September 6, 2002: Rosh Hashanah Edition

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Vol. LXXXII

Omaha, NE

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September 6, 2002

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

A Salute to the 100th Anniversary of the Jewish Federation of Omaha To last 100 years, a charitable institution has to be responsive to the ever-changing needs of its constituency. The Jewish Federation of Omaha has done just that.

From a small, hands-on organization in the early 1900s aimed primarily at financial assistance to new immigrants, the Federation has grown to be a large, multifaceted not-for-profit corporation, offering—just to name a few—programming, scholarships, financial assistance and counseling, Jewish education., 24-hour-a-day nursing care, and, let's not a forget, a weekly newspaper.

The size and scope of the Federation has changed. One hundred years ago there were no missions to Israel (there was no State of Israel then-only a small, but determined population of Jews building for a distant future).

There was no Jewish Community Center, no Jewish Home for the Aged, no library, no newspaper (the Jewish Press only celebrated its 80th anniversary two years ago).

What hasn't changed is the "peopleto-people" attitude (to borrow a phrase from the Federation's Partnership 2000 program which pairs our community and 10 other American Jewish cities with the Western Galilee Region of Israel).

The number one priority is still the same~the needs of Jews-whether it's a family at risk in Omaha because the main breadwinner is ill or a family in Israel, Russia or Argentina who are victims of terror or economic crisis.

And the response is the same—a marshalling of resources, a reprioritizing of needs, a few phone calls.

What has been evident throughout a century of service is the caring and compassion which this community • displays when Jews are in trouble.

And, what is even more remarkable— and so evident when Omaha hosted the 2002 JCC Maccabi Games last month-is the attitude with which this Jewish community accomplishes its goals. We're matter-of-fact here— there's a need, let's take care of it. And we do it all with smiles! '* If we had to mention the names of leaders over the years, there are a few that would stand out: Henry Monsky, Sam Beber, Morris Jacobs, Sadie Kulakofsky, Paul Veret, Mary Fellman—among hundreds of others.

To name them all would leave no room on this page, because big and small, nearly everyone has shaped the way this community looks today.

In these pages-our largest issue of the year—readers will find stories about just a few of the men and women who play a part in our Jewish community today. Many of them refer to the legacies of their families--or the leaders who influenced them.

We also share stories of community cooperation—between the Federation and the synagogues-or the Federation and a particular Center of Excellence. Here in Omaha, at least, we've learned that more is better, that cooperation works, and that sharing projects saves money, time and resources—all precious.

The idea for this issue came a year ago from Pam Monsky, the Federation Communications Director, who suggested this issue kick off a year of celebration for the Federation's 100th

anniversary. The Jewish Press Committee endorsed the idea and this issue reflects the cooperation with the Federation, synagogues, agencies and Jewish organizations that submitted articles. Like any New Year's issue, however, the Press does not have the space, the time or the resources to portray everything that happened during the Federation's first 100 years! This issue does not aim to be a complete history of the communityonly a small slice of our time here.

An .issue this size does isn't published without the contributions of many people-staff and volunteers.

For its guidance and support, thanks go to the Jewish Press Committee, a creative group of volunteers representing all segments of the community who truly understand the meaning of the word "collaboration."

To our many advertisers, new clients and longtime supporters~a huge thank you for sending your message through the vehicle of the Jewish Press. Readers: please, please let our advertisers know you saw their ad in our newspaper!

To Allan Handleman, Advertising Manager, and Ray Pred, Account Executive, a big thank you for all your behind-the-scenes work selling ads, staying in touch with new and old clients and making them all feel like they're part of our Jewish community.

Richard Busse, our Creative Director, is responsible for the new look of this newspaper since June. His talent and originality, along with his dependability and "out-of-the-box" thinking have enabled us to publish more color and more eye-pleasing lay-

outs. Are we glad Richard is on board!

Keeping all our clients' bills and subscribers addresses current is the job of our hardworking bookkeeper Tim Ketelsen. Thanks to his efficiency and accuracy, our costs are down and our revenues current. And though she was gone most of the summer, taking intensive Hebrew at the UC-Berkeley, our Production Assistant Jen Gates stepped in at the last minute to finish laying out the this paper. We're glad you're back, Jen and appreciate the help from two high school students: Leora Azriel and Rachel Katzman.

Many of the stories in this issue were written by free-lance writers. We could not publish an issue this size without then* assistance. Todah rabah (thank you) to Diane Axler Baum, Gary Javitch, Bert Lewis, Joan K. Marcus, Ozzie Nogg, for great writing, and to Renee Corcoran and Dottie Rosenblum at the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society for research and photos.

Most of all, a word of appreciation must go to the people featured in this issue—and to all the other volunteers, professional staff and lay leaders in this community~now and in the past.

Without your commitment, there would be no 100th anniversary issue because there would be no Jewish Federation. May we all live to celebrate not just von hundred und svansig-120 years of the Jewish Federation-but many, many more!

We wish you health, happiness, financial security and, most of all, peace-here in Omaha-and for all our mishpocha around the world. L'shana Tova!

Carol Katzman, Editor Fred Tichauer, Chairman

The black and white photo on the cover is the 1930 groundbreaking ofB'nai Israel; the one on the Community Center. Notice the American flags in both photos—symbols of how our Jewish lives and right was taken last May at Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day Celebration at the Jewish American citizenship have been integral parts of the Jewish community since its inception.

IIEWISH PRESS4.; Staff and Committee Salute the Jewish Federation

on Its 100th Anniversary and Wish the Community a Year of Peace and Prosperity.

JEWISH PRESS

(Founded in 1920)

Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publi- Ray Pred Account' Executive cation.

The Jewish Press CUSPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $28 per calendar Timothy J. Ketelsen year U.S.; $32 foreign, by the Jewish. Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402-334-6448; FAX: 402- Bookkeeper 334-5422; e-mail editorial material, photos and address changes to: ckatzmanl^jew- Jen Gates ishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse<^jewishomaha.org.

Production Assistant Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The George Schapiro Jewish. Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198.

Volunteer

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel, Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services, The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Nebraska Press Association

National Newspaper - Association

Fred Tichauer Chairman

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chaircnan; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Lloyd Roitstein, Immediate Past-chairman; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Scott Meyerson; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Melanie Weinstine; Arnee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary CommitteeJMember). - 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.

September 6, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

A Message from the Jewish Federation of Omaha

by JAN GOLDSTEIN, Executive Director.

This year, the Days of Awe are even more so. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is celebrating 100 years of service to the community. As the Executive Director, I can't express ' how grateful and honored I am to hold this position during this truly awesome time in our Jewish history.

There has been a Jewish presence in Nebraska for more than 150 years.

Most of the early Jewish settlers came here to escape the pogroms of Eastern Europe. As you can imagine, life here was hard in the mid-19th century, but they persevered and went about the business of building a Jewish life on the plains. They established this Jewish community from scratch—in the middle of nowhere.

But at the same time that the Omaha Jewish community was beginning to grow and prosper, Jews in the rest of the world were facing devastation. In 1903, anti-Semitism was running rampant across Eastern Europe.

Many of the Jews who fled to America were penniless, uneducated, and alone.

The Jewish immigrants who made their way west to Omaha were fortunate. The Jewish community welcomed them and did what we've always done when there were Jews in need: we took care of them.

When the needs increased, Omaha's Jewish leaders formed the Jewish Welfare Fund in 1903. Its sole purpose was to take care of the influx of Jewish immigrants by providing food, shelter and employment.

There's no q uest i o n that the challenges facing our Jewish community in 2003 are vastly different from those in 1903. But in reality, we've been operating on the same principle for a century.

As Jews, we take care of our own.

Today, the work of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to ensure that we can always do that. We have synagogues to teach us about our faith. We have our families to nurture our Jewish heritage and traditions. But it is the job of the Federation to foster our communal soul: helping to ensure that the Jewish people will not only endure, but thrive!

During the last century, our Omaha Jewish Federation has evolved along with the needs of the community to fulfill this vital role. The Federation has become an essential organization that promotes the preservation of our people and traditions, while allowing everyone to flourish as individuals.

One thing that hasn't changed over

the course of the doesn't matter if they're in Omaha, past century is the Israel, Eastern Europe or the North way the Jewish Pole. If you're Jewish- and you're in Federation of trouble, the Federation is there for Omaha deter- you. It's that simple. mines the needs • The JFO advocates for Israel. The and direction of Federation provides a strong, unified, this community. pro-Israel voice for the Omaha Jewish Since the begin- community'one that is heard loud and ning, the clear by the American government, 9 Federation has The Federation provides an been guided by impressive array of opportunities for and comprised of people to enrich and explore their community mem- Jewish roots—through travel, culture, bers from all history, art, film, music, language and walks of life. It Torah study. doesn't matter if The challenge for all of us now is to you're Orthodox, wisely use the lessons we have C o n s e r v a t i v e , learned-from the last 100 years so Reform or that we are better prepared to make Reconstructionist. the most of the next 100 years.

The JFO welcomes you whether you On behalf of the board are a Jew by birth, a Jew by choice or and staff of the JFO, a member of a Jewish family. As L'shana Toval Jews, we figured out a long time ago that we can get more accomplished if we work together than if we toil alone.

The Jewish world has experienced incredible changes during the past 100 years, but the mission of the JFO remains rooted in three fundamental Jewish princi- U J C n a t i o n a i leader Joel Tauber of Detroit, MI, pies: center, spoke in Omaha last April to kick off the ° The JFO helps Jews I g r a e l T e r r o r R e l i e f C a m p a i g n . I n j u s t o v e r a m need. Period. It m o n t h f Omaha raised nearly one million dollars.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha and

The Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha 1903-2003 - (5663-5763) Working side-by-side for the next 100 years to keep Omaha the best of Jewish communities.

Wishing Yoy and Yoyr Family a Year of Peace Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors: Steve Pitlor, President; Zoe Riekes, Vice President & Israel/Overseas; Bob Lepp, Vice President & Secretary; Steve Nogg, Treasurer; Forrest N. Knitter, Past President; Dennis Paley, JELS; Patricia Newman, JFS; Jeff Kirshenbaum, JCC; Joan Bernstein, JSS; Mimi Waldbaum, ADL/CRC; Margo Riekes, Marketing; Sandy Friedman, Planning & Evaluation; Norm Sheldon, Budget & Allocations; Sorin Juster, Building & Grounds; Fred Tichauer, Jewish Press; Michael Miller, Young Leadership; Steve Bloch, Foundation; Rabbi Aryeh Azriel; Rabbi Mordechai Levin; Rabbi Howard Kutner; Joan Kaiman, Campaign; Jerrry Kohll, Campaign.

Foundation Board of Trustees: Steve Bloch, Chairman; Jay Noddle, Vice Chairman; Henry Davis; Barbara Epstein; Michael Erman; David Friedland; Phyllis Glazer; Donald Goldstein; Robert Kully; Martin Lehr; Murray Newman; Steve Pitlor; Blaine Roffinan; Larry Roffinan; Ted Seldin; Harley Schrager; Norm Sheldon; Steve Simon; Suzanne Singer; Norm Veitzer.

Jan Goldstein, Federation Executive Director 334-6433 The Jewish Federation of Omaha

Marty Ricks, Foundation Executive Director 334-6440

THE FOUNDATION of the Jewish Federation of Omaha

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

Special Events "Celebrate 100 Years of Community1

by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director

This New Year's edition of the Jewish Press kicks off a year of special events and projects that celebrate the Jewish Federation of Omaha's 100th year ^ 4 ' ^ of service to the Omaha Jewish community. Each event or program is uniquely crafted to appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Plus, all the programs are very affordable or free and open to the entire community! So, take some time right now to see what's in store for you during the Federation's Centennial year.

This Week in Omaha's Jewish History Sept, 13, 2002-June 6, 2003 Periodically, a boxed column will appear in the Jewish Press featuring local, national and international events that impacted Omaha Jewish life over the past 100 years. The events chronicled will have occurred within the past 100 years during the same week that corresponds to each current issue of the Jewish Press.

"A Day in the Life" photography book series! Members of the Jewish comThe Seasons of Jewish Omaha munity are invited to submit photoPhotos will be taken from September graphs that portray organized, com2002 through August 2003. munal Jewish life in Omaha throughPublication of the book is expected in out the seasons of one year.

September or October of 2003.

About 150 photos will be selected to Imagine Omaha's own version of the be included in a professionally pub-

res including documentary, comedy and drama, and will include works by both American and Israeli filmmakers. In addition to the Saturday night shows, a special Family Matinee will be held Sunday, Nov. 24, featuring film(s) with Jewish content that are appropriate for families and children.

Photo, left: 1966 Women's Campaign Decorating Committee: Freda Veret, left, Ruth Goldstein, Bess Brodkey, Ramona Pepper, Florence Bonka, Dede Rosenfled, Pauline Abrahams. Photo, below: Yitzhak Rabin, second from left, visits State Supreme Court Justice Norman Krivosha, left, Helene Krivosha, Eli Zalkin and Harry Allen in Lincoln in 1979. lished book that will beautifully document the vibrancy of Omaha's Jewish life today. Whether you want a Centennial commemorative or to mark the beginning of the next 100 years, The Seasons of Jei iish Omaha will be a distinctive keepsake. An ! opening featuring an ^ i :.hibit of the photo1 ur.iphs used in the book is ! pl.inned to celebrate the i publication of the book.

Federation Centennial Exhibit In cooperation with the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society June 2003 Plans are underway for an historical exhibit detailing the history and accomplishments of the Jewish Federation of Omaha over the past 100 years. This permanent exhibit will open to the public in June 2003 and will be on display in the Jewish Community Center gallery for one month. It will be permanently housed in the Federation Conference Room at the Jewish Community Center.

'/ewish/Israeli Film Festival â&#x20AC;˘ cooperative project with Jewish Educational i^d Library Services, Nov. 2, 9,16 and 23 The stars will be out during four consecutive Saturday nights in November at the Theater at the J! You won't want to miss the Omaha premier of these critically acclaimed, current award winning Jewish or Israeli films.

The films will cover a variety of gen-

100th Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Omaha June 9, 2003 The Federation's 100th Annual Meeting will be held Monday, June 9, 2003, 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. Highlights will include volunteer recognition including the Volunteers of the Year, Jewish Young and Teen Leadership Awards, the Community Service Award and the Humanitarian of the Year Award.

A festive reception will cap off the evening.

Happy NewYear

Frills Supermarkets Kevin &Kimara Clark Don & Bernice Cohen Harold Cooperman Richard & Fran Juro Ed & Anne Joseph Steve Moskovits

May the NewYear be ever joyous for you and your family Congressman Lee Terry & Family Paid for by Terry for Congress, P.O. Box 540098, Omaha, NE 68154

September 6, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

And Now, A Message from our President

by BERT LEWIS

Just a few short months ago, the Jewish Federation of Omaha named Steve Pitlor as the new President. He sat down with me recently, and taking time from his busy day, talked about his feelings for the community and his hopes for the Federation, under his leadership.

A politician might refer to him as a native son, while an Israeli would use the term sabra, but I think of that less pretentious phrase, hometown boy. Steve was born and raised right here in Omaha, as were his mother, Rose, and his late father, Norman. As such, he has a very personal feeling for his Jewish community, as well as a great interest in its future.

When asked about his goals for the Federation, he was quick to share his ideas and as he spoke, it was clear he had given the subject a great deal of thought.

"There are a number of important items to be addressed when we speak of goals," he said. At the top of his list was the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and he explained why, "The building itself is getting older and needing some renovation, but any changes must recognize the changing needs of the folks who live there." He spoke of expansion of services, which might include both an area for basic assisted living as well as an Alzheimer's Unit.

"This is just a part of the on-going discussions and planning for the future of the Home," Pitlor said.

Another of the immediate goals is to "once and for all, address a some of the issues with the Friedel Jewish Academy. He referred to those parents who want it, saying "and we're here to consider the community's wishes."

He went on to say that while Omaha has a fine public school system, Jewish day schools appear to be a necessary entity and "we need to decide the role and reasonable expectations for ours." Pitlor said we are committed to sustaining the day school and he has hopes of "getting off dead center and determining what we need to do to help."

Next on the "things to do" list of the new President, is to "increase awareness of the importance of the Foundation." The past generosity of members of the community and the meticulous management of the funds which comprise the Foundation have brought its present worth to about $30 million. Since these are the dollars which pay for many of the activities of the Federation, they ardy in a sense, the purse of the community.

Pitlor reminds us it is imperative to insure this perpetual support built by past generations. This

'

The Pitlor family: Marcia and Steve, seated; standing: Kym, left, David and Lisa, will be the obligation of the younger generation, now moving up in age and growing into community responsibilities. Both he and Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Foundation, are confident they can count on the dedication and efforts of the present generation to eventually double that $30 million in the future.

"I know it can be done," he insisted. "People here respond when a great need is brought to them-that's the way it's always been."

Also on his check list of projects is the refurbishment of the community mikvah, (the ritual bath located on the east side of the Blumkin Home). No structural changes are being made, but a conscientious committee is working to make using this important place a more comfortable and esthetically pleasing experience.

The final plans were reviewed by Rabbi Senderovic of the Bet Din of Milwaukee, a recognized authority on the religious rules of a kosher mikvah. He has certified the plans, and declared it meets the highest standards of Jewish law in every respect. At the same time, the Federation has obtained a consensus among the Omaha rabbis.

Pitlor said, "The changes that will be made on the mikvah are a top priority and I'm grateful to everyone. Improvements should commence soon."

When asked if he had any other comments regarding the Jewish community and the Federation, he said, "You know, Federation is more than just dollars. It plays an important role in the Jewish identity of the community. Through Federation believe there is a better understanding between the non-

May You Find Happiness and Fulfillment in this Joyous Celebration

LShanah Tovah

WISHING YOU A HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Jewish community and us."

He further remarked it seemed as though our rabbis were more comfortable with their involvement with Federation.

Clearly, so is this young man, who is filled with enthusiasm for all that lies ahead of him as President of the Federation. He expressed gratitude for his executive committee, whose wisdom knowledge and experience will provide the resources he needs "to help balance me."

At the beginning of this article, there was reference to Steve Pitlor as a home town boy, born and raised right here in Omaha. So was his wife, Marcia, who also shares his deep enthusiasm for community involvement, volunteerism and showing in countless ways how to give something back to their hometown.

They have raised their three children to understand the importance of such values, making fine role models to follow. Lisa, David and Kym have all been very involved in BBYO activities, are comfortable with their Judaism and are already demonstrating they will be fine citizens when education is completed.

This past spring Lisa graduated from University of Pennsylvania and is already working in New York, doing cardiac research, undecided yet about future graduate work.

David is a junior at Boston University, majoring in engineering, and Kym, the youngest of the three, is a senior at Central High. She is still deciding where she'll attend college at this writing.

The entire family has always been active participants in the Omaha Jewish community. Before his Federation role, Steve had a stint as President of the Jewish Community Center board and served on countless committees.

Marcia too was a member of the JCC board as well as the Jewish Senior Services board and numerous committees. Probably the most ambitious of all her volunteer jobs has been as co-chair with Jody Malashock, of the recent JCC Macabbi Games, hosted by this community.

If further proof is needed of the Pitlors and their close identity with the Federation and Omaha Jewry in general, let it be noted here that Marcia Pitlor's mother, Mickey Gerelick Greenberg, now of Scottsdale, AZ, was editor of the Omaha Jewish Press for 10 years when she lived here.

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Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

Still Going Strong at 103!

by JOAN K MARCUS

-^^^—^^^^

Helen (Honey) Kulakofsky was driving a car and taking her children on long vacations when most women still hadn't decided if they had the nerve to go out to vote. Now, at age 103, she lives at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, in a room lined with pictures of her family. At first glance, the room looks like a lovely parlor where she is entertaining guests.

Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Sol and Bessie Levy in 1899, she had a brother, Arthur and a sister, Miriam.

"I just did the ordinary things when I was a girl," she recalled. "I played, went to school and learned to play the piano."

It is maybe a little unusual that Helen was already the second generation to be born in America. Her mother was born in New York, and her father aboard ship on the way to this country. Sol Levy lived in Chicago and was the head of the home furnishings department in a large department stoi-e. When he became very ill, doctors suggested that he take up an occupation where he could be outdoors more.

It was then that he bought a general store in Leavenworth, where the family lived for two years. They later moved to Omaha where he became a paper broker. Helen went to grade school at Park and Franklin Grade Schools and attended Central High School. The family lived in the Bemis Park area, between Lincoln Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue.

The Levys were always members of Temple Israel and Honey remembers

attending services at a wooden building on 23rd and Harney Streets.

This building, the first synagogue in Nebraska, was erected in 1883 at a cost of $4500 and had a congregation of 50 when land for the building was purchased. A stained glass window with an insert of a-Magen David and Hebrew lettering distinguished the simple frame.

When Helen was born, Rabbi Abram Simon was at Temple Israel. However, in 1903, Rabbi Simon left Omaha for Washington Hebrew Congregation, where he became nationally prominent because of the innovative ideas on Jewish education he had formulated while he was in Omaha.

Dr. Frederick Cohn arrived in Omaha from Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1904 and remained at Temple until he died in 1940. He was held in high esteem for his intellect and he presented himself as a modern, well-educated and cultured member of society.

He was revered for the Jewish image that he gave to the non-Jewish community. Although he was an ordained rabbi, he preferred to be called, "Dr." Honey recalls that Dr. Cohn and his family came to the Levy home for one of their first dinners. They lived in a neighboring house and his daughter, Madeline, and son, Ralph, became her good friends.

She describes the services then as being more "classical reform." She was confirmed at the "new" Park Avenue Synagogue in 1913. The congregation had moved to the building in May of 1908 and was acclaimed as one of the

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In 1913, the same year as Helen's confirmation, Omaha suffered a tornado that killed more than 100 people and did serious damage to the Levy home on No. 33 St. Their home was later rebuilt.

As a lovely young woman, Helen was noticed by young Louis Kulakofsky, a friend who came to pick up Helen's sister, Miriam. After a courtship of almost two years, they eloped to Denver in 1919, right after World War I. They returned to Omaha to live in the Elwood Apartments on 50th and Dodge Streets.

Helen and Louis had three children: Leonard, Arthur and Anna Jane

(Katelman). They had eight grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren. Arthur and Anna Jane have died.

However, Helen recently attended Leonard's 80th birthday party.

The family has remained Temple members and all of their children were confirmed there. Much of their social life has centered around the synagogue. Helen recalls that Jane and Rabbi Sidney Brooks spent many holidays together and that Irma Schwartz, Rabbi Brooks' mother, was her traveling companion in later years, Helen served as president of of t h e Temple Israel Sisterhood along with lier friend > Gertrude Marks. Records also show that Helen was very active in the National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah and Planned Parenthood.

In 1948, she received an award from The Jewish Federation of Omaha for "Leadership and Community Service" for having started the Women's Campaign for the Federation.

In 1945, Helen was chosen to chair the Women's Campaign. The goal of the drive was $206,500 and Moe Venger was overall chair of the campaign. When he selected Helen, Venger said, "I hope and pray that the Jewish women of Omaha will again meet their obligations so that immediate and much needed help may be given to our long-suffering brethren."

(Continued on page 15)

September 6, 2002

Remembering the Federation

by JOAN K. MARCUS —

————

Page 7

Happy New

—

Leonard (Buddy) Goldstein has fond memories of he explained. "The car rental business didn't really his parents, Isadore and Molly Goldstein, when he 'mush' until after World War II. At that time, in was a little boy living on 21st and Cass Streets.

1942, we had 13 cars in our fleet and there was "My father was from Rumania and my mother other competition that had started up" came from Russia," he said. "We lived with my He will always remember that, during the war, grandparents-or they lived with us--but we all President Harry Truman came to visit the bomber lived together!" plant. He rented a car and complained when he Isadore was on the ship to America when he brought it back because he had three flat tires. "It encountered Phillip Greenberg. He asked him, was war and you couldn't get tires!" Buddy laughed.

"Where in America are you going?" Greenberg said Buddy went to Central Grade School until the that he was headed for Omaha because he had rel- family moved to 36th and Davenport Streets and atives there. Much to Omaha's good fortune, then transferred to Henry W. Yates School. He gradGoldstein decided that if Omaha was good enough uated from Central High School in 1938 and, since for Greenberg, it would be Isadore Goldstein's dream good enough for him! s • ~" "f' " — was that all of his children Buddy Goldstein, born •• would graduate from colin 1921, joined his broth- • lege, it was predetermined Jo !\ ers, Arthur and Paul and •-...,that he would go on to furtwo sisters, Toby {.".',:\ -V^, '" ther his education.

(Sommers) and Kate f, ". '. .",.', It was very difficult to (Kamen). At a very young ?]„£-",>*• *£ send four children to colage, Arthur gave his baby P<t~"" H * lege at that time but, brother the name of! j^'W-1-'" ••'•?C-A/ since Isadore hadn't had $ "Buddy," and it remains ?Ji the opportunity for schoolhis today. As a matter of ing, he scrimped and \ fact, many people have saved in order for his chilnever known him as dren to go to college.

Leonard.

At the University of He remembers his childNebraska at Lincoln, hood as being years of the Buddy majored in adverGreat Depression. After f? , tising. His dream was to working as a candy follow in the footsteps of maker, a cobbler and in his sister, Kate, who had the storage business, gone to work for McCrory Isadore began a car repair Advertising Agency in service on Farnam Street.

Pennsylvania and later in He later became one of the New York.

Leonard "Buddy" Goldstein first men in the United While still attending President States to start a car rental high school, Buddy went Jewish Federation of Omaha business. to Council Bluffs to visit 1976-78 One of his customers, a his aunt, Toby Krasne. real estate salesman, asked Isadore if he could bor- During one of these visits, he met Shirley Gershun, row his car while his automobile was being serv- a friend of his cousin's. For him, it was "love at first iced. The elder Goldstein agreed and was paid two sight." After college graduation, he went into the dollars for the use of his car. It was then that he United States Army, where he was a second lieuconsidered, "Maybe there is a future in the car tenant. rental business!" He named his fledgling business, "After about six months in the army, I decided to "Rent-A-Ford." In later years, he bought the Hertz call Shirley and ask her to marry me." Evidently franchise owned by Yellow Cab Company. she said "yes," and they were married in 1942 at the "Because we were part of the Hertz system, we Blackstone Hotel in Omaha. were part of a chain when the rental car business Their children are: Donald and his wife, Ann of began to develop after the war. It really didn't grow Omaha, who have two daughters, Deborah and until air travel began," Goldstein recalled. "We Rebecca. A daughter, Gail, lives in Colorado with couldn't get a booth at the airport and later found her husband, Phil Raznick. Their children are out that a travel agency had paid for an exclusive. Emily and Benjamin. Their youngest daughter, By the time we got out of that business, there were Kathy Helm, lives in Omaha with her children, as many rental booths at the Omaha airport as Zachary and Molly. there were in Chicago!"

After serving in The South Pacific, India, China Buddy says that building up a business took quite and the Marianna Islands during the war, Buddy a while. returned to Omaha where he joined his father in "At that time, Dad didn't have any money and he the family business. He headed the trucking departhad to rely on his relationship with the bank-pri- ment that was relocated in a new facility at 18th marily a handshake. They gave him a little money and Cass Streets. so he was able to go ahead and get a couple of cars," (Continued on page 15)

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September 6, 2002

New Year Greetings

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Like Father, Like Son

by Carol Katzman, Editor — — — — They've both served as President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, lead the Federation's Annual Campaign a and presided over the Highland Country Club. To say a son followed in his father's footsteps is no understatement for Howard Kooper, who / » described his father, Robert, as setting "a tone in our home and in the i" community." / The elder Kooper was born in Russia in 1900 but spoke English with no accent. He came to this country in 1906, attended Tech High School and then to work for his uncle, Harry A.Wolf, an Omaha businessman (who also happen to found the Jewish Press Howard Kooper in 1920).

President, JFO, 1997-99 He married Dorothy Goldstein in 1927 and was elected President of Synagogue's building committee, B'nai B'rith just two years later. along with Dean Frankel (who Though he died young, at age 61, chaired the Finance Committee), was Robert Kooper made a big impact on "a pretty easy project," Howard said.

Starting with a committee of 40 Beth this community and on his son.

"My father had certain values that El members and "a wish list", the two he expressed often to me," Howard men were able to whittle down both Kooper recalled. "Because of the lead- the list and the size of the committee ership positions he held in the com- to form a manageable group of six munity, I thought everyone held these people to steer the synagogue through same values! I just assumed that the process of turning the plans into a everyone was involved, raising money formidable structure on 144th and Dodge. for Israel and for causes here.

He's alsg helped with projects for the According to his son, when Robert Kooper called for a donation, people Girls and Boys Club, Children's responded. "Every time there was a Hospital, and serves as a member of need, my father would just pick up the the Omaha Airport Authority. But his phone and call, not just his friends, but biggest and most long term involvebusiness associates, people he knew. A ment has been with the Jewish call from him meant something and Federation. people knew they could trust him."

He's done just about everything, That image has stayed with him from "taking cards" for the Annual since the day his father died in 1961 Campaign to chairing the Budget and when Howard was a student at the Allocations Committee. He and University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Fellman chaired the recent Building The elder Kooper always stressed Campaign to expand and remodel the the value of education. "It doesn't cost JCC campus and he followed Fellman you to learn anything," Howard as President of the Federation.

Kooper recalls his father repeating, Jan Perelman-Goldstein, Executive "Nor does it cost you to carry around Director of the Jewish Federation, the education. He also taught me to described Kooper as "a man who has work for yourself because then no one given his heart and soul to the Omaha can fire you!"

Jewish community.

"He cares about every segment, be it Howard believes much of his father's philosophy stems from the the children, young adults or the eldanti-Semitism he felt as a youngster. erly," she added, "no matter what synThat, and the immigrant's apprecia- agogue they belong to, whether they tion for the blessings America had to were born Jewish or not. I'm proud to offer those who worked hard were have worked with and learned from a man who so beautifully carries the driving forces in his life.

When his father died, Howard teachings of the past into his vision dropped his plans to become a lawyer for the future." and went to work, like his father Kooper still looks to his father as a before him, for the Harry A. Wolf role model and his relationship with Company. But Harry was no longer Paul Veret, then Executive Director of there; he had died years before his the Federation, another important nephew Robert Kooper, in 1950, at the figure in his life, who also died young, age of 66. Without his father as a at age 64 in 1970. mentor, Howard looked to his mother, (Continued on page 9) Dorothy Kooper, his father's friend, Jack Marer and his cousin, Justin Wolf.

In 1968, he married Sharon Bernstein and eventually teamed up with his close friend, Tom Fellman, to form his own company, Broadmoor Development in 1977, named for the street in Regency where the two men lived at the time.

As busy as Kooper washiisband, father of two daughters, Lori and Robyn, new, growing business, he felt it was important to give back to The Kooper famiiy: Howard and Sharon, the community. seated; standing: Robyn Kooper, Omaha, Chairing the Beth El Wayne and Lori Swartz of Denver, CO. i-

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September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Like Father, Like Son (Continued from page 8) •••••— Howard recalls being a "paper boy" If there was an emergency, he'd just at a Federation Pacesetter dinner for pick up the phone and call people like major donors at the Highland when he my father and get what he needed." was a youngster. Morris Jacobs (the "I always knew that I had the most

Paul Veret Robert H. Kooper Federation Executive Director, President, JFO 1944-70 1958-60 co-founder of Bozell and Jacobs terrific Mom and Dad," said Linda Advertising) chaired the event.

Rindler, Paul and Freda Veret's "The paper boys were supposed to run daughter, who now lives in Dallas, TX. around the room shouting 'Extra, "But now I realize how much the extra!'when names of Pacesetters were community benefitted from his leaderread and their gifts announced," he ship," she said. "I've lived in a number recalled. "They raised lots of money!" of communities since then and I've Veret started out in Omaha as Director had a chance to compare; no place is of the old 'J' on 20th and Dodge Streets. like Omaha!

It wasn't long before he was "running "Anytime I visit, I meet someone who the community," according to Howard, tells me the nicest things about my alongside men like his father. father, like,, "If it hadn't been for your ir Veret's influence on this community father,' or Tou have no idea the impact was profound," Kooper admitted. "He Paul had on me.' ran it with a strong hand and main"My dad was a teacher and a principal tained a solid connection with the before he went into social work," she donors. It was .a real hands-on opera- recalled. "And that helped him greatly. I tion back then and Paul was able to may be prejudiced, but Dad's peopledeal with everything that came along. skills, his dynamism, his passion fos-

ter that" concept that the "community He hopes the Federation will continbe there for people. In retrospect I'm ue to use his talents and the volunteer so amazed at what Dad and those efforts of other past presidents. presidents accomplished."

"It was a fun job-being President of "I remember him talking to men like the Federation," he—admitted. "Jan Bob Kooper on the phone," Rindler (Perehnan-Goldstein) is a great exec to added. "He worked with Father work with. She made my job easy; she's Flanagan of Boys Town and Whitney got a great attitude and knows how to Young, who became the national pres- develop espirit d'corps among her staff.

"That's really key," he added. "The ident of the Urban League. He reprethe sented the Jewish community to the strategic plan reorganized community-at-large. There was such a Federation and the agencies. It gave the trust. With one phone call, he could Federation an image of efficiency and fiscal responsibility. We've updated the make things happen.

"When he helped settle refugees after campus with a new fitness center and World War II," she explained, "most of child development center-which helps them had to sell magazines, because keep our young people involved. they didn't have English skills yet. We "When you're running a non-profit, wound up subscribing to every maga- you need the best possible people. zine they sold, because he didnt turn Anything less won't get the job done." anyone down." Kathy Watkins, And getting the job done is what Federation Executive Assistant, added Howard Kooper's life has always been that she recalls Veret sending tran- about. Whether it's taking a vision sients over to the Music Box for a meal- from, his business partner, Tom -and paying for it personally, not with Fellman, and together turning it into Federation funds. reality, or taking a concept of revital"The Federation today needs to run a izing the "central address" of the Jews modern-day version of Paul Veret's in Omaha, Kooper looks to Ms father way," Kooper commented. "I don't think to guide his decisions. life is that much different. It's still based "I've tried to make him proud." on based on knowing about each indiAnd he has, vidual's commitments and concerns."

Kooper sees the community today as a parallel of what his parents faced in their time. "The 'J' is on 132nd and Dodge instead of 20th and Dodge, but it's still our central address," he insists.

"We still need a place to congregate as a community. We still have poor Jews in the world and Jews who need to be prGtected, rescued and resettled. We still Tom Fellman and Howard Kooper need to support Israel."

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

"Eyeball to Eyeball, Kneecap to Kneec

by JOAN K. MARCUS — ——————— I was a little apprehensive before my interview with Art Grossman began. After all, his writings have been seen in the Jewish Press since 1977. And, he also writes for other publications. I wasn't sure who would be interviewing whom! However, my worries were unfounded, because he seemed to enjoy talking about the past, his family, and Omaha as it was 90 years ago.

The tall, still handsome man was bom in Omaha in 1912. His parents, Boruch and Machlie Grossman, lived on 17th and Paul Streets, in the same neighborhood with many other Jewish immigrants. He remembers the area as being "a type of a ghetto" where most of the families attended the Kapulier Shul on 24th and Nicholas Streets.

The Grossmans had come to Omaha in 1905 via the Atlantic Ocean and France. At Ellis Island, instead of Boruch giving his surname of Parrellov, he gave the name of his uncle, Grossman. When they arrived in Omaha, their uncle, Meyer Grossman, greeted them.

Art describes his childhood as "tough". His father didn't speak English and it was difficult to make a living. Since he had been a butcher in Russia, he opened a grocery and kosher meat market on 24th and Clark Street.

"We had enough to eat because we had groceries in the store. However, it was tough otherwise! There were many others who went hungry," Grossman recalled. "We had a coal furnace in the middle of the dining room and the walls had frost on them from. the moisture. We slept in our underwear to keep warm because my parents didn't have money for coal!"

His brothers, David and Moe, and sisters, Etla (Heeger) and Mollye (Borden) all worked in the store along with their parents.

Art attended Long Grade School and graduated from Tech High in 1925. At Tech, he was an honor roll student and played basketball on the team that won the state championship. He also played on the Ail-American AZA Team. During his senior year, Morrie Sogolow, assistant coach at the University of Illinois at Champaign, approached Art and offered him a full athletic scholarship to the university.

However, Art had to come up with the $25 for transportation.

When he went to Boruch to ask for the money, he was told in Yiddish, "I thought you would go to work for the family after you got out of school!" The family needed another pair of hands to work in the store and $25 was like two weeks of income. This ended Art's dream to attend college, although he did take

Spanish-speaking people and a former foreign service officer. He and his wife, Linda Herzog, a caterer, live in Omaha.

Art's daughters are: Roberta Grossman, who works at an Omaha bank, and Arlene Gitles, who lives in Northbrook, Illinois, and is a teacher. He has three grandchildren and one great-grandson, Brandon Gitles.

Seventy years ago, he started working as a volunteer for the Jewish Philanthropic Campaign by collecting nickels and dunes from the AZA #1 boys.

"If we got together 10 bucks in those days, it was a miracle. The target for the whole campaign was one million dollars. Now, it's three million plus!" he noted with amazement.

Since those years, he has been active in the campaign every year. He chaired the Sunday Telethon three times and can't remember how long he has been the chair of the Oldtimers. He believes that in order to solicit money, you need to be "eyeball to eyeball and kneecap to kneecap with people!"

He is very proud of his Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Federation because his thoughts went back to his father who said, "You must make sure that the other fellow gets an equal break in •Vr life-just as you have."

Art Grossman Art is past president of the Oldtimers and is still President of the coalition of Oldtimers and Young some courses at Omaha University.

In later years, Art opened Snappy Cleaners-dry Energetic Seniors. His terms as president of the two cleaners who offered one-day service, a novelty in groups total seven years. He adds to his list those days. During World War II, he went to work fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis-the disease that running Puritan Laundry, a business staffed by killed his son-in-law.

Italian prisoners of war. They did government work Among his many hobbies, Art has enjoyed enterfrom 1944-54. ing contests. He was won more than 500 prizes for In 1954, he opened Art's Package Liquor Store on writing slogans, names, essays, poetry and jingles 30th and Spaulding Streets. It became one of the for the last 50 years. He started a club of people who were housebound and taught how to participate. He major package stores in Nebraska in volume.

"I was open every day that we were legally allowed entered for these people-in their names- until they to be open and I worked from 10 to 12 hours a day." won a prize.

"Every morning, when I get up, I ask myself what A good thing then came along even though Art didn't go to college-his marriage to Anne Zweiback. I have to do," he insisted. "I'm currently writing and They met at Tech and Art said, "She had a brilliant carrying on a campaign against drunk drivers; I mind. I dated girls who were a little more beautiful write for the Nebraska Beverage' Analyst. I'm not of face, but not of mind and her intellect attracted the land of person who sits around and plays cards." me to her."

He went on to say that if he has nothing else to do, They were married in 1934. "When Anne died of a he reads magazines, newspapers, and The Wall cerebral aneurysm in 1995, we had 61 years of Street Journal. He keeps his mind active and has a unbelievable married life." He readily admits that large research library. he still grieves daily for her.

Art Grossman wants the world to remember him Their children are: Dr. Ronald (Ronnie) Grossman as a man who tried to do good. of Garlison, New York, an international authority "Jewish people have had a secret weapon that has on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) defeated their adversaries. That weapon is the fact and Lawrence (Larry) Grossman, an interpreter for that we've stuck together."

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September 6, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

n Times of Crisis

l'

by PAM MONSKY and ALLY FREEMAN Federation Communications Director and Federation Communications Intern — —

They say there's nothing like a crisis to bring out the best in people. Sadly, we Jews know this better than most.

Yet, crisis after crisis, tragedy after tragedy, we instinctively come together to respond.

Over the past 100 years, the Federation has served as the communal gathering place. The Federation has become a "Jewish rallying point," a place where everyone has a voice.

And in good times and bad, it's always been you, the people, who dictate the course that the Omaha Jewish community will take. It's each one of you who provide the momentum that propels us towards our goal.

The response of our community to the current crisis facing Israel and our people is just the latest example of the strength of the Omaha Jewish community. When Jewish life is threatened, no matter where it may be, we don't kvetch...we do something about it!

The Israel Terror Relief Campaign and the "We Stand With Israel" walk and rally became realities because of the community outrage at the incessant terrorist attacks on Israel. More than $950,000 has been raised so far, an amazing amount considering our small Jewish population. In fact, the Omaha Jewish community is Number 2 in per capita giving nationally for Israel terror relief fundraising (Dayton, Ohio, with a Jewish population of 5,500, holds the number one position, due in part to a single $500,000 gift)!

In celebration ofthe Federation's 100th year, we thought it would be interesting to look back at the different fundraising campaigns the Jewish Federation of Omaha has organized in response to major crisis in the Jewish world.

1938 An $11,000 emergency collection campaign was organized by the Jewish Philanthropies of Omaha in order to alleviate the tragic suffering of Jews in Germany and Eastern European countries

request of the United Jewish Appeal for North American Jews to raise $50 million for Israel within two weeks.

Omaha immediately sent a check totaling $160,000 and in subsequent months raised over $800,000 for the new country.

1958 With a visible increasing flood of new immigrants to Israel from Romania, Hungary and Poland, the United Jewish Appeal called on the Jewish Federation of Omaha to join other federations in a nationwide UJA $40 million cash collection drive to meet the urgent need. The influx of immigrants placed an impossible burden on the people of Israel, who relied on the support of the American Jewish community to finance transportation and maintenance ofthe new arrivals. The UJA requested Omaha raise an amount of $150,000.

1967 The Six Day War caused a national Israel Emergency fund to be created. Days after the war in June, the Omaha community sent $150,000 to the UJA. By August, over $500,000 had been pledged from Omaha.

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Leaders of t h e 1967 Youth Philanthropies Campaign: Janice Meyerson, left, Lynne Nogg, Dani Schwartz, Gayle Lerman, Joel Epstein, Steve Neesman, Jeff Garetz, Bill Rosen, J e a n e t t e Beinglas, John Hoberman, Randi Turkel; standing: Larry Kay, Steve Simons and Barry Kaiman.

1973 The Omaha Yom Kippur Crisis Campaign raised $235,364 within 24 hours after learning of the appeal from the UJA to raise $100 million in the national drive to send to Israel. In the following weeks, over $800,000 was pledged towards the campaign. A decision was later made to merge the Yom Kippur Crisis Campaign and the 1974 Philanthropies Campaign as leaders set a $4 million campaign goal—the largest in Omaha history. By December of 1973 the community had donated over $3 million in campaign Immigrants land in Haifa in pre- pledges to the combined campaign. state Israel, 1930s.

1990 Omaha launched Operation 1939 With increasing demand for Exodus, a special $1.7 million drive to assistance to harassed European resettle Soviet Jews in Israel and Jews, the budget committee set the Omaha.

1939 fundraising goal at $102,000, 1991 In response to the Gulf War in over twice the sum raised in 1938 the Middle East the United Jewish 1948 As Israel neared independence, Appeal mounted a $400 million cash Omaha became one of the first com- drive. The [ munities to respond to the emergency O m a h a Jewish comm u n i t y asked members to help send cash and pay any u n p a i d pledges.

An Israeli inspects dam2002 age from scud missies Terror relief in Tel Aviv, 1991. campaign kicks off to provide financial No-man's land between East and assistance to Israelis affected by the West Jerusalem, 1948. second intifada.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

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When there is death we mourn, grieve and express Emergency Fund, which was subsequently sent to our sorrow as a community. In war we come togeth- the United Jewish Appeal.

• When 11 Israeli athletes were murdered at the er and give financially.

Days after Israel proclaimed independence in 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, the 1948 the Omaha Jewish community raised an Omaha Jewish community held a memorial service unprecedented $800,000 for the new country, the following day in memory of the slain athletes. including securing $350,000 in bank loans for The synagogue council, under the direction of Rabbi immediate funds to be sent abroad. The community Sidney Brooks, arranged the service. Local synahas overcome the deaths of its lay leaders and gogue clergy led the service that included a tradifounders, historical and international figures, wars, tional Jewish prayer for the dead. attacks, terrorism, racism and prejudice. Despite Jewish Federation President Morley Zipurskey adversity and sparked by celebration, our Jewish read a letter in support tHe community had written community continually unites to support Jews all to Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meier to express its over the world. grief. The letter offered sympathy and asked for the Here are some of the Omaha Jewish community's Omaha community to be included in any memorial responses to major Jewish or tribute Israel planned events over the past 100 in permanent rememyears. brance of the athletes.

• As the Omaha Jewish • At the start of World community continued to War II, concerned memgrow, community leaders bers of the community saw an increasing need sponsored a meeting in for a new Jewish 1933 at the Omaha Community Center. In Jewish Community 1972 Omaha Jews showed Center to protest the brutheir support by raising tal atrocities and violaover $3,000,000 to a buildtions of human rights ing fund for the new cenbeing demonstrated by the Nazis against Jews in Volunteers from NCJW and other women's t e r w h i c h w a s t o b e b u i l t Eur °P e ' groups staffed a canteen for soldiers at Union o n 1 3 2 n d S t - between Dodge and Pacific streets.

• In response to the Six station during WWII. « In 1973, as the Yom Day War in Israel, the Omaha community organized an urgent meeting Kippur War was taking place over 6000 miles away, that was held on June 18, 1967. An intensified Omaha rallied to send monetary aid to Israel. effort was made to encourage complete participa- Morning worshipers at Yom Kippur services in Omaha learned Israel was under attack from tion by the entire Jewish community.

Local rabbis urged their congregations to attend Syrian and Egyptian forces that had invaded Israeli this one and only tribute, which was held at Beth El positions along the Suez Canal and Golan Heights.

The United Jewish Appeal requested that local Synagogue, to the hundreds of Israelis who died in Jewish communities across the country supthe war and express the port Israel by raising $100 million as part of community's faith in the national drive, specifically asking the future of Israel. Dr. Omaha to contribute $500,000 in cash.

Bernard Cherrick, Vice Within 24 hours the Jewish community had Chancellor of Hebrew started the Yom Kippur Crisis Campaign, University was a guest mobilizing and immediately raising $235,364 speaker at the event, to send to Israel. which was filled to Over the next few weeks the community capacity. The tribute had surpassed its initial $500,000 goal by was co-sponsored by pledging over $800,000. Jewish youth organthe Jewish Federation, ized a 'March for Peace in the Middle East' the Synagogue Council, four days after the start of the war. One hunthe Federation of Jewish Women's Club Soldiers plant the Israeli flag on d r e d a n d 7 5 t e e n s m a r c n e d from Memorial and the Omaha Jewish t h e Temple Mount during the P a r k t o B e t h I s r a e l Youth Council.

Six-Day War, 1967.

In addition, Nebraska Gov. James Exon Women in the Jewish community responded by extended his support to the Nebraska Jewish organizing a three-day phone-a-thon to reach out to Community in a telegram sent to Morley Zipursky, every Jewish family who had not yet contributed to President of the Jewish Federation where he the Israel Emergency Fund. More than 70 women pledged his support and gave a financial contribuparticipated in the event. A total of over $500,000 tion to the crisis campaign. was raised by the Omaha Jewry for the Israel (continued on page 13)

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When the Jewish Community Comes Together (Continued from apge 12) ——— • In the spring of 1973, Jewish exit visas. youth organized a parade from The Omaha Memorial Park to the UNO Field participants House for a program of Israeli song, carried a bandance and dramatics to celebrate ner proclaimIsrael on its 25th anniversary of ing their supstatehood. The Omaha Jewish comport that munity continually remembers read: "Omaha Israel's independence with commuCommittee nity-wide Yom Ha'Atzmaut celebrafor Soviet tions each year.

Jewry."

• In 1976 the Omaha Jewish Shirley Community was called to action after Goldstein, cowitnessing the rescue of Israeli chairman of hostages in Uganda. As a response to Omaha's Operation Entebbe, an "Open Letter Soviet Jewry to the Jewish Community" was pubCommittee lished in the Jewish Press calling for Mother and child arrive in Israel on was one of sevOmaha news anchor Gary Kerr interviews Shirley a response and requesting pledges to Operation Solomon, an emergency eral national Goldstein at the Rally for Soviet Jews, 1987. the 1976 Omaha Jewish a i r l i f t from Ethiopia.

Soviet Jewry 0 In 1985 the Omaha Jewish commu- ty was urged to participate.

Philanthropies Campaign. In addition, activists invited to meet with President Six years later in 1991, Operation Reagan on the eve of the summit. over $5000 in unsolicited gifts was nity participated in Operation Moses, given by members of the non-Jewish the first Aliyah of Jews from Ethiopia. Solomon was launched, another • In 1990 the Omaha Jewish comA candelighting ceremony was held for Aliyah of Ethiopian Jews. To launch munity launched Operation Exodus community in the wake of Entebbe. " Omaha mourned Golda Meir's the operation and the entire communi- the Omaha operation, which started II, beginning a special $1.7 million in January of 1991, Barbara Gordon, drive to resettle Soviet Jews in Israel death in 1978 as Jewish founder and executive director of the and Omaha. community leaders North American Conference on published their Prior to their departure to Moscow Ethiopian Jewry visited Omaha and and Israel, Tom Fellman and Jay thoughts on Israel's spoke to several organizations to Lerner, co-chairman of the campaign, first woman Prime raise the awareness level to the described the importance of Omaha's Minister and an initiaplight of Ethiopian Jews. tor in securing peace in aid to lOO community leaders at the 0 Israel, in the Jewish On the eve of the visit of Soviet Jewish Community Center. The camPress.

Leader Mikhail Gorbachev to the paign was appropriately named, United States in 1987, some 50 mem- "Families Saving Families."

Mary Fellman, bers of the Omaha Jewish communiPresident of the Jewish Airport pep rallies were often posity flew to Washington D.C. to join the tioned to greet Russian families as Federation of Omaha national Rally for Soviet Jews on the they arrived in Nebraska. At one rally wrote: "I remember sitWashington Mall. ting spellbound just to welcome 11 new arrivals, more than The Jewish Federation of Omaha 60 community members assembled. about a year ago as she chartered an airplane to carry the Regular informational meetings were spoke so simply and local children and adults where they held for the immigrants after settling movingly 'off the cuff'for joined over 100,000 Jews from across in Omaha to help integrate them into 45 minutes about the the United States who participated in life in America. A four-day long early struggles of the the march. Protesters demonstrated Exodus phone-a-thon was also held to state of Israel and of her •efforts to raise funds in Golda Meir meets with President Richard Nixon at their anger at the unfair treatment of increase campaign pledges.

Soviet Jews who had applied for their America in 1947." the White House, 1973.

(Continued on page 15)

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

Still Going Strong

Another 100th is Celebrated

(Continued from page 6T~"""

by JOAN K. MARCUS

"

Louis was one of the owners of Central Market, a fine grocery store on 16th St, They later moved it to a location on Harney Street between 16th and 17th. Honey remembers that they carried the finest groceries and it was probably a forerunner of the large supermarkets of today. Central Market was in its "heyday" in the 20s, 30s and 40s.

During the early years, they began to sell beef to hotels, restaurants and institutions. Arthur Kulakofsky headed this department-Ak-Sar-Ben Meats-a division of Central Market, Inc. A grandson, Alan Kulakofsky, still runs the business, a fourth-generation family business!

According to Shirley Kulakofsky, her daughter-in-law, "Mother was indeed a feminist for her time. Women her age were just beginning to think about birth control and the woman's right to choose and Mother was right in there. She was a very independent woman!"

Helen also did things like driving her children to New York in 1939 by herself when most women weren't even thinking about driving Helen Kulakofsky, cars!

She 1944 admits to horseback riding and playing golf with her children while they were growing up.

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World War II, she ran the canteen at the Jewish i s Community Center |on 20th j and Dodge ;j Streets and at the Union tfiifcr i^^^^^^s^ Station for JHHp g^^BBm J e w i s h soldiers.

Many of Omaha Honey and Louis J e w i s h Kulakofsky celebrate w o m e n , their 40th anniversary from all at the Blackstone Hotel the variin 1959. ous organizations volunteered there.

She recalls making 500 sandwiches for the servicemen as they came through Omaha. She was always active in times of war because her brother, Arthur, served in World War I in 1917 and both of her sons were in World War II. "Those were difficult years and I felt that I was taking care of the homefront," she insisted.

Shirley Kulakofsky added, "The two of us have had a wonderful relationship and I respect Mother for being a liberated woman There is no way that we could have gone on without the love and respect that we have for each other!

"She's an amazing woman!"

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Rose Shafton Frankel was born in Omaha on Jan. 12, 1902. However, judging by her girlish figure and stylish manner, it's hard to tell that she is past her 100th birthday! She sits at the concierge desk at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home where she directs guests as they enter.

Employees at the Home say they rely on Rose for her help, but they're unable to keep up with her because she walks too fast!

She was born at 1105 Douglas, where she lived with her parents, Benjamin and Reva Shafton, and had four brothers and a sister. Her father sold uniforms to men who worked at the stockyards and railroad or farmed. He worked hard and prided himself on being a good provider for his family.

Rose graduated from Commerce High.

Benjamin organized the first Talmud Torah in. Omaha because he had four sons. He hired a teacher and Rose was the only girl hi the class. After a short time, the teacher came to Ben and said that Rose would not be able to be in the class anymore because she "caused too much trouble!"

Rose recalls the Omaha tornado of 1913. "I don't understand why nobody ever talks about that tornado that killed more than 100 people."

The Shafton Family attended the Kapulier Shul on 24th and Nicholas.

Her father was the president and head of the cemetery committee. She recalls that wives of Jewish men stayed in the background. However, Ben Shafton wanted his wife and daughters to be in the forefront. "My father wanted his wife to be the best

looking and the best dressed. Mom went to a beauty shop, near where the Orpheum Theatre is now."

Growing up in Omaha in the early 1900s was different, according to Rose. "We went to Peony Park and we danced. In those years, we had the Ivre Club, a group of Jewish kids from Omaha, Lincoln, Des Moines and Sioux City. We had parties in the different cities," she recalled.

According to Rose, kids today don't really know what it is to have a good tune. "Five or six kids go down to the Old Market and walk around and they think it's a big deal!" she laughed. "We had gorgeous dates on those days. We went out to dinner and dancing at the Fontenelle Hotel and the Athletic Club.

Brandeis had a marvelous place on the top floor for dancing and dinner. Now, they think they have a date when they go for a walk."

Young people used to travel between cities by train. "We went to Sioux City," she added, "and they would come to Omaha. Kids would come to our house and we would go to theirs."

Rose attended Omaha University and then went to work. Later, she was a private secretary for an insurance company. After World War I, in 1923, Rose married Harry Frankel. She had two sons, Stewart, who died, and Dean, who lives in Omaha with his wife, Barbara.

Rose has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Rose's husband worked for his family haberdashery stores until he began his own insurance business. He died at age 47 and Rose took over the busi(Continued on page 15)

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September 6, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Another 100th (Continued from previous page) ness. "In those days, over 50 years ago, there were no women in the business world and it was a little bit hard for me at first," she admitted. "However, I soon began to enjoy every minute of it! It was wonderful and it an experience most women dont have!"

She worked until she was 90 when she sold her business. She laments that her driver's license has expired and she is unable to drive because no one will insure people over the age of 100! She only recently began wearing eyeglasses for reading.

Rose looks back on her life with joy. "We weren't rich, but we weren't poor and my father took care of us. He wouldn't buy stocks and bonds, so he and Dr. Phillip Sher bought real estate together."

Rose says that there is no secret for long life. "If you're lucky, that's it!" She always worked hard and has regular checkups and tries to eat right! "You get up in the morning and you get dressed and do the best you can with your life!"

Comes Together (Continued from page 13) • < •.•— • In November 1995, as the entire world mourned the death of Yitzhak Rabin, the assassinated Prime Minister of Israel, more than 500 people gathered at Beth El Synagogue for a memorial service ; «*• The service was lead by local clergy members.

Tom Fellman, Jewish Federation President H, and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel recounted their personal interaction with Rabin. Concluding the ceremony the eommu-} , l, , nity was encouraged to •..J.'.' V .. ./ ) take action and respond Yitzhak Rabin came to to the situation by Bob Omaha in 1979 to present Wolfson, Director of the President's Award to ADL/CRC, who also Eli Zalkin-Jack Cohen's coordinated the event, father-in-law.

Page 15

Remembering the Federation (Continued from p a g e 7) ***»*«*****.********«-—-**

After coming back to Omaha, Goldstein became a building of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. "little bit active" in the United Jewish Appeal camIn 1972, Shirley and Buddy made a trip to Eastern paign. However, he says his involvement was "never Europe and where they witnessed anti-Semitism anything major" and that he did it because of his and the problems of Russian Jews. brother, Arthur.

They remembered saying that "if Jews had helped In 1967, Buddy and Shirley traveled to Israel to Jews during World War II, maybe much pain and visit cousins and, when they returned, Nick suffering could have been avoided then." With Newman asked him, along with Joe Kirshenbaum, Buddy's blessing, Shirley became involved in trying to head the Men's Campaign for that year. to get Russian Jews out from behind the Iron In 1975, he succeeded Harlan Curtain. When she received an Noddle as President of the Jewish honorary doctorate of humane letFederation. At his installation, he ters from the University of said the Federation needed to Nebraska at Omaha in 1996, "assume fiscal responsibility in Shirley said that she could never order to mend breaches in the have helped Jews escape from the workings of its organization in repression of the former Soviet order to provide local services." He Union without the help of her adopted an "open door" to construcdevoted husb and. tive criticism in order to be sensiThe Union of Council for Soviet tive to the needs of the Omaha Jewry helped Shirley to bring well Shirley Goldstein with son over 100 families to Omaha "We Jewish community.

Although he took reigns during a and daughter-in-law Don were both involved but Shirley was period of economic slump, he said it and Ann. the mainstay. She made six trips to was still up to Omaha Jews to support Israel. the Soviet Union in order to help families."

During his second term, he filled important staff Buddy's hope was to be able to tap into undiscovpositions at the JCC by hiring Phil Cofman as direc- ered talent in the community during his administor. He also hired Alan Goodman as controller and tration.

Bob Lovett as head of Jewish Family Service. He "My work with the Russian Jews showed the completed the evaluation process of the Federation results of helping people and that's what the agencies and made sure that it was operating in an Federation is all about!" he insisted. "It is religious efficient manner. freedom for these people in a new country!"

"We had to establish some type of fiscal responsiBuddy says he has had a good life and that it has bility because they had never lived within their been gratifying to him to see the Federation sucbudget," Goldstein explained. "That became my pri- ceed. He is proud to have been part of the Omaha ority and we went to centralized billing. We also set Jewish community and grateful to have had a good up a preventative maintenance program for the life with the opportunity to help fellow Omaha building."

Jews.

Since his term as President was prior to the relo"We want to be remembered for what we are and cation of the Jewish Home for the Aged, Buddy what we've been," Shirley and Buddy said in agreewanted to make sure that the needs of Omaha's ment. "We can't imagine living any other place. We aging Jewish population were being met. He accom- both hope that we can leave a good name with plished this by conducting a study that preceded the friends and family to carry on our work!"

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

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Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 8, 2002

Involved Since Their Marriage

by JOAN K. MARCUS — — ~ ~ - — - — — ~ ~

Kim Schwartz and her husband Mark have been involved in the Omaha Jewish community since the got first got married.

Born Kim Weaver in PlainfLeld, New Jersey, shegrew up in a fairly observant Lutheran family. Since her father was in the Air Force, they moved around until they came to Omaha.

"We lived where I always had Jewish friends," she laughed.

During junior high school, Kim became an accomplished equestrian who rode in the English mode rather than the Western style of most Americans.

She competed in contests which helped her to decide to major of Equestrian Science when she began college at William Woods College in Fulton; MO. She left Missouri and transferred to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After studying for a year in London, she graduated from UNO with a degree in Political Science, One of her requirements, while in England, was to write a paper about a pertinent topic. After pondering a bit, she decided •to write about legislation concerning animal extermination.

After an interview with one of the organizations lobbying for changes in extermination laws, she decided it might be a good idea to become a vegetarian. Even though she was a meat eater, she decided to try the vegetarian route because of her respect for the rights of animals. She is an ovo-lacto vegetarian—one who doesn't eat any kind of animal flesh. However, she does eat eggs and cheese because this doesn't cause any pain or kill animals.

On Valentine's Day of 1996, Kim was having dinner at M's Pub in the Old Market when she thought she recognized a man sitting at the bar as an old friend.

She approached him, but he said, "That's a great come-on but I'm not who you think I am!"

After conversation, the man who would change her life, Mark Schwartz, invited her to dinner the next night.

"We just started talking that night and we still

Happy NezvYear

an is an obvious manifestation of how she respects all living things. So, she has lived in a way that we'd like to see Jews behave!"

Although he told Kim that she didn't have to convert for him she said, "I'm not converting for you; I'm doing it for myself." She was converted at Temple Israel with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. Kim and Mark studied together in the Derekh Torah class. They were married at Temple on Oct. 17, 1998.

Immediately, the couple became involved as volunteers within the Jewish community. They began working on the Federation's Super Sunday Campaign in 2000, and then chaired it in 2001 and 2002.

Kim also volunteers with National Council of Jewish Women on Dictionary Day, a distribution of dictionaries to Omaha Public School elementary schools for underserved children. These fourth graders use the dictionary in school for a year. At the end of the year, the dictionary goes home to the entire family. She also participates in Lobby Day for NCJW and serves on the garage sale committeeMark and Kim Schwartz -a major fundraising day.

Kim taught at Temple Israel and they are both York and graduated with a double bachelor's degree involved in Chavurah, a group of young professionin marketing and management.

He took a job then as a representative for a major als at Temple Israel. Together, they participate in automobile manufacturer that required him to Mitzvah Day at Temple and Temple's Habitat for move to cities like Philadelphia, Portland, OR, Los Humanity Day. The couple also participates in Angeles and Denver. A job with Jeff Shrier Ford "Christmas In April Day"-- helping for disadvanbrought him to Omaha. He presently works for taged families.

InfoUSA as a senior account executive.

Mark serves on the Budget and Allocation Kim had always been interested in Judaism and Committee of the Federation. He is also on a Mark says, "More than many Jewish people I know, Federation Israel/Overseas committee to determine Kim has always lived her life in a very Jewish way. in what Israeli programs the Federation will particShe believes in the concept of tikun olam, making ipate. This year, he helped organizing the calling the world a better place and giving back more to the campaign for the Israel Terror Relief Campaign.

(Continued on page 31) planet than you take from it. Her being a vegetarihaven't stopped!" she said with a smile. "I wasn't looking for a husband because I really enjoyed my life." However, they decided on their second date they were going to get married.

Mark was born in the Bronx in 1969. He describes his upbringing as "very secular/Jewish." After high school, he went to Ithaca College in upstate New

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Jewish Press, Omaha,. NE

Page 19

by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director"

In 1992, Joel Alperson attended his first caucus for UJA's Young Leadership Cabinet. In the Jewish world, "caucus" is a term used to describe a gathering of people who have shared the same experience, usually a mission to Israel or a special conference. During the caucus, individuals share their personal stories, how Jewish philanthropic activities have impacted their lives, as well as announce their gift to the Federation Annual Campaign.

"Before joining the National Young Leadership Cabinet, my Jewish frame of reference was only what I had experienced in Omaha," Alperson recalled.

"I really thought I had done it all.

Before going into my first caucus, I thought to myself, wait until they hear my story!"

Alperson had no idea that so much of what he knew about Jewish commitment was just about to get blown away.

His story is a continuous journey of Jewish education and tremendous generosity. Alperson's parents, his mother, Margie, and his late father, Pacey, instilled in their son the tradition of giving back to the Omaha Jewish community, which Joel continues today. With his father, he ran the family business, Omaha Fixture Manufacturing. Although Alperson's life centered around work, he was starting to get more active in the Jewish community.

It took a friend one year to convince him to join the National UJA Young

Leadership Cabinet. Alperson kept telling himself that volunteering on a national level just wasn't his thing.

Fortunately, his friend convinced him to give it a try. For Alperson, the experience literally rocked his entire world.

"The people that I came to know in Cabinet were deeply committed to Jewish causes and I was humbled by their level of commitment. I thought that I was giving my all to Jewish organizations. But then I met so many people my own age who were doing more. They Were making tremendous sacrifices, in terms of money and time, to help Jews in need. I realized that I needed to do more and I began building wonderful relationships based on shared Jewish passions."

After Alperson's father passed away, he had to run the business alone.

Instead of cutting back on his Federation and Young Leadership Cabinet commitments, he found himself taking on more. His first highprofile national position was as a CoChairman for a national singles mission to Israel in 1995 with 485 participants.

"It was overwhelming," Alperson said of the experience. "Many participants were first timers and watching their 'Jewish light bulbs' turn on was exciting. Sure there were challenges, but creating the mission experience for hundreds of people was hugely rewarding," he admitted.

In fact, a few years later, Alperson cochaired another mission, the Chazak

Joel Alperson III mission to Israel and Spain.

Alperson's zeal for all things Jewish continued to grow, and in 1997 he was named National Young Leadership Chair-Designate. In this high-profile position, he was responsible for the popular Washington Conference, Campaign, membership and developing education programs for the Young Leadership Cabinet. Part of Alperson's legacy from his term as chairman was the creation of the Ben Gurion Society, a Campaign division for donors under the age of 45 who give $1,000 or more to the Annual Campaign, and the Jewish Leadership Institute, a leadership development program. He also went on the very first Cabinet mission to Cuba.

About his National Young Leadership Cabinet Chairmanship, Alperson remarked, "I was directing 400 leaders from around North America.

These are people who are very successful and talented.

Obviously, as leaders, they have their own opinions about how things should go. The job was all encompassing. It wasn't uncommon for me to be up at midnight or one in the morning returning phone calls."

His hard work and driving passion did not go unnoticed. In 1996, Alperson went to Israel to accept the Jewish Agency's (JAFI) prestigious International Young Leadership Award. The award is given to two international young leaders and only one American.

United Jewish Appeal {UJA) named him to their Board of Trustees in 1998.

Alperson served on the Campaign Cabinet as the Midwest Region's Major Gifts Chairman. On the home front, he took on the crucial role of Pacesetter chairman for the Omaha Federation's 1999 Campaign, and moved into the position of General Chairman for the 2000 Campaign.

(Continued on page 35)

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A Chip off the Old Block

by JOAN K. MARCUS — — - — • " • ;

•

—

At age 25, Lisa Coren seems to headed in the same direction of her great-grandfather, Henry Monsky.

It is said that Monsky, President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha from 1941-42, was taller than average, slender, dark-haired, dark-eyed and had a soft voice. Lisa seems to possess all of these qualities, too.

It is also said that Monsky was "utterly devoted" to Jewish people and Judaism. This is also true of his great-granddaughter.

Monsky, like Lisa's father, Mickey Coren, was an Omaha attorney. He rose rapidly in the field of law and was a member of the law firm of Monsky, Grodinsky, Marer and Cohen.

Lisa is a teacher at Dundee Grade School,,a school that holds much history for her family. Her grandmother, Joy Monsky Grossman, and her mother, Fran Grossman Coren, both attended Dundee.

"I just think it is really neat that there is so much history connected to that neighborhood," she admitted. "It's a beautiful school and it's great for me to be there since I didn't have any connection to the area until I started teaching."

She remembers always being close to her grandparents, Joy and Paul Grossman and Sylvia and the late Hemy Coren. She says they have always been supportive of her and her sister, Julie. Both girls have happy memories of "hands-on" grandparents who are still a big part of their lives.

"My Grandpa Paul is just a riot at any family event-particularly if it's linked to a Jewish holiday," she laughed. "He has us laughing so hard and that makes the holiday special. Even now, he says things that we can't believe came out of his mouth.

"He was in the insurance business and a professional musician; he played in the Omaha Symphony so music was always a part of our lives when we

r~

Junior High and graduated from Burke High School in 1995. She has played competitive tennis since she was 11 years old, competed in the Missouri Valley Tournament.

She spent her summers traveling and playing nationally. She was on the Burke High School team that won the Metro City Tournament four years in a row. They won the state tournament three out of four years.

She went on to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she also played during her freshman year. She continues to play at least once a week and is a member of a United States Tennis Association Womens League.

Lisa, left, Meyer (Mickey), Julie and Fran Coren.

In December of 1999, Lisa graduated from UNL were growing up."

Many of Lisa's childhood memories include meet- with a degree in elementary education. She got a masters degree, also in elementary education from ings with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel.

"When I was preparing for my Bat Mitzvah, I, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and now remember conversations with him that were very teaches fifth grade.

Lisa says that it never occurred to her to leave personal," Lisa recalled. "He really cared about who Omaha to pursue her career. "I love Omaha and I've I was as a person and still does. I still feel like I had no reason to leave. I love my family and I hope have a connection to him and to Temple Israel that to stay here." has grown."

(Continued on page 31) Lisa attended Catlin Elementary, Beveridge * • > ,

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It" into the Jewish Community

by OZZIE NOGG . ~ ~ » ^ - ^ - ,

•

TIME CENTER

_ _ _ _ _ _

(Author's note #1:1try-not always successfully--to stay out of the lives of our four adult children. So, this assignment to interview our daughter, Shelly Pichik, gave me a perfect excuse to pry and ask a few questions.)

ON: Okay, Shell. Tell me about your volunteer work.

SP: Well, in the beginning I worked with groups

more than just have fun and meet people and learn about what was going on in the community.

ON: And what happened after your YJO experience?

SP: Next, Jan Perelman asked me to be part of JOLT-Jewish Omaha Leadership Training-a leadership development program sponsored by the Federation. But unlike YJO, the JOLT emphasis was definitely on 'doing.' The whole point was to groom younger adults for future leadership roles in the Jewish community-to help us develop our confidence and leadership skills.

Once we 'graduated' it was assumed that we'd be willing to stand up and take responsibility-that we'd be prepared to sit on boards and committees throughout the Jewish community and hold leadership positions in Jewish organizations, in our synagogues and in Federation.

ON: So did you jump right from JOLT into a leadership role?

SP: Not quite! Instead, Mike and I jumped into parenthood-first came Alexandra and then Natalie.

Since I work as a buyer/salesperson at Nogg Chemical and Paper, we needed good day care, so we enrolled both the girls in the JCC's Child Development Center. Right away, I saw the good work being done at the CDC and I started to appreciate the Jewish community in a new way. I realized that our family was directly benefiting from one of the many Federation agencies. And then, Jan Perelman asked me to sit on the Budget and Allocations Committee.

ON: Talk to me about'that.

SP: Well, I must admit that at my first B&A meeting I thought, 'What am I doing here?'

Even with the JOLT training I still felt totally confused by all the different agencies. I was unclear as to how the whole Federation umbrella worked. I Shelly and Mike Pichick and their daughters, was surprised to find how much it actually covered.

Alexandra a n d Natalie. Shelly's parents, Don How could I ever evaluate and integrate this huge and Ozzie Nogg have a history of community amount of information?

So, at the beginning, I listened~a lot. Arnie Weitz service with Beth El Synagogue a n d t h e was chairman of B&A during my first year. Forrest Jewish Federation.

Krutter was on the committee, too, and I was in like the Nebraska Humane Society and the total awe of him. When I finally felt comfortable Nebraska AIDS Project. They asked for my help and enough to ask a few questions, I certainly didn't I gave it. Also, I sat on the Child Saving Institute want to ask anything that would sound stupid or Guild Board for six years. I co-chaired the CSI com- silly. But everyone-especially Steve Redler and mittees that organized their First Annual Art Norm Sheldon who were on a small sub-committee Auction plus their first annual Golf Charity with me~were all very supportive and helpful. I've Tournament that raised $25, 000. been on the B&A Committee for the past four years, ON: Worthy organizations, that's for sure, but and by now, if I have an opinion or a suggestion that why did you choose to be active with those groups I think is valid, I offer it. instead of with the Jewish Federation?

ON: It can't be easy, trying to figure out how to SP: Well, truthfully, at that point no one from diwy up the Federation pie.

Federation had ever asked me to do anything!

SP: There is no easy way, and every year we ask ON: So, eventually somebody from Federation ourselves the same question. How can we possibly found you, right? pick the most worthwhile project when each agency SP: Right. One day back in 1993, Susie Norton- has so many important things it wants to accom-I think it was either Susie or Sharon Kirshenbaum plish? We do our best to use sound business prac-asked me and my husband, Mike, to join YJO-- tices and good practical judgement when we make Young Jewish Omaha. It was a program that those hard decisions.

Federation sponsored for singles and couples in the Too often we have to recommend, 'This is a fine 20-40-age range, sort of a first entry into the com- idea, but in order for it to get off the ground you'll munity. have to find the funds elsewhere-from private The group would get together for social action donations or grants.' B&A is such an important events with organizations like Habitat for committee in terms of effecting agencies and synaHumanity and tzedakah projects with the Boys and gogues arid overseas giving. But every year it's the Girls Club. Then, of course, we'd have social same situation. B&A always gets more requests evenings and just talk about current Jewish issues than there is money to go around. There never and what was going on in the world. The topics fit seems to be enough money. We always wish there the lifestyles and interests of the group and no one was more to allocate. It's tough. felt any pressure from Federation to 'do' anything (Continued on page 23)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

Two Lives

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by JOAN K. MARCUS — — Katherine Finnegan and David Gilinsky had upbringings that were very similar. They grew up with loving parents who made sure that they were part of organized religion. They lived in small cities; they were part of their respective communities, and they have great memories of small, close knit families. However, there was one difference. Katherine was raised as an Irish Catholic and David grew up as a Jew. David Gilinsky's family has been in Omaha for five generations. His great-great grandfather, Sol Bergman, came to Omaha from New York sometime in the 1880s and helped a small company sell a consignment of goods. He ended up buying it, and in 1888, it became the Bergman Company. The original business dealt in watch materials. Later, his son Clarence (David's great-grandfather) took over the business which, by that time, dealt mostly in jewelry.

Katherine, "David being Jewish wasn't a factor in our relationship."

David went to work for Citibank— also in New York. He was eventually transferred to Newport Beach, California, where Katherine eventually joined him in 1987. After their marriage, they made the decision to be close to one of their families.

"I think that it takes 12 years of being away from Omaha to realize what a great place it is," David admitted. "I couldn't wait to get out of here when we graduated high school, but things change. So, we really evaluated what we could be doing. We could have gone to New York but we decided that we were young and we had no Mds—no house-Omaha it was!"

David said that his father "nearly fell off his chair" when he called and said that they were coming back.

Larry laughed and insisted, "This is a kid who went to Penn and had a great job with Citibank. Why would you

David Gilinsky, left, his grandfather Stewart, father, Larry and brother Kevin.

Clarence's only daughter, Chickie, married Stewart Gilinsky who came into the business during the 1940s.

Chickie and Stewart had two children, Larry Gilinsky (David's father) and Susie Gilinsky Cooper, both of whom are still part of company.

Until the 1980s, Bergmans were wholesalers of jewelry. In 1991, they became retailers and developed Bergman Incentives, a promotional products and incentives business that has now taken over approximately 75% of the company.

Larry Gilinsky continues to run the jewelry part of the business.

Katherine and David, and his brother Kevin and Susie Cooper run Bergman Incentives.

"What's really interesting is that, until my grandfather died in 2000, you could walk into Bergmans and see five generations," David noted.

David grew up in Omaha, attending Sunset Hills Grade School and graduating from Westside High School in 1982. At the University of Pennsylvania, he met Katherine Finnegan.

"Actually, she was in my calculus class during my freshman year and I noticed her," David admitted with a smile. "However, we didn't really meet until my sophomore year when we were introduced at a party."

Although they have been together constantly since 1983, they were married in New York in 1989. Katherine's career began with Adweek Magazine, an advertising trade publication, in New York City.

Her religious upbringing was, according to her, "regular and church going." She recalls a close family in a small community. According to

David holds Jack, Katherine becomes a Bat Mitzvah, Laura and Molly help celebrate. ever come back to Omaha?"

Gilinsky said he never really wanted to go into the jewelry business because he didn't like the idea of waiting for customers to come to him.

However, he noticed that Bergman Incentives was still in operation and it fascinated both him and Katherine.

Since 1990, the two of them decided to develop the business.

"We were young and we didn't have much experience and it has been a lot of hard work," he admitted. "Omaha businesses were willing to talk to anybody who had good ideas. At least we had the Bergman name and it had a good reputation. Now, I enjoy the business and it runs me!"

Bergman Incentives markets premiums and sales incentives to local, regional and national companies.

Corporations buy "give aways" for their marketing needs for trade shows. Bergman Incentives has established a trade catalogue on the internet, too. The merchandise is distributed through a warehouse and David insists they provide more of a "service than a product." They currently employ 15 people.

For 114 years, Bergmans has been at the same downtown location at 1408 Harney Street. However, they will soon move to a new location at 94th and ' F Streets.

"This is a big deal for us because we've been downtown for so long! " David said. "We'll be in a more industrial than retail location."

Although they developed the business together, Katherine now spends more time at home with the couple's three children: Molly, 9, Laura, 8 and Jack, 5.

(Continued on page 23)

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September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Two Lives

A "Jolt"

(Continued from page 22) -—•———•• When David and Katherine came back to Omaha, they wanted to surround themselves with people who were important to them and a community that made a difference. They have reconnected with David's friends from 20 years ago and the spouses those friends have brought to Omaha.

Gilinsky has been part of the Omaha Jewish community by being active in the Federation since coming back. He serves on the board of the AntiDefamation League, accompanied Congressman Lee Terry to Israel on an ADL-sponsored trip and, last year, he received the Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award. The award, previously named the Justin Greenberg Award, is given to a man under 40 who has shown exemplary leadership in the Jewish community.

Katherine notes they were "unaffiliated" as far as a synagogue was concerned until 1992. "We kind of gravitated toward Judaism, but David didn't put any pressure on me about religion. We went to services at Temple Israel but there was no immediacy."

As the children got older, the family started to have Shabbat dinner and that evolved into keeping Shabbat.

"It started with just lighting candles with the kids and making it a family night," Katherine said. "And then, when we had Jack, we decided to have a B'rith Milah-ritual circumcision.

Well, we couldn't give Jack a Hebrew name without giving Hebrew names to the girls!"

In 1996, in the presence of all of their friends, Rabbi Debbie Stiel performed a "naming ceremony" for the

(Continued from page 21) •——-——— ON: Besides your B&A responsibilities, where else do you and your family volunteer or take advantage of Federation programs or get involved with Jewish organizations?

SP: A few years back, Mike and I benefited from the Love and Logic parenting class that Jewish Family Service sponsors. In fact, we took a refresher course and we'll probably go back again when we think we need to sharpen up our parenting skills— which sometimes seems like every other week, what with the phases the girls keep going through!

Karen Gustafson-the JFS therapist who facilitates the Love and Logic program-is terrific. Mike and I also try to make sure that Alex and Natalie attend Kids' Super Sunday every year so they can be part of the Annual Campaign, even in a small way. The girls bring their filled tzedakah boxes to the JCC and while they're enjoying the pizza and games and arts and crafts projects-the magicians and clowns and storytellingthey're also learning--at an early age-what giving is all about.

Most recently, we had three of the athletes stay with us during the JCC Maccabi Games. I was asked to supervise one of the many busloads of athletes who helped clean up some of Omaha's public parks during the Day of Caring and Sharing--the Games' community service project.

And also I've become active in National Council of Jewish Women.

I'm the Financial Secretary of the Omaha Section.

ON: More fiscal responsibilities.

The Gilinskys and their children met Olympic gold medal swimmer Lenny Krazelburg, left, when David received the Federation's Young Leadership Award.

Gilinsky children. "It was great," David admitted, "and that was basically the turning point for our family."

Katherine had studied Judaism and then decided to convert in 1999. In 2001, she was part of the B'nai Mitzvah class at Temple and is now a Hebrew teacher.

"I decided to convert because I began to understand the Jewish faith more," Katherine explained. "I think it was important to stand up in the front of the community and say 'I'm Jewish.'"

Converting was good, according to Katherine, but that it wasn't enough.

She wanted to be able to help her children with their Hebrew and be an example for them. Having the Bat Mitzvah helped her to put meaning to being a Jew. One hundred years of the Federation and 114 of the Gilinsky's family business came together as the two lives of Katherine Finnegan and David Gilinsky intertwined.

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ON: So, now that I^know you have opinions and suggestions to offer, is there anything else you'd like to say before we wrap this up?

SP: Sure. First of all, until I sat on the B&A Committee, I didn't realize all the many ways that Federation contributes to this community-fighting bigotry and taking care of the elderly and educating our kids.

And there's so much more that could be done. So give! Give dollars. Give time. Whichever—whatever you can.

Also, I'm sure there are other young men and women out there like me who'd .volunteer to work for our Jewish community if someone would just ask them. I think there could be more outreach to make those people feel welcome and wanted.

At our JOLT sessions we were always reminded that this community is going to be ours some day and that leaders always have to 'replace' themselves. So, even though I'll only be 40 (ugh!) on my next birthday, I know that one day someone is going to have to replace me. Sorry if that makes you feel really old, Mom! ON: (Groan . . .)

(Author's note #2: By the time my conversation with Shelly was over, I was kvelling. Luckily, Yom Kippur is almost here, so I'll soon have a chance to confess and ask atonement for my sin of parental pride.)

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September 8, 2002

Strong Jewish

by JOAN K. MARCUS • ~ ~ ~ m - . ^ ^ - ^ ^ ^ . ^ ^ Justin Cooper believes in volunteering, but he began dating immediately. says it feels better if you volunteer for a Jewish Although he says that cause!

Julie and Jay had set him He was born in Omaha in 1958 to Judge Sam and up with several blind Judy Cooper. He remembers happy times with his dates that didn't work sisters, Marsha (Simon), Holly (Zeiderman) and really well, he felt an Ronna (Emanuel). His family have been lifelong immediate attraction to members of Beth El Synagogue and he grew up in a Joan. She extended her fairly relaxed Jewish household. Shabbat dinner stay and then ended up was always the highlight of the week for the family. moving to Omaha.

He describes the family as having "Jewish faith." As They were married in a teenager, he was very active in BBYQ, but didn't September of 1991. Joan is have many Jewish friends. a graduate of Temple "When I was in grade school, there was only one University with a degree in other Jewish kid," he recalled. "They still had education and is currently Justin Cooper Christmas programs and because I was Jewish, I the director of Temple wasn't going to be in the program. It seemed phony Israel Eeligious School for kindergarten through sixth to me to do it. However, the other Jewish boy was- grade. They have a daughter, Lauren who is seven n't as observant and he opted to be one of the three and "the apple of her daddy's eye!" Justin jokes they wise men!" Even as a youngster, he was proud to be have a "mixed" marriage because they attend funcJewish and "embarrassed at the other boy being in tions at both Beth El and at Temple. the program" Since Joan came from Philadelphia where there is Justin is proud that both of his parents are both a large Jewish community, she observed that in "very well read." This gave him a strong background larger cities, Jews don't feel the need to come in Judaism—he feels connected Jewishly. Since he together because there are so many of them. graduated from the University of Nebraska at Justin's adult involvement in Jewish activities Omaha and went on to attend law school at began when he served on the Jewish Cultural Arts Creighton, he never thought much about Jewish life Council. Although it no longer exists, it was a group until he met his wife, Joan. comprised of 18 organizations that couldn't function After graduation from law school in 1982, Justin on their own because of their small size. These went to work for the Nebraska Unicameral for a small groups didn't have a voice on the Federation year until he began working for the Public level, but were represented on the board of the Defender's office in criminal defense. He worked for Jewish Community Center. At one time, they had the Legal Aid Society and then was in private prac- paid staff and Cooper feels there is still a need for tice. He is currently working as an attorney for this type of organization.

Metropolitan Utilities District.

"It is difficult to run a group like this on a volunteer "I've always kind of liked the concept of repre- basis. The groups are too diverse," he insisted. "I senting the underdog," he admitted. think it's so important that people from different synJoan was a "blind date" set up by Justin's friends, agogues learn to work together and know each other."

Julie and Jay Durmaskin in October of 1989. Joan He has served on many Federation campaigns and had come to visit from Elkins Park, PA, and they is currently on the Jewish Education and Library

Services'Adult Education Committee. In addition, he is on the Beth El Synagogue Board and its Adult Education Committee. He stressed the concept that "it is never too late to learn."

Cooper is proud of the introduction of Melton Institute, a program for adult learners, to Omaha. Jewish Family Service is another place where Justin volunteers his time. In addition to being on the board of directors, he is on the Yachad committee.

"I have gotten a chance to meet a number of parents of people with developmental disabilities and look at the struggle they have," he noted. "I hope there will be something JFS can do to assist them. Each of the members have unique problems and they are all able to cope with stressful situations.

"They aren't angry, but they are looking for simple things that will ease their burdens.

"Learning about people with disabilities is a real learning curve for me," he admitted. "If my daughter, Lauren can go to the Blumkin Home, be friendly with everyone and not care about people who are different, I ought to be able to do the same thing! It is difficult to develop a program for a group with such varied needs."

He went on to say that it's easy to provide for families that are healthy but the people in the Yachad Group will always need assistance.

Cooper hopes that the Omaha Jewish community can come together more. He hopes that families from all synagogues can come together and study. He is anxious for more "cross generational" learning.

"I'd like to continue my involvement with Jewish organizations," he added. "There are a lot of nonJewish organizations that I could work for.

However, there's something special about being a volunteer for a Jewish organization. There's a connection—even if you don't know the history of the people—there's still a bond there that's very strong!"

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ontinuing a Family Tradition

by BERT LEWIS — —

"Serve on a committee or as a member Belgrade spoke at length of a board because you want to do someabout future plans for the •A *. thing constructive and helpful for your Home, including some community." remodeling where needed, y-p. and planning for possible That's the gospel according to Bob assisted living space. Also Belgrade, who, from all appearances, .still in the "talking-planpractices what he preaches. Certainly ning stage" is an his involvement in the numerous Alzheimer's Unit for Federation related activities to which he RBJH. Although he's comdevotes time and energy, qualify him to mitted to many communiexpress such a sentiment. ty related projects, he Not that it's an easy task to coax him shows the same degree of into any discussion about what he does interest and effort to each. in the category of community work.

They can count on him.

However, if a person is careful to ask, for example, about something like the Rose j If somebody is interested Blumkin Home or the Nebraska Jewish in the nitty gritty of the Historical Society or perhaps the Jewish Jewish Federation, it's Community Center, his responses will helpful to talk to a member Bob Belgrade Budget and be knowledgeable and articulate. of tlle Bob is eminently qualified to discuss the JCC, Allocations Committee. This group, which includes having been a member of the Board of Directors for Belgrade, is responsible for the judicious review of 10 years, less one year off. He has high praise for budgets submitted by the various agencies. They the 'J' Board, calling it "a classic example of how a decide how many actual dollars are available for board should work." those budgets and how to stretch them to cover all the By that he means "allowing the professionals to requests. This committee is charged with the very run the operation and the board members to set pol- important task of allocating those Campaign dollars icy," Relating his experience as a guide for a visitor the community contributes, and when the campaign to the building, Belgrade said, "It takes hours to totals are a disappointment, the task is greater. cover the many diverse functions, which are served It's easy to see the importance of this work, even under this roof." though Bob says "it's taken seriously, but it's fun to Jeff Aizenberg gets Bob's hearty approval for be involved in this large group." excellent management of this enormous center of When discussing the excitement revolving around activity, noting "Jeff and his extremely competent the 100th birthday of Federation, Belgrade comstaff deserve all the credit for the way things hap- mented on how much the Historical Society conpen at the J." Considering Bob's hands-on affilia- tributing to the celebration, with photographs and tion, his comments seem more than creditable. exhibits and beautiful displays depicting so much of Another agency with which Belgrade has some our early history. Bob knows a good deal about the experience is Jewish Senior Services, where he NJHS, as a Past-president with more than a small serves on the Blumkin Home Board. Here too, he interest in its achievements and future goals. credits the professional staff with. the successful As in many cases, one of the great needs of the management of the nursing home and the board society is money. with giving proper attention to setting policy and "The annual budget of $80,000 is what it takes to arriving at solutions to problems which don't need run things on a day-to-day basis," Belgrade the attention of the professionals. explained. He went on to speak of its great potential Bob Cox, who was still interim Executive Director and his hopes for the realization of some of items on of the Home when this was written, described the "wish list": items, such as the money to put the Belgrade this way: "A very intelligent young man archives online and maybe an angel to underwrite who seems to relate to everyone. He's a good prob- the cost of routine operation. lem solver, and doesn't have trouble focusing on While he was at it, he mentioned more space goals and objectives. In other .words, he's an would also be helpful. involved board member."

(Continued on page 33) J

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As a very young child, the family moved to Baltimore, where they lived until 1971 when they moved to Omaha. He went to Millard North High School and was in its first graduating class in 1985.

"Since there were so few Jewish kids at Millard North at that time, I had two sets of friends," Dan recalled.

"Many of the kids at Temple went to Burke High. I spent a lot of time and was very active in Temple Israel Youth Group. Rabbi Barry Weinstein was there then and those were fun times, but I gained quite a bit from spending time with non-Jewish friends, too."

Dan was also raised in a "traditional Reform" Jewish home. Dan considers himself to be lucky that his father's parents moved to Omaha.

"I had the very positive experience of having my grandparents within six or eight blocks of our house," he added.

"My grandmother lived until I was a young adult."

Dan jokes, "I couldn't get away with anything because I Front row, from left: Elijah and Solomon Marburg sit on an the laps of their grandparents, Judy and Jerry Marburg. drove car.

Back row, from left: Sue Schreiber, Deb and Dan orange Also, my Marburg. mother in Colorado-a camp started by her worked at the Jewish Press and everymother and grandmother. body told her when I got into misShe and her older brother, Allen, chief!" grew up in a rural community just He was always active in Jewish south of Lincoln and they attended a activities. As a young child, he went to small, rural school where she was Camp Esther K. Newman, until it pretty much the only Jewish student. closed and then he went to the JCC For her senior year, she transferred to Ranch Camp in Colorado. As a college Lincoln High. Though she was no student, he worked at B'nai B'rith longer the only Jewish student, she Beber Camp in Wisconsin. still had predominantly non-Jewish He attended Drake University in friends.

Des Moines, Iowa, and was a fine arts Deb went on to the University of major in speech and communications Nebraska at Lincoln where she and a liberal arts major in sociology. majored in fashion merchandising.

Deb and Dan were married at After graduation, she moved to New Temple Israel in Omaha on Oct. 24, York City where she worked in retail 1992. During the past 10 years, The stores in Manhattan, She came back Marburgs have stayed connected with to Omaha because New York was so the Jewish community. expensive. "I enjoyed New York but it "Getting involved provided a way was just too hard to make enough for me to meet the Omaha Jewish money to live!" she laughed. community," Deb explained. "I got Her goal was to be where there was involved with the National Council of a major population. "I grew up where Jewish Women right away." there weren't many Jews," she admitThey are on the steering committee ted, "and I craved to be near a larger for Temple Israel's Chavurah~a servpopulation." ice organization for Jewish young Deb first met Dan Marburg, now 35, adults. "Temple has a big congregawhen she was still in high school. The, tion and this group is a way for Lincoln Temple Youth group would younger people to become connected," sometimes travel to regional conclaves Deb said. "I can empathize with people who are new to Omaha." along with the group from Omaha.

"The Omaha group was so large that She has served on the Music they would charter a bus," she said. Committee at Temple and taught reli"So, we would hook up with them to go gious school. They are both active to St. Louis or Colorado." members of Young Jewish Omaha and Deb and Dan were in ninth grade have been since its inception. when they first met but never dated.

Deb was an Omaha delegate to the They reconnected at a Jewish singles, 12th biennial UJC National Young potluck Shabbat that Dan's mother Leadership Washington Conference in had "encouraged" him to attend, They March of 2000. They have always became reacquainted and. later began worked on the Federation general to date. campaign and chaired the Super Dan Marburg was born in Saginaw, Sunday Committee.

Michigan, to Judy and Jerry Marburg.

(Continued on page 31) Debra Schreiber Marburg, 34, was born in Lincoln. Her parents, Ira Schreiber and Suzanne Goldhammer Schrieber, attended the South Street Temple where Deb remembers she had a small group of Jewish friends who were in the small youth group there. She considers her upbringing to have been "traditional reform" Jewish.

"My Dad was president of the board and my mom was the director of the Sunday school," she recalled. "They were also active in the Lincoln Jewish Federation. I went to Sunday school, Hebrew school, had a Bat Mitzvah and was confirmed. However, the most important thing for my Jewish identity was attending summer camp!" She attended Shwayder Camp

September 6, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 27

Part of Omaha

by JOAN K. MARCUS — — — — — — Tall, dark, handsome Sorin Juster was born in Bucharest, Romania in 1953. He was always involved in sports and that his childhood was "pretty normal."

After World War II, Sorin's father was involved in a youth Zionist organization and the family wasn't allowed to leaVe Communist-controlled Romania. After applying many times and being turned down, he finally left Romania along with his parents and sister and emigrated to Israel in 1972 only two weeks after Sorin graduated from high school. The family was happy to leave for their new home.

"We were turned down every two years. Then, all of a sudden they said that we could go," Juster explained.

"We had to sell our house and liquidate all of our possessions and leave immediately! We could only take personal stuff. Legally, you couldn't take anything with you from behind 'The Iron Curtain.'"

They joined the rest of his familygrandparents and uncles~who had moved to Israel during the 1960s.

After arriving in Israel, Sorin lived on a kibbutz in order to learn Hebrew and get adjusted. He was drafted into the Israeli Army where he served from 1973-76. "In Israel, nearly everybody goes to college, after serving in the military," he added.

After serving his military obligation, Sorin went to the Technion, a university in Haifa, to study civil and transportation engineering. He graduated in 1982 and then was drafted back into the Israeli Army because Israel

invaded Lebanon, a country controlled

by Syria at the time. The war was being fought to eradicate the Palestinian infrastructure in South Lebanon. After serving for about three months, he began to work for the National Water Company as a consultant about the water supply.

He .was accepted to Stanford University's graduate school when he came to this country. In 1987, Sorin came to Omaha for a vacation and was introduced to Sara Jaffe, a young woman from Kansas City who was then working at the Jewish Community Center. Sara and Sorin were married in 19S8. Sara is now an attorney working for Methodist Health Systems.

Sorin continued to work in his profession of engineering by designing roads and bridges. He began a construction company in the midnineties.

In 1988, Sara and Sorin were asked lead a group of Omaha teenagers on an ARTZA trip to Israel.

"This began my interest in being involved in the Omaha Jewish community," Sorin admitted.

Since 1995, he has been on the building and grounds committee of the Jewish Community Center. For the last four years, he has served on the Federation Board of Directors as chair of that committee.

"As chair of building and maintenance, I deal with everything that makes the JCC run. The professionals are very good and my volunteer work hasn't been a burden," he insisted.

Sorin is most proud of the work that he did from 1998 to 2001, assisting on the design the new campus expansion. He had "hands on" design and supervision of the roads, tennis court and parking lots.

"My designs were of the drains and utilities for the whole new expansion of the new parts of the outside of the building."

Though this doesn't sound glamorous, it's important for the infrastructure of the whole campus. He cites this as the highlight of his career because he was able to supervise and contribute to the new facility.

According to Sorin, serving as the owner's representative for the Federation took much of his time and he did this as a volunteer.

"I felt that I was serving the Jewish community and I donated much of my time doing this job," Sorin added. "All in all, it's a good community and I'm glad to be part of it! I don't feel like a newcomer anymore because the people in Omaha have been very warm and welcoming from day one. That's one of the reasons why I wanted to stay here."

The Justers have three children: Caroline, 10, Samantha, 9, and Ariel, 6. The children are actively involved

Sorin Juster in the Center and Sara has participated in a number of community boards and organizations, including the Federation's Budget and Allocations Committee, the Omaha Section of National Council of Jewish Women, and the Anti-Defamation League, as well as Beth El Synagogue.

"Omaha is my home now and I love it here. I have a good life in a place that I want to stay," Sorin insisted, "Things here are a lot easier than in Israel and it's also a different stage in my life. Life here has been very good to me!"

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Page 28

September 6, 2002

Teen Leader Award Winners

by JEWISH PRESS News Service •

1991-94, specializing in technology litigation. He Wendi Rosenblatt moved to Washington, D.C., in 1994 to practice law & Kevin Saltzman in the General Counsel's Office at the Federal 1984 Andrea Goodman & Julie Weiner Communications Commission.

David Spizman 1985 "While living in Washington, I met and fell in love 1986 Jodi Greenberg & Steve Zuber with Linda Lachin," Saltzman said. "In 1995, I 1987 Allen Klopper & Kenneth Polikov returned to Omaha to join the KutakRock law firm, 1988 Scott Muskin & Wendy Sheldon where today I have a technology-centered transacAri Riekes & Bill Shackman 1989 •tional practice. Linda joined me in Omaha, and we 1990 Becca Goldstein & Derek Altman were married in 1998. Last November, we were 1991 Rikki Epstein & Holly Friedman blessed with our first child, Ari." 1992 Gary Shyken & Lindsey Taxman The Saltzmans are active members of Temple 1993 Elizabeth Kaplan Israel. & Susan Shackman Deborah Goldstein Joining Saltzman as the first pair of teen leaders 1994 & Stephanie Anne DePorte was Wendy Rosenblatt, who was recognized for her leadership in BBYO. After high school, 1995 Melissa Katzman & Sarah Raful Rosenblatt attended the University of Arkansas and 1996 Shoshanna Wees & Lance Polikov 1997 Amy Willensky & Jeff Katzman majored in accounting. T ,, 1998 Morgan Denny & Melissa Shapiro She graduated in 1988 [ * and is now a practicing\C 1999 Andy Finkle & Courtney Rabb CPA. 2000 Rebecca Murrow & Robert Epstein Today, Rosenblatt is I 2001 Rachel Javitch & Steve Sternberg Kevin Saltzman was named the first Teen employed by the local ABC Leader in 1983 by the Jewish Federation. Saltzman affiliate, KMBC-TV, where she is the assistant comp-1 was selected because of troller. his leadership in the "I volunteer for the j Omaha Temple Youth Group and the Missouri Johnson County Library Valley Federation of on a weekly basis," Temple Youth Rosenblatt told the Jewish \ Press, "and am involved with the Special Olympics After high school, he as a member of the Metro Planning Team." attended Harvard College, where he earned r She's also in the process of adopting a child from an A.B. cuni laude in Russia.

1988, and then graduatThe first Omahan to be elected International N'Siah (President) of B'nai B'rith Girls, Audi ed from Columbia i University School of Gordman held several local BBG and other international offices when she was named a Teen Leader Law, J.D., in 1991.

Following graduation from law school, Saltzman in 1984. was an attorney in private practice in Phoenix from Gordman attended Boston University and 1983 ,

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gradauted from Creighton University with a degree in organicommunicai zational tions. She's currently the j Director of Human Resources for SITEL. "Being a single parent doesn't leave me a51 lot of 'h time for volunteer work," she noted,., "but I do help out at Teujple Israel with * i -""-*"- •—»a—i s o m e projects."

Gordman has two children, Brandon Thomas, age 13, and Lindsey Thomas, age eight.

Along with Gordman, Julie Weiner Greene was named a teen leader that .year, not only did she • serve as President of the L Omaha chapter of NCSY f (National Conference of | Synagogue Youth), she was elected Regional President and earned an NSCY scholarship to attend Touro College in V...'

New York City.

Her leadership continued in college where she served as President of Touro Student Government, 1988-89 and graduated in 1990 with a degree in communications.

"I went on Israel Summer Seminar in 1985 for six weeks," Greene explained," and will always be grateful to NCSY for helping me find my Orthodox Jewish roots."

Greene and her sisters, Mindy Weiner Weinstein and Wendy Weiner Runge, are "all married to NCSY guys!"

(Continued on page 29)

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Teen Leaders (Continued from page 28) ~ — — Today, she and her husband, Joey, J e w i s h * ' (whom she married in 1991) own a real C a m p u s ['-- V J> . estate management company in S e r v i c e ! * Seattle, WA. They are the parents of C o r p s I Benjamin, 9, Rena, 7, and Sarah, 4.

Fellow, and "I'm very involved in my kids' school," then as the she added, "and was President of the P r o g r a m : Seattle Hebrew Academy PTA from Director. • 2000-02."

"I was in David Spizman was the only award charge of winner in 1985. His involvement in the proOTYG (Omaha Temple Youth Group) gramming [ led to his becoming President of the on 11 MOVFTY Region. He was also active in Cleveland-area campuses," Shyken AZA#1. explained. "As part of my job, I staffed After graduating from the University two trips to Israel, and an Omaha of Kansas in 1990, Spizman earned his ARTZAtripasweU." J.D. in 1993 and worked in the nation's Shyken married Lee Kalwerisky of capital for AARP, the American Atlanta, GA, on June 24, 2001* and the Association of Retired Persons, from couple spent all of last year studying in 1993-97. Today, Spizman is Vice-presi- Israel. They will return to Har Nof, a dent of the Child Health Corporation of suburb of Jerusalem, following the America, an alliance of children's hospi- upcoming Jewish holidays, where Gary tals, located in Kansas City. will continue his learning at Machon Spizman hasn't cut back on his volun- Shlomo. teer activities either. He's a founding Lindsey Taxman Savoie was board member of the Kansas City named Teen Leader that same year, Jewish Federation's Young Adult 1993, for her activities in OTYG and at Division and Co-chairman of its annual Temple Israel. Following graduation campaign. He also served on the board from the George Washington of Village Shalom.

University, with a BA in Russian In 1987, Ken Polikov was named a Language and Literature, she worked the Teen Leader for achievement in BBYO for as Chapter President for Chaim Union of Weizmann AZA, Vice-president of Councils for Cornbelt S o v i e t E e g i o n , Jews, 1997Vice-presi- 2000, where dent of the she was the M i d - Program American Director for Regional a partnerBoard and ship proChairman g r a m of Council b e t w e e n Leadership Jewish communities in the former T r a i n i n g Soviet Union and Jewish day schools and Winter and synagogues in North America.

L-.

Convention.

Savoie continued to pursue Jewish Polikov graduated from the University communal work at the Columbia JCC of Kansas in 1993 with a BAin psychol- and now works as the Judaic Specialist ogy; today, he is Vice-president of NU- for summer camp and as a substitute Concepts, a home exterior design firm teacher in the preshcool. in Northbrook, IL. He and his wife, "I was also a camp counselor in Acco, Jodi, are the parents of a son, Rylan, Israel, in 1997 through Partnership and a daughter, Shayley, and he still 2000," Savoie explained, adding that voiunteers~as a youth adviser for she and her husband, Brian, whom she Congregation Beth Shalom. married in October, 2001, are members Wendy Sheldon Raffel was recog- of Temple Micah in Washington, D.C. nized in 1988 for her leadership in She's also a board member of Shomrei BBYO, specifically in Ediar BBG. She Adamah, a Jewish environmental graduated from the University of group.

Kansas in 1994 with a BS in education.

Elected Regional Secretary in 1993 and Regional Special Projects Her volCoordinator in 1994, Stephanie u n t e er DePorte was named a teen leader in experiences 1995 for her involvement in OTYG and have lead to MOVTY. She was responsible -for raisa career in ing funds, hiring and training counJewish selors and coordinating camp activities communal service for Camp • _ Today Rainbow, a Raffel camp for i works for seriously ill the JCCs of children. [ Chicago as DePorte j the Director graduated of Adult Services at the Meyer Kaplan from the JCC. University She and her husband, Adam, are the of Wiscon-1 parents of a son, Benjamin, 2 172, and sin in 1999 Jordan Daniel, born July 30, 2002. with a BA Gary Shyken was active in BBYO on in Hebrew ] both the chapter level at the Council and Judaic Board and was awarded the Teen Studies. She spent a year abroad with Leader award in 1993. After graduation Hebrew University and worked two from Indiana university, he went to years as Youth Director of Temple Chai work for the Cleveland Hillel in Long Grove, IL. Foundation, first as a Steinhardt (Continued on page 30)

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Teen Leaders (Continued from page 29) "During my time in Chicago, I led a trip to Israel for eighth graders, through the Community Foundation for Jewish Education," De Porte added. "I recently completed my first year of studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem."

DePorte is currently a student at HUC-JIR in Los Angeles and will obtain a joint master's degree in Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Service.

Melissa Katzman was named a T e e n Leader in 1996 for her leadership roles in BBYO and N C SY. After studying in Israel at Midreshet H a R ov a and Neve Yerushalayim, Katzman graduated from Boston University in 2001 with a degree in communications.

She's worked for the Mosely Corporation in Franklin, MA, and for UAHC's national headquarters, and is currently a free-lance graphic designer in New York City.

She participated in the Boston AIDS Walk and the Hillel blood drives and has visited Israel frequently, including the Omaha's Millennium Mission.

Sarah Raful won the Teen Leader

"Award that same year , for her leadership in USY. After graduating from the University of Illinois in 2000, Raful, like f G a r y Shyken, was named a Steinhardt Fellow at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA, to work with its Hillel on campus. She was then hired as Student Program Director for the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Raful has lead three Birthright trips to Israel, in 2000, 2001, and 2002 and also lead a Young Judea trip there in 2000. In addition she attended the General Assembly of United Jewish Communities in Israel, Chicago and Atlanta, the last two as a representative of Hillel. She's also a member of JESNA, the Jewish Education Society of North America.

In 1997, Lance Polikov won the award for achievement in BBYO. He served as President of the Cornbelt Council, was Treasurer, Vice-president and then President of Chaim Weizmann AZA and was awarded the Shield of David for outstanding leadership and service.

While attending the University of Wisconsin, Polikov was a member of

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Sigma Alpha Mu, chaired Parents' ior year, at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Weekend^ Wees participates in Chicago's annuand coordial Walk for Israel and volunteers for n a t e d an adult English-as-a-Second"Bounce for Language program at a local commuBeats". He nity center. graduated in 2001 with a Jeff Katzman held the position of BA in jourNCSY National Vice-president of nalism and Outreach, currently during works as a which he financial!:.*:**/' : -7; ' / " v " ' " r ! developed a ; adviser a t L—1'.". ..

• ' ••• ! nation-wide study partJohn Hancock in Atlanta, GA proShoshana Wees received the ner award that year for her leadership in gram and a USY. She was not only President of local weekstudy the BILU chapter, but co-chaired ly p r o g r am.

Camp USY, an inter-regional weekAlso, he long convention, was a tutor and served as supervisor of Beth El's TSS program religious coordinator for AZA#1 and and a classroom aide for special needs was named Teen Leader in 1998. students.

During high school, he organized After many activities through NCSY and graduation visited Israel with NCSY Israel from the University Summer Seminar, March of the of Illinois Living, and the NCSY Summer Kollel.

After high school, Katzman spent in 2001 with a BS three-and-a-half-years in Yeshivas in business Derech/Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem a d m i n i s - and obtained a BA in Judaic Studies. tration and He began attending Yeshivas Ner marketing, Yisrael in Baltimore last April, where she went to he has begun the smicha program work for the Chicago Board of Trade in (rabbinic ordination) while starting the Department of Investigations and the MBA program at the University of Maryland.

Audits.

(Continued on page 31) She spent her spring semester, jun-

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Teen Leaders (Continued from page 30) •-»-•••—"—•«——"—— While attending Yeshivas Ohr Somayach, he served as gabbai (service coordinator), and during the summers he has taught several classes at Beth Israel and for OCTL. "Winning the Teen Leader award showed me that the programs I created and the knowledge I've shared have left a positive impression in the community," Katzman added. "Knowing that people view me as a leader and a teacher gives me more of a sense of responsibility that I have to share with others the wealth that I've gained though NCSY and the past few years learning in yeshiva."

In 2001, Robert Epstein was named a Teen Leader for his achievements in BBYO. He's beginning his sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, majoring hi policial science. He hopes to eventually attend law

Sf&h:

school.

A Chip off the Old Block (Continued from page 20) — ——— Her latest project has been trying to start a Jewish singles group. "Honestly, If I ever do leave Omaha, it would be to go someplace that has a larger population of young Jewish people! There is a core group of us—Paul Roffman, Jake Slosburg, Jennifer Hoberman, Joe Shyken and myself who are working on this project," she explained.

The group hopes to include people from about 22 to "late" 30s. Lisa says that this seems to be a difficult task but their first event did include more than 20 individuals. Members of the group hope that word will spread about the event and that more people will come the next time.

Lisa says the group is trying to get ideas from groups in larger cities. She is pleased that the Federation has been very supportive of the group by providing ideas and helping with mailings. They are trying to update their mailing list to include people who have moved into Omaha.

"For five years, I was in a relationship with someone who wasn't Jewish. And I came to the conclusion that it's important, when you think about starting a family, to have the same values," she insisted. She went on to say that one of those values is "the Judaism part."

"Marriage is difficult enough so why start out with one strike against you. Ideally, I would hope to_ raise a Jewish family and that's a big part of why I think it's important to get this singles group started. Not necessarily even to date-just to have a group of friends who are Jewish, in the same boat and are young and professional."

If something arises from the group, it would be wonderful. However, if it doesn't, Lisa will still have a group of Jewish friends with the same values!

He's participated hi building homes for Habitat for Humanity and this summer, Epstein has been interning for Congressman Lee Tterry, representative from Nebraska's second congressional district.

Rebecca Murow won the Teen leader award for her work with USY and BBYO. in 2001. She was President of BILU chapter of USY and co-chaired the EMTZA region USY fall convention. She was also a student intern at the Jewish Press.

Murow, who spent the — - —~ ..i«—— summer as a counselor at (Continued from p a g e 26) Dan works i n sales of industrial, medical a n d speHerzl Camp in Wisconsin, cialty gases for Praxair, a Fortune 500 manufacturwill enter the University er of industrial chemical gases.

- of Michigan this month.

"In my company, many people don't have a lot of contact with J e w s a n d I get asked a lot about what's going on i n Israel," h e said. He tries to educate peqple a n d change their opinions about w h a t is h a p pening i n Israel a n d how t h e Middle E a s t is por(Continued from page 22) — trayed by t h e news media.

In July of 2001, the Schwartz's went to Israel for "People have trouble making t h e connection the first time. The days of Israelis are filled with an between t h e terrorism i n t h e Middle East a n d t h e incredible Jewish lifestyle. They both agree that problems i n this country," h e added. "I t h i n k t h a t "there's something about the land. You can under- it's frustrating and I try to take every opportunity stand the connection of your religion in a very phys- to educate people. We need to show support for ical way. We can't wait to go back! We will continue Israel in every way possible." to return to Israel for the rest of our lives!"

The Marburgs have two sons: Solomon, 4, and "I think that there was a time in Jewish history Elijah, 19 months. Deb says they have made the when people began to be more American and didn't choice to remain in Omaha and raise "good members" observe some of the customs," Kim admitted. of the Jewish community. She hopes that the boys "However, today it's okay to be an American and a have a strong sense of community and Jewish values.

Jew. Judaism is a wonderful religion and has so Times are busy for Dan. He is now also a full-time much to offer!" student working on his MBA. "I've always had the Their plans for the future include more travel and sense that Omaha Jews are appreciative of what is mote involvement in the community. They will con- going on. In Omaha, people understand a greater tinue to be involved in the Federation because they sense of ownership, responsibility and pride. We insist, "This is an awesome Jewish community and know we need to do things or they won't get done. My company has.expressed interest in moving me somewe know how important it is to us as Jews. place else and I keep telling them this is my home!""

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Susie Roffman Norton has wonderful memories of growing up in Omaha. Born in 1963, Susie's parents, Silvia and Dr. Larry Roffman, are also from many generations of Omaha-Council Bluffs families. She and her younger sister, Julie Roffman Rosenquist, grew up in the Rockhrook area.

Susie went to Rockbrook Grade School where there were only a few Jewish kids.

"I couldn't get into any trouble because everybody knew my parents," she laughed. "If I did, I certainly paid dearly for it. Our school had fewer Jewish kids and, as a result, we all knew each other. Many of us carpooled together-Rob Friedman and Tenley Carp."

Susie's "growing up years" at Temple Israel were during a time of true "classical reform Judaism."

She recalls religious school experiences such as learning to bake challah and matzo with teacher Sherman Poska, who "ran" the 'J' under Federation Director Paul Veret and also supervised Camp Esther K. Newman.

her school activities conflicted with her Jewish life.

"I remember once that a volleyball game was scheduled for one of the High Holidays," she recalled. "I really wanted to play volleyball but my mother and I talked about it and I didn't play.

That's the time that I really look back on as a time when my mother helped me to discover the priority of Judaism and especially the significance of the high holidays!"

Wonderful memories of Rabbi Sidney Brooks helped to formulate Susie's teenage years.

She says, "He had a tremendous influence on my entire Jewish life. As a small child, I can still remember attending his children's services and how meaningful they were to me.

"He was at my Bat Mitzvah, was my confirmation teacher and performed our wedding. Other rabbis has influenced me but not like Rabbi Brooks. He was so involved with my family because he married my parents and he had such a strong influence on the continuity of my Jewish life!"

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Thor Rosenquist, holding Eitan, left, his wife, Julie (Susie Norton's sister), Asher Rosenquist; Justin and Seth Norton; Susie She has distinct memories of teachers such as Barbara Taxman and Dode Redler. Women who were role models for her she still sees at Temple.

However, she says that her greatest role models were her parents.

"I have vivid memories of my mother leaving in the evenings to go to JCC Board meetings and meetings of the Federation Board," Susie recalled.

"She's still doing these same things today with Jewish Senior Services and the Federation. I think I've seen her involvement for. more than 30 years and I'm sure she was active before I was born!"

Her mother took on extra volunteer roles because her father was so busy working. However, she explained, "My father has certainly made up for the volunteer work that he couldn't do then since his retirement. He's now involved in the Foundation Board and, upon his retirement, he went straight into the presidency of the Temple Israel Board."

Susie remembers her childhood as having a good balance between Jewish and secular activities. She recalls sports, dancing lessons, ballet and music, however, she remembers that occasionally some of

Norton holding son Aaron; and Mike Norton holding son Leo. Julie and Susie are the daughters of Silvia and Larry Roffman In 1981, Susie graduated from Westside High School. She remembers being told by her family that they thought that she should practice law.

However, she says that she's not sure it was always a compliment. Sometimes, after an argument or disagreement family members would say, "Boy! She would be a good attorney!"

She graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Political Science. Though she hadn't decided on a sorority, when it came down to a choice, she chose SDT, a Jewish sorority. She later told her parents that her decision was based on wanting to have a place where there were other Jewish people. She wanted to be involved in Jewish life and had consciously sought it out.

It was while she was at Indiana that Susie finally got a taste of Jewish education as an adult. She says, "I thought that kids went to religious school and stopped when they were confirmed. Then, you know everything there is to know about being Jewish and then, all you have to do is live as an adult."

(Continued on page 33)

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Page 33

Family Tradition (Continued from page 32) —*—~-m" She spent some time with a paralesudden, Omaha became much more gal law firm in Kansas City and active. My whole family is here with then went on to law school at the a great Jewish community and wonUniversity of Kansas. It was while derful schools. I felt like I could realshe was a student there that she met ly come home to start my Jewish Mike Norton, also a law student, who adult life." was a year ahead of her. They dated She is Vice-president of the JCC and for five years and were married in is on the board of Planned Parenthood 1991 at Temple Israel by Rabbis and the National Kidney Foundation.

Aryeh Azriel and Sidney Brooks.

She also serves on the board of Mike, who was born Catholic, conNational Council of Jewish Women. verted to Judaism shortly before Together, Mike and Susie helped to their wedding. start a young leadership program "We never discussed religion but he called Prospectives. They met knew that Judaism was a large part monthly and brought in speakers of my life and that I felt strongly Susie Norton from all over the world. They learned about it," Susie admitted. "He came to me at one about the Federation and have spun off into groups point and told me that he would be Jewish by the like Young Jewish Omaha-under the umbrella of time we got married." During premarital counsel- the Federation. ing, Rabbi Azriel told Mike that he had been Jewish Several years ago, Susie chaired the JOLT profor a long time, but just didn't know it! gram, Jewish Omaha Leadership Training. This Rabbi Mark Levin of Kansas City instructed Mike was for an older group who were asked for more of during his conversion process. Susie and Mike went a time commitment. It acted for a "springboard" for jointly through the conversion and she adds, "I leaders to use in order to become involved in always thought that Judaism was great for kids Federation and synagogue committees and boards. because we had wonderful seders and dinners when Susie has learned from her parents and grandI was a kid. However, I didn't realize the depth of parents the importance of giving back to the comknowledge and wisdom behind Judaism that, as an munity. She says that her sons are already reaping adult, you could absorb." the benefits of generations before them. She hopes In 1992, they returned to Omaha where Mike that they will learn to appreciate and keep things became assistant general counsel at Peter Kiewit going for future generations. and Sons and Susie went to work as an attorney for Mike and Susie are both involved in Federation a medical malpractice insurance company. Mike campaigns and have been since their arrival in remains with the same firm. However, Susie is at 1992. They both say that Omaha has been a welhome with her four sons: Justin, born in 1996, Seth, coming Jewish community. in 1999 and Leo and Aaron, twins born on the Susie loves the luxury of being able to stay home fourth of July in 2001 (Justin was adopted through with her sons. However, she hopes to someday Jewish Family Service and Susie says that this was return to the working world. However, she says, a wonderful experience.)

"My paying jobs have fed my brain but my volunteer Susie says, "I think what I learned is that once I positions have fed my soul! The ones in the Jewish was married and wanted to a start family, all of a world have fed my heart and my soul."

(Continued from page 24 ———— He spoke warmly of a family picture he recently acquired and obviously cherishes. The photo of a public event prominently featured his maternal grandfather, the late Eli Zalkin with Yitzak Rabin. Bob's mother, Sandra Belgrade explains this was a huge Israel Bond drive at Peony Park years ago.

Bob said his mother gave him the picture and suggested it might be a good gift for the B o b Belgrade, left, a n d Historical Society. He M a r k Sanford went to decided it belonged I s r a e l i n 1 9 9 8 f o r with him, at least for Israel's 50th. now. It's not hard to understand the sentimentality, since both side of his family, the Belgrades and the Zalkins were members of this Jewish community for many years. People will remember his late father, Ed Belgrade, a well known businessman .

The point of this article was to highlight the connection Bob Belgrade has to the Jewish Federation of Omaha. It's fair to note this is one of those "younger generation" fellows who is doing all his homework, readying himself to step into the role of important community leadership some day. Right now he's busy paying his dues.

There's only one more thing to add here, about Bob Belgrade and his community. He is, without a doubt, the most unassuming, low key man I've ever met. If modesty is an important element in rising to the top of a man's game, Bob is on his way.

He made it very plain at the outset of our meeting, he doesn't believe in a lot of discussion about what a person does. His philosophy is "just go do it and don't talk about it."

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An old adage claims if you want ment. She mentions the family's feelsomething done, ask a busy person for ing for the traditions and customs of help. Ask somebody like a young the religion, and how they've woven woman who has a husband, seven them into the Zipursky way of life. year old twins and a household to run Among other things, Sally tells --in other words, somebody really about her interest in becoming profibusy! cient in family favorite ethnic recipes.

Sally Zipursky fits the above She speaks fondly of working in he description, and as such could qualify kitchen with her mother-in-law, as poster girl for that philosophy. She Charlotte Zipursky and Jim's aunt, could also qualify as somebody who Sylvia Jess, preparing holiday has more than a passing interest in favorites such as kreplach, matzo both her Jewish and non-Jewish com- balls and gefilte fish. munity. The ways in which she fill the Also proudly, she tells that direchours outside her home would make a tions for making these foods were whirling dervish dizzy. carefully written down by Jim's Nettie Several areas rank high in impor- grandmother, the late tance to this energetic person: the Katzman. Both Sally and Jim make a National Council of Jewish Women point of telling the way the tradition and her synagogue, Beth El, for exam- has been preerved through the last ple. Her involvement with NCJW is three generations. They have warm ongoing. She is Vice-president of memories of regular Shabbos dinners, Public Relations this year, and in the first with his grandparents and now past has been named Emerging with his children's grandparents.

Section Leader.

Both Zipurskys have been and still She is also a member of the NCJW are active to some extent directly with Board of Directors. Whatever is going the Federation. Sally was the recipion with the Section, whether it be the ent in 2000, of the Lois Jean Shrager Book Club or fund raising or the award. She has also received the Earl Planning and Evaluation Committee, Siegal Award at Beth El for outstandSally is likely to be an active partici- ing volunteer work, and has attended the Federation Young Leadership pant.

Then there is Beth El Synagogue and national meeting.

Sally's role in the congregation. She is Both Sally and Jim worked on the on the board, serving as secretary on Steering Committee for the Kids' the Executive Committee. The recent Super Sunday Campaign last year, past found her actively involved in and Sally was the Hospitality search committees, where she and Coordinator for the Women's other co-workers sought position Campaign in 2001. replacements for the rabbi, the ritual Jim's family has a long history of director and the program director.

Federation connection. Morley (Jim's She smiles when she says "have you Dad) has served as President of the net the new man yet? You're going to Jewish Federation at the time the really like him!" It's clear she is Jewish Community Center was built, pleased with the new professionals at and also headed up the Men's her synagogue.

Campaign one year. His aunt and Her family's connection with all uncle, Ruth and Dan Katzman, were things Beth El also mean a lot. Sally responsible for chairing the cultural speaks proudly of the children's famil- arts portion of the JCC Building iarity with the synagogue, and hdW Committee. comfortable they are in that environ(Continued on next page)

September 6, 2002

Jewish Press* Omaha, NE

1000 N.9Oh St., Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114

(Continued from page 34) —-* •'•

-™—•—-

Charlotte Zipursky and her sister Sylvia Jess cochaired the Women's Campaign one year also. Each has worked on Campaign for probably more years than they could count. Today they are both recognized for their many years of volunteer work outside the Jewish community and Sally, too, carries on that tradition.

She is presently Board Chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and sits on many committees of that organization. In addition, she's active with the PTA of her children's school, Columbian Elementary.

Sally probably comes by her interest in volunteerism rightfully. She explains that both her parents, residents of Grand Island, have always been active in community affairs. Her father has been a practicing attorney for more than 50 years and her mother, a registered dietician has kept busy with the League of Women Voters and the Library Board.

Both have enjoyed an interest in local politics as well.

This, then, is Sally's story, lightly sprinkled with input from and about her husband, Jim. He deserves, however, a place of his own in this tale.

The following should complete the story of this young couple as they relate to their community.

Jim is a sterling example of a local youngster, who goes away to school and, like many others, doesn't come back home after graduation. Well, that's not an entirely correct statement. Jim stayed away for 12 years, busily operating an agency for temporary medical and dental personnel in the Washington, D.C. area. He doesn't give explicit reasons for deciding he wanted to return to Omaha, but implies that 12 years was long enough to stay away.

He explained that for about a year, he ran the business "long distance" living here and maintaining his connection, but finally decided sell. After severing his ties with the D.C. agency, he joined his father Morley in mergers and acquisitions. This was

in April of 1990, and from all outward appearances, it seems to have been a good move.

Jim, according to Sally, is as involved in volunteer activities as she is, only his is behind he scenes. She credits him with providing sensible and worthwhile input to every program or project in which she works, and calls him her "best advisor."

She also gives him high scores for being a "one man back-up" system, making it easy for her to do all she does outside the home. This includes Jewish Federation activities, which he shares with her, such as annual campaign work.

At the Jewish Community Center, Jim coaches a kids' soccer team. He says it's because he's the only active soccer player, being one of only two adult Jewish players in the city. He once played on a city team where all his team-mates were either Palestinians or Iranians. He claims he doesn't think any of them noticed he represented a different ethnic culture—they just played soccer!

Jim, like Sally, is obviously committed to raising their family in a warm, comfortable Jewish atmosphere. He wants his children to know about their religion, as well as to know what it's Like to be a part of a family who practices its traditions and customs.

He speaks with pride about his parents and their participation in so many different worthwhile organizations and programs in the community.

He speaks too, of the way his grandmother Nettie guaranteed much of the continuity enjoyed on Shabbat and Yomtov, by carefully leaving written instructions for some of those wonderful foods she lovingly prepared, foods she didn't want forgotten after she was gone. A wonderful legacy left by a wise lady.

That's Jim's story, which is the other half of Sally's story. Good citizens, caring parents, devoted children-people who can walk into their synagogue or their Jewish Community Center or any non-Jewish assemblage of people and feel right at home,

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But Alperson's goals aren't only about raising money. He is forever trying to quench his thirst for Jewish education. He was accepted into the renowned Wexner program and attended weekly classes in Chicago.

"I was thrilled to be accepted into Wexner," Alperson admitted. "You have to apply and then interview to get into the program. Continuing my Jewish education is paramount to me. I also study by telephone with a rabbi in Los Angeles."

Today, Alperson's plate remains full. He's the National Chairman for UJC's Network Communities, which are small pockets of Jewish populations too small to support a Federation.

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September 6, 2002

Federation and Synagogue Cooperation Gets Our Kids to Jewish Camps and Israel

by OZZiE NOGG —

_

In 1995, Margo Riekes and Susie Drazen came back from an education conference in Chicago with an idea that would help kids in the third grade start saving for a future trip to Israel they could take as teenagers.

"We stole the savings plan idea from another community," Drazen admitted. "It worked beautifully for them and we figured it could work for Omaha, too. All it needed to succeed was the cooperation of Federation, our local rabbis and the parents. " At the time, Drazen was the Director of the Federation's Bureau of Jewish Education, now called JELS, the Jewish Education and Library Services. Her husband, Rabbi Paul Drazen, was then the rabbi at Beth El Synagogue, and Margo Riekes was (and still is) a long-time teacher at Beth El. The three of them pitched their plan to Spencer Brookstein, chairman of the BJE. Spencer and BJE signed on with enthusiasm. Next, the group approached the rabbis and lay leaders at Beth El Synagogue, Temple Israel and Beth Israel Synagogue and soon, with their cooperation and the blessings of Federation, Omaha Passport to Israel was up and running.

Though some of the administrative details have changed over time, the purpose of Omaha Passport to Israel remains the same as when Riekes and the Drazens first suggested it to the community.

Simply put, eligibility begins when students are in the third grade and

The impact made by the Omaha Passport to Israel program is demonstrated in these words written by David and Shane Kotok's son, Stephen, then a Central High senior, after he returned from a summer in Israel in 1996.

"This summer I journeyed to the land my ancestors only dreamed of reaching. My experience provoked many thoughts in my mind and changed the course of my life...the presence of a wall possesses the power to jar my eyes open to my responsibilities as a modern day Jew." Lexi Newman, top row, second from right, and Carolyn Terry, second . Other examples of how the Omaha row, fifth from left, return year after year to OSRUI in Wisconsin.

Jewish Federation cooperates with enrolled in a program of Jewish stud- between families, their congregations local rabbis and congregations in an ies approved by the senior rabbi of the and the Jewish Federation of Omaha," effort to benefit our youth include two family's congregation. Passport gives said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple more outstanding programs: The students the chance to have a mean- Israel. "I call to the community-- Jewish Experience Grant and The ingful Israel experience as part of despite the difficulties now in the Israel Experience Grant. their Jewish education, and is an Middle East-to continue this imporThe Jewish Experience Grant is a example of the partnership among tant savings program. Sending our gift offered to all Bar and Bat Mitzvah families, congregations and the kids to Israel plays such a big role in teens from the Jewish Federation of Jewish Federation of Omaha—all of the formation of their Jewish identity. Omaha in cooperation with local conwhom contribute funds toward this Don't give up now just because there gregations and JELS. Through this educational opportunity. are some suicide bombers there." program, B'Nai Mitzvah teens are eliFor each year of a student's active Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel gible to receive a $1,000 grant payable participation in the Omaha Passport Synagogue added, "These trips to in two $500 installments for two sumto Israel program, the Jewish Israel have such an amazing affect on mers of Jewish summer camp tuition.

Federation of Omaha contributes up our young people," he said. "In a small Participants are free to choose among to $250 while the family contributes town like Omaha, the odds would be a large number of approved Jewish at least $125 annually. Synagogue and against us; the odds would suggest residential summer camps that are Temple contributions are paid in that our kids would be lost to affiliated with a recognized movewhen the teen has enrolled in an Yiddishkeit. But the fact is, our kids ment, including Ramah, Olin-Sangapproved trip to Israel. come back from these summer pro- Ruby, Shwayder, Camp Moshava, "The Omaha Passport to Israel sav- grams energized and with a stronger Camp Sabra and Camp Herzl.

(Continued on page 37) ings plan is a unique partnership commitment to Judaism."

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theCcnrnmniiy a9{appijand 'fttt[Jci;tyj!M

September 6, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 37

Federation and Synagogue Cooperation (Continued from page 36) Helping other congregaFederation and the congretions and communities gations reevaluate that establish cooperative $500 amount and come up summer youth programs with an increase for next will be on Rabbi Drazen's year." agenda in his new position According to Rabbi ,as Executive Director of Kutner, "The most poputhe Mid-Continent Region lar summer camp for our of the United Synagogue Beth Israel kids is Camp of Conservative Judaism.

Moshava in Wisconsin— "From my years as a what I would describe as a camper and then as a modern Orthodox Zionist counselor camp. It has profoundly know how important it is L e a h R a f u 1 ' counselor at Herzl this past sum- i n i l u e n c e d m a n y o f o u r for our kids to experience m e r > w i t h " h e r boys»»Bradley Sutler, left, t e ens. Often, after thenJewish life on a full-time, Yonatan Dotan, and Ryan Kirshenbaum. w e e k s a t camp_ M d s c o m e day-day-to-day basis," Rabbi Drazen said, "and the back home and encourage their parents to be more best place for that is summer camp. Activities at observant. To keep kosher and become shomer Quality Service Ramah are conducted in Hebrew and English, and Shabbat. It's another example of how it's not the GUARANTEED the camp is a natural extension of a child's year- parents who lead-it's the kids who lead the way."

Cliff Vanderpooi Curtiss Driver round Jewish education.

For high school students who would prefer to spend Orthopedic Seating Specialists • Seat Padding Modifications "The kids get a full program of athletics and a summer in Israel, The ' Adjustable Lumbar Supports Installed crafts, and they also get an intensive experience in Israel Experience Grant is cliff@lionsauto.com 331-LION (5466) religious life and daily prayer-in Sabbath obserthe program of choice. www.lionsauto.com 8606 G St (Inside Deluxe Body Co.) vance, ethical conduct and contemporary Jewish Available to all students in issues," he added. "At Ramah, kids from Beth El see grades nine-12, the grant that teens from other communities are interested in consists of a one time $1000 these things, too. They make good friends and gift from the Jewish invariably want to go back the next year. But camp Federation of Omaha. is expensive. So Federation and congregations must The grant gives appliwork together to get kids hooked on Jewish sumcants the chance to particmering. At Beth El, the proceeds from our Annual ipate in an approved Peace, Health Cantor's Concert and other contributions our memIsrael experience deter&. Happiness bers make to the Scholarship Fund allow us to allomined by JELS, in concate between eight and $10,000 each year for junction with the stuJewish camping experiences."

Ali Lerner, right, and d e n t ' s r a b b i ' Approved Rabbi Azriel is passionate about the benefits of a friend, hike in the t r i P s include Omaha's Jewish camping, too.

Galilee on a teen trip ARTZA program, plus "Every summer I spend two weeks at Olin-Sang- to Israel.

Israel summer options Ruby, the camp sponsored by, the Reform sponsored by the National Movement," said Rabbi Azriel. "And again, this Ramah Commission, B'nai B'rith Youth summer, I witnessed our kids experiencing such joy Organization (BBYO), National Federation of and happiness. Let's face it. The kids who go on Temple Youth (NIFTY), United Synagogue Youth Jewish summer programs come back as better (USY), and National Conference of Synagogue Jews, better community players. One day they will Youth (NCSY). actually lead this community into a successful and "All these grants are available to any young person meaningful future. in our community," said Carolyn Novicoff, Director of "For years now, Temple has been sending 30 to 35 JELS, "and the requirements are so simple. Just a kids to Olin-Sang-Ruby and 10 to 15 more to nominal gift to the Federation's Annual Campaign on Shwayder Camp," he continued. "These kids the part of the families, and a commitment from the become the backbone of our Youth Group. They kids to continue their Jewish education at their synaCOMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES become assistants in our f gogue's religious school and volunteer 402.334.8877 religious school and active , their time to the Jewish community www.mega~corp.com participants in our conor their congregation. The real gift of gregation-all because of these grants is the love for Israel and our collaborative effort Jewish issues that they instill in our with Federation. children. High School is a period of "But you know me~I j tremendous growth for teens," always want more. Five Novicoff continued, "and the Jewish hundred dollars is peanuts Federation has made a commitment when you measure i t | to our youth to help them grow as against what the Mds gain Avi Katzman, left, and friends at Jews."

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September 6, 2002

(Continued from page 36) Evidence of this is found I in the Sept. 30, 1994 edi'Anii-Odamatkm League',® tion of the Jewish Press, where Sarah Raful, daughter of Larry and Dinah Raful, described the final day of her sixweek trip to Israel: "They told me I had to say goodbye to the Wall. I _; had to say goodbye to Jerusalem. I had to say goodbye to Israel. It was .V ""-•4 such an unbelievable feeling to stand next to a wall -1 that had been through (so) Summer at Schwa>der in Colorado much crying, laughing, fighting and happiness . ..

Anti-Defamation League • 333 South 132 Street • Omaha, NE 68154 I touched the Wall and felt 333-1303 • omaha@adl.org God looked down upon me. When you are there, it feels as though God is there and listening to you.

It was (easy) to say good bye to the Wall because I knew I would see it again."

Clearly, an Israel youth trip is not just another vacation.

"Teen trips to Israel provide a magical blend of new friendships, camaraderie, personal exploration and a sense of community," Novicoff said. "They are one of those rare experiences that our students look forward to and then remember forever."

Omaha Passport to Rabbi Paul and Susie Drazen at Camp Ramah children, Gila and Yoni.

Israel, The Jewish Experience Grant and The Israel about ways to engage our older stuExperience Grant. Each program is dents— our college kids. There are so an example of the cooperation many first class summer programs all between Federation and the commu- over the country-like Genesis, held at Brandeis University-that would help nity. But are we doing enough?

"I'd like to challenge the communi- our older teens and college students ty," Rabbi Azriel continued. "I'd like to strengthen themselves Jewishly.

"Omaha isn't like New York or LA challenge them to a conversation where there's such a multiplicity of opportunities right next door. It's hard here," he insisted. "We have to be creative. Why don't we consider telling Omaha • Lincoln • Council Bluffs our college kids that we'll pay for their Hebrew courses or for some of their classes in Judaic studies? We have to come up with more incentives to keep our kids interested."

Rabbi Kutner agreed. "These summer experiences influence our youth to seriously pursue higher Jewish education at a variety of schools and yehshivot, both here in the United States and in Israel. It would be won2002 OFFICIAL AK-SAR-BEN ROYAL COUTURIER derful if Federation and the congregations would expand their cooperation Above: Max Marcovits, right, and and help our college students learn friends at Masada on an NCSY Torah at its highest level." trip to Israel, 2000. Below: For information on how your child College students in Israel in 1997: can be enrolled in the Omaha Boris Davidson, left, Melissa Passport to Israel savings plan or Katzman, Josh Coren, Andi receive either a Jewish Experience or Gutnik, Stephanie DePorte and Israel Experience Grant, contact Shifra Shrago Gitt.

Kathy Hirshman at 334-6445.

Fighting Hate Building Hope

To the Jewish Federation of Omaha ...

Congratulations on 100 years!

Join Our

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September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 39

Federation and Foundation: A Winning Team

by MARTY RiCKS, Foundation Executive Director

—

How time flies! It seems like only yesterday that I arrived to replace Sheldon Bernstein as the Director of the Foundation. In fact, I completed four years last June. I have stated the opinion many times that Omaha has to be one of the most amazing, dynamic Jewish communities anywhere in the world. Our recent hosting of the JCC Maccabi Games is just one example of what this "small, but mighty" Jewish community has accomplished over the years.

Our Federation is 100 years old; officially our Foundation (a division of the Federation) is only 19 years old. I say "officially," because a handful of our Foundation endowment funds were established prior to the creation of the Foundation in 1983.

Needless to say, everyone likes to be associated with a winner. We have approximately $35 million in the Foundation commingled fund and expect to be at $40 million by June 30, 2003. In fact, from published United Jewish Communities statistics, in our size category with 18 other cities such as Indianapolis; Buffalo; Louisville; Portland, Oregon; etc., we are second (behind Indianapolis) in endowment dollars per Jewish resident.

It saddens me to hear about situations opposite to ours. It has only been in the last year or two that another midwestern city of 5,000 Jews was forced, because of finances, to sell its Jewish Community Center (JCC). It now shares space and rents from the local YMCA. Although we appear to be nourishing in Omaha after raising $10 million to modernize our JCC and also after raising $940,000 hi a two-month Terror Relief Campaign to help our brothers and sisters in Israel, we cannot become complacent. We must continue to do whatever we can to secure the future of our JCC campus and all the viable programs for members of all ages. To restate a slogan we used in the past, we must keep Omaha "the best of Jewish communities."

So as the Omaha Jewish Federation enters its sec-

ond 100 years and the much younger Federation Foundation enters its third decade, lay leaders and the professional staff must set the stage to provide a sound economic base so future generations will have the same opportunity to enjoy Jewish living in Nebraska as did our parents and grandparents and our children and ourselves.

Jan Perelman-Goldstein, in her article on page 3 of this edition, clearly described the mission of the

HUMANITARIANS OF THE YEAR AWARDS WINNERS 1979: Wally Provost 1980: Al Johnson & Daniel Cattau 1981: Harry Sidman 1982: Shirley Goldstein 1983: Mollie Delman 1984: Charles Guss 1985: Truman Clare 1986: Mary Fellman 1987: Rev. Elisabeth Beams 1988: Milton Abrahams 1989: Dorothy and Henry Riekes 1990: Tom Fellman 1991: Phil Sokolof 1992: Philip Shrager 1993: Mimi Waldbaum 1994: Joseph Ginsberg 1995: Isadoe Tretiak 1996: Art Grossman 1997: Rabbi Sidney Brooks and Rabbi Myer S. Kripke 1998: Gloria Kaslow 1999: Joe Kirshenbaum 2000: Bob Kully 2001: Yale Richards

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Jewish Federation of Omaha in assisting Jews no matter where they are located along with funding the multi-faceted program offerings for our local Jewish community.

This community succeeds through the efforts of Jan and her staff and many dedicated volunteers who year after year provide the resources to sustain our mission through Omaha's annual Federation campaign. For the next two years, we know that Steve Pitlor will challenge us even further as we carry out the mission of the Federation and Foundation as have our three recent Federation chairmen, Forrest Krutter, Howard Kooper and Tom Felhnan.

It is my charge and that of my volunteer Foundation Board of Trustees, led by Steve Bloch and Jay Noddle, to raise endowment dollars so that income earned from endowment principal is available to supplement the annual campaign.

Currently, the income from our endowment funds adds about 12 percent to the annual campaign.

To insure our future, through the gift planning efforts of this office, we hope to gradually increase the Foundation's endowment share of the annual budget from 12 percent to 33 percent over the next 20 years and to 50 percent over the next 40 years.

By accomplishing these goals, we can indeed insure the future of this Jewish community by easing the pressure of our annual campaign.

Finally, it is not just added money we need to sustain our success. We also need to increase our Jewish population, hopefully to 10,000. To do this we'll need an organized campaign to retain young Jewish adults and convince those who have left Omaha to return as well as recruit newcomers who will find that Omaha is absolutely one of the best U.S. cities to raise a family.

We have many challenges ahead of us; however, we have overcome these challenges for 100 years and, I believe, we will continue to do so for the next 100 years.

The Next Stage.®

Happy New Year!

May the new year bring peace and happiness to all

Page 40

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

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2002

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Jewish. Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

Once Known as "The Girls"

by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor

— « ~ ^ ^ - ^ ~

Today, they'd laugh if you called them "girls, " but hand, we had all the family information on one in 1968 it was an accepted practice at the old 'J5 on card: birthdays, who the children married and when, and even when grandchildren were born."

20th and Dodge Streets.

"We fought over who had to type the names that Barb Holling was the first of four women, two pairs of friends, to start work for Paul Veret in 1965 began with 'S'--there were so many of them," as a night receptionist. She then persuaded her Holling laughed.

The work was hard-and the pay, well ask Kathy friend, Jeanette Ferrin to come work there, too.

They made friends with two single "gals," Barb Watkins, who still has pay stubs from 196S~a mere Kirkpatrick and Kathy Watkins, who started work $46.05 for two weeks work! Not only did these industrious women answer the phones, type, prethere in 1967, fresh out of high school.

In those days, the JCC and the Federation were pare payroll and keep the books, they also took care really one organization—and all run by Paul Veret. of such unusual tasks as picking up the seniors on "Sherm Poska was his right-hand man," insisted an old bus.

Watkins, who says she learned "everything from "Mollie (Delman) always had parties for the senhim." Poska even sponsored their bowling team—the iors," Watkins recalled. "We'd pick them up; the bus Yentas! "We had gold bowling shirts; Sherm called would break down. It wouldn't start and we'd have Barb Holling, left, J e a n e t t e Ferrin, Kathy them 'Goldie,'" added Holling. "We played at the old to go to a nearby house—but no one ever freaked Watkins and Barbara Kirkpatrick, who all started when P a u l Veret was Executive Ames Bowl and he paid for our sponsorship year out!"

Director, have worked more than 100 years after year."

Today, these loyal employees share a combined combined for the JCC and Federation!

The "girls" as they were known, took care of every- 100+ years of work for the Federation and the thing, from answering the phones to getting their Jewish Community Center. Holling actually worked he was greeted by everyone wherever he went. hands dirty from the mimeograph machine. They've for Ben Laub at the old Dr. Sher Home for awhile, "He loved people, though he didn't smile much," she worked as basketroom attendants, night reception- but when the bookkeeper quit at the Center, Holling added. "He took his job very seriously, so we did, too." ists, typists, bookkeepers and executive assistants. went back to work for the 'J.' Though the four women agree that working in the Watkins recalls getting her hand jammed in the Though they all admired Paul Veret, they admit early years of their careers for the Federation was Addressograph machine and typing individual let- to "being a little bit scared" of him. When Veret's more like family, they wouldn't have dared bring in ters to donors on an Underwood manual typewriter. vision deteriorated, Holling would drive him over to their children-or pets-to work! There was no child care then, no maternity leave (the women had to Ferrin had to pack up the trays of Addressograph Bishop's for breakfast. plates for the move from 20th Street to the JCC's "Well, how'd he get back to the office?" Ferrin take time off without pay when their children were current location. asked. "I'd have to sit there and eat breakfast with babies), but Veret and Poska knew the names of all their husbands and children.

"All the donor information was on the master him," replied Holling, "and then drive him back!" cards," Ferrin recalled. "Although it was all done by Holling learned to like him, however, and saw how (Continued on page 59)

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Page1 43

Remembering Omaha

by JOAN K. MARCUS _ _ _ - _ _ »

Sally Morgan Venger was born on Nov. 17, 1907.

She and her twin brother, Samuel, were born at their home at 13th and Dorcas. They joined their older brother, Benjamin and later had a younger sister, Esther Morgan Shafton.

The four Morgan children lived in a small upstairs apartment with their parents, Joseph and Toby (Steinberg) Morgan. Although quarters were tight, Sally remembers happy times. "My brothers Ben and Sam used to gang up on me, so I had to build a strong defense!" she laughed. "I became a tough little girl and we had wonderful times."

Her father, a Rumanian immigrant, came to New York because he had family there. But he didn't like New York, so he decided to join a friend in Omaha.

Joseph bought a horse and wagon and became a peddler. He later purchased a grocery store on 28th and Sprague and the family moved to an apartment behind the store. Toby Morgan worked along side her husband in the store. When the business expanded they purchased a horse and buggy for home deliveries.

Sally remembers that the family name was "Morganstern" when they first came to America.

However, Joseph thought he needed to shorten his name when he became a peddler. She has always been unhappy because "Morganstern" means "morning star!"

As he became more prosperous, Joseph built a larger store and the family moved to a two-bedroom bungalow. "We had two beds-one for the boys and the other for the girls," Sally recalled. "We never felt crowded because we were happy children. We were in and out of the store; it was like our playground."

Sally says that by the tune she was eight, she was

In first grade, Sally discovered books.

Her teacher read the class a story about Eskimos. "I absolutely went bananas," she laughed. "First-that there was a story and that there was a book! This was the beginning of my being a bookworm!"

The Morgan family walked several miles from their home at 28th and Sprague to the Kapulier Shul at 24th and Nicholas. Since they were very observant, everything was always strictly kosher.

"Even though my father was a butcher in the store, Morgan family photo, 1922: Joseph and Toby (Steinberg) Morgan, seat- w e n e V er used any of that ed; standing: twins Samuel and Sally, Benjamin and Esther. meat," she insisted. They working in the grocery store. Being able to write purchased their meat from one of the many kosher was a prerequisite for working hi the grocery store. butchers in Omaha at that time.

As soon as the children could write their names and She always felt very "special" because she was add a little bit, they were put to work. able to work in her father's store. Working was like The Morgan children weren't resentful about hav- her play and the everyone was expected to work ing to work. The boys unpacked boxes and stocked after school and on weekends. the shelves and the girls were checkers.

When she speaks of high school, Sally says, "I She went to Druid Hill Grade School where there went to Central High and loved it!" Miss Bozell was were only a few other Jewish families. "Mary her French teacher and Sally excelled in the lanArbitman (Fellman) went there and there was a guage. She was inducted into National Honor Diamond family. It was a middle class school and Society when she was a junior. everything was fun hi those days."

(Continued on page 59)

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Jewish Press, Omaha. NE

September 6, 2002

by GAROL KATZMAN, Editor

It started small--a short editorial in the May 5, 1989, issue of the Jewish Press.

Morris Maline, then Editor of this newspaper, announced that Shirley and Leonard (Buddy) Goldstein and Miriam Simon, already active in the cause to win freedom for Jews in the Soviet Union, would spearhead a campaign to raise funds for their transportation out of the USSR and resettlement in Israel and the United States.

Called Passage to Freedom, the campaign took a back street to the groundbreaking for the new Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and a fundraising campaign to build a new synagogue for Beth El. Small ads appeared in the Press, requesting a dollar a week, up to $3 a week, to free Soviet Jews.

By June, Goldstein admitted, she "wished our Passage to Freedom Campaign was doing better" so Omaha could help more Jews from the USSR emigrate. And by August of that year, the campaign had hit almost $90,000, half of which would stay in Omaha for local resettlement and half would be sent to cover the costs of Soviet Jews moving to Israel.

The Passage to Freedom Campaign had new competition by September of 1989, when it was announced that Dan and Esther Gordman would give one million dollars for the building of a new Jewish educational center for the Friedel Jewish Academy on the campus of the Jewish Community

Center. The community sought addit i o n a1 donors to complete that campaign-even as fundraising continued for the Beth El Building Campaignâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the Jewish Federation kicked off its own Annual Campaign.

And then, something changed. from the former Soviet Union arrived by United States. Right: Jay Lerner, who was The Berlin Wall came the thousands each month in Israel; another about to become Federation President, spoke down. "rfC" 100,000 were eventually resettled in the to a gathering of Jewish leaders in 1990. "evil empire" described by then announced that $50.1 million had for his overwhelming generosity."

And so, at its Feb. 20, 1990 board President Ronald Reagan crumbled. been raised nationally for resettlemeeting, the Federation voted to accept The gates were about to open for dis- ment.

Jews around the United States final- a $1.6 million fundraising commitment. sidents, refuseniks and all those ly realized that the trickle of Jews Passage to Freedom was now Operation yearning for a life of freedom.

In November of 1989, Maline wrote clamoring to get out of the Soviet Exodus~a large-scale project that included both the fundraising efforts of a front page article about his whirl- Union was becoming a flood.

With an announcement of UJA's Jews all over the world combined with wind trip to the Soviet Union with Shirley Goldstein and Ruth Potash. $420 million national campaign by its the details of transporting hundreds of The series of articles and photos ran chairman Marvin Lender of thousands of Jews out of the Soviet several weeks into the month of Connecticut, Omahans Maury and Union (or the former Soviet Union as it December. Fundraising at the nation- Joan Udes announced their own gift of was soon being called) to Israel and to al level accelerated and by January of $200,000 to spur on the Passage to communities like Omaha in the United States.

1990, United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Freedom campaign.

Operation Exodus was an apt Their concern about the plight of Soviet Jews led them to question what description. This would be the largest Omaha was doing to facilitate the "exodus" since the one described in an entire book of the Torah. effort to resettle them.

"Migration has been forced upon the Within two weeks of the Federation's Jewish people for thousands of years decision, a Soviet Resettlement due to oppression and persecution," Coordinator was hired for Jewish they stated in a Jewish Press front Family Service, filling a position that page article, Jan. 26, 1990. had been vacant for several years as "Fortunately, there have always been the immigration from the late 1970s communities who were willing to and early '80s dwindled. A group of accept the responsibilities of welcom- Jews were welcomed at Eppley airport ing these refugees as brothers." at midnight in what would become Udes, whose own father was born in regular events for members and supRussia, was appreciative of the efforts porters of JFS and the resettlement others had made in welcoming his committee. grandparents and their infant son to The Zinkov families arrived that America and said his gift was like night, along with the first of the "repaying an old debt."

Dobins. The Pisetsky's and the In accepting the gift, Goldstein Goldman's arrived the following week. noted that "resettlement is much The trickle had become a flood. more costly than it was in the early And who would lead the campaign to 70s when the first Soviet families raise $1.6 million in Omaha? Tom came to live in Omaha...I remember Fellman and Jay Lerner stepped forMaury would always ask me, 'How are ward, announcing that they would things going...What's happening with shortly be leaving for a "briefing" in the Soviet Jews?' He always seemed to Moscow, where they would meet have a special interest in the project. Soviet, Jews ready to depart on their "Today, I'm very grateful for that flight to Israel. interest," she added. "And, of course, (Continued on next page)

New Year Greetings for a year of Health and Happiness U.S. SENATE Not printed at government expense. Authorized andpaid fw by Hagel for Senate; Mke McCarthy Treasurer

Leader of the Free Soviet Jewry movement in Omaha, Shirley Goldstein, met frequently with Soviet "refuseniks" like Leonid Scharansky (who now lives in Des Moines), brother of Natan Sharansky; and Lev Bletshstein.

September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 45

Passage to Freedom (Continued from previous page) Lerner, already serving on the directly; that's not acceptable, so we'd Federation's Executive Board, would get these sideways glances. take over the reins as President the "Everything was grey," Lerner following year; Fellman later served added. "The sky, the buildings, even as President as well. the people. No one smiled, not that Fellman called Operation Exodus "a they had anything to smile about." once-in-a-lifetime window of opportuAfter meetings with refuseniks in nity and a challenge for us all."

Moscow, the 200 American Jews His trip with Lerner to Moscow and boarded the plane to fly to Israel, Israel reinforced his gratitude to where they would meet hundreds of America and to his grandparents, who Russian Jews flying to freedom. The immigrated here in the late 1890s. impact on the two men when the "How bad must it have been to leave plane touched down at Ben Gurion the country where you were born and Airport was one they'll forever raised, with only what you could remember. carry, to country where you don't "There but for the grace of God," speak the language?" Fellman asked Fellman said. "That's what kept runin a recent interview about his experi- ning through my head. If it wasn't for ences with Operation Exodus. our grandparents, Jay and I would be Already committed to this communi- the ones greeted by American Jewsty and to the concept of tzeclakah, not the other way around." which translates as righteousness but When the two men returned from is often substituted for charity, their whirlwind trip, they immediateFellman described the trip as "scary." ly established a program of informing "We flew over with Marvin Lender members of the Jewish community and 150 Federation leaders from all about the plight of Soviet Jews. over the country," he recalled. "They "We're talking resettlement now, but put us up in what was called a deluxe in the future we may be talking reshotel in Moscow. It was anything but. cue," Lerner said then, and noted that "A Russian grandmother~a 'babush- the campaign goal was raised to $1.7 ka' slept on a cot outside the elevator million. on each floor. She knew when we were In meeting after meeting, in homes, coming and going," he said, "and we synagogues and apartments, Fellman assumed she also looked in our rooms and Lerner showed a 10-minute video when we were gone." to anyone who would listen. They One morning, the two men put on often brought recent emigres with their colorful fluorescent lycra run- them, including Maya Tater, Anna ning suits and went out for their Metrik, and Sol Parsow's niece, Marina Kusmina (who would later morning jog.

"It was cold!" Fellman remembered. marry Omahan Mike Sadofsky) and "And everywhere we went, people her daughter, Katya. stared. But they didn't look at us (Continued on page 46)

Above: Jay Lerner, left, and Tom Fellman, prepare for a press conference upon their return from Moscow in 1990. Bottom: Fellman

BLUEBUNNY

and Shirley Goldstein on the bus going to the airport to greet new arrivals, somethingwhich became almost a weekly ritual.

Jewish Press, Omaha,

Page 46

September 6, 2002

Passage to Freedom (Continued from previous page) — » — — By the end of 1990, Operation Exodus had exceeded its goal, raising $1,707,000 to resettle Jews from the former Soviet Union. The resettlement effort continued until just two years ago, with Natalie Rubin coordinating the effort for JFS and Miriam Simon, Bert Lewis Gloria Kaslow, Stan Mitchell and hundreds of other volunteers outfitting apartments, meeting planes late at night, transporting children to Friedel Jewish Academy and synagogue religious schools and teaching English to the more than 300 Jews from the former Soviet Union who arrived in Omaha.

Most of the former engineers, doctors and scientists have found work, sometimes in other fields. Their children are active as any Jewish teen (two of them, Lana Kinarsky and Robert MosenMs were chosen as Sweetheart of Weizmann AEA and Beau of MZ Yoshanah BBG, respectively). Their names appear as scholarship winners to prestigious schools like MIT, Northwestern and Washington University.

For the most part, they really have become part of our Omaha family.

Jay Lerner often thinks what might have happened if the same effort had been expended during World War II. "As a kid growing up in Milwaukee, I wondered about what was happening in Nazi Germany," Lerner said. "Why didn't we do more? How do you look at your kids and answer?

"Our children watch our actions," he added. "And this was one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives."

Fellman, who's now co-chairing the Israel Terror Relief Campaign with Shirley Goldstein, insists that "rescue and resettlement is the most important thing that we do. As a Jew in America, if you've had a little mazal (luck), for that alone, this is the biggest mitzvah you can do.

"How could you not want to be part of this?"

Photos from top left: Tom Fellman carries a young EtMopian at Kibbutz Ay elet HaShachar with Steve Riekes in 1991; Mary Fellman, right, chats at an Israeli nursing home with a newly-arrived emigre in 1991; The Jewish Agency sponsored a "Voyage of Discovery" mission to Belarus and Minsk in 1998: Bob Kully, left, Jan Perelman-Goldstein and Joe Kirshenbaum met with Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, second from right; a Jewish child from the former Soviet Union arrives in Israel in 1993 during the Women's "Gesher" mission; Murray Newman and Harlan Noddle, right, also participated in a "Voyage of Discovery" to Ukraine in 1999.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 47

Recalling to War Years

by JOAN K. MARCUS

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—

—

At age 91, Ruth Diamond Levinson vividly remembers playing with neighbor kids in McCook, NE, and having them chase her down the street calling,"Jew! Jew! Jew!" Hers was the only Jewish family in town. Jewish travelers would stop at the Diamond home when passing through Nebraska. "Word spread quickly that Jews lived in the area!" she said.

Ruth's father, David, was from Krakow, Poland, and her mother, Rae, came from Liverpool to London for an arranged marriage. At the time of their marriage, a debt was owed to David and it was paid with land. However, the debtor neglected to mention that the land was in McCook!

When Ruth was in fourth grade, the family moved to Lincoln where she still resides. "When we moved to Lincoln, we joined both the South Street Temple (Congregation B'nai Jeshuran) and Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Some of us didn't know how to read Hebrew, so my mother took them to Temple where they could understand the service. My father took the others to Tifereth Israel. I learned Hebrew and I can still follow the service," she added.

Ruth recalls that life as a Jew was much better after the family moved to Lincoln. Her siblings: J. Harry Diamond, Dorothy Bergen, Evelyn Wittman, Bernice Katskee and Shirley Frank were all born in the United States. (Bernice and Shirley are still living.) She was always athletic and, at 91, she is still bright and trim.

"At Lincoln High, I was president of the Dramatic Club but I hated it!" she laughed. "I couldn't wait until the meetings were over so that I could run outside and play sports. I always knew that I wanted to be a physical education teacher."

All the Diamond children graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and that was quite a feat in the midst of the Great Depression. At UNL, Ruth majored in Physical Education. She was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, an education honorary and later earned a Master's in Physical Education from Columbia University.

After graduation, she came to Omaha where she began the dance department at the University of Omaha. She taught field hockey, swimming, dance, Softball, tennis and several other sports. She studied dance with Martha Graham in New York, famed American dancer, noted for her avant garde choreography.

While she was teaching in Omaha, Ruth was invited to a party at the home of a local rabbi. "A man named Harry Levinson was at the party and he asked to drive me home. We dated a little and then the war took over and I left Omaha," she recalled.

"We corresponded all during the war," While Ruth was busy serving in the European theater, Harry served in the United States and India.

In 1942, during World War II, Ruth was asked to apply for a job overseas. Since she was idealistic and really thought that this was a "war to end all wars," she went to work for the American Red Cross. Her training period wasn't long enough, but she went to New York City to await Army transportation to her secret destination.

The Red Cross workers were moved from hotel to hotel until they were taken to the Queen Mary ship.

The 29th division-consisting of 10,000 men had boarded earlier and they sailed the Atlantic Ocean for five days They zig-zagged to avoid detection by the Germans and arrived in Guroc, Scotland, where they took a train to London.

After experiencing blackouts, missing road signs to thwart enemy espionage and sirens that sent people running to shelters, she arrived at her first position. She was assistant program director at Bournernouth-once a resort on the English Channel. The converted resorts and hotels became havens for soldiers who enjoyed a rare chance to sleep in clean beds and eat something other than "wartime" food.

Ruth organized sporting events and shopping trips for soldiers who had little pleasure in their lives. She remembers standing on the lawn of the hotel in the morning to count the bombers as they left. Again at night, she would run outside to see how many of them returned.

"When the planes were missing, we tried not to discuss it," she recalled. ' One day she was cold and had no jacket, so a young serviceman gave her a jacket with his unit

Left: Ruth Levinson wearing h e r "GI ter, Bernice Katskee, age 97, still live in Josephine"jacket. Right: Ruth, 91, and h e r sis- Lincoln, patch on the shoulder. Not to be outdone, another position in the physical education department at soldier brought her his patch and that continued UNL and eventually rose to the position of Viceuntil the jacket was completely covered. She was chair. She took volunteer positions in Tifereth Israel later asked not to wear the jacket because the Sisterhood and was Israeli Affairs Chairman for patches might give a signal to the enemy where the Hadassah She became well known for the informatroops were located. Ruth nicknamed the coat, "GI tive reports she gave about Israel.

Josephine." It is now on display in the National Red When she was united with Harry, they married on Cross Museum.

June 9,1946 at the South Street Temple. They lived In 1944, Ruth was ordered home. She had served for in Lincoln where Harry worked for the United four years and she was sent back to London to board States Army Reserve. He shared her love of dance the Queen Mary's sister ship, the Queen Elizabeth. and they could be seen dancing together for many During the voyage home, on April 12,1944, the radio years. Harry died on May 26, 2000, and Ruth says operators reported the shocking news that President that Harry was"the man of her dreams."

Franklin D. Roosevelt had died.

Ruth enjoys her apartment in Eastmont Towers.

"When we docked in New York City, the streets were She has almost daily visits with her sister, Bernice quiet due to the president's death," she noted. "It was and her niece, retired teacher, Gail Wishnow. Books there I learned I was to report to American University about Judaism, dancing and sports decorate the in Washington, D.C.. where I trained the last group of neat apartment.

Red Cross workers. I helped close the training unit and "I still feel very much a part of the Lincoln Jewish my job with the Red Cross was over." community and attend services at Tifereth Israel Ruth returned to Nebraska, where she assumed a whenever I get the opportunity!"

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Page 48

Jewish Press f Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

Two Women—One Mission

by JOAN K. MARCUS-— One only needs to be in the room for a few minutes with Roz Friedman and Susie Cohn to become aware of the great love and respect the two women have for each other.

Then, you realize that the mother and daughter have but one goal-they want to carry on the philanthropic work started so many years ago by their husband and father, the late Ike Friedman.

Ike Friedman was so well thought of in Omaha that the Ike Friedman Community Health Center was named for him. Authorities say that when the building was built, Friedman was approached for a donation. However, because he was gravely ill at the time, he was unable to make a financial contribution.

Although the family says they "didn't put five cents into the building", it was named for him anyway.

The rational was that different organizations chose his name because of his previous generosity to them.

That's still the power of Ike Friedman's name today. But, let's start at the beginning.

Roz Wasserman Friedman was born in Coon Rapids, Iowa, to Max and Rena Rodin Wasserman and lived in small towns until her older brother, Sidney, needed to study for his Bar Mitzvah.

The family settled at 5320 Western Avenue and Max and Rena ran Excel Merchandising Company. The family was far from wealthy, according to Roz, however, her parents managed to do things for the children.

"Most of the Jewish people lived in South or North Omaha and the kids all congregated at the old Jewish Community Center," she recalled.

"After school, we went downtown to Metropolitan Drug Store and had marshmallow cokes! When we stirred them, they fizzed up all over the place!"

Roz remembers that most of her

friends were * • Jewish and, after World War II, her friends, Babe Cohen ! and Ruth S okolof, urged her to meet a young Ike Friedman who had just come home from the war.

He was recuperating at Fort Crook and Roz resisted their urging to meet him until she

-^HiSlfe 6.-

b i r t h d a y &!*;*•-* I,.-, party.

Ike and Roz Friedman, 1987 Louis and Rebecca Friedman, 1987 The two Susie says that her father loved to took an immediate liking to each other organization would come into the and after a short courtship, were mar- store and need a door prize or a gift, work and that her mother worked ried in 1946 at the Blackstone Hotel. Ike would go downstairs into the gift alongside her father and raised a famRabbis Israel Moshowitz and Arthur department and put something in a ily, too. Her late sister, Janis Yale, and sack," Roz recalled. "He never even brother, Alan Friedman, all learned Goldstein officiated at the wedding. how to "be truthful and do the right In 1948, Ike left his job at Nebraska recorded what he was giving away!" thing" from both of their parents.

Furniture Mart and joined his father, Susie Friedman Cohn remembers Louis Friedman and his uncle, Simon that her father never turned anybody Susie was born in 1950 and rememGorelick, in Borsheim's Jewelry and down when they needed money. bers "a great childhood." The family Allen's Pawn Shop. It was then that Once, a young child came into the lived in "Bagel"-the area just west of Louis joked, "There were too many store and picked out a pin for his Memorial Park and Dundee, and she Blumkins and too few Friedmans at mother. After asking the price, Ike remembers a very Jewish upbringing the Mart and they need to separate!" said, "How much do you have in your After graduating from Boston After Simon became ill, Ike joined pocket?" The boy answered, "$4.10." University with a degree in business his father in Borsheims downtown, on Ike replied, "That's exactly how much administration, she agreed to be "fixed up" on a date with Marvin the corner of 16th and Harney it is!"

Streets.

Susie grew up watching her father Cohn. They met in January and marRoz remembers that even in his do nice things for people and learned ried the following November. They early years, Ike was always generous as she went along "how to be a human have three daughters: Dana, Nikki with people in the community. being." The family learned much and Calli.

(Continued on page 49) "When somebody from a Jewish about life from Ike.

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(Continued from previous page) ———— Susie remembers working at Borsheims when she was only four years old. Her job was to open all the packages of diamonds to make sure that none had been overlooked before the boxes were thrown away.

"One day, I found a two-carat diamond and took it to my dad and asked him if it was real!" Susie laughed, "Well, the next day, diamond expert Morris Rubenstein and Louis Friedman were fighting over how the diamond packages were to be opened in the future."

She remembers going to camp when she was six years old. When she returned, she told her parents she had experienced enough camping, adding, "It was time to go back to work at Borsheims!"

Her whole family had fallen in love with beautiful things and it was fun to make people happy by selling them. "We did the best job that we could do to make our customers happy," Susie insisted. "That's why they keep coming back."

Cohn remembers more quality family time during holidays when the whole family was working in the store. Going out to dinner every night after work and the opportunity to gather family together became a nightly ritual. "Dad would go from table to table in the restaurant—buying drinks and dinner for people who were his customers," Susie recalled fondly. "This was the way he advertised!"

She was taught by her father not to make enemies with anybody and never to hurt people's feelings.

Ike always set an example for his family by being a gentleman and having respect for everyone. He told his family, "No matter how horrible a customer acts, never kick anybody out of the store. If an employee steals, that's not a reason to fire them!"

In 1987, Borsheims was sold to Omaha billionaire, Warren Buffet. Until that sale, Ike Friedman never had liquidity because most of his money was tied up in the store. Immediately after the sale, he began to make charitable donations through the Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation. (It has since been changed to The Ike and Roz Friedman Family Foundation.)

"One day, Marvin and I were serving on a committee at Temple Israel to begin an endowment.

They were talking about how a family had given half a million dollars. I happened to be going to my

mom's house and told her about this family who had given such a large donation. We were trying to figure out who it could be when my dad came home and I told him about it." Ike smiled at his daughter and said, "That was us!"

He was so proud to have been able to do it because he felt so at home at Temple Israel. "He knew that all of his 12 grandchildren would be going there and that was part of his reason," Susie explained. "And, Rabbi Azriel has always been an inspiration for our whole family. He is a mentor and a man for all people and my father knew it!"

Ike Friedman died in 1991. Before his death, he donated money for the Louis and Rebecca Friedman Jewish Funeral Home, gave a large sum to Joslyn Art Museum and gave the ground for the Seina Francis House, "It gave him such good feelings to give these things to the community," Roz said quietly, "and he was so excited."

Roz and Susie continue the work that their husband and father started. However, they have gone down to "the grass roots" of giving. They have set goals of helping people and children from now on.

They have especially been partial to things like "Project Dreidel," a Hanukkah project of the Jewish Family Service.

"Steve Stiel is such a kind wonderful person and when the Jewish Press ran the stories about Jewish people who didn't have money, I couldn't stand it," Roz stated. "I went in and gave Steve a check and then I thought about it and gave him some more.

The following year, I endowed JFS in Ike's memory."

Both women concluded by saying, "Mitzvot are a very important part of our lives. It's something that we learned from our families. The neat thing now is that we have this endowment to carry on our work.

"We can give money to people with low incomes to help them We have been able to give refrigerators and simple things to people who couldn't afford them. We endowed an incentive program at Lothrop School and it's amazing how $1,000 can make a difference in people's lives!"

Not amazing at all-just two women carrying on the mission learned from a very generous man.

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Page 50

Jewish Press, Omaha,

September 6, 2002

A National Voice with a Local Perspective

by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor — — — — — — She's run the Women's Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, twice, was the first Omahan to serve on the Midwest Region Board of United Jewish Appeal's Women's Campaign (now United Jewish Communities), started the Lion of Judah Division in Omaha (for women whose gifts are $5000 or more to the Annual Campaign), was a member of the committee planning the first international Lion of Judah Conference in Washington, D.C., and she alsd served on the Women's Campaign National Board.

If you haven't figured out by now that we're talking about Bobbie Epstein, then you must be new to Omaha!

This Omaha native has always had strong feelings for both the' Jewish community of Omaha and Israel and the Women's Campaign, whether it was local, regional or national leadership, has always seemed to be the most natural route to take.

"Even in high school, something resonated in me," Epstein admitted. "While I volunteered for other organizations, such as Sisterhood and NCJW, Israel always brought it home.

"There was something about the Federation structure that appealed to me," she added. "It was twofold, so I could improve the quality of Jewish life here, but I could also help our fellow Jews worldwide and in Israel."

Epstein recalls being a young married woman in Omaha asked to give $15 at her first Women's Campaign event. She gave $25. In the early 1980s, after holding positions all the way up the leadership ladder, Epstein co-chaired the Women's Campaign with Barbara Rips and Maxine Kirshenbaum.

Epstein didn't just take the leadership roles; she stuffed envelopes, set tables and made decorations, "anything to get the job done," she added.

"My kids reacted with pride," she explained. "I was always home when they got home from school, but they knew how I spent my days."

She flew to Chicago to attend her first (of many) Midwest Region meetings and was inspired.

"Menachem Begin was Prime Minister then and I got in line early, around 5:30 p.m., to get a good seat.

"I met Sandra Lippy," Epstein said of her second midwest Region Meeting, which had, by then, been established as an annual summer event for Women's Campaign leaders. She had on "one of those pins and I wanted to know what 'those pins' were," Epstein said of the Lion of Judah pin.

Lippy, of Youngstown, OH, encouraged Epstein to get involved at the Regional level, telling her "You can't grow, if you don't try."

Bob Epstein has been so supportive that he surprised his wife at a 1989 Campaign event at Peony Park, featuring Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary. He and Lippy, Bobbie's new friend from the Regional Board, showed up at the event to present her with a lion of Judah pin, the third woman in Omaha to join Rose Blumkin and her daughter, B-^ Francis Batt, in this gener- F >" ous group of donors.

Epstein's response was to thank the group gathered for the Women's Campaign for giving her "100 times more" than she had given to the community. She followed Lippy's i advice, too, to become ( more involved and was invited to become a member of the Regional Board- !»--and then the National Board. r, . . j , j T. ,- Top photo: Bobbie Epstein at the microphone, Lion of Judah Epstein educated herself,-, ^nnr. n ^ L * n 1.1 • . , : .,, , „ , , « ,„ Conference. 1996; Bottom, photo: Bobbie, right, with h e r colleagues on to become an expert, one , , „ . , _ .' . „ , „„ she jokes "lives 20 min-t h e UJA Women's Campaign Board, 1995. utes outside your home community!" She solicited One "harrowing" experience occurred when women in other Midwest communities, facilitated Epstein and two friends from the National Board workshops and was asked to join committees at the took Palestinian a trip to Authority.

Hebron, through The women territory hiredheld a guide, by the a national level. She was always a prolific reader guard and a bulletproof vehicle, stopping in about the Holocaust and World War II, but now she Bethlehem to shop for antiquities. added historical books about Israel, subscribed to She waited five years to tell Bob! the Jerusalem Post and began thinking about mak"In retrospect, what we did was crazy," Epstein ing a trip to Israel.

Her first opportunity came in 1987; Epstein has admitted. "But at the time, I was very excited and I was with friends. Nothing happened-but when we made "13 or 14" trips since that time.

She's had "some real experiences" she says with a returned to Jerusalem, we were all relieved!"

(Continued on next page) laugh and "loved it."

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Page 51

A National Voice (Continued from previous page) — Epstein served as a moderator at a workshop on the media at one Lion of Judah conference that featured NPR radio personality Nina Totenberg, author and columnist Anna Quindlin, and former Labor Secretary Ann Lewis. Epstein sat next to Leah Rabin at another Lion conference, along with Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan and Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin.

"The women (on the National Board) are fabulous," she commented. "We share the same values and the same goals. Some I saw two or three times a year and spoke to often; others I only saw at meetings. But their impact was huge."

"Omaha is like a second home to me," Lippy said. "One of my first jobs on the National Board was to be a liaison to Omaha, one of the warmest, most comfortable communities.

Bobbie told me that the role I should play was to really get the Women's Division of Omaha on the map. And she was the leader, in my mind.

Bobbie dove in head first and just put so much energy into it!

"It was easy to whip up a frenzy of leadership and responsibility in Omaha," she added. "And, reciprocally, it was very rewarding to see the growth in Omaha after doing some training and one-on-one solicitation.

But where Bobbie really shone was in the Partnership 2000 program."

This new program developed by UJA (UJC) drew Epstein's attention.

The goal was to bring American Jewish communities closer to regions in Israel and allow "consortiums" of smaller and mid-size cities to have direct input into a piece of the over- ; seas allocations.

Epstein was named the first chairman of the Midwest Consortium for P2K. "This 'people-to-people' started with a dream," Epstein admitted. "We really didn't know where we would go with this and some even said it wouldn't work. But we never had any strife.

It was such a learning experience for all of us."

The American members of the delegation made annual trips to the Western Galilee region, consisting of cities like Acco and Nahariya and moshavim and kibbutzim in this northwest corner of Israel, north of Haifa. And, the Israeli counterparts came to Omaha, and other cities in the

Consortium, to establish programs such as medical and student exchanges, Holocaust education (like Omaha's Book Sharing Program through the ADL-CRC) and cultural visits.

"Some of the concepts didn't always translate easily into English," Epstein admitted, "but seeing programs in action, like servicing Tdds on the edge', gave us the hard information we needed to make decisions on funding."

"I've seen Bobbie in action," commented Jan Goldstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. "She runs a fabulous meeting.

Everyone has a chance to have their say, but Bobbie keeps bringing them back to the core issues. She has the utmost respect from the Israelis, who know that she understand their passion about their projects.

"In addition, being a woman never hindered her," Goldstein added. "After IV all, she had the backing of UJA." She turned over the reins of P2K to Sonia Schneiderman of Dayton in -I' 1 1999. Last spring, Epstein completed 10 years of leadership on the Regional and National Boards of Women's Danielle, 2, and Paige, five-monthsCampaign and "loved every minute of old, live in New York with daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and Stuart it!"

She's appreciative of her husband's Bohart.

But when all of her children attendsupport and the pride of her parents, ed the young leadership conference six Art and Sis Adler. years ago in Washington, D.C., The best part now, she says, is Epstein gets tears in her eyes. spending time with her grandchil"I thought I'd died and gone to heavdren, Alec Epstein, 5, Cali Epstein, 3, en," she exclaimed.

"I'm so blessed and Sarah Schop, 2, who all live in that our children want to be Jewish."

Omaha with their parents: Jeff and Above: The Epstein family: Bob, Ellie Epstein and Melissa and Michael seated left, Bobbie, Ellie Epstein Schop. Two more grandchildren,

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Page 52

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

100 Years of Jewish Cookbooks in Omaha

by LOIS FRIEDMAN • ~ ~ ~ — ~

»____.

Join me in a stroll down memory lane...cookbook by cookbook. Remember once familiar recipes, names and even businesses that had ads in these collections of yesterday. Community cookbooks give insight into local history and preserve regional recipes. Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends opening their recipe boxes and «harinp favorite recipes and tn<htjunc ic* their favorite organization The con mittees organized, gathered, ictcd, sold the advertising, oi'r-n lisid tinprinting done locally and ihon *old these recipe collections, their labor of love and goodies.

Finding the cookbooks of Omaha's Jewish community for this article began at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

Many of the following treasured cookbooks were generously loaned to me from personal collections. Thank you to each of you, not only for hanging on to those old cookbooks with a \ patina of use, but for t '. sharing them for this article.

Here then is a sampling of local cookbooks generated by local cooks and recipe collectors, mostly women and mostly women's handiwork. In the earlier books the recipe donor's name is listed as Mrs. So-and-So; later listings are on a first name basis.

Some are kosher, others aren't. Some of the techniques were before some of the appliances we now take for granted. Like many of the recipe donor's names, the local ads placed by business are no longer with us, except they all made these treasures possible.

In case you want to pursue more of these cookbooks, "'What I Learned About Local Jewish History From Reading 17 Jewish Cookbooks Published in Nebraska" is one of the presentations at the Klutznick-Harris Symposium, "Food and Judaism," Oct. 27-28. Also a couple of these cookbooks are still for sale, some are available for checkout at the

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The Untested Cookbook-L'dor u'dor (From Kripke Library and the rest are part of individual Generation to Generation), is the 2001 Women's collections.

So, not only essen, essen, but enjoy enjoy this sam- Event Cookbook of the Jewish Federation of pling of Omaha's Jewish cookbooks that are listed Omaha. The recipes collected were selected and in the order I discovered them and savor the recipes untested. Salsa, Sauces and Starters is the first of ten chapters in this spiral bound cookbook. One as samplings and memories of the past.

The All New Portal to Good Cooking is recipe to a page is the format the all New Women's American ORT The Just Desserts Cookbook is from the Sisterhood ,,, • Organization for Rehabilitation through of Beth El Synagogue. A 1994 collection of sweet Training) Favorite Recipes from 1972, treats was printed just as submitted (untested) published by the Midwest District VIII, includes the name of the kitchen from which they which included Omaha Chapter-at-Large. came.

The recipes were submitted by members A dozen chapters include Lucy White's Overnight md listed by each recipe in this hard- Refrigerator Rolls, that'll melt in your mouth, Tiger bound book of 26 chapters Butter (white and semi-sweet chocolate swirled and just has a couple of with peanut butter), Very Large Wedding Cake, and recipes from Omaha. It many quick and easy cakes. includes hints, measuresA Hopechest of Jewish Recipes contains 18 equivalents, food for 50, Traditional Dishes from Beth El Synagogue menus and an alphabeti- Sisterhood. This cookbook named for the numerical cal index. symbol for Life is dedicated to the memories of holHappiness is Still Good iday foods. From Appetizers to Desserts-Kreplach, Food (Beth Israel Knishes, Latkes, Hazenblozen and more.

Sisterhood) includes speThe Kitchen Connection is the National Council of cial recipes shared by Jewish Women (NCJW), Omaha Section, 1983, spiSisterhood members, ral bound recipe collection from mothers, grandwhose names are included mothers and other special people (like Mr. Monrose with the recipes to be from Highland Country Club and his Caesar Salad), included in this three- and fills over 300 pages. ring notebook printed in From All-In-One Oven Stew to Zippy Gazpacho 1993. Index tabs mark the 14 sec- favorite recipes are in 14 chapters and reflect tions, beginning with holiday recipes that were popular at the time. Traditional menus and Passover recipes and foods for holiday menus, and low-calorie recipes are concluding with recipes from included.

Beth Israel's kitchen and celebriCouncil Cooks is an earlier effort by NCJW. A fund ties. From Strudel the Bubbie Used to raiser celebrating the 40th year is a spiral bound, Make, Sabbath Cholent (Egg Barley), pink covered cookbook featuring the recipes in a Kasha Varenikes, Knishes to Diet Soup (at 25 dozen chapters from Appetizer to Gavel Goodies calories per bowl), Cholesterol-Free Banana Bread, from Past Presidents and includes ads from many, Low Calorie Eggplant Appetizer and more. many local businesses.

There isn't an index and if you're looking for Happiness is Good Food was their first cookbook.

Yummy Squares or Guess Whats!, you'll have to Both follow strictly kosher dietary laws. thumb through the pages to find them...totally MRS. MAYNARD FINKLE'S worth the effort because they both sound delicious.

SALMON SPREAD 1 cup flaked red salmon Council Cooks, the NCJW cookbook is a three-ring 1 Tablespoon green onion, minced binder collection of recipes was compiled by members, mostly Mrs. So-&-Sos, and was published in 1 Tablespoon black olives, finely chopped 1973.

1/8 teaspoon garlic salt 2 Tablespoons French Dressing This $5 cookbook had 15 sections..with recipes listed in alphabetical order on each and included a or enough salad dressing section From Men Only and a Traditional Dishes for to bind ingredients Combine and blend all ingredients until smooth. the holidays section.

Spread on any assortment of crackers and breads.

(Continued on page 48)

Best Wishes

for a

Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

September 6, 2002

Page 53

In Memory's Kitchen: A Legacy From the Women ofTerezin

100 Years ofCookbooks (Continued from previous page) ——_——_—_, BERNARD SCHIMMEL'S SCHIMMEL SEASONING 1 1/2 pounds Kosher salt 4 ounces Accent 3 ounces peppercorns, ground , Blend thoroughly in mixer.

Store in spice shelf.

Application: roasting, broiling, casserole dishes, etc. Special note: Capture value, flavor and uniformity of seasoning by heat-blending.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Edited by CARA DE SUVA (Aronson) Review byLOIS FRIEDMAN •

Terezin, also called Theresienstadt, a German the 16 scholars from colleges and universities precamp located near Prague, was camouflaged as a senting at the Klutznick-Harris Symposium, "Food place of "privileged resettlement." In reality Terezin and Judaism" at the Omaha Jewish Community "was riddled with fear, disease and death", "a desti- Center and Creighton University on Oct. 27-28, nation and death place of some of the most promi- Her presentation is "In Memory's Kitchen: nent Czech, Austrian and German writers, scien- Reflections on Recently Discovered Forms of tists, jurists, diplomats, musicians, professors and Holocaust Literature."

The copy of this cookbook I read was from the colartists." lection of Ben Nachman. When we were talking The women who wrote this cookbook were at about the book, Dr. Nachman, who is not a historiTerezin dealing with their own hunger and who Eppes Essen (Something to Eat) was published by while starving, mentally journeyed and fantasized an or a researcher, but a man following his passion B'nai B'rith to celebrate its 120th Birthday. The back to their homes and their kitchens and their for the Holocaust, said, "It is amazing what the Henry Monsky Chapter #470 produced this spiral cooking and remembering their recipes. human spirit will do." bound 1963 edition. A treasure trove of approxiIt was difficult and troubling to select only one of The fragile, hand-sewn copy book of recipes writmately 175 recipes in 11 sections with advertise- ten "in a variety of faltering scripts" which had been the recipes over another but somehow we join their ment on every other page from local merchants, entrusted to a friend as a deathbed wish finally banquet of memories in creating any one of their patrons and friends. arrived from Terezin to an apartment on "cooking with their mouth" treasures...from a B'nai B'rith Women Cornhusker Chapter #1032 Manhattan's East Side decades later...to Mina woman at Terezin her recipe. compiled Tips 'n Tricks Cookbook. This labor of love Pachter's (one of the authors) daughter, Anny. was a typed, stapled, and self produced cookbook.

KARTOFFEL SALAT (POTATO SALAD) In the translated published book, a text and many Tips and tricks (remove stubborn odors in jars and drawings and sketches from the camp precede the 1 kilogram Kipfel potatoes bottles by soaking in a solution of water and dry recipes and further explain the creation of this (small horn-shaped potatoes) mustard and use a potato masher to chop eggs (a book, one of several known and survived cookbooks, 1 small ladle boiling broth or water pre-Cuisinart trick).

Oil by those who were "cooking with their mouths."

Some of the ingredients for these favorites aren't Vinegar The recipes are given in their original language easily obtainable...veal breast to stuff, schmaltz (I and translated into English, as are the poems and Salt & pepper do make this whenever I buy lots of chickens and letters included. These recipes of memory are for Onion hide it in the freezer because there really isn't a Tobsch and Linzer tortes and many other sweet Apples substitute) isn't used very much anymore. A recipe dreams, dumpling of many kinds, and kuchen and Herring that is one of my favorites was included (although I schnaps and other edible recollections. The ingredi- Cucumber pickles slice the peaches), as with many things what was ents and measurements are given as they could be Mayonnaise to taste old is new again.

Boil potatoes in their jackets. Peel and cut. remembered and pictured in their mind's eye...a Pour over small ladle boiling broth or water. special glass or spoon...

PEACH AND CREAM PIE (KANSAS STYLE) Add oil, then vinegar, salt, pepper, onion, apples, Cara De Silva, who edited this cookbook and is "an 6 large peaches (halved) award-winning journalist who specializes in ethnic- herring, cucumber pickles.

1/2 cup sugar If mayonnaise is used, pour it over hot. ity" and a teacher of food and culture, will be one of 3 Tablespoons flour 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon almond extract 3/4 cup cream Passcwei*

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Peel peaches and arrange in heat proof pie plate (cut side down). Mix sugar, flour, spices and cream.

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Serve warm with cream or chilled whipped cream.

Greater Omaha Cook Book, compiled under the supervision of the Sisterhood of Temple Israel in 1916, sold at that time for $1 and was "presented to the housekeeper with the confidence that it contains many new and carefully selected recipe of appetizing dishes, which have been tried and tested" (although there are some obvious typographical errors).

The recipes are listed in the front in sections.

Many recipes contain unfamiliar names, terms and techniques...brewing Postum for 20 minutes, Barches (braided bread), "put some butter in a spider", "a cup of blood warm water", Thimbles (a thimble full of dough that is then fried), Matzos Crimsels (fried matzo, raisin, almond & egg) Matzos Kloesse (Matzo, onion, goose fat & ginger soup dumplings), but many are up-to-date...apple fritters, flapjacks, cheese souffle, chocolate ice cream, potato salad and such.

This is a archival charmer... the ads further illustrate the bygone era...Jello, Triscuit, the Orpheum (the "only High Class Vaudeville Circuit") and Karo are still around.

Even then the benefits of flaxseeds were known.

In the 'Invalid Dishes' section here is a suggestion.

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Page 54

September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE-

Wear Diamonds!

by JOAN K. MARCUS ———• ' At age 91, Helen Brodkey may be small but she is still mighty! The matriarch of the Brodkey family was born in Sioux City to Abe and Rebecca Rushall Friedman. She and her sisters, Dorothy, Esther Friedman Lederer (Ann Landers) and Pauline Friedman Philips (Dear Abby) were active in Jewish activities in the vibrant Jewish community.

Helen remembers her childhood as "wonderful, with so many things going on." The family attended Shaare Zion Synagogue and she graduated from Central High. "We were busy," Helen recalled, "I have wonderful, warm memories."

When she was only 16, Helen came to Omaha for a party. It was there that she met a young David Brodkey. "It was love at first sight," she smiled, "and neither one of us ever dated anyone else. Any chance we had, we were together." They were married in the Chieftain Hotel in Council Bluffs on Aug. 6, 1933.

Because of the Great Depression, Helen and Dave lived with his mother, Eitel Brodkey, for three years after their marriage. "We knew that we would have to live with his mother because nobody had any mone}'. It was a matter of economical survival."

Ron Brodkey recalls that Brodkey Jewelers began as a pawnshop on 14th and Douglas Streets. "The sign on the front of the store said 'loans,'" he explained. "They also sold musical instruments, glasses, general merchandise (without apparel) and anything that you could pawn!"

Helen recalls that when Dave could draw $35 a week out of the store, they moved into a house at 4568 Shirley. There were many Jewish families in the area. However, Dave had no time to be active in the Omaha Jewish community because he was busy trying to make a living.

Dave was the youngest of six children who all worked in the pawnshop. After the death of their father, Morris Brodkey, Sarah Dansky, the oldest sister, asked her husband, Dr. Isadore Dansky, to

come into the business to help. "Doc came in to help my grandmother keep the creditors away from the door!" he said. "Also, my father had a little bi1 nl money saved from hi-> paper route and he sa^ ed the business from going under. Remember! He was the baby of the family!"

Later on, Edward t •' - .

Brodkey, another brother, ,*', wanted to get married and the one store wouldn't support another family.

So, they opened another store on 15th and Harney Helen Brodkey's sisters, Pauline Philips and Eppie Lederer, (left and and named it Edwards right of Helen, center) better known as the columnists: Dear Abby and Jewelers. Another sister, Ann Landers, joined the rest of the Brodkey family in the summer of Esther Sherman, opened 2001 for Helen's 90th birthday. the Silk Shop next door!

Sherman and I are the only two from this genera"There was a lot of trying to provide for all the tion," he explained. "The rest of the cousins decided Brodkeys," Ron noted. "There was also a lot of com- to become doctors and lawyers and left Omaha. ing and going at the family home at 3322 Webster. Those were the years of the tremendous 'brain There were always kids waiting to have a place to drain' in Nebraska." work before they could move out and marry."

With the advent of shopping centers, Brodkeys Bob Brodkey, Ron's brother was born in 1940 and rushed to developers to see if they had space for jewthat was about the time of expansion for the jewel- elers. Since Brodkeys already had a name, they ry stores. "After World War II, in 1946, the family were considered a combination of family and chain began to wonder how they would support more store. In early years, Dave Brodkey came up with members of the family with only two stores. So, they the idea of live radio commercials. That's when he went to Fremont and opened the first store out of coined the phrase, "Meet the Brodkey boys, wear town. By this time, they were all jewelry stores-- diamonds!" except for the Fremont store-that one had phonoRon remembers his family as being a hands-on, graph records" management type of bunch. There was no hankyThe expansion continued to South Omaha, panky, playing golf or vacations," he laughed. "Dad Columbus and Grand Island. In the 1960s, the brought his work home at night and began doing it malls began and that created more expansion. from the minute dinner was cleared. People were "I came into the business in 1958 and my cousin (Continued on next page) J

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 55

Wear Diamonds!

(Continued from previous page) •— paid a dollar a week. Dad would call them and remind them their payment was due! That's the way each member of the family was trained. Each family member had a responsibility."

He remembers working in the stores when he was very young and never wanting to do anything else. With the advent of credit cards and malls, the family met with real competition and had to expand creative marketing strategies.

"The Brodkey Boys could turn on a dime," Ron explained. "Dave, Ed and Fred were on the cutting edge of the promotional retail environment.

Today, as you look around, it's impossible to find a 100 year-old chain into its fourth generation!"

Brodkeys has survived the Great Depression and several wars. In 1970, Brodkey left the jewelry business to join Bridal Fair, a division of radio station KOIL. He returned to the family business in 1975 after the death of Fred Brodkey. Dave Brodkey died in 1976, leaving Ron and Sherman Brodkey to run the business.

"The diamond business is built on a handshake and your word . is your bond," Ron added. "My brother and I were raised to have integrity, stability and responsibility. That has carried over into our own lives."

His parents, Dave and Helen made a Jewish home with candlelighting on Friday night and putting money in the Bluebox-the Jewish National Fund tzedakah box. Whatever else happened on Friday, the family was a home and there was always money set-aside for charity.

"We never missed Talmud Torali or Sunday school-even when Mom had to put chains on the tires in order to get us there!"

Ron attended college at University of Oklahoma at Norman. It was close enough so he would be home for vacations to work in the stores. He recalls "sidewalk sales" during the summers-pushing all the merchandise out on to the sidewalk in 100° weather!

While still in college, Ron met Beth Gladstein. They were married in Oklahoma City on June 28, 1959.

"We moved into Grandma's apartment on 49th and Underwood," he laughed. "I was making $85 a week and we saved money because we had no car, I was learning the business from Uncle Fritz (Fred). Later, when we bought a house, we still didn't have a car and Uncle Fritz bought us an electric garage door opener as a housewarming gift!"

Beth and Ron have two adult children: Sharon, an executive with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Alfred Mark who owns A. Brodkey Jewelry Company. Their grandson, Sharon's son, is Ari Yoel.

Sharon also teaches pre-teens in Temple Israel's religious school.

Beth, of course, is a businesswoman in her own right. She owned a luggage and gift store, Bags & Baggage, for

many years until it was bought by Landmark Luggage. She learned many of her merchandising and marketing ideas from her "membership" in the Brodkey family.

Ron says his mother was president of everything, but Hadassah was and still is her life. Some of her mentors were: Rebecca Wolf, Rose Zeigman,

us to care about people."

Ron has served on the Federation Board, its Budget & Allocation and Buildings and Grounds Committees and was chairman of the Aquatics Department of the Jewish Community Center. He remains active at Temple Israel where he is on the Dues Equalization and Executive

The Brodkey family: Alfred, standing left; seated: Sharon Brodkey-Yoel and son, Ariel, Beth and Ron;

Ron, however, retired from Brodkey Jewelry in 2000.

"My cousin Sherman and his son, Mark, brought the organization to a peak," Ron laugheH, "so I decided to be the first member of my family in 100 years to retire when I was off the payroll and not wait until I die."

His father and uncles passed on the

Helen Brodkey; Bob a n d Florence; their daughter Naomi, and son, David, standing.

Rose Weitz, Kitty Frank and Sadie Committees. He and Beth continue to Kulakofsky—women who maintained volunteer for the Annual Campaign the Hadassah Medical Hospital and were part of the hundreds of volthrough their fundraising efforts in unteers who housed athletes for the Omaha. recent JCC Maccabi Games.

Brodkey added that the basis for his and BOD'S "Jewishness" was probably the involvement of their mother in Hadassah.

"She was the Hadassah Bargain Box lady for many years," he noted. "She was out morning, noon and night looking for merchandise for the store so they could make money for the hospital. She even got Sam Greenberg from Phillips Department Store to arrange the windows and paint signs to impreve business!"

Helen recalls that Rose Blumkin came one day to buy the contents of the store for flood victims in Sioux Falls. 'Mrs. B.' met Helen at the store and offered to buy all the merchandise for $6000. Helen responded, "Eight thousand would be better!" Mrs. B. wrote the check and the two matriarchs struck a deal!

"You can look around Omaha and you just won't find a family that has survived ups and downs the way the Brodkey family has," Ron insisted.

"We have learned from our -parents, who were the retailers of the century.

My father and uncles were so progressive and so on the ball. Learning from them was better than any Harvard MBA could ever be! They were With Our Independent patient-they let us experiment and fail-and learn by doing. They gave us good management skills and taught

Jewish value, the reputation and the honor of the family name, according to Ron, and the honor of the responsibility to him and his generation. Now it's up to the next.

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May the Sharing in the Wine Enhance the Prospects for the New Year

September 6, 2002

Adversity Made Them Stronger, Better

by GARY JAVITCH — — —

Carol and Alan Parsow have had more than their share of adversity.

During their 31 years of marriage, they each saw a younger sibling die, all three of their children experienced major med' ical problems, and Alan, a type A personality, had a heart attack and bypass surgery-all before he reached the age of 40.

Also, during their married life, Alan's mother passed away from heart disease.

Through it all, Carol has remained steady, bending but not breaking. Aptly named "Saint Carol" by friends Ron and Irv Parsow family: Dan, left, Carol and Alan, Michael and Josh.

Blumkuij she has been the backbone and support for the family. And, despite developmental disabilities. It is a designation that all the travails, the couple has maintained an applies to her first and third sons. Those sons have upbeat outlook on life and has managed to give a lot a hereditary condition known as 'fragile X' syndrome. 'Fragile X' refers to the defective "X" chroback to the community.

Both Alan and Carol were born and raised in mosome in the gender-related XX or XY chromoNebraska. Both of their families are still here. somes.

According to the Foundation of the same name, Both have been sweethearts since high school.

They, nevertheless, initially attended different col- "fragile X' causes a wide range of mental impairment, from mild learning disabilities to severe menleges in different cities after high school.

Carol went to Missouri and completed her studies tal retardation. It is the most common cause of at UNMC, getting a BS in Medical Technology. genetically-inherited mental impairment. (See Alan attended UCLA, eventually returning to the www.fragilex.org for more information) Carol wants to broaden family awareness of those Cornhusker state to graduate from UNL with a degree in the classics, while minoring in art history with long-term developmental disabilities of the and accounting. After graduation, he joined the need to address both the immediate problems of family business, an upscale clothing store owned by care and the critical financial and legal issues that will take place many years down the road. his father, Sol, in Kiewit Plaza.

Alan has been active in the community, too. He Kaewit Plaza also happened to be the business home of Warren Buffet and a brokerage firm. has always supported the Jewish community, parPerhaps it was the proximity and influence of the ticularly when youth were involved. When "Oracle of Omaha" that eventually led Alan away Schindler's List came out, for example, he paid the from Parsow's Fine Clothing to start his own costs for schools to send their students to theaters to see the movie. In conjunction with this, he and investment company.

Or was it, as Alan claims, a decision that followed the ADL helped arrange informative panel discushis winning a bet with his brother Jay when Alan sions at the schools with Holocaust survivors, like was only 18? The two had wagered over who could Lola Reinglas and Cantor Leo Fettman, among pick a stock that would gain most in value. Alan's others. A major benefactor of Beth El Synagogue, choice went from $30 to $10. His brother's pick his philanthropic emphasis remains on youth projwent from $26 to zero, when the company went ects, education, and Jewish institutions that will benefit the entire community. bankrupt; so Alan won.

Carol marvels at Alan. He helps a lot of people Alan's business success, written up in Fortune and other publications, has given them some freedom to quietly in different ways. He prefers it that way. make some choices about their expenditure of time For example, in several recent situations where a and money. While Carol has held several medical- spouse died, he has served the surviving partner as ly related jobs, she has gained the most satisfaction a financial advisor. That is a side of Alan that a lot of people don't know, Carol said. He doesn't want from her volunteering her time in the community.

"It was the suggestion of Lee Jane Parsow, my people to know all the nice things he has done.

She notes that he has become more sensitive to mother-in-law," Carol said, "that first got me involved in the community with the Dr. Sher Home others over the years. He used to let little things (the predecessor of the Rose Blumkin Jewish "get to him." Alan, who is a lot calmer, attributes it Home)." That kindled her interest in community to the aftermath of "the year." That was in 1983 when his middle son, Danny, was diagnosed with service and she began serving on other boards.

"Of all the board positions, I have held, the Jewish non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. (Non-Hodgkin's lymFamily Service is closest to my heart. As a board phomas are cancers of the lymphatic system.) That member, I can work towards several goals that are was also the year that Josh and Michael were diagof particular personal importance to me," Carol nosed with 'fragile X.' A month later, Alan had a said. "It's very exciting heading up the special heart attack, Today, Alan is well; Elkhorn High School graduneeds committee.

"Our goals include getting developmentally dis- ates Josh and Michael Parsow are both doing fine. abled (a generic term to describe a mental impair- Josh works at the JCC while Michael has a job at ment that prevents an individual from acting at Super Target. Danny, in remission now for many their appropriate age level.) people integrated into years, is an economics graduate from the University the community, educating people about that kind of of Wisconsin and is employed by Hibernia Foods in disability, and providing programming for services their main office in Dublin, Ireland. that are lacking. These might include 'wrapBoth parents try to be as active with the kids as around' services for people who need to see a doctor, they can, taking them out to social and public but have no transportation. Or people who need events, playing golf together, and doing volunteer respite care." work. Michael recently accompanied Carol to help The committee is also working on a mentor-type stuff welcome bags for the JCC Maccabi Games and program where volunteers could be trained to be a to package honey for the New Year at Beth El. As friend to the developmentally disabled, providing a family, they have gone on many trips together.

Having lived through some difficult times, they transportation or being a sounding board for a family. Carol wants to work for a wider acceptance of feel they have learned a great deal about "the real meaning of life." That's why they will continue to all disabilities.

Carol has a special reason for her interest in serve the community.

September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 57

Seeing the Big Picture

by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor

Omaha can claim credit for a number of volunteers who rose to national prominence-Phil Klutznick, who not only served as President of B'nai B'rith International, but also as Secretary of Commerce; Sam Beber, who founded AZA and served on the National Jewish Welfare Board (now Jewish Community Centers Association) as well as International B'nai B'rith; and, of course, Henry Monsky, who also became President of International B'nai B'rith, served one the national board of the National Chest (now United Way) and on the board of the Joint Distribution Committee.

But Anne Shackman was the first woman from Omaha to serve on the National Board of the United Jewish Appeal's (now United Jewish Communities) Women's Campaign.

And it started with her involvement with ARTZA, Omaha's community teen trip to Israel.

She was already active with the Jewish Federation and in fact, was cochairing the local Women's Campaign here with Julee Katzman in 1989.

"I forced my oldest daughter, Rim, to go on the trip," Anne recalled. "She was too old to go to camp, but she really resisted. I had wanted to visit Israel my whole life and hadn't made it at this point.

"Two days into the trip, Kim called to say 'thank you,'" she added with a smile. "By the end of the four-week trip, she couldn't wait to get home and show me all her pictures!"

Not long after Kim returned with ARTZA, Zoe Riekes spotted Anne in the parking lot of the JCC. She got out of her car and said to Anne, "They're putting together a community mission to Israel for June of 1991. I'm going.

Think about it."

Riekes drove away, but the thought was planted.

"My first trip to Israel," Shackman thought. Little did she know how much it would change her life.

The impressions of that mission are unforgettable, she acknowledged. She recalled the applause and the singing when the El Al jet touched down at Ben Gurion Airport, welcoming newly arrived Jews from the former Soviet Union in the pre-dawn hours on the tarmac, and crying at Yad Vashem when Cantor Leo Fettman pointed out a picture of his brother and father being led to the gas chambers of Auschwitz.

"I was so thrilled to be a part of that," she said, noting that one of the other highlights of this first trip was meeting Ethiopian Jews at Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar, just two days after they had arrived in Israel.

That first trip led to dozens of others.

It wasn't long before women in leadership positions on the regional level began to take notice. Shackman was soon asked to head the Missions Committee for the Midwest Region, to promote a National Women's Mission to Czechoslovakia and Israel. That position put on her on the Regional Board with fellow Omahan Bobbie Epstein.

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She made cold calls to women she had never met; it was the first time so many women from the midwest would participate in a national mission.

Author and Holocaust survivor Gerda Klein, and her husband, Kurt, accompanied the women on this trip. It was Gerda's first trip back to Poland since the end of World War II. "This was a very emotional mission," Shackman recalled. "I became very close with the Kleins. Whenever I'd see them, they'd greet me with 'Anne from Omaha!'"

As a young girl, having read the Diary of Anne Frank, Shackman became a devotee of Holocaust education. This ultimately led her to chair a major undertaking in Omaha.

Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of the Anti-Defamation League had an opportunity to bring Anne Frank

Left photo: Anne Sliiie-kman addresses a community rally after the start of the second intifada in Israel, Oct. 2000. Above: Anne met Princess Sarvath el Hassan at the Basman Palace in Amman in 1995.

Below: the Lion of Judah mission to Turkey and Israel, 1992.

Remembered, a hands-on educational exhibit to Omaha. And who should walk into his office one day after chairing the Omaha Women's Campaign? Shackman told Bob that she "needed a break" and was looking for something "different." Wolfson smiled-and Shackman had a new job.

(Continued on next page)

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September 6, 2002

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"It was one of the most emotional experiences I've ever had," she admitted. "She added so much to my knowledge of that time in history," It served her well during the Anne Frank exhibit.

Co-chairing this major undertaking with Janet Kratina, an old friend from Anne's days in Junior League, the women secured corporate sponsorship from the community.

"Omaha was so supportive of something that was so Jewish, yet had such a universal message," Shackman said. "As a former teacher, I couldn't help but be impressed with the educational opportunities this subject offered the city."

More than 40,000 students, teachers and members of the public viewed the exhibit or participated in workshops-one of the largest in Omaha. It also gave Shackman the opportunity to develop special relationships.

"To this day, the important impact was meeting survivors, hearing their stories and learning from people like Irene Opdyke, who hid Jews during the war," she said.

"Working on the Anne Frank exhibit made me truly question what I would have done had I been in their situations," Shackman explained "Would I be able to save someone and put my ow n life at risk? Where would I hide? Would I have followed along with the crowd or would I have foughl?"

In fact, on a later ARTZA trip, Shackman arranged for a simulated journey when she took the teens into Haifa Bay. They were stopped by militar, ships and then taken to Atlit prison, the same prison where the British put refugees trying to enter Palestine in 1947.

"I wanted to give the kids a sense of what it hiid been like for those refugees at that time," she noted Journeying to Israel added another dimension. Tt gave Shackman a renewed and stronger pride in being a Jew and a better understanding of why v. c need a Jewish homeland.

"There isn't any way for a person to feel that kind of pride and have that kind of understanding until they go to Israel and see for themselves," she insihied.

Shackman was so successful at increasing mission participation and increasing the gifts of women on those missions that she was asked to serve on the National Board of Women's Campaign.

"I had been on several missions by now and had heard the women on the National Board speak.

They were so articulate and passionate. They knew so much about Israel and the situation of Jews world-wide," she said. "It was a bit daunting to be part of that, but I realized that people were now looking to me for more and more information."

Shackman's role now included more than just recruiting for missions and soliciting women. She was asked to be a liaison to the Dallas Women's Campaign, ran workshops at national meetings and spoke to other regions on how to put missions together and recruit successfully.

"I'm a teacher at heart," she laughed. "That's part of why I liked working on missions."

Incorporating Israel into her life was "a natural."

Her trips to Israel continued, some with the National Women's Campaign, some on behalf of the Omaha Jewish community, and once, just with her family, which became a forerunner of her chairmanship of a National Family Mission.

"I wanted Kim, Kelly and Jon to picture where I was when I called from Israel," Shackman admitted. "If I spoke to them from Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar in the Galilee, I knew they'd think of Beth Seldin-Dotan and her family. If I called from Jerusalem, they'd think of Ben Yehuda Street or the Wall."

Involvement with her own children led her back to the beginning~to ARTZA. She secured more than

$100,000 in grant money from local and national foundations to fund two more Omaha community teen trips. And her persistence paid off when the Jewish Federation Board of Directors instituted an automatic $1000 grant for every Jewish teen to go to Israel once during high school.

All in all, Shackman has made nearly 30 visits to Israel, but she learned something new on every trip.

Whether it was making new lifelong friends among her peers on the National Board or adding a new fact about Israel and the Middle East to her vast knowledge, the trips were always inspiring.

"The 1990s were an idyllic time there," she said wistfully. "I never felt safer. We'd walk late at night and never worry.

"I don't know when I'll be back, but I just know I will!"

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Photos, from top: Anne, right, organized her own personal family mission in 1992 for her children, Kim, left, Kelly and Jon, Anne and Zoe Riekes, right, met with Knesset member Yael Dyan at a Midwest Regional UJA Women's Conference in the 1990s. Anne and son, Jon, share a moment after visiting Yad Vashem on their own family mission. Anne, center, accompanied a group of Omaha young leaders to Israel , including Scott and Heidi Schneiderman, left, and Jenny and Scott Meyerson in 1994.

September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 59

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Remembering Omaha (Continued from page 4 3 ) - — - — After graduation, her brother Ben ents taught themselves how to speak asked her to stay home and work in English and her mother would ask the store until he graduated from col- customers in the store how to cook. lege and law school. Sally agreed and "America was good to my parents and he went on to college. After his gradu- they loved being here," Sally recalled. ation from law school, he "There were at least 50 reldied and this delayed atives here and we visited Sally's college entrance. each other. It was a great Sally took the opportuway to grow up and I never nity to learn other things. felt different because I was She became an avid horsea Jew. We mingled with woman and took all kinds everybody!" of classes. "I have always When the Jewish been hungry for knowlCommunity Center was edge and I love to take built on 20th and Dodge classes," she added.

Streets, the family would When she was working take the streetcar to get in the grocery store, she there. For a time, Beth El would greet the salesmen Synagogue met at the 'J' as they came in. A young Sally Venger t o o L a t e r j Sally helped to man named Abe Venger came to stock start the first Jewish preschool. the tobacco shelves and she became In later years, she studied real smitten with him. estate at the University of Nebraska "After a few dates, I knew I wanted at Omaha and became a broker. She to marry him because he was a dar- still considers herself a community ling person," she smiled. "We were volunteer and has served as President of the Y.E.S. group, worked in the tickmarried in 1937."

Sally and. Abe Venger had two et office at the Omaha Community daughters, Nancy Hornstein and Enid Playhouse and was also a docent at Wenner. Nancy has three children Joslyn Art Museum. and Enid has two. Sally also has two "I never had any problem with being great-grandchildren. Abe Venger Jewish in Omaha. I read the Jewish developed a heart condition and died Press and see how generous and conin 1977. Sally remembers Abe as a siderate our people are! I'm so proud dear person who was a wonderful hus- of being a Jew in Omaha!" she added. band and father.

Her secret for living a long life is to Despite her 94 years, Sally Venger eat right, exercise and always be optihas a young attitude about life. Her mistic! She admonishes people to try to keep up with world events and motto is "Never waste a minute."

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Page 60

Jewish Press 5 Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

[

Young Leadership Award Winners

by JEWISH PRESS News Service

—

Justin Greenberg Memorial Young Leadership Award Recipients 1976: Frank Goldberg & Ann Goldstein 1977: Ruth Erman & Richard Zacharia 1978: Saranne Gitnick & Marvin Polikov 1979: Joseph Ermari, Sanford Friedman & Terri Zacharia 1980: Larry Chester 1981: Jay Lerner 1982: Ronald Glick & Howard Epstein 1983: Norman Sheldon 1984: Carl Greenberg & Michael Katzman 1985: Robert Yaffe 1986: Robert Gordman 1987: Neal Malashock 1988: Forrest Knitter 1989: Steve Nogg 1990: Steve Pitlor 1991: Barry Siff 1992: Mark Belmont 1993: Michael Abramson 1994: Joel Aiperson 1995: Bob Eisenberg 1996: Tom Vann 1997: Bob Belgrade 1998: Tim Zweiback 1999: Jeff Kirshenbaum Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award 2000: David Gilinsky 2001: David Goldberg Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award 1980: Leslie (Cookie Hoberman 1981: Sandy Nogg 1982: Cheryl Cooper 1983: Carol Katzman & Margo Riekes

1984: Margie Gutnik 1985: Sharon Cipperley 1986: Denise Greenberg 1987: Jody Malashock 1988: Patricia Newman 1989: Julee Katzman 1990: M'Lee Hasslinger 1991: Diane Malashock 1992: Debbie Friedman 1993: Bunny Rothenberg 1994: Jill Belmont 1995: Beth Friedman 1996: Sara Juster 1997: Cindy Goldberg 1998: Kim Noddle 1999: Wendy Goldberg 2000: Sally Zipursky 2001: Kimberly Robinson

Deb (who works in Boston and won the Teen Award in 1994), Ann, Don and Becca Goldstein, (who won a Teen Leadership award in 1990 as International N'siah-President of BBG~and is now at Harvard in graduate school.

Ann Goldstein was the very first recipient of Young Leadership award from the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Ann has "retired" from the Chamber of Commerce, where she managed the leadership development

program for adults: Leadership Omaha, and Young Leadership Omaha, a similar program for teens.

She's co-chaired the Women's Campaign with her good friend Cheryl Cooper, and has served as President of both Junior League and the Omaha Children's Museum, and on the boards of the National Council of Jewish Women, Planned Parenthood, Camp Fire Boys and Girls and Great Plains Girl Scouts.

As a participant hi the Melton program, Ann noted that she "believes that learning is life-long" and notes that winning the Young Leadership award gave her "a sense of responsibility and commitment to continue to serve others."

When Dick Zacharia won the award in 1977, he noted, "It's important to be active role models for our children and teach I them the importance of taking leadership roles and trying to make a difference." His wife, Terri won it in 1979.

Dick was recognized for serving as President of Henry Monsky Lodge of B'nai B'rith as well as on the Federation and JCC boards. He was also chairman of the Esther K. Newman Camp Committee. Today, he

continues his service to the community, serving on various committees at Temple Israel and for the Federation.

He also participated in one of the first Men's Missions to Israel.

Terri Zacharia won the award in 1979 because of her leadership on the JCC's Preschool committee, the JCC board and the Federation. Today, she's an account executive with Regal Awards, and continued to volunteer for the Women's Campaign. The Zacharias have three children: Brent, Kylie and Jamie, who married Ted Friedland last spring.

"This community has been good to me," Terri added, "and I've enjoyed giving back."

Ruth Erman was honored in 1977, also for her involvement in the young leadership group of the Federation.

"Winning this award validated my belief that serving the community is important," Erman said. "It was a way to make a difference."

She has served as a Vice-president for NCJW and Temple Israel Sisterhood and chaired Temple's book sale for two years. In addition, Ruth has served on the boards of the ADL, JFS and the Federation Library.

Erman continued her professional education and became a licensed counselor, working at Family Enrichment for 11 years.

She's married to Joe Erman, who won the award in 1979 when he was President of the Henry Monsky Lodge of B'nai B'rith, a member of the Federation's personnel practices committee and an adviser to Chaim (Continued on page 61)

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Page 61

Young Leadership Award Winners (Continued from p a g e 36) —~

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Weizmann AZA. He's continued serving the community, in the Federation's Annual Campaign, as a member of the board of the Highland Country Club and currently, as a member of the ADL board.

"I was particularly proud to win the young leadership award," Joe noted, "since it was named for Justin Greenberg, whom I knew and admired."

Ruth and Joe have two children, Mark, 30, and Dana, 27. Mark's an analyst with a hedge fund in Southern California; Dana received her MBA from Simmons College in Boston last month.

Another Henry Monsky Lodge President, M a r v P o l i k o v was also a member of numerous committees of both the JCC and the Federation, when he won the aw,ard in 1978.

He later went on to b e c o m e President of Sheila a n d Marvin Polikov the JCC, Cochairman of the Annual Campaign and a member of the Federation Foundation.

"I think winning the award motivated me to continue to help lead and guide, not only my family, but other families in the community, toward a better Jewish experience in Omaha," Polikov said. "It also help me set a standard and example for my children." He and his wife, Sheila, have three sons, Chad, Lance, and Ken, who's married to Jodi and have two children of their own, Rylan and Shayley.

S a r a n n e Gitnick, honored in 1979, served not only as President of the JCC, but later became only the second woman to serve as President of the Jewish Federation (Mary Fellman was the first).

She was honored for her volunteer work with the JCC as Chairman of t h e Women's Athletic Department, Chairman of t h e Children's Department, member of the Preschool committee. I was also Treasurer of the Beth El Sisterhood, and member of the Creche Child Care Center Board.

"After I received the award, I served as part of the committee to educate the Omaha citizenry on the need for and value of integration of the Omaha Public Schools and served as co-chairman of the task force on integration," she explained. "I aided in the formation and was co-founder with Bobbi Leibowitz of Seven Can Help. I also served on several committees of the Federation, then as Vicepresident and President." Saranne also served on the NJHS Board and then as its President."

She and her husband, former District C o u r t Judge Jerry Gitnick, • now live in .Scottsdale, AZ, where they enjoy ' '• 'J *• spending time with Andi, Zachary, Jerry, Ashleigh, Nann and Saranne. their two

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daughters, Nann and Andi, and their grandchildren, Ashleigh Horton 4, Zachary Kuiper, 2 1/2, Nicole Horton 2 1/2 months, and Tar a Kuiper, six weeks.

In 1979, S a n d y F r i e d m a n was honored for his service as President \ ' " .--•-. of the ADL and to tho; " ' ; Federation and Betli.' . j El boards. And he'.-., j still involved, tod.i\.' - ' _ , having served on 1 he , ' • ' ' * . \ j recent JCC Maccabi};,.-' ".'. ,V j Games steering com- r.'-'._. -1-'1' ] mittee, recognized for co-chairing the 1991 Games in Omaha.

He recently sold his [ '• ' «-V ' - " •' 1|| ( business, Customer''"-' *-—-1—-• * ~:—-!

Service Profiles, Inc. which has allowed him to "reinvolve myself' back on the Federation board as chairman of Planning and Evaluation and serve on the board of Jewish Senior Services. He and his wife, Amy, have two children, Andrea, 23, and Dusty, 2 1 .

•••--•--• "•""""

"The impact of receiving this award was primarily a strong reinforcement of my commitment to work and give back as much as possible to our amazing Omaha Jewish community," Friedman noted. "Our biggest challenge is now how do we perpetuate our community for our children and our children's children!"

Leslie-or as she is better known, Cookie Hoberman, also won the leadership award in 1980, renamed for the late Lois Jeanne Schrager.

A well-known media figure, Hoberman has been active in a variety of Jewish and nonJewish organizationsfrom the Jewish Federation and NCJW to Girls' Inc and I Planned Parenthood.

She and her husband, Jerry, are curJerry & Cookie rently involved as Hoberman volunteers with the Belvedere Academy, a program to motivate underserved elementary school students. Together, they've been honored by the National conference of Community and Justice, the Omaha Public Schools, the Living the Dream award during the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration, and the Nebraska PTA State Life Award.

"But family comes first," Cookie said about her three daughters, Lisa, Robin and Jennifer, son-inlaw David and grandchildren Ashley Ann and Brandon. "After all, making life a little better for those that follow us is what life is all about!"

Cheryl Cooper was the first chairman of the Tzedakah Committee for Jewish Family Service when shei was honored in 1982. She had also served as a" division leader in the!

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September 6, 2002

Young Leadership Award Winners

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boards of the Jewish Federation, Beth El, Junior League and United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism. She's worked for many years in public relations and marketing for Cox Communications, Discoveromaha.com and Cox Interactive Media.

Today, she's a marketing consultant.

"The r a w a r d j" humbled f

m e , " Gutnik said. "I volunteer because I love being part of making things Allison, Julie, Michael, Audi, happen, Margie and Bruce Gutnik. but even more because I could help build a viable Jewish community for my children."

She and her husband Bruce, have three daughters, Julie and Michael Levine, who live in Kansas City, Allison and Andi, who both live in Chicago.

Bob Yaffe won the award in 1985 as Chairman of the JCAC and of Super Sunday. He later became a volunteer ritual director at Beth El and acted as cantor for the high Holidays.

"I still sing as a cantor in Ohio for the High Holidays," Yaffe added, noting that "all the melodies I use I learned from Beth El Cantors Edgar and Berkovits."

All of this volunteer involvement led him from practicing law to becoming JCC Cultural Arts Director in Columbus, OH. After stints in Toledo and Winnepeg, Yaffe served as head of the Mayer Kaplan JCC in Chicago and is now regional director of adult services and cultural programming for the Kaplan and Horwich JCC. His daughter, Alicia, 24, made aliyah to Israel; daughter Angela, 26, works in law enforcement in Ohio. Married to Rita Scheer, Bob has two stepchildren, Marc, 25, and Abby, 20.

In 1987, husband and wife leaders Jody and Neal "Buzz" Malashock were recognized. Jody was a Vice-president of the JCC and a leader in the WOmen's Campaign., , _ Buzz was honored for [ .}. _ _ t his service to JFS.f'j'jj*1 the Federation and j the couple co-chaired [' the Challenge for ^ Leadership Program.

The Malashocks also took time for •v what might seem like small pieces of the community, but which had a big i impact: Buzz coached _ S i-V) 1.-1 his son's sports Ryan, Buzz, Jody teams at the JCC and Erin Malashock while Jody volunteered at her children's schools.

"I think Buzz and I were the first couple to receive the leadership awards in the same year," Jody recalled. "After 14 years, we're still proud to call ourselves 'volunteers!'"

Jody recently co-chaired the JCC Maccabi Games, along with Marcia Pitlor. Buzz, President of Malbar Vision Centers, added, "knowing that you are doing what you can to build and care for your community is its own reward."

• After a career in Jewish communal service, the pursuit of a PhD in psychology, another career as a child psychologist, marriage to- Jeff Newman and the birth of two children, Bobby, 12, and Emily, 10, Dr. Patricia Newman is still volunteering.

Honored in 1988 for program development and her work as President of both NCJW and the ADL, (Continued on page 63)

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award winner Ann Goldstein) and was Vice-president of NCJW. Though she taught school and worked at a bank, a women's clothing boutique and Events, Inc., Cooper considered herself a "stay-athome mom and volunteer."

"I've been inspired by those who came before me," Cooper admitted. "Receiving the award challenged me to remember the responsibility I have to continue to give back to the community I am bless to live in."

Howard Epstein was honored that same year for his service to Henry i Monsky Lodge and Jewish i Family Service, an agency which he later led. He continued as a volunteer, taking major positions with Beth El, serving as its President, taking an active role in the Federation's Annual Campaign and serving on the Federation! board as well as on the board of Suburban Rotary.

Epstein, who once worked in his family's business, is now a partner in the law firm of Liakos Epstein & Matukewicz and co-owner, with Peter Brodkey, of Cyrgus Company, selling educational science materials and supplies for classrooms.

Howard and his wife, Sharon, are the parents of Jason and his wife, Laurie, Jenny, and Emily.

"I learned a bit of recognition goes a long way," Epstein said. "Each time I've held a leadership role, I've made sure to thank and recognize those individuals for their tune, efforts and commitment."

Carol and Mike Katzman have both won leadership awards, Carol in 1983 and Mike in 1984.

Carol, who was a Vice-president for the JCC, later became President of NCJW and served on its national board. She is currently the Editor of the Jewish Press.

Mike, who recently sold the family business, Master craft Furniture, is currently a CPA in private practice, specializing in consulting for small businesses. He served twice as President of the Friedel Jewish Academy, as Treasurer of the Federation, and currently serves as Treasurer for the Omaha Center for Torah Learning.

The Katzmans have four children-Melissa, 24, and Jeff, 22~both winners of Teen Leadership awards-Rachel, 17, and Avigail, 14.

Norm Sheldon was active on the boards of the JCC, his synagogue and BBYO, when he was honored in 1983. He later went on to become President of the JCC and now chairs Federation's Budget & Allocation committee and is back on the Federation. "(Winning the award) provided the impetus to continue to volunteer in the community," he said.

He and his wife, Susy, i, have been married for 32 '•'. years. They first came to j Omaha when Norm was accepted to Creighton University Dental School "and stayed!" He still practices and owns Horizon Dental Center.

Their daughter, Lisa, lives in Scottsdale; Wendy and Adam Raffel live in Highland Park, IL, with their two children, Benjamin, 2, and Jordan Daniel, born a month ago on July 30.

Margie Gutnik, too, served as JCC President, and was honored in 1983 for her leadership for that agency, as well, as for Hadassah, NCJW and the Jewish Cultural Arts Council (JCAC).

Gutnik later served as President of the Metro Omaha Medical Society, and as a member of the

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September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Young Leadership Award Winners

Greetings and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year

(Continued from page 63)

Jeff, Emily, Bobby and Patricia Newman Newman has taken up where she left off-improving the quality of life for women and children. Today, she's the Director of the Yellow Dress project which aims at reducing domestic violence among teens. "(Winning the award) strengthened my commitment to continue working towards making the world a healthier happier and safer place for children and families," Newman added.

She worked for the Girl Scouts as Director of the Yellow Dress project, aimed at preventing domestic violence among teens, and now works for Catholic Charities as coordinator for their school counseling program.

She currently works as the Assistant Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, but in 1989, Julee Katzman was "unpaid staff-honored as President of Beth Israel Sisterhood and Hadassh, Co-chairing the Women's Campaign and serving on the Federation's Budget & Allocation Committee. She's been to Israel four times on Federation missions and still serves on Beth Israel's board. "(I was) very proud to have been selected," Katzman noted. "It gave me renewed enthusiasm and love for this community." She and her husband, Rick, have a 20-year-old son, Jacob, a student at Columbia College in Chicago.

The following year, M'Lee Hasslinger was recognized for her leadership on the Beth El Synagogue board. She's been on and off that board for a dozen years, serving as President of Beth El Sisterhood and, after obtaining her MSW, volunteering as a therapist for a local shelter.

She's also Larry, M'Lee, taught Sarah and Jessica classes for the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and is currently a social worker at the Richard Young Center and performs behavioral health consults for a local hospital's emergency •room.

"Volunteering in the community has always been important to me," Hasslinger said; "It is a value we have tried to share with our children."

She and her husband Larry, have two daughters, Sarah, 20, and Jessica, 18.

Diane Malashock "will do just about anything" for her children's schools-for baking cakes to organizing carnivals. In 1991, however, she was selected for the Young Leadership Award for her service to both NCJW and JFS. She continues to volunteer for JFS, delivering holiday meals for those in need, and most recently, coordinated the meals for the JCC Maccabi Games.

Her most intensive volunteer effort

was a two-year commitment for the Omaha Public Schools on their Desegregation Task Force. She continues to i work on ;h< Federation -.

A n n u <i 1 Women'Campaign too.

When asked about the imp.')' t the award had on her.

Malashcx.';; replied, " Ii was an Andrew, Larry, honor just to Michelle, Diane and be nominatJeffrey Malashock ed. To be included with those who had received the award before me and those who have received it since has made me realize how important it is to continue to instill in our children the spirit of tzedakah."

She and her husband, Larry, have three children: Michelle, a junior at KLT, Andrew, a senior at Burke, and Jeffrey, an eighth-grader at Beveridge Middle School.

Another NCJW leader, Debbie Friedman, won the award in 1992.

Not only did she serve as President of

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Debbie, Scott, Angela and Jennifer Friedman NCJW, but also as President of Temple Israel Sisterhood. She was also selected to participate in Leadership Omaha and received NC JW's Distinguished Service Award.

Since then, Friedman has served as Chairman of the Adult Board of BBYO, and on the boards of JFS and Temple Israel. "(Winning the award) gave me confidence to continue to pursue my community involvement," Friedman noted, "and it enabled me to mentor others to volunteer in areas they feel passionate about."

Today, Friedman works as a senior relocation specialist for First Data Resources. She and her husband, Scott, have two daughters, Jennifer, a sophomore at Bradley University, and Angela, 15, a sophomore at Central.

The Friedmans are fifth-generation members of Temple Israel and have attended Central for four generations!

Mike Abramson and Bunny Rothenberg won the award the following year. Mike was President of B'nai B'rith at the time and also served on a number of Federation committees. He has since served on the board of Beth El—as- its President—and on the boards of the JCC and JSS. He has also chaired Omaha's Workforce Development Board.

"Receiving the award made community service vital and important to me and my family," he said.

A CPA, Abramson is a partner in Frankel, Zacharia, Arnold, Nissen, Stamp and Rensch. He and his wife, Sheri, are the parents of Bradley, 16, Erin, 13, and Jaime, 10.

(Continued on page 64)

Page 63

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

Young leadership Award Winners (Continued from page 63)——-—— Bunny Rothenberg was not only a leader in NCJW, she was involved in various aspects of the Federation, from young leadership development to the Women's Campaign. She also .served on the boards of JFS and the JCC, chairing the JCC's Child Development Committee.

Today she works full-time as a remedial reading teacher and instructional facilitator at Bryan Elementary School. But she has continued volunteering—with NCJW, as Co-chair of Confronting Anti-Semitism for the ADL, as a member of the Yellow Dress committee for JFS, and, with her husband, steve, as chairman of the Prairie Lane and Westside Middle School Booster Clubs.

The Rothenbergs are the parents of Alexis, a senior at Westside, and twin sons: Ian and Max, freshmen.

"I have never expected recognition for what I do," Bunny said. "This was a wonderful surprise!"

Honored in 1995 for her service to NCJW and the Federation, Beth Friedman later went on to serve as NCJW President and is currently a National Commissioner. She has also served on the boards of Beth El, JCC and Omaha Theatre Company for Young People.

Friedman is a student account representative at Nebraska Methodist College and co-owns Organization Works, a fledgling home computer consulting business.

Zweiback was a founding member of Junior Pacesetters, a division of the Annual Campaign. He currently serves on the boards of Jewish Senior Services, the Bemis Center and the C.W. Youth Center. He runs his own business, Zweiback Capital Consulting; he and his wife, Amy are expecting a baby any day now!

Wendy Goldberg and her co-chairman Kimberley Robinson were first honored in 1998 for their coordination of the JCC's expansion of its Child Development Center. The following year, Goldberg was honored with the leadership award, while Robinson was recognized in 2001, along with Wendy's husband, David Goldberg.

David, who has held positions with Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation's A n n u a l Campaign, is most proud of his

behind-the' Wendy and David scenes work Goldberg with the Chevra Kadishe, the ritual burial association.

Most active in Women of Reform Judaism, Wendy has served as its President and is now in charge of email communication for Temple's entire congregation. She also serves on temple's Long Range Planning Committee and on NCJW's Benchmark committee.

"It's nice to be recognized by my peers," said Goldberg of her award, "and to be an example to our children, Joe, 12, Molly, 10 and Sophie, 7, of tikkun oiam—repairing the world."

Immediately after the recent JCC Maccabi Games, Jeff Kirshenbaum Beth, Alan, 17, and Mike, 12 took over as President of the JCC. It's "Making the world a better place for one of a long list of volunteer positions (my sons) has always been my pri- for which he was honored in 1999. mary motivation in my volunteer Involved in the redevelcareer," Friedman added.

In 1996, Tom. Vann was honored opment of JCC with the award for his fundraising the campus, he efforts for the spearheaded Federation. the Health & V "?

Following in PE and his late father's footBuilding' & steps, Vann is Grounds also active in committees' Rotary. close watch on the new Sokolof Fitness Center. He's also headed the "I realized Young Men's Division of the that a little Campaign and was a member of time and I effort on my part can make a pretty JOLT--Jewish Omaha LEadership substantial impact on the lives of peo- Training. ple who need help," said Vann. He's "To be recognized and included in the father of two children, Michael, that group (of leaders) is overwhelm12, andZoe, 10. ing," he said. "As my generation marKim Noddle and Tim Zweiback ries and has children, it is our responwon the leadership award in 1998. sibility to take on leadership roles Noddle was honored for her leader- that will help our community grow ship in NCJW, the Young Women's and thrive."

Campaign of the Federation and He and his wife, Sharon (Young Temple Israel. She has since gone on Leadership Director of. the to become President of Omaha Section Federation) have two daughters, of NCJW, a position she currently Alyssa, 6, and Lauren, 4.

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(Editor's note: The Jewish Press has She and her published those profiles and photos of husband, Jay, both Young Leadership and Teen both born and Leadership award winners received by raised in the deadline. Readers will find stories Omaha, . are about some of our other Young the parents of Leadership Award winners-Joel three chil- Alperson, Sally Zipursky, and of d r e n : course, current Federation President Rebecca, Sam Steve Pitlor in Sections One and Two and Aaron. of this special issue.)

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by GARY JAVITCH ,

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 65

_

On the heels of the highly successful JCC Maccabi Games, the Jewish Federation of Omaha is set to launch five projects to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its founding.

Several of the projects will be ongoing and all will honor our Omaha community and Jewish tradition.

The five activities, detailed in an article by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director, (on page four of the first section of this issue) includes: a film fest, frequent articles in the Jewish Press, entitled "This Week in Omaha Jewish History," a permanent exhibit to honor the establishment and history of the Federation created by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, and a professionally prepared photo collection, tentatively titled The Seasons of Jewish Omaha.

Finally, all these activities will be acknowledged at the Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Omaha next June, 2003.

Planning for these events started with a meeting quite a few months ago in the home of Murray Newman.

He and his brother Bob hosted a brainstorming session on different ways to celebrate the centennial.

"Many ideas were discussed," Murray stated. "There were a wide variety of suggestions (besides the ones listed above) that included a 'reunion dinner.' That seemed to generate a great deal of interest."

't f

1

liiiilliS, ^ Murray Newman Bob Newman (Editor's note: It was appropriate Murray's wife, Sharee is a past co-chairthat the Newman brothers chair this man of the Women's Campaign.) year of anniversary celebrations. After The goal of the kind of anniversary all, their father, Jules Newman, was a dinner the Newmans envision would longtime leader and philanthropist; be to invite current and former their mother, Esther K. Newman is Omahans to a Community Centennial remembered for her charitable deeds, Celebration and to rejoice in the proud first with a Jewish camp named in her history and tradition of the Jewish memory and then an endowment from Federation of Omaha. There was the sale of that camp, used to fund new some uncertainty that there would be innovative prog?~ams for youth. enough time to pull that off, however.

Another fund named for Jules' second The ideas were forwarded to Pam wife, Carolyn Kully Newman, funds Monsky. Unfortunately, a confluence scholarships and preschool programs. of events seemed to shove the ideas Both Bob and Murray have taken and the enthusiasm for the projects leadership roles in the Anti-Defamation and program ideas into the backLeague. It would be fair to say that ground, Murray lamented. He was Omaha would not have the ADL here referring, of course, to the higher-priwere it not for the Newman family, ority community response to the Sept. according to its Executive Director Bob 11 attacks. Also, in the interval, a Wolfson. In addition, both brothers have large number of community volunbeen active in the Federation's Annual teers focused a great many hours on Campaign, and the Foundation; the highly successful effort to put on

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the recent JCC Maccabi Gawfes.

Murray feels that the Omaha Jewish community has much to celebrate. In contrast to cities with large inactive Jewish populations, Omaha has a small but very energetic Jewish community.

Working together, Omaha Jewry has built a major infrastructure that could well be the envy of even the largest Jewish communities in America.

In just reviewing the building patterns in Omaha Jewish history from the early 70s, a great deal has occurred. Beginning when the JCC left its decaying structure at 20th and Dodge to occupy its present facilities south of Wesr Dodge Road at 132nd St., the opening of the Jewish Community Center brought to fruition many dreams.

CM. "Nick", another Newman brother, was President of the Federation as the community was raising funds for a new JCC. He died at the young age of 47 just before the groundbreaking, leaving his family and the community heartbroken with the loss of this charismatic leader.

When comparing the old building to the new, the new JCC home represented the transition from cramped to spacious, with one small undersized swimming pool to two large aquatic structures and from a small gym where it took 32 laps to run a mile to a large gymnasium where it took only seven laps to complete the mile circuit.

(Continued on page 70)

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 66

September 8, 2002

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Diamond's Delicatessen she had every Sunday at the home of her grandpar-i..—" ents, Lillian and Harry' Noodell. ' Born in 1958 in Omaha,; Shelly went to Harrisonj School and she still has1 some of her childhood, friends. "Bobby Belgradej and I were cashiers in the, school cafeteria together and he is still one of my best friends," she laughed.I "Thaf's what's so cool Rick, Naomi and Shelly Fox. about Omaha! When I was in my late teens, I didn't find that as a Sunday afternoon parties with his sibbenefit because I couldn't go any- lings and cousins. Along with his where without running into somebody brother, Mike, and sisters, Marsha I knew. Now, I think it's a wonderful and Sally, they had big Passover seders and Thanksgiving dinners. "It thing!"

She has always been close to her was always big and fun and the kids parents, Doris and Harry Alloy, and always got in trouble. I have great her sister Wendy Alloy Manvitz. Her memories of my father leading the memories include an extended family seders."

Shelly jokes that they added a room of aunts, uncles and cousins who met on to their house so that they could every Sunday at their grandparent's host Thanksgiving and Passover gathto devour Jewish delicacies. erings.

Since Phillip Fox died when The Alloys spent Saturday grocery Rick was only 16-years-old, Rick is shopping at Harry Noodell's Cuming always proud to lead the seders.

Street Market and Sunday was the Shelly has served on the Tzedakah day for family gatherings. Cousins Committee of Jewish Family Service played together and her life was full of friends and happiness. "I was always for 10 years and Rick has served on the one who got into a little bit of mis- the JFS Board, too, over the years. chief when everybody else was pretty Four times a year, the Tzedakah good," she said with a smile. "I guess I Committee meets to provide meals still do some of those annoying little and gifts to needy Jewish families in the Omaha area. Shelly helps order things!"

Shelly was friends with children of and shop for food, organize, bag and her parent's friends. Although her deliver it. Confidential contacts are parents were active at Beth Israel made with the families.

"I remember the first year I started Synagogue, she remembers that her father worked really hard and only working on it," Shelly recalled. "I spent his free time with his family. knew that not every Jewish family in Her father had many responsibilities Omaha was affluent. However, it was because he took care of his mother, eye opening that so many people Yetta Abramson, and didn't become needed financial help."

Sometimes the most important part of active in the Jewish community until the project is visiting with the families. his retirement.

Contrary to popular belief, there are Although Shelly Alloy and Rick Fox young families, single people and older lived just four blocks from each other, adults who need help. Many times, they weren't acquainted. They met in there are Jews who don't belong to a 1977 through mutual friends and Shelley knew immediately that she synagogue because they can't afford it. wanted to "hang out" with Rick! They "For people who are struggling to make later attended the University of ends meet, belonging to a Jewish Nebraska at Omaha together. They organization is way down on their list," were married in 1982. Their daughter, Shelly admitted. 'These groceries help Naomi, is 14 and a sophomore at to make a connection for these people.

Some ask for help and others are idenWestside High School.

Right after he and Shelly met, Rick tified by clergy."

There are two levels of help from opened Julio's, a Tex-Mex Restaurant.

"I was kind of in a hurry to get into JFS. Some actually get bags of grobusiness since I didn't have the oppor- ceries while others receive only token tunity to go into a family business like holiday bags. There are 30 or 40 delivsome of my friends," Rick explained. eries all over town.

The Foxes are also involved in many "So, I met a few guys who wanted to open a restaurant and it seemed like a activities at Temple Israel. Rick good idea." There are currently three serves as Treasurer of the Board of Julio's restaurants that serve a cross Directors, He does fundraising and runs a golf tournament. "I enjoy my between Texas and Mexican food.

Rick's parents, Dee and the late time at Temple, because of the clergy Philip Fox, lived in "Bagel." They and the vibrant members," Rick were regular attendees at Temple insisted. "It's a nice place to go now Israel and Rick has happy memories that I'm an adult and can find someof Cantor Manfred Kuttner and Rabbi thing to do there every day of the Barry Weinstein. Like Shelly, he grad- week! I'm really proud of my synauated from Central High School and gogue.

"When we were kids in the 70s, we still remains friendly with his high school pals. "Larry Malashock and I were going to fix the world. We didn't have the same birthday and we realize that wewere performing social always had parties together," he said. justice!" For 10 years, Rick also ran "We even celebrated our 40th birth- Share Our Strength, a fundraiser for the Food Bank. days together."

(Continued on page 70) He also has fond memories of "',-1*

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 67

by OZZIE NOGG ————————, —— All three of the Rich brothers-Lou, Joel and Phil He printed the -agree that their parents, Gene and Charlotte, left brochures that promotthem a truly "rich" legacy. ed the move from the "Our folks had a deep love for the Omaha Jewish old JCC to the West community," Joel said recently. "They were commit- Campus. He gave away ted to synagogue and to Federation and its pro- plenty in time, effort, grams. They donated their time and energy and devotion and good will. resources to things that would make our lives bet- And he always asked a ter~Jewishly~and they passed that sense of com- million questions. Why mitment on to all of us." is Federation doing Lou, the eldest of the brothers, clearly remembers this? Why is Federation the old JCC building on 20th and Dodge, and the doing that?" days when, as a little kid, he took swimming lessons One of the questions from "Uncle" Sherm Poska.

Gene Rich often asked his "I didn't understand at the time that it was sons back in the early Federation that made those lessons possible. But I 1980s was why they did understand that if Sherm hadn't put those wanted to send their chilwooden benches into the shallow end, lots of us dren to the Friedel Jewish short kids wouldn't have been able to keep our Academy, which had just heads above water." been endowed by the Lou Rich's childhood memories of Federation Friedel family and was sponsored programs also include the old Camp JCC still afledglingoperation. and its director, Paul Gitlin. "I went to Camp JCC "We'd sit around the for two weeks when I was just seven years old. I was Shabbat dinner table the youngest camper there and when my folks came and get grilled on why The Rich family, back row: Mary, Jason, Charlotte, a n d Andy; front to visit for Parents Day, I snuck into their car and we wanted to send our left, Lou, Jon, Gene, and Phil; mid- row: Aaron, Adam , a n d Brandon. hid there-hoping they'd take me back home. When boys to a day school," die row: Joel, Seth, Bev, Diane, Courtesy of Regency Photo. mom and dad finally found me, they just marched Phil said. "We explained our position. That we liked Center which now houses the Friedel Jewish me back to my cabin to finish the second week." the idea of a school that was haimish. A school with Academy-Gene and Charlotte Rich approached the Lou also has warm memories of the hours he and small classes where our boys would get a solid Jewish Federation administration and, Joel continued, his Central High School buddies spent at the old and secular education. Where they wouldn't be read"Dad simply said here, take this money for chilJCC, just hanging out after classes. "Those were ing and rereading the Three Little Bears. In the end, dren.s education and do what you want with it." As probably the best days of my life." both our parents were won over to the idea." a result, "The Gene and Charlotte Rich Commons "But, boy, was he a worker," Phil said. "He was a So won over, in fact, that in 1988—after the Room" was named in their honor. great PR man and sat on the Press Board for years. Gordman family endowed the Gordman Education (Continued on page 68)

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September 6, 2002

Rich Tradition (Continued from page 69) The role of Federation in educating for educating kids and has done his Omaha's Jewish kids is a constant share of volunteer work, too. He's theme when you talk to members of been involved with the Friedel Academy for 15 years and served two the Rich family.

"It may be a cliche, but our youth terms as chairman.

Phil and Diane Rich are also huge truly are the future of the Jewish community," said Joel's wife, Mary. "If I'm fans of Friedel and Federation in gengoing to affect anything I want to eral. Diane, the daughter of Beverly Morris and the late Dr. Haskell affect the youth."

Mary got involved in Federation's Morris, says, "I remember that when I educational programs for youth over was a young girl, my father was 15 years ago. "Our son, Aaron, was always involved with the Dr. Phillip about five. And since both Joel and I Sher Home and dinner table conversawere working, we needed some before tion at our house was always Federation this, Federation that." and after school care for the kids."

When she was 15, Diane went on a So Mary, together with Sherri Green and Mary- Beth Muskin, created the pilgrimage to Israel. "Federation Kidz-Inn Program--a latch-key pro- offered me a scholarship, but my father insisted the scholarship go to gram with a Jewish flavor.

"We convinced the powers that be someone who really needed the help. that parents would actually pay for So I got a sales job at Brandeis at this. We raised money for a van to Westroads to pay for my part of the take kids to and from the JCC for trip. I was taught that if you work before and after school activities," she hard for something it's more meaningexplained. "Eventually, the idea ful. Even as a teen, I always had my became so popular that the Kidz-Inn own Philanthropies pledge card." program had a waiting list."

The talk about Diane's teenage pledge Mary Rich has also served on the card reminded Lou of the Campaign JCC Board, the Jewish Educational events that Federation sponsored for and Library Services (JELS) Board teens back in the mid-1950s.

"In the summer time, Federation and worked on a committee developing Friedel's Judaic Curriculum. She invited all the High School kids to an is a long-time Yom Ha'Atzmaut volun- event in the ballroom of the teer and co-chaired Omaha's celebra- Blackstone Hotel. We paid two-tion of Israel's 50th Anniversary along maybe five dollars -whatever you could afford~and the money went to with Sara Juster and Nancy Wolf.

Joel Rich shares Mary's enthusiasm the Campaign," he recalled. "We had a

great time, socially, and we also learned what the Campaign was all about. Maybe we should bring that old program back so today's kids could learn more about Federation agencies and where the money goes."

Phil Rich has sat on the Friedel Jewish Academy board, and credits it with giving his boys a love for learning and for Judaism.

"Friedel students could read Torah when they were in the fourth grade," he said. "In the sixth grade, Jason was the only one in his graduating class.

Some parents might look at that as a negative, but for Jason it was a positive experience. He learned at his own rate and helped the younger kids. He was the Big Brother of the school. He learned from the older kids who graduated before him and then he turned around and taught the younger kids."

According to Lou and Bev, Joel and Mary and Phil and Diane, the next generation of Riches is already involved in Federation programs.

Their sons-Jonathan, Andy, Aaron, Seth, Adam, Brandon and Jasonhave been active in sports programs, attended Camp JCC, participated in the B'nai B'rith Bible Quiz, volunteered at the Friedel School and use the Federation's Kripke Library, especially in the summer months.

"We have what we call the Rich Family Reading Club," Diane said.

"The boys' interest in reading was

influenced by a Friedel teacher who was a librarian."

Lou and Bev's older son, Jonathan, participated in an Israel Pilgrimage in 1989. Their younger son, Andy, took the trip in 1992. Joel and Mary Rich added that in 1998, their son, Aaron, participated in the Federation supported March of the Living to Poland and Israel.

"It was a life changing experience for a teenage boy," Mary noted. "He was inspired by the trip and spoke to other high school students about what he'd seen." She proudly added that their younger son, Seth, relishes going to the Blum kin Home to blow the shofar on the High Holidays. "He'd never miss it.

Every year he says, Mom, I have to go to the Home. They need me!"'

Understanding that the Omaha Jewish Federation "needs" volunteers is clear to the Rich family.

"We.re not the most high-profile family, but I think it's fair to say that in one way or another we've been there every year," Phil said.

"Our parents taught us that when we do for the community we all benefit. If something needs changing, I like it to happen fast. But dad taught us that even if we don't always agree with the changes that are finally made, we have to be there to help the community move forward."

"That's the fun of this family," Mary said. "We don't give up."

Ties to Tradition

by ALLY FREEMAN Federation Communications Intern -••

Wishing "fou A Happy New "fear!

SIEGLER'S CATERING SERVICE

Building the community together...

the 100th Anniversary of Jewish Federation of Omaha

I'Shana

•

Beth Israel, Omaha's Orthodox synagogue, maintains a unique relationship with the Jewish Federation. The bastions of observant Judaism, the congregation's rabbi traditionally oversees several important points of Jewish communal life.

Three important pillars of a comprehensive Jewish community are: a mikvah, a Jewish Burial Society and a Vaad Hakashrut.

The Vaad Hakashrut of the Federation is administered by Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel. The Vaad is funded by the Federation and maintains a commitment to ensuring kosher establishments for Omaha's Jewish community. Rabbi Kutner promotes observance of kashrut in addition to overseeing all of Omaha's kosher establishments, including the Bagel Bin, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Herman's Nuts, Pears Coffee, Robert's Dairy and Krispy Kreme Donuts. A Vaad-supervised kitchen also exists at the JCC. The Chevra Kaddisha, Omaha's Jewish Burial Society, is also headquartered at Beth Israel. The Chevra Kaddisha—which means 'Holy Society'—provides services that include properly preparing the body for burial under Jewish law. The Chevra Kaddisha is run by dedicated and highly trained volunteers from every congregation. A training seminar to teach volunteers how to perform the taharah, the proper recitation of prayers and the prescribed rules of washing the body, is available on video, The respectful volunteers who perform this sacred act must be "on call" and be prepared to drop everything in the event of a Jewish death.

The last pillar of a sustained Jewish community is the presence of a mikvah, the ritual cleansing bath that must meet the highest standards of Jewish law and custom. The mikvah, located in the Home, is currently undergoing remodeling and improvements. It is associated with spiritual cleansing and is available for use to all members of the! Jewish community. The mikvah requires on-going supervision to ensure that halachic requirementsa^jmel,,,.,,,,.->."

In^SflrSo^T^loiaiiitaijiing the three pillars, Rabbi Kutner also serves as the halachic consultant in Omaha, a position thai; is traditionally held by the rabbi of Beth Israel; As t h | fyalmhic consultant, i Rabbi Kutner is the-finaLaitf|p;rity on questions of \

September 6, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Jewish National Fund Presents Its First Century

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Like the Jewish posal had been Federation of Omaha, received enthusiastithe Jewish National cally, though its impleFund (JNF) is celementation had been brating its 100th deferred.

Anniversary as the Although Schapira caretaker of the land had died in the sumof Israel on behalf of mer of 1898, the idea its owners-Jewish peoof a fund had won a ple everywhere. large following, and From its inception, members of the new JNF was charged with Zionist movement the task of fundraising spoke passionately of in Jewish communiit at every Zionist ties for the purpose of gathering. Yet three purchasing land in congresses had passed Eretz Yisrael to create without any practical a homeland for the decision being taken.

Jewish people.

At times it seemed Trees in Memoriam Certificate, 1948 JNF's signature Blue that the dream of a Boxes, which were used to collect the necessary Jewish state was destined to remain just that-only funds, are now known worldwide as a symbol of a dream. But Theodor Herzl was unwavering-it Zionism. JNF's work is evident in every facet of life was time to take action, and he was determined in Israel, from beautiful forests to vital reservoirs to that before the Congress came to an end, a national the innovative farming techniques being used on fund would be established. And the dream of a kibbutzim throughout the nation.

Jewish state-a return to the Homeland-would be While JNF has been instrumental in realizing the one step closer to becoming a reality.

Zionist dream, the challenge of developing and proThe delegates continued to debate the merit of a tecting the land grows everyday. Today, the organi- national fund, eventually voting to table the zation has made security a priority, recently motion. announcing $10 million initiative to build security Theodor Herzl, who had not been present at the bypass roads along Israel's northern border with vote, hurried to the congress hall, and delivered a Lebanon. passionate plea for the fund's immediate establishJNF's work can be divided into three phases. ment, declaring, "After striving for so many years to During its first 50 years, JNF was charged with the set up the fund, we do not want to disperse again task of purchasing the land. Over the next 50 years, without having done anything."

JNF directed its efforts to developing the land, His speech turned the delegates around, and planting over 220 million trees, building infrastruc- when Herzl called for a revote, the delegates were ture for housing, parks and recreation areas, and firmly on his side. The congress resolved that "the helping to settle immifund shall be the property of the Jewish people as grants from across the a whole," and announced its first undertaking: the globe. collection of £200,000. One of the delegates immediately pledged the first donation: £10 in memory In the upcoming of the man who had conceived and fought so hard years, JNF will continfor the fund but had not lived to see his dream realue to develop the land ized, Professor Zvi Hermann Schapira. Herzl made but focus its attention the second donation and his aide, the third. And on preserving the enviwith this, the dream of a national fund became a ronment, conserving reality. scarce natural resources, and continuOver the next 50 years, Jewish National Fund, ing to find ways to alleas it came to be known, would purchase land viate Israel's chronic throughout Palestine, land that would one day water shortage. become the State of Israel. Jews from around the world collected spare change in tin "Blue Boxes" so JNF's first century is that one day a return to the Homeland would be full of accomplishments JN S first B l u e B o x possible. The Blue Box itself came to be seen as a that have benefited the ^' symbol of Zionism, and it was distributed in Jewish Jewish nation and provided a foundation for Israel's communities everywhere. growth as their homeland. With the support of Jews from around the world, the organization is The very act of collecting funds in a Blue Box looking towards the next century...and beyond. strengthened the bond that the Jewish community In the Beginning... felt with their homeland and its people. It was an It was the fourth day of the Fifth Zionist Congress expression of the irrevocable ties between Diaspora in Basel, Switzerland in 1901. The delegates had Jewry and Eretz Yisrael, as well as a way to tie disspent the day debating a proposal for the establish- parate communities together as one people. Alone, ment of a national fund to purchase land in Jews could not attain their dream of a return to the Palestine, as had been suggested at the first Homeland, but together, through Jewish National Congress four years earlier by mathematics profes- Fund, they could build a nation. sor Zvi Hermann Schapira. At the time, the pro(Continued on page 95) A Wish., fox you and'your family: May the ancient traditions of Rosh Hashanah bring joy and peace throughout the year.

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Newman Brothers Chair Federation's Centennial (Continued from page 65) —————— The JCC became the jewel in the felt. Following the highly successful Federation crown on a beautiful cam- Maccabi Games, perhaps there is a pus ideally located near the west- community "burnout." ward-moving Jewish population. If Nevertheless, one optimistic source you build it, they will come~the new suggested that a dinner be planned by site had room for a baseball field and another organization for the benefit of tennis courts, too. the Federation.

Here's how one person imagined a Strong leadership, a vibrant, visionary community, and great philanthro- final event celebration, if it could all py fueled those moves to the new loca- be put together. The Federation has tion. The new site also allowed an been active in the general community. opportunity to build a more modern Accordingly, it would not seem diffinursing home and provide more sen- cult to have a dinner tribute, attendior services. Those ideas were real- ed by the governor, the mayor, and ized when The Rose Blumkin Jewish our U.S. senators. After all, it IS the Home and senior housing were com- Federation's 100 birthday. For that reason, even a major national politipleted.

Several years ago, more growth and cal dignitary could be invited. We renovation took place when communi- could enlist the aid of the other major ty leaders developed an expansion Jewish organizations to sell tickets plan to upgrade the Federation cen- and we could talk to some organizaters of excellence. Those centers tions around the city to help underincluded the offices of the Jewish write it.

Press, Jewish Educational and In this scenario, the event would be Library Services, Jewish Family held in August or early September of Service, the many departments of the 2003, before the High Holidays. To Jewish Community Center and the complete the weekend, there would be Jewish Federation of Omaha. a special show.

Besides the impressive building "Just recall," our source continued, plans, the Omaha Jewish community "the 45th anniversary of Israel prois well known for it distinctive pro- gram at the 'J.' Joanie Jacobson and gramming for infants to seniors. Karen Javitch wrote songs and develMost recently, Omahans took great oped skits to praise the community pride in hosting for the second time and Israel. Omahans talked about it the Maccabi Games. for weeks. A similar type event could With much to celebrate, what about be a great kickoff for the upcoming a dinner to climax the year-long cele- Annual Campaign, too. bration? From her many conversa"There's one thing, though," he stattions with people in the community, ed. "We need to get a chairman and a Monsky sensed there was not enough committee. Given the community motivation to put on a large reunion turnout for the JCC Maccabi Games, dinner or more. She remains open to you don't think it would be difficult, any new ideas. do you?"

(Editor's note: for suggestions or to Yet, the events at this point seemed staff-driven, rather than propelled volunteer, call Pam Monsky at the forward by community interest, she Federation, 334-6431.)

Family Values (Continued from page 68).

Shelly has served as the chair of the C a r i n g Committee at Temple for four years. The Bikur C h o 1 i m Committee, a sub-committee of

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She volunteers to help "special needs" students with Hebrew, helps at the Humane Society and is a day camp counselor. She also helps Carin her mother with the the g The Alloy sisters: W e n d y Manvitz Caring Committee at C o m m i 11 e e , and Temple. meets the needs of congregants who are homebound, Shelly speaks about Temple Israel ill or lonely. and says, "I think that we are a group Members make home visits and visit of congregants and clergy who are residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish willing to speak out and make a difHome. They develop relationships ference in our city. I don't see that in with people who need assistance and any other place and I'm really proud help when a family member is ill or because I feel like I am part of the hospitalized. She calls this a "behind community—not just the Jewish comthe scenes" committee. munity. We're not only Jews, but we're "We don't do stuff because we want people." people to know that we do it," Rick They both agree, "Living in Omaha insisted. "We don't want our names on with our families around is great. anything. We do it because we want People move and live other places and to; we get satisfaction from doing it's so great to see our kids so close to things." their grandparents. Kids grow up in a All three of the Foxes help people blink and it's so important to be who are less fortunate. As a sopho- around family. more, Naomi already has more than "We're so glad that we made the enough hours in community service at decision to live here in Omaha!"

September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 71

An Italian Family Provides Omaha (and beyond) with Kosher Bread

by JOAN K. MARCUS

-

You can smell the wonderful comforting aroma of bread baking when you drive into the parking lot of Rotella's Italian Bakery at 108th and Harrison. As you enter the building, there is the quiet hustle and bustle of bakers, walking around the plant wearing hairnets and greeting each other.

The woman at the reception desk politely asked, "May I help you?" I asked to speak to Louis Rotella and they smiled at me.

A few seconds later, I realized that Louis Rotella, Louis Rotella, Jr., and Louis Rotella III all work at the huge plant. (Louis Rotella IV is too small to come to work at 22 months! However, it won't be long he follows in the footsteps of the other Rotella men.)

The Rotella story starts in Italy in 1850 when Domenico Rotella raised wheat, milled it into flour and baked bread. He sold it to the villagers and was considered a master in the art of bread making. He passed his knowledge on to his son, Alessandro, who eventually came to the United States in 1909.

After arriving in Omaha in 1921, Alessandro and his wife, Maria, baked bread in a wood fired oven, and delivered it to the customers in a horse drawn wagon.

The family tradition continues today under the leadership of Alessandro's son, Louis Sr. The Rotellas continue the tradition of superior breads and quality relationships with their employees and customers.

Louis Jr., who holds a business degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, says his degree at UNO really helped him in the business. He began working at the bakery at 22nd and Pierce when he was 10 years old in the sanitation department.

"I worked full time all through high school and college," he said proudly.

Louis, III, graduated from Creighton University with a business degree in management, as well as a law degree. He always knew he would join the family business and now runs the Human Resources Department.

He recalls learning different aspects of the business while working the weekends, school breaks, and during the summer months.

Expansion of the business began in 1951, when Rotella's began selling bread in Lincoln and Des Moines.

Louis Jr says, "After that, we felt we could sell bread at different places throughout the country, so we began an expansion to other states.

Since 1984. we have our products available in about 40 states."

Most of their business is to wholesales and restaurant suppliers.

Four generations of the Rotella family: the family bread business, started by In 1980 because Louis Rotella IV, left (in the cradle), Louis Domenico Rotella, whose son Allesandro of friendships with Rotella, Louis Rotella III, and Louis immigrated from. Italy in 1909. He arrived Jewish people, he Rotella, Jr. All but the baby are active in in Omaha in 1921. had a desire to make his products need to know if food is strictly kosher. means that the item contains no milk Organizations of rabbis who inspect or meat products and can be eaten with kosher. However, he added, "In our old plant, there was a lot that would have food manufacturing plants have regis- either dairy or meat meals.

Inspection of the Rotella plant is needed to be done in order to be com- tered trademarks, called "Hechshers" and rabbinic boards supervise more done on a weekly basis under the pletely kosher. of Rabbi Mendel "We never intended on being kosher and more food manufacturers. The let- supervision because we thought it would bring ter 'K' alone is not trademarked, as Katzman, but Louis, Jr., added that any extra business, and it really has- anyone who wants may print it on Botella's has "also had rabbis from n't, but good family friendships with their label without rabbinic supervi- Chicago and New York come out and people of the Jewish faith prompted sion. Thus, it may not a reliable check on things, as well."

He pointed out that "being kosher hechsher for people who wish to keep us to look into it." adds yet another favorable element to When Rotella's moved to their new a strictly kosher home.

The Rotella family would only settle Rotella Bakery. We know that our facility in 1989, it was better suited to then become kosher, which they did. for the O-U (a 17 in a circle) that stands breads and rolls are made from ingreLouis Jr. wanted to get of the most for Orthodox Union, one of the three dients that ensure products superior recognizable kosher symbol. When he largest kosher supervisory organiza- in appearance, taste, and nutrition."

B'tayavon, as they say in Hebrew. began the process, he came to under- tions in the the United States. Below the hechsher, it states pareve which Good eating! stand that those who are observant

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Page 72

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

Federation and Temple Israel Partners on Missions to Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Temple Israel Communications Coordinator— »——— They called it Mission Mania. In less ' amazing laboratory of human experithan two years, between February ences of Jews from Ethiopia to Russia, 1997 and the end of 1999, the Jewish from cities and kibbutzim, religious Federation of Omaha in cooperation and secular. It's an incredible melting with Temple Israel and with t h e pot of people. One can only feel this financial support of the Milton S. and upon visiting," he emphasized. "How Corinne N. Livingston Foundation as do you teach security, peace and war well as the Herbert Goldsten and the unless you're there?"

Carl Frohm Foundations, sponsored "From a Federation point of view," three missions to Israel. said J a n Perelman-Goldstein, Beginning with the Outreach Federation executive director, who led Mission in 1997, approximately 125 the trip with Rabbi Azriel, "we feel a people from the Omaha community tremendous responsibility to reach participated on the three missions. out to every segment of our communiThe Outreach Mission was especially ty and to bring everyone into the for couples comprised of one Jew-by- Federation family. Outreach is an birth and one spouse who had con- opportunity to connect individuals verted to Judaism or was in the who may not have known about the process of converting and also for cooperative interaction between the intermarried couples.

Federation and the synagogues and how we inter-relate."

"Most were first timers," said Temple Israel's Rabbi Aryeh Azriel "The missions are also "an opportuwho was the spiritual leader on the nity for Omaha Jews to witness the trip. "It was important to take this impact of their tzedakah beyond the group to Israel because of the need to local community," she commented, teach them about Jewish peoplehood," Perelman-Goldstein noted that "the he explained. "There's something questions that arise on an Outreach about Israel that can,t be taught Mission absolutely require a spiritual through slides or lectures or reading rabbinic presence." books. Israel has always been an (Continued on next p«t>c) ' * 1*

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Photos from top, Chris and the Valley of the Lost Allyson Willczewski participated Communities: Irv Veitzer, Irv and in the Outreach Mission in 1997. Susie Blumkin, Jessica Blumkin, At Ein Gedi, kids on Omaha's 1994 Tim Veitzer, Ryan Blumkin and Family Mission took a dip after a Gail Veitzer. Mary Rich listens to morning on Masada. The Blumkin Beth Walts read a poem at a servfamily participated in the '97 ice at Yad Vashem on the Family Mission; they stopped at Millennium Mission, Dec. 99-2000.

September 63 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 73

Missions (Continued from previous page) •

Us. •fT;

^

-..

,. 3t.

Photos, from top left: Ryan Blumkin finds a "friend" on the Family Mission in 1997.

Resting during the Millennium Mission are J.J. Friedman, Molly Needelman and Leora

Azriel; On Lake Kinneret in 1994, Rabbi Yosef hold the chuppah; Connie and Bob Kully and Friedman renews marriage vows for Dick and Jan Perelman Goldstein in Jerusalem;, 1996 Terri Zacharia, center, as Jan Perelman Anne Shackman, Ruth Erman and Patty Nogg Goldstein, Allan Chandler and Harriet Fishel light candles at the Wall, 1992.

"Jewish spiritual struggle was the cornerstone of this trip," Rabbi Azriel agreed. "Throughout the trip, this group of about 12 couples asked questions from a different perspective about Jewish identity, Jewish people, and the Diaspora versus Israel."

One couple on the Outreach Mission, Michael and Pat Linn described the highlights of the nine-day trip which included the site where Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated and a museum which was formerly a British detention camp for illegal immigrants trying to escape Germany prior to World War II in the town of Atlit. The group also saw a fort built by Crusaders in Acre. The Linns

took a Jeep tour of the Golan Heights.

However, Michael was perhaps most touched by Jerusalem and the Western Wall. In a two-block area, the land and buildings are very important to believers of Christianity, to the Muslims, and to the Jews, he said. Pat Linn, who has converted to Judaism since the mission and recently celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Beth El, said, "it makes you more aware of history no matter what religion you are. I think everybody should go. There's something for everybody."

Other highlights included a visit to a kibbutz and a prayer service at Masada.

A year after the Outreach Mission, a young lead-

ership delegation for 20 to 40-year-olds, departed for ten days in Israel. Leaders of the trip were Perelman-Goldstein, John and Kathy McGauvran, who is now Women's Campaign Director of the Jewish Federation; Lisa Platt Leopold, formerly of Omaha and now living in Sioux City, IA; and Rabbi Debbie Stiel of Temple Israel.

"The young leadership are our future," said Perelman-Goldstein. "Our future will be in the hands of the young people of this community. They need to understand our connection here with the Jewish world and with Israel as its heart and soul."

(Continued on page 74)

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(Continued from page 73) • Rabbi Stiel pointed out that "many in our group had never been to Israel i before. Some were in' interfaith marriages. This trip was a significant•I identity builder and gave young adults a chance to i be immersed in Judaism,' Jewish culture, and j Jewish history in a way that is only possible in Eretz Yisrael," she said. "I think for many, it will affect the rest of their lives." „!

Among the highlights of the Young Leadership Mission were exploring Safed's 400-year-old An, synagogue, an artist • colony, and cemetery; i playing with children who were rescued with the help of the Joint Distribution Committee; a sunset jeep ride through the Golan Heights; the ancient ruins at the Beit Shean archaeological! ' - «excavation; touring [i-..™. rr Masada, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Yad Vashem; and Shabbat at the Western Wall.

Dan and Deb Marburg went to Israel for the first time on the Young leader- t ship Mission. "It went f beyond our expectations," Deb Marburg emphasized. T "The experience as a whole, the country, the history, the people we were with made it an extraordinary experience."

Both the Marburgs participate in the annual Federation campaign, in Temple Israel, and in the Federation^ Young Jewish Omaha group. Deb has been active in the National Council of Jewish Women and Dan in B'nai B'rith.

Representing Omaha.s young leadership, Deb attended the United Jewish Communities Washington Conference in March 2000, "Someday," Deb Marburg hopes, "we'd like to go to Israel again and lead others in the experience." She would also like to share the trip with her children.

"So many of the leaders of this community over the past 100 years were spurred on in their Jewish commitment by their

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experiences with Israel Photos from top: 1993 Actza teen tvij> visand its historic connections to i t g S o l o m o n > s M i n 1 9 9 3 C o m m u n i t y the Jewish people added M i g s i o n m e m b e r s B o b b i Leibowitz> Perelman-Goldstem. lo stand kneeling left L o r i R a b b L i n d a M a onthelandinEretzYisraelis to s t a n d i know that there are thousands S h a c k m a n > Jan of beneath your - years , , of, history , , , „ B a r b Platt, Zoe Riekes and ^.« i U i ffeet t and d to t know k t f you re part of Soviet Jews on the tarB r o d k tod somethmg much greater than m a C j w M l e m k e p i & t t s h o w g n e w this moment m time.

Ethiopian immigrants where Michael Howard and Lee Needelman J o r d a n ^ fQr Ch flnd w h e r e traveled on the Outreach Q m a h a . g l o c a t e d i M i l l e n n i u m M i s s i o n Mission, Then they chaired the a r t i c i n t s M a x M a r c o v i t M i m i Family Mission, which departed R N i c k N e w m a n a n d M o l l y (Continued on next page) N e e d e l m a n (seated) . m o u n t a i n biki

September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 75

Missions (Continued from previous page) •«»-»—.»»»»»«— in December 1999 with more than 80 Nebraskans.

Others who staffed the mission were PerelrnanGoldstein, Federation Communications Director Pam Monsky, and Rabbi Azriel and his wife: Temple Israel's Middle/High School Director Elyce Azriel.

Lee Needelman described the mission as "awesome. We were delighted to be asked to help lead it," she explained. The Outreach Mission was for adults and although there was no Outreach programming planned on the trip, informally, she said, "the talk inevitably turned to similar backgrounds" among the participants as they began to identify with each other.

On the other hand, the Family Mission was planned differently. "It was a little more kid focused," she noted. "We saw some of the same sights, but the trip was a little more action oriented. The best part of the mission was the feeling of being with our kids and sharing that experience."

Josh and Mollie Needelman accompanied their parents; Rachel Monsky went along with her mother; Perelman-Goldstein was accompanied by her children Becky and Zach; and Leora Azriel traveled with her parents.

"There were lots of children on the Family Mission," added Rabbi Azriel. "To be able to go on a trip and see it through the eyes of young children is powerful."

As the year 2000 dawned over Jerusalem, the Family Mission participants observed Havdalah on their hotel porch watching the sunset.

"We could hear the sounds of bells from churches, the muezzin from the minarets calling the Muslims to prayer, and the voices of Jews on the streets. It was the last gasp before the Intafada," he recalled as his hopes for peace faded in the early light of the new millennium.

Perelman-Goldstein likened the experience to "a unique opportunity for adults to go to camp with their children. It was also a chance for the Federation to provide another experience to bring families together based on Jewish experiences and values," she said.

"This was a grass roots mission," PerelmanGoldstein explained. "It grew from a group of individuals who wanted to share Israel with their families and served as an example of how the Federation is responsive to the community. They had so much conviction in their reasons for taking their children to Israel particularly given the critical time-the change of the millennium. I have tremendous respect for the families that went at that time. They are truly a part of contemporary Israel history."

Family Mission participants visited Tel Aviv, the Western Galilee, Jerusalem, the Ghetto Fighters, House, Kibbutz Misgav Am, Masada and the Dead Sea, Bethsaida and Beit Shean excavations, the Western Wall and the Old City, the Golan Heights, and met Israeli families as well as members of the government and officials of the Jewish Agency.

Rabbi Azriel described the missions as a wonderful chance to be together. "There aren't a lot of crossroads from different congregations to exchange views and talk. Twenty-four hours on a bus provides more serious encounters."

Rabbi Stiel concurred that "because the participants were from different synagogues, our paths might never have crossed without this trip. Going to Israel together gave us an opportunity to really get to know one another."

"These areas needs our continual leadership and resources," insisted Perelman-Goldstein. "Young adults and Outreach are critical to broadening the pillars of volunteer, leadership, and financial support of our community."

Unfortunately, due to a crippling shortage of funds, many famous national parks and nature reserves including Masada, Ein Gedi, the Banyas, and Caesarea are now closed to the public.

"How painful to know that the gates have been shut and these important places where we learned the lessons of Israel are closed because of lack of tourism," Perelman-Goldstein said.

However, she is determined to organize more missions to Israel.

"It's the goal of synagogue and Federation leadership to be able to bring a group of Omahans to Israel in the near future," Perelman-Goldstein insisted.

"That's our prayer for the new year."

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Photos from top: In 1995, the Federation sponsored a Young Leadership Mission to Israel.

Patty Nogg, left, Jan Perelman Goldstein and her mother, Florence Brody, stand on the border between Israel and Jordan. Participants on the Poland to Israel Mission in 1998 visited the Auschwitz concentration camp. Bev Seldin, left, Julie Rochman and her mother, Marcia Cohen went on an Omaha Women's Mission in 1993.

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by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor • — — — » • — — — — Though she was "somewhat involved" with the War II, and exchange e-mails about growing up in Federation Campaign when she was a single young the Holocaust and life now in Israel and America.

Travelling frequently to the United States to train woman in Long Beach, CA, it wasn't until she moved to Omaha after marrying Carl Riekes that American teachers, the decision was made to headZoe' found herself moving quickly up the leadership quarter the program in Omaha, under the auspices ladder. From worker, soliciting a few gifts, to cap- of the Anti^-Defamation League. Director Bob tain to chairing a division, she was asked to be Wolfson secured a $200,000 grant from former chairman-elect of the entire 1992 Women's Omahan Bob Sturm of Denver, CO. Campaign by the 1991 Chairman, Jan Schneiderman.

"It was a series of small steps," Riekes explained. "I'm not exactly sure why, but I felt in my heart this was something I needed to do."

Even though "it was a big responsibility," Riekes insists that chairing the Campaign is "easy."

"This is an 'organized business,'" Riekes said of the Federation and its Campaign. "It's easy in a community like Omaha. It's nice to know that you can. ask others to volunteer and they not only say 'yes', they say it with a smile!"

The Campaign is not the only area in which Zoe Riekes has volunteered. She has also served on the Jewish Family Service Board of Directors and the auxiliary for the Rose Blumkin Jewish HomeL.O.V.E., the League Offering volunteers for the Elderly, chairing its Volunteer Recognition Event for two years in a row.

Schneiderman described her as "someone who asks great questions and doesn't stop until she gets answers!"

It's a good thing, too, since the more questions this Omaha leader asks, the more passionate she becomes about a project. And her dogged persistence has come in handy in her latest role for the " Photos, from top: Zoe Riekes, J a n Perelman-Goldstein and Omaha Jewish community: D e b b i z w e i b a c k visited t h e Western Galilee College in Partnership 2000.

Omaha's Partnership 2000 Region; Zoe with members of the When Forrest Krutter became Acco Youth Orchestra; Zoe and a med-tech in P2K's Small President of the Jewish Federation Business Development Center. in January of 2000, he asked Riekes to follow Bobbie Epstein as the representaOther P2K projects include Kefiyada and reverse tive from Omaha to the Midwest Consortium (since Kefiyada which places American Jewish teens in renamed the Central Region).

ISraeli summer camps in the Western Galilee and Partnership 2000-or P2K-as it's most commonly brings Israeli teens to work in summer camps in known, brings together representatives from 13 cities of the Central Region Consortium. Steven American Jewish communities from Omaha to Kotok, son of David and Shane Kotok, was one of Dallas, to Akron and Dayton, Ohio, Des Moines, IA, many American Jewish teens who worked at Israeli and eight other cities. They, in turn, partner with summer camps in the late 1990s. representatives from towns, kibbutzim and "Omaha also hosted the Acco Youth Orchestra in moshavim in the Western Galilee Region of north- December of 2001," Riekes added, "and we hope to west Israel. bring the Acco Theater here in the near future."

Every year, this group meets twice in Israel to Though the arts projects in Israel, like arts here, determine the needs of various projects in the rarely become self-sufficient, Riekes thinks exposWestern Galilee and allocate some $600,000, a por- ing Midwest Jewish communities to groups like the tion of the funds from the Annual Campaigns of Acco Theater bring an awareness of how much is each of the Central Region Jewish communities. being done in Israel to bring Israeli Jews and Arabs Today, Riekes chairs the Social/Cultural together. Because Acco has such a large Israeli Arab Committee, one of only two sub-committee chair- population, these two arts organization use music man, serving under Central Region chairman Lior and drama to make common ground in which these Yaron of Louisville, KY. She's held this position for two distinct groups can meet. two years now, yet she's still excited about the projThe most recent example of this kind of creative ects which have emerged during her leadership. thinking culminated at the JCC Maccabi Games in "The goal is to start something and let it take off Omaha, Aug. 4-9. The planning began last winter, on its own, becoming self-sufficient," she explained. when Riekes proposed bringing an Israeli artist to One example Riekes pointed to is the Book Omaha to work with the Maccabi participants durSharing Project. It was started by the children's ing their break time and four Israeli athletes to museum of the Ghetto Fighters' House, funded by compete on the Omaha JCC teams.

P2K. Omahan Beth Seldin-Dotan, who was living in Funding was secured from the Morton Richards Israel at the time with her husband, Amnon, and Fimd and the Esther K. Newman Endowment and their two children, worked as an educator at the matched by the Jewish Federation. museum there and now directs the project from "Nurit Cedarbaum, an artist from the Western Omaha.

Galilee College, created the beginnings of a mural The Book Sharing project pairs middle schools in with Israeli teens," Riekes explained. "She brought New Jersey, Ohio and Nebraska, for example, with it with her, accompanied by two assistants from the middle schools in the Western Galilee. The Israeli college, for the JCC Maccabi Games last month in and American teens read the same books, written Omaha.

by Israeli authors who were children during World (Continued on irext page)

September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 77

To Every Question, There Is an Answer (Continued from previous page) — - • >.

"It started with kids in Israel tracing their outlines in Israel," she added. " But, our kids also started a mural during the Games, too, tracing their body images, and Nurit brought that one back to Israel. Eventually the two completed murals will hang here at the JCC and at the college in Israel.

"Israelis are very creative in finding new projects," Riekes explained. "There's always something in social services, especially now with the economic downturn, the reduction in tourism and nearly two years of terrorism from the Palestinians.

"It makes it all the more important for Jews in Omaha to see where their campaign dollars are going in Israel," she added. "And when missions resume, and we pray that day will be soon, Omahans will again be able to visit such places as the coffee house in Acco, where at-risk Jewish and Arab teens can get information about substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, domestic violence, and even entry-level jobs."

She also hopes there will be an added component to P2K~a "sister-city arrangement" with a Jewish community in the former Soviet Union.

"Now that we've established a system of ideas, project cards, site visits and allocations in the Western Galilee," she noted, "we're starting to turn our attention to the FSU. P2K will become a tri-lateral program eventually, with Omaha (and the other Central Region consortium communities) and a community in Russia all exchanging ideas, people and projects."

Riekes admits that she likes gathering information from a variety of sources before she makes decisions. That's why, she says, "working on the Partnership is so gratifying. The meetings present an opportunity to ask all the questions we want, sift through the findings, evaluate, and ask more questions, until we're all satisfied we're making the right decision for the project and the Partnership."

But, if you ask her what her next position will be, she'll just smile quietly and say, "That's one question to which I don't even have the answer yet."

We'll just keep asking!

Photos from top left: Zoe Riekes and Patty Nogg were among the more than 400 Omahans who rallied for Israel last spring.

Zoe and Anne Shackman team up with local news anchor John Knicely at Super Sunday in 1992. Zoe, second from left, meets with members of the Partnership 2000 Women's Forum in Israel. The 1993 Women's Mission included front row: Barb Levitan, left, Zoe (co-chairman), Ann Shackman; middle row: Phyllis Hoffman, Barb Zacharia, Bev Zuber, Susie Mogil, Susie Silverman; back row: Marcia Cohen (co-chairman), Julie Rochman, Margo Riekes and J a n Perehnan-Goldstein. Zoe and Debbi Zweiback meet with staff at the Ghetto Fighters' House. Zoe visited Israel on 2001 Solidarity Mission in January, 2001.

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For almost a century, Jewish Family Service of Omaha (JFS) has provided support and aid to those in need in our community. When the Jewish Welfare Federation was established in 1911, its mission was to assist Jewish families, transients, and the unemployed through difficult times.

Some things have changed but others remain the same. JFS staff members continue to focus on providing services to families and individuals facing challenges in their lives.

Families are assisted with emergency financial assistance, crisis intervention in times of tragedy or sudden difficulties, and parenting issues. In addition to those ongoing services, JFS therapists provide adoption services, resettlement and acculturation for new Jewish immigrants, support for Jews with developmental disabilities and their families, continuing education for professionals and workers in the human services and mental health fields, and kosher meals and other help during holiday seasons for Jewish families in need.

Clients for these services come from "a very broad base of referrals that we have developed," said Steve Stiel who has been the director of JFS since April of 2000. JFS clients are referred by rabbis, schools, Richard Young Hospital, psychiatrists, pediatricians, even churches, Catholic Charities, and Lutheran Family Services, Stiel pointed out.

JFS is "an excellent resource in our community," commented Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel. "They have good therapists, supportive staff, and it's run efficiently." He describes JFS as "an integral part of the Jewish community."

Rabbi Azriel has referred some members of his congregation to JFS for therapy and assistance in looking for jobs or financial help to buy groceries. Throughout the year, JFS has participated in activities at Temple.

For example, JFS therapists have worked with children who have challenges and trained teachers in the religious school.

Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel also has referred some members of his congregation to JFS from time to time for financial assistance or for counseling. He recalled that the family of a liver transplant patient at the University of Nebraska Medical Center needed some financial assistance for lodging and transportation.

He referred them to JFS which was able to provide help for the family.

"I'm happy to see that under Steve Stiel's leadership, JFS has expanded some of its activities. It's a well organized, helpful agency to the community," said Rabbi Kutner.

Rabbi Mendel Katzman, director of Omaha's Chabad House stated that JFS "has proven to be helpful" with congregants he has referred for financial assistance and counseling.

JFS is "experienced with the dynamics of a Jewish family's unique spiritual needs in addition to their emotional and psychological needs," Rabbi Katzman said.

Beth El Synagogue's former rabbi,

Paul Drazen, who recently moved to Minneapolis, also referred some members of his congregation to JFS on occasion. "I've always felt that I should recommend a person to JFS (or another therapist) when they needed help beyond what I could provide," he commented. "No one can be master of all areas and, therefore, it makes sense to send people to experts when they need it."

Not all of JFS's clients are Jewish.

"We're here to serve all faiths," Stiel said. Approximately 10.5 percent of the JFS budget comes from the United Way. JFS is also affiliated with the Association of Jewish Family and Children's Agencies and the Nebraska Adoption Agencies Association.

"We've been working very hard to expand our referral base," Stiel added. Only 23 percent of JFS's Jewish clients have private insurance whereas 71 percent of the non-Jewish clients are privately insured.

"This helps subsidize the Jewish clients and is another source of revenue" for JFS, Stiel explained. "We provide a lot of services to Jewsbesides counseling—that are not subsidized."

In the first six months of 2002, JFS has exceeded the number of clients served during all of 2001, according to Stiel. During those six months, 67 percent of new clients have been Jewish. The number of referrals from rabbis has been "consistent. They are a vital resource for us," Stiel said.

Stiel attributes the growth in clientele to the quality of JFS's therapists.

"They have a great reputation in their fields."

Karen Gustafson works with children and families. Teresa Drelicharz counsels children and families as well as people who have disabilities. She's working on her license to treat chemical dependency. Both Gustafson and Drelicharz are national board certified counselors. Tanya Seina, who has a master's degree in social work, works with adults. Stiel himself is a licensed clinical social worker and does individual and couples therapy.

"We also have a quick turnaround time to get people in here," Stiel said.

"A week is the longest."

"It's very important that we have this resource," Rabbi Kutner said.

"JFS is there for individuals and families in need of their services."

"It's imperative" that community rabbis and JFS work together," added Rabbi Katzman, "to address Jewish family dynamics."

"The relationship between synagogues and JFS has the potential to become even more meaningful and richer," Rabbi Azriel suggested.

"JFS should encourage and assist the community in finding solutions to some serious challenges-drugs and alcohol, middle class unemployment and underemployment, and mental health concerns," he added. "Another challenge is the whole issue of how people in our community who have mental and physical disabilities will survive as adults and live their lives to the fullest potential.

"We all share these burdens."

Jewish FAMILY SERVICE

September 6, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 79

Domestic Violence Prevention a Community Effort

by DR. PATRICIA NEWMAN — — — — — — — In the spring of 2000, Beth Friedman, then President of the National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section, asked me to discuss and lead a special NCJW initiative to target and prevent domestic violence.

Friedman indicated that the methodology itself was "wide open"and that I could guide the process with the support of NCJW volunteers and an initial donation of $1,000. Both of us, trained educators, agreed that NCJW would target children and youth through some type of prevention oriented program.

The following month the Omaha World-Herald ran an article on Deana's Fund, a nonprofit organization from Stoneham, MA, (whose slogan is "acting to prevent violence") specialized in educational theatrical productions that were perfect to assist NCJW. The Fund was named for Deana Brisboe a teenager killed by her boyfriend in 1994. The organization developed several theatrical productions as a way to teach students in several grades the most positive ways to "act to prevent violence."

Following my contact with Deana's Fund, the leadership of NCJW secured three primary sponsors to begin a coalition to deliver the programs in Omaha in February, 2001: Jewish Family Service, (with funding provided by Pennie Z. Davis) and the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, (funding provided by Diane Lozier), and agreed to raise additional funds, develop program materials and initiate a publicity campaign to build a community wide collaboration to bring the programs of Deana's Fund (The Yellow Dress and Remote Control) here.

In February, 2002, these collaborators and funders produced 11 shows and served nearly 4,000 students, teachers, parents and child advocates. The program received recognition and community awards from the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the DVCC and the YWCA Women Against Violence program.

The programs excellent reviews generated considerable enthusiasm by the collaboration to explore the possibility of bringing the productions to Omaha on a regular basis to reduce costs and increase availability. A local home for the programs was found at the Girl Scouts-Great Plains Council and the council negotiated with Deana's Fund and received exclusive local production rights.

Following this agreement, the community collaborators and many of the original funders agreed to continue their involvement. The Girl Scouts' service to more than 40,000 girls annually, as well as their commitment to prevent violence against girls, and to make schools safe for all children, made them a logical choice to lead the project.

The Livingston Foundation generously agreed to underwrite the cost of hiring and supporting staff training. The foundation, along with Girl Scouts, provided additional start up funds to ensure that the collaborative was ready to deliver the programs at the start of the fall school term. The limited rights agreement included permission to produce The Yellow Dress (high school and college productions, targeted to prevent teen dating violence and the continuing escalation of such into domestic violence), Remote Control (a look at relational violence for junior high students) and Doin' the Right Thing (aimed at preventing harassment and bullying among children in grades 4-7.)

A Kiewit grant of $67,500, was matched by contributing dollars. These contributions provided more than $141,000 to pay for the delivery of 63 productions serving nearly 10,000 students from 44 schools and organizations.

A significant number of private contributions also continue to support the efforts of agencies and foundations. To date, contributing collaborators to be thanked are: Bill Kizer, Howard Hawks, Tom Fellman, Howard Cooper, Slosburg Company, Dr. John and Kay Goldner, Bob and Phyllis Newman, Gail Yanney, Harlan Noddle and Joe Kirschenbaum Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

The Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, Jewish Family Service, Catholic Charities and the YWCA provide staff who provide therapeutic support for children who may require intervention or support services following a production. The professional staff serves as panel members and group facilitators.

Girl Scouts-Great Plains Council, as the lead

Dr. Patricia Newman, left, Pat Kies and Deborah Keating, organizers of The Yellow Dress Project,

a domestic violence prevention program which allows for interactive discussion, right

agency, provides professional staff, program materi- youngsters' perspective. al development, marketing, public relations, printIn a little more than two years, through the inspiing, grant writing, clerical support, executive lead- ration and commitment of NCJW Omaha Section, ership and fundraising services for the program. and additional support from Jewish Family Service, Deborah Keating, the council executive director the DVCC and the Girl Scouts-Great Plains committed the organization's leadership and was Council, these unique theatrical productions have the force behind bringing the program into the Girl arrived from Massachusetts and found a home in Scouts. I serves as program director and Pat Kies, a the metro Omaha area. professional actress, serves as artistic director.

The impact of the program is astounding to one Between Oct. 1, 2001, and May, 2002, nearly who sits and watches or one who talks with and lis10,000 children viewed the productions and inter- tens to the children. acted in facilitated discussions with cast and proSome children have never seen a theater producfessionals. Tens of thousands of newly developed tion or play. Some children talk about the violence materials for parents, students, counselors and pro- that occurs in their homes, between family memfessionals were also distributed. bers. More than half of the children in nearly every The newest development is the completion of a audience raise their hand when asked if they or script for the kindergarten through third grade stu- someone they know has been bullied. Some children dent called All Starz. Deana's Fund has provided ask, "What is it if your dad hits you like that?"and Girl Scouts with this script and Kies and I are work- some say, "That's what my uncle does to my aunt." ing on perfecting this production so it will also be From one conversation between Beth Friedman ready with the fall line-up of programs. Additional and me, to a group of three organizations, to a temfunds will be needed to support the new cast and porary community collaboration, and finally a persupportive materials, but the collaborative is very manent home with Girl Scouts-Great Plains pleased to now be able to provide students through- Council, the program has developed quickly and out all grades with quality prevention programs. effectively.

Today's economic situation is more challenging All Starz previewed in Omaha in August. The program centers on topics surrounding relational than ever for schools and human service programs. aggression such as taunting, teasing, excluding, the Continued community support will be required. formation of cliques and "special" clubs, peer pres- Regardless of the future, no effort has been wasted. sure and other forms of bullying. It is contemporary Thousands of children have had their lives touched and specifically addresses these issues from a by the conversations these programs initiated.

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Page 80

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

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B

I

S MESSAGES ' FOR 5763 -

Lame Duck and Swan Song

What is Judaism?

b3 RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE it is September

by RABBI ARYEH AZRIEL Senior Rabbi Temple Israel

Community

hazy when it come8 to deciding what ia Judaism; often we are loat. among the hod of competing descriptions and dehitione. Jewish identity is legs of a problem to us than Jewish eamnce.

Yet, it,is eaabnce that ia the main theme of the High Holy Daye. We know that aa Jews we should appear inapagogwandbetogetherwithfbllowJews; we can mapond to the need for identity. But aRea we are dieaatiafEed with the message that is being dered, we have ditllculty in believ-

the Jewish Federation of Omaha. I ap just starting to get acquainted w i b all of you, and it is a great pleaaureb learn about everything that has beem achieved here in the past cemtury.

Clearly, Omaha has an exceptional Jewish community with much to o i k the people who live here.

I come to the pulpit of Beth ,El hoping to make a rimcant contribution to my coand to the larger community. I rm happy to know that Beth El and'ita members feel proud of what they do ad a congmgation. I am a h glad te me that they feel they are part of the larger community and are always ready to cooperate and contribute to its growth h d eurvival. I commit myself to this eame objective. I hope to add my contribution by working together with the other rabbis in Omaha, and hope that this cooperation will benefit the entire community.

Cooperation is important in all areaa of W in the family, in the Jewieh community, and between men of different religiom. The cooperation between all the Jewieh institutions in Omaha is very valuable. We must ail work together for the Jewish people, for Judaiam, for Israel and for the impmvkent of the world.

1

ere

-

I

some selected columns. q d the High Holy Daya I called it Insight and y e shortly to come, but Interpretation.

It I am thinking ofthe end received favorable comof;,the Holy Day period, ment around the counafter Simhat Torah. try. (Incidentally, if ~~think~aminexceleome of you have copiea lent health. And, if Ood you no longer want, I'd gives me life until the be delighted to have re:ading at the end of them, since I continue to get requeete for the Torah and the them, which I can no begiming again immb diately, on S i d a t longer accammodate.) It 'Ibrah, I intemd to end may be that the Jewish my co1of comment h e a r may publish ~theweeLly8idrs. another m u p of the columns. More i I've been at it for quih a while. news ofthat later. without looking it up, I would gwea I think that the columns of paat I'ye beem at it eumnwr and winter, yeare may be better than thoee of gqod timeg and not MI good for the more recent date. Or, maybe, it's that 9- of Israel and the world, for juat my taste haa i m p d - o r deterioratshort of 20 years. I've had deadlines ed,I don't know which.

A minister in a church which had the enough.

Perhaps the pulpit rabbia of Omaha policy of changing minieters every two wiuld like to take the column wer. Or y e w was leaving. He said goodbye to the Jewish h a could barge into one an old'lady who had seen about 20 of of; the many comment llervices avail- them m h i e t m come and go. She said able. Furthermore, it's nowhere writ- she waa sorry to see him go. "Oh, tep that thetre must be euch a column. you'll m n have someone better than Iq the weekly Jewish community I," he mid modestly, "Oh, no," ehe p a w that exist uouDd the country, replied. 'That's what they ill say. But many of these columns simply W d they keep gettin'worm."

If you continue the "Sparksfram the the reauk of what the weekly Torah reading conriot. I coneider these Word"column, you'll eoon have eomecolumns %nkly" columne. one better than I. I hope his (or her) I've eqjoyed writing all these y e w , readera will have the satisfaction and ~ ~ t h e y ' v e a e r v e d a a a s t i m u l u s :theang~tofwritingthatIhavehad they've made me think. Some of you dl theme years. may remember a publbhed volume of Shalom, Shalom.

by RABBI MORDECHAl LEVIN Beth El Synagogue Despite the debate among us, most "How good and how pleasant it ia of us h o w who is a Jew, We have our when brethren dwell togener in'unity" own way of picking one out in the This verse is appropriate for the celcrowd. We are, however, much more ebration of the 100th Anniversary of

ine.

We crave for a eimple formula that does not merely analyze why we came to echool, but which demonstrates the reason why we should stay, and why we should came back.

Unfibrtunately, there ia no euch aimple etatement, and every attempt to coin a phrase that encapeulatee the J haa proven M e . totality of * The traditional text of the Sh'm offers, however, a starting point: "You shall lwe the Imrd your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might."

Ae we come together to greet the year 5763, let us explore the meaning of them worda, hr they tell us what Judairrm deanan& due. (continuedon pa#e 88)

Hapw New Year! +-

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3:&-S,6

May the call of the Shofar echo throughout the world, calling all mankind to the task of mating a n amosphere of peace and Hope.

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Page 82

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

Rabbis' Messages (Continued from page 81)

An Exceptional Community

What Is Judaism?

by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel -

by Rabbi Mordechai Levin — — — — — — — — ^ ~

We should speak of love as we experience it in our human relationships and what it really means to respond to another beginning of religious experience.

We should also explore the significance of the words, "The Lord, your God." I know that so many of us yearn for transcendence, but are put off by pious talk and philosophic generalizations. Is there a way of recognizing the reality that is God without being subjected to mental acrobatics and emotional blackmail? And, I would like to know how one can love God "with all your heart and all your soul and all your might."

I do not want to lure you to synagogue with the false promise that there, at five or six services, all will be revealed. All that I can do is to issue an invitation to wrestle with the problems, to reflect and perhaps also, to decide. What is Judaism? It cannot be answered with a slogan, because that would be dogmatic, a dogma-certainly at the expense of truth-is alien to our tradition. But the question can be confronted. It is only in confrontation that the essence is made clear and the identity affirmed.

It happened to the Biblical Jacob when he wrestled with the angel. It can happen to each of us when we struggle with questions of Jewish essence.

And as Jacob became Israel in the process, so can we.

L'Shana Tovah!

The Talmud says: "All Jews are responsible one for another." One of the most important things we can do is feel connected to our fellow Jews. The Midrash emphasizes the point of Jewish unity and continuity, stating that the souls of all Jews, past, present, and future, stood together spiritually at Mount Sinai.

Today, Jewish unity is needed more than ever. In spite of our differences, and with mutual respect regarding those differences, we need to be accepting of all Jews and all Jewish points of view. We need to respect and embrace all Jews, no matter "how" they are Jewish. We may be of many minds, but we must be of one heart.

As I learn more about the Federation, I will try to contribute my best skills to its different agencies and programs, in order to help continue the outstanding work that has been done over the past 100 years.

On the 100th Anniversary of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, I wish to congratulate all the institutions and members of the entire Jewish community. My best wishes for a year of life, health, fulfillment, justice and peace.

Shana Tovah!

Happy to Be Here

*

>

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•

by RABBI CRAIG MARANTZ, Associate Rabbi, Temple Israel'

Having moved recently to Omaha with my wife, Betsy, and our daughter, Cara, I am just becoming acquainted with Jewish life here. So, rather than reflect on the 100 years of the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Jewish experience as it has unfolded here this past century, I would like to tell you why I am excited to be at Temple Israel and part of the larger Jewish community. The three major factors drawing me here seem, nonetheless, rooted in the richness of Omaha's historical Jewish presence.

I relish the opportunity to serve a synagogue such as Temple Israel with a strong sense of history. To know where we are and where we are going requires a meaningful connection with our past. In that light, Temple Israel conveys a creative spirit, a warmth and openness and an institutional self-reliance that may very well have origins in the pioneering efforts of the first Jewish settlers who came here in 1856 , establishing Temple Israel is 1871.

Rabbi Sidney Brooks, z"l, called these pioneering individuals "the stalwarts who came to this place in far harsher times and brought with them a love of Judaism and an uncompromising commitment to see that we, their descendants, whom they could now know, would inherit that faith even in these lands once so sparsely settled with our fellow Jews."

Many people I've met, some whose families have been here for five generations, feel blessed to enjoy such vibrant Jewish life in Omaha. Whether a family is well-established or brand new to this city, it has those pioneers to thank for the Jewish opportunities we enjoy here today.

(Continued on page 89)

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by RABBI HOWARD KUTNER Beth Israel Synagogue-

One of the most moving parts of the High Holiday liturgy is the prayer, Unesanci Tokef, when we declare that the fate of each individual is inscribed on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur. But three things can help remove any harsh decrees: Teshuvah (repentance), Tefilah (prayer) and I Tzedakah (charity).

These three elements' are closely linked to what the rabbis tells us in Pirke Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers (1:2), "The world depends on three things: Torah, Divine Service and Acts of Kindness." Returning to the Torah as our way of life is the essential part of the repentance process. Divine Service refers primarily to prayer. And acts of kindness are charity.

For the past 100 years, our Jewish Federation has been involved with all three of these essential components of Judaism. Its Jewish Education and Library Services (JELS) promotes Torah study and Jewish education. The Friedel Jewish Academy, the Melton Adult Education Program, the College of Jewish Learning, community teacher program and teen Israel education are just a few examples of how Federation encourages and supports Jewish learning.

The close ties between the Federation and synagogues that has been developed in the last few years is how the Federation helps promote Tefilah andAvodah, serving G-d through prayer.

Finally, in the realm of tzedakah and gemilut hasadim (deeds of kindness), the FEderation is second to none. Through its annual campaign, we help Jews in need in Israel, locally and throughout the world. From helping the elderly through our Jewish Senior Services to assisting families through Jewish Family Service, our Federation has been the pillar of support for all Jewish life in Omaha.

In addition to the work Federation does everyday to promote Torah, Divine Service and Acts of Kindness, the Federation also steps up to assist in emergencies, galvanized the community in a campaign to help victims of terror in Israel. In just a few short weeks, this community raised close to one million dollars.

When it comes to the study of Torah, a proverb from the rabbis tells us, "One who studies a subject 100 times is not comparable to one who studies that subject 101 times." As the Federation enters its 101st year, it can reach even greater heights and serve the Jewish community in greater ways than ever before.

Hatzlacha to our Federation in its future endeavors, and to all, L'Shana Tova.

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September g, 2002

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Michael Walts, President; Gary Kaplan, Vice-President; M. Ronald Brodkey, VicePresident; Spencer Brookstein, Vice President; Rosalie Saltzman, Secretary; Rick Fox, Treasurer; Paul Epstein, Past President. Board Members: Mitzi Delman, Harry Gates, Larry Gendler, John Glazer, Wendy Goldberg, Shirley Kulakofsky, John Lehr, Jon Meyers, E. Robert Newman, Jeffrey Passer, Barbara Rips, Jane Rips, Kimberly Robinson, Stacey Rockman, Silvia Roffman, Jeffrey Schweid, Jeffrey Smedlund, Allie Willensky.

WOMEN OF REFORM JUDAISM Stacey Rockman, President; Andi Willensky and Rosie Zweiback, Vice Presidents Membership & Leadership; Michelle Bucher, Vice President Religious Living; Debbie Stiel, Vice President Education; Wendy Goldberg, Vice President Religious Action; Lynne Jensen,Vice President Development and WRJ Projects; Linda Saltzman, Vice President Public Relations; Arlene Adelson, Treasurer; Allyson Wilczewski, Recording Secretary; TEMPLE YOUTH GROUP Allie Willensky, President; Leora Azriel, Programming Vice President; Jon Gates, Religious I Cultural Vice President; Sara Rips, Social Action Vice President; Jacob Bleicher, Membership; Janet Baack, Special Projects Coordinator, Margaret Terry, Secretary; Joshua Bleicher and Chelsea Taxman, JYG Liasons MEN'S CLUB Harry Gates, President; Alan Fredricks, Treasurer BARMITVAH David Belmont Mr. and Mrs. Ben Belmont Michael Crabb Drs. Suzan and Ian Crabb Austin Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Doug Davidson Scott Egermayer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Egermayer Nicholas Ferer Mr. and Mrs. Whitney Ferer Joshua Finnicum Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Finnicum Spencer Gallner Mi: and Mrs. Sheldon Gallner Justin Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. David Jacobson Maxwell Katz Mr. and Mrs. Richard Katz Aaron Parsow Margo Parsow and the late Dr. Jay Parsow Aaron Passer Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Passer Justin Slutzky Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Slutzky Brandon Thomas Ms. Andrea Gordman Mr. Paul Thomas Trevor Tully Mr. and Mrs. David Tully Guy Weinstein Mr. and Mrs. Dale Weinstein Avi Wolfson Mr. and Mrs. Doug Wolfson BAT MITZVAH Eliza Cowan Drs. Alison and Kenneth Cowan Jessica Danon Mr. and Mrs. Steve Danon Emily Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Howard Friedman Leslie Graul Mr: and Mrs. Lonnie Graul Jennifer Laudin Kathy Beauchame and Jeffrey Laudin Kelsey Lepp Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lepp Allison Levinger Mr. and Mrs. Steve Levinger Jaequelyn Neesman Mr. and Mrs. Steve Neesman Olga Patkovsky Ms. Ella Patkovsky Anne Rips Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Rips Amy Schweid Sharon Sobel and Jeffrey Schweid Bonnie Schweid and Stuart Wardell

Sarah Sherman Mi: and Mrs. Mark Sherman Allison Smoler Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Smoler Sarah Spooner Mr. and Mrs. Jim Spooner Monica Stoney Ms. Denise Silverman Mr. Dan Stoney Holly Walts Dr. and Mrs. Michael Walts Taylor Workman Mr. and Mrs. Tom Workman BIRTHS SONS Brandon Isaac Cohen Lisa and David Cohen Jacob Ari Cohn Jennifer and Travis Cohn Michael David Edheimer Stephanie and Roger Edheimer Alec Davis Folsom Jill and Jim Folsom Daniel Elias Goldman Angel and Aaron Goldman Alexander Henry Goldstein Jill and I. Joseph Goldstein William Conrad Kully Kris and David Kully Evan Simon Myers Leslie and Curt Myers Eitan Daniel Rosenquist Julie and Thor Rosenquist Ari Jack Saltzman Linda and Kevin Saltzman Spencer K. Schneiderman Heidi and Scott Schneiderman Joshua Bennett Siegel Andrea and Michael Siegel Ryan Abraham Slusky Gretchen and Jay Slusky Charles Thomas Sullivan Louri and Charles Sullivan DAUGHTERS Julia Eden Brodkey Stacie and Marc Brodkey Baye Lily Fletcher Hillary and John Fletcher Harper Mattie Gordman Danielle and Jeffrey Gordman Abby Leigh Kohll Susan Stern Kohll and Alan Louis Kohll Emma Danielle Miller Lori and Michael Miller Charlotte Rose Simon Kim and Jim Simon Julia Evalyn Steiner Melissa and Gary Steiner Alexa Jae Winograd Debbie and Stuart Winograd Ariela Hadassa Zweiback Jacqueline Hantgan and Josh Zweiback WEDDINGS Debbi Brown and Eugene "Speedy" Zwieback Michelle Dreesen and Daniel Epstein Jamie Endelman and Troy Meyerson Robyn Epstein and Will Wolper Bette Evans and Mike Makoid Amy J. Frankel and Evan Kleeberg Stacie Lynn Katelman and Michael Aubrey Vereb Cynthia J. Kohll and Joshua S. Persky Daniel Kully and Maritza Rivera Emily Michelson and Bill Shackman ..

Lyndi Passer and Eric Munro Jan Perelman and Howard Goldstein Jennifer Ricks and Ken Zeidman Nancy Milder Roberts and Michael L. Lazer Marcy J. Shrader and Joel B. Patton Jaynie Sraeerin and Robert Slutzky Lindsey Paige Taxman and Brian Savoie Kathleen Turner and Joseph Platt Cristi Weiner and Kevin Finkel DEATHS Justin Lee Ban, Dave Bernstein, Clarissa Bittner, Genevieve Bornstein, Leah Bratter, Barbara Lou Brophy, Anne Cohn, Leona Kohll Cohn, Ethel Danon, Evelyn Marie Davidson, Pennie Z. Davis, Harold Dickstein, Florence Eisenberg, Viola May Eisenberg, Frances Evans, Harold Paul Farber, Ida Sorine Fellman, Harvey Dean Ferer, Bernard Fink, Dorothy Fischer, Margaret Fogarty, Harry Friedman, Bob Funschelle, Joseph A.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Ginsberg, Gertie Glazer, Judy Gotadiner, Arthur Greene, Ann G. Hahn, Veronica Hilton, Milton Hirshman, Morris Hirshman, Irene Kamisar, Libby Kaplan, Fannie Karsh, Helen Kirke, Audrey C. Kirshenbaum, Albert Krechel, Kibby Lachin, Rose Wrubel Lamb, Katharine Latenser, Joseph Limprecht, Helen Lipp, Joseph Z. Litt, Ted Livingston, Milton Margolin, Richard Martin, Lylyan Rosenblatt Merritt, Helen Meyerson, Charles A. Monasee, Sharon Monsky, Grace Plotkin, Faina Puterman, Robert Rauhauser, Wilma Clair Rogers, Paul Robert Rosen, Monroe Rosenberg, Irving "Mickey" Ross, Thelma Ryan, Joanne Sandier, Lee Schwartz, Phillip M. Schwartz, Joseph Shachman, Violet Shaprio, Shari Sherman, Marian S.

r

Page 83

Silverstein, Edward Singer, Mimi Steiner, Donia Temple, Max Turchen, Alice Ungar, Howard Vann, Sylvia Weinberg, Nathan Willis, David Wine, Mildred (Millie) Wine, and James M. Wolf.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Helene Lohman and Mr. Arnold Radloff, Co-Presidents; Marti Nerenstone, Spiritual Leader; Jean Goldfein, Treasurer; Alice Weiss, Religious School Coordinator.

BAR MITZVAH David Trubnikov (Continued on page 84)

...

Congratulations . to the Jewish Federation of Omaha on Its 100th Anniversary and Happy New Year

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Page 84

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS David Kohll, President; Dennis Paley, Bonnie Bloch, and Lynne Saltzman, Vice-Presidents; George Aufseeser, Treasurer; Susie Shyken, Secretary. Board Members: Shelly Coren, Howard Gendelman, Julee Katzman, Mike Katzman, Sandy Kohll, Jack Kozlen, Ann Moskovitz, Dani Shrago, Georgia Ann Steinberg, Bruce Teichman, and Norm Zevitz.

BETH ISRAEL SISTERHOOD CABINET Charlotte Kaplan, Georgia Ann Steinberg, Nadine Kutner, Leah Siegel, Sandy Kohll, Tibe Stoler, Susie Shyken, Annette Fettman, Jeanette Nadoff, Bernice Cohen NCSY Rachel Katzman and Ben Gerber, Co-Presidents BARMITZVAH Brent Saltzman Errol and Lynne Saltzman Oren Varkony Iris Varkony and Dr. Evan Varkony MARRIAGES Michael Besser and Anna Gologorsky Bruce Passer and Elsa Levy Jan Perelman and Howard Goldstein Evan Saltzman and Rebekah Chaifetz BIRTHS Eleanor Hadassah Josephine Dunning Toba Cohen-Dunning and Eric Dunning Jack Henry Kohll Dr. David and Janet Kohll Zoe May Berman Beth Cohen and Harry Berman DEATHS Paula Amster, Dave Bernstein, Isadore Bogdanoff, Eve Boguchwal, Morris Bognchwal, Sidney Cohen, Leon Don, Albert Ferenstein, Annette Frank Schloff, Albert Friedman, Anna Gitnick Hahn, Jacob Jacobs, Helen Kirke, Leona Kohll Cohn, Rosa Kooperman, Ida Mann, Dr. J. Milton Margolin, Ellie Ratner, Leo Rundell, Helen Schwartz, Ethel Shyken, Mandell Simon, Rona Smith, Roberta Weiner, Lil Weinstein, Bess Weitz, Dave Wine.

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September 6, 2002

Julie Gross Lauren Josephson Carolyn Barenbaum-Meyers Taylor Sanford Alyssa Moms Allison Lehman WEDDINGS Antigone Gregory and Cory Tichauer Emily Michelson and Bill Shackman Tova Emmuel and Brett Juton Amy Frankel and Evan Kleeburg Jamie Endelman and Troy Meyerson Kathleen Turner and Joseph Platt Jaynie Smeerin and Robert Slutzky Renee Mitchell and Adam Rod Anna Golorsky and Michael Besser Eileen Kader and Edwin Clinett Allison Kohll and Daniel Minze BIRTHS Samuel Avi Novak Kim and Larry Novak Gabrielle Lane Hoberman Tiffany and Michael Hoberman Jonathan Elijah Brain BETH EL MEN'S CLUB Devra and Ross Bram Glen Fineman, President; Harry Weiner and Lloyd Gideon Michael Katz Roitstein, Vice Presidents; Les Kay, Treasurer; Fred Dr. Marti Epstein and Dr. Charlie Katz Kader, Secretary.

Spencer David Gordman L'CHAIM CHAPTER OF HAZAK Allison and Jay Gordman Dr. James Wax, President; Ilse Kahn, Treasurer; Natalie DEATHS Rubin, Recording Secretary.

Murray Atkin, Lyubov Basov, Ruth Belzer, Gerald BARMITVAH Bernstien, Myrna "Mike" Block, Bess Borden, Sidney Seth Krasne Cahan, Eudice Canar, Anne Cohn, Pennie Z. Davis, Alex Epstein Wallace Elkon, Norman Fishel, Samuel Galenter, Joseph Martin Kaplan Ginsberg, Leopold Goldhaber, Judy Gotsdiner, Marie Jeffrey Malashock Hack, Irving Hellman, Irving Hirsch, Ida Israel, Seymour Seth Rich Katz, Martin J. Kimmel, Helen Kirke, Audrey Joshua Grossman Kirshenbaum, Bernard Klein, Rosa Kooperman, Eleanor Bradley Frank Kurtzman, Esther Lederer, Rose Levine, Julius Milton Zane Fried Margolin, Richard Martin, Helen Meyerson, Rayola Jean Daniel Raznick McCurdy, Sara Ostravich, Mae Pittelman, Grace Plotkin, Seth Kudym Louis Remer, Beverly Rich, Paul Robert Rosen, Monroe Nathan Fineman Rosenberg, Marilyn Sacks, Robert Sandier, Annette David Sukiennik Schloff, Maurice Schwartz, Joseph Shachman, Stephen BAT MITZVAH Skid, Rona Smith, Jay Sosland, Ann Sukiennik, Nathan Lindsay Belmont Wald, Debra Wees, Sylvia Weinberg, Lillian Weinstein, Erin Abramson and Lois Weiss.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Richard Fellman, President; Carol Gendler, VicePresident; Hyman Sukiennik, Vice-President; Sally Zipursky, Secretary; Ron Feldman, Treasurer; Howard Epstein, Past President. Board Members: Brian Altaian, Beth Seldin Dotan, Ellene Edelstein, Glen Fineman, Jim Fried, Mikhail Ginsburg, Alan Goodman, Larry Hasslinger, M'Lee Hasslinger, Dr. Fred Kader, Cheryl Lerner, Dr. Allen Morris, Jane Murow, Larry Raful, Phil Ratner, Steven Reikes, Lloyd Roitstein, Rhonda Saferstein, Dr. Joel Schlessinger, Andrea Scioli, Martin Shukert, Mark Sweet, Eadie Tsabari, Sylvia Wagner, Dr. James Wax, Harry Weiner.

USY BOARD Brian Altaian, President, Sam Edelstein, Programming Vice President; Shayna Kurland, Religious I Educational Vice President; Josh Sweet, Membership IKadimah VP; Rob Mosenkis, Social Action I Tikun Olam VP; David Phillips, Communications VP. BETH EL SISTERHOOD M'Lee Hasslinger, President; Caryn Rifkin, Vice President; Amy Reynolds, Treasurer; Kathy Weiner,

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stanley Rosenbaum, Rabbi; Robert Evnen, President; Miles Bryant, Vice-President; Nancy Coren, Secretary; Howard Feldman, Treasurer; Trustees: Michael Eppel, James Hamicksburg, Jeffrey Mellen.

B'NAI MITZVAH Molly Tobin Casey and Molly Weiss Meredith Kenyon Cari Bowers DEATHS Adeline Schwimmer, Floyd Kuklin and Mitch Tavlin

Campaign events over the years included a 1953 meeting with: Mrs. Max Greenberg, left, Mrs. Morris Levy, Mrs. Stanley Fisk, Mrs. Hubert Sommers, Mrs. Sam Steinberg, Kalah Franklin (Executive Secretary) and Mrs. Arthur Goldstein. Below left: Bob Slutsky, left, Joanie Jacobson and Steve Pitlor entertain in the 1988 Campaign Cabaret. Below right; A group of children and teens announce diiner at the 1980 campaign event chaired by Jeri'y and Cookie Hoberman at the JCC: Alex Miller, left, Kathy Mann, Melissa Epstein, Lisa Hoberman. Robin Hoberman, Jeff Epstein.

September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 85

ISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA and its CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA Steve Pitlor, President; Zoe Riekes, Vice-president; Bob Lepp, Vice-president & Secretary; Steve Nogg, Treasurer; Forrest N. Krutter, Past-president; Joan Bernstein, Jewish Sejiior Services IRBJH; Jeff Kirshenbaum, Jewish Community Center; Dr. Patricia Newman, Jewish Family Service; Dennis Paley, Jewish Education and Library Services;

Mimi Waldbaum, Community Relations Committee IADL; Margo Riekes, Marketing Chairman; Sandy Friedman, Planning and Evaluation Chairman; Dr. Norm Sheldon, Budget and Allocations Chairman; Sorin Juster, Building and Grounds Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Jewish Press Chairman; Michael Miller, Young Leadership

Chairman; Steve Bloch, Foundation Chairman; Richard Jacobson, Personnel Practices Chairman; Mark Schwartz and J a n Schneiderman, Overseas Chairman; Ann Goldstein, David -Gilinsky; Joan Kaiman and Jerry Kohll, Campaign Co-chairman; Rabbi Aryeh Azriel; Rabbi Mordechai Levin; Rabbi Howard Kutner; J a n Goldstein, Executive Director.

THE JEWISH PRESS Fred Tichauer, Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, ViceChairman; 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); Carol Katzman, Editor.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER Jeff Kishenbaum, President; Richard Jacobson, Immediate Past-president; Bob Belgrade, Gary Epstein, Susie Norton, and Kimberly Robinson, Vice-presidents; Mike Abramson; Ben Belmont; Maria Cohen; Debbie Friedman; Tom Friedman, Maggie Gerber, John Glazer, Robert Goldberg; Don Goldstein; Marti Harris; Sorin Juster; Larry Kelberg; Kevee Kirshenbaum; Michael Miller; Janie Murow; Bruce Muskin; Sherman. Neff; Marcia Pitlor; Nancy Nogg Rauhauser; Dave Ruback; Natalie Rubin; Fred Tichauer; Paul Cohen; Steve Pitlor; Marv Polikov; Mark Sanford; and Norm Sheldon; Jeff Aizenberg, Executive Director.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE Dr. Patricia Newman, President; Justin Cooper and Lisa Lewis, Vice-president; Todd Simon, Treasurer; Sally Kaplan, Secretary; Gloria Kaslow, Honorary Vice-president; Elyce Azriel; Ruth Erman; Debbie Friedman; David Goldberg; Barry Grossman; Jerry Kohll, Bob Kully; Carol Parsow; Sheila Rosen; Bunny Rothenberg; Anne Shackman; Jake Slosburg; and Andi Willensky; Steve Stiel, Executive Director.

VISIONS Jim Wax, Executive Chair; Harry Alloy, Advisor; Jack Noodell, Treasurer; Joan Marcus, Recording Secretary; Marilyn Fried, Bill and Doris Cohen, Historians; Milt and Doris Parker; Howard and Sissy Silber; Gilda Pieck; Marcy Gallner and Elaine Feldman; Betty Sanford, Trips and Travel; Marvin Gerber; Maragret Conti, Director.

HADASSAH Georgia Ann Steinberg, Chairman I Coordinator; Beth Ginsburg, Advisor. Board of Directors: Phyllis Fried, Sandy Kohll, Madeline Katzman, Bette Kozlen, Corrine Levine, Maxine Noodell, Carol Parsow, Faye Ruback, Doris Shukert, Susie Shyken, Ann Skolkin, Esther Wax, Edie Wolf, and Nancy Wolf.

FOUNDATION OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION Steve Bloch, Chairman; Jay Noddle, Vice-chairman; Henry Davis, Barbara Epstein, Michael Erman, David Friedland, Phyllis Glazer, Donald Goldstein, Robert Kully, Martin Lehr, Murray Newman, Steve Pitlor, Dr. Blaine Roffman, Dr. Larry Roffman, Ted Seldin, Harley Schrager, Dr. Norman Sheldon, Stephen Simon, Suzanne Singer, Norman Veitzer; Marty Ricks, Executive Director.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE/ ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE Mimi Waldbaum, President; Sara Juster and David Gilisnky, Vice-preisdents; Ann Goldstein, Immediate PastJEWISH SENIOR SERVICES president; Irv Yaffe, Member-at-large of the Executive Joanie Bernstein, President; Harold Mann, Vice-presi- Committee; Jill Belmont; Sharon Brodkey; Jane Brooks; dent; Yale Richards, Vice-president; John Lehr, Tresurer; Bill Cunningham; Joe Erman; Jim Fried; Herb Friedman; Morton Glass, Secretary; Silvia Roffman, Past-president; Danielle Gordman; Yale Gotsdiner; Bucky Greenberg; Jim JEWISH EDUCATIONAL Mike Abramson; Robert Belgrade; Jerry Dann; Sandy Harris; Gary Javitch; Sara Juster; Gloria Kaslow; AND LIBRARY SERVICES Epstein; Sam Fried; Sanford Friedman; Bruce Goldberg; Maurice Kateman; Bob Kully; Denny Lewis; Lisa Lewis; Dennis Paley, President; Nadine Kutner, Vice-president Gary Javitch; Marcel Kahn; Joan Kaiman; Maxine Chuck Lontor; Jan Lund; Gary Nachman; Bob Nefsky; Library Services; Eric Phillips, Vice-president Educational Kirshenbaum; David Meyers; Nancy Noddle; Myra Sharee Newman; Bob Newman; Magda Peck; Larry Sewices; Jeff Smedlund, Past-president; Justin Cooper; Oberman; Eileen Remer; Suzanne Singer; Norman Raful; Susan Rothholz; Kevin Saltzman; Beth Seldin Marty Wolf; Hannah Schwalb; Aveva Shukert; Steve Smeerin; Norman Veitzer; and Tim Zweiback; Michael Dotan; Sylvia Wagner; and Keri Workman; Bob Wolfson, Riekes; Guy Matalon; Susan Rotholz; Cheryl Lerner; and Silverman, Executive Director.

Executive Director.

Mary Rich; Carolyn Novicoff, Executive Director.

i\ RGANIZATIONS L.O.V.E. AUXILIARY Eileen and Miles Remer, Co-Presidents; Margo Parsow, Judy Brookstein, Harriet Kutler, Rita Novak, Pam Deporte, Vice-presidents; Dinah Raful, Recording Secretary; Rocky Lewis, Corresponding Secretary; Ester Wax, Treasurer; Marlene and Hyman Sukiennik, Nominating Chairmen/Advisors; Ellen Platt, Carole Greenberg; Sue Finkle; Lisa Epstein; Sherry Shapiro; Annie Belmont; Ellene Edelstein; Helen & Tuffy Epstein; Dora Goldstrom; Leslie Kully; Harriet Marcus; Carol Parsow, Shelia Rosen; Jill Sideris; and Kathy Weiner; Lois Wine, JSS Volunteer Coordinator.

BBYO 2002 CHAPTER EXEC BOARDS Chaim Weizmann AZA Alex Katz, Godol; Ben Delman, S'Gan; Eugene Ayol, Moreh; Trevor Gerson, Shaliach; David Martin, Gizbor; Adam Trubnikov, Mazkir.

AZA#1 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN Cory Gilinsky, Godol; Alex Raksin, S'Gan; J.J. Omaha Section Friedman, Moreh; Nathan Fineman, Shaliach; Robert Kim Noddle, President; Jill Beimont, Cheryl Lerner, Iris Mosenkis, Gizbor; Ben Gerber, Mazkir.

Ricks, Karin Levine, Pam Friedlander, Deb Marburg, Ediar BBG Sally Zipursky, Vice-presidents; Jill Baron, Treasurer; Kylie Zacharia, N'Siah; Gal Tsabari, S'Ganit; Becky Kim Novak, Recording Secretaiy; Marcy Ruback, Member Kahn, Mit-Mom; Stephanie Lehman, Sh'licha; Meagan JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL Services Secretary; Shelly Pichik, Financial Secretary; Frieda Krizelman, President; Rosalie Greenspan, Katelman, Gizbarit; Jodi Levine, Mazkirah; Kate Carol Bloch, Susie Norton, Parliamentarian I By-Laws; Lisa Epstein, Danielle Gordman, Judy Josephson, Kate Esther Wax, Beth Friedman, Lila Jacoby, Vice-presidents; Josephson and Ariel Fried, Mashgicha; Amy Saylan, Kirshenbaum, Jennifer Meyerson, Heidi Schneiderman, Esther Wax, Treasurer; Dora Goldstrom, Financial Sunshine Girl.

Directors; Carol Katzman, Roxanne Kahn, Wendy Secretary; Shirley Brody, Recording Secretary; Corrine MZ Yoshanah BBG Goldberg, Susie Norton, Beth Friedman, Immediate Past- Levin, Correspoding Secretary; Maxine Noodell, Annie Rifkin, N'Siah; Lana Kinarsky, S'Ganit; Amanda president; Jan Schneiderman, National Past-president; Historian; Goldye Goldberg; Corrine Levin; Betty Ipock, Mit-Mom; Becky Smedlund, Sh'licha; Jessica Cindy Goldberg and Beth Friedman, National Goldstrom; Elaine Teperman; Allison Pachman; Sylvia Belmont, Gizbarit; Naomi Fox, Mazkirah; Aliya Katskee, Davis; and Anne Skolkin.

Commissioners.

Mashgicha; Betsy Goodman and Shayna Kurland, Sunshine Girls.

NATIONAL JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY HENRY MONSKY LODGE B'NAI B'RITH COUNCTL BOARD Louise Abrahamson, President; Helen Rifkin, Vice-presGary Javitch, President; Gil Cohen, Adam Jacobs, Marty AZA Ricks, Aaron Weiner, Chairmen; Gerald Meyer, Guardian; ident; Rocky Stern, Secretary; Jim Fried, Treasurer; Bob Keith Graul, Godol; Ben Taxman, S'Gan; Dan Morris, Alvin Abramson, Mike Abramson, Richard Diamond, Rich Belgrade, Past-presidexit; Mary Fellman and Oliver Juro, Steve Riekes, Eddie Rosen, Ti-ustees; Lois Epstein, Pollak, Co-Founders; Kevee Kirshenbaum; Joanie Moreh; Alex Raksin, MazlGiz; Trevor Gerson, Shaliach.

BBG Bernstein; Helen Epstein; Tuffy (Arnold) Epstein; Lois Director.

Kim Pitlor, N'Siah; Rachel Katzman, S'Ganit; Jenny Friedman; Caryl Greenberg; Sheldon Kushner; Deb Lyddon and Mike Goldstein; Linda Mann; Scott Finkle, Mit-Mom; Brittany Sukiennik, MazlGiz; Sam OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Allan Gonsher, President; Leon Shrago, Vice-president; Meyerson; Ben Nachman; Max Neiden; Zoe Riekes; Friedman, Sh'licha; Rachel Blum, BBYO Director.

Myra Oberman, Secretary; Mike Katzman, Treasurer; Caryn Rifkin; and Judy Tully; Renee Corcoran, Executive Director.

Rabbi Aryeh Blum, Director

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Y.E.S Margaret Conti, Adult Program Director; Ilene Pachman, President; Norm Zevitz, Vice President; Gerald Meyer, Treasurer; Millie Altaian, Recording Secretary; Frieda Krizelman, Membership Dues. Chairpersons: Jean Marshall, Program; Kay Ferer, Telephone IHospital; Reva Oruch and Julie Shapiro, Contributions; Dan Greenfield, Maitre D; Charlotte Kaplan, Historian; Sally Venger and Hilde Gottlieb, Hospitality; Art Grossman, Advisor I Reporter.

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Page 86

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 6, 2002

The Jewish Free Loan Societies of Omaha,

by OLIVER POLLAK ^

M__^_1M^__,

(Author's note: This is a slightly revised version of family transport needs and business start up costs.

Jewish Free Loan Society an essay that appeared in Memories of the Jewish There were two types of free loan groups, the difMidwest in 1987, and is reprinted with the kind permission of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. ference being leadership and funding. The typical Readers will find the footnotes in Vol. 3, pages 11-13. free loan had members, and carried on its business Since this article appeared, Shelly Tenenbaum has in Yiddish. For instance, the Gemilath Chesed, published A Credit to their Community: Jewish loan Hebrew Free Loan Association of Providence, Rhode societies in the United States, 1880-1945 (Detroit: Island, founded in 1903, was created because "the Wayne State University Press, 1993) which includes well-to do people of the community" would not prothe 1912 picture from the Omaha Daily News, and I vide aid so the "poor and the needy" provided their have published "Communal Self Help and Capital own aid. They raised money from nominal memberFormation: Omaha's Jewish Loan Associations, ship dues, life memberships, raffles, year book 1911-1979" in American Jewish History (1988): 20- advertisements, appeals, and bequests. There was a tremendous emphasis on membership drives, with 35.)

As a group Jews arrived in America more impov- a collector receiving 25% of new membership dues.

The Hebrew Free Loan Association in Baltimore erished than other immigrants. Yet within a generation they were frequently prosperous and entering was formed in 1898 with nine people contributing a the middle class. This transition was aided by a net- total of $24. By 1899 the Association had 119 memwork of aid societies. Jews sought assistance from bers. In Omaha, by contrast, the leadership of the landsmanschaft (compatriot society), Workers free loan was synonymous with the professional and Circles, benevolent societies, synagogues, and com- business economic elite of the Jewish community. munity federations of welfare agencies. These Rather than grass roots self help, the Omaha free groups provided sick, burial and widows benefits, loan may be characterized as an obligation of the better heeled Jews to their Brethren. loans and fellowship.

During the first decade of the twentieth century Omaha's Jewish population in 1900 was about 2,000. Ten years later it was estimated at 5,500, and free loan organizations were formed in most urban may have peaked to 10,000 around 1930. The areas to accommodate the needs of East European majority lived in Omaha proper. Smaller single con- immigrants, including Cleveland (1905), Des gregation communities lived in South Omaha and Moines (1906), Columbus (1909), Los Angeles across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (1911), and Portland, Oregon (1912). Free Loans Immigrants were further assisted by the Industrial were symptomatic of a traditional Jewish commuRemoval Office and Galveston plan. For many, nal response to changing immigrant urban needs.

Omaha was a stopover on the way to Denver, In Omaha the free loan was provided by a concerned Kansas City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Jewish economic elite, and subsequently maintained Despite the relatively small size of the community a by the community-wide Federation. The Associated variety of aid societies flourished.

Jewish Charities was formed in 1903. When the The Omaha Hebrew Club formed in 1892 was the Articles of Incorporation were filed in 1913 Section 22 largest organization, providing sickness and widows provided that "All applicationsforloans shall be benefits, and general relief to its needy members. referred to the Loan committee for investigation and Their names suggest their goals: Jewish Ladies report. No loans shall be authorized without a written Relief Society (1904); Jewish Ladies Aid Society of instrument and properly signed."

It was reorganized as the Jewish Welfare South Omaha (1911); Jewish Workman's Defense Association (1916); and the Jewish Peddlers' Federation in 1919. The Federation continues to Protective and Benevolent Association (1915). this day to maintain the Free Loan. Contributions These are examples of the proliferation of self-help were considered tzedakah. Further free loan sources were independent women's self help groups groups.

The influx of immigrants and their relative pover- and congregations. ty, combined with the Jewish communal spirit to The purpose of the loan varied with the beneficitake care of their own, and opposition to loan sharks ary and generally included medical expenses, estabprompted the introduction of loan societies that lishing a small business, repaying high interest played a vital role in urban Jewish life. Loans, loans, educational expenses, funeral costs, family extensions of credit, for welfare and commercial household emergencies, legal expenses, and arrears needs were available from charitable, financial and on mortgages. Because of confidentiality and the mercantile sources. goal of avoiding embarrassment or humiliation, as Free loans, interest bearing loans, and profits well as the looseness of. record keeping, the objecderiving from the consignment of merchandise tives of the loans are unclear, though it is probable served to reunite families, provide aid to the needy that the greatest number were designated to assist and to establish self-sustaining incomes by giving a Omaha Jews to arrange transportation for peddler or small business a start or expanding an European relatives to America. Loans were given to already established business. The free loan had the needy and the free loan was consistent with been an institution in Europe and flourished in Jewish teachings on charity most clearly expressed America.

by Maimonides.

A survey of the 1127 synagogues in New York City Ten men, led by Dr. Phillip Sher, each contributed in 1917 revealed that 28 of them maintained free $100 to the fund. Sher had been born in Lithuania loan societies. Many more free loans were inde- in 1875. When his parents left for America he pendent of synagogues. The size of the loan was less stayed behind to complete his rabbinical studies at important than the ease of access. At the turn of the the Seminary of Telz. He arrived in America in century when a one way passage from Hungary via 1893, worked as a bookkeeper and attended Hamburg to New York cost $.10, Rumania via Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia and gradRotterdam, $19; second class rail transport from uated from the Baltimore University Medical New York to Omaha was $35; a peddlers pack cost College in 1902. He opened a practice in Omaha in $35 to $70, the availability of easy credit resolved 1903 and commenced a lifelong interest in commu-

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nal affairs. A rabbi and I physician, a man of vision, J energy, and dedication, he j exerted influence within | the Jewish community I until his death in 1963. I Martin L. Sugarman, a lawyer, and President of Temple Israel (Reform) in 1923, served as Secretary.

Solomon Brodkey, who had furniture and jewelry businesses, served as Treasurer. The two longest standing officers were Dr. Dr. Philip Sher Sher chairman from 1911 F e d 7rati7n*Pr^ident to 1923, and Harry A. 1923-24 1929-30 Wolf, a founder in 1911, ' and chairman from 1924 to 1940.

Wolf had major real estate and insurance firms.

H.A. Wolf Company advertised in the Jewish Press, "Do you need money? We have available funds to loan on first and second mortgages." When he retired from the Free Loan in 1940 he was presented with a gold headed cane. He died in 1950 and was buried in Beth El Conservative cemetery. The other founders were M. Tatle, J. Katelman, S. Ravitz, Morris Rosenblatt, Harry Gross and I. Perlman.

The 10 founders represented Reform and Orthodox congregations.This suggests that the tension between German and Eastern European Jews in Omaha was, as Robert Rockaway observed in Detroit, "a division based perhaps more on class rather than cultural origin." The 10 contributors were all prominent members of the Jewish community, including a physician, a lawyer and substantial businessmen, and of a common economic class.

Several of them served on the Board of the Associated Jewish Charities and later the Federation.

Carol Gendler has observed that "Although there were a few Reform Jews on the board of directors of the Associated Jewish Charities in its formative years and many among its contributors, the officers were all of Eastern European origin and were members of the Orthodox congregations established."

Due to their character and wealth, their residential patterns differed from those who would use the Free Loan and the majority of the Jewish community. At its inception in 1911 five of the contributors lived within 6 blocks of each other on the wealthy south side while the other members and the majority of the Jewish population were on the north side.

Despite communal welfare solidarity, Omaha Reform and Orthodox teenagers belonged to different clubs, and intermarriage was discouraged.

The Free Loan continued to be directed by

prominent Jews including A.B. Alpirn, Harry Lapidus, H a r r y Kulakofsky, William Grodinsky, Sam Sam Ravitz Beber, Harry Federation Malashock, I.B. President 1905-15 Z i mm a n ,

Henry Monsky Federation President 1941-43

Milton S. Livingston, and Henry Monsky.

(Continued on next page)

s DOOR SERVICE NORM KERR

September 6, 2002

(Continued from previous page) On March 23, 1913, a consumption. tornado struck Omaha. Of ; Samuel Katz the 185 deaths, a number \ informed the were Jews. A Jewish j loan committee Relief Committee was ,' of the plight. immediately formed to ! Within a week assist the 153 Jewish fam;he had a loan, ilies that had suffered in 'Jew i s h the tornado. Six of the j Charities found eleven officers and execu\ him employtive committee members ment in the also served on the Free fresh air. The Loan. loan was repaid A borrower needed three at the rate of a reputable Jews to vouch dollar per week. for him. No interest was A vegetable charged. Loans of less peddler making than $50 were passed on 85 cents a day by 3 members of the exechad a seriously Milton S. Livingston utive committee; loans ill wife and six Federation President over $50 were considered children to sup1947-49 by the Board of Directors. port. The comLoans could be used for those in need mittee provided a loan to establish or to open a small business to create a him in a small business that would serf-sustaining income. support his family through the winter.

Eighty-three loans were made in the A widow went to a loan shark to borfirst year, ranging from $25 to $100 row money to pay for her husband's for a total of about funeral. She pledged her furniture as $3,000. One of the collateral. She could not read the docurecipients was an ments she signed. The loan committee immigrant who provided $50 for her to buy a milk cow. had arrived in The sale of the milk led to a self-susOmaha via taining source of income. She borrowed more money to get a second cow.

Galveston, Texas.

He went to work in In Dr. Sher's autobiography, The the blacksmith Diary of Dr. Philip Sher, he discusses shop of the Union the success of loans and self reliance.

Sam Beber Pacific railroad.

In the major section entitled "Human His health was Federation Interest Stories of Voluntary Social President weak and he Service," 14 of the 73 social service 1943-45 appeared to have vignettes relate to the beneficial effect

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

of free loan intervention.

In 1920, the Free Loan Society announced that "for the first time we were unable to handle all applications that were made for loans." The Free Loan Society could not provide the $400 necessary to prevent a foreclosure. Fortunately, the department store magnate, George Brandeis advanced the money.

Fundraising became imperative. Major contributions came from bequests. Mrs. Arthur Brandeis'husband left $2,200 in 1916; Israel Perlman $3,000 in 1923; Harry Levey $2,000 in 1925; Michael Kulakofsky $1,000 in 1931; I.B. Zimman $2,000 in 1936.

The defunct Women's Auxiliary of B'nai B'rith turned over its treasury of $213.50 to the loan fund in 1934. When a 40th wedding anniversary was celebrated in 1938, a gift of friends to the Free Loan Society made front page news. In emergencies, the Federation provided money to the society.

Ninety-nine loans were made in 1921. The vast majority, 82, were to assist bringing immigrants to the country. The average loan was $140.

The Jewish Press carried a regular advertisement, "Steamship ticketsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; To and from all parts of the world." In 1922, 75 families were reunited.

After the curtailment of immigration in 1924, more business and education loans were made helping several men in finishing their medical courses." An 80-year-old woman borrowed $80 every eight months to run her small business.

Repayment was a problem. In July,

Page 87

1927, H.A. Wolf reported that 25 loans, totaling $1,843, were uncollectible. In October, 1928 Dr. Sher noted that nearly one-fourth of the total capital of $20;OOO was outstanding and uncollectible. The following month it was agreed that each member of the board would attempt to collect from three debtors.

The Jewish 1929 Communal Survey of Omaha recommended the imposition of a service charge of about 3%. In February, 1929, H.A. Wolf suggested that a nominal interest be charged to produce prompt payment and possibly make the fund self-sustaining.

In June, 1929, it was announced that the Jewish Women's Welfare Organization would help collect outstanding loans. The following year the fund contained $25,000 and loan approval by an overworked Committee of Two was expanded to a Committee of Five. The Committee met weekly and a paid clerk took care of the books, collections and interviewed loan applicants. Double entry bookkeeping replaced single entry in April, 1930.

The service charge did not seem to deter borrowers, as it was reported that "Incidentally, there was quite a commotion about a year ago concerning our attempt to charge a small sum to pay for the expenses entailed.

Among the applicants there was no protest at all." During 1930, the service charge amounted to $375 while expenses were $328. The loss rate of 1% in 1931 rose to 2.4% in 1937.

(Continued on page 92)

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of Jewish Senior Services

by BERT LEWIS — - — —

—-—

—

A birthday or anniversary is, generally speaking, their own, now and then it becomes necessary to ask a happy event for those who celebrate. The 100th for help of some Mnd. Many have learned the name of anniversary of our own Omaha Jewish Federation Shane Kotok, the Social Worker who is there to ranks with the most important dates our communi- answer questions, to untangle seemingly impossible Jhe VERyBESTln Wedding, Bar aid Bat Mitzvah Videcgraph^ problems, to explain how and where to find whatever ty can observe.

Perhaps because we are relatively small in number, is needed. She's also there for counseling for both the I tend to think of our Jewish community as a family. senior and, if necessary, family members.

If we carry the metaphor further, it seems natural It is not unusual for this social worker to receive a then to consider the Federation as the head of the sudden phone call from almost any state, asking for MONUMENT CO. family. As such, the overseers of our clan must surely help in checking on an be incredibly proud of achievements and growth as aged parent or other Frank L. Oiciulla Jr. they have developed since its infancy. relative.

60 Years Experience In other sections of this edition of the Jewish Press, Shane explained, With Jewish you will find many examples of the record of the "Even if a daughter or Lettering and Memorials Omaha Jewish family and Federation. If you were son as far away as 1439 So. 13th born and raised here, most will be familiar. If not, preCalifornia doesn't know pare to be pleasantly surprised at the accomplishexactly whom to call for ments of a relatively "small" family. This story will help, they know to call deal with some of the important ways the Federation the Federation," who in relates today, specifically to turn directs the frantic the older members of the caller to Shane. community.

On this end, the social As in every family, there |jjjj!& worker immediately are certain branches, that tracks down the APARTMENT HOMES seem to take over the role Omahan in question Largs 1 and 2 Bedroom Spacious Units of leadership Our and checks out the story.

Now Available Federation has duly noted Is he well? Is there food these "branches" and like in the house? Does he • Secured Entry • All Electric Kitchens including • Elevator Micrtwae any responsible matrineed to seek medical • Heated Pod • Fireplaces and Vaulted Ceilings arch/patriarch, has delehelp? Is there a serious Available • Luxurious Clubhouse gated certain people with Above: Rabbi Myer Kripke and Oldtimers problem?

• Garages • Exercise Room particular obligations. President Art Grossman lead the ^benching' after a Sometimes, it's sim• Ask about our mov&in specials One such group in our Hanukkah lunch; below: Y.E.S. exercise class. p ] y a m a t t e r of not Conveniently Located at local community is that which is called Jewish hearing a phone ring, so a call doesn't get answered, r Senior Services. The simple title explains in those but if a loved one is thousands of miles away, it's BEL6RADE 93rd & Western Avenue COMPANY few words, what they do. They provide Jewish very frightening; 393-6306 REAL ESTATE • INVESTMENTS Senior Services.

The fact that it's possible to allay those fears has The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is probably the been a blessing to many, and the social service part first name that comes to mind on hearing JSS. With of Outreach once again shows its value. good reason, since the Home is known" by everyone as Another of the myriad of beneficial programs is the safe haven for our elders when private residence Lifeline, which is a means of allowing a person who Being committed and dedicated is the only way we know how to do is no longer a viable arrangement. Sometimes a tem- has fallen or had an accident, to call for help. This business at Marsh Affinity Croup Services. That's why we can offer porary place in which to get well is needed, and that's alone has undoubtedly saved many from an otherthe best possible protection to Jewish War Veterans and its members.

We ar pleased to offer the following programs to members and their when Blumkin offers short term residency. wise tragic outcome. Any oldster who lives alone families: In a nutshell, so much more than skilled nursing would do well to arrange for such a helping hand.

• Long Term Care Insurance is provided, it makes the slogan "we dispense a lot There are support groups for women whose hus• Croup Hospital Money Program more than chicken soup" a perfect one-line logo. bands are residents of the Blumkin Home; there have • Senior Term Life Insurance Because the services provided by the Home are so been support groups which provide grief counseling in Cancer Insurance Medicare Supplement Insurnace Plans familiar, the discussion here is aimed at another the past, and which will resume again in the future.

• Customized Major Medical facet of JSS. This then, will be devoted to telling There are plans to form a support group for men • Catastrophe Major Medical Insurance how, with the help of Federation generosity, there whose wives are residents in the Home, and a brand -Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Life Insurance (For those under 65) exists a full range of vital programs for the over 65 new pilot project will begin soon on Mondays at the folks outside the Home.

For more information (including costs, JCC. This will offer folks who are there for the exclusions, limitations and terms of coverage), Under the aegis of Outreach Programs, the needs weekly meeting of the Y.E.S. group, a chance to please contact the JWV Insurance Administrator: of our seniors who live independently in apartments have a short visit with Shane Kotok. She will be Marsh Affinity Group Services or houses are addressed. The folks, who find it diffi- available to answer questions, visit briefly and in a service of Seabury & Smith cult to shop for food and cook it, can depend on the general, do what she's good at~Iend an ear.

1440 Renaissance Drive Meals on Wheels. To some 40 people, this kosher In addition to everything already mentioned, it Park Ridge, IL 60068-1400 .^^ Call toll-free: 1-800-503-9230 meal may well represent the only nutritious and should be noted that Outreach also includes looldng MARSH Wgk Website: www.seaburychicago.com balanced plate of food of the day. after programs and plans for Livingston Plaza. Also Affinity Group Services a s&vtce of Sejbuty & Smith Somebody else living in his own place might be not to be forgotten are the connections between Plans may vary and may not be available in all states. without transportation of any kind, which repre- another Federation "family member"--Jewish sents a worrisome problem when there's a medical Family Service. Often the two agencies are able be appointment to be kept. A call to the Blumkin Home of service to clients by working hand in hand with arranges the details of when the JSS bus will pick each other. up the passenger and deliver him (or her) to the The Geriatric Evaluations are another piece of the doctor. A call when the patient is finished will bring Outreach picture, and so is the Information the bus back to take him home. This is, of course, a Referral Service, which comes out of the Kotok part of Outreach Services. office. And lest you think this social worker has too for Secretary of State While it's comforting to maintain an independent much time on her hands, be advised she also does way of life, it can be very lonely. Outreach has hospital visits, which are not only pleasant for the answers for that, too, with senior groups and clubs patient, but which allow Shane to keep a watch on that offer the socializing everyone needs. In that possible later needs. category are also found opportunities to join folks She says it better than I could, "Federation means taking day trips to local places of interest. more than dollars, it means unity" And, she says, An enthusiastic and creative woman named "Federation brings the Jewish community together."

Maggie Conti is in charge of all sorts of these interAs for the work of the Outreach program of Jewish esting outings and visits. With Maggie, some of our Senior Services, Shane sums it up perfectly when seniors have gone everywhere from the Joslyn she says, "We are the link to the Jewish community Museum to the gambling boats in Council Bluffs, for people who are alone." and loved every minute!

If we go back to the original premise, that the In addition, such organizations as Y.E.S., Visions, Omaha Jewish community is a family and the Russian Club, Oldtimers are only a few of the Federation is the head of the family, let us hope for "The Secretary of State should represent Nebraska groups, which meet regularly and provide compan- the continued good health of the clan. Let us hope with dignity, in all duties and functions; voting is a privilege, and issues should clearly and concisely be ionship for many who might otherwise have only each will continue to make the other proud and to presented to voters." television for company. work together to celebrate many more anniversaries.

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September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 91

Exciting Directions

by JELS Reflect Ongoing Collaboration

by DIANE AXLER B A U M — — — — Jewish Educational and Library Services, which evolved from the former Bureau of Jewish Education, is charged with fulfilling the educational needs of Omaha's Jews in every stage of life. Dennis Paley, current president, explained: It's up to JELS to provide, promote, and help pay for a wide range of programs aimed at Jewish learning, information, and enrichment for every segment of our community."

Under the JELS umbrella are Friedel Jewish Academy, the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, the Financial Aid Committee, the Jewish Cultural Arts Council and the College of Jewish Learning.

Carolyn Novicoff, who became JELS director in April, 2000, expressed delight that that "our many collaborative endeavors over the past two years have yielded dramatic educational benefits for adults and children alike."

New directions at Friedel Jewish Academy are a major example. "Our Jewish Federation rededicated itself to maintaining a strong community day school in Omaha, and joined forces with the Friedel Board to forge a supportive relationship," she said.

"Now, we're moving ahead in great, new directions."

First step was retaining the services of Dr. Saundra Epstein, "the premier Jewish day school consultant in the Northern Hemisphere." With Dr. Epstein's guidance, Friedel developed a new curriculum of Judaic studies that features the teaching of Hebrew as a heritage language within an environment of total immersion.

Simultaneously, a new Task Force headed by longtime educator Margo Biekes offered valuable input on a number of issues, including the selection of a new general studies curriculum from the acclaimed McGraw Hill

series. Epstein took charge of thoroughly integrating the new Judaic curriculum with the new general studies curriculum.

In addition, Task Force member Pam Cohn, an experienced OPS elementary principal, made sure, the general studies curriculum meets all the new Federal and State standards in such areas as content and accountability.

Excellent teachers are needed to carry out excellent curriculum, Novicoff added, announcing the hiring of new Community Teachers to work beside Elinor Matalon in the synagogue religious schools and the classrooms of Friedel. Like Matalon, Naama Artzi and George Aufseeser have lived in Israel, are fluent in Hebrew, and possess knowledge of the newest methods of Hebrew language instruction.

"JELS not only provides quality Community Teachers, but also subsidizes the cost of these teachers," Novicoff pointed out, "to assist the synagogue religious schools and the Academy. The arrangement calls for the users to pay about 60% and the Jewish Federation to cover a considerable 40%."

Novicoff is "thrilled that the Jewish Federation and JELS make use of some of the funds they raise to further education." The amounts of the subsidies-determined by the number of children in the program and the number of hours they spend in classesrepresent sums of money that neither Friedel nor the synagogue schools would be able to afford. "The arrangement has been in effect for a long time," she added, with "the amounts of the subsidies increasing noticeably over the past 10 years."

As JELS Director, last winter Novicoff assumed the role of interim director of Friedel, and Kathy Hirshman, Director of Scholarships,

also began working with Friedel. This collaboration continues with the current school year. In addition, new Community Teacher George Aufseeser has assumed responsibility as Friedel's in-house liaison to JELS. Learning opportunities for adults, equally high on the JELS agenda, are realized by the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School and the College of Jewish Learning. Melton will begin its second successful year this month, with an enrollment of over 100 new and returning students, age 20 to 95.

Susan Paley, Melton director, describes the school's approach as "a revolutionary concept in adult Jewish learning."

The College of Jewish Learning, founded and chaired by attorney Steven Riekes, depends on collaboration between lay leaders and Federation professionals. Meeting in July to map out its agenda for the coming year, the committee heard Riekes ask familiar questions: What does the Omaha Jewish community want to study and learn? How can the CJL promoting a hunger for increased learning?

Among the forthcoming programs is a lunchtime series to start in October on the hot, albeit troubling, topic "Growing Anti-Semitism in Europe."

Opening with a formal luncheon, the series will continue with weekly brown bag sessions in the Kripke Library. The library was the setting for last year's well-attended lunchtime series on the Middle East, sponsored in collaboration with the ADL and the Federation's drive to raise funds for Israel's victims of terrorism.

Formerly a separate entity, the Jewish Cultural Arts Council became a division of JELS prior to co-sponsoring "Unpacking on the Prairie: Jewish Women in the Upper Midwest"

in collaboration with the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. The success of the exhibit led the agencies to look forward to cooperating again in the future.

One of the major CJL programs, the annual Klutznick-Harris Symposium, represents wider collaboration, including the Jewish Federation, Creighton University's Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, and the Harris Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Prof. Leonard J. Greenspoon, holder of Creighton's Klutznick Chair, said this year's symposium, Oct. 27 and 28, promises to appeal to a wider audience than ever before with its universal theme of "Food and Judaism."

The Financial Aid Committee, chaired by Aveva Shukert, administers and supervises the use of private funds generated through the Federation Foundation to ensure that every Jewish child will have access to a range of educational opportunities.

These include Jewish preschool and day school, college and graduate school, and such enrichment experiences as Jewish camping, trips to Israel, and participation in Maccabi Games. JELS also provides funding for experiences and tutoring required

by Jewish children with special needs.

Dennis Paley expressed his indebtedness to "our Federation, for always supporting the concept of community Jewish education. " He also paid tribute to Henry and Dorothy Riekes "for their endless financial support of educational opportunities" and to Steve and Margo Riekes, for their "selfless devotion to making educational opportunities reality."

More information about scholarships and programs is available from Kathy Hirshman: khirshmanOjewishomaha.org or 334-6445.

Jewishly exists each day of our lives and we are responsible to embrace the lessons of Torah daily throughout our lives.

One of the first things Rabbi Azriel taught me is that sometimes we have to make the comfortable uncomfortable. Thus, there are social issues that demand our attention and action. I know Rabbi Azriel and members of

our congregation are on the "front lines" trying to make a difference, trying to further our historic commitment to Tikkun Olam.

In this spirit, I am reminded that the Yamim Nora'im are a time for spiritual renewal, the High Holidays are a time for return. May our teshuva, tefillah and tzedakah bring us closer to the realization that our dedi-

cation to mitzvot like Talmud Torah and Tikkun Olam really makes a difference.

And may the Jewish institutions of Omaha continue to work this year and always on creating meaningful and sacred partnerships to keep Jewish life lively here for another 100 years and beyond.

L'Shana Tova u'm 'tukah!

Happy to Be Here (Continued from page 82) — - -•— Pirke Avot teaches us that we must turn the Torah and turn it again, for everything is in it. The mishnah (5.2) then concludes with "Reflect on (the Torah) and grow old and gray with it."

At Temple Israel, there is a clear understanding among the staff and congregation that the pursuit of Talmud Torah goes far beyond youth education. The opportunity to learn f.iC •

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 92

September 6, 2002

Omaha's Free Loan Society (Continued from page 87) -———— Dr. Philip Sher envisioned goals for the free loan that went beyond the Jewish community. As President of the Omaha Jewish Welfare Federation in 1924, he proposed a $50,000 fund of voluntary donations, and that this fund may be made non-sectarian... We could make no finer contribution to a better understanding and a closer relationship with the different denominations in our community than by having a non-sectarian Free Loan Bureau in connection with the Jewish Welfare Federation."

The Depression intensified Dr. Sher's desire for a non-sectarian loan fund. When a Christian tenant in his building was unable to bear 26 percent interest charged by the local loan company, Dr. Sher apologized that the Jewish Free Loan Fund did not heed his 1924 request for non-sectarian relief, and loaned the businessman $1,000 without interest.

In response to President Roosevelt's statement that "One-third of our people are ill clad, ill fed and ill housed" Sher wrote that "the loan sharks were human leeches, ensnaring their victims, a cancer undermining the faith of our people in our great democracy." The solution was a federated welfare loan fund, funded by the federal government, matched by 20 percent local funds, run by the local Community Chest. Loans would be made with interest not exceeding 3 1/2 per cent per year.

The Jewish 1929 Communal Survey observed that in the three previous years a total of 20 loans of between $15 and $125 were made with the Jewish Welfare Federation rather than individuals acting as the endorser. These loans were given to prevent the individual from becoming a relief case and collection was frequently not even attempted.

From its creation in 1911 until 1950 the Free Loan made about 1,850 loans totaling about $175,000. It was most active between 1921 and 1933 when 72 to 104 loans were made annually with total loans ranging from $10,385 to $23,375 annually. In reviewing its work in 1938 the annual report noted that "a great number of the 1,751 ($164,960.98) borrowers are now prominent citizens of Omaha and are themselves contributors to the Philanthropies."

Community reliance on the Free Loan Society was declining. Fewer people sought loans, and the average loan granted increased. In 1943 the Society ceased to pay a salary for bookkeeping and no longer served its traditional clientele.

In 1962 the Free Loan totaled $27,428.61. J.H. Kulakofsky and William Grodinsky determined that the income would be used to pay the expenses of attendance at the Federation's Summer Camp for needy Jewish children. By the 1970s the Free Loan fund was about $30,000 and earned about $1,200 per year. In 1969 they held an $18,000 Israel Government Bond. The dividends were directed between 1969-73.

In August 1973 the board, Isadore-Chapman, Harry Kulakofsky and Joseph Rice, President of the Federation in 1949, recommended allocating more funds to a student loan fund, raising the maximum loan from $300 to $500, and appointing of Arthur Goldstein, Federation President in 1963, as the new chairman of the committee.

Morris C. Fellman was the last chairman of the Fund and he wrote that "At one time, the Society was a very prestigious organization, playing an important role in the growth of Omaha Jewry.

However, over the years the needs of the community have changed, and basically, the purposes originally set forth do not exist."

In 1975 the balance of the free loan funds were turned over to the Jewish Federation of Omaha and

the interest continues to be used for assistance or to subvert Federation expenses.

Ladies Free Loan Society The Ladies Free Loan Society was formed about 1921 and incorporated in December, 1925 as the Jewish Women's Free Loan Society of Omaha. While the formation of a women's group could create tension with its parallel male counterpart, as reflected in acrimonious and caustic remarks in in books of other organizations, no outward hostility occurred in the free loan.

Women's free loans were created for familiar reasons. In Providence the Ladies' Free Loan Association was formed because women could not borrow from the Gemilath Chesed. The need to supplement "table" money led in 1931 to the creation of a separate group with its own round of donations, luncheons, teas, and sale of advertisements.

In Omaha the purpose was to "inculcate, disseminate and promulgate a spirit of brotherhood among the Jews of this city; to engage in general charitable, philanthropic, social service and educational work; (and) to extend loans to needy people without interest." The incorporators were Mrs. S. Altschuler (President), H. Rotkovitz (Vicepresident), L. Adler (Treasurer), S. Weinzweig (Loan Secretary), H. Okun (Financial Secretary), and L. Roitstein T h i s article about Omaha's Jewish Free Loan Society (Recording Secretary). Sam Beber was the appeared in the Omaha Daily News, April 21, 1912. doubt existed as a function of congregation activiNotary Public.

Members paid a fee of $3 per year. Loans were ties. Ben Lindenbaum, who was active in a comfrom $10 to $30. In 1927, 200 loans totaled $5,000. mercial Jewish loan organization from 1927-42, was in 1929 there were about 260 members By 1938 chairman of Adas Yeshuran synagogue in 1942. In 1944, Adas Yeshuran Free Loan Society voted to they had loaned more than $100,000, Activities included bridge and card parties, teas, purchase $500 in war bonds. The following year ice-cream socials, receptions for out of town rela- Rabbi Nathan Feldman was successful in convinctives and cultural music and dance performances. ing the Adas Yeshuran Free Loan to donate $200 to Admission of 250 was charged sometimes. the rehabilitative work of Vaad Hazliah.

Adas Yeshuran appears to be the only Omaha synDrawings and raffles increased participation.

In 1936, the capital was $5,036 with 300 mem- agogue with a prominent free loan. Among its offibers. In December,1939, Mrs. S. Riekes donated an cers was Yale Halperin, who was also an active electric coffee set and the Nebraska Power member of the South Omaha based Independent Company an electric casserole. The drawing was Workmen's Loan Association.

The Jewish Free Loan Society and the Ladies Free held in March, 1940. As many as 200 attended meetings. In the late 1930s as much as $1,000 was Loan Society were children of their age. They were loaned out at the monthly meetings. Another func- elitist but not socially distant. Their free loans protion of the Society was the Hospital committee. The vided approximately $330,000, about 10-15 percent Ladies Free Loan Society, at its 21st annual meet- of the funds that were loaned by Omaha Jewish organizations to Omaha Jews. ing, also voted to purchase defense bonds.

The balance was loaned by the Omaha Workmen's Leadership of the Ladies Free Loan Society appears more fluid than the male dominated Free Loan Association (1924-1977),the Independent Loan. Twenty-three men served as officers from Workmen's Loan Association (1926-1969) and the 1911-46. At least 36 women served as officers from Mutual Loan Association (1926-1940). The Free 1925-48. This apparently more democratic atmos- Loan and the Associations were complementary. phere is confirmed by the women's group recruiting Both were as likely to provide loans to families for a winter's supply of coal or fuel oil. Several signers new dues paying members.

The male dominated Free Loan had donors, while and borrowers in the Free Loan also appear in the the Women's Free Loan was membership oriented. three Associations. The associations, however, proSeveral officers' husbands were active in the male vided fellowship which further reduced or eliminatdominated Free Loan. Anne Klaver was the longest ed the potential stigma of charity and welfare.

The inception of social security, unemployment serving president, 1937-48. Her husband, Sam, was the longest serving State Senator in Nebraska's compensation, commercial health and accident Unicameral. He was a Republican attorney, and insurance, and commercial bank loans for small also served three times as President of the Omaha consumer and business aids the cessation of large scale immigration from Europe, deprived the Free Hebrew Club, 1929-31.

The last mention of the society was in the Jewish Loan of its traditional clientele in Omaha.

From the 1950s onward, Jewish Social Services Press in 1948. The society was dissolved for nonincreasingly involved counseling rather than finanpayment of annual fees on June 2, 1970.

Synagogue and store front "shul" free loans no cial assistance.

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September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 93

by BERT LEWIS

Okay, all together now, let's sing: "Happy Birthday to you; Happy Birthday to you; Happy Birthday, dear Jewish Federation of Omaha, Happy Birthday to You!" This is when we'd blow out the candles, if we were gathered together and had a big cake. And, I suspect it would take every one of us to blow out 100 candles, plus a few more "to grow on."

I suppose that all sounds a little foolish, but when you think about it, the 100th anniversary of the Federation is something to get excited about. Those of us who have been working on this paper have been talking to people and looking up historical facts and have gotten very involved in the happy event. I for one, have had wonderful visits with some of the young people who are important cogs in the wheel that makes the Federation engine purr and operate smoothly.

The people who head committees and boards of directors, the volunteers who, to quote President Steve Pitlor, "step up to the plate" and say, "yes, 111 help," are the heart and soul of the Federation. And here's an interesting fact I noted while working on this issue-many of these people are of the younger generation.

Who are the younger generation? An old cliche says, "young is 15 years younger than you are, no matter your age." Most of the time that's true, but not always. I'm looking at the group who represent the movers and the shakers and I'm afraid they are, for the most part, more than 15 years my junior, but that's okay. They are the group who will be leading this Jewish community in the coming years, and they're a very impressive bunch.

The ones I've talked to care so deeply about the health and welfare of our community, they don't hesitate to take on whatever is asked of them. I have more than a passing interest in all this, for a very good reason. The most obvious is, of course, it's my community too, and has been for most of my life (so far!).

In addition, in past years I've felt privileged to be a member of several of the boards whose agencies are under the aegis of the Federation. I know about making it to a 7 a.m. breakfast meeting when it would be more comfortable to linger over my coffee at home. I also remember rushing through an early dinner to get to a 7 p.m. meeting in old Room 10.

But I also remember the pleasure of being part of a group that listened to the problems of this agency or that, and helping to set policy that might alleviate whatever those problems were. I remember too, listening to people who had clever ideas and learning from them, learning how to better serve that particular board as a useful member.

I remember how proud I was to be elected president of one of those boards, and lucky woman that I was, looking at the group assembled at our lunch meetings and seeing my dear mother among them.

Talk about role reversal! God only knows how many boards counted Mary Wine as a member.

The particular agency I refer to, the Bureau For the Aging, is now Jewish Senior Services. That was a long time ago, and part of my education as a useful member of the community. I also put in some time with Jewish Family Service, and even the Jewish Press board.

I mention all this to prove I understand a certain amount of dedication is necessary to keep ours a viable community. As the saying goes, I've been there and I've done that.

Come to think of it, I've even co-chaired the Women's Campaign, way back when. It was my good fortune to be teamed with Joanie Lehr, a very bright woman who knew far more than I did about the job we were expected to do. We managed to do it, and for me it had a special element—Leonard Lewis (usually known as my roommate) was chair of the Men's Campaign that year. If memory serves, it was 1988.

Between us, we probably couldn't count all the meetings we attended over the years, all the com-

mittees on which we served, all the pledge cards we solicited, all the phone calls we made. We even, when push came to shove and there was no professional available, led a mission to Israel!

Whew. I had almost forgotten that one, although it represented one of the most significant trips we ever made. I'm telling you about all of this is not to act as my own publicity agent. Rather I intended to document some of the reasons why I know how much effort it takes to be even a small part of a well run Jewish Federation.

Because I know, I have even more admiration for those young people who are the players now. I smile to myself when I call them "young people", for a funny reason. I so well remember hearing people like my own parents sometimes being critical of perhaps an innovative change being suggested for an old practice. The comment was something like, "Huh. What do thoseidds know? That's not the way we do it."

Shall I be honest and admit that I've heard some of those same words come out of my mouth a time or two? Never mind. You don't need to know that.

So what's my point here, people? I guess it's a fairly simple one. We are a fairly small Jewish community, led and held together and even maybe parented, by a strong, caring Jewish Federation. Under that care, we have together created buildings and institutions and foundations that would be the envy of any city, not matter how much larger than we are.

Let's not forget however, the Jewish Federation of Omaha is more than an official sounding organization.

It's people. It's you and me and that fellow over there and the lady from next door, and everybody who isn't afraid to assume the important responsibility of helping to make our community run like clockwork.

So we celebrate 100 years. I won't wish for the traditional 120. I'll be greedy and hope for another 100.

Alevi.

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Page 94

Jewish Press, Omaha, ME

by GERALD GROSS

September 6, 2002

——«—-——»—.

That woman pounding on the table is really a at a bridge party and minutes later she babbles that mess. Her dress has slipped so that it hardly covers she has just gotten married and must hurry home to her nakedness as she sits in her wheelchair. Her her husband—a husband who died 20 years ago.

But turn the clock back 40 years. The woman hair is tangled and she slobbers as she mumbles to pounding the table was a lovely, vibrant housewife herself.

The elderly, half-asleep man in his chair at the of 36. Her home was home was cheerful and spotother end of the room is a pitiful sight. His slippers less. Her only concern was for her husband and are torn and falling from his feet. His body jerks three children. She was an active participant in the spasmodically and his thin arms and scrawny PTA, her local library association, a volunteer workhands tremble despite his efforts to hold them still. er at the Veteran's Hospital, and a regular and He sobs; he half laughs, his head sways from side to devout member of her synagogue. She and her husside An unmistakably foul odor reveals that he has band were highly respected members of the community and they were a happy and enviable family. soiled himself.

The elderly, half-asleep man was an extremely The woman walking across the floor talks incessantly. Silly talk, crazy talk, even funny talk—it active and successful businessman. His company makes no sense at all, She wanders around and it is provided work for more that 40 employees who obvious that she has no realization of place or time. respected and adored him for his honesty and She doesn't know what year it is; much less what integrity. He was a generous contributor to religious month or day. Her mind jumps, so that one minute and civic fund drives and gave not only financial aid she thinks she's in her own home, the next minute but generously of his time and efforts.

The woman talking into thin air as she paces the floor was a beautifully coifed and stunningly dressed woman. As the private secretary to the head of an international corporation, she was in constant demand to address ladies' groups. She had earned the respect and admiration of her contemporaries and was on many important committees, as well as several prestigious advisory boards, where she generously donated her time and talents.

She accomplished all this while widowed and raising and educating her family. Her son, now a prominent physician is noted for his charitable acts—a trait he learned at his mother's knee. Her daughter, now a teacher of the mentally challenged, explains that she is repaying some of the blessings showered on her by her parents.

As you looks at these elderly people, try to see not only their bent and broken bodies and their faulty minds, but also the persons they once were.

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40 Pacific Futons 61 Jewish Women International 83 Abraham Catering 21 Crown Pointe 43 Jim's Dodge 18 Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman 7 Dance Shoppe 66 Pam & Loie's Candy Shoppe 85 John A. Gentleman 37 22 Parcel Place Absolute Serenity Day Spa 28 David Morton Food Marketing 20 John, Joseph M., C.L.U 56 Parkwood Terrace 90 Acura of Omaha 59 Davidsons 13 Julio's 29 71 Parsow's ADT/TycoFire & Security 86 Dean's Camera Center 51 70 Passport 50 Katelman Company Antiques Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery, P.C 12 Doubletree Hotel 82 Pasta Amore 67 20 Kettelhut, Dr. Brett V AkSar Ben Beef 11 E1A1 32 69 KingFong Cafe 72 Peterson Bros. Realty Inc Aksarben Heating and Cooling 30 Elisa Dana 21 Kohll's Pharmacy & Homecare 22 Pharmacy Express 28 Alarnar Uniforms 7 Elliott Equipment Company 70 Pickerman's 73 50 Koret Outlet Store Alkar Billiards 11 Enterprise Bank 23 All Makes Office Equipment Co 7 Events. Inc ; 25 Planned Parenthood 56 KPMGLLP 32 ..77 KPTM/KXVO 38 Pollak & Hicks, P.C AH Seasons Home Improvement Co 76 Exquisite Landscaping 61 KutakRock 23 Prima 140 51 Aliens , 18 Eye Essentials 55 La Strada72 73 Pulverente Monument Co 90 American National Bank 59 Factory Eyeglass Outlet 42 69 Lakeside Dentistry 63 Raisin Dough American Tile and Marble Co 58 Family Enrichment, Inc 48 76 Randy's Pharmacy 70 Lakeside Hills Apartments Amit Women 40 Family Fun Center 31 46 Larimore 60 RecRoom Anderson O'Brien Fine Art Gallery 43 Fashion Cleaners 54 Anti-Defamation League 38 Fast Frame 28 Le Cafe de Paris 54 Redrock Canyon Grill 37 : 19 LePeep 73 Regency Lakeside Apartments Aramark 15 Fahey, Mayor Mike , , 35 , 14 League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly (LOVE) 40 Regency Lodge Armour Chiropractic Health Care 82 First National Bank 34 23 Lerner Company 15 Remington Heights Arnold Weitz_& Co 29 First Westroads Bank 57 5 L'il Prince and Princess 43 Renaissance Design Group Asset Strategies 58 Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan 12 3 Lincoln Community Playhouse 74 Ricks, Iris and Marty Associated Counseling Professionals 63 Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha 8 37 Roberts Dairy Company Bag *N Save j 22,78 Frankel, Zacharia, Arnold, Nissen, Stamp & Reinsch.. 78 Lion's Automotive Upholstery 21 Louie M*s Burger Lust 53 Rockbrook Village 67 Bagel Bin 54 Fraser, Stryker, Meusey, Olson, Boyer & Bloch 31 Louis Liquor 67 Bakers 41,80 Fremont National Bank 32 Rossi 35 53 Lynn Roberts International 30 Rotella's Italian Bakery Bare Elegance 61 French Cafe 10 5 Ryco Packaging Corp Beijing Gate 72 Galaska Printing and Decorating Inc 92 Malashock Jewelry 49 Belgrade Family 5 Garbo's 42 Malbar Vision Centers 7 Salon Aura 92 Manarin Securities 48 Samiera's Catering 75 Bergman's ..63 Gary Michael's Clothiers Bernina Sewing Centers 57 Genji Japanese Steak House 72 Manischewitz 81 Sarah's 42 63 Maple Crest 79 Beth El Synagogue 40 Girl Scouts 46 Savannah Pines 6 Marathon Realty Corporation 25 Beth Israel Sisterhood 40 Girls and Boys Tbwn 78 SchrierFord 26 MareUi's 31 Beth Israel Synagogue 40 Goldberg &Shrier 67 Schwalb Realty 96 Mark Sanford Group 77 Beyt Shalom 40,57 Gordmans 32 Second Story 26 Bike Rack 59 Grace/Mayer Insurance 29 Market Basket 43 Security Equipment, hie 18 26 Marks Clare & Richards BILWUSY 16 Great Western Bank 28 Security National Bank 71 Marsh Affinity Group Services Bistro 121 52 Greek Islands 73 90 SenorMatias 62 Mature Resources Blue Bunny 45 Gross Family 32 ShirTal .

61 36 McDermott& Miller 60 Siegler's Catering Service 68 BlueCross BlueShield 25 Grubb & Ellis 40 McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, P.C, L.L.0 74 Blumenthal, Cady & Associates Inc , 26 Hadassah 48 Simon, Jim for Congress 44 McGrath, North, Mullin &Kratz, P.C 85 B'naiB'rith Youth Organization 16,40 Hagel, Senator Chuck 24 Sol's Jewelry & Loan B'nai Israel Synagogue 40 Hairitage Styling 82 Mediterranean Bistro 5 71 Sonny Gerber Auto Sales B'nai Jeshurun Synagogue 84 Halperin, Mr. and Mrs. Yale 24 Mediterranean Foods, Inc 53 73 Spirit World Body Basics 67 Hampton Inn 32 Meehan Drywall .....33 84 St. Joseph Villa Borsheim's 24 Harris Center for Judaisc Studies at UNL 34 Mega Commercial Real Estate 49 37 Steamatic Boy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council 58 Heartland Video Productions 90 Metropolitan Community College 42 35 Stems Brighton Gardens Assisted Living 83 Henry Monsky Lodge B'naiB'rith 90 40 Mid City Bank 56 Stoddard, Jay C. for Secretary of State Broadmoor Development Company 24 Herman's Nut House/Pear's Coffee 62 Mid-Con Systems, Inc 51 18 Stokes Grill & Bar Broadmoor Market 42 Herzl Camp 66 Mid-City Jewelry & Loan 62 13 Sunridge Village Brodkeys 20 Hockenbergs 8 Midwest Ear, Nose, & Throat, P.C 18 34 Superior Pools, Spas, Etc 85 Midwest Woodworkers 61 BrownellTalbot 83 Hoich Irrigation, Inc. 7 Swartzbaugh Farber 5 Mt. Sinai Cemetery Bruegger's Bagels 54 Horizon Dental Center 35 ..10 Sweet & Associates 17,87 Mulhall's Builders Supply > 61 Hy-Vee ; 40 31 Temple Israel Business Printing 49 I-Go Van & Storage 18 N.Pitlor&Son.Inc 5 33 Terry, Congressman Lee Canfield's Sporting Goods....; ..

25 Ideal Water 69 NanC, 21 91 Tifereth Israel Synogague Care Consultants for the 4giag 82 Imago 13 National Conference of Synagogue Youth 28 16 Times Publishing GarlJarl Locksmiths : 77 Independent Roofing Company....

11 National Council of Jewish Women 40 Thompson, Chester 12 Carl S. BaumDruggists 30 Indian Oven 54 Nebraska Furniture Mart 38 27 Tilly 6 Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Category One 74 Industrial Label Corporation 21 40 Time Center CB Richards Elh's/MEGA ..;..:.,..........

37 Industrial Packaging Corporation 13 Nebraska Spine Center 28 ,., 49 United Distillers Products Co. 84 Nebraska Warehouse & Cannonball Express Centris 47 Integrity Staffing 9 48 University ofNebraska Medical Center .........

64 Nebraska Wine ^Spirits, Inc. Chabad ofNebraska 40 Israel Bonds : , ....; 52 78 V Mertz .93 Nelson, Senator Ben and Diane ,...„..„.

Charleston's „....„„ 54 JCCMaccabi Games ,.:... ..36 Valentino's 73 71 No Frills Child Development Center...

77 J.C. Mandarin i ....

4 Vann Realty 25 China Road.. ......51 Jack & Mary's Chicken.............

53 Nobbies 46 Village Stationery 43 Chuckies ,„'. .;.,. ; 76 Jackson Heating and Cooling. .•.....„.,„ 92 Noddle Development Company , 40 23 Visions.. ..,.., ; , ,.24 Nogg Chemical & Paper Co. ,......„..

City Glass Co. ,.

62 Jacobson Fish Co,, Inc 20 Walnut Grove , , ..79 Clear Channel Entertainment 70 Jacobson, Nancy for OPS School Board, 57 Norms Door Service .............„....,'. ...............................86 WellsFargo.,, , 39 Climate Control..: ; ;... 56 Jacobson Family , 69 NuTrendDry Cleaners „...,..„.. .,.,.,,70 Wiesman Development.., :.,,..... ...,....„.,.,... 35 CohenFamily:...,.,..,..;.,.................,.,,...;...,..,......, ;....„., 12 Jams..,.,.....,.,. ;„.....,............ ,.„.,;... ,, ,...„. 52 Olsen Auto World .....„..„..„„.„ 31 Window Tinting Co. ,. ..,..., 82 68 Omaha Center for Tbrah|earning:,J.UH,,,m(u.. ...n,,,.^ 1 -YTmety^jr.'nr—:;;;;;.....

Cohn, Marisa...;.... ,...„:„.;................„ 69 Jewish Community Center ..,....„.. , 73 .„;.„..„., 30 Omaha Compound Company.

Comfort Care Homes .............i....... „......, 50 Jewish Educational & Library Services 66 Wolf Bros. Western Store „......„ ,.,....... ;.35 25 Omaha Steaks.......... .,..„„.... .„..„,„....,:..; 37 Wolfison Used Cars., ,...„„„ ,..„ 77.

Commercial Printing Co.,....;..; „..,...:.„...,.,.....,.„..,...,,,12 Jewish Family Service .;.„ „...,„...,„. 3- Omaha Symphony.....,,,, ,,....„„,,,..„.. ...i,,.,,..,..,...,...76 ^ ...„. „.,;...., ., 32 Complete Family Dentistry ........................................... 77 Jewish Federation of Omaha.,;..„...... ...,,..,,.:....;.., .,..,.. 8 Omaha Temple YbuifeGrpup;,....,,..,,..,;.,M,,,v...;,M,.;,,,.,,.,;;l6: ^ Computer Network Solutions ....„,.,,..,,„...,„...„,..:„„.,..„, 82 Jewish Federation ofLincoln , .„;,;,.;...„...,..;„.. ...„..«„....„ 86 2,16 : 0 l %py i S ^ i i i ^ ' 3 : Young Energetic Seniors/Oldtimers..,.,........M..,.,,..„„;.„ 40 Country lna& Suites,...,...,.,.,. .,Li,..;;,v.<....^,,......,. 91 JewishPres^s ,,.,„,.;„;„„„.>......„.,.„„.„..;.;.

Jewish Senior Services „..,.,..;...... ,;..,.„... ,..,.

19,40 C^&Vill Ornaha Trans Video........... ;.............„.„,;.;..„;.,.,,.„ 62 zb's,...,..;,.;.......,...,.....,,,...,,..,...,,....,,;....,,,,,.....;.,...,..;....?!

J ^ i f ^ ^ One Drake Place.... ;..., ;...,....;,.;.l;,,;:...,;;;,. 39

September 6, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 95

Candlelighting Friday, Sept. 6 Satucfay, Sept. 7 t*j"'

)-'..y I.'.*?!.••_."•*•-•£• •*.'•<#•&'•••..* ?". * ' - B

, 7:31 p.m. no earlier than 8:30 p.m.

*"•''"

FRIDAY: Fi?st Service, 6 p.m. Second Service, 8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Young Children's Service, 9:15 a.m.

Morning Service, 10:15 a.m., Family Youth Service, 10:15 a.m.

SUNDAY: Cemetery Memorial Service, 1 p.m., Temple Israel Cemetery, 6412 No. 42nd St. TRI-FAITH COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE Wednesday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass Street.

Please join us for a tri-faith service to find peace and unity as we remember the tragic losses on Sept.

11, 2001. Clergy from Temple Israel, The First United Methodist Church, and the Islamic Center of Omaha will bring our three communities together to help heal the wounds of our national tragedy.

isiiiiiiiiiiiiililliiiiiiiiiiii Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Monday-Friday, services at 7 a.m.

FRIDAY: Mincha-Ma'ariv, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Children's Service, 10:30 a.m.; Minha, 7:20 p.m.; Ma'ariv, 8:10 p.m.

SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Children's Service, 10:30 a.m.; Shofar Blowing, 11 a.m.; Tashlikh, 7 p.m. at the Boy's Town Conference Center, refreshments served.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 11: Kapporat, 5 p.m. Call to make reservations.

Thursday, Sept. 12, noon: Women's luncheon.

Call to reserve.

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Emil conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

Berkovits.

FRIDAY: Candle Lighting, 7:31 p.m.; Mincha, FRHJAY: Ma'ariv, 8:15 p.m.

7:35 p.m SATURDAY: Morning Service, 8:30 a.m.; SATURDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Torah Service, 10 a.m.; Free babysitting, 10 a.m.; Junior Alternative Service, 9:45 a.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv, 7:40 Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Sermon, 10:30 a.m.; p.m.

SUNDAY: Morning Service, 8:30 a.m.; Tashlikh Mincha, 7:10 p.m.; Candle lighting, no earlier Service, 6:30 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv, 7:50 p.m.. than 8:30 pan.

HIGH HOLIDAY YOUTH PROGRAM SUNDAY: Shachrit, 8 a.m.; Torah Service, 10 First and Second days of Rosh Hashanah, 10 a.m.a.m.; Free babysitting, 10 a.m.; Sermon, 10:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Shofar 1 p.m.; Yom Kippur, 10 aan.-l:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY-WTOE BREAK-THE-FAST Service, 10:45 a.m.; Tashlich, 5:30 p.m.; leave from Beth Israel at 5 p.m.; Mincha, 7:15 p.m.; MONDAY, Sept. 16, Sponsored by HAZAK, following neilah (concluding) services; call Doris Havdalah, 8:27 p.m.

MONDAY: Fast of Gedalia Begins, 5:47 a.m.; Shukert for reservations, 391-7530.

Shacharit, 6:30 a.m.; Mincha, 7:10 p.m.; Fast ends, 8:17 p.m.

TUESDAY-THURSDAY, Sept. 10-12: Shacharit, 6:30 a.m.; Mincha, 7:25 p.m.

FRD3AY: Services, 7 p.m., led by Andrew Greenberg.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Andrew Greenberg.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Phyllis Hoffman.

Services will be held in the Herbert Goldsten Chapel, all services are open to the community.

|ffE^ FRD3AY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Children's Service, 10:30 a.m.; Taschlich, 5 p.m., home of Nerenstone-Carpenter, call for directions.

TUESDAY: Hebrew School will be held Sept. 10.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Professor Leonard Greenspoon will give the sermon, "The Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum.

Origins of Religious Dietary Laws, Mahmade or Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 aon.

Divine?" and Rita Pakowitz will relate a tale entiFRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. tled, "Light a Fire." Oneg will follow.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Junior SATURDAY: Morning Service, 10 a.m. Rabbi Congregation, 11 a.m.; Mincha I Ma'ariv, 7:45 pan.

Myer Kripke will give the sermon, "This Year is SUNDAY: Morning services, 9 a.m.; Junior conPassed; What Will Next Year Bring?" gregation, 11 a.m.; Mincha /Ma'ariv, 7:35 pan.

Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser.

FRDDAY: Evening Service, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 10 a.m.; Children's Service, 2 p.m. Board-sponsored Oneg Shabbat follows services MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study Group, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: Rabbi Milder's Class, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Choir, 7 p.m.

BREAK-THE-FAST MONDAY, SEPT. 16, following concluding services of Yom Kippur. Please bring your favorite dish.

Jewish National Fund Presents Its First Century ( C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 69)———• In the spring of 1903, JNF acquired its first parcel of land: 800 acres in Hadera. From the start, the organization focused on greening the land through the planting of trees. JNF got involved in tree planting for many reasons, including as a way to fulfill the Biblical commandment.

In order to solidify ownership of land purchased by JNF on behalf of the Jewish community, and in accordance with prevailing laws of the day, trees were planted whenever a new piece of land was purchased. In 1908, the first JNF trees were planted at Hulda: olive trees in memory of Theodor Herzl, the founding father of Zionism.

By the time Israel became a state in 1948, JNF owned 12.5 percent of all the land of Israel (on which 80 percent of Israel's population now lives). With this ownership came the responsibility of transforming the land into a beautiful and fertile area that would be a suitable home for the new state.

Over the years, the range of issues included afforestation and providing Israel with healthy green space; building infrastructure for essential new communities for Israel's growing population; building access roads to help disperse the popula-

' • — ..—•»— tion; providing employment for waves of new immi- heavily polluted rivers and streams—returning grants; and improving the quality of life for Israelis them to the people of Israel.

JNF has proposed a $250 million combined initiaacross the country.

- As the 1990s approached, JNF identified a tive with the government to build 100 additional new need for Israel-one that was already reservoirs over the next five years. This would becoming an issue for Israel's population, its account for an additional 53 billion gallons of water economy, its historically vital agriculture for the people of Israel. sector, and relations with its neighbors.

Since 1901, Jewish National Fund has planted some 220 million trees, built more than 120 dams In the early part of the decade, inconsisand reservoirs, developed over 250,000 acres of tent rainfall, government bureaucracy and the influx of one million immigrants from land, created more than 400 parks throughout the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia had Israel and educated students around the world begun to strain the country's already lim- about Israel and the environment. The work of ited natural water resources. Israel was JNF, its supporters and volunteers from around the suffering through the worst drought in world can be seen everywhere in Israel.

In Israel, it means that every Israeli benefits from recorded history~a drought that continues to this day. Working with the government the work of JNF. Whether it is a family picnicking and other water experts, JNF built its first in a forest, a disabled child enjoying a specially water reservoirs and dams to help provide new designed playground, or a farmer malting use of recycled water for his flower crop, JNF is a vital resources to Israel's people.

Today, over a decade later, JNF is a major force in part of daily life in Israel. water resource development in Israel. JNF has Over the past century, JNF has built the foundabuilt more than 120 water projects that have tion for the Jewish homeland-transforming the increased Israel's water supply by over six percent. Zionist dream into reality. In the next 100 years, JNF also leads the River Rehabilitation Authority, a the organization will preserve that foundation and body charged with cleaning and restoring Israel's keep the dream alive.

1

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