August 2, 2002

6JEWISH PRESS

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No. 48

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SERVING NEBRASKA AN0 WESTERN I W A FOR 81 YEARS -

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)y JOAN K. MARCUS

A m d i n g to Jetft'Aizenberg, Executive DirectoF of the Jewish Community Center, *Omaha ia the

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smalleet Jewish community ever to hod the JCC Maccabi Oame8."

But when the Games begin thia Sunday, Aug. 4, h a h a will welcome close to 1000 Jewish athletw to our city. The Gamete begin with the opening wremony, 7 p.m. at the^ Civic Auditorium, but the real w g h h g goete back two yem ago. Marcia Pitlor urd Jody Malashock were recruited aa the volunb r co-chairs of the event who, according to Lisa 3hkoInick, JCC AsaMant Director and Directar of h e JCC Maccabi Qamw in Omaha,have d ~ ~ l b t e d 'thowands of houran to the we&.

Aizenbe~ghas ~pemta lot ofhie time going out into the Omaha JCommunity to h d r a h . W e had a lot of wond& mpparf all all levels and it waa very ma,'' he mid. W e raised a little nrer $800,000 and an* $100,000 in 'in kind' ioMionr."

participate in ropn

Delegation Heads B r and Excitement t 11 JCC Mc::Z In two days, 917 athletes &om 24 communitiw upon Omaha.Led by pmibahal staff 60m Jemitlh Community Centtrm, tham pre-teen and tern athlwill compete in a variety of competitions, ranging ftam b a t b a l l to bowling, from tennia to dance, in a week of Olympietype evenb.

The leadm of th- enthhastic delegations range from JCC Assilrtant Director8 to BBYO Directom at their Centem. They have a total of more than 100 yeare 8.perience ~ccomppyingathletes to sitee all wem fhe oountry and have encotmtered everything from mimed flighta to tripe to hospital emergency roome. One even had to purcharre underwear for an athlete who ne@cted to pnck hie brie&i!

Me& them: th&e the JCC Maccabi Gmnw w i l l d-nd

mea&@d JewM eixperience.".AUen io abo the President of the M a t i o n ' of Jemish Center Proikdonala for fbe FhMalbutheaatern Region daughter and a and ia the mothetr of a 16-&Id 21-yea~oldeon..

Readera should recqenite the name of Mott

for the Omaha team, which abo includw four boyshhlIA0kedto "fill in" for Alan Mor in 1898 becauee hie wedding waa scheduled that summer, Blmp rayr.the highlightofheJrMaccabi,experience 'w,aa.watching"our &la win the gold medal playoff b a h t b a l l game in 2001!" (contshuedon page 8) '

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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CLIP & SAVE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 c Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

C L I P

" SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 S A } JCC Maccabi Games V E Opening Ceremony, 7 p.m., at the Civic Auditorium-the entire community is invited MONDAY-THURSDAY AUGUST 5-8 JCC Maccabi Games, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., JCC and various venues: sports competitions

All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Mariene Hert ot 334-6437.

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

KoMVs

A Simple Choice

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE —

Parashat Re'eh Our Sidra offers us a choice: "Look here. I place before you today a blessing and a curse." So simple a choice! But if one wants to make the choice, i requires full attention, indeed, a lifetime of full attention, consistetcy.

We have here morality in a nutshell. But moralists and ethical teachers in all ages can offer many paragraphs and many pages of discussion, but actually they go no farther, for the choice is: choose life and blessing, not the alternative.

The temptations in life are very real. Young people in every generation face these demands on their mental and physical beings. In our age, there is the temptation of illicit drugs, the abuse of one's sexual powers, the lure of liquor, in general-the fast life.

So one must say, slow down. The fast life leads to perdition.

In the Midrash, near the end of the discussion in our Sidra, there is quoted the very end of theprophetic literature of the Bible. The forecast is for the coming of Elijah, the Prophet. And what is he to do? Some great thing? Indeed, it is a great thing: he will effect the i-econciliation of parents and children.

At first blush, one thinks that this is not necessarily the great thing for which one has to shanghai Elijah. Has he no more important things to do?

No, indeed! For every generation thinks that the next generation is going to the dogs. They have all the wrong values. Only we know what is best for them.

Parents and children continuously, generation after generation, run into this problem. At its simplest, What time will you be home? At its deepest, the problem has to do with a view of life. What is it for? How can it be used properly?

In a striking play on words, Jewish tradition has said that together, in one bundle, there came from Heaven this gift for mankind: the Sefer and the Sayaph, that is to say, the Book and the Knife. And they were told if you concentrate on the Book, you will not be subjected to the Knife.

Each generation is given this choice. It is the same as the blessing and the curse. It is the Book or the Knife.

In fact, of course, this view is all too simply stated. We may choose the Book, but it is not sufficient defense if they come at us with the Knife. So even in a country that longs for peace~and every country says it longs for peace—there are those who come at us with, the Knife. One need not explain that the knife is only a symbol, that there is a proliferation of weapons of much greater power, indeed weapons of mass destruction available to evil powers.

Thus peace-loving nations (and I'm sure there are peace loving nations!) must prepare for defense.

Not to do so, would be folly. Not to do so would invite attack and destruction.

Like it or not, this is the world we live in.

NON-PROFIT

DIRECTOR, NON-PROFIT c L I P

S A V E

S A V E

August 2, 2002

HELEN SCHWARTZ Helen Schwartz died July 27. Services were held at Golden Hill Cemetery on July 28, officiated by Cantor Leo Fettman and Rabbi Allan Gonsher.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Schwartz.

In the 1980s, Schwartz was a founder of Mamaloshen, a group devoted to speaking Yiddish and its preservation.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Dani and Leon Shrago; grandchildren, Shifra and Mordechai Gitt of St. Louis, David and Brooke Shrago, and Shoshy Shrago; and one great-grandson.

Donations to Chabad of Nebraska.

SAMUEL A. SHUKERT Dr. Samuel A. Shukert died at the age of 63 on July 12 in Denver, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Helen Shukert and his daughter, Elizabeth.

He is survived by his wife Estelle; sons and daughters-in-law, Benjamin and Joanna, Joseph and Florence, Morton and Shelley, and Abraham and Heidi, all of Denver, and Jacob and Tina of Leesburg, VA; daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Paul Roth of Grand Junction, CO; brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Elfrieda Shukert of San Francisco, CA; sister, Sari Wolf; 13 grandchildren; and father and mother-in-law, Harry and Sophie Schulman of Omaha.

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The Web site of the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent newspaper was hacked into with an antiIsrael message. The site, www.jewishexponent.com, which went down last Friday, was back up late Friday through Monday. On Monday, the site was taken down after it was linked to a proPalestinian newsletter. In a message posted on the site, editor Jonathan Tobin wrote, "We are taking every measure to ensure the security of our site in the future and to bring to justice the criminal who committed this act."

8

Documents signed by Yasser Arafat prove that he was undermining the Oslo Accords five years ago, according to the Israeli daily Yediot Achronot.

The report was based on documents Israel confiscated from Palestinian Authority offices during military operations earlier this year. After being invited to view the documents-so many that they are being housed in a military hangar-the paper reported that, like other previously released memos, they proved that Arafat lied repeatedly when he said he had no connection to terrorists and could not stop their attacks.

• The president of the Claims Conference says the organization could withdraw from agreements protecting German insurance companies from lawsuits if the firms don't speed up restitution payments to Holocaust survivors. Agreements signed two years ago protect the firms from being sued by Holocaust survivors or their heirs. The agreements were key to beginning payments from a $5 billion German restitution fund. Given a delay in payouts, however, the Claims Conference now is weighing its options, Israel Singer said last week at the group's annual board meeting here.

Hadassah, the nation's largest Women's and Zionist Membership Organization, is seeking a dynamic, self-starter to be responsible for the day-to-day operation of our Minneapolis Chapter.

Working closely with the Presidential Triad, Board of Directors & Volunteer leadership, the successful candidate will implement policies and programs that merge the Volunteer's time and human resources and funds to identify and meet management needs. Duties include: supervision of staff, admin support to Board of Directors; manage all office/administrative/correspondent services; oversee budget and expenses for the Chapter; hire/motivate/evaluate staff; assist in developing the annual strategic plan as well as long range planning; and maintain on-going PR efforts to enhance the Chapter's image and develop positive relationships in the community. : ' :: ; Candidates must possess excellent interpersonal/communication skills, strong management and problem solving skills, and 3-5 years experience in management, community relations, volunteer services, marketing or education. Knowledge of, and experience, in the Jewishcorhmunity Is beneficial. Limited travel involved. .;'."':• To be considered for this professionally rewarding opportunity, please forward resume with salary:history to: Hadassah, WZOA, Human Resources, 50 West58th Street, New York, NY 10019 or fax 212-303-8226 or email : : J " ;lir@hadas sah.qrgl EPE,

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL Congregation Beth Shalom, the largest Conservative congregation in Kansas City, is looking for a full-time, skilled, experienced ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL for the combined role of Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director and Coordinator of Membership Services.

Required,skills include; • excellent interpersonal skills • BperJs&witjvMctosoft Word, Excel,Gutlook-anchnternet Explorer and the aptitude to learn proprietary membership software • organized .

• ..'..:•• • self-starting • • highly productive • professional letter writing •. •• analyzing expenses and budgets and obtaining cost proposals ; • value the mission, vision and activities of Congregation Beth •

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If interested, 'contact Rich Groves, Executive Director, (816)361-2990 x26 or e-mail rBroves@sound.net, Salary will be competitive,,;

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August 2, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Candlelighting Friday, August 2

8:22 p.m.I

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pleisrael-ne : Men's CZu6, U:45 a.m. All male memOffice Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 bers of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly infor- a.m.-2 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Services con- 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Services are conductmal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. ducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. ed by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Emil Join us for some relaxation and great conversation!

FRIDAY: Kaballat Shabbat, 7 p.m. (For those Berkovits.

Shabbat Evening Service, 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh who accept Shabbos early at Kabbalat Shabbat FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat I'Arvit I'shabbat, 6 Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate and services, candles should be lit by 7:25 p.m.) The p . m . ' --• Rabbi Azriel will speak on the summer study topic, West Minyan is at the home of Dani and Leon SATURDAY: P'sukei D'Zimrah, followed by which continues with "Remarkable Jews: Shrago.

Shabbat Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Taylor Sanford, Revolutionaries, Rabbis, and Romantics" focusing SATURDAY: Shacharit 8:45 a.m., Free babysit- daughter of Mark and Vickie Sanford, will celebrate on Jews throughout history who have made a dif- ting begins at 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:00 her Bat Mitzvah; Free sitter service starts at 10 a.m. ference. a.m. Mincha, 8:15 pan., followed by Shalosh and runs through the conclusion of services; Kiddush SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 Seudot and Ma'ariv; Havdalah, 9:25 p.m. sponsored by Mark and Vickie Sanford in honor of a.m., in the Milder Center. Please join us as we contheir daughter; Saturday Evening: 8 p.m., Humash SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. tinue our study of Traditional Prayers, Modern Class with Cantor Berkovits. Knowledge of Hebrew WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Commentaries: The Amidah. Services in the not required; 8:30 p.m., Minha-Ma'ariv and TORAH TOUR Sanctuary, 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday-Sunday, Aug.13-18: Rabbinic students Havdalah.

SITTER SERVICE SUNDAY: Shaharit, 9 a.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv, 5:30 from Yeshiva University will be in Omaha for Lunch Sitter Service is available Friday evening at the 'n Learn, daily shuirim, informal breakfasts and p.m.

5:30 p.m. service. Please make a reservation opportunities for learning, as well as Shabbat meals.

JUDAICA SHOP through the Temple office so we may plan accordA seletion fo Jwwish books, holiday ceremonial ingly. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilitems and life cycle gifts are available in the shop, ities for infants. open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Membci'of thesUnipn of American HeUrew Gongregatioris

^^f|||^iliillSi® FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat following services.

Services officiated by Rabbi M h r 1 \\ ei e FRIDAY: Services, 7:45 p.m.

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

MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 pan.

THURSDAY: 7 p.m. Choir practice; Hebrew with Rabbi Milder, 7:30 p.m.

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Monday-Friday, services at 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

jiMemJBeK'Sf'Unit^^

FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

SATURDAY: Members of Beyt Shalom will conduct servies at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home chapel, 9 a.m.

Hebrew school begins Sept. 3; for information, call 932-6931.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum.

Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 aan.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.

ROSE BLUWIKIN JEWISH HOWIE SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by members of Beyt Shalom in the RBJH Chapel, followed by Kiddush.

Disagreement Over Motive In Rome Jewish Grave Desecration

Seth Kudym, son of Gary and Robbi Kudym, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Aug. 10 at Beth El

by RUTH E. GRUBER — Synagogue.

An eighth grade superior ROME (JTA) - Italian police and Jewish leaders Vandals smashed as many as three dozen tombs honor roll student at are at odds over what led to the desecration of in the Jewish section of Rome's Verano cemetery on Kiewit Middle School, Seth dozens of Jewish graves in a Rome cemetery. the night of July 17, the-beginning of Tisha B'Av, was selected for the Duke Police are focusing their investigation on local the solemn fast day that marks the anniversary of Talent Identification cemetery maintenance rackets rather than on neo- the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

Nazi anti-Semites or Muslim extremists.

"It doesn't seem to me as if this attack came on a Program last year and honReports last week said at least one grounds work- date chosen by chance," said Amos Luzzatto, presi- ored with a Presidential er at the cemetery was under formal investigation dent of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities. Award for Educational Excellence. for the crime, and police were looking into the activ- "The coincidence is too suggestive to be ignored."

He enjoys cooking, golf, ities of three or four others.

Town Tries to Save video games, and being with his friends and he Their theory was that the destruction came as plays piano and sings in Kiewit Krew. For his mitzpart of an ongoing feud between cemetery mainte- Slovakian Synagogue vah project, he donated dog food, bowls, towels and nance workers and a band of private freelance gartreats to the Nebraska Humane Society. deners who extorted high sums of money from peoSeth has a sister, Molly. ple to care for family tombs.

Grandparents are Betty Kolnick and the late Rome Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni said he is Martin Kolnick, and Fred and Ruth Kudym glad the investigation was moving ahead, but--like most other Rome Jews-said he found this line of PEOPLE inquiry hard to swallow.

W H O READ "I am not able to single out a motive that would MONUMENT GO. have prompted the grounds workers to carry out NEWSPAPERS ARE such a gesture," Di Segni said. "Maybe it's an irraFrank L Ciciulla Jr. tional motive that I can't understand."

60 Years Experience Rome Jews staged a vigil outside the devastated With Jewish cemetery Monday, carrying banners reading "Don't Lettering and Memorials touch the dead", "A few idiots are ruining Europe" and "30 percent of Europeans are anti-Semitic and Officials in Lucenec, Slovakia, are trying to 1439 So. 13th 30 percent of Europeans are guilty~in what percent save the town's rare synagogue.

341 -2452 It all starts with Newspapets Photo by Ruth E. GruberlJTA. do you fit?"

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 2, 2002

Dry Bones

To Every Generation5 There is a Time Every generation complains about the next. "They're lazy," or "they don't appreciate what the}' have" or "They won't amount to a hill of .beans."

We've all heard it (because our parents probably said it about us!) and now some people are saying it about young people today. Every generation repeats the mantra, "The next generation is going down the tubes!"

We beg to differ. Just take a look on the campus of the Jewish Community Center this week and you'll see why.

You'll meet 917 young athletes from 24 different communities (118 of them are ours!) arriving on Sunday for the 2002 JCC Maccabi Games. They're competing in a variety of different sports and have to comply with regulations regarding their conduct and sportsmanship, on and off the courts and sports fields.

While we gave kudos to the JCC staff and volunteers who have so successfully organized this huge undertaking, this week we want to focus our attention of the reason we are hosting these Games—these young athletes.

For many of these teens and preteens, the JCC Maccabi Games are the only Jewish connection they have.

While some of them are members of synagogues and might be active in their

youth groups, many are not. But because they're members of their JCC's Maccabi delegation, their famines are now members of a Jewish institution, too. This means not only a teenager now has a link to the Jewish community, but so do their parents and siblings.

This Jewish connection is vitally important to the future of our community. And while we applaud the work of synagogue youth groups and the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, along with many Jewish summer camps, we cannot underestimate the value of the JCC Maccabi Games to those youngsters who have not found a niche anywhere else. An exciting experience here and a tie to the JCC in their hometown can be an entry point into other Jewish experiences.

Please welcome these athletes into our community and into your homes.

Show them how important they are to the continuity of the Jewish people.

Let them know we need them and want them to stay involved. Don't aggravate about the parking-smile at all the new faces you'll see!

They've worked hard to get here— and they do appreciate all the hard work that went into the effort to get them here. To this generation, we say "Yasher Koach--go in strength!"

ij;

by RACHEL POMERANCE

—

JEWISH PRESS

National Newspaper Association

Media Panel Shows the Heat of Jews5 Passions on Mideast Coverage

—

ORLANDO, FL, (JTA)-Even before Zev Chafets arrived for a media panel here, he was being goaded by his peers. The conservative columnist for the New York Daily News said he had received quite a few e-mails instructing him, in "genteel terms," to "kick" the "ass" of National Public Radio president Kevin Klose.

Along with New York Times contributor Samuel Freedman, Chafets and Klose appeared on a panel at Hadassah's 88th annual convention here last week, addressing media coverage of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

The issue has been a widespread source of dismay for the Jewish community, which complains that much reporting falsely portrays Israel as the aggressor.

In fact, Hadassah came under fire from critics of NPR for including Klose. Supporters of the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America, urged that a CAMERA representative be included to counter NPR, but Hadassah maintained the panel was designed for working journalists only.

While civil and even jocular, the Hadassah forum demonstrated American Jews' frustration with the media. And NPR--widely regarded by Hadassah activists, who represent all religious streams and political ideologies within American Zionism, as skewed against Israel-became a lightning rod for criticism.

After waiting in a long line for their turns at the microphone, activists faulted NPR and other major media outlets for alleged sensationalism, ignorance and lack of context and follow-up.

They lambasted the media for biased word choice and inaccuracy, and for encouraging a "moral equiv-

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alence" by their treatment of Palestinian terrorist attacks and Israeli military responses.

Chafets, the panelist representing the right wing --Freedman apparently was picked as the centrist and Klose as the liberal-seemed to have the audience's allegiance.

His opening speech, which called for pro-Israel spin, earned sustained applause.

Major American media organizations like NPR and The New York Times are not anti-Israel or antiSemitic, or even inaccurate, Chafets said. They simply "are balanced organizations in a situation where balance" is inappropriate, he said.

"In a war between America's enemies and America's allies," the free press should take a clear stand on the side of democracy, Chafets said.

Its tone should be "unsympathetic to the bad guys" and "understanding" of "the right side."

Klose responded that advocacy is not NPR's role.

Freedman agreed that the media is not there to "reify Jewish solidarity with Israel."

When complaining to news outlets, activists should include some positive feedback with their criticism, advised Freedman, a professor at Columbia University's School of Journalism. He also blasted the idea of boycotting media outlets perceived as pro-Palestinian, as some pro-Israel activists have urged.

Freedman said that those who protested Klose's inclusion on the Hadassah panel were spewing an "odious idea." He also suggested that American Jews may be seeking pro-Israel partiality, and misdirecting their frustration over the conflict at the media-a notion that offended some activists.

Audience members praised Klose for holding a dialogue with a group that is critical of his network, yet (Founded in 1920)

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Fred Tichauer Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer

most remained skeptical of his message.

"He had me" until he refused to call suicide bombers murderers, said Eileen Chepenik, president of the Charleston, SC, chapter of Hadassah.

Indeed, Klose was booed when he said that it was not up to NPR to decide if suicide bombers were murderers. "We're not going to make a finding of guilt," he said. "Murder" is a determination that only the court system can make, he said.

"That's ridiculous," Chepenik said.

A former editor of a Jewish newspaper in Charleston, Chepenik said Klose "represents a hurdle for us" in terms of communicating the message that suicide bombers are terrorists, plain and simple.

"How can anyone in their right mind not take sides when it comes to suicide bombers?" she asked.

"Murderers are blowing up innocent civilians," and reporters should describe it as such, she said.

If that's considered taking sides, "then yes," reporters "should take sides," she said.

Charlotte Jacobson, Hadassah's National Honorary Vice-president who moderated the panel, agreed. "We don't agree" that reporters should be detached from the story, she told JTA after the session. If something is wrong, then "you say so."

As for the panel, "I think they heard the voice of the people," she said.

Iris Geller, 51, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, has regarded NPR and other major media as slanted against Israel. But Klose seemed "sincere," she said, and the station has the "possibility of improving."

She was pleased when Klose said the station is planning a piece on the history of Israel.

"If we could have" such dialogues with other network heads, the Jewish community "would be much better off," Geller said. .

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; ; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K Marcus; Scott Meyerson; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Melanie Weinstein; 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 is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

August 2, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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My Day in (Rabbinical) Court

by TEDDY WEINBERGER

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My friend Maury made aliyah last time, and I went first. summer. Maury is a geriatric physiTo my surprise, I was confronted cian, father of three, and a widower. with an actual courtroom, with two His wife died of cancer four years ago. ultra-Orthodox judges sitting behind Shortly after Maury arrived here, he a raised bench. I was told to approach met Carolyn, a widow, whose spouse and was asked how long I knew had also died of cancer, and the moth- Maury, and I said 23 years. er of two boys.

They asked "from where?" and I told Maury and Carolyn's romance blos- them about our Israel program somed in the spring and they decided together at the end of high school and to get married this summer. In Israel, about going to college together. Then any Jew who wishes to marry must do the judges got to the heart of the matso through the Rabbinate (which is ter. They said Maury had testified exclusively in Orthodox control). before the Court that he was a bacheThere are two vital issues that con- lor. I knew, didn't I, said the judge cern the Rabbinate before it will agree leading me the witness, that Maury to open a "marriage file" for someone: had been married and that his wife 1) Is the person Jewish, and 2) Is the had died. person single (unattached)?

"Yes," I said. "Were you at the funerWith Maury and Carolyn, the first al or present at all during the shiva issue had already been proved, since period?" they both are Israeli citizens with "No," I said, explaining that I was in identity cards stating that their Israel and that she had died in nationality is Jewish. But Maury had America. "What was the wife's name?" to have help with the second issue the judge asked. (and Carolyn had to call upon her own "Ummm," I said, as I thought to friends to help her out). Maury need- myself: Well, there goes the wedding. ed me (and another male witness) to Because at that precise moment the go to the Rabbinate and testify that he name of Maury's wife had completely was indeed single and unattached. evaporated from my brain. What a The truth of the matter is that I had shame, I continued thinking to done this before so I knew what to myself, because Maury and Carolyn expect. A few years ago, my friend could have been very happy together.

But just before I threw Sharon had asked me to myself on the mercy of go down to the Why should it be left the Court, I turned to Rabbinate for her. She solely to an ultralook at Maury, who had provided me with Orthodox rabbi to heroically continued to the address, given me determine if a person stare straight ahead at her file number, and the judges (would we had told me the hours is a bachelor or each have received 39 that the office was open. can get married or lashes had he tried to I went down to the divorced? signal something to office, sat across from Why couldn't Israelis me?). the desk of the rabbi, have the option of told him that I had Maury looked so loneknown Sharon since the a civil, Reform, or ly standing there. He sixth grade and that she Conservative had been so happy with was single, and I signed wedding ceremony? Gwen and now it was a statement to this time for . . . Oh my God, effect. that's it!

"Gwen," I answered, as calmly as I I was a little puzzled when Maury told me that he would be accompany- could. With that the Judge asked me ing me and the other witness, that we to go to the Court recorder and sign a had a specific appointment time, and transcript of my testimony. that the address was different than As I exited through the long hallway, the one I had gone to for Sharon, but I seeing people from all sections of didn't give these differences more Israeli society (ultra-Orthodox, relithan a passing thought. gious, and secular), I couldn't help but On the appointed day and hour I think that what went on in these met up with Maury and his friend Lije courtrooms does not give religion a (short for Elijah) in front of the particularly good name. appointed building. As we approached Why should it be left solely to an the entrance, a man hurried by us and ultra-Orthodox rabbi to determine if a a woman screamed after him in a person is a bachelor or can get marpathetic, pleading Russian, and ried or divorced?

Why couldn't Maury turned to me and said, "Well, I Israelis have the; option of a civil, guess they were here for the other Reform, or Conservative wedding cerreason why people go to the emony?

Rabbinate."

Until the day this is possible, the We went upstairs and were con- ultra-Orthodox will continue to benefronted with a long corridor with wait- fit financially from their monopoly, ing rooms and a roster of appoint- but they will also continue to be hurt ments on the doors. Alongside the by it as well if things go poorly. occasional "bachelorhood" hearing, And indeed, even in the best of were many more for: separation, cases, many citizens are not all that divorce, child support, arbitration, happy to have the State butt in on inheritance, and marital harmony (in their private business-so the setting Hebrew this term literally. means is ripe for feelings of resentment to 'peaceful home'). emerge. And because all the judges We finally found the door with are ultra-Orthodox, it's easy to blame Maury's name, and after one inheri- ultra-Orthodoxy for any difficulties tance case and one divorce case (some- that arise.

I'm happy to say, however, that my times accompanied by raised voices inside), 'our' case was called. Lije and friend Maury has put all of these I were told to wait, while Maury issues behind him, for he and Carolyn entered alone. After 10 minutes or so, were married on July 24th.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 2, 2002

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by BETH COHEN, Beth Israel Executive Director

—

From Aug. 13-18, Beth Israel Synagogue will host Yeshiva University's Torah Torahs in Omaha for the second summer in a row. For many years, YU graduates and smicha (rabbinic) students have spent their summer vacations in communities to educate, enlighten and inspire. Through study and interaction, these students engage community members in fulfilling their unique mission of blending the secular and Jewish worlds together.

Rabbi Howard Kutner, an alumnus of YU and its theological seminary, has worked closely with the university to bring this program to Omaha.

"YU students and Omaha are a perfect match," he said. "I believe the YU approach to Judaism is very compatible with our community. We welcome thier presence both for Beth Israel as well as for the entire Jewish community."

The program for this summer, "In the Aftermath of 9-11: a Jewish Perspective," will explore such topics as "How do we Jews react to tragic events, both at home and in Israel?" and "Martyrdom vs.

Murderdom" as well as "The Jewish Concept of Kiddush HaShem, Giving One's Life for the Santification of G-d's Name" and "Our Obligation for Jewish Involvement, Now More than Ever."

Torah Tours gives members of the community an oportunity for formal learning sessions, in the form of Lunch and Learns and shuirim (classes and lectures), and also individualized, informal learning sessions, which give people the chance to study or discuss any aspect of Judaism.

Want to brush up on your Hebrew? Discuss the weekly Torah portion or research a specific law or custom? "No Experience Necessary"~anyone can sign up for an individual learning time. The YU staff will be available for whatever you would like to study.

In addition to individual learning, each morning, Aug. 14-16, 8:30-11:30 a.m., a breakfast and informal discussion will be held with Torah Tours staff at 8 a.m., following the 7 a.m. morning service.

There are two Lunch and Learn programs: Wednesday, Aug. 14, noon, will be hosted by Joe Kirshenbaum at Noddle Development, 13710 First

National Bank Parkway. A Bagel Bin lunch will be available for $5. The second is Thursday, Aug. 15, noon, in the JELS classroom at the JCC; the Blumkin Home will provide a daily lunch for $5.

The YU staff will lead a discussion on BBYO night, Tuesday, Aug. 13,6 p.m., and all high school students are invited. The Tour moves to Beth Israel at 7:15 p.m. for a shuir, followed by evening services at 8:10 p.m.

A combination of fun and learning is set for two evenings. On Wednesday, Aug. 14, 6 p.m., a family picnic will be held at the Frohm Pavilion on the back grounds of the JCC, followed by two learning sessions, one for adults and one for teens and then evening services at 8:10 p.m.

A fleishig (meat) Italian dinner at Beth Israel is Thursday, Aug. 15, 6 p.m., again followed by two learning sessions~for teens and adults. The dinners are $10 each for adults; $5 each for children (ages four-12).

The program for Shabbat begins with Kabbalat Shabbat Services on Friday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel, followed by a delicious dinner. After the lecture, everyone is invited to an Oneg Shabbat.

The cost for the Shabbat dinner is $12 for adults; $6 for children, ages four-12. Free babysitting is provided from 7-10 p.m.

On Saturday morning, Aug. 17, Shabbos services begin at 8:45 a.m. Free babysitting is from 10 a.m.2 p.m. A festive lunch follows services, and then informal sessions for adults and teens. Cost for lunch is $7.50 for adults and $4 for children, ages four-12. Shabbos concludes with a Pirkei Avot class at 7:15 p.m., followed by Mincha and Shalosh Seudot. There is no charge for meals for children under age three. • The YU Torah Tour is in conjunction with the MAx Stern Division of Communal Services/Rabbi Isac Elchanon Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University. Men and women are invited to attend all sessions. Reservations for meals and learning sessions can be made by calling the synagogue office

by Aug. 9, 556-6288 or via e-mail: Bethlsrael@novia.net.

Rabbi Levin Assumes Beth El Pulpit Rabbi Kripke to Officiate at Installation Ceremony

by OZZIE NOGG

—

Rabbi Mordechai Levin, the new spiritual leader of Beth El Synagogue, will officiate at his first Shabbat service this weekend, Aug. 2-3. Rabbi Levin, his wife, Susana, and their children, Ariel, Tali and Gabriel, arrived in Omaha this past week from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Rabbi Levin's official installation is scheduled to take place on Saturday evening, Aug. 31, 8:30 pan., at the synagogue. Rabbi Myer S. Kripke will officiate. According to Cantor Emil Berkovits, the program will include original music and readings.

Gaston Bogomolni, Beth El's Ritual Director, will join Cantor Berkovits in the vocal and instrumental portions of the installation ceremony.

Andee Scioli and Jim Fried are in charge of arrangements for the Installation Evening which will include a Champagne Dessert Reception chaired by Lisa Epstein.

Richard Fellman, President of Beth El, said, "After the long search, the selection process and the many months of planning for his arrival, our congregation is delighted to have Rabbi Levin and his family safely in

•.

.—

Omaha and part of Beth El. We look forward to his guidance and participation in our lives and in the life of the Omaha Jewish community."

A group of Beth El members have volunteered to help speed the Levin's transition from Argentina to the United States. "There's a lot of bureaucratic red tape to cut through," said Janie Kulakofsky, chairman of the group. "We plan to help Rabbi Levin and his family get their Social Security numbers, open bank accounts, have a telephone installed, find doctors. All the things we take for granted. Life in Omaha is so much different than life in Buenos Aires and we hope to make the transition as smooth and easy as possible for them."

Others working with Kulakofsky are Sheri and Mike Abramson, Howard Epstein, Richard Fellman, Margie Gutnik, M'Lee Hasslinger, Marcel Kahn, Alan Parsow, Larry Shapiro, Fred Tichauer and Sally Zipursky. Also assisting are Beth El staff members, Larry DeBruin, Cantor Emil Berkovits, Anna Besser, Gaston Bogomolni, Ellie Greenspoon, Kathy Schmitt, Judy Tully, Blanche Wise and Lucy White.

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Temple Plans Annual Golf Outing and Family Day

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Temple Israel Communications Coordinator"

Temple Israel's 2002 Golf Outing will start off with hot dogs and hamburgers on Monday, Aug. 26, noon, at the Shadow Ridge Country Club at 187th and Pacific. A shotgun start at 1 p.m. follows lunch. After golf, there will be a steak dinner in the clubhouse. Rick Fox, who is on the Golf Outing Committee, expects 100 golfers to participate.

On the previous day, Sunday, Aug. 25, 4 p.m., the committee has planned an afternoon of minigolf for families at Boulder Creek, 14208 S St. Fox anticipates 200 people will attend. In addition to mini golf, there will be a raffle with prizes, and a hot dog and hamburger dinner will be served.

Proceeds from the Aug. 26 Golf Outing help support Temple Israel's religious school, youth group, adult education, and worship services. Entry fee is $125 per player. To attend only the dinner costs $30.

Temple members can participate in the family minigolf on Aug. 25 at no cost.

Reservations are requested by Wednesday, Aug. 14, and can be made by calling the Temple office at 556-6536.

Other members of the Golf Outing Committee are Jon Meyers, Dennis DePorte, Don Greenberg, Joe Meyers, Jim Farber, Tom Friedman, Wendy Goldberg, Steve Redler, and Paul Epstein.

August 2, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

for JCC Maccabi Games

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More than 20 volunteers assembled in the basement of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center Monday night, where hundreds of boxes of donated items had been stored in preparation for the JCC Maccabi Games. Under the direction of Chairmen

Dinah and Larry Raful, volunteers like Pam Friedlander, left, and Joye Wees, right, formed a "conveyor line," adding yet another item to the more than 1200 goodie bags. The welcome bags are needed for the athletes, delegation heads, and coaches, who arrive this Sunday.

-••-•

KAPLAN/ROSENBLUM Jessica Leah-Kaplan and Jeremy Mark Rosenblum were married on May 27 at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Rabbi Charles Sheer, Jewish Chaplin at the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life at Columbia University in New York City, officiated at the ceremony.

The groom is the son of Dr. Howard and Mrs. Miriam Rosenblum of East Brunswick, NJ, and the grandson of Mrs. Helen Leiderman of New York City and Mrs. Sylvia Rosenblum of Brooklyn, NY. The bride is a 2002 graduate of Columbia College.

She will be attending the Drisha Institute for Jewish Education in New York City in 2002-2003 prior to enrolling in medical school in 2003.

The groom is a 2002 graduate of Columbia College. He will be enrolling in the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in Bronx, NY, in the fall.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. Michael Kaplan, formerly of Omaha, and of Dr. Maureen Kaplan, and the granddaughter of former Omahans and Lincolnites Mr. Stanley Kaplan and the late Mrs. Ann Kaplan. The Kaplans are residents of Lexington, MA. The bride is also the granddaughter of Mrs. Barbara Smith of West Roxbury, MA. Following their honeymoon in Italy, the Czech Republic, and Austria, the couple will be residing in the Bronx, NY.

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David and Johanna Skid of Atlanta, GA, announce the May 1 birth of their daughter, Isabelle Cate.

Isabelle has a brother, Jackson Ari, 16-monthsold.

Grandparents are Stephen and Nancy Skid of Omaha and Dr. Robert and Lauren SPector of Atlanta, GA. Great-grandparents are Charlotte Spector of New York and the late Charlie Spector and Morton and Adelle Epstein of Aventura, FL. Robert E d w a r d Everly, IV and Tracy Elizabeth Grinstead-Everly announce the June 17 birth of their daughter, Madison Elizabeth.

Madison has a brother, Alexander.

Grandparents are Bob and Pat Everly of Clinton, IA, Dan Grinstead of Davenport, IA, and Beth and Walt Brownlee of Fairfield, IA. Great-grandparents are Florence Allison of Fairfield, IA, Charlotte Brownlee of Fairfield, IA, Bob and Bea Everly of Elkhart, IN, and J.G. Mavity of Hammond, IN. Tiffany and Michael Hoberman announce the June 28 birth of their daughter, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle has a sister, Sarah, and a brother, Jacob.

Grandparents are, Nancy and Donald Hoberman.

Great-grandparents are Joseph Dubinsky of Omaha, Karol Dubinsky of Lafayette, CO, and the late Margaret and Irving Hoberman.

Jeff and Danielle Gordman announce the July 21 birth of their daughter, Harper Mattie, named for her grandparents, Henry Stark, Meyer (Muddie) Rosenbaum, A. Dan Gordman and Birdie Stark.

Grandparents are Linda and Walter Stark of St. Louis, and Linda and Jerry Gordman.

Great-grandparents are Esther and Stanley Levin of Tuscon, AZ, the late Esther and Dan Gordman, and the late Meter and Reva Rosenbaum.

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KASHMUTH ALERT Some wrapped trays of non-kosher poultry bear a code on the bottom of the plastic which includes a letter within a circle. These codes may include a K, U or V within a circle but is not intended to be a Kosher certification symbol. The use of the circle has been discontinued since May, 2002.

In general, Kosher meat and poultry require two closures, seals or other identifying marks. Kosher meat and poultry will also include the words Kosher of Glatt on the package.

KASHRUTH ALEMT P r o d u c t : Quaker Chewy S'mores Granola Bar Company: The Quaker Oats Company, Chicago, IL Issue 1: Bulk packs containing 3 varieties of Granola bars sold exclusively in BJ's and Costco, inadvertently bear an unauthorized © symbol on the individual S'mores bar wrappers inside the carton. The cardboard carton does not bear the@symbol. The S'mores bar is not kosher, and corrective action is being taken.

Issue 2: Value packs containing 3 varieties of Granola Bars, sold exclusively in Sam's Club, inadvertently bear an unauthorized © symbol on the cardboard carton. The individual S'mores bar wrappers inside the carton do not bear a@symbol. The S'mores bar is not kosher and corrective action is being taken.

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 2, 2002

Delegation Heads Bring Experience (Continued from page 1)

————————

Andrea Bochner has been involved with the JCC Maccabi Games for seven years. She began as a delegation head and in 2000 was the Games the Director for Cincinnati Games. She'll arrive with 24 athletes.

Her favorite memory is watching the athletes march in at opening ceremonies each year and especially in 2000.

"Seeing so many Jewish athletes come together each year for a week of fun, friendship and athleticism is awesome."

Joey Boime participated in boys' basketball in the 1986 JCC Maccabi Games in Toronto, coaches girls' basketball for the St. Louis Jewish Community Centers Association, and will be bringing 44 athletes, including two from Israel.

Boime played soccer and basketball in high school, as well as two years of college ball, and started as a volunteer coach when St. Louis hosted the JCC Maccabi Games in 1996.

In bis first year as a delegation head in California, JCC Athletic Director Matt Cofrancesco accompanied 40 teens to 'the 1996 JCC Maccabi Games in Rochester, NY (where he probably met Joey Boime!). Now located in Austin, TX, Cofrancesco will be bringing 20 athletes to Omaha.

He played youth basketball, baseball, football,played for an American hockey team in Canada, and still plays basketball as an adult.

"Last year, Austin participated in the games for the first time, send six athletes," he said. "They all came home with medals-and wonderful memories."

Though this is her first time as a delegation head, Paula Cole has the responsibility for 30 members of her JCC of Northern Virginia team.

She's assisted during the last four Games and recalls when her team's bus was late to the airport, "We started to panic!" Cole played softball, soccer and golf, but describes herself as "a true lacrosse fan." Her children were lacrosse players, too, and one of her sports highlights was watching collegiate-level lacrosse championship games.

Forty athletes will arrive with Rich Danov, (not pictured), Program Director of the St. Paul JCC, who has eight years of experience as a delegation head. Because of his staff position, he says he "took the initiative to get involved" because he feels it's perhaps the single most effective program we offer in reaching and connecting to Jewish teens." Danov also finds "the Maccabi experience...to be unique, exciting and a very special Jewish experience The opening ceremonies are always part of m; personal favorite memories."

Linda Dunn, delegation head from the Indianapolis JCC, is no stranger to Omaha. She was born and raised here'

She first learned about the JCC Maccabi Games from her JCC's Executive Director and "took the challenge" seven years ago by becoming an assistant delegation head. She'll bring 24 athletes with her and looks forward to "reconnecting with Omaha."

While Dunn doesn't consider herself an athlete, she and one of her two daughters, once took second place in a "family twosome bowling tournament."

They were both members of bowling leagues at the time and she attributes the good showing to having "very lucky days!"

Dunn's favorite memory is from the Tuscon Games when "1000 athletes bagged beans for the homeless and listened to testimonials."

When the girls' soccer team went from last place in 2000 to winning bronze last year, Jodi Gore (not pictured) couldn't wait for the Game in Omaha. This is her fifth year as a delegation head and she's bringing 21 athletes from the JCC in Raleigh, NC, this Sunday. Gore loves sports and wanted her daughter and her peers to "take part in a special Jewish athletic experience with people from all over the country and overseas." As an athlete herselfGore powerwalks, has competed in racquetball and softball as an adult and swimming as a teen~she also coaches swim teams.

Though he sprained his ankle while sliding into second base, Craig Frustaci recalls the memory of winning the "Kosher" Cup" in floor hockey. It's those kinds of memories he hopes the 20 athletes he's bringing from the Greater Palm Beach JCC in Florida will have when they participate in Omaha's Maccabi Games this week.

Frustaci has spent four years as a delegation head and notes the police motorcade to the camp grounds at the 1999 Houston Games as one of his Maccabi highlights.

After spending 12 years as a coach, Bob Hennecke finally became a delegation head last year. He's accompanying 70 athletes from Kansas City to the Games in Omaha and first became involved with Maccabi as an assistant basketball coach in 1990.

Hennecke also coaches the boys' varsity basketball team at the Hyman Brand Jewish Academy and participates in baseball, softball and basketball himself.

Leading the six-member delegation from the JCC of Dayton, OH is Marc Jacobs, assisted by Rick Stoeckmann (not pictured), Jacobs, who's from England originally, and a big soccer fan, recalls Dayton's involvement with the very first JCC Maccabi Games 20 years ago. "This is one of the greatest events for Jewish teens in the world," Jacobs said.

"Watching teens making new friends is one of my favorite things to see at the Games." He's also a fan of "pin-trading"--something to look for at these Games, too.

Stoeckmann knows that "every August is Maccabi time in Dayton" and calls it "a labor of love." He's been involved with organized sports for more than 30 years and is still active in softball, basketball and golf. He's coached high school baseball and watched his team make it to the state playoffs/.

Though his three children are under the age of four, he "sees wrestling in their future!"

This is the first time Faye Levy will participate in the JCC Maccabi Games. She's bringing 10 athletes from the Ken Jewish Community hi Bonita,

CA. She was recruited to be the delegation head by a member of her Center who "sent one of his kids and speaks highly of the experience his son had during the Games." Levy has a daughter who plays softball and basketball and a son who plays basketball.

L a u r a Myers was recruited to be a delegation head by her boss, Jay Jacobs, after the 2002 JCC Maccabi Games in Tuscon. "He said it would be an experience you'll never forget," Meyers added, "and he was right!" She's bringing 27 athletes from the JCC of Dallas, TX. Meyers played golf at Kansas University; her team won the 1990 NCAA championship. She also coached golf at Lamar University, while a professional golfer, and renewed her amateur status two years ago. She has competed in the U.S. Amateur Golf Tournament, the U.S. MidAmateur and the Texas Cup. Former Omahan (and former assistant director of the JCC here), Gary Bernstein, is now Executive Director of the new JCC of Albuquerque.

He recruited J o n Pier, Director of Health and Wellness, to head its 11member delegation to the Games in Omaha. Pier has "been involved in sports as a participant all of my life, and as an assistant coach or coach" as an adult. He currently coaches strength and conditioning for a semi-pro soccer team and "enjoys the comradery of team sports."

Howie Rosenberg has been a delegation head for the JCC Maccabi Games for six years and will bring 95 athletes from the JCC of Atlanta.

He's "visited hospitals in every city," notes his experience as Director of Atlanta's Games in 2001 was "the most rewarding" of his professional career.

Rosenberg participated in everything from football to track in high school, but today "its strictly recreational." For him "meeting great people and learning to live a healthy lifestyle while doing what I love most" is the most rewarding of his sports experiences. He looks forward to the day when his two-year-old son with be a Maccabi athlete!

Sixty athletes will be the responsibility of Sherri Smith, who has been involved with the Maccabi Games for 14, eight of them as delegation head from the San Francisco Bay Area JCC. Her involvement was a fluke-when a fellow JCC staff member was hit by a car, Smith received his mail, which included information about the Games. Since then, she's been "in awe of the large number of cheerful volunteers" who make the Games in each host city a success. Both of Smith's sons competed in the JCC Maccabi Games. A former high school swimmer (who now swims in the

(Continued on page 9)

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(Continued h m page 1) Participants will be dropped off a t the available, or donated air matkesses," JCC and bweed directly to their ath- she added. "Every athlete on Team letic venues. All of the buses will be Omaha has a minimum of two out-ofproperly marked and will travel on a "Hub and Spokewsystem so the athletes can catch buses from the JCC without long waiting periods.

T h e system is deeigned so that any Maccabi participant can get on a bus and travel to see athletee on hie own team or some other team," Shkolnick added. T h e bwee will be running all day." JCC members, Maccabi volunteers, Federation and Centers of Excellence staff have all been laailed parking information and urged to park in the back ofthe JCC. Rachel Blum, Omaha delegation -3 f head, says that the Omaha delegation ?i% will have 118 athletes on 6 h ' a t h l e t e s staying with them and %am Omaha." Four of tho88 young- lots of others have opened their sters are from Iarael and are h m the homes. It has been a monumental Western Galilee, Omaha's task to match families with athletes."

Partnership 2000 Region in northHost families are only responsible western Israel. This group of athletes for daily breakfasts, snacks for the will participate in every aport and is evenings, and two dinners-the largest delegation at the Games. one prior to the opening She hopes the Gamee have created ceremonies and -0thenough excitement so th- athletes er on the' Host will remain active in the Omaha com- Family Night on munity. nmday. All other Other athletes, outside the Omaha koeher or vegetaridelegation are coming from: an meals will be Albuquerque, NM, AM Arbor, MI, catered at the JCC Atlanta, GA, Awtin, TX,Boca Raton, and all of the FL, Chicago, IL, Cincinnati, OH, othw venues, Dallas, TX,Dayton, OH, Indianapolis, served in shifts.

IN, Kansas City, KA,the Ken Jewish In their spare Community of CA, New Jersey 'Y' time, the Camps, Northern Virginia, Palm teenagers will have four Beach, FL, Portland, OR, Raleigh, activities from which to choose during NC, San Francisco, CA, South "Hang Time." One includes working Broward, FL, St. Louis, Mo, St. Paul, on a mural with an Israeli artist, MN, and York, PA, and Israel.

Nurit Cederbaum, from the Western Omaha is one of five host communi- Galilee College. She will have two ties sponsoring JCC Maccabi Games. assistants and will bring some of the Other cities are: Baltimore, Memphis, canvases and equipment the athletes Montreal and Springfield, MA. Orunes willbeuaing. in Memphis are a t the name time as For athleteg who want lean otrw the Omaha games.. The other cities tured free time, there w i l l be I m l i will h& their games later in the nun- dancing and music around the JCC mer with more than 6000 Jewish pool. Finally, the JCC M a t i a n younptml patiupatin# in all. fhnn New York is bringing in two S h . k o l n i C k ~ t h a t ~ ~ h ahl ll i rhlichim, educatom who will been the great& challenge for the run 'The IbraeliWay,"a variety ofdifwent." More than 800 Omah.Jewiah ferent games and actidtien, for the familieo have opened their homea to athleter. Thwe rhlichot are in ad&the athletbr, taking a minimum of two tion to two already here in Omaha athle-, m w have volunbered to and working in the JCC summer have four or five atay with'them. campa: Keren Shlosberg and Hadar %ids will sleep in W, if they are Bendett.

J e w i a h ~ o m c l h . , N E P-9

I

One evening, the athletes will head ale0 have a private security firm who down to the Henry Doorly Zoo, wwill provide substantial protection for they will be served a kosher dinner all of the events."

Armies of volunteers will help during the event. Approximately 250 people are scheduled to help with everything from serving food to ushering at the opening ceremonies. That's in addition to the 300 host families and the huge host committee which has been planning this monumental event for the last two years!

In addition to the athletes, probably 300 parents and grandparents will stay at a local hotel, whilesupervisors, staff, delegation heads and coaches will be at another hotel. This brings the total number of people who will be in the Omaha area to upwards of 1500. and tour the zoo. Another is the night Jewish people, more than there have they will spend with their host fami- ever been! lies. They may choose to have dinner Anyone involved in the games--voland remain a t home or, in some cases, unteers, host families, coaches, staff several hoet families may get together people and VIPs--should have picked for a night out or a group barbeque. up their credentials by now. Others in Athletes will give an the community who want to watch Lr.- attern0011for a 'Day of will be able to stop by the JCC in Caring and Sharing", order to receive credential6 before when many of the going out to the game sites. lo00 participants will Aizenberg, Blum and Shkolnick help to " 0 p m a have been working on the Omaha Beautifulwby picking Maccabi Games for more than two 1 up t r u h in local years and they say that special thanks parka, aa one of four for planning needs to go to Bob mitzvah projects hanseze, Athletic Coordinator for the planned for the Oarnee. Gamee and Athletic Director of the That night is Israeli JCC. Night" at Fun Rex. The "Bob haa had a mqjor role in organwater theme park will be izing all of the competition by working adapted for the evening with parts with all of the committeee from each of the park being labeled aa regions of sport," Aizenberg pointed out. "We're Israel. Closing ceremonies will be using the different venues because of back at the Civic Auditorium, but is his choices." just for the athletes, their parents, What will they do when the Games chaperones and delegation heads. All are wer? Jeff, Rachel and Lisa admit evening programs (other than the they will begin planning for next opening ceremonies this Sunday) are year's Games in St. Louis. only for regisbred athleteg.

We'll also be doing some 'thank you' Since Sept. 11, all ofthe communi- programs for all of the volunteers who ties hoafbg the Games have been con- participated in these Games," cerned about safety and recurity. Shkolnick added.

T h ~ p a r t i n so e many athleter to and HoweverCt h w three all Bay, "we've fhnn the airport, to variom venuea for puttogstheo~7warldagspartine events, M well M to the fCm- which halped ua make really good decitilled e v d n g ~ hall , brought a new h.The o t d ie involved with the level of attention to the planning &aff ammittem, ~ J Owe have a real connee and Committeer. tion between the staffand voluntmm.

"The City of Omaha and the police "It's been a lot of hard work," have been very helpful in helping m Aizenberg admitted, "but it has a h plan our oecurity and helping with been a great pleasure; it's something trafiic cmtrol," noted Aimnberg. W e we can all be proud ofl"

\

l d

Delegation Heads (Continued b m pnge 8) masters swim program), Smith has "had a long and rewarding career teaching and coaching swimming.

She also played college field hockey &d joked, I' loved the skirts-playing in -10" weather."

Daniel Waitzman knows he wont have to repeat the "., expeahm he had as a firet time delegation head last y m r when-he drove around Philadelphia for more than an hour trying to 6nd the rental car drop off location!

He'e bringhg 30 athletes 60m the JCCs of Chicago, where he is a full-time member of the JCC Waitzman haa always been involved in spoxta and still officiates at ice hockey garnee. He counts afficiat ing at the 1996 and 1998%r One national ice hockey championship as a d higMi#~t.

Though being a delegation head for the York, PA, JCC team "came with the job," William Walter

I

-

I

hopw he can repeat the mrformance his- team had when they won a gold medal in volleyball.

This is his fourth year of involvement with the JCC Maccabi Games and he's bringing 41 athletes on Sunday. Walter played college basketball and eoccer and once made it to the state h a l e !

Though this is her first time as a delegation head and she; bringing a small term of five athletes from Portland, OR, Jamie Zidell (not pickred) did participate in the JCC Maccabi Games last year. She's impressed with the "overwhelming excitement of opening ceremonies," and receives "enormous jo y...aa a Jew" from the Games.

Zidell is the Sports Coordinator of the Portland JCC and has competed in gymnastics, dance, soccer and awimming evenb.

-

-

---

. -.-

Additional delegation heads include, above; J e a n Christian, Ann Arbor, MI; and Gail Scharf, New Jersey 'Y' Camps and Leo Honor Robbins, Israel (not pictured).

The Games begin with opening ceremonies, Supday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the entire community is invited!

For updated information, call the Maccabi office, 334-6418.

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 2, 2002

the ndco uas mu edible art)'so well done Suzy and Norni Shekfon On the marriage of Wendy to Adam, May 25,1997

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B'NAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS Jim Simon will speak at Breadbreakers, Wednesday, Aug. 7, noon at Park Inn Regency.

Simon is the Democratic Candidate for Congress from the Second District. Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community.

OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Talmud class resumes on Monday, Aug. 5, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Aryeh Blum at the home of Bob and Myra Oberman, 710 J.E. George Blvd. On Shabbat afternoon, Aug. 3, Rabbi Blum will lead a discussion on the weekly parasha at 7 p.m., also at the home of the Obermans.

Torah Tots will begin as a "stay and play for mommies" on Monday, Aug. 26, 9-11 a.m.., at the OCTL house, 1313 N. 58 St., with Shari Blum. There will be no Lunch'n Learn program on Aug. 7 due to the JCC Maccabi Games.

For more information about OCTL programs or to reserve a time for weekly one-on-one chavrusa-style learning, call Rabbi Blum, at 330-8055.

Y.E.S. There will be no meeting on Monday, due to the JCC Maccabi Games.

WALK-IN, DROP-IN YIDDISH GROUP There will be no meeting on Thursday due to the JCCMaccabi Games.

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A. Justin Cooper has joined the Metropolitan Utilities District as an ; attorney in the Law | Department. He previ- j ously worked with the Marks, Clare & Richards law firm.

Cooper earned a bachelors degree in business administration from UNO in 1979 and juris - ': doctorate from Creighton University in 1982.

Cooper is a member of the Nebraska and Omaha Bar Associations and serves on the board of directors for Jewish Family Services.

VISIONS Ignite your imagination with Aida at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska on Thursday, May 15, 2003. Cost is $60 and includes coachtransportation and theater tickets. Disney's newest is based on Verdi's opera, Aida, is an epic and classic take of love, loyalty, betrayal, and courage.

Join Visions with Moostash Joe Tours for a fall get-away to Branson, Oct. 21-24. Cost is $399 double occupancy. Send reservations form with $50 deposit to: Betty Sanford, 9205 Western St. #127, Omaha, NE 68114. Make check payable to Visions.

JNF Encourages Youth to Enroll In ssPIant Your Way to Israel83

by JEWISH PRESS News Service — — — — NEW YORK ~ Students who want to plan for a future trip to Israel can earn all or part of their trip by joining the Plant Your Way to Israel program, sponsored by Jewish National Fund. By selling Jewish National Fund trees to family, friends and neighbors, youth up to the age of 25 can accrue dollars toward a trip to Israel.

"Even if a youth is not planning to go to Israel for several years, this is a wonderful way to teach them how to earn money and save toward a future goal," said Russell F. Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of JNF. "What better future goal than to visit Israel, the Jewish homeland?"

Here's How it Works: Youth and their parents sign an agreement to sell JNF trees. Half of the proceeds are used for planting the trees in Israel and a special tree certificate is sent to the designee on behalf of the donor. The other half of the proceeds are placed in a special JNF account on behalf of the participant and kept for the participant to later use towards a trip to Israel.

The funds in the participant's account can be applied toward the cost of any organized trip to Israel with a Jewish non-profit organization, youth group, or with family or friends. Accounts are transferable to a younger sibling with prior JNF approval. A list of approved Israel programs can be downloaded from www.israelexperience.org, the web site of the Israel Experience Center, 1-800-64ISRAEL. Schools that recruit students to participate in the Plant Your Way to Israel program and are successful in selling 500 trees will receive a customized JNF BIG MAP (18 x 30 ft.) of Israel to use as an educational tool and program with their students.

The registration form for the Plant Your Way to Israel program can be downloaded from wwwjnf.org/education.html.

Bobby Newman, center, holds the first place trophy, along with teammates Josh Tiesort and Derek Nelson, of the recent USSSA State Baseball Tournament for his team, the Gladiator 12. Bobby, who plays shortstop, has earned a first place medal in the Nebraska USSSA State Tournament every year for the last three years. The Gladiators will represent Nebraska in the USSSA Nationals and the CABA World Series this month. Bobby is the son of Patricia and Jeff Newman.

Chris and Jenina Stewart have opened a business, The BurnHoleOuy, specializing in repairing vinyl, leather, and burns. Mobile service is offered for cars and boats, commercial and residential clients. For information, call 319-2664.

In the recent Nebraska State Games, held in Lincoln, Barton "Bucky" Greenberg placed first in the 50 Meter Breaststroke and the 50 Meter Freestyle swimming events in his age group.

The Tech High School, Class of 1925, will hold a reunion on Aug. 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Park Inn Regency. An informal get-together will precede the reunion on Friday, Aug. 9,1-3 p.m. at TAC, the TEacher's Administration Center. For information, call Florence Young, 571-3486.

by ART GROSSMAN

There was an unexpected link between the OT/Y.E.S. gathering's two presentations. At the Early Bird, we delved into the wave of antiSemitism that has swept much of Europe in recent months. Fire bombs in France, assaults in London, other violence in Belgium, Germany, Russia and Ukraine—in conjunction with Israel's military offensive in the West Bank.

One news headline read "Even the dead aren't safe" in reference to vandals desecrating Jewish graves in Europe.

The post-lunch speaker was Dr. Ben Nachman, who related interviewing move-maker Steven Speilberg and their conversation dealing with the Holocaust.

Dr. Nachman, a retired dentist, has made it a personal mission to research, interview and write about the Nazi madness. Twenty-three members of his family were victims of the death camps.

We mourn the loss of Dr. Milton Margolin. "Doc" served as president of both our groups and, for years, headed the program committees, bringing talented speakers and a variety of entertainers for our pleasure.

The JCC Maccabi Games are taking over the 'J\ so our next meeting won't be held until Aug. 12.

Shalom.

August 2, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, ME

Page 11

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f&»XiKq,PM '• fist.S^vyp-SK^^j'.i'S^HV'! v'i" «5 - Slats ^kuitfili-'fii,- •^m'i.-M^jf.s^slli; ''V^.:"$%&:' is:}

American Federation Leaders Visit Israeli Summer Camps

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. Frank D.D.S. 2505 South 174th Plaza Omaha, NE 6813a'

by ERICA HERZBACH, UJC Media Relations

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During the UJC annual Campaign Chairmen and Directors Mission, Elaine Blumenthal, left, of the J e w i s h F e d e r a t i o n of Greater Atlanta and Gary Hill, center, of

the Jewish Welfare Federation of Lincoln visited in Jerusalem with an Israel Defense Force soldier wounded in the line of duty.

Campaign Chairmen and Directors from Jewish community federations across North America visited Israeli children enjoying a safe, secure and fun season at summer camps throughout Israel, funded through the Israel Emergency Campaign of United Jewish Communities (UJC) and the Jewish Federations of North America.

The visits occurred during the UJC annual Campaign Chairmen & Directors Mission last month, which afforded mission participants the opportunity to witness how the Israel Emergency Campaign is directly assisting Israeli adults and children living amid frequent terrorist attacks against them. Among the participants was Gary Hill of Lincoln, NE. "In the United States, when parents send their children to summer camp, they worry about such things as will their children like then* fellow bunkmates, will they have good counselors, and will they enjoy the food," said Sandy Cahn, Campaign Chair of UJC's National Women's Constituency.

"Parents sending their children to summer camp in Israel worry about keeping their children safe from terror. Our dollars have helped to make the dream of Israeli parents to provide a secure environment for their children a reality," she added.

Due to the generosity of North American Jews who have contributed to the Israel Emergency Campaign, as many as 230,000 children—an increase of about 120,000 from last summer—are attending the threeweek camp programs this summer.

The summer camp program is a partnership of UJC, the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Israel's Ministry of Education, and the Union of Local Authorities in Israel.

Keeping children safe during the summer months is a top priority of the Israel Emergency Campaign, and approximately 80 percent of additional participants at camps this summer are from areas of Israel particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks, such as Jerusalem, Hadera, Netanya and Afula.

An additional 35,000 Israeli children are participating in summer camp programs designed for vulnerable

youth—those at risk, those from immigrant families, and those with disabilities.

Since last fall, North American Jews and their friends have pledged $299.3 million-$209.3 million since April alone—to UJC's Israel Emergency Campaign: "We Stand with Israel Now and Forever." The campaign continues to meet the economic, humanitarian and financial needs of the Israeli people as they deal with terrorist threats against their lives.

During the Campaign Chairmen & Directors Mission, participants had the opportunity to express their unity with Israelis and see first-hand their needs and daily challenges. The group heard the emotional stories of Israelis who have received aid from the Jewish Agency's Fund for Victims of Terror, which, with support from the Israel Emergency Campaign, responds to the urgent needs of terror victims and their families.

Additional highlights of the mission included a meeting with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Following his call for Jews in the Diaspora to travel to Israel and volunteer, mission participants took part in volunteer activities in coordination with UJC's overseas agency partners-the JDC and the Jewish Agency.

For more information about the UJC Israel Emergency Campaign, or to donate online, go to: www.ujc.org.

Information is also available by calling 1-800-966-4UJC (1-800-966-4852).

Donations may be sent to United Jewish Communities, Israel Appeal, P.O. Box 30, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113.

UJC represents 156 Jewish Federations, including the Jewish Federation of Omaha and the Lincoln Jewish Welfare Federation, and 400 independent communities across North America.

Through the UJA Federation Campaign, UJC provides life-saving and life-enhancing humanitarian assistance to those in need, and translates Jewish values into social action on behalf of millions of Jews in hundreds of communities in North America, in towns and villages throughout Israel, in the former Soviet Union, and 60 countries around the world.

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Jewish Press, Omaha. ME

August 2, 2002 TELL OUR ADVERTISERS YOU SAW THEIR AD IN THE JEWISH PRESS!

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by BERT LEWIS .

When you were a little kid, do you For example, when I took my mail in remember always wishing you were the other day, I found the usual bunch older? Maybe you had an older sibling of items that went right into the waste and it seemed as though he or she basket, plus one large manila envealways could have something or do lope. The return address was from something you couldn't have or do. Or some business or other, and there was when you finally got to be 12 or 13, a message on the outside that said, you found there were still forbidden "Here's your beautiful free calendar pleasures just outside your reach, for 2003!" goodies which you yearned for, but I opened the envelope and sure were told "in another few years." enough, that's exactly what it conWhether it was bedtime, or later on, tained very nice calendar for the year the time you were expected to be2003. Good heavens people, this is home, no matter how old you finally only August. What's the big hurry? grew to be, there were still things you I mean, I fully understand the synawere too young to do. gogues already sending out high holiAnd I'm not even talking about final- day literature, since our Jewish New ly getting a learner's permit and find- Year is in early September, scarcely a ing out how it felt to drive a car! What month away. But isn't the year 2003 Md wouldn't trade his most prized far enough away to take our time possession for the chance to slip about tacking up the new calendar? behind the wheel, hang an elbow non- Who is in such a hurry that six chalantly out of the window, turn the months are being wished away? Not key in the ignition and smoothly pull me, kids. Time flies fast enough withaway from the curb? The year just out that sort of thing . before that was legal was the year To be fair, it isn't just time we wish when the mantra was, "I wish I was away, once we leave childhood behind older, I wish I was older, I wish I was We wish for all sorts of things, all the older." time. Silly things like, "I wish it would Youngsters aren't the only ones stop raining," or maybe "I wish it guilty of wishing away time. We would rain." Or, "I wish that idiot adults do it too, not realizing that would stop honking his horn," or "I every time we say, "Gee, I wish my wish that woman would take her cell surgery was already done and it was phone and go outside," or "I wish the next week," we really are wishing guy upstairs wouldn't vacuum at midtime away. Or when we say, "My night." grandchildren will be here on the So, if we all seem to have something 20th. I can hardly wait for those to wish for, maybe it's okay after all, weeks to go by." for the Whatchamacallit Company to As it is, the daysflyby so fast we can send out next year's calendar six hardly believe it's a new week or months in advance. Maybe that's their month, so how come we still are often way of saying, "I wish everyone would heard to say things like, "I can hardly notice our product and buy it and wait for my vacation to start," or "In make me rich!" another three months, my youngest I guess that's not wishing away a will graduate from law school. I can't half year. It's just the way some ad wait!" We do it all the time, don't we? executive tried to got our attention.

And if that isn't bad enough, the Well, he got mine, that's for sure. But advertising world aids and abets this it was still more than I needed, to habit in many clever ways and some remind me how quickly I will be the not-so-clever ways. year 2003.

Qreetmgj& 12606 West Dodge Road Omaha,N£ 68154 (402) 493-5807

This is your last chance to get your Rosh Hashonah greetings in the New Year's issue of the Jewish Press. The deadline is Aug.9.

For more information call Ray at 334-6559 or Allan at 334-6451

August 2, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

till Savoring

Page 13

Your

by R. BERNARD MANN, Legacy Crosswords, © 2002

kills in One Would you like to read Hebrew like an expert in time; ..-•- •• •-•' •"•"' f o r t h e h o l i d a y s ?

Then join usfor the Hebrew Reading Crash Course

ONE DAY ACROSS 1. Botanist Gray 4. Dinghy or ketch 8. One of New York's five 14. R and R site 15. Hedwig's angry one 16. With cunning or hauteur 17. A PRIME DOING IN THE FIELD 20. Shekel 21. Mouths, anatomically 22. err is human, then to forgive is divine (variant of the original line) 23. Publication ending 24. Final product disposition 26. Moray 27. Miserables 28. Actions 29. Animal venting 31. He (ready for a venture) 33. Noun plural, in the plural 35. Three kitchen items?

39. "Give mommy a !"

40. A sweep is often thus covered.

41. A Rachel Carson rallying cry 43. Across prefix 45. Quote term, for point of origin 46. Collection of sayings 47. Way to climb 49. Counting meas.

50. Straw unit 52. Peak 53. North American Indian 54. MARTY GLICKMAN, WHO CELEBRATED THIS HOLIDAY, WAS A STAR 58. Michael Jackson line 59. Tov, in English 60. He observed an 1812 battie 61. Tooth-edged 62. Comic strip character Kett 63. Roeh, in English

DOWN 1. Stogie residue 2. Most out of it 3. CALF-IDOL FASHIONER'S SACRIFICIAL BENCH?

4. Tres 5. Cricket sides 6. First part 7. SUCCOT, FOLLOWING THIS FEAST, IS THE ANNUAL 8. Rabbis and other wise teachers 9. Credit reporting company 10. Greek hero, with heel of name gone 11. SHAVUOT TRANSLATION 12. Click beetle 13. You pay it to enter Manhattan 18. Compete 19. Like, mal de mer 24. Shorthand for computer applications 25. Actors lacking THP? 27. Fleur-de ending 28. Food fishes 30. Famed Mob nemesis 32. MT. SINAI'S CLIMATE 34. Rotates 36. Australian wilds, robbed of a bee?

37. Confed. leader 38. " _ Z", a short run in the alphabet 41. Nattering types one wit's account 42. How consultants work 44. "They what they seem."

48. Discretion, in Dijon 49. Le Dernier 51.

Ale, Ethiopian volcano 53. Catalog of fed. domestic assistance 55. Riverine islet 56. Com preceder 57. Color changer

In just a few hours, you!) learn to read Hebrew like you never thought possible!

Youil receive prayer review sheets and a handy Aleph-Bet chart specifically designed by the NationalJewish Outreach Program to enhance your reading skills right when you feel you need them the most!

On August 18 from 10 a m to 5 p.m. you will have the opportunity to brush up on your Siddur Hebrew just in time for the High Holidays.

The instructors are the team of Elinor and Guy Matalon.

Space is limited, so please complete the reservation form and return it as soon as possible with your $25 check that includes the cost of a kosher dairy lunch.

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Name Address Telephone.

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Mail completed reservation form and your check payable to JELS, to Kathy Hirshman, Director, Scholarships & Education Administrationjewish Educational & Library Services, 333 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. If you have questions, please call 334-6445.

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 2, 2002

Petting Zoo Opens In Petach Tikvah

n a Pickie

by VICTOR W I S H N A — — — — - — - - — - — NEW YORK-On the Lower East Side, a new dayglo green awning juts out from the brown, centuryold faiade of 49 Essex St. At the entrance, shop owner Alan Kaufman, who looks like your average Yankees fan, smiles from behind his goatee as customers approach.

"Famous pickles! Famous pickles!" he sings.

"Come on in! Check 'em out, check 'em out!"

A puzzled woman wanders in. "Are you Guss?" she asks.

He laughs. "I ran his place for a number of years," he says, "but I didn't like the way things were being done so I opened up my own store."

The woman's confusion is understandable. Guss Pickles was a 91-year-old institution, as much a landmark of the American Jewish experience as Ellis Island or Bloomingdale's. On my family's first trip to New York, Guss' ^ was a mandatory stop. A thousand t ** people a week would visit the barrels of sours, tomatoes, sauerkraut, and peppers made famous by films like Crossing Delancey. When the picklery suddenly closed in December, after a lengthy tussle with its landlord, it seemed this neighborhood that once overflowed with a hundred pickle stores would unbelievably have none.

Now Kaufman, a Guss employee for 20 years, has launched his new store. The Pickle Guys, right up the street from the pickle peddler's old spot.

Meanwhile, Guss' owner, Tim Baker, has announced his own plans to reopen nearby-setting up a sour showdown with his former protege. With its usual understated reporting, the New York Post has declared a "Pickle War," proclaiming that "this tale of betrayal, madness, jealousy, and rage makes King Lear sound like a child's bedtime story."

The other morning, I stopped in at what will be the new Guss', a tiny unrenovated spot at 87 Orchard St. Baker sneered at the Post article in my hand. "That's just typical tabloid b——t,"'he told me. "There's no war. I'm not lowering prices. I'm not losing customers."

When I later ask him, Kaufman also claims that this isn't a turf battle. "I'm on Essex because I wanted to keep up the tradition," he says. "There's no pickle wars here."

If not war, then, a cold peace. Though the former friends' new shops are only two blocks apart, neither has seen or spoken to the other in five months. Both men are under 40, yet theirs is a classic tale of two stubborn, feuding alte kockers, each with nothing to say to the other, but with plenty to say about him.

"Look, it takes three months to make a sour pickle," Baker says with a shrug. "He's been open a week. So you know he's not making his own. He buys them from a distributor in New Jersey who

by JEWISH PRESS News Service —

gets them from Canada." He pauses to let the atrocity of that notion sink in. "Then he re-brines 'em in my recipe. Everything he knows about pickles he knows from me."

Baker hasn't been to Kaufman's store himself, but a friend brought him a quart of the'pickles. "They tasted washed," he says.

Kaufman claims he has taken the formula he learned at Guss~the briny mixture of water, salt, garlic, and spices that dates back to founder Izzy Guss' Russian recipes-and made his own improvements. He points out that he's also expanded the offerings, rambling off his inventory like an auctioneer taking bids: "I have sweet sauerkraut, sour sauerkraut, sour pickles, three-quarter sour pickles, half-sour pickles, new pickles, hot pickles, mushrooms. I have five different types of olives, three different types of peppers. I have jalapenos, cherry peppers, sliced hot peppers, pickled sweet peppers, stuffed garlic, stuffed pimentos, horseradish, mustard, duck sauce ..."

With the exception of bottled products and shredded cabbage, everything, he claims, is made on site.

Meanwhile, Baker has had to respond to accusations himself.

The same Post story cites unnamed former Guss employees who allege he buys pickles from a Bronx factory. Baker says it's a misunderstanding-he rent space inside a Bronx pickle plant, he says, "but I make the pickles myself."

The secret recipe for sours is kept in a safetydeposit box in a Jacksonville, Florida, bank. "And I make them in a special storage house in New Jersey. Alan's never been there. He can't even name the town."

Despite all the sourness, neither pickleman rules out a day when they'll be together behind the same barrels again. After all, Guss Pickles itself is the result of a merger between two bitter rivals (Baker traces his pickle tradition to Hollander's, which joined with Guss in 1982).

First, they have to talk. Baker says he's called his old friend more than 20 times with no response ("Obviously, he feels guilty because he's stealing my recipes"), but Kaufman counters that he'd be happy to sit and chat. "If I could help him out in any way, I would," he says.

But the owner of Guss Pickles dismisses this report of goodwill with a snort. "When he's ready to talk, I'll talk," Baker says. "He knows where to find me."

Victor Wishna is a staff writer for Avenue magazine in New York. This article first appeared in The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle, where Victor's "Letter from New York" is a monthly feature.

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At this time of the year, parents have been showing concern as to where Israeli children will be during organized summer camps.

Local authorities have offered more conservative programs for the children due to the security situation so they can be under close supervision at all times. Most summer activities are either in well patrolled schools or at one of the many water parks around the country. The children do not seem to mind too much.

Photo by ISRANET.

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Israel's health support fund Ezer Mizion inaugurated a new petting zoo at the Ezer Mizion Oranit Hostel in Petach Tikvah. Therapy through animals has been found to be very successful in stimulating children intellectually and emotionally and thus aid in their recovery program. The effects of the animals on the young cancer patients is being evaluated and monitored by the nearby Schneider Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv University and Amutat Chaim.

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August 2, 2002

Tamir Goodman Signs Deal With Israeli Basketball Team

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Local AthietesWin at Hoop It Up Playoffs

by JEWISH PRESS News Service

by PHIL JACOBS, Baltimore Jewish Times.

BALTIMORE-Tamir any other Jewish holiday."

Goodman once wrote in his Heumann said he believes seventh-grade yearbook that this is the first-ever clause his dream was to play professuch as this in a professional sional basketball someday for basketball contract. He also Israel's top team, Maccabi Tel said he believes Goodman will Aviv.. be the first player to wear a kippah in the Israel League His dream came true. for at least the past decade.

The Baltimore Jewish Times was informed recently Financial terms of the conby Steven Heumann, attorney tract were not released, but and friend of Mr. Goodman, Heumann said, "This is a good that the 20-year-old basketcontract for him. It is in line ball phenomenon has signed a with other young European three-year contract with star caliber players for firstMaccabi Tel Aviv, Israel's most time contracts." prestigious basketball team Practice will start in the and a power force in European next few weeks. "I couldn't be basketball. happier for him," said Heumann. "He's such a won"The first thing that came to derful guy. Now, he's a pro." my mind was Baruch HaShem (blessed is God)," said Goodman, a 6-foot-3" guard, Goodman. "There is no other captured the global basketball way to look at it. Without stage when, as a Talmudical HaShem's blessing, this never Academy junior, he was feaTamir Goodman would have happened. tured for both his athletic Photo by Baltimore Jewish Times/David Deal skills and commitment to "Everyone has a special talent in the world. With me, it is basketball," he said. Judaism in media outlets all over the world. He ini"Whatever your talent is, it is your job to develop it tially considered attending the University of and bring Godliness to it. I've had a lot of ups and Maryland, College Park, but opted out when there downs, but it is so clear to me what HaShem has was a question over the school respecting his given me an opportunity to do."

Shabbat observance.

Maccabi Tel Aviv plays an 82-game schedule and He then attended Towson University, but parted competes in three different leagues, including the company with the school after the basketball coach, Israel League, the Adriatic League and the Euro Michael Hunt, allegedly threatened him with physLeague. Maccabi Tel Aviv finished in the final four ical harm following a game last December. of the powerful Euro League last year, and won it Goodman, a sophomore, finished the school year at outright the previous year.

Towson under scholarship, completing his courses.

In the first year of the deal, there is a chance that But in trips to Israel, Goodman was flocked by Goodman will be loaned to the Halpoel Galil Elyon thousands of children and young adults. He put on team to give him more playing time, according to skill demonstrations for them, and then delivered Heumann. The team plays in the same Israel discussions on the week's Torali portion. He even League as Maccabi Tel Aviv. It is, according to appeared on Israel's most popular television talk Heumann, like comparing the New York Yankees to show, speaking fluent Hebrew. the Kansas City Royals, both major-league baseball "Everything that has happened to me has been a teams.

100 percent brachah (blessing)," Goodman recently Heumann added that it is a common practice told the Jewish Times. "Even what happened at within European basketball style for teams to loan Towson, and that's so behind me, was a brachah. players within divisions.

"I'm not bitter about anything," he said. "Again, I Most importantly, Goodman, an Orthodox Jew see this all as God's plan for me. I guess I'm a trailwho is considered a popular role model for young blazer. Some people felt that after Towson, it was a Jews in the United States and Israel, will not be sign for me to get out of basketball, that maybe it required to play or practice on Shabbat. wasn't right for me. But that isn't the case. God has a "There is a clause in his contract," said Heumann, special plan for me, but it's my job to develop the plan. "that he is not required to participate in team activ"I'm not an amazing person," Goodman said. "I'm ities that require him to desecrate the Sabbath or just following God's plan."

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Top photo: Ben Jacobson, left, former Maccabiah athlete, and three friends, won the Top Gun division basketball playoffs in the annual Hoop It Up games recently, with a perfect 6-0. Jacobson was awarded Most Valuable Player. Bottom photo: Winning first place in the 15-and-under division are: Alex Epstein, left, Brad Frank, Justin Jacobson and Austin Gilinsky.

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