the latest "peace proposal" put forth by the Saudi Arabian government. It's not the first, but like clockwork, every 10 years, one prince or another comes out with a "peace proposal" that's guaranteed to take the heat off Arafat (and the problems of Saudi Arabia) and put the blame on Israel.

"If only Israel would dismantle all the settlements" is one recurring theme of these so-called peace proposals. Of course, there were no "settlements" in June of 1967, when, after winning a war in only six days against four Arab nations, Israel offered to return every inch of land captured "if only" the Arab countries would recognize Israel's right to exist.

They didn't, and the rest, as they say, is history.

However, the Palestinians have had many more chances to actually govern a country instead of terrorizing their Jewish neighbors. The latest offer, made in August of 2000 by President Bill Clinton, would have given a Palestinian government control over 96% of the West Bank (which, by the way, never, never belonged to the Palestinians! It was under control of the British Mandate which proposed a two-state settlement in 1947; when the Arabs rejected it and began the war against the fledgling state of Israel in 1948, Jordan captured that territory and held on to it until 1967. Where was the outcry then?)

The news media continues to make glaring errors,, too, the latest one on Page 2 in Sunday's World Herald, when a suicide bombing attack is noted as having taken place in an "East Jerusalem neighborhood." Beit Yisrael is a neighborhood near

Meah Sha'arim, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Jerusalem, built nearly a hundred years ago west of the Old City Walls in an area that was never an Arab neighborhood, either before or after 1948.

Other neighborhoods of Jerusalem, like Mount Scopus, for example, were in Jewish hands prior to 1948 (it's the home of Hebrew University) captured

by Jordanians until the Six Day War in 1967.

Others like Givat Ze'ev, to the northwest of Jerusalem and Ma'aleh Adumim, were uninhabited hills and now serve as home to thousands of Jews of all religious backgrounds who were mainly interested in the lower cost housing and green space.

So now the Israeli government is supposed to consider this peace proposal (which takes Israel back to borders only seven miles across and,f>nce again, divides the Old City of Jerusalem, to which Jews had no access from 1948 to 1967). And in the meantime, the suicide bombers keep coming and the snipers keep killing, thanks to Olso, which allowed the PA to arm 50,000 terrorists they call their police force.

Separation may be the only real way out of this mess. But that means Israel will have to assert the right of eminent domain (just like any state or local government in the United States) to make efficient and safe boundaries between Jewish and Arab enclaves (especially around Jerusalem). No right of return for Palestinians to Israel-proper and Jerusalem stays undivided. (Gaza they can have.)

Do the Saudis really want peace? Since they've never offered citizenship to Palestinians living in their country, it seems a little disingenuous.

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My Mother is a Jew and My Father Is a Jew

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Dry Homes

by ERICA RAUZIN — - — - — — - • — — - . - » _ - _ _ _ _ _ .

I know Purim was last week, but I am still haunted by one line in the Megillah. Mordechai tells Esther that her high position will not protect her if the Jews are attacked. He warns her, in Chapter Four, "Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape.. .more than all the Jews."

In other words, if they are coming, they will come for you. This is the message of anti-Semitism and of evil, from Haman to Hitler.

Why does this haunt me, right now, as a Jew and as an American and as a journalist?

Because, you see, they came for Daniel Pearl.

They trapped him; they tortured him; they murdered him. And he is us.

Daniel Pearl, only 38 years old, did not have a big profile, although his work was respected. He had not yet achieved the national fame that, one day, his caliber of work could have earned. And, insofar as he was a public person, because his byline appeared regularly in The Wall Street Journal, he was not a public Jew or an American spokesman.

Most likely, he usually took being an American for granted, as many citizens did before Sept. 11 (although those of us who are the children of veterans or survivors or both were bred to appreciate this country).

If you had asked Pearl, "Who are you?" perhaps he would have replied, "I am a newspaper reporter" or "I am Mariane's husband and we are about to be parents," before he would have answered, "I am an American and I am a Jew." One colleague called him "just a regular guy."

In terms of his public persona, he was a reporter.

For many years, so was I, although I was never a foreign correspondent. I earned my degrees in journalism and did my apprenticeship as a summer intern at The Charlotte Observer and as a television critic, city desk reporter and night-shift cop reporter at the St. Petersburg Times.

•AJVA-

I worked as an all-around beat reportSr on a neighborhood bi-weekly. I loved being a reporter. It was different every day and it was often exciting, or illuminating, or touching, or useful as a public service. I did a couple of jailhouse interviews that felt a little risky, but I never seriously thought I could get hurt as a reporter.

As a reporter, even when you are covering a shoot-out, or an emergency room, or a car wreck, you are an observer. You are a paid watcher and recorder. You usually don't feel like you are in the line of fire, even if you might be.

In fact, to steal an image from the old Colgate toothpaste commercial, you feel as if you have an invisible guard-all shield made of a narrow, green, spiral-bound notepad and a 50(2 ballpoint pen.

But, more and more now, journalists are dying in the line of duty, more than a dozen this year, from South American to Afghanistan. The guard-all shield is a thing of the past, and has been for some time.

However, Daniel Pearl didn't die only because he was a journalist. That's just how they captured him. He died of being an American and a Jew. When the forces of hatred can come for Daniel Pearl, they can come for us.

This threat is increasingly personal. It is not only personal in downtown Jerusalem or in the rubble of the World Trade Towers. It is personal here at home, reading the morning paper, deciding whether to have caf or decaf. It is particularly personal if you are an American and Jewish.

Maybe my analysis is wrong (I am not a pro at this), but as far as I can figure out, in this wave of modern terrorism, Daniel Pearl is the first American killed because he was a Jew. Of course, Israeli Jews are consistently targeted and slaughtered by terrorists and many World Trade Center victims were Jewish. But this lone

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man—an American who was doing the same job that a few dozen other Americans are doing in the same perilous place—was distinguished by and murdered for his religion.

In phrases many of us could say, Daniel Pearl is reported to have stated, "My mother is a Jew and my father is a Jew and I am a Jew," and then they killed him for it.

Erica Rauzin is a free-lance writer who lives in North Miami Beach, FL.

To the Editor: Planning for the 2002 JCC Maccabi Games in Omaha this summer is well under way. The excitement and support from our community is tremendous and we thank you!

More than 800 athletes from around the United States and a visiting delegation from Israel will be visiting Omaha Aug. 4-9 for an unprecedented event in our community, and we still need homes for our visitors. „ We've been busy soliciting your help through the mail, advertisements, and phone-athons, and we would appreciate so much if you could call us and volunteer your home.

Housing our visitors is one of our biggest challenges. Every athlete must be housed in a Jewish home, and we desperately need your help.

Call Corey Eirshenbaum at the JCC, 334-6415, or any one of us. Thank you!

Jody Malashock and Marcia Pitlor, Maccabi Overall Co-chairmen; Kimberly Robinson, Eadie Tsabari, . Sheri Abramson and Maggie Gerber, Housing Chairmen

Fred Tichauer Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Maureen La Pour Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Lloyd Roitstein, Immediate Past-chairman; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Linda Saltzman; Howard Silber; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member).

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press js not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

March 8, 2002 .. , ' . - . .

5

• : •

A Light Unto the Jews

by RABBI JEROME EPSTEIN —

Virtually all Jewish population act of gemilut hesed each day. studies note the large number of Second let us pledge to live the Conservative Jews who do not live Jewish calendar. For most Jews, the life or values that we teach.

Saturday is just a day off and not Because our open ideology wel- Shabbat. Sukkot is merely another comes Jews without placing guilt day in the year. To create a Jewish upon them for non-observance, we religious renaissance, let us begin to have attracted and embraced a grow- focus on a limited number of positive ing membership. Yet growth alone commandments to put these special does not reflect our vision or our mis- days on each Jew's agenda. Let us sion. For, we are dedicated to the pledge to light candles, make conservation of Jewish living through Kiddush and have a special meal as Jewish transformation. However, we we usher in Shabbat each week and have not given this mission the atten- for each of the major Festivals. tion it deserves. And so large numThird, let us make a pledge to eat bers of Conservative Jews are not yet as a Jew. Although the totality of the living Conservative Judaism. mitzvot regarding Jewish eating is As the Prophet Isaiah challenged important, we must begin by avoiding our ancestors to become an Or those foods that the Torah forbids us Lagoylm, a 'light unto the nations," I to eat. By avoiding shellfish and pork want to urge Conservative Jews to products, we begin to make a statebecome an Or LaYehudim, a light ment that we are Jews. But, eating as unto the Jews. Today, we must a Jew means mote than observing the become, the beacon to inspire rules of kashrut (dietary laws). Let us Conservative Jews to live a more ful- commit ourselves to begin each meal filling and meaningful life. with the motzi (blessing over bread).

Our vision of inspiring commit-, Fourth let us pledge to learn as a ment to Jewish living must become Jew. Conservative Judaism is the centerpiece of a new Conservative steeped in the ideology that Jewish Congregation Agenda. learning is vital but the texts are Conservative Judaism is filled with impotent unless we learn them. As a promise—promise that has never been minimum, however, let us commit realized. We properly focus our ourselves to read a chapter of the financial and human resources on our Tanakh (the Five Books of Moses, youth. Yet, without the simultaneous Prophets, and Scrolls) each day creation of a living and dynamic through Perek Yomi which will begin Conservative Jewish community in its second cycle in April. Or, beginwhich they will comfortably associate, ning this spring, let us, as there can be no real substance to Conservative Jews, participate in Conservative Jewish life.

Mishnah Yomit and-study Mishnah For when the youth who take what each day. we teach seriously mature, they often Fifth let us pledge to perpetuate enter congregations void of the Jewish Jewish life. Make a commitment to values or practices that we taught raise a Jewish family. As the number them. They abandon what they of Jews who choose to intermarry learned and emulate the apathy of vet- increases, there are those who—in eran members or they choose to prac- despair—say that the battle is lost. tice what they have been taught-usuThe rising level of intermarriage ally not in a Conservative synagogue. requires new outreach strategies to Although we are sometimes intimi- inspire those who have chosen to love dated by segments of the Jewish com- and commit their lives to non-Jews to munity accusing us of cheapening raise Jewish families. And, we must Judaism when we do not expect total create those strategies because only adherence to all of the commandments, in our success will we motivate those we can learn from our ancestors 2400 who intermarry to create a rich years ago. Their pledge was not a total Jewish home life. commitment to Jewish living.

But, at the same time, we must Instead, while acknowledging that never become "neutral" or "accepting" living the entirety of halacha was the of intermarriage as the norm. We ideal, they began their re-dedication must continue the struggle to create a by pledging to observe a limited num- communal expectation of intermarber of core mitzvot in a compact of riage or meaningful conversion in commitment. This became the foun- order to perpetuate Jewish living. dation on which that society re-built Sixth make a pledge to build a Jewish life. bridge to Israel. The mitzvah (comToday, I call upon Conservative mandment) of aliyah ('going up' to Jews to join with me in creating a Israel) is important. Make a visit to 21st Century foundation for Jewish Israel a priority. But, even if you're living through our own Conservative not going to Israel, set aside some Compact of Jewish Commitment so money each week to help someone that each of us can be an Or else visit or live there.

The articulation of this new Compact LaYehudim, First, we must pledge to act as Jews is easy. The challenge is in harnessing to improve the world and enrich the energy for its implementation.

Our society is different than lives of God's children. Giving tzedakah through our synagogues Isaiah's and a different challenge is and Federation is important. But, we called for. We must become the beamust also train our members to give con to inspire Conservative Jews to personal tzedakah directly to the live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. The goal must not be to lower hungry and the homeless.

Our personal acts of gemilut hesed: expectations; but to create the "bandvisiting the sick, consoling the wagon effect" of commitment to mourner, tutoring the illiterate, feed- Jewish living—in which we are all ing the hungry can make a difference involved and growing. in the world. Let us pledge to take on Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein is the the commitment of personal tikkun Executive Vice President of the olam by--as a-minimum—giving United Synagogue of Conservative tzedakah to one person or doing one Judaism.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 8, 2002

Newman Grants Committee Allocates Funds to Four Programs for Children and Youth

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Public Relations Coordinator.

Grants were made to four programs designed to enhance the Jewish identity of youth in our community by the Esther K. Newman/Carolyn Kully Newman Funds Grants Committee, which met in the fall. Both funds are administered by the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Income from the Esther K. Newman Fund supports programs for Jewish youth between preschool and college age, and for young adults under the age of 23 who are not attending a college or university. The Carolyn Kully Newman Fund allocates funds to programs and activities for Jewish children of kindergarten age or younger.

"Chicken Soup for the Jewish Soul," presented by the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO), received funds to bring Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, coauthor of the book, Chicken Soup for the Jewish Soul, to Omaha last month to speak to BBYO members.

Elkins is the spiritual leader of the Jewish Center of Princeton, NJ, and is known internationally as a speaker, workshop facilitator and organization consultant.

Goals of the program are to encourage teenagers to make connections between human interest stories with a Jewish theme and their own lives as young Jews, to develop problemsolving skills in a group setting, to continue to build leadership talents, and to meet some of the BBYO programming folds.

Beth El Synagogue received a grant to fund "Raising Souls," a series of three workshops for students ages 12 to 18, and their parents. The November program attempted to provide a structure to talk in a safe and trust-filled atmosphere about decisions that can affect young people for a lifetime.

According to the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, "alcoholism, in addition to being a biological disorder, is a spiritual disorder...adolescents who claim to have a relationship with the Divine are only half as likely to become alcoholics, drug addicts or for that matter, even to try contraband drugs."

Objectives of the program, presented by Rabbi Mark Borovitz and

HBHHMHHHB 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" discussion group at 11 a.m. Join us for a New York Deli Lunch at noon; cost is only $3. Following lunch, singer Robert Valenta, a theater major at Creighton, will perform songs of Broadway. For transportation, call 330-4272. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334-6521.

Reminders: Deadline for Bluffs Run Casino on March 21 is March 14; deadline is March 11 for Y.E.S. 50th Birthday Party on March 18.

YIDDISH GROUP Lomir Redn Yiddish: Let Us Speak Yiddish Group will meet Thursday, 1-3 p.m., at the JCC. Call Anne SkolMn for information at 343-1638.

VISIONS Join us for our Luncheon Meeting on Friday, March 15, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia's Venice Inn. Cost is $8 per person. Members will be entertained by a sensational preview of the hit musical Carousel by the Omaha Community Playhouse performers.

Send reservations to Marv Gerber, 9318 Walnut St., Omaha, NE 68124.

As a joint project with Jewish Family Service, we are asking members for a monetary donation to purchase Passover food for Jewish families in need. Please bring your monetary gift to the luncheon or send a check to Milton and Doris Parker, 120 So. 70th St., Omaha, NE 68132.

Make check payable to: JFS. Deadline is March 8.

28-29, and Wednesday-Thursday, April

April 12

Harriet Rossetto, MSW, of Gateways Beit T-Shuvah, a residential center affiliated with the United Way of Los Angeles, and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, are to help families develop a plan based on Jewish spiritual and ethical principles to help their children realize their talents, individuality and, ultimately, their own unique neshama (soul) to prevent addiction of all kinds..

Another grant recipient, the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, WALK-IN, DROP-IN received funding from both the Members will meet Thursday at Esther K. Newman and the Carolyn the JCC. Exercise and bingo at 10 Kully Newman Funds to bring an a.m.

At 11:30 a.m. join us for lunch Israeli shaliach to Omaha next sumfrom the Bagel Bin at the 'J'. At noon, mer to add Israeli culture to Camp the movie Tortilla Soup will be Shemesh through art, music and shown at the Blumkin Home auditodrama.

The shaliach, which means emis- rium. For transportation, call Maggie B'NAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS Nancy Belck, Chancellor' of the sary, will work with three- and four- Conti at 334-6521.

University of Nebraska at Omaha, OMAHA CENTER year-olds at camp to give them a betwill discuss the socio-economic chalFOR TORAH LEARNING ter understanding of Israel. The Lunch 'n Learn continues on lenges facing UNO at Breadbreakers shaliach will also work with teachers to help them promote Israel during Wednesday, March 13, noon, in the weekly meeting, Wednesday, summer camp, as well as throughout Kripke Jewish Federation Library. March 13, noon, at the Park Inn the school year. All 100 to 125 chil- The group will continue discussing Regency. Cost for lunch is $9; beverage service only, $2. The program is dren expected to attend camp will the Laws of Pesach. open to the community.

For information about OCTL, call participate in the program.

Allan Gonsher, 558-2767 or 330-4014.

"Days of AWE-SOME Discovery for Children," sponsored by Temple Israel's Women of Reform Judaism, All Are Welcome at Temple's received supplementary funding.

Healing and Renewal Service An educational program for chilby CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Temple Israel Communications Coordinator. dren age one through fourth grade, "I got a lot of comfort and solace service with his wife, Barb, said, "It was "Days of AWE-SOME Discovery for Children" provides children the from the rabbi and a very good over- interesting. We were glad we went. opportunity for meaningful Jewish all feeling of care, concern and shar- Everyone who wanted to was able to content-based curriculum on the High ing," said Steve Fischer who talk about why they were there."

Others who have attended in the Holy Days, a variety of media descz'ibed his feelings after attending through which children will partici- a Healing and Renewal Service at past found the service "meaningful pate in Jewish education, and devel- Temple Israel. "It was really a very and the music beautiful."

"Knowing you're not alone" is helpopmentally appropriate activities pleasant experience and I enjoyed the service very much." ful, said a congregant. focusing on Jewish content.

Anyone in the community who has Mike Walts, who will lead a Running concurrently with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, lost a loved one or a job, or is facing Healing and Renewal Service on the program has been offered for the or recovering from surgery or an ill- Tuesday, March 12, 7 p.m., with past three years. Next year, special- ness of their own, or supporting a Cantor Wendy Shermet, said he ists will be hired in the fields of art, friend or a family member who is ill, always feels a little bit better for dramatics, storytelling and science to or for any other reason is welcome to going. There's always something in our lives that needs a little soothing, enhance the curriculum. attend the service.

Sandy Brophy, who has attended the refreshing and consoling, he added.

Approximately 160 children are expected to participate.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Members of the committee who There is no regular news in the 3-4), early deadlines are at noon for all attended the meeting were Barbara Epstein, chairman; Mary Rich; upcoming Passover issue, March 22. ads, photos and articles: Deadline Roxanne Kahn; and Sherri Green. The Due to the closing of the Jewish Press Issue March 29 Tuesday, March 19 committee's next regularly scheduled office on the first two and last two days April 5 Monday, March 25 of Passover (Thursday-Friday, March meeting will be in May of this year.

Tuesday, April 2

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Jewish PRess, Omaha, NE

Page

:k as a Cat's Pawf

by JOAN K. MARCUS ————————

When Ben Kutler was eight-years- during his junior and senior years. old, he asked his father to nail a num- His brother, Morris, drove him from ber 10 can up on the garage so he his job at the Omaha World-Herald could "shoot baskets!" At age 10, Ben each day after school so that he could began playing basketball at the old 'J5 join the team. on 20th and Dodge, along with Harry "Morris got me there at 4:30 p.m., Goodbinder, Morris Kirshenbaum, and the other kids got there an hour Joe Kirshenbaum and Herman earlier," he laughed. Tech High wasn't Siporin. the greatest, but I still made the team!"

"We were all kids who grew up in He joined AZA when he was 15, and 'the Jewish Ghetto.'" that led to playing on other teams. He Kutler, the baby of eight children, is proud of his basketball-playing has lived in Kansas City since 1956. career because "sometimes I was the Born in Pavolitch, Russia, in 1921, he only Jew on the team, but we never came to the United States when he talked about religion. They only cared was just two years old. An older that I was a good player. I was almost brother, Harry, came ahead to earn as good as Irv Yaffe!" money so the rest of the family could Kutler graduated from Tech in escape. Their parents, William and 1939. During his basketball career, it Rose Kutler, followed Harry, along was said that "he was as smooth as a with their seven other children.

1930 dime and as quick as a cat's Kutler recalled that his father was paw." a "self-taught" carpenter who couldn't He also played handball and speedmake much money because he didn't ball. During his junior year, he know English and only got Jewish received the Harry Trustin Award for customers. being an outstanding athlete.

"My father was very Orthodox. We After each AZA meeting, boys from went to services every morning and the basketball team would visit with every night. And, he never rode on some of the girls at their homes. On Shabbat. He was very unhappy one occasion, he skipped work so he because I had to work on Shabbat. could accompany some of his friends But I told him I would be sitting next to "Mrs. B's house to visit with her Former Omahans Elinore and Ben Kutler of Kansas City. to him in shul on every holiday," daughters."

April of 1940, and I worked for them Ben remembers Omaha as being Kutler explained.

While visiting "The Blumkin Girls," for 45 years," he noted proudly. the best time of his life.

Once, when he came to services Ben met Elinore Robinson, who had He began by working in the office "I went to the city Talmud Torah on late, his father affectionately said to come from Lincoln to visit some of her and later controlled the inventory.

20th and Burt, as did all the Jewish him, "Berel, start from the beginning! friends: Etta Epstein, Mickey "You couldn't beat the Riekes family boys in Omaha—wealthy kids and You can catch up!"

Greenberg and Betty Rubin. for employers," he added. "They treat- poor ones, too.

The family settled in Omaha The couple began to date and Rabbi ed me with dignity, and it was great "We all lived in the same neighborbecause Ben's three uncles: Jake, Harry Jolt of Tifereth Synagogue per- working for them all of those years. hood, and we had fun! My father Harry and Berel, were already here. formed the marriage ceremony in They even closed the offices for the never had a car so we couldn't go to He remembers attending Kellom Lincoln on March 22, 1942. Their son, high holidays."

Elmwood Park on Sundays like other School with Louie Blumkin and Stephen, lives in Carmichael, CA. A In 1956, Elinore and Ben moved to families," he recalled. "So my friends Hymie Epstein. daughter, Elaine Klugman, lives in Kansas City so he could work at a took me and fed me so I could play By the time Ben was 14, he played Lenexa, KS. Between them, they had newly-opened Reikes Company. ball. They didn't care that I was a six children, five of whom are still liv- Although the couple have happy poor immigrant." on his first basketball team. ing.

"We got Jack Sprat Foods to be our memories of Omaha, they enjoy their The boys walked from 25th and sponsor and we played at Boys When Ben graduated from high life in Kansas City and feel they have Charles to 20th and Dodge for Town," Kutler said. Although most school, times were tough and he was deep roots there.

Hebrew school. Many of the children families were poor in those days, Ben unable to get a job. He continued to Until he left Omaha, Ben played were from immigrant families but, says that his family was "very poor!" sell papers until he heard that there basketball. After moving to Kansas according to Kutler, it didn't matter.

He recalls getting a paper route at might be a job opening at Riekes City, he began to play handball in "I wanted to tell the teacher that I age 14 to help with family expenses.

Container Company. order to keep in shape. He contin- was born in Omaha because I got But he went on to play basketball at "I went down and saw Henry Riekes ues to walk and ride bicycles for tired of writing Pavolitch, Russia. We Tech High. He was on the first team and Morton Richards, got hired in exercise. all wanted to be Americans!"

The Jewish Press will feature "A SALUTE TO 2002 GRABS" in the June 7 issue. Photos are due by May 14...no exceptions! All Jewish graduating high school seniors are urged to send their senior pictures along with the following:

Residents of the

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home extend a cordial invitation to family and friends to share the Seders with them the evenings of

March 27 and March 28 at 6 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium MENUS Seder Seder Plate/Wine

Matzo Ball Soup Relish Trays

Tajine Chicken

Name Parents High School Plans after graduation.

Matzo Dressing Asparagus Matzo Strawberry Sponge Cake Coffee/Hot Tea

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Reservations by March 22. Call 330-4272 or marl coupon below.

Please accept the following reservations:

Send to:

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Number of guests at $15 each, 1st Seder, March 21 Number of guests at $15 each, 2nd Seder, March 2B Total amount enclosed. (Make checks payable to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home) Phone Number, Address — Residents you would like to sit with: 323 So. 132nd Street • Omaha, NE 68154

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 8, 2002

Seder Food is Not Only Tasty, It Can Also Bring Back Memories

by LiNDA MOREL — —

—

—

NEW YORK (JTA)--Ruth Reichl, Gourmet magazine's Editor-in-chief, reminisced about the versatility of matzah brie in her memoir Tender at the Bone.

Likewise, Elizabeth Ehrlich wrote of her longing for the salty gefilte fish of her childhood, comparing it to her mother-in-law's sweeter variety in Miriam's Kitchen, her memoir on kosher cooking.

Although neither of these dishes achieved the renown of Marcel Proust's madeleines, the memories of these authors resonated for millions of readers.

Many people feel passionately about foods associated with Passover, the Jewish holiday claiming the largest number of courses per meal, but not everyone has the talent to weave tasty morsels into literature. Although gefilte fish and matzah ball soup are most often linked to the holiday, there are other foods connected to peoples' cherished memories.

Family and friends who gather for Passover at attorney Lorraine Abraham's apartment in Fort Lee, NJ, anticipate a tangy treat when she ladles soup from a tureen on her table.

"I decided to make borscht two decades ago when I started hosting seders on the second night of Passover," she says, explaining that she didn't want to duplicate the menu of the night before. Borscht was a natural choice because this beet-based soup with its dramatic garnet hue was favored by her mother-in-law.

Hailing from Eastern Europe, borscht can be prepared entirely with vegetables or, like Abraham's recipe, can include marrow bones and meat. She begins with bottled Russian borscht but heightens its sweet-and-sour punch by adding sugar and vinegar, which intensify when the soup rests for a couple of days before serving.

"My borscht is such a hit that if I were to serve matzah ball soup, people would be upset," she says. "If one of my nephews doesn't get a quart to take home, it ruins his whole Passover."

Abraham also initiated another Passover tradition-pickled salmon. Her recipe is practically foolproof. It entails freezing salmon for 48 hours to knock out dangerous organisms, before submerging fillets in pickling brine for several days.

•Juggling a demanding career with Passover preparations, Abraham makes the salmon the weekend before the holiday; it holds for at least a week. It is faster and easier to finesse than its competition, gefilte fish. "I gravitated to pickled salmon 20 years ago because it's delicious and I'm forever pressed for time."

She describes a zesty marinade of spices and thinly sliced onions, claiming she whips up twice as much fish as she needs. Not one spec goes to waste, because her sons, 30-something bachelors, consume leftovers with gusto. "They even love the onions, which they pull from the marinade and place on plain matzah."

While some people dedicate certain foods exclusively to Passover, other families partake in dishes they enjoy all year.

"If you like the crunch of freshly fried latkes, you'll love my potato kugel," says Nelly David, a retired shopkeeper living in Boca Raton, FL. "When I was a girl in Germany, my mother taught me how to make this recipe." By now it has been passed down through four generations of women in her family.

When David's daughters were growing up, she lit Shabbos candles every Friday night and also served roasted chicken, chicken soup, and because her family loved it so much, potato kugel. This delectable dish always graced her seder table.

"My children would die if they didn't have potato kugel at Passover," says M a n h a t t a n resident Lynda Sobel, one of David's daughters. She prefers it when her mother visits at Passover because she prepares the Holiday kugels.

"If my mother is not here, I make her kugel recipe, but it never tastes the same," says Sobel, explaining that her mother sprinkles in love as she

grates potatoes by hand. Sobel cheats and uses a food processor, which turns potatoes watery.

During the flourless chocolate cake craze of the 1980s, I began baking a chocolate almond torte, which achieves its loft from whipped egg whites instead of starch of any kind. Although I always cover my sideboard with a variety of homemade desserts, my torte is so popular that I must bake two of them to get through one Seder.

My daughter claims that she could survive without the four kinds of charoset I serve, the special way I brown hard boiled eggs and soften matzah so it tastes like pasta in vegetable lasagna. "But it wouldn't be Passover without the bittersweet chocolate of your almond torte."

Yet before I introduced this dessert, she had adored my marzipan macaroons, meringue cookies and lemon chiffon sponge cake, too. Over the years, I kept collecting recipes and adding more marvelous foods to our family's Passover traditions.

Between ridding the household of leavened foods and the amount of cooking Passover generates, the holiday is labor intensive. This accounts for the popularity of bottled gefilte fish, canned maca-

Pour marinade over the top. Cover. Refrigerate for four days.

Drain salmon and remove bay leaves and pickling spice. Serve cold on a platter surrounded by sliced cucumbers. Sprinkle dill over fillets and cucumbers.

Yield: 20 pieces MEATY BEET BORSCHT Two 32-ounce bottles kosher for Passover borscht (made from beets, not from concentrate) Three 14l/2-ounce cans beef stock 12 small pieces of marrow bones 3 pounds of short ribs for fianken, sliced lengthwise between bones 2 bay leaves 2 medium-sized onions, diced 6 cloves garlic, minced 16 peppercorns 2/3 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 cup sugar Salt to taste Three days before serving, place ingredients in a large stockpot. Stirring occasionally, simmer covered for one hour, or until meat softens.

Cool to room temperature.

Check seasonings. If too sweet, add vinegar to taste. If too tart, add sugar to taste.

Refrigerate and skim fat from top.

Remove bones, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Serve hot. Yield: 3 quarts.

CRUNCHY POTATO KUGEL 6 Idaho potatoes, peeled and grated by hand 4 eggs, beaten 2 small onions, finely diced 1 tsp. matzah meal Salt and pepper to taste No-stick vegetable spray 2/3 cup olive oil Preheat oven to 400°.

Place potatoes, eggs, onion, meal, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mixing well with a spoon.

Coat two 9 x 9-inch baking pans with spray and place 113 cup oil in each. Place pans in oven for a minute or two, until oil starts sizzling. Do not let oil burn. Carefully spoon potato mixture into pans and spread evenly. Bake at 400" degrees for 15 minutes.

Lower temperature to 350° and bake another 30 minutes, or until top browns and center is firm.

Cut each pan into nine 3-inch squares. Yield: 18 pieces.

roons, and packaged foods on supermarket shelves, although manufacturers can never duplicate the magic that people infuse into delicacies they prepare at home.

The events of the past fall have catapulted homecooked foods to the front burner, as people have become increasingly nostalgic for a less stressful past. Passover, the most cherished of Jewish holidays, is the perfect time to please loved ones by renewing castoff culinary traditions or by adding new recipes to your repertoire. Tantalizing aromas CHOCOLATE ALMOND TORTE and warm feelings will fill your dining room and if 1 stick margarine you're lucky, a budding writer at the table will 6 ounces kosher for Passover immortalize your Passover fare. bittersweet chocolate 1 cup sugar PICKLED PINK SALMON No-stick vegetable spray Marinade: 8 ounces blanched almonds 21/2 cups white vinegar 5 eggs, separated 11/2 cups water 1/4 tsp. vanilla 6 Tbsp. sugar Kosher for Passover 2 Tbsp. salt non-dairy whipped topping 3 cloves garlic, whole With water simmering in bottom of a double boil1 stalk celery, halved er, place margarine, chocolate and sugar in top and 178 tsp. white pepper melt, stirring occasionally.

Cool to room temperaPlace ingredients in a saucepan and stir. Boil for ture. five minutes. Cool to room temperature. Remove Preheat oven to 325°. Coat a 9-inch springform garlic and celery. Reserve. pan with no-stick vegetable spray.

Salmon In a food processor, grate nuts until fine as sand.

2 lbs. salmon, skin and bones removed In a large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks 2 Tbsp. pickling spice form.

Do not overheat, but there must be peaks.

5 bay leaves Transfer chocolate mixture to a second mixing 2 medium-sized Vidalia onions, sliced thin bowl.

Beat in yolks one at a time. Add vanilla and Garnish: one seedless cucumber nuts, mixing well. and 3 Tbsp. minced dill In two batches, fold in egg whites with a spoon Freeze salmon for 48 hours. and gently mix until white streaks disappear. The During defrosting, while fillets are still partially batter should be thick. frozen but slightly flexible, cut into l-inch-by-3-inch Place the batter in the pan and even out. Bake for pieces.

20-25 minutes or until the top of the cake feels firm Spread a layer of fillets on the bottom of a large to the touch.

Do not over bake. The cake should be glass bowl. Sprinkle with half the pickling spice, fudgey and soft.

Cool to room temperature. bay leaves and onions. Repeat for a second layer.

Serve with topping. Yield: 10-12 slices.

March 8,2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

~?3

WBMt^MM YOU'LL FIND A WIDE ASSORTMENT OF

For Your Seder at HY-VEE Manischewitz Borscht with Beets 32 ounce

Manischewitz Matzo Ball and Mate© Ball & Soup Mix 4.5-5 oz.

Manischewitz

99

Potato Chips 6 oz.

Manischewitz Fruit Slices 6oz

Manischewitz Gefilte Fish 24 oz.

SC49

for

$ 2 6 Manischewitz

Manischewitz Thin Tea Matzo

for

10 oz

Assorted

Grape Juice

Macaroons

22 oz

10oz.

Glass Candle.

Manischewitz Passover Matzos 5 lbs.

Manischewitz

Cake & Brownie Mixes 12-14 oz.

Manischewitz Egg Noodles Wide or Fine 12 oz.

Park

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 8, 2002

by RACHEL BLUM, BBYO Director————

It's official! BBG Beau Dance season has b in with the nomination of Beau candidatesfo]'.'«' Yoshanah BBG and Ediar BBG, two local B-. i ' chapters within the Omaha Cornbelt Council.

Members of the two chapters met at an u I-Iclosed location recently to nominate membe m the two boys' chapters to represent them as ' HI candidates and honoraries. The girls traveled i.1 school bus to the homes of the nominated indr P'II als and woke them at 2 a.m. in the morning. Alter breakfast, candidates were returned unharmed to Sophie Goldberg, left, Olivia Baker, Grant Glazer, Rachel Sullivan, Caroline Rockman, their respective houses.

Beau candidates are chosen based on a number Zoe Cohen, Josh Cohen and Josh Sullivan; of factors, some of which include dedication to the back row: Rebecca Crabb, Emily Newman, organization, relationships with members individu- Molly Goldberg and Bobby Newman perally and as a whole, and overall integrity of the formed in last month's school talent show at individual. The candidate who has demonstrated Swanson Elementary. the most positive qualities will be elected beau at Long-time "scouter" Norm Veitzer has been the annual BBG Beau Dance, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 25. Until this time, candidates honored with the Shofar Award from the National will scramble to sell ads for the traditional dance Jewish Committee on Scouting, upon recommendaad book, bring goodies on a weekly basis to the tion of the Mid-America Council Jewish Committee girls' chapter meetings, and attend BBG program- on Scouting. The award recognizes outstanding service by adults in the promotion of scouting ming regularly.

This year's Ediar beau candidates include: J.J. among Jewish youth.

Friedman, Ben Gerber and Cory Gilinsky. MZ This Sunday, March 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Yoshanah has chosen Keith Graul, Robert Mosenkis and Ben Taxman for their beau candi- Baker's Pepperwood store at 156th and Dodge will dates. Honorary beaus are often seniors in high host a Taste of Passover. Food and wine products school and are elected for their previous service to from Menischewitz, Simcha, Mother's, Kedem, Baron Herzog, Streit's, Empire, and others will be the chapter and the organization as a whole. offered to customers.

This year, MZ Yoshanah has asked Trevor Kosher food specialists from Chicago will be Gerson and Igor Ginzburg to hold this honor, and available to answer questions, and the "Great Ediar has elected Adam Gerber and Dan Lercher.

Loudini" will perform the Magic of Passover. Every Congratulations to all of the candidates and honohalf-hour, Baker's will hold a drawing for holiday raries of the 2002 Beau Dance Season.

Manischewitz gift baskets.

For more information about BBYO, call me at 334-6404.

Sir Speedy

PRINTING, COPYING and DIGITAL NETWORK

Exhibit Offers 'Cultural Experience'

by JENNIFER MEYERSON —————*—«—— Jewish Family Service is dedicated to helping families facing financial hardship through Project Tzedakah. With Pesach soon approaching, we are again preparing to purchase, pack and deliver holiday foods on March 20 and 21. This Passover, JFS and community volunteers will help nearly 45 families and individuals enjoy a traditional Passover seder, as well as eight days of kosher-for-Passover food.

Non-perishable kosher-for-Passover items, such as canned goods, Shabbat candles or candy, can be brought to the JFS office until March 19. Cash donations are also greatly appreciated and can be mailed to JFS at 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154.

If you or your family would like holiday food, or to volunteer, please call me at 330-2024. JFS thanks the community for continued support.

No Changes for Temple Deli Night

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator — — « .

You don't have to go to New York to enjoy a New York-style deli meal. On Sunday, March 17, Temple Israel Men's Club will again sponsor the annual New York Style Temple Deli Night right here in Omaha. There will be a choice of sandwiches, along with soup and dessert.

Dennis DePorte has been chairman of Deli Night since it started about 12 years ago.

"Nothing's changed," he promised. "It's turned out to be a big community event," DePorte said.

Usually 400 to 500 people attend the dinner, "and they like it just the way it is," he noted. He doesn't intend to change the menu which has proven so popular in the past.

Proceeds from Deli Night are used to support special projects at Temple Israel.

Reservations are preferred by Friday, March 15, by calling Temple at 556-6536. Seatings are at 5 p.mv and 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel. Carry-out orders are also available, and there is free sitter service.

Letterhead • Brochures ••, Newsletters Business Cards • Mailers • Postcards

Greenblatt & Seay announce a concert in the Old Avoca Schoolhouse on Sunday, March 10, 2:30 p.m., featuring Django Greenblatt-Seay, a guitarist/singer from Avoca. Admission is $4 for adults, and $1 for children and students.

Private Ttrtorinq for

J

Elementary School Children Cheryl Viale • Certified Teacher since 1983 • Spalding Trained

(402) 333-3692 Vialejc@aol.com

Midge Bowers, left, a docent for "Unpacking on the Prairie" in the JCC Gallery through April 21, points out one of the features of the exhibit to Carole Lainof, R.N. The seniors in LainofFs Community Health Nursing course at Nebraska Methodist College recently toured the exhibit on Jewish women pioneers to fulfill a "cultural experience" requirement. To schedule a docent-led tour for your group of children or adults, call the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, 334-6441.

itiiii Andrea and Michael Siegel announce the Feb. 2 birth of their son, Joshua Bennett.

Joshua has a brother, Tyler, 6 and a sister, Monica, 3l/2.

Grandparents are Sheryn and Arnold Joffe of Omaha and Anne and Stephen Siegel of Hewlett Harbor, NY.

This Sunday, March 10, 8 p.m., Temple B'nai Jehudah in Kansas City will honor a small group of committed individuals with its first Tikkun Olam Fundraiser, featuring a concert by singer Art Garfunkel at the Muehlebach Hotel.

Irena Sendler's story was "rescued" by four high school girls from Uniontown, KS, who wrote, as a school project, a play about her life. Sendler rescued 2500 Jewish children during the Holocaust.

The concert benefits social action and education programs sponsored by B'nai Jehudah, including an honorarium to the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education. For tickets, call, Annette Fish, 1-816-363-1050, ext. 190. Concert-only tickets are available through Ticketmaster, 1-816-931-

RBJH Staff Attends Respite Care Training

David and Jennifer Kaslow of St. Louis announce the Feb. 21 birth of their daughter, Mctya,S0hia.

'•••

'

:•' . • ' . . . : '

••'• .:•'•••

••

Grandparents are Gloria and Howard Kaslow of Omaha and Rochelle Weiss of St. Louis and the lateKichard Weiss; ^ ^ p are Miriam Cooper of New , aridCh^es Weiss and Al Weinstein of

Anne Joseph, left, Nate Beber, Cathy Carrol, Lois Wine and Maggie Conti participated in an Alzheimer's respite care training for the Blumkin Home.

March 8, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page I I

Tifereth Israel Presents 'ARTrageous Evening of Art 3

by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor-

by JEWISH PRESS News Service

It's not that.the American Jewish community hasn't changed since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, it's just that it's too soon to tell how we've changed, asserts Professor and author Dr. Arnold Eisen.

He'll be in Omaha the weekend of March 22 to talk about the state of the American Jewish world and what the Torah has to say to us as individuals and as a community.

In a recent telephone interview, Dr. Eisen, who's Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Stanford University iia Palo Alto, CA, spoke about some encouraging signs among American Jewry.

"After 9-11, we, and I mean all Americans, experienced a need for a community," Dr. Eisen said. "We actually had a desperate need for reassurance that what we're doing, both as Jews and as Americans, will make a difference.

"But, it's too soon to tell what the long-term impact of the terrorist attacks and our response will be on the world," he added, "so, instead, let me describe some developments in the American Jewish world that show tremendous movement in a positive direction...and what that means for us as a people."

Eisen, who has long studied the American Jewish community and written about it in such books as Taking

Art lovers take note: Lincoln's Tifereth Israel Synagogue will preview more than 250 works of art and then auction them off during its "ARTrageous Evening of Art" on Saturday, March 16, 7:30 p.m., at the synagogue.

The collection includes works of upand-coming artists from Latin and South America, Europe and Asia, according to chairman Barbara Kenyon, as well as those by established masters. Agam, Behrens, Buckels, Chagall, Dali, Delacroix, Kinkade, Lautrec, McKnight, Miro, Neiman, Picasso, Raad, Rockwell, Scott and Vasarely are among the artists whose works will be auctioned. Various mediums, such as oils, enamels, engravings, batiks,

Hold of Torah: Jewish Community and Commitment in America Today, listed

the following: • Roaring success in adult Jewish education; • Boom in day schools, including the growth of Jewish high schools; • Programs to revitalize synagogues, such as Synagogue 2000 (of which Temple Israel is a part) and STAR (which provides grants to synagogues); • Curriculum development and teacher training; • Growth of Jewish camping.

These are but five examples that Eisen cites, "despite intermarriage" that prove to him "it's a mistake to focus only on assimilation.

"Anyone who says you can't be Jewish unless you believe in 'X' is wrong," he added. "There are as many answers to the question of 'Why be Jewish?' as there are Jews.

"Ours is a tradition that survives and thrives on diversity."

Dr. Eisen was quick to point out that Jews are "'heir to a 3000-year-old tradition and rituals, second to none" and that our ethical tradition has been an example to Jews and nonJews alike.

"We have a set of wonderful, texts," Eisen added, "that arise out of a shared experience (which also) prizes freedom of intellectual inquiry."

This shared experience also assumes a minority viewpoint, Eisen explained, which other religions don't, always placing Jews on the periphery, a unique perspective that forces Judaism to "live and breathe the situation of a minority." _ All this points to the value of the

Torah as a guidebook, according to Eisen. How individual Jews and Jewish communities within the larger Jewish world interpret these values is another question.

"We can disagree," Dr. Eisen asserted, "but we often express it in strident ways. As long as we're not physically or verbally abusive, these differences will make us stronger.

"I don't plead for unity," he concluded, "but cooperation. We should look for ways of living together that don't paper over our differences. After all, we ask the larger world to tolerate our being different. But we can't cease public debate and discussion.

Criticism can be misinterpreted as weakness, but a pretense of unity prevents us from thinking.

"We don't all have to agree on everything in order to work together."

Eisen is the author of numerous books and articles about contemporary Jewish life and thought in America and Israel.

His books include The Jew Within: Self, Family and Community in America, Rethinking Modern Judaism: Ritual, Command-ment, Community, for which he won the Koret National Jewish Award in 1999, and a personal essay, Taking Hold of Torah.

He holds a B.A. in Religious Thought from the University of Pennsylvania, a Bachelor of Philosophy in the Sociology of Religion from Oxford University and. a PhD. in the History of Jewish Thought from Hebrew University.

He will speak three times while in Omaha: Friday, March 22, 8 p.m., at Temple Israel, "Taking Hold of Torah: Jewish Community and Commitment"; Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m., "Living with Leviticus: The Challenge of Ritual" also at Temple; Saturday, March 23, 8 p.m., at the home of Todd Simon, starts with havdallah, followed by "Why Be Jewish?" fo'r members of Young Jewish Omaha (Jewish singles and couples under the age of 40).

Dr. Eisen's visit is sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, Temple Israel's Chavurah, and Young Jewish Omaha (a division of the Jewish Federation).

For information about any of these programs, call Temple at 556-6536, or the Federation at 334-6485.

—

silkscreens, watercolors, drawings and three-dimensional cast paper, will be available.

Most of the collection is in the $50$250 price range, with a few pieces from the "collector's corner, estimated at $350-$5000," Kenyon added.

One of the pieces of art will be given away as a door prize that evening.

Admission to the event is $5 in advance and $7 at the door, and includes complimentary wine and beer, accompanied by hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Checks for reservations, payable to Tifereth Israel, can be mailed to Barbara Kenyon, 6229 Barbara Lane, Lincoln, NE 68512.

For more information, call her at 1402-423-2678.

Community Seder Hosted by B'naa JesSiuran

by JEWISH PRESS News Service

Chag Pesach, the Festival of Passover, Chag HaMatzot, the festival of unleavened bread, or Chag HaAviv, the festival of spring, and Z'man Chayrutaynu, the season of our freedom—whatever you call Passover, come celebrate the second seder with the community in Lincoln.

B'nai Jeshuran, the South Street Temple, will host a community seder on Thursday evening, March 28, 6:30 p.m. Cost for members is $8 for

adults and $4 for children over the age of six; for non-members, it's $10 for adults and $5 for children over six.

Volunteers are also needed to help prepare the food for the seder and the meal which follows.

Hagaddah Studies, a class focusing on the Passover seder, continues on Thursday, March 14 and 21, 7 p.m.

For reservations, call the B'nai Jeshuran office, 1-402-435-8004.'

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES/ COMMUNITY OUTREACH will have the following items available for take out for Pesach Seders on March 27 and March 28.

All food for both Seders must be picked up on Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m., at the front desk of the Home.

Seder 1

Seder 2

Matzo Ball Soup Tajine Chicken Matzo Dressing Asparagus Cake/Strawberries

Matzo Ball Soup Beef Brisket w/Sweet & Sour Sweet Potato Tzimmes Broecoli Fruit Compote w/Macaroons

$13.50 per person

$13.50 per person

Number • Seder #1 @ $13.50 each

-Seder #2 @ $13.50 each _ Matzo Ball Soup @ $2 each

Uh!--

_ Baked Chicken/Dressing/Asparagus @ $11 each _ Brisket/Tzimmes/Broccoli @ $11 each -Cake/Strawberries @ $2.50 each _ Fruit/Macaroons @ $2.50 each TOTAL AMOUNT OF ORDER $.

Please make check payable to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and mail with order prior to March 22.

Send to: Jeanne Henderson, RBJH, 323 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 Questions?? Call Jeanne at 334-6511

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 8,2002

READ IT AND EAT

by JOAN KEKST (Five Star, $24.95)

Review by LOIS FRIEDMAN

~—w

Create Seder (which means "order"), and memo- smootlu'es, there's everything from soup to nuts for ries, and savor those of Passovers past. This cook- your Passover selection. The recipes include the book was created by popular demand. The readers ingredient list, clear instructions, servings, some of the Cleveland Jewish News, where Kekst's food nutritional analysis, options and notes. columns have appeared for years, requested a Follow Kekst's example when cooking for recipe collection and guide to Passover.

Passover and cook just the right amount...too Twenty years ago, the Passover baton-pots, pans, much! Here's a pareve dish to try. dishes and all, was turned over to Kekst by her . BEET AND APPLE SALAD mother-in-law, and a new era was respectfully 2 lbs. beets, fresh cooked begun. From her first Seder experience and what or canned, sliced julienne "seemed an awesome task," she and her family cre- 1 medium red onion, chopped ated warmth, nostalgia and memories, using 1/2 cup vegetable OR walnut oil Grandma's "stuff* for Passover.

2 T. red wine vinegar Kekst begins the cookbook with a brief story of 1 T. lemon juice Passover and the commemoration of the "Israelite salt and pepper to taste Exodus from Egyptian bondage to liberty in the pinch of sugar Promised Land." Chametz (leaven), the symbols of 2 tart green apples, the Seder plate, unique Passover customs, ingredicored and coarsely chopped ents and a six-week countdown of preparations fol- 1/4 cup pecan pieces low. salad greens The chapters include: The Seder Table, First whole wheat matzo Courses, Soups, Kugels & Casseroles, Vegetables & Combine beets and onions in a bowl. Whisk Salads, Main Courses and Desserts. Biblical quota- together oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper, a tions and brief personal comments are scattered pinch of sugar. Pour over beet mixture, toss well. throughout the headnotes and recipe notes. All the Taste, add more sugar if tart. Often a bit more salt recipes are kosher and marked pareve, meat and brings flavors together. Cover and allow to maridairy. From Gnocchi, Kugel, Tsimmes, Borscht, to nate three hours.

Polkes and Fligels (drummettes and wings), Mix in apples and place on a, bed of greens.

Crusted Turkey Loaf with Gingered Tomato Garnish with pecans, serve with whole wheat Avacado Relish, Mina (a Greek-style meat pie) and .. matzo. Serves 8.

Registers 88 Athletes and Still Growing

by GARY KATZ, JCC Program Associate

As of Press time, the number of athletes registered for the 2002 JCC Maccabi Games in Omaha is up to 85, according to Rachel Blum, Omaha Delegation Head.

"We are still actively recruiting athletes and want to give every opportunity possible for kids to join and participate in the JCC Maccabi Games this summer. We've been offering fun and innovative programs on a monthly basis so the kids can get to know each other and get excited about the Games this summer."

The most recent program was a Bowling Party for Maccabi registrants nd potential Maccabi participants. Athletes had a great time bowling all afternoon for "play money" redeemed for a variety of prizes. Each strike bowled was worth $1000 and each spare, $500.

Out of Egypt We Came

by R. BERNARD MANN, Legacy Crosswords, ©2002 Across 1. Amer. services in Afghanistan 6. EGYPT'S COTTON IS ONE 10. Chew the fat 14. FEAST OF MEMORY AND MAROR 1 S . " _ _ . O ISRAEL ...."

16. Volcanic output 17. First month, in Madrid 13. Pospreceder 19. HOW THE ANGEL PASSED 20. What moves some engines 21. PESACH IN THE PLURAL 23. Might use it on an ox 25. Beyond valuation (abbrev.)

26. Shorthand for after-surgery cases 30. River east side of London 31. Secure within an outer layering 32. Warren and Tonya 37. Instruct 38. Chop off 39. Maybe more than an era 40. THE HISTORICAL BAD GUY 42. Not your cactus, but 43. Rangers' and Redwings' group 44. Actress with rabbinical forebears 45. Three word comparison set-up 48. European car make 49. THE PIECE DE RESISTANCE 51.PHAROAHS 56. Tours d' , cliffs above Arve 57. Wood, in France 58. Gay 59. Degree, in Dimona 60. Sphere, in France 61. WHAT 45 DN. WAS TO 4O ACR. 62. Pendent preceder 63. Jail, in jargon 64. Threatened layer

Down 1. Applications • 2. Transported 3. "Give me a cee, give me.

4. Gue follower 5. THEY WANDERED THE PROMISED LAND 6. Leather pantalones, colloquially 7. Do cushioning over again 8. Rowing implements 9. More in a non-poetic style 10. Garlic section 11. They're not the poor 12." the evil eye" 13. Goes with feathers

1

2

3

4

5

6

14

15

17

18

20

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22. MOSES LED HIS PEOPLE OUT OF EGYPT, OTHER 24. Begin or reveal, poetically 26. Word beginning meaning stone 27.

-day 28. Fraudulent scheme 29. Air Force special groups 30. Pool circuit 32. Polloi 33. Once common for pres. month 34. Poetic contraction 35. Au 36. Jargon for deceit 38. Capp's Abner 41. Day of rest, Ashkenazic speech 42. Humor magazine.

44. Throbbed 45.

STRETCHED OUT HIS HAND

46. Place 47. Blue 48. Excuse 49. Hebrew boy's name, for short 50. Major art.

52. Spanish girl's name 53. Baseball pro Hideo 54. Bit of a valley 55. Letter enclosure, sometimes

Bowling at the most recent Maccabi event are Jason Rich, left, Nathan Fineman and Josh Sweet.

Josh Sweet, who will play baseball in the August Maccabi Games, had the highest total of play money for the afternoon, earning more than $15,000. Jon Lerner, who will participate on our bowling team, had the top single game score with 130 points.

All names of the attending registered athletes were put into a prize drawing and two winners were announced. Taylor Sanford won a Nintendo Game Boy, and Aaron Passer won a DVD Player.

Taylor is planning to dance in the Games, and Aaron will try out for the Boys Basketball 14-andunder team.

The next Maccabi program is Glow-in-the DarkBasketball, Saturday, March 16, 7-9 p.m., in the JCC Gymnasium. All potential athletes are encouraged to attend.

For more information about these programs, contact me at 334-6403, and to register for the Maccabi Games, contact Rachel Blum, Omaha Delegation Head, 334-6404.

Beth El to Offer Friday Night Sfiabbat Services arid Dinner

by OZZIE NOGG

•—

Beth El will shine the spotlight on the BESTT fifth and sixth graders and their families during a special celebration of Shabbat on Friday, March 15, 6 p.m., with Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv services, which segues into one of Lucy White's delicious, traditional Shabbat dinners. The entire Beth El mishpacha and their friends are invited to attend.

No reservations a r e required for, the service, but dinner reservations are a must.

The Early Bird cost for dinner is $10.50 for adults and $6 for children ages three to 12.

Kids under three a r e welcome at no charge. To take advantage of the Early Bird price, reservations must be received by Monday, March 11.

Reservations received after that date will be accepted on a food available basis at a cost of $11.50 for adults.

Please call the Beth El office at 492-8550 to reserve your place at the festive Shabbat table.

March 8, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Baker's Frederick 3010 South 84th St. -Baker's Square 13215 W. Center Rd.-Bakefs Eagle Run13250 W. Maple Rd.-Baker's Lakeside 17370 Lakeside Hills Plaza-Baker's Blondo 1945 N. 72nd St.-Baksr's Pepperwood 505 N. 155th PlazaBaker's Brentwood 8010 S. 84th St. PRICES EFFECTIVE MARCH 6 THRU APRIL 4, 2002. ITEMS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL BAKER'S STORES. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

KEDEM CONCORD GRAPE JUICE 64 0Z.

6 TO 6.125 OZ. IN Oil 08 WATER

KEDEM SPARKLING JUICE 254-55.8 01

SIMCHA MARINADES

MANISCHEWIH POTATO CHIPS

MANISCHEWITZ SALAD DRESSING

12 OZ.

5.5-6 OZ.

8 02.

MANISCHEWITZ or ROKEACH GEFILTE FISH 24-27 OZ.

SEASON WHITE TUNA

MANISCHEWITZ BORSCHT 32-s oz.

MANISCHEWITZ ORIGINAL MARINARA SAUCE 25 oz.

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 8, 2002

Purim Around the Heartland

by JEWISH PRESS News Service

!f 1

Top row, from left: Beth El President Howard Academy celebrated Purism with a full day of top, and Lilly Phillips, kneeling, help firstEpstein, left, and Habbi Paul Drazen "confer- activities, fun and learning. Features of the grader Cleo Rogers-Marcovitz sign up for the ence" at the synagogue's megillah reading; morning included a Purim costume contest, annual Friedel Talent Show; Lilly Phillips, Jacob Phillips, left, Shiri Tene and Eadie an exchange of shalach manot and the oppor- left, and Jenna Gerber, listen to the megillah Tsabari came in costume for the Beth El tunity to join residents of the Rose Blumkin of Esther; Teachers Barbara Sather, left, and megillah reading; members of Young Energet- Home for Rabbi Mendel Katzman's reading of Elinor Matalon return to the Academy with ic Seniors celebrated Purim with a big feast, the entire megillah of Esther. In addition, Alena Senik and Amy Wertheim after hearing and entertainment by Cantor Wendy Shermet students played Purim games and watched a the megillah. Bottom row: Seth Rich, future of Temple Israel. Sylvia Davis, left, and film about the background and meaning of BILU USYer dressed up for the Beth El Pauline Landman dressed up for the festivi- the holiday. The Ruach Day culminated with megillah reading; Liatte and Beth Dotan ties. Second row, from left: Friedel Jewish the annual Friedel Talent Show. Anna Kohll, enjoying the Beth El megillah reading

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This Passover, let one, who is hungry enter and eat We begin our Passover seders with the words, "Let all who are hungry, enter and eat."

Again this year, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger asks you to give meaning and life to those ancient words by letting one who is hungry enter and eat.

A gift to MAZON of chai (S18), or whatever you would spend to invite one extra person to your seder, will bring food, help and hope to poor and hungry people in our own country, in Israel, and around the world.

As we celebrate our freedom during Passover, we must remember those millions still enslaved by hunger and poverty. In a world with more than enough food to feed everyone, we can work toward a day when everyone has enough food.

Through MAZON, you can fulfill our ancient Jewish tradition of feeding the hungry. As the poor are fulfilled, so too, will you be.

MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger 12401 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 303 Los Angeles, CA. 90025-1015

Passover 5762/2002 Yes, I (we) will "let one who is hungry enter and eat."

Enclosed is a check for $ Name : Address ' City, State, Zip -.

March 8, 2002

by BERT LEWIS " " " " " - - " "

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

"-'• w w ^ w ^ ^ — . ^ .

Do you ever feel like a victim? I don't mean of living, so they advertise. anything really serious—I mean when something And, I'm probably not the only one who brings in really stupid happens and you can't do anything the paper and removes the ads from the part we're about it? Those kinds of things happen to me often going to read, right? I just wonder if I'm the only enough to make me wonder if I bring them on one who picks up the plastic bag containing the myself, or if I'm just an innocent victim. heavy paper and has the bottom drop out, spilling Like, for example, the grocery store embarrassing papers all over the driveway? scenes which many of us have experienced. You I guess that doesn't describe a victim, but it sure know what I mean....you decide to buy some of describes a sehlemiel, doesn't it? Which is exactly those great looking apples stacked in an inviting how I felt when I attempted to shake some seasonpyramid. No problem. You get the flimsy plastic ing into a big pot of soup simmering on the stove. bag intended for your purchase and approach the Did I notice the bottle was missing that little perfoappetizing display. rated shaker cap? No, I just dumped in so much So far, so good. How does it happen that reaching seasoned pepper it was instantly rendered inedible. for an apple at the very top of the pile can upset At least I've never been guilty of the gas station the balance enough to cause three or four to sud- nightmare. You know the one, I'm sure. It happens denly fall? No matter how carefully that first apple at the "self service" pump when you go through all is taken, boom! Fruit is rolling all over the floor. the steps; fill the tank; put the hose back and then When that happened to me the other day, a pro- forget to put the cap back on the gas tank. duce person happened to be nearby and he politely The main reason I've not been caught in that assured me I needn't worry: Til get them, ma'am." trap is my own paranoia. I'm so afraid of that hapAnd he did, smiling and courteous. When he fin- pening, I double check myself repeatedly. In fact, ished, I tried again to select a few apples, and once after I was already back in the car, I got out would you believe? Of course you would. Only the and looked, just to be sure. (You know, I couldn't second time, there were more than three or four. just look in the rear view mirror-wrong side!)

There was an avalanche! I apologized and left the So what do you suppose causes these weird area as fast as I could, deciding we really didn't things to happen? I don't really feel like a "victim", need apples. The produce guy wasn't smiling. but still, there must be an explanation.

Considering how often we shoppers are in super Is it carelessness on my part? Geez, when I go markets and other stores, you'd think things would about my business, doing what I always do, I don't be made easier for us, not more difficult, wouldn't stop to think if I'm being extra careful. I think 'I you? probably do lots of things on "automatic pilot" withEvery so often, when things don't collapse as I out first planning the steps I must take. Then look at them, I take my little plastic bag and care- there's that old saying about accidents just happenfully try to pick out the items I want. I'm glad to ing, isn't there? have the bags, but when five yellow onions cause Well, who knows? Not I, that's for sure. It's just the bottom of the bag to tear, well I don't have to that the Sunday paper incident was fairly recent, tell you what follows. and I still get a little steamed when I remember tryAnd for that matter, those plastic bags which are ing to gather all those darn papers up before the wind blew them to the next block. That's when I used so freely are the cause of lots of mishaps.

Not many weeks ago, I went out on a Sunday decided to ask you if such things only happen to me. morning to bring in the newspaper. The Sunday Never mind. I've decided to save my energy for -paper is, of course, much heavier than the daily, more important questions, like how come everybecause it contains about five pounds of advertis- thing that tastes good is either fattening or bad for ing matter. Fine. Everybody has a right to make a me? We'll tackle that issue at another time.

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Gumbel Highlights Sports Banquet (Continued from page 1) — — -

<•> — « a — — • • — ~ — —

Gumbel worked for NBC Sports from 1994-98 in a variety of roles. He presided over the pre-Super Bowl Shows in 1996 and 1998, and also hosted NBC's daytime 1996 Summer Olympic Games from Atlanta, and the 1995 World Figure Skating Championships from Birmingham, England.

He has won three Emmys in a career that also included assignments covering New York Knicks basketball and Yankees baseball for the Madison Square Garden Network. He worked as a studio anchor at ESPN, WMAN Radio in New York City.

Please give us the following information: NAM E_ OLD ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP (Or, attach your mailing label) NEW ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP NEW PHONE Effective Date If moving out of town, please check one: Discontinue Press Bill me Full-time College Student If "Snowbird," date of return.

Mail this coupon 3 weeks in advance to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St. Omaha, NE 68154

or see bottom of Page 4 for E-mail address and Fax number

Among previous guest speakers at the annual Sports Banquet were Howard Cosell, Lou Holtz, Joe Paterno, Barry Switzer, David Stern, Bob Devaney, Bobby Bowden, Joe Theisman, Tom Osborne and, last year, Steve Spurrier, according to Chairman Gil Cohen.

Tickets are $95 each and are available by calling the B'nai B'rith office, 334-6443. Tickets for a private reception and the dinner are $150. Those attending the event will also be able to participate in a fundraising raffle.

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 8, 2002

Shop at MBWgMWE for the best Passover Selection: *Fresh Produce (romame, horseradish, beets ) *Dairy Products (sour cream, butter, cottage cheese, sliced and shredded cheeses, farmer's cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, milk and more) *Frozen Foods (creamer, toppings, desserts, kugels) *Frozen Meats (beef, chicken, veal, turkeys, smoked meats)

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Store Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Sunday 8:00: A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Pleas© note.- Freal olsteten, beef cms ani wmM mm are @Miieciei to mtlw for sale on lercii 1? anil larch 24 at 15th & iotfie 8NLY.

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