EWISH PRESS Vol. LXXXII
No. 3
Omaha, NE
14Tishrei, 5763
September 20,2002
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR 81 YEARS
Life's Experience as a Survivor and Rights Advocate Subject of Film by BETH SELDIN-DOTAN, Director ADL institute for Holocaust Education
What began as lowbudget, independent labor of love, Tak for Alt: Survival of a Human Spirit, has now won several awards, toured numerous film festivals and has been shown on Public Broadcasting stations in the United States, Denmark and Canada. Based on the life of Holocaust survivor Judy Meisel, a civil rights activist who now lives in Santa Barbara, CA, the film will be shown in Omaha, Sioux City and Dana College in Blair; Meisel will also speak about her experiences during the war and her A film crew follows civil rights wartime experiences through work for civil rights. A collaboration of three activist and Holocaust survivor Europe. The film will be shown in Meisel retracing her Omaha, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m. USC Cinema-Television students, "Thanks for All" in Danish, will be shown students. Bialis, producer and director of documenon Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m. in the JCC tary films including Tak for Alt, earned her BA in hisTheater. Following the screening, Meisel will tory from Stanford University, where she focused on address Omaha Jewish high school students, their Europe during World War II and wrote a thesis about the Polish and Jewish resistance movements during parents and the community. In addition to Meisel's visit, film producer Laura the Holocaust. She holds a MFA in Film Production Bialis and curriculum writers Kathleen McSharry, from the University of Southern California Dr. McSharry is currently an Associate Professor formerly of Dana College and I will introduce a newly created curriculum that accompanies the of English and the Associate Dean of General film. Meisel and the team will present the film and Education at Saint Francis University in Loretto, curriculum at a Seminar for Teachers on Oct. 7, PA. She has incorporated Holocaust literature into her coursework during her seven years at Dana and 4:30 p.m. at the JCC. The creation of a study guide/curriculum reflects the now at St. Francis. She first taught a course on the desires of the film co-directors, Laura Bialis, Holocaust with Dr. Delvin Hutton, a professor Broderick Fox and Sarah Levy to chronicle Meisel's emeritus of Religion at Dana College. (Continued on page 9) story in film and bring it directly to educators and
9/11 Victims, Families Found Solace, Support by RACHEL POMERANCE
The Jewish community launched a massive, coordinated effort to help both Jewish and non-Jewish victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. The UJA-Federation of New York raised funds in New York, where two of the planes hit, and the United Jewish Communities, Ihe"~umb'rella"group _of North American Federations, raised funds throughout North America. . The funds have been used to provide support groups for victims and those re-traumatized by the incident, including Holocaust survivors or new immigrants. They also were used to provide cash assistance and job counseling and to help victims navigate the bureaucracy to get financial aid from government and private funds. One of 13 major charities comprising the 9/11 United Services Group, a resource for victims in New York City, the UJA-Federation of New York has been at the center of the Jewish communal response. As of mid-August, the Federation had raised $7.6 million in special funding for its agencies to expand services for Sept. 11 victims. Of that sum, $2.1 million came from the UJC, which plans to add another $166,000 in the coming weeks, and $3.5 million came from The New York Times 9/11 Neediest Fund. The UJA-Federation raised the other $2 million on its own. Other recipients of UJC funds have included the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington-where the third plane hit~which received $100,500. Funds also went to hard-hit New Jersey commuter areas like Monmouth Count and Bergen County.
Commentators Look for Signs of Turning Point in Israeli/Palestinian Conflict by NAOMI SEGAL — —
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JERUSALEM (JTA) - Could Israel and the Palestinians be reaching a turning point in their violent conflict? A flurry of high-level contacts were expected this week, leading to suggestions that diplomatic efforts could finally be gaining some traction as the intifada nears its two-year point. These suggestions came as Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat faced a major challenge from Palestinian legislators, who were on the brink of voting no-confidence in his Cabinet this week when Arafat's ministers forestalled that move by resigning en masse. Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres met last week with Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat in Tel Aviv. During the meeting, Peres reiterated Israel's willingness to withdraw from areas where the Palestinians take responsibility for stopping terror attacks. Later, Peres' office said Defense Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer would meet with Palestinian Authority Interior Minister Abdel Razak Yehiyeh in the coming days to discuss withdrawing Israeli troops from Arab sections of Hebron. Finance officials from the two sides also were due to discuss the release of Palestinian tax money that Israel froze at the beginning of the intifada. In an overnight meeting, Peres and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reportedly decided to trans-
fer to some $15 million of frozen tax revenue to the Palestinian Authority. Reports also circulated of a possible meeting between Sharon and Arafat's deputy, Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas reportedly called Sharon last week and asked for the meeting to discuss ways.to end the violence. Those who believe a turning point has been reached note the relative lull in violence in recent weeks. Sharon said last week that, for the first time since the intifada began in September 2000, he saw the possibility of reaching a peace agreement-primarily because the Palestinians had despaired of winning Israeli concessions through violence, he said. Despite such pronouncements, Sharon and other Israeli officials continue to dismiss Arafat as a possible peace partner. Israel largely ignored a speech Arafat gave Sept. 9 before Palestinian legislators-the first time he has addressed them in 18 months-while U.S. officials dismissed it as nothing new. Arafat's speech failed to discuss reforms in the Palestinian Authority, as many of the legislators had hoped, or to make an explicit call for an end to suicide bombing, as foreign governments had sought. Arafat told the legislative council that he condemns "every act of terror against Israeli civilians," but did not say such attacks should be halted. (Continued on page 9)
Photos above: Outside the US embassy in Tel Aviv on Sept. 11, hundreds of Israelis marked the destruction of the World Trade Center a year ago by lighting thousands of candles in memory of the terror victims and also in memory of Israeli terror victims who have died in violent attacks since 1948. Photo by ISRANET. Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres shakes hands with Hatzolah, members of a Jewish volunteer rescue corps, at a memorial for the victims of Sept. 11 victims at New York's Park East Synagogue on the anniversary of the attack. Photo by David KarpIJTA.
INSIDE: Road It and Eat
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Bible Quiz Set for Dec. 11
page 1C
Can You Identify These Photos?
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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September 20, 2002 j ' "
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CALENDAR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Visions Membership Luncheon, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn . MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 YES Program, 10 a.m. Melton Adult Mini School, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. JFS Executive Committee Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at the Market Basket. . Driver's Ed. Class,. 6 p.m. .. . Omaha Center of Torah Learning Singles Event, 7:30 p.m. at 1313 No. 58 St. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Driver's Ed. Class, 6 p.m. JFS "Becoming a Love and Logic Parent", 6 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
PERSONAL With Gratitude to H'shem I want to thank everyone for their donations, cards and visits during my recent hospitalization and stay in the Blumkin Home. Your caring concern is much appreciated. With best wishes for a Happy New Year. John Kolm
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Sukkot Under the Stars, 6 p.m., Chabad House Visions Mitzvah Bingo, 7 p.m. THUSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Jewish Women International Shower, 10 a.m. at the Rainbow House Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. „
GOODMAN ZIMMERMAN
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All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish \j Press Is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, calj Mariene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTiNG, VISIT THE FEDERATION'S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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LEO E. "BABE" NOGG Leo "Babe" Nogg died Aug. 31 at the age of 90. Services were held Sept. 4 at Temple Israel Cemetery. He was preceded in death his daughter, Sharon Lee Nogg. A champion debater and member of the golf team at the University of Iowa, Nogg scored Ms first hole-in-one at age 75 and then a second one later that year. Nogg founded the E.L. Nogg Fruit Company in his early 20s and later supplied the Swanson Company with vegetables for their first "tv dinners." In the 1960s, while still the owner of Nogg Fruit, he founded the Silver Leaf Certificate Company, an innovative sales incentive business. A decade later, he developed a similar business for Bergman Jewelry and was Executive Vice-president until his retirement in the 1990s; this division is now known as Bergmaxi Incentives. Nogg also served as president of the Men's Club at Temple Israel and was a longtime volunteer for the Jewish Federation. According to his daughter, Terrie, Nogg was "known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor." He is survived by wife, Sarah "Babe" Nogg of Omaha; son, Robert Nogg, Park Hills, KY; daughters and sons-in-law, Terrie and Jan Kleinman, Cleveland, OH, Linda and Brian Cote', Omaha; grandchildren, Dana and Chris Kiper, Jennifer Nogg, Kelsey Nogg, Lisa and Mark Goodman, Heidi Garson, Bradley Kleinman, Elise Kleinman, Nicholas and Jennifer Cote', Adani Cote', Jordan Cote'; six great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Ruth Nogg. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Temple Israel.
LffiBY DOLGOFF FREMER Former Ornahan Libby Fremer died Aug. 14 in Mission Viejo, CA. at the age of 87. She was preceded by her brothers, Ed and Herb Dolgoff and sister, Dora Weinberg. Tom Friedman at Lied Center She is survived by her husband, Ben Fremer of by JEWISH PRESS News Service « — — — - — — Mission Viejo; son, Hall Fremer; daughter and sonPulitzer-prize winning author and columnist for in-law, Laurie and Mitch Gutell of Lake Forest, CA; the New York Times, Tom Friedman will speak at grandsons, Ross Fremer, Matt and Josh Gutell. the Lied Center for the Performing Arts in Lincoln Memorials to Congregation Eilat, 22081 Hidalgo, on Monday, Sept. 23, 8 p.m. Friedman, who was Mission Viejo, CA, 92691. featured last week at the Omaha JCC in a satellite JOAN SANDRA BERNSTEIN broadcast from the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Joan Bernstein died Sept. 12 at the age of 70. will discuss his views on "The Middle East and Services were held Sept. 15 at Golden Hill American Foreign Policy. The Seventh Annual Governor's Lecture in the Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Humanities, which is co-sponsored by the Nebraska Abraham "Bud" Bernstein. Humanities Council the E.N. Thompson Forum on She is survived by her daughter, Deborah World Issues and the University of Nebraska, is Bernstein, Los Angeles, CA; daughter and son-infree and open to the public. A benefit dinner for the law Julie and Jay Durmaskin; grandchildren Brian NHC preceding the lecture is sold out. and Amy Durmaskin. Friedman will be available to autograph copies of Memorials to Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah his new book, Longitudes and Attitudes, a compila(BESTT), L.O.V.E., or the American Diabetes tion of his Sept. 11 columns. Association.
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by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE — — — — We often hear remarks about bad planning, with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and Sukkot loading the calendar for this seventh month of the year. Seventh month? Yes, the bible calls the month of Tishri the seventh month, even though we peasants think of it as the first month of the year. Go figure! To get some understanding of what has gone on here, we have to let go of our usual urban mentality and to think like peasants. When we have done this, we can think in terms of great agricultural festivals and find ourselves with two major festivals of the year, Pesah, the earliest festival of the year, and a fall festival, celebrating the "harvest home" thanksgiving. In order to approach the thanksgiving festival (Sukkot) with the proper feeling, gradually Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur became ritual introductions to assure the proper spiritual condition of the worshiper as he came to the great thanksgiving festival of the fall. I don't think historians can trace the process -by which Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur surpassed Sukkot in importance. Certainly, we all know that it has happened. Perhaps something of the character of the Jewish people is involved, for we tend to stress the spiritual over against the material, in this case the physical and extremely important agricultural produce on which life depends. This analysis puts Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur simply as "introductions," with the main festival, Sukkot, still to come. This is quite contrary to the way we celebrate the fall festivals. We emphasize our approach by calling the two great Holy Days "Yamim Noraim," the Days of Awe. This column hopes that you will have had happy Holy Days and will have a joyous New Year!
Barbara Hetzog Mueting
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MILLARD ROSENBERG Millard H. Rosenberg died Sept. 13 at the age of 83. Services were held at Temple Israel on Sept. 15. Rosenberg, who was in the Army Air Corps stationed in Alaska during WWII, started in the advertising industry as a writer for Hinky Dinky Supermarket. Rosenberg was considered a pioneer in advertising, joining James Lipsey and establishing Universal Advertising Agency. In 1967, he started Millard Rosenberg Advertising, and later, Millard Rosenberg National Yellow Pages. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; son and daughter-in-law, John and Sydney Rosenberg of Minneapolis, MN; daughter, Jane Rosenberg, Orange, CA; grandchildren, Sam and Emily Rosenberg; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Marjorie Rosenberg, Dallas, TX; sister and brotherin-law, Dorthea and Martin Berger of Los Angeles, CA; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leslie and Shirley Davis of Healdsburg, CA. Memorials to Nebraska Health System. NOTICE Photos used in the Sept. 6 New Year's issue of the Jewish Press, may be picked up at the Press office, during regular business hours. Photos from the March 22 Passover issue also need to be picked up or they will be given to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Questions? Call 334-6448.
September 20, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Candlelighting Friday, Sept. 20 Saturay, Sept. 21, no earlier than
FRIDAY: Men's C/u6, 11:45 a.m. All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation! Come to decorate the Sukkah and share a Potluck dinner, 6 p.m. Sukkot Famiry Service, 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Ice cream and cookie Oneg to follow. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 a.m., in the Milder Center. Please join us as we continue our study of Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The Amidah. Sukkot Service in the Sanctuary, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Men's Club, 10 a.m. hi the Friedman Social Hall, Guest speaker will be Temple congregant Dr. Jeffrey Passer. He will speak on "How to Live Longer and Have More Fun." Join us for a traditional lox and bagels get-together. Non-Men's Club members, $3; Sukkah Hop, 1:30-3:30 p.m., visit several sukkahs in the Dundee/Country Club neighborhoods and enjoys some nosh along the way. Tickets are $2 per person or $5 per family. Meet at Temple at 1:30 p.m. to pick up your map. Call the office to make reservations! Friday, Sept. 27: Erev Simchat Torah, 7:30 p.m.
Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Candle Lighting, 7:07 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:15 p.m.; There is no West Minyan this week. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 8:45 a.m.; Free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m., Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood, followed by lunch in the sukkah; Mincha, 7:10 p.m., candlelighting no earlier than 8:04 p.m.j NCSY Sukkah Hop begins at 7:10 p.m. with Mincha-at the home of Howard Gendelman and Bonnie Bloch, and continues with a progressive dinner. SUNDAY: Shachrit, 8:45 a.m.; Mincha, 7:05 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:03 p.m.. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 7:15 p.m Reservations are still being taken for the Shemini Atzeret lunch next Saturday, and for Simchat Torah dinner following Hakafos. Call the synagogue office to make reservations.
7:07 p.m. 8:03 p.m.
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Sukkot evening service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Sukkot morning service, 9:30 a.m., Mincha-Ma'ariv, 7:15 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha-Ma'ariv, 7:25 p.m. Hoi HaMoed (Mon.-Thurs.): Mornings, 6:45 a.m.; Evenings, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21: Hoshana Rabbah, 6 a.m.
SATURDAY: Sukkot I Havdalah, at the Ferber Home.
SATURDAY: Sukkot services, 9 a.m., led by „ . m T O i , Rabbi Maximo Shechet. , FBIDAE Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Oneg wnl SUNDAY: Sukkot services, 9 a.m., led by Rabbi f o l l o w ' Maximo Shechet. Services are held in the Herbert Goldsten chapel; all services are open to the community.
Families Celebrate
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
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Isaac Frishman, son of Martha and Seth 1 Frishman, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Sept. 21 at if* Temple Israel. by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, An eight-grade superior Temple Israel Communications Director ————.— ' Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. honor student at Kiewit A family potluck dinner Sept. 20, 6 p.m. will pre-" Monday-Friday, services at 7 a.m. Middle School, he enjoys cede Erev Sukkot services tonight at Temple Israel. FRIDAY: Mincha-Ma'ariv, 6 p.m. golf and basketball, comSATURDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m., Mincha- Children and adults will decorate the outdoor \ s \m puters and music. He is a sukkah and share in the casual, festive mood prior Ma'ariv, 7:15 p.m. A j , ^ member of Kiewit Krew, a SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m., Mincha- to the family service at 7:30 p.m. musical Swing choir. Babies born since last year's High Holy Days will Ma'ariv, 7:25 p.m. V „'•*-.t^/.WLl After intense training, Hoi HaMoed, Sept. 24: Sukkot Under the Stars, receive a special blessing. In addition, children who Isaac became the first teen grief peer facilitator in celebrate their birthdays in July, August, and Omaha. He volunteers at Kids Kamp for grieving 6 p.m., call to reserve. September will be called for a special blessing. kids and Temple Israel Religious School. He has Women of Reform Judaism will provide salad and received several awards for his volunteer work. ?||§j||gg^ beverages to accompany the main courses families For his mitzvah project, he volunteered at Ted E. bring. An Oneg Shabbat will follow services. Bear Hollow, which is a grief support center for chilOn Saturday, Sept. 21, the morning Sukkot serv- dren and their families. He is continuing his work ice will begin at 10:30 a.m. there permanently, for he feels it very important On the following day, Sunday, Sept. 22, Temple that children have someone their own age with will sponsor its first annual Sukkah Hop from 1:30- which to grieve. Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser. 3:30 p.m. in the Dundee/Country Club neighborIsaac has a sister, Rebecca. FRIDAY: Sukkot Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., fol- hoods. Maps of the Sukkah Hop route will be disGrandparents are Herb and Diane Frishman of lowed by New Member Oneg. tributed at Temple Israel at 1:30 p.m. Each sukkah DelRay Beach, FL, and the late Helen (Hornstein) SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah will feature a different aspect of Sukkot. Tickets are Mason and the late Irwin S. Mason. Study, 10:30 a.m. ; Sukkot Potluck, 1 p.m.; Game $2 per person or $5 per family. Reservations are Great-grandmother is Pauline Sandow. Night, 6 p.m. requested by calling the Temple office at 556-6536. SUNDAY: Religious School begins! On Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Mndergartners will MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study Group, 7 p.m. participate in a consecration service on Erev TUESDAY: Rabbi Milder's Class, 7:30 p.m. Simchat Torah. Older students who have never Please provide us with the following information: Name: been consecrated are also encouraged to participate New address: ; ' which formally recognizes their families' commitment to Jewish education. Tuffy Epstein's group City, State, Zip:. will add to the dancing at the Oneg Shabbat. ^ On the following day, Saturday, Sept. 28, Yizkor Old address (or current mailing label): will be recited at the 10:30 a.m. Simchat Torah Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. service. Yizkor, which means "to remember" in City, State, Zip: Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 aon. Hebrew, offers an opportunity to join together as a Mail to: FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. community to express sorrow. For centuries, The Jewish Press SATURDAY: Sukkot morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Kaddish and Yizkor have given comfort to mourn333 So. 132 St. Mincha-Ma'ariv, 7:20 p.m. ers and dignity to the deceased. Omaha, NE 68154 SUNDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; MinchaCall the Temple office, 556-6536, by Monday, Sept. or e-mail the information to: Ma'ariv, 7:20 p.m. 23, to have a loved one's name read at the morning ckatzman@jewishoinaha.org Friday, Sept. 27: Hoshana Rabbah, 7:15 a.m. Yizkor service.
at Sukkot and Simchat Torah Services •
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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September 20, 2002
The Difference Between Us and Them Nearly two years after the start of the second intifada in Israel and a year after the attacks on America, men with dead eyes and stones for hearts still hate us. It's apparent that peace and freedom are not their ultimate goals. Witness the demonstration in support of Saddam Hussein in Gaza City on Sept. 10 last week and the capture of cargo, marked "toys", bound for the Palestinian Authority that contained pistols and-imagine-cigarette lighters depicting the World Trade Centers and a likeness of Osama bin Laden! How can Israel make peace with partners like these? How can Americans expect Israel to sit down at a negotiating table with people who still teach school children that Jews are "pigs and monkeys" and that "Palestine" stretches from the Jordan to the Mediterranean? According to JTA, "The official daily newspaper of the Palestinian Authority ran two cartoons ridiculing the United States on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, according to the Palestinian Media Watch. One cartoon appearing in Al-Hayat AlJadida depicts Uncle Sam running away from the words 'Sept. 11.' The second shows the World Trade Center towers standing over a mass of dead bodies that are described as the victims of American imperialism." JTA also reported that "Iraqi newspapers marked the anniversary of Sept. 11 with banner headlines describing last year's terrorist attack on the United States as 'God's
Punishment.' The daily AlJumhuriya, in a front-page editorial, said the lesson the United States should have drawn from Sept. 11 was that its policies inspire hatred." WTiile our children participated in the JCC Maccabi Games, Palestinian children attended summer camps, sponsored by Hamas, where they honed their shooting skills, held paramilitary marches and blew up models of buses and settlements. Islamic Jihad even taught children as young as 10-years-old how to use Kalishnikov assault rifles. They were instructed that any "interim agreement" between the P.A. and Israel was only one stage in the armed liberation of all of "Palestine." Last Sept. 11, while Palestinians danced in the streets and handed out candy, Israelis lowered their flags to half-staff. That's the difference between "us and them." We raise our children to be good citizens, productive members of society and menschen, honest, ethical caring Americans and Jews. Though we know that some Palestinians (and some in the Arab world as well) share these ideals, most evidently don't On Sept. 11, President George W. Bush said at the rebuilt Pentagon, "The enemies who struck us are determined and they are resourceful. They will not be stopped by a sense of decency or a hint of conscience-but they will be stopped." His is the right way to deal with terrorists. And, as we've seen, it's the only way.
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Ruthfe's Bat Mitzvah by TEDDY WEINBERGER — — — — — ——— My daughter Ruth Leah Ross became Bat Mitzvah at the end of August at "Belgium House" on the Givat Ram campus of the Hebrew University. Seven members of our family from the States were brave enough to come: my parents and in-laws, and my two sisters and niece. We began at 8 a.m. Monday morning with what my wife Sarah describes as a "marrano prayer service." I had insisted that Ruthie read the Torah as part of her Bat Mitzvah, From the start, however, Ruthie had been against the idea. The feminist movement has not quite gotten to Givat Ze'ev, and while there are plenty of places in Jerusalem where religious girls read from the Torah for their bat mitzvah, Givat Ze'ev girls usually do not. I explained to Ruthie that as far as I was concerned the cantillation notes and the melody that go with the singing of the Torah are an integral part of Torah. I reminded her that she first became aware of Torah not as dry chapter and verse, but in synagogue as a very little girl hearing the Torah's melody as she scurried to get candy from the candyman. On her Bat Mitzvah, I reasoned with her, a day when she accepted personal responsibility for the Torah, it made sense for her to receive not a muted, silenced Torah, but a Torah full of melody and song. Ruthie listened patiently to my arguments and then told me that there was absolutely no way she was going to read from the Torah.
^JEWISH PRESS
So I resorted to a tried-and-true parenting method: extortion. Ruthie would get her Bat Mitzvah party only if she would consent to read from the Torah. When she saw that I was serious, she relented—on one condition: none of her classmates or our Givat Ze'ev friends could be in attendance. And so we ended up with our marrano bat mitzvah service. Ruthie's reading of the Monday Torah portion was beautiful, and right after she finished singing and just before my other kids pelted her with candy, I was pleased to hear her let out a sigh-which indicated to me that she had taken this seriously and now had a palpable feeling of relief and accomplishment. At the conclusion of the service I spoke briefly, publicly asking Ruthie to forgive me for forcing her to read but explaining to her that just as a parent has a responsibility to nourish a child physically so they have a responsibility to nourish a child spiritually. Ruthie wasn't convinced, but maybe in 10 or 20 years she will be. The Bat Mitzvah party was called for 9 a.m. In America, unless you wanted to be very lonely, you could never call a celebration for this time of dayvery few friends and family would take off from work. Israel supports people who miss work to attend religious life-cycle events; so in a sense, your friends get to celebrate with you on company time. Yes, there are limits (you can't do this every day and (Founded in 1920)
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you can't do this with every employer), but for the most part, if you show up to work at 11:30 and you say that you had a Bat Mitzvah to go to that morning, your explanation will be accepted as perfectly reasonable and understandable. Sure, you will still need to get that project done or submit that proposal by its deadline, but those few hours that morning will not be considered vacation time nor will you be considered shirking your work responsibilities. Indeed, we had excellent attendance at Ruthie's Bat Mitzvah. Of course, the attendance was probably also helped by the fact that our simcha came at the end of a very long and troubling summer. This was not a summer where Israelis were going to easily pass up on any kind of celebrating. Within Ruthie's Bat Mitzvah itself, however, I find symbolized the possibility for much better summers ahead. Ruthie choreographed a special dance to the Hebrew song "The Queen of Hearts" (if we're not talking about reading Torah in front of her friends, Ruthie has not the slightest objection to performing solo in public). This song is by a performer named Asala, who happens to be an Israeli Arab Druze woman. I would like to think that Ruthie's choosing this particular artist holds out hope for the future, a time when Arabs and Jews will meet each other not just over the CD player but locked in each others arms as they dance together at family celebrations.
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Scott Meyerson; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Melanie Weinstein; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (-Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the, writer and are not nee-, essarily,representative of "the" viewsFbf 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 20, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE ,
Page 5
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• Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, chaplain of the New York Fire Department, joined other officials in reciting the names of the more than 2,800 victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. It was, he said, his most important mission of the day. In all, it took two hours and 20 minutes to read all the names.
We Are Jewish Women, Hear Us Roar: New Coalition Begins Lobbying for Israel by SHARON SAMBER —
••
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WASHINGTON (JTA)--It's a women's thing, too. That's what a new coalition is saying about lobbying for Israel. • A group of radical Muslims meeting in London "One Voice: Jewish Women for Israel," a broadpraised Osama bin Laden for the Sept. 11 attacks. based coalition involving several major American Participants at Wednesday's meeting issued a Jewish women's groups, is working to increasestatement accusing the United States of acting as if and, in many cases, launch-women's involvement it is "above any law" in its foreign policy. The state- in pro-Israel activism. ment added, "The only Islamic response to such In June, a coalition-run phone campaign organunparalleled arrogance and oppression is to do ized women across the country to "Take five and one's utmost to resist the oppression." About a take to the phones" and call members of Congress to dozen men, their faces covered, prevented journal- thank them for standing with Israel, urge continued ists from attending the meeting at the Finsbury support of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and Park Mosque in north London. The mosque is wide- express concern for the rise in anti-Semitic acts ly regarded as a center of radical Islam in Britain. around the world. Now the coalition has gearing up for a second 9 Israeli officials are viewing the resignation of phone-in on Sept. 18, this time aimed at the White the Palestinian Cabinet as an opportunity to House. Callers were being asked to thank President bypass Yasser Arafat. Defense Minister Benjamin Bush for his support for Israel~and note that both Ben-Eliezer said the time is now right for an Israeli Americans and Israelis have been the targets of terpolitical initiative to encourage a moderate rorists and that America should not tolerate the Palestinian leadership. The Israeli military intelli- incitement against the United States, Israel and gence chief, Maj. Gen. Aharon Ze'evi, said last the Jewish people in the Arab world. week's Cabinet resignation signifies a new low in "It's an incredible opportunity for women to be Arafat's status among his own people. empowered," said Madeleine Brecher, one of the coalition's coordinators. • Palestinian officials are calling for an Israeli "After five minutes, thousands feel that they have troop withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza done something," said Brecher of New Jersey, who Strip before Palestinian elections are held in is National Vice-president of the National Council January. Israel, however, says it will only withdraw of Jewish Women, one of the groups involved. troops if there is an end to violence. Let the Organizers don't know exactly how many women Palestinians "stop terrorist activity, let them stop participated in the last call-in, but they say it was condoning terror, and then they can have elections," successful. said Ra'anan Gissin, a spokesman for Israeli Prime The coalition was established earlier this year by Minister Ariel Sharon. "The terror is preventing Blu Greenberg, a longtime Jewish feminist activist free elections." and President of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. Greenberg, also of New York, says women's groups that oppose the Bush administration's pro-Israel policy are well-organized and that the Jewish community was not utilizing women and To the Editor: What an extraordinary event last week when the their desire to help. "Women are a force," Greenberg said. "We wanted JCC satellite connected with the 92nd Street "Y" in New York to provide us with the wonderfully stim- to show our solidarity and identity." Greenberg got an "instantaneous" positive ulating lecture and discussion by Thomas response from Jewish women's groups-and in what Friedman of the New York Times. The giant screen, she calls "a record in Jewish history" the coalition, the clear audio and the insights of Mr. Friedman its name and its general goals were hammered out were a treat for the 200 people who attended. in two hours. Special thanks to the JCC for another job well The coalition's leaders believe the work has gone done. Our community center is on a roll. Mazel Tov! smoothly because women realize how vulnerable Martin P. Wolf
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Israel is at this time. The agreement on the message is an important statement to the Jewish community, said Adena Berkowitz, another coalition coordinator. "Too often in the Jewish community we focus on divisions," said the board member of the Orthodox Feminist Alliance. "The coalition works through consensus-'What we can all agree on' and 'What can we do to help Israel.'" The coalition's members include: American Jewish Congress' Commission for Women's Equality; AMIT; Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America; Jewish Women International; JOFA: The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance; NA'AMAT USA; National Council of Jewish Women; Women of Reform Judaism; Women's American ORT; Women's Branch of the Orthodox Union; and Women's League for Conservative Judaism. Coalition members said they did not want to duplicate efforts. So it is sticking primarily to political activism, and staying away from helping terror victims and Israeli businesses. In promoting the national call-in day, the coalition asked women to distribute a call-in action guide to their rabbis to announce the event from the dais during Yom Kippur. Also, women are encouraged to forward the information over e-mail and encourage friends or family members to call. The coalition is planning a leadership lobbying day Oct. 31 and a possible follow-up lobbying day for more women as well. If everything goes well, what about the future? And will it include men? Coalition leaders are not ruling anything out. Since the coalition operates by consensus, all the member organizations get to float ideas for the entire coalition to discuss. Possibilities include coordinating activities on college campuses, organizing a concerted campaign to educate the media about Israel's position, and working within the feminist community and with other women's faith groups. The range of opinions and positions within the coalition has only helped the group's work, according to Greenberg. "In coalitions you usually take two steps forward and then a step backward," she said. "Here, mostly there have just been steps forward."
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Jewish Press, Graaha, NE
September 20, 2002
B'NAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS Terry Clarke will speak at Breadbreakers Wednesday, Sept. 25, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, 108th and Pacific, according to Breadbreakers Chairman, Steve Riekes. Clarke, a political science professor at Creighton, will discuss "The International Dimensions of the War on Terror." Lunch is $9; beverage service only, $2. The program is open to the comWAJLK-IN, DROP-IN For those going on the day trip to the munity. Bluffs Run Casino on Thursday, please OMAHA CENTER meet at the JCC main entrance at 8:45 - . FOR TORAH LEARNING a.m. Call Maggie Conti for transportaJewish singles are invited to an tion to the JCC at 334-6521. "Evening in the Sukkah" at the OCTL house, 1313 No. 58 St. on Monday, YIDDISH GROUP Lomir Redn Yiddish: Let Us Speak Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. Learn with Rabbi Yiddish Group will meet on Thursday, Aryeh Blum at the Beis Midrash, 1-3 p.m. at the the JCC. Call Anne Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m., at the OCTL House. Join us for Lunch 'n Skolkin for information at 343-1638. Learn, Wednesday, Sept. 25, noon at the Kripke Jewish Federation VISIONS Head for the hills! Lewis & Clark Library. OCTL will host a Sukkot Loess Hills ' Hospitality Tour is Open house, Wednesday, Sept. 25, Tuesday, Oct. 15. Cost is $40 per per- 7:30 p.m. son includes Lewis & Clark State Rabbi Raphael Butler is the feaPark, Loess Hills Historical Complex, tured speaker at the installation of noon meal, Preparation Canyon State Rabbi Blum on Sunday, Oct. 6, 7 Park, Loess Hills Hospitality Visitors p.m. in the Gallery of the JCC. The Center, Moorhead Cultural Center, entire community is invited. Pisgah, and Smalls Fruit Farm. For a fun night, "tinged with mysDepart from the JCC at 8 a.m. and tery", save Saturday night, Nov. 9, return by approximately 6 p.m. Send for OCTL's First Annual Mystery reservations by Sept. 27 to: Betty Dinner Night, featuring a kosher dinSanford, 9205 Western Ave. #127,ner and silent auction. For informaOmaha, NE 68114. Make check tion, call Nancy Wolf at 330-6736. payable to Jewish Senior Services. For more information about OCTL Join Visions with Moostash Joe programs or to reserve time for oneTours for a fall get-away to Branson, on-one learning, call Rabbi Blum, at Oct. 21-24. Send reservations with 320-8055. $50 deposit to: Betty Sanford. Make check payable to Visions. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a,m. with Eileen Reiner or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10J30 aan. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Beth Heiman, from the Methodist Health System Speakers' Bureau, will give a presentation on Self Defense for Seniors. For transportation call 330-4272.
by ELISABETH LUARD (Chicago Review Press, $35) Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN —
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Cooking for spiritual nourishment" Carry on tradition and prepare this is the subtitle of this fascinating book. recipe for Sukkot or anytime. The food of life commemorates life's events by people of various religions TZIMMES and beliefs around the world. Jewish beef stew with prunes Beautiful color photographs illustrate 2 lbs. lean beef, cubed and a scholarly text describes ancient 2-3 tablespoons chicken fat or oil and modern rituals found in religious 1 lb. pickling/pearl onions, and secular traditions and the universkinned sal significance and absence of certain 1/4 lb. pitted prunes foods. 2/3 cup raisins The recipes compliment the text, 3-4 cloves (stick them into which describes examples of ancient the onions for ease of retrieval) and contemporary traditions and cele- 1 short length cinnamon stick brations, beliefs and moments of 2 1/4 cups hot Iamb-bone stock life...burying favors in breads, cakes or plain water and mashed potatoes, a lucky dip, sol- Salt and pepper to finish stice celebrations, bread offerings, A dash of red wine vinegar solemn picnics, fires, taboo foods, fasting and more were researched by this Rinse the meat and pat dry. award-winning writer, whose mother Heat the oil in a roomy pan and fry was Jewish. The works of various pro- the onions gently, shaking over the fessors, ethnologists, cookery writers heat, until they take a little color. Push and anthropologists are included. to one side so that you can fry the meat Some of the Jewish observations... a little. from Rosh Hashanah eating a slice of Add the prunes, raisins, and the apple dipped in honey or sugar to spices, and enough water to cover to a insure sweet times ahead, to the ritu- depth of two fingers. Bubble up, turn als of harvest home and Sukkot, and down the heat, lid loosely, and let simHanukkah and the various tributes, mer gently for an hour or so, until habits and ingredients include: chick- meat is tender. en hurikebab (cooked in a closed pot Taste, adjust the seasoning, and with ginger and turmeric), and a sharpen with a dash of wine vinegar. Mediterranean flaming tea ceremony. This serves six, but to accommodate "While the men commit to studying extra guests, add potatoes, carrots, eternal truths in the holy book, the sweet potato, pumpkin, quince or virwomen write their history in the dish- tually any other variety of vegetable or es they prepare—a method of commu- fruit that takes your fancy to make the nication as eloquent as it is subtle, but dish go further, although it's advisable which, being nowhere else but in the to up the quota of spices. Possible mind of each woman, has the virtue of additional seasoni?igs include allspice, ginger and paprika. indestructibility."
Beth Israel t o Host Jr0 NCSYShabbaton by RITA SHELLEY — — — — — -
Fifth, sixth and seventh graders from eight Midwestern states and Canada will gather Oct. 11-13 for the Midwest Region Junior National Conference of Synagogue Youth fall convention at Beth Israel Synagogue. According to Bonnie Bloch, Beth Israel youth commissioner, approximately 70 young people and 30 adult advisers are expected to participate in the educational and social event. Activities include learning sessions in small groups of 10-20, meals and Shabbos services and special Shabbat games. There also will be a recre-
ational outing on Saturday night. Host families will provide lodging near Beth Israel, and all meals will be in the synagogue.. Daniel Grossman, son of Alex and Mary Sue Grossman, is one of several local young people excited about the convention. "It's really cool because it helps you meet a lot of people," Daniel said. 'Tfs a really good experience to have, both socially and as a great Jewish thing to do. I like how they make the services fun, and the games that we play." Audrey Gerber, daughter of Donald
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and Maggie Gerber, also is looking forward to attending. "I'm looking forward to seeing my friends from all over. I met a bunch of kids last year at conventions in Des Moines and Wisconsin. The advisers are really fun, and it will be great to have everybody at my shul," Audrey said. One of 12 NCSY regions nationwide, the Midwest region includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Manitoba, Canada, in addition to Nebraska. "This is an opportunity for young people to •meet other kids from all over
the Midwest and to learn more about Judaism in a relaxed, fun environment," Bloch said. "Everything is fun about the convention," Daniel said. "The staff is great. And I know a lot of people I'm looking forward to seeing." For information about being part of NCSY Juniors or Seniors (8-12th graders), contact the Beth Israel office. Synagogue affiliation is not required to participate in NCSY. Homes still are needed for housing NCSYers in October. Please call the Beth Israel office to volunteer.
MARRIAGE CURRENT/WISNIA Dana A. Current and Adam S. Wisnia were married August 30, at an evening ceremony in Las Vegas, NV. A dinner reception was held at Bamboleo Restaurant at the Rio Hotel. The bride is the daughter of Mary and Douglas Current of Omaha. The groom is the son of Shelley and Abe Wisnia of Omaha. Grandparents are Bernice and Morrie Adler, Sara Wisnia and the late Berek Wisnia of Omaha, and Mr. and Mrs. John Martich and Mr. and Mrs. Nick Current, brother of the bride; Shari Current, both of Chicago, IL. and Nils Asplund of Altadina; Sid Lisa Wisnia, sister of the groom, was Epstein of Las Vegas. After a short maid of honor. Robert Adler, uncle of stay in Las Vegas and a delayed honthe groom, was best man. Other out eymoon, the couple will live in of town guests included Anderson Omaha.
September 20, 2002
by OZZIE
Beth El Synagogue's observance of Simhat Torah begins on Saturday evening, Sept. 28, with MinhaMa'ariv at 7 p.m., followed by the traditional-evening Hakafot at 7:45 p.m. This truly joyous time gives Beth El's children and the entire congregation an opportunity to join in the communal singing, dancing, marching and flag waving that have long been associated with the festival. During the Hakafot, kindergarten students will be given miniature Torah Scrolls to commemorate the official beginning of their religious education. This year's kindergartners are: Ethan Barnes, son of Julie Potash; Benjamin Dietrich, son of Greg and Sheri Dietrich; Veronica Dubov, daughter of Ilya and Tanya Dubov; Alec Epstein, son of Jeff and Ellie Epstein; Andrew Klein, son of Harry and Janet Klein; Robert Levitan, son of Dan and Gale Levitan; Jennifer Libov, daughter of Dimitriy and Marina Libov; Isaac RogersMarcovitz , son of Mimi Rogers and Michael Markovitz; Alexandra Pichik, daughter of Michael and Shelly Pichik; Jessica Shandell, daughter of Howard and Diane Shandell; Zachary Stein, son of David and Julie Stein; Madison Weaver, daughter of Mark and Felicia Weaver and Max Weiner, son of Harry and.Kathy Weiner. An ice-cream social will follow the Saturday evening Hakafot. The Simhat Torah observance will continue on Sunday morning, Sept. 29, with services beginning at 9:30 a.m. In keeping with another Beth El tradition, two members who have made unique contributions to the congregation will be recognized at the morning service with two special aliyot—Kallat haTorah and Kallat Bereshit. Kallat Torah is the honor given the person who has the last aliyah from the old cycle and Kallat Bereshit is the honor given the person who has the aliyah for the opening reading of the new
cycle. For 5763, these special aliyot are being given to Judy Tully and Ellie Greenspoon, in recognition of their outstanding service to Beth El. Tully is a long time member of Beth El's administrative staff. According to Larry DeBruin, the synagogue's Executive Director, "Judy is the smile at the other end of the phone when you call. She's always willing to take that extra minute to talk to congregants and answer their questions-to visit with shut-ins and the elderly. Judy is usually three steps ahead of the game-which eliminates plenty of potential office fires~and she keeps her cool, even when deadlines are hot. Judy's love for Beth El, and her concern for the congregation, is deep and real and very much appreciated. "Ellie Greenspoon is another example of dedication to Beth El," DeBruin continued. "Last year, when we suddenly found ourselves without a Youth Director~and right before we were going to host a Regional KINNUS-Ellie willingly stepped in, took over as USY leader, and pulled off a convention that left everyone from out of town raving about Omaha. With her sound, mature, guidance, Ellie helped our teens plan and execute activities throughout the year. She became their good friend and served as a terrific role model. The patience and wisdom she brought to the job is to be applauded." During the service, Beth El's Yad Award will be given to individuals who have read at least fourteen Torah aliyot since last Simhat Torah. This year's recipients are Lili Berkovits, Michael Gerson, Phyllis Hoffman, Forrest Krutter, Jeffrey Malashock, Ben Shapiro, Marty Shukert, Lynn Sweet and Mark Sweet. "This is truly a year of new beginnings for our congregation," said Dick Fellman, Beth El President, "and we invite everyone in the community to join our Simhat Torah observance."
Matalon to Teach Course on Septiarclic History and Culture by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator-—-~~~—.„—— Guy Matalon, who comes from a texts, liturgy, poetry, and Kabbalah. Sephardic background himself, will "The Sephardim have broadened teach a course on "The Jews of Spain: Jewish horizons," Matalon pointed History and Culture," one of the on- out. Sephardic Jews have different going opportunities for learning of sexual practices and women have difTemple Israel's Hermene Zweiback ferent roles in Sephardic culture, he Lifelong Center for Jewish Learning. went on to say. The course material This class will be on Wednesday will include Spanish poets R. Shemuel evenings, Oct. 2 6:45 to 8:45 p.m., Ha-Nagid, Solomon Ibn Gabirol, and through April 2, 2003. Judah Hallevi. Contributions made Matalon, assistant professor of by Maimonides, Hallevi, and Judaic Studies at the University of Abarbanel in the field of philosophy Nebraska at Omaha, has always and Kabbalah will also be discussed. wanted to learn more about his herIn addition to Spain, the Sephardic itage. "My ancestors were rabbis in Diaspora including Morocco, Israel, Greece," he said. Matalon, who is Greece, and the United States, where from Israel, has lived in Omaha for the Sephardim were the first Jews to three years. He is a doctoral candi- arrive in the New World, will be studdate in medieval Jewish thought at ied. New York University. This class will be especially informAdult learners in Matalon's class ative for anyone interested or considwill be introduced to the history of the ering going on the Journey to Jewish Sephardim, the Jews of Spain. Spain in February, 2003. However, Covering major historical events that the class is open to the community. have taken place since the community Those not going on the trip are welwas established in late antiquity until come to attend. contemporary times, the course will For the class fee or to register, conshed light on the cultural contribu- tact Temple Israel Program Director tions of the Sephardim, how they Rosie Zweiback by e-mail, at: shaped Judaism through their rzweiback@qwest.net, or call her at Biblical commentaries, philosophical 556-6536.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator
John Dacey, a member of Temple Israel, will lead the first of three Jewish Journey Groups this year. "The Prophets: Thundering Voices of Passion, Fire, and Grace," will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., and continue on Oct. 8, 22, 29, and Nov. 5 at Temple Israel. As the group examines John The Prophets by Abraham J. Heschel, they will study the role the prophets played in ancient history and the vision they revealed of God. "The prophets gave us insight into the nature of God," said Dacey, who previously has lead two Jewish Journey Groups at Temple Israel. "The prophets' God of passion, mercy, and justice is still active in this world. We will talk about how to rise up to the prophets' vision of the God that's in our midst," Dacey explained. Abraham Joshua Heschel, 1907-72, was a Jewish American religious philosopher who wrote about the Sabbath, the prophets, and man and God. During the 1960s, Heschel was active in the civil rights movement and later in the struggle for Soviet Jewry. As the group explores life's meaning for Jews in the 21st century, the participants will seek to foster deep connections, openness to growth, and an awareness of the Divine presence. Jewish Journey Groups, an outgrowth of Synagogue 2000, begin and
end with a moment of prayer in word, song, or silence. Synagogue 2000 seeks to transform synagogues into places that are an integral part of daily Jewish American life where all congregants are welcome and engaged on every level of intellect, heart, and soul. Dacey works in private Dacey practice dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. He is working towards a Master of Science Degree in Jewish Studies at Chicago's Spertus College and has done graduate work in theology at Creighton University. He has led workshops for professionals on spirituality and the treatment of addictions and has served as a chaplain at Immanuel Medical Center. He will lead a second Jewish Journey Group, "Taking Leave: The Jewish Roots of Christianity," in March. Dr. Howard Needelman will lead a third group, also beginning in March, on the "Comparison of Jewish Biomedical Ethics with other Philosophies of Religious and Secular Biomedical Ethics." To register for any of these Jewish Journey Groups, for which there is no charge, contact Program Director Rosie Zweiback by e-mail at: rzweiback@qwest.net or call her at 556-6536. They are all open to anyone in the community.
Guy&^E ••• QAatalon
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12 noon Tuesdays in the Kripke Federation Library Beginning October 1 Running October 8,22, & 29
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 20, 2002
Candidate Forum Planned for October at Temple by JEWiSH PRESS News Service
Stormy Dean, Democrat running for governor of Nebraska, and Jim Simon, vying for United States Congress, will be two of the candidates at a forum on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel. Word has not been received yet from other candidates who have also been invited. Sponsored by Temple Israel's Social Justice Committee, the entire community is welcome to meet Dean and Simon and discuss the issues prior to the Nov. 5 election. The Jewish Press will publish a special Election Preview in its Nov. 1 issue. For more information about the Candidate's Forum, call Temple at 556-6536. For information about the Election Preview, call the Press, at 3346448.
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Photos from top left: Jack Fletcher, almost three-years-old, takes careful aim for the hole on this shot at Boulder Creek Miniature Golf Course. Jack, son of John and Hillary Fletcher, played in Temple Israel's Family Golf Outing. Competition was friendly among approximately 200 golfers including (left to right) Sophie, seven, Joe, 12, and Molly Goldberg, 10, children of David and Wendy Goldberg, and (center) Josie Platt, three, daughter of Jeff and Ellen Platt. Families enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs after golf.
At Shadow Ridge Country Club the next day, about 90 adults played in the annual Golf Outing which included lunch and an awards banquet that evening. Rick Fox was co-chairman of both events. Jim Farber warmed up on the putting green prior to teeing off on the course. Fox said "a record amount" was raised at the combined events to help support Temple Israel religious school, youth groups, adult education, and worship services. He attributed the fund raising success to a hardworking committee and generous donors.
Conversational Hebrew Offered by JELS by DIANE AXLER BAUM
•. •. ,
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Starting Thursday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m., a group of adults will become closely acquainted through interaction and conversation as they meet weekly in the Jewish Educational and Library Services classroom at the Jewish Community Center. If you consider this unremarkable, consider that the participants will not talk to each other in English. www.shirtal.com Instead, they will learn and converse in modern, Oakvfew Mall - Lower Level Younker's Wing conversational Hebrew. Instructor Guy Matalon, a native of Israel, previously taught conversational Hebrew at both New "... the video was incredible and so well done.,." York University and at Berlitz schools in Los Angeles. In the current course sponsored by JELS, Suzy and Norm Sheldon On the marriage of Wendy to Adam, May 25,1997 he will utilize a combination of the most successful methods and techniques he's used in the past. "This eight-session course is intended for those Visit us and see Wendy and Adam's weddins at who want to build a useful Hebrew vocabulary to www.heartiand-video.conn or calf 593-8638 enable them to speak in everyday situations," Matalon explained. Toward this end, in each class he will create "a particular linguistic environment." One lesson, for example, will concentrate on how Jhe VERyBESTh Wedding, Bar and Bat Mitzwah Videcgraphy^ to follow directions. Other sessions will revolve around such activities as shopping for food, cooking a meal, interacting in social situations, and going out for dinner at a restaurant. The informal, pleasant atmosphere of "Speaking Freely" calls for a focus on conversation and a variety of student interaction, he said. That's why the class is limited to a maximum of 15. Matalon said his students will listen in class and parrot what they hear, similar to the way all children learn their own language. The course will not Alison Lindhjem OWNER include exams or quizzes. Westridge Shopping Center • 132nd & W. Dodge Rd. 4 9 3 - 3 8 9 3 "It will be fun," he promised. Among those already
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registered are Zoe Riekes, Nadine Kutner, Harris Finkelstein, and Kate Rose. All are eager for the opportunity to learn to speak Hebrew and to practice regularly. "I go to Israel often for Partnership 2000, and it has always bothered me that I've not laiown how to speak the language," Riekes said. She is "excited to learn," she added, and looks forward to developing a special relationship with her classmates. Kutner recognizes that her spoken Hebrew "isn't what it should be" even though she has a basic understanding of the language. "Learning together is so beneficial, especially for adults," she added. "It's going to be lovely!" Finkelstein, who holds a Master's Degree in Semitic Languages and Biblical Hebrew, learned modern Hebrew on an Ulpan some 10 years ago, but feels a need to brush up. His fiancee, Kate Rose, took the JELS "crash course" in Hebrew that Matalon and his wife, Elinor, offered recently. The positive experience prompted their decision to take "Speaking Freely" together. Guy Matalon, whose field is Hebrew and Judaic Studies, has been a member of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Nebraska at Omaha since 1999. In addition, he often teaches workshops and courses sponsored by JELS. Tuition for the fall semester is $50. Scholarships are available. Plans call for a second semester to start in February. For additional information or to register, please contact Kathy Hirshman, JELS Director of Education and Scholarship Administration, at 334-6445, or khirshman@jewishomaha.org.
September 20, 2002
Turning Point (Continued from page 1) r—,»m~ I « - » I » I » — He also omitted paragraphs, present in an earlier draft, that called for an end to suicide bombings in Israel. A day later, Arafat's Fatah movement released a letter saying it would prevent attacks on civilians in Israel, but suggested it would continue targeting Israelis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. There was some confusion surrounding the letter, however. Commanders of Fatah's military wing disassociated themselves from the letter, saying that violent struggle against Israel would continue. According to Fatah officials, debates over the content of the document have not ended, primarily over whether settlers should still be considered fair prey. European involvement in the limited cease-fire efforts drew criticism. Israel's army chief told the cabinet last Tuesday that the Europeans were in effect encouraging the Palestinians to restrict their attacks, rather than halt them altogether, Army Radio reported. But the tone of Arafat's speech was not all conciliatory. He accused Israel of exploiting Palestinian terrorist attacks in order to attack Palestinians and of using the Sept. 11 attacks to link the Palestinian Authority to terrorism. Arafat's address was viewed as a crucial test of his standing among the Palestinian public. But the speech was not well-received internationally, and even Palestinian critics lamented that he had missed the chance to make a major policy statement. At one point, Arafat said he was prepared to step down should someone wish to give him some rest by replacing him, but commentators agreed that he appeared to be joking. The three-day meeting of legislators was convened to vote on the new Cabinet that Arafat appointed in June. On Sept. 11, Arafat's 21-member Cabinet was forced to resign to avoid being ousted by legislators in a no-confidence vote. Just moments before lawmakers were to hold the vote, Cabinet ministers submitted their resignations to Arafat. Protesting corruption and incompetence among Cabinet members, a majority of lawmakers speaking at the session of the Palestinian legislative council in Ramallah said they would vote against Arafat's Cabinet. Also on Sept. 11, Arafat set Jan. 20 as the date for Palestinian presidential and legislative elections. The United States had sought to delay presidential elections in hopes of having the Palestinians create the office of prime minister, a move aimed at turning Arafat into a figurehead president. On Sept. 7, Israel began gradually lifting the three-day curfew imposed on Palestinian population centers during Rosh Hashanah. Just the same, Israeli troops remained on high alert for possible terrorist attacks. The alert was issued as Israeli officials revealed they had arrested three Palestinians accused of plotting to poison drinks at Jerusalem's Cafe, Rimon. Two confessed to their role in the plot, police said. The third, who is the alleged ringleader, is a chef at the restaurant. He is to be charged with attempted murder later this week, according to the Jerusalem Post. On Sept. 10, the Israeli daily Ha'aretz reported that another attack had been thwarted, this one by a Hamas cell that planned to carry out a double suicide bombing at the Tel Hashomer Hospital near Tel Aviv.
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They have observed the profound impact Meisel's story has in the classroom and knew a documentary would help preserve her influence. Unlike many Holocaust films that end with Liberation in 1945, Tak for Alt puts these wartime events within the context of Meisel's continuing work as a civil rights advocate and educator, utilizing her experiences as a means to combat bigotry and racism here in the United States. The video and now the curriculum, according to co-director Fox, "Provides an opportunity for Judy's spirit and story to travel around the globe and also on into time where it can be preserved for use by subsequent generations." Tak for Alt connects Europe's Holocaust and America's civil rights movement. The film opens with Meisel recalling news coverage of a 1963 race riot in Philadelphia, sparked by a black family, the Bakers, moving into an all-white neighborhood. For Meisel, the scene was chillingly familiar: "Here I was in the City of Brotherly Love, and it
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was like Kristallnacht, Nov. 9, 1938...and nobody was doing anything about it. So I baked some cookies and went to see the Bakers..." Archival material and location footage is presented in the film of Meisel retracing her wartime experiences through Eastern Europe-working as a slave laborer in a Kovno Ghetto boot factory, watching her mother disappear into the Stutthof Concentration Camp gas chamber, crawling across a frozen river after fleeing a death march, passing as a Catholic while working for the Wermacht, and finally escaping to Denmark, 16-years-old and weighing just 47 pounds. The film and curriculum underscore that the Holocaust is not just an historical event or a Jewish issue. Acts of intolerance continue across the world today. Through the film and the curriculum, Meisel offers an example that one person can make a difference. For more information about the upcoming events, please contact the ADL office at 333-1303.
A Gift the Wind Gives to a Child by BETH SELDIN-DOTAN, Director Institute for Holocaust Education — Since the early 1930s, Volunteers to the children at Kibbutz Ein Elderly (L.O.V.E. Harod in Israel have organization) will also been making and flying fly kites during their kites based on an idea Grandparents Day from Dr. Janusz Celebration at the JCC, Korczak. Dr. Korczak Sunday, Oct. 6, 12-3 was a great Jewish edup.m. cator, physician and Omaha Jewish teens orphanage director and participants in the from Warsaw, Poland, summer JCC Maccabi who ultimately went to Games volunteered to his death in 1942 at the make kites for nearly hands of the Nazis with 500 children in the nearly 200 Jewish community. orphans from the Last year, Sara Juster and her daughter, Caroline, This year's kite-flywere part of the Korczak kite-flying program at ing will remind us once Warsaw ghetto. The program is Beth El. "What a fabulous day we had," said Anna again of democracy and based on Korczak's phi- Gologosky-Besser, Education Director of Beth El. freedom, as our prolosophy that "the kite is "Seeing colorful diversified kites in the sky solidi- gram last year took a gift that the wind fied Korczak's notion that 'the wind is a gift to the place on the day gives to the child...as children.'" American troops the boat is a gift that entered Afghanistan. The Plains States Region of the the sea gives to the In Israel, the tradichild." Anti-Defamation League's tion continues at Kibbutz Ein'Harod and The Institute for institute for Holocaust Education at the Ghetto Fighters' Holocaust Education, a Fall Programming Schedule Museum and Yad department of the Sunday, Oct.6: Layeled Children's Plains States Regional Second Annual Janusz Korczak Kite-Flying Day Memorial in the office of the ADL/CRC Monday, Oct. 7, 4:30 p.m.: Western Galilee, a partwill hold the Second Tak for Alt: Survival of a Human Spirit, Seminar for all ner organization in our Annual Janusz Korczak Omaha Teachers with Holocaust Survivor and Civil Rights Partnership 2000 proKite-Flying Day on Activist Judy Meisel, at the Jewish Community Center. gram. We will fly in solSunday, Oct. 6. All Announcement of "The Tribute to the Danes and Other idarity with Israel durOmaha synagogues, the Rescuers Essay Contest", for grades 9-12, with a focus on ing these challenging Pennie Z. Davis Child "Moral Courage" times. Development Center, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m.: the Friedel Jewish For more informaTak for Alt: Survival of a Human Spirit, Screening and disAcademy and other tion on the kite-flying cussion with Holocaust survivor and civil rights activist Judy organizations will day, please contact me Meisel for Jewish high school students, their parents and the make kites and fly at the Institute for Jewish Community at the JCC. them at each of their Holocaust Education in For more information or to RSVPto one of the programs, respective buildings. the office of the please contact the ADL/CRC at 333-1303. . The League Offering ADL/CRC at 333-1303.
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Participates B'nai B'rith Schedules 17th Annual Bible Quiz AZA#1 fi£
by LOIS EPSTEIN —
••
•• •
Gary Javitch, President of Henry Monsky Lodge B'nai B'rith has announced that the 17th Annual Edward Zorinsky B'nai B'rith Bible Quiz will be held Wednesday evening, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. in the theatre of the Jewish Community Center. According to Javitch, the purpose of the Quiz is to encourage Jewish youth to become more familiar with their heritage, the Bible. It is also to honor the memory of the late Sen. Edward Zorinsky, who had a special concern for Jewish young people. After 17 years, it was decided to increase the monetary awards. Now, first prize is $600, second prize is $350, third place is $250 and fourth place is $125. The prize monies can be applied toward college tuition, a trip to Israel or an approved Jewish camp or educational program sponsored by a local or national Jewish organization. In addition to these prizes any contestant who answers three questions correctly during the preliminary round will be given $10 cash at the end of the evening. The contest winner will receive $25 cash. The contest is open to all Jewish teenagers in the Omaha area who are in grades 9.12. "I am delighted to note that this is the 17th year for the contest," said Steve Riekes, a Trustee of the Lodge.paying special tribute to the Lodge, the family of Sen. Zorinsky, the rabbis and the directors of education of Omaha's synagogues, the youth directors and the many volunteers, for their support. He gave special thanks to Gloria Kaslow and Stan Mitchell for their "outstanding help and commitment." He also recognized the hundreds of
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—•——-^-—^~—~
in Brusli Up Nebraska9'
by BRAD ABRAMSON — — — — — — teenagers who have participated. The subjects for the 17th Annual contest are the Books of Genesis and Jonah. Prior to the contest, k' 4 the contestants will be asked to familiarize themselves with the assigned books by reading them. "Any teenager, regardless of previous Jewish education, who thoroughly reads the required material, can compete," said Riekes. "The quiz is not hard. Sample questions will be given contestants in advance and practice sessions will be held." He also said that "every teenager who enters the contest becomes a winner, because every educated person should be familiar with the Bible." Javitch said that the Lodge has received tremendous cooperation in putting on this event. The Quiz is held in conjunction with On the roof are: Alex Raskin, left, Nathan Jewish Book Month and the Fineman and Robert Mosenkis; painting are Kripke Library. Also, as they Jaime and Bradley Abramson. have done for the past seventeen Last month, B'nai B'rith Youth Organization years, each of the synagogues, Chapter AZA#1 and their sweethearts participated their youth groups and their in the citywide program "Brush Up Nebraska." The schools, and the BBYO are all innovative program was designed to help disabled assisting in this year's contest. or low-income senior citizens whose homes needed "I know that Henry Monsky painting. Lodge has always been committed to our youth, and The house AZA#1 painted was located on 42nd I am pleased to be involved with this program," said Street and was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rachel Blum, BBYO Director. Greene. Greene has emphysema and uses an oxyThose interested in entering the contest may do so gen tank. We organized a group to accomplish this by submitting their name along with their parents community service project. names, address and zip code, telephone number, Prior to the painting day, several AZA#1 members high school and grade to: B'nai B'rith, 333 So. 132 went to scrape and prime the house to get it ready. St., Omaha, NE 68154, by calling me at 334-6443 or The house looked fantastic and the Greenes were by sending an e-mail to me at: lepstein(^jew- very appreciative of all the hard work the members ishomaha.org by Oct. 31. Additional information did. This was a great community service program may be obtained by calling Riekes at 333-8498 or and AZA#1 is looking forward to participating in 492-9800. the program again next year. * • ; •
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Page 11
:v. -•"' by ART GROSSMAN — — — — — - _ _ _ As these words pour from my word processor, one week prior to Yom Kippur, they are tinged with apprehension as well as reverence. Sept. 11, 2001-9/ll--a day like Dec. 7, 1941, when the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan attacked the United States, was another Day of Infamy. Not withstanding the fact that 9-11 has almost a religious significance, OT/Y.E.S. ushered in sweet Rosh Hashanah, 5763, with a honey of a New Year's party, including a special lunch with honey, apples and honey cake. One of the largest turnouts in some time, listened to Derek Ventura, a one-man band whose musical apparatus was something to marvel. Besides his vocal numbers, which included Yiddish and Hebrew songs, in keeping with the emotional aspect of the day, he included U.S. military songs. At the Early Bird, we discussed a range of subjects from credit card scams to the liberation of Iraq. We paused in reverent respect in memory of Larry Batt, Gloria Cohn, Mildred Chudacoff, Ruth Leiter, Leo Nogg, Bill Poster, Adeline Sneider and Adele Wolf. Shalom.
Melissa a n d J a s o n Hagerty, of Bellevue, announce the Aug. 14 birth of their son, Miles Jacob, named for his maternal great-grandmother, the late Matti Massey. Grandparents are Sherry and Dick Fletcher of Bellevue and Lola and Jerry Hagerty of Williamsport, MD. Great-grandmothers are Ruth Baer of Waynesboro, PA, and Thelma York of Indianapolis, IN.
More than 350 people attended Princess Diana: Matt Kutler, son of David and Deb Kutler, was The Musical in named the Sportsticker ESPN Playoff July, which honChampionship Most Valuable Player for the-Wood ored Anna Bat Cape Cod League last month. He delivered two Wiesman for her game-winning hits, including a grandslam in the 17 years as a final playoff, and a two-out, bottom of the ninth Certified Braille double in the championship game, to lead his Cape Transcriber. The Cod Wareham Gatemen team to their second conevent raised secutive championship. Matt's post-season success $11,500 for the followed his regular season, during which he finN e b r a s k a ished sixth in the Cape Cod League in batting. On Foundation for his Brown University team, he was named All-Ivy V i s u a l l y First Team last spring in both baseball and acaHandicapped demics. He set a new school record with nine triples C h i l d r e n . in a season and 13 for a career. He is currently a Donations can still junior at Brown, majoring in business economics. be made by sending a check, made out Karen Javitch,/eft and Ann The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce will to the foundation, fe^ present Omaha Public Power District with the a t July,s benefit. c/o Karen Javitch, annual Heritage Award at a luncheon on 9740 Brentwood Rd., Omaha, NE 68114. The musi- Wednesday, sept. 25, 11:45 a.m. at the Scott cal, written by Karen Sokolof J a v i t c h and Conference Center. The luncheon also honors pioElaine Jabenis, featured a cast of 29, including neering companies which have been in business for Stan and Barb Widman and Anne Muskin, more than 100 years; this year's honorees include Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, 100 years, and Wells Fargo Bank Nebraska, N.A., 150 years. Omaha Steaks has donated the beef for &li^LteLrlLi^L LzlL::!? ICL: ' \^J11 the luncheon. Tickets are $30 per person and can be Greg Kosinovsky a n d Inna Sayfer- purchased by calling 346-5000. Kosinovsky of Sunnyvale, CA, announce the* July 18 birth of their son, Jacob Moses. Kids Day America, a children's health, safety and Jacob has a sister, Hannah. environmental awareness day, is tomorrow, Sept. Grandparents are Leah and Joseph Kosinovsky of 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., sponsored by Armour Omaha and Vera and Boris Sayfer of San Francisco, Chiropractic Healthcare, 333 So. 78 St. All proceeds from a raffle at the event benefit The Hope CA. Center.
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September 20, 2002
Can You Identify These Photos? by JEWISH PRESS News Service
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The Nebraska Jewish- Historical Society is tured, please call Renee Corcoran, Director of opens on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. in the looking for identification of archived photos. NJHS, at 334-6442. "On Being a Leader: Philip Gallery of the Jewish Community Center; the If you know the people, places and events pic- M. Klutznick and the American Experience," Klutznick-Harris Symposium is Oct. 27-28.
OCTL Opens Beis Medrash by SHARI BLUM —
———•
The Omaha Center for Torah Learning (OCTL) announces the opening of its newly built Beis Medrash, Torah study hall, located in the home of Rabbi Aryeh Blum, 1313 No. 58th St. Extensive research at the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the index of the Jewish Press revealed that the OCTL Beis Medrash will be the first known Torah study center in Omaha's Jewish history. Rabbi Blum, Director of OCTL, is enthusiastic, about the future of the Beis Medrash for the OCTL, as well as the surrounding Jewish, community. He describes a Beis Medrash to be a "house of study," and throughout the ages, all Jewish communities have supported them. "The survival of Jews and Judaism is dependent upon the study of Torah; the Beis Medrash, as well as the synagogue, is the focal point of Jewish communal life," Rabbi Blum explained. "The OCTL Beis Medrash now provides the Omaha Jewish community with a place to learn traditional Jewish texts as a community, where anyone and everyone will feel comfortable to learn and grow." The dream for the OCTL Beis Medrash had been pending for some time, and became a reality only after the OCTL house was rented. "Before we even, arrived", Rabbi Blum remembers, "the OCTL Board took one look at our four-car garage and immediately saw the beautiful possibilities. Within six weeks after
our arrival, the Beis Medrash was regardless of background, Judaic complete. It was truly incredible!" knowledge and level of observance to Shortly following the Blum's arrival to grapple with our traditional texts, Omaha, an internationally known hands-on." The OCTL would like to rabbi who would like to remain anony- "create skilled learners in our community. " m ous Eli and donated A 1y s s a more than Berlin, 200 tradinewcomt i o n a1 ers to the Hebrew Jewish texts to communiOCTL. ty from His philAtlanta, anthropic describe e ff o r t s the buildh e l p ing of the inspire B e i s t h e Medrash. Omaha "When communiwe first ty, as well met the as other J e w i s h Itabbi Aryeh Blum, left, reviews apshat (meaning) B l u m s communi- °f a ^ m e °^ Jewish text with Alyssa and Eli Berlin Wg w e r e ties across °^ Lincoln, frequent visitors to the OCTL House, b r o u g h t the country, to learn and grow in Torah. to their dark, damp, and musty Allan Gonsher, President of the garage where we listened to their OCTL, shares the board's vision for the dreams for a Beis Medrash." Eli Beis Medrash. "The OCTL wants to Berlin admitted, "at the time, it was create a place where there is a set time hard to envision this transformation!" for study, with traditional chavruta However, Berlin recalls that by their (partnered) learning, a Rabbi to be second visit to the Blum home, a few available for guidance, direction and weeks later, they could already see a motivation, and a place where Jewish clearer vision. traditional texts in Hebrew and in "Walls had been erected to separate English line the walls," he noted. the Torah study center from where the Gonsher added that one of the OCTL's cars were parked, and were painted long-term objectives is for "all Jews, with several coats of fresh paint.
Bright lights had been installed and newly mounted ducts were pumping cool air. The OCTL was working feverishly to bring this incredible vision to fruition," he commented. "By the following week, the floor was down; the walls were decorated with pictures and Judaica, and the Beis Medrash was ready for 'business.'" On a recent Shabbat afternoon, the OCTL board, Rabbi Blum, and 17 members of the community enjoyed the finished Beis Medrash during Rabbi Blum's weekly Shabbat sedra class. "Jews sat together in the newly constructed Beis Medrash, all different ages and levels of religious observance and knowledge," recalled Rabbi , Blum. "We all learned about our glorious Jewish heritage as a community, in a place where our tradition fills the walls and those who enter feel welcomed and inspired." The Beis Medrash is the site of several weekly classes: Shabbat afternoon, Rabbi Blum gives a sedra class; Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. is Talmud class, and Tuesday night 7:30 p.m. is "Beis Medrash Night." "This is not a class," says Rabbi Blum. Rather, "it is a night where everyone is invited to come with a book or learning partner or you can feel free to avail yourself of the many English or Hebrew books we have in our library. This is not only a milestone, it is a stepping stone from which to leap to greater Jewish connectedness and unity."
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