December 20, 2002

Vol. LXXXn

No. 16

Omaha, NE

15 Tevet, 5763

December 20,2002

CELEBRATING 82 YEARS OF SERVICE TO NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA

Thinking the Unthinkable: P2K Doctors Help Western Galilee Prepare by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor

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What happens to the Israeli medical system when current staff is called up for reserve duty? Who will care for patients in hospitals if Iraq attacks Israel? These are not questions the Israeli medical professional has taken lightly in the Western Galilee, an area bordered by Lebanon on the north, the Mediterranean on the east and only eight miles at its narrowest point from the West Bank. One doctor in Omaha, Dr. Wayne Lainof, has thought a great deal about this potential dilemma. So when doctors in Dallas, TX, and Dayton, OH, two of the 13 Central Region Partnership 2000 citiesincluding Omaha, decided to put together a five-day medical mission to the Western Galilee, Lainof jumped at the chance. "I'm really in a perfect position at this time in my life to help," Lainof explained in a recent interview. A retired Air Force colonel, who specialized in pediatrics, Dr. Lainof currently works at an urgent care center in the Bellevue area, near Offutt Air Force Base. "Since I only work part-time now, I can clear my calendar quickly if my colleagues at the Western Galilee Hospital are called up for reserve duty." In mid-October, Lainof travelled to the hospital, located near the seaside town of Nahariya, with 14 other healthcare professionals, to become familiar with the hospital procedures, meet the staff and tour the current institution as well as visit the new addition. These 14, ranging in age from mid-40s to mid-60s, have made a Commitment to literally "drop everything and fly to Israel within 10 days of being alerted," Lainof added. "God forbid that this should happen," he continued, "but we all listen to the news and are aware of

the growing threat from Iraq. The medical professionals in Israel are making the right decision to prepare for this." While Lainof and his™ fellow doctors would not be used in a military situation, they would be able to step in to provide ongoing care to patients at the Western Galilee Hospital. Lainof, in fact, not only toured the pediatric unit there, but went on grand rounds and inet several patients and their families, home hospitality was offered to him by Dr. Alon Yulevitch, a pediatric surgeon who immigrated more than a decade ago from Ukraine. This "Dry Run exercise" Dr. D a n n y Leor, center, describes one of eight new underground blastas it was called, also gave proof surgical suites in t h e Western Galilee hospital to a group of 15 the group an opportunity medial professionals, among them, Omahan Dr. Wayne Lainof. to meet with medical units of the Northern name familiar to many Omahans, now houses eight Command, stationed near Tsfat, and tour the hospi- "space age"surgical units and wards in reinforced tal's multi-million dollar underground facility which rooms, behind blast-proof doors in a "clean" enviwould be used in time of a widescale disaster. And ronment. "It really looks like something out of Star they learned how the hospital would operate if faced Trek" Lainof said with a smile."This is something with attacks from biological and/or chemical Israel has prepared for during the last 50 years," weapons these in the West suspect Iraq already has. Lainof remarked, "something the United States is The hospital, led by Dr. Danny Leor, the medical just beginning to understand since Sept. 11." (Continued on page 11) representative to P2K in the Western Galilee and a

With Leaders Focused on Security, More Israelis Slip Below Poverty Line by JESSICA STEINBERG

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JERUSALEM (JTA)-On rainy winter days, Katya sits with her bulging shopping cart at a bus stop in Rechavia, one of Jerusalem's older, more genteel neighborhoods. The 54-year-old was once a music teacher, but a prolonged divorce and depression cost Katya her job, and now she is homeless on the streets of Jerusalem. "I don't mind it," she said, bundled up in several sweaters and coats. "No one bothers me, and people usually give me any leftover food they have in their bag." It's still unusual to see a homeless person sitting at a Jerusalem bus stop, but it may not be unusual for long. According to recently released statistics on poverty, Katya is one of 1.2 million Israelis, or nearly 20 percent of the population, living below the poverty line. The figure has increased by almost one percent from the previous year. The poverty level for an Israeli family of four is $934. The release of the poverty statistics coincided with the start of Israel's election campaign, and some parties are making demands for greater social equality a prominent issue in their platforms. On the left, new Labor Party leader Amram Mitzna, for example, says Israel must disengage from the Palestinians-withdrawing unilaterally from the West Bank and Gaza Strip, if need be~in order to concentrate on socioeconomic and other domestic issues. On the 1'ight, when Benjamin Netanyahu mounted his recent challenge to unseat Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as head of the Likud Party, he began by trumpeting his ability to resuscitate Israel's economy.

Aniram Mitzna is the newly elected head of Israel's Labor Party. Photo by Edgar Asher IISRANET The platform of Yisrael Acheret, or A Different Israel-which is fighting a legal battle to register as a now party-ignores ideological disputes over policy toward the Palestinians to focus exclusively on Israel's internal needs. And on Monday, another new party—the Protest Movement, which hopes to unite all social protest groups-announced its formation, under the slogan "Israel wants equality of chances." Yet while politicians cite the figures and results of

the recent poverty report, few seem to have any concrete suggestions or solutions to address Israel's growing socioeconomic gap, beyond general statements that Israel should spend less on settlements or yeshivas and more on development towns. At a recent press conference, Mitzna spoke about the link between the current economic recession and Israel's social problems. "We have to deal with domestic issues and divert all our resources into domestic problems," he said. The left-wing Meretz Party also is focusing on what Meretz legislator Ran Cohen calls a "socioeconomic disaster that has reached monstrous proportions." When 58 percent of Israeli citizens, including the middle class and business people, have been harmed by the current recession, it creates an awareness that change is necessary, Cohen added. Yet more often than not, Israel's growing income gap and widening circle of poverty remain an issue for the op-ed columns, low on the government's todo list when Palestinian terror attacks are continuing. Reacting to the recent statistics, the New Israel Fund called for a focus on economic equality in the cuEjtent election campaign, and for immediate government action. (Continued on page 7)

INSIDE; Temple Pilots New Siddur...

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P2K Visitors Envision Future

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Bible Quiz winners

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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December 20, 2002

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SPARKS FROM THE W O R D i DEATHS Oh Joseph: We Have Need of You! by RABBI MYER S. K R I P K E — - — — — - _ » - — — (Editor's note: This column originally appeared in the Jan. 9, 1998 Jewish Press...) P a r a s h a t Vayehi Our Sidra tells us that Jacob lived 147 years. If you haven't seen this before, I think it will be mtriguing,as it was for me the first time I saw it: Abraham 175=7x52 25 Isaac 180=5x62 36 Jacob 147=3x72 49 Joseph 110 What do we have here? Is this the work of a writer playing with arithmetic? Or is this pure coincidence? When Jacob comes down to Egypt, elated at the possibility of seeing his beloved Joseph again, Joseph brings him to Pharaoh. I'd love to have a tape (even audio only) of the conversation between them. The Bible gives us only a few words. When Pharaoh asks him how old he is, Jacob replies that he is 130 and then he continues, "Pew and evil have been the days of the years of my life." Few and evil? At the age of 130? And his son the Viceroy of Egypt? But Jacob was thinking of his lifelong strife with his brother, Esau; of his 20-year-long effort to survive the wiles of his uncle/father-in-law, Laban; of the shame of his daughter, Dinah, resulting in murder and the disreputable image Jacob acquired in Canaan; of the loss of his son, Joseph. And even now, the prospect before him is to live in a strange and inhospitable (to a Canaanite) land, the ward and dependent of his son. Few, indeed, and evil! It reminds me of the plight of old people in general (I'm one). We use up an enormous percentage of the medical skills and hospital space and nursing personnel of this country and are usually unproductive economically; thus, we use up the productivity of people younger than we who are burdened by our needs. A few years back, I was part of a panel discussing the address by former Colorado governor Richard Lamm, who had brought national attention to this problem and was pilloried in the media. One tabloid had the headline: "Governor to Elderly; Drop Dead!" At the event, I jested that when I got the advance packet of information for the panelists, I looked carefully through all the materials, lest there was an eviction notice inside. The audience laughed. But, jesting aside, the problems are veiy real. Our social security system is in serious trouble with fewer young people increasingly taxed to maintain increasingly large numbers of old people. Pharaoh's problems were like a few traces of snow compared to our avalanche. We shall have to scour our prisons to find a mathematician capable of leading us through our maze. But, like Joseph, accused of assault, the new Joseph may be on trial for murder.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 Dinner and a Movie. 6 p.m. at Beth El. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. p BBYO Winter Regional & Convention, starting 2 p.m. s at the Holiday Inn Central * through Dec. 30 c L I

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Ad events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or (or questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION'S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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Hi! My name is Boots and I am a one year old kitty 1hat would love to make your house a home this holiday season! My owners surrendered me because they were mewing. 1 can be found at the Nebraska Humane Society, 8929 Fort Street. Adoption hours have been extended for the holiday this weekend from 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Weekday Adoption hours are noon to 7pm. I have a lot of canine and feline friends at the shelter who are also ready to go to loving homes! If you're lookingfora pet.. .think of us at the Nebraska Humane Society.

SOL JOSEPH Music Professor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Sol Joseph died Dec. 3. Services were held in Richmond, CA. Joseph taught at the San Francisco Community Music School and at the UC Extension. In 1977 when he retired, Joseph received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the Conservatory. He was the pianist of the Jewish Folk Chorus of San Francisco and also conducted the Yiddish Folk Chorus at the Berkeley/Richmond JCC. Sol was preceded in death by his wife, Belle. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Corey Hansen-Joseph and Edward and Anne Joseph, grandchildren, Michael Hatchell, Matthew, Jacob, Isaac, and Nathaniel Joseph, and one great granddaughter.. Memorials to The Crowden School of Music, 1475 Rose Street, Berkeley, CA 94704, or the Jewish Folk Chorus of San Francisco, 2137 McArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94602 GENEVIEVE SHWIDELSON Genevieve Shwidelson died Dec. 10 at the age of 88. Services were Dec. 12 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Ernie and Shelly Shwidelson; daughter, Lu Beth Levine; sister, Dolores Cohen of Chicago; brother, Arthur Lasin of Chicago; grandchildren Tracy Barsch, Bret Levine, Yuri Shwidelson; and nephew, Manfred Kreitstein. ALBERT A. ORUCH Former Omahan Al Oruch died Dec. S in Dallas, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Flancheck Oruch. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Elaine Oruch of Gahanna, OH; daughter, Laurie Oruch Elewitz of Dallas; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Memorials to the Dallas Home for the Jewish Aged, 2525 Centerville Rd., Dallas, TX 7522S. MIRIAM MARTIN Miriam J. Martin died Dec. 8 at the age 85. Services were held Dec. 10 at Fisher Farm Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sol Martin; and brother, Syd Jacobs. She is survived by sons, Leon Martin and Howard Martin; daughter-in-law, Sandra Martin; grandsons, Brian and Lani Martin, San Jose, CA, Kevin and Yuki Martin, Portland, OR; granddaughters, Jody and Stan Kaczor, Omaha, Angela and Paul Horner, Omaha; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials to Temple Israel or charity of choice. IRVING DAVIS Irving Davis died Dec. 15 at the age of 84. Services were held Dec. 17 at Golden Hill Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; son, Joel; daughter Eileen Farber; and son and daughter-inlaw Larry and Sherry Davis, all of Houston, TX; daughter, Linda Simon of Omaha, and son and daughter-in-law Richard and Gwen Siref of San Diego, CA; grandchildren Steve Farber of New \rork, Shana Davis, Houston, Robbie and Tanya Simon of Houston, Cindy and Brian Stoneking of Omaha, and Robin and Marcos Siref of San Diego; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials to Temple Israel or the Young Energetic Seniors. SARAH SIDMAN LINDA MINTZ Former Omahan Sarah Mintz died Oct. 16 in Hollywood, FL, where she resided for the past 45 years. She was a longtime member of Beth Israel Synagogue and active in Jewish charities. At the agepf 102, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Doris Graditor; and two husbands, Myer Linda and Abe Mintz. (She might have had a third, but in her 90s, was too active for the men available, according to her grandson, David Forbes.) She is survived by a daughter, Ruth Forbes; son, Calvin Linda; nine grandchildren; and eight greatgrandchildren. Memorials to Nebraska Foundation for the Visually Impaired or Radio Talking Book.

December 20, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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CandleSIghtrng Friday, Dec. 20

FRIDAY; Men s Club, 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. Evening service, 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will give the sermon. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 a.m., in the Milder Center. Please join us as we continue study of Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The Amidah; Morning service, 10:30 a.m. Rachael Linda Monsky, daughter of Pam and Henry Monsky, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. COLLEGE STUDENT COFFEE Monday, Dec. 23, 3-5 p.m. at Espresso Mary's, 5111 Leavenworth. Catch up with each other and chat with Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz, Elyce Azriel and Stephanie Grossman.

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: Kabhalat Shabbat, 4:40 p.m.; The West Minyan is at the home of Donald and Maggie Gerber, at 4:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m. Free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 ajn., Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood. Mincha, 4:35 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot and Ma'ariv; Haudalah, 5:44 p.m. SUNDAY: Morning services, 9 a.m.; Evening services, 4:40 p.m. Bat Mitzvah of A u d r e y Rose Gerber, daughter of Donald and Maggie Gerber. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m MONDAY: Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: The synagogue office will be closed.

SATURDAY: 9 a.m., services, conducted by Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, are open to the community.

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a m . FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m., .Baby Welcoming for Chloe Sophia Elbogen, followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Pirket Avot, 10 a.m.

Film on Composer Shows Worst and Best of Humanity by TOM TUGEND

FRIDAY: Early Shabbat services, 6 p.m. (no Oneg.) SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.; Game Night, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 a.m., followed by Goodbye Party for Rabbi Michael; Gan Simha, 10-noon, at Tifereth. MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Mishna with Rabbi Milder, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Board Meeting, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: B'nai Mitzvah class, 3 p.m.; Cantillation with Rabbi Weisser, 6:30 p.m.

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LOS ANGELES (JTA)-When Nazi troops abandoned Warsaw in January 1945, only 20 out of the city's prewar Jewish population of 360,000 were still alive. One of the survivors was Wladyslaw Szpilman, one of Poland's foremost composers and concert pianists. He lived through Warsaw's five years of agony, from the opening carpet bombing of the Polish capital, through the ghetto, forced labor and random executions, while witnessing the ghetto uprising of 1943 and the Polish uprising one year later. Immediately after the liberation of Warsaw by Soviet troops, Szpilman recorded his experiences, in a curiously detached tone, in Death of a City. The book was read by another Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor, film director Roman Polanski (Chinatown, Rosemary's Baby). He escaped from the Krakow Ghetto at age seven and had been searching for a way to tell this story without making it autobiographical. The result is The Pianist, a two-and-a-half hour English-language film with an international cast that opens Dec. 27 in New York and Los Angeles— and in other major cities in January. It is a movie that is unsparing in its depiction of Nazi sadism and mindless brutality, incredible suffering and the utter destruction of the city. The film version of The Pianist, like the book, celebrates the power of music, one man's determination to survive, and the worst and best of some individuals-Jews, Poles and Germans—amid the universal carnage. Szpilman originally survives the ghetto by playing popular tunes in a cafe for Jewish black marketeers and collaborators. Through the intervention of a Jewish policeman working for the Nazis, he is one of the few saved from deportation to Treblinka. After the war, Szpilman resumed his successful career as composer and pianist and died two years ago, at the age of 88.

FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SATURDAY: We will be leading services at the Rose BlumMn Jewish Home, 9 a.m. Dec. 22-Jan. 5: Winter Break, no Hebrew School, no services.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

4:37 p.m.

Office hours are: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shabbat Services are conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Cantor Emil Berkovits and Ritual Director Gastdn Bogoraolni. FRIDAY: Come join a joyous, musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El. Rabbi Levin's Torah Class, 4:10 p.m. informal discussion and snack, followed by services at 4:45 p.m. A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Levin's weekly "Thought For Shabbat" e-mail message, please send your e-mail address to Exec@betbel-omaha.org. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 pan.; weekdays at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. HAZAK LUNCH Saturday, Dec. 21, after Shabbat services. Rabbi Levin will speak in an informal "Fireside Chat," For more information and to make reservations, call Gloria Goodman at 333-3351. ANNUAL DEC. 24 DINNER & MOVIE Tuesday, Dec. 24,6 p.m. Full Italian dinner plus first-run movies for all ages. Call Kathy Schmitt, 492-8550 for reservations.

FRIDAY: Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Topic will be "When, Why and Who destroyed the Jewish Temples of Jerusalem?" Oneg will follow.

iiiliiiil Emily Stanfield, daughter of Scott Stanfield and Barbara Straus, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Friday, Dec. 27, at Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in Lincoln. Emily is a seventh grade student at Irving Middle School. She enjoys piano, violin, ice skating, tap and jazz dance, riding her bike, and being with her friends. She is honored to have Rabbi Weisser officiate her Bat Mitzvah on his last Friday night service at B'nai Jeshurun. Emily has a sister, Julia. • Grandparents are Kathleen Straus of Detroit and Paul Stanfield of Des Moines.

PERSONAL Many thanks for the contributions, cards and flowers that I received during my illness. Betty Sanford

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, services at 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 8:30 a.m. WOMEN OF WORTH MONDAY: 11:45 a.m.-l p.m., Bringing Heaven Down to Earth, led by Shani Katzman. Lunch will be served. TUESDAY: Crown of Creation, 9:30 a.m., through Dec. 24, led by Shani Katzman. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Parshas HaShavuah (weekly Torah portion), 7-8:30 p.m., led by rabbinic student Mendel Hecht. To register for any class, please call Jennifer at 330-1800, or e-mail chabadoffice@aol.com.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 1. Deadlines for articles, ads, and photos for upcoming issues are at noon as follows: Issue Deadline Jan. 3 Monday, Dec 23 Jan. 10* Monday, Dec 30 *0ur first House & Garden special issue will be published on Friday, Jan. 10, 2003. Advertisers: to be a part of this, call your ad rep or the Jewish Press office, 334-6448.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 20, 2002

Peace on Earth9 Good Will to All

OUR

A few years ago on Seinfeld, one 200 So. Wacker Dr., Suite 3110, episode related how George Chicago, IL 60606. Costanza's father created a new hoii• Make a gift to the United Way and day—Festivus. Of course it's not real, earmark it for your favorite organizabut It humorously demonstrated how tion-or for use for any group that carried away we Americans get this serves children and youth. Checks can time of year. be sent to: United Way, 1805 Harney, Now that Hanukkah is long passed, Omaha, NE 68102. Keep in mind that are our children really deprived if United Way funds several of our they have to hear Xmas songs in every Jewish agencies, including JFS and store and be asked by every fake the Jewish Community Center. Santa, "What do you want this year?" • Speaking of JFS, send a check We know they're not. Our children, today earmarked for "Project Dreidel" for the most part., receive gifts all year or the "Tzedakah Projects" for 2003. long, not just for Hanukkah and their Though volunteers already delivered birthdays. There are -Jewish, children gifts to families for Hanukkah, here in Omaha who were helped by Passover is less than four months Jewish Family Service's Project away and JFS will need additional Dreidel-ahd there are Jewish chil- funds to ensure that Jewish families dren in Israel who are suffering even can celebrate that holiday, too, Send more, dealing with an injury or loss of checks to: JFS, 333 So. 132 St., a family member to terrorism. Omaha, NE 68154. And there are non-Jewish children • If you're one of the few who had a who will go wanting this season and good year in the stock market, considmaybe even next—as a mostly middle er creating an endowment at the and upper-class population, the Foundation of the Jewish Federation. Jewish community can do something Call Marty Ricks, 334-6440 to explore to alleviate all this. your options. Here are some suggestions: • Finally—readers will note in this • Make a donation to ARMDI, week's front page story, that more and American Friends of Magen David more Israelis are slipping below trie Adorn, to purchase emergency equip- poverty line. Here, too, people need ment, including bullet-proof ambu- help. Consider feeding the homeless lances for Jews in need, wherever for Xmas dinner at the Stephen they live in Israel. Tax-deductible Center. Call Marty Ricks, 334-6440, donations can be mailed to: ARMDI, for more info. Happy 2003!

President's Faith-based Initiative Draws Fire and Praise from Jews

by JOSHUA RUNYAN. Philadelphia Jewish Exponent

PHILADELPHIA (JTA)-Several Jewish groups reacted with "alarm" and "serious disappointment" to President Bush's executive orders issued last week that expands federal funding for faith-based groups. But Orthodox groups hailed them as an important step forward. In announcing his faith-based initiative, Bush said the order is intended to correct what he called the "discrimination of religious charities by the federal government." At a conference sponsored by the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Bush signed an executive order directing "all federal agencies to follow the principle of equal treatment in awarding social-service grants." "If a charity is helping the needy, it should not matter if there is a rabbi on the board, or a cross or a crescent on the wall," Bush told the multiethnic crowd gathered at the Philadelphia Marriott hotel. "The days of discriminating against religious groups just because they are religious are coming to an end." Since the early days of his presidential campaign, Bush has called for federal funding of faith-based social service programs.

But the office of faith-based initiatives, which the president created when he took office last year, has had a rocky beginning. Critics, including most Jewish groups, view the initiative as a violation of the separation of church and state. Its first director, University of Pennsylvania professor John Dilulio Jr. quit after less than eight months at the post, citing difficulty in getting measures to help religious charities passed in Congress. Now, instead of seeking congressional approval of his policies in this arena —where he encountered resistance-the president has decided to implement changes to the federal government through executive orders. "I will continue to work with Congress on this agenda, but the needs of our country are urgent and, as president, I have an authority I intend to use," Bush said. "Many acts of discrimination against faith-based groups are committed by executive-branch agencies. As leader of the executive branch, I'm going to make some changes, effective today." Bush's order directs federal agencies to take steps to ensure that all policies are consistent with equal-treatment principles.

JEWISH PRESS Nebraska Press Association

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A CULTURAL

Specifically, the action ensures that nized this policy governing FEMA, no organization applying for grants and those like it as wrongheaded and will be discriminated against based on has reformed them to ensure that the religion, and that no beneficiary of federal government treats faith instifederally funded social services may tutions fairly" But most Jewish groups objected to be discriminated against based on last week's announcement. religion. The Anti-Defamation League In his speech, Bush accused the Federal Emergency Management expressed serious concern that the Agency of having "a history of dis- orders will "allow taxpayer dollars to crimination against faith-based fund job discrimination and proselytizing." groups. "It will revise its policy on emerJewish groups objected most vehegency relief so that religious nonprofit mently to the provision that allows religroups can qualify for assistance after gion to be taken into account when hirdisasters like hurricanes and earth- ing for a government-funded position. quakes," Bush assured the crowd. Expressing "alarm" at the announceIt was a promise that the Orthodox ment, the American Jewish Union welcomed. Committee said Bus's action, "which congressional action, According to the organization, after bypasses a severe earthquake two years ago, advances the use of taxpayer dollars the Seattle Hebrew Academy in to fund social services provided by Washington state was denied emer- religious institutions without adegency funds from FEMA because of quate church-state safeguards and anti-discrimination protections." the school's religious affiliation. "We are gratified" that Bush Hadassah's national president, endorsed "the principle of government Bonnie Lipton, said in a statement neutrality towards religion as opposed that "by directing federal funds to secto government hostility towards reli- tarian organizations that discrimigion," said Nathan Diament, director nate in hiring, the government not of the organization's Institute for only weakens our civil rights, but Public Affairs. undermines the principles of separa"President Bush has rightly recog- tion of church and state."

(Founded in 1920)

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. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, nOon, eight days prior to publication. The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $28 per calendar year U.S.; $32 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402-334-6448; FAX: 402334-5422; e-mail editorial material, photos and address changes to: ckatzman<@}jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198.

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JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Scott Meyerson; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Melanie Weinstein; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and. content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

December 20, 2002

LETTER FROM ISRAEL by HARRY ALLEN _ _ _

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL _ _ _

America is about to present a "road map" for achieving peace between us Israelis and the Palestinians. Good luck. Since road maps seem to be in vogue, a small map of the upcoming Israeli elections might be of some value. Understand the system-we vote for the party-not individual candidates. No one votes for Sharonone votes for Likud, of which Sharon is the leader. Israel is a Jewish state—which means we have many, many political parties—each convinced that it presents the true path. Here are the parties: LIKUD is the heir of the old Herut party of Jabotinsky and after years in the political wilderness, it finally came to power under Menachem Begin. Likud was at the extreme right wing of the Israeli political spectrum, but other parties are now further right. Led by Ariel Sharon, it is getting to look more and more like the Labor party used to. LABOR really built Israel. But the party of Ben Gurion and Rabin and Golda and Peres has fallen on hard times. It is a house divided between hawks and doves with the dovish General Mitzna (currently mayor of Haifa) its leader. Labor's strength is curiously enough in the kibbutzim and in academia. SHAS, currently the third largest part}', is a Haredi/Sephardic party that has learned secular politicking to milk the government of huge sums to build its yeshivas, lower schools and social programs. Its former leader, Aryeh Deri, just finished a jail term for embezzlement and is not allowed to participate. The real leader is Rabbi Yosef, who calls the shots. SHINUI, whose principal purpose is to reduce or eliminate the influence of the Haredim (fervently religious) in public life, started to get off the ground in the last election. Its leader, Tommy Lapid, is a charismatic, well-informed talk show participant, who is becoming less strident and may well lead the party to increasing its strength. AM ECHAD, "One People," is the party started byAmir Perez, the head of Histadrut, the general federation of trade unions. The Histadrut is now a pale shadow of what it was but still commands a good deal of clout. It may be able to improve its standing of two seats in the Knesset. NATIONAL RELIGIOUS PARTY, once the proud leader of religious Zionism and a major government player, has dwindled. After 1967, it became the leading advocate of settlement activity and increasingly became more right wing and less tolerant. Shas took away its fervently Orthodox members; Likud took some of its ring wing secularists, and a far right party took others. In choosing Knesset candidates, NRP has made a sharp turn toward the middle and rejected its extreme wing. YISRAEL B'ALIYAH is Sharansky's Russian Immigrant party, now making overtures to nonRussian olim. As a politician, Sharansky does not have nearly the status he had as a prisoner of Zion. He is not as right wing as the other Russian party and has not been a major player in the political process. YISRAEL Be'TENU is the party furthest to the right, especially since it has made a deal with a couple of smaller ultra-right parties, including leader Avigdor Lieberman (no relation to the senator from Connecticut). He is a growing force among the Russians, despite the fact that the police have repeatedly investigated him. He has, however, never been convicted. So, there are the major stops on the road map. Where will this lead us? Conventional wisdom has it that Likud will win something over 40 seats in the 120-member Knesset, While far from a majority, this is double its present number. Sharon is very popular (even I might vote for him!). He has come across as a very honest politician, plain spoken and, on the right track with his war on terror. Now he has come out publicly for a • Palestinian state, albeit a truncated one. Sharon is more in the middle that he once was. The Labor party is essentially running on the Barak-Clinton peace plan. It will not sell well this time. Labor may not be in a position to form a new government. Pundits predict a sharp drop in Shas members and an increase in Shinui. From today's vantage point it appeai-s that Sharon will form the next government with fewer parties in his coalition and will move ever so slowly to negotiating with some Palcstinians-but not Arafat. You might want to tuck this column away to see how far off the mark I really am!

Christmas and Israel by TEDDY WEINBERGER — — — — . (Editor's note: Since this column first appeared in the Jewish Press, Teddy Weinberger began syndicating his column toward the end of 2001. Since then, the column has appeared in 25 American Jewish newspapers in 18 states. Weinberger, Ph.D., is the Director of Resource Development for the Israel Religious Action Center. He and his wife, Sarah Jane Ross, and their five children live in Givat Ze'ev, a suburb of Jerusalem, just over the Green Line. Sarah is a native Nebraskan and is the daughter of Omahans Al and Willie Ross. We're proud to note that The Press was the first Jejoish newspaper to publish his column!) Sometimes Christmas coincides with Hanukkah, sometimes it doesn't. This year it didn't, next year it does. This lack of contiguity matters a good deal to American Jews but largely goes unnoticed in the Jewish State. In America, when Dec, 25 falls within one of the eight days of Hanukkah, Jews are in sync with their surrounding culture—they celebrate at the same time that the majority of Americans celebrate. In Israel, Christmas is not on the cultural radar for most Israeli Jews, and so whether or not it falls out during Hanukkah hardly makes a ripple in an Israeli's consciousness. Not observing Christmas in America is an important element in one's American Jewish identity. Part of what makes me a Jewish-American is that I don't celebrate Christmas. It. follows, therefore, that any time it is assumed that all Americans celebrate Christmas (to some extent) someone will be offended. Here in Israel, the fact that I don't celebrate Christmas has almost nothing to do with my Jewish self-identity. Indeed, one is only mildlyr aware of the holiday in passing. For an American Jewish immigrant to Israel, there is a surprising facet to this issue of the absence of Christmas from Israel's cultural landscape. With my new cultural environment, I have found myself developing a more benign view of Christmas. For example, when I read my third-grader an English-language children's book that recounts the big moments of a particular third-grader's lifeincluding the Christmas play, I don't have to get upset at the writer and publisher for not being sensitive to my religious sensibilities, I don't have to skip that page; I don't have to worry that this expo-

sure to Christmas fun will cause my child to want to celebrate Christmas (though I do have to explain to him what Christmas is). Instead, I can read the page with mild bemusement at the prevalence of Christmas in American life. Similarly, when we were at a children's concert in the States over the summer, and a little girl requested that the performer sing her favorite song-"Jingle Bells," and later when we were at activity time at a local library and a boy wanted to hear a story about his favorite animals—reindeer, I didn't get upset at the lure of Christmas in American culture. I didn't feel that these events made it more difficult for our family not to get caught up in the Christmas spirit-because in Israel my children are not exposed to any Christmas spirit whatsoever. The hyper-sensitivity I had to all things Christmas in America is fading away here. This is not to say that from an intellectual perspective I have ceased being upset by the fact that Christmas is a national American holiday. I find it odd that people are prepared to argue that this holiday is somehow devoid of a particular religious orientation (interestingly enough, in Hebrew Christmas is called "the Holiday of the Birth"). Just the other day there was an interview in my local paper (reprinted from The Forward) with Jan and Stan Berenstein, authors of the extremely popular Berenstein Bears books for children, in light of the publication of their autobiography. The article mentions that fans of the Berenstein Bears have repeatedly asked for a Berenstein Bears Hanukkah book. Stan, who is Jewish, doesn't see this as a possibility, however, because "there's no way to do it without bringing, religion into it." Asked how the Berenstein Bears Christmas book fits in, the article says that Stan feels that Christmas "is popular and widespread enough so that it doesn't get into the murky waters of competing religions." Again, that old assumption that Christmas is a pareve American holiday. Sort of gets me upset. Emotionally too. Could it be that I still have a very strong American Jewish identity? Could it be that I still care an awful lot about what goes on in America? Guess I do. In any case, I can still wish everyone a wonderful, peaceful year ahead.

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OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING A Community Shabbat dinner is tonight, Dec. 20, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Blum leads a parasha shiur at the L O M E REDN YIDIDISH The Yiddish Conversation Group OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St., will meet Thursday, 1-3 p.m. at the Saturday, Dec. 21, 3:10 p.m. Torah JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for informa- Tots with Shari Blum is on Monday, tion at 343-1638. Dec. 23, 9:30 a.m.; Time for Talmud with Rabbi Blum is at 7 p.m.; learn at the Beis Midrash, Tuesday, Dec. 24, VISIONS A new special Walt Disney feature 7:30 p.m., all at the OCTL house. The weekly Lunch'n Learns and the animation of The Lion King will be shown at the IMAX at Henry Doorly Teen Class for Girls for Dec. 25 and Zoo on Wednesday, J a n . 8, 11 a.m. Jan. 1 are cancelled. The Wednesday Reformatted specifically for the giant discussion on the weekly parasha will screen from the film's original digital resume J a n . 8, noon, at the Kripke elements, this special limited engage- Jewish Federation Library; the ment offers movie-goers a chance to Wednesday Teen Class resumes J a n . experience a great animated adven- 8, 7:30 p.m. at the home of Brooke ture. Lunch follows at the Bohemian Shrago, 820 So. 120 Ave. Cafe. Cost of $15.15 includes show For more information about OCTL and lunch. Send reservations and or to schedule one-on-one or small payment to: Fred and Sandy Bromley, group learning, call Rabbi Blum at 13*419 Marinda St., Omaha, NE 320-8055. 68144. Make check payable to Jewish Senior Services. Deadline is Jan. 2. Luncheon Meeting is Friday, J a n . 17,12:30 p.m. at the Caniglia's Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person. Visions will begin the New Year with recognition to incoming, outgoing and present by JEWISH PRESS News Servicecommittee members. Jewish Senior Services Executive Director, Michael Silverman, will install our new officers and give us a brief synopsis of / f f future plans for JSS. Send reservations to: Marvin Gerber, 9318 Walnut St., Omaha, NE 68124. For information call Harry Alloy at 697-8709. Make check payable to JSS. Deadline is Jan, 10. Y.E.S./WALK-IN, DROP-IN There will be no meeting Monday or Thursday.

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iliililliiiif No Frills Supermarket, North She was in the first three-year Omaha's first new retail store to open teacher training program for the in many years, opened earlier this institute. month on North 30th Street. It is the 10th No Frills, noted owner Harold ICAN, the Institute for Career Cooperman, who added that his first Advancement Needs, will host store at 16th and Fort, opened in Dennis Snow on Tuesday, J a n . 14, 8 1938, also in North Omaha. a.m,-9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn As part of the grand opening, two •Central.' Snow, who has 20 years of "JDoe" sculptures: Cookie Doe andexperience with the Walt Disney Produce R Doe, are on display, demon- Corporation, will speak on "Creating strating No Frills continuing commit- World Class Customer Service." ment to the arts community, added The event is sponsored by Rich J u r o , President. Children's Hospital, HDM Corp., and Wells Fargo Bank. Registration is Muni Rogers graduated last week available by calling the ICAN office, from Chochmat Halev in Berkeley, 392-0346 or by e-mailing CA, as a Jewish Meditation Teacher. ican@novia.net.

December 20, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Students at Temple Participate in Mitzvah Fair by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Temple Israel Communications Coordinator

Religious School students and their parents spent a recent Sunday morning performing mitzuot at Temple Israel. There were opportunities to make interactive calendars for the religious school of the Ames, Iowa, Jewish congregation; to wrap gifts for Jewish Family Sendee's Project Dreidel; to make welcome banners for campers when they arrive next summer at Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Wisconsin and Shwayder Camp in Colorado; to decorate hair bandannas and pillow cases for Camp Rainbow, a camp for children who have life threatening illnesses; to play bingo with Yachad members; and to bake cookies, decorate gift bags, and wrap presents for religious school teachers. Jerry Kaye, director of OSRUI, also attended to show a camp video and talk to families about summer camp. Applications are still being accepted at Temple for next summer's sessions. The purpose of this special day was to introduce opportunities for doing mitzvot within our own

community, explained Joan Cooper, elementary school coordinator at Temple. Participating families were also given the chance to sign up and continue with the mitzvot they began on that morning, she said. "We know that doing mitzvot is not a one-day event. This incredibly successful day enabled families to connect with organizations that need on-going support." Anyone interested in helping Temple families continue the mitzvot are encouraged to contact AMCHA in New York at 718-796-4730 (or on line at wvrwAMCHA.org) to write letters to Israeli soldiers. Lois Wine is the volunteer coordinator at the BlumMn Home. She can be reached at 334-6530 (or on line at lwine@rbjh..com). For volunteer opportunities at Jewish Family Service, call 330-2024. Kathy Beauchaine, chairperson of Temple Israel Religious School Partnership can be reached through the Religious School office (556-6536).

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"Israel h a s been understandably focused on its security situation," the NIF's President, Peter Edelman, said in a recent statement. "However, the long-term strength of t h e country also depends on its economic health." The government must develop an emergency economic program to address t h e gap between rich and poor, reduce unemployment and restore t h e economy's vibrancy, Edelman said. In addition to the violence of the intifada, Israel has been suffering from a widening recession, brought on by the collapse of t h e high-tech bubble and t h e worldwide economic downturn. Unemployment has risen above 10 percent, and t h e country's economy is expected to grow by just 0.5 percent in 2003. The numbers speak for themselves, experts say: 8 The number of poor Israeli children increased by nearly 50 percent in 2001, to about 530,000. • The United Nations Human Development Index for 2002 ranked Israel 22nd out of 174 countries, placing it among t h e world's most developed countries. Yet Israel's ranking in the next index is expected to drop, as the number of Israelis living below t h e poverty line is one of the highest in the Western world. • A recent report from t h e Knesset committee on social gaps showed t h a t t h e average monthly income for the top decile of Israeli households was around $9,000-or 12 times t h e $716 average income in the bottom 10th of t h e population. The findings expose a "society deep in a process of total collapse," said Cohen, who headed t h e committee's yearlong study. Worsening economic conditions have led to severe budget cuts, primarily in.social welfare. While politicians and ministers have lobbied successfully for larger outlays for security and defense, little progress has been made on funding and policies to battle poverty. "The poverty trend h a s brought us to this situation where t h e state of Israel is saying, 'We aren't equipped to handle this or we're not interested,"' said Joanie Gai, a lecturer at Hebrew University's social work school. "There could be a different budget that thinks

more about the weaker sectors of the population," Gal said. "The priorities could be changed, even in this terrible economic-security situation." Outside the ivory tower, there are those who at least pay lip service to the poverty situation and income gap. At this week's Israel Business Conference, keynote speaker Eli Hurvitz, chairman of drugmaker Teva Pharmaceuticals and an active Labor Party member, said he was convinced that the economy is capable of earning enough to provide workers and the unemployed with a decent living. Citing what he called Israel's "defective" political culture, Hurvitz dismissed the government's tendency to blame its economic failures on the intifada. "We can't blame everything on the intifada," he said. "There is more poverty and inequality, and less growth." In fact, the figures show that the latest poverty report is not an aberration and can't, be blamed on the intifada, which began a little over two years ago, said Danny Guttwein, a lecturer at Haifa University and expert on social issues. As Israel reached Western European income levels during the 1990s—and economic policy-makers liberalized the economy in the direction of free-market capitalism—economic inequality also soared. "There wasn't a 'poverty oversight,'" Guttwein said. Rather, the poverty report tells of a continuing trend based on socioeconomic policies that have guided the country for the last 20 years. "It shows that poverty has become a life experience for a wide sector of society," Guttwein said. "That is the most prominent statistic in the report: that poverty has become the basic experience for many Israelis." So far, none of the major party leaders has proposed a serious plan for addressing poverty, and that worries those who do think about the matter. The result will be the undermining of the foundations of Israeli democracy, Guttwein warned. "The time has come for the people who have been running the economy for the last 20 years to give up their places," Guttwein said, "for the good of a more social and equal society."

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While it doesn't look like much, the Beth Israel Synagogue building site, at 126th and Pacific Streets, has been cleared. Last month, the Weitz Company, the construction contractor for the project, has been working on the the north end of the site, laying storm, water and sewer lines. In December, expect to see work pouring the footings foundation, and basement walls. While the construction work continues, various Beth Israel committees are hard at work making "behind the scenes" decisions. To ensure that a Shabbat Scholar-inResidence or a Bar Mitzvah boy can be heard by everyone in the sanctuary, one committee has met with a team of acoustical engineers. They're looking at ways to design a worship space accommodating the prohibition of using a microphone on Shabbat and holidays. This committee has also developed a sound system that will be installed to be used for events when amplification is allowed. A kitchen committee, including Sisterhood members and our caterer, Nancy Mattly, has met a number of times to discuss what is necessary in an industrial kosher kitchen.

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A design committee is choosing tile and carpet, art work, wood finishes, light fixtures, door knobs, and other interior design elements. Another committee is working with InPath Devices and electrical engineers to bring Beth Israel into the 21st century with new phone and data systems. In addition, this committee is consulting with Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of the AntiDefamation League, to develop a security system which will meet the needs of the new synagogue building. While one committee planned the ground breaking ceremony held in October, another committee will plan the opening events of the new building—including moving the Torah scrolls to the new building, a special community Shabbat, and a donor recognition evening. All of these committees operate with the input of our architectural team from RDG Schutte Wilscani and Birge, under the coordination of Building Committee member Ann Moskovits. This committee meets twice a mozith to review the progress of sub-committees, to give input in the ongoing process of building design, and to stay up-to-date on finances.

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Temple Israel is one of numerous congregations participating in a piloting survey of a new siddur (prayer book), Mishkan T'filah. Selected UAHC (Union of American Hebrew Congregations) biennials, gatherings of Hillel directors, chaplains, academics, rabbinical students, and regional kallot that will also be pilot sites for the new prayerbook. "This is certainly the most extensive piloting program for a new prayerbook that we have ever undertaken," said Rabbi Elliot L. Stevens, Executive Secretary of the Reform Movement's Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). "We volunteered to be in the pilot, because we felt it was our responsibility as a congregation that values lifelong learning and congregational life to be acquainted with the proposed innovations in this new prayerbook," said Temple's Rabbi Craig Marantz. Mishkan Tfilah will make its debut tonight at Shabbat Worship Services. Twenty-five members of Temple's congregation have been asked to participate in the piloting survey by attending at least six Friday night Shabbat worship services during the pilot period which runs through the middle of February. The group will complete survey forms provided by CCAR for consideration by its editorial committee. However, the prayerbook will be used by everyone who attends evening Shabbat Services during the pilot period. "CCAR wants people who will he sitting in the congregations to have a sense of what the prayerbook is all about and to offer constructive criticism in making the siddur user friendly, helpful, and spiritually uplifting," explained Rabbi Marantz. The final text is expected to be published in 2005. Temple has been using The Gates of Prayer Siddur which was published in 1975.

Michael Walts, president of Temple Israel, considers being part of this pilot program "a compliment from UAHC. We've been in the forefront of Synagogue 2000 as a progressive congregation. Now we can help pave the way" in influencing the future direction of Reform Judaism. Mishkan Tfilah is distinguished in its design and content from previous Reform prayer books. Most prayers in the ne%v siddur are set as two-page spreads. The right side includes primary, traditional liturgy transliterated with a faithful, egalitarian, contemporary translation. The left side contains alternative choices to the primary prayers including poetry, readings, and meditations. Based on the theme of the primary prayer, they reflect different theological points of view. Layouts in the prayerbook allow for diverse worship styles. Commentary is included along with a suggested order of prayer reading. Headings guide the beginning of new sections. Alternative prayers reflect various theological views. Alternative names for God are intended to broaden awareness of God. "It's streamlined and gives the clergy and congregation opportunities to be more creative," Rabbi Marantz said. "The basic prayers are there like in The Gates of Prayer, but the new siddur attempts to make praying a richer experience. There is more freedom to add readings." He noted that customary prayers will add to the congregation's comfort with familiarity. But sometimes, "with so much use, the prayers begin to sound wooden. A prayerbook has to meet people where they are and where they have evolved spiritually. It comes time for a new song,"

December 20, 2002

Essay Contest •on Moral Courage Begins Next Month

Hanukkah in Full at FriecSe! by DIANE AXLER BAUM

"

-

the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) by Friday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m. Thanks to a grant from the Herbert Goldsten Trust, student awards include a $1,500 first prize, two $750 second prizes and three $500 third prizes. In addition, the ADL received additional support from Bergman Incentives, Inc., Barnes and Noble Booksellers, and Sioux Printing. Sponsored by the ADL, Dana College and the Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn, IA, the contest asks Omaha area high school students to use a historical or literary example of moral courage and to relate it to their lives today. During their participation in the contest, students will learn about the courageous and inspiring efforts of the Danes during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. Some 50 jurors have been recruited to read and assess the essay submissions. Essays will be judged on originality, message, voice, and mechanics. Founders of The Tribute to the Danes and other Rescuers envisioned challenging students to grapple with the stories of moral courage and to incorporate the strength of these stories into their essays. Jurors will weigh originality, message and voice heavier than mechanics to allow all students an equal opportunity to tell their stories. Many classrooms throughout Omaha are participating in this opportunity to apply classroom lessons to everyday life. Some educators will require the essay as part of the students' overall grade, some for honor student programs, while others will make the contest available to their students for extra credit. For more information, contact me at 333-1303 or visit the ADL's new website: www.adl.org/trib-

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Sold and Signed by DIANE AXLER BAUM.

Page 9

9v(arisa

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Hanukkah celebrations at Friedel Jewish Academy captured the combination of bright joy and religious rededication that give the Festival of Lights its distinct significance. by JORDANA GLAZER As Hanukkah approached, students learned about ADL Essay Coordinator ~ ~ » ~ ~ ~ - ~ ^ ^ the festival in Jewish studies and created their Did you ever think about what you would have own, beautiful siddur (prayerbook) covers in art done had you been a bystander during the class. During the holiday, they presented the annuHolocaust or another event that challenged your al Hanukkah program, a composite of narrative, moral ethics? dance and song, this year featuring selections in High school students around Omaha will have Hebrew by students in all grades. Students, teachthat opportunity beginning Jan. 6, when the ers and parents joined on the eighth day to prepare "Tribute to the Danes and other Rescuers Essay latkes for a traditional holiday lunch and for sale to Contest" officially begins. Submissions are due to the communitv as a PTO fundraiser.

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Top; Hebrew teacher Elinor Matalon, center, Jenna Gerber, left, and Anna Kohll, share a hug after trying a batch of latkes (potato pancakes). Bottom: One dance scene spotlights Samantha Truesdall, front left, and Max Polack as sufganiyot, Hanukkah donuts, and, as bakers in huge chefs' hats: Eva Phillips, back left, Uriah Wertheim, Lilly Phillips and Alena Senik.

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Stephen Fried, left, award-winning essayist and investigative journalist, signs a copy of his latest book, The New Rabbi: A Congregation Searches for Its Leader, purchased by Vicki Perimeter at the book signing that followed his lecture Sunday evening. The event was a highlight of this year's Jewish Book Fair sponsored by the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The fair continues through the end of this month. CORRECTIONS In last week's Jewish Press, a production error led to the duplication of several lines in Faye Cooper's obituary. In addition, it was Jeff Gordman who was honored as one of "40 under 40" by the Midlands Business Journal, not Jay Gordman (though his time may come!). The Press regrets the errors.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 10

December 20, 2002

P2K Visitors Envision Future

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While the teen members that underdeveloped part of the Mate Asher ensemof the country. ble were preparing for • Stein, who has been their concert during . actively involved in the Hanukkah, two other, ! partnering of Omaha Israeli members of . ADL's Institute for Omaha's Partnership Holocaust Education with 2000 were meeting with Beth Seldin-Dotan, hopes members of the Omaha - to embark on a new projcommunity. Simcha Stein, ect for the Ghetto who is Director of the , Fighters' House and P2K. Ghetto Fighters' House in ! Using the philosophies the Western Galilee and, , of Janusz Korczak, (the Shula Azulai, Deputy' ' Polish educator who Director of Education for j stayed with his young the Acco Municipality, • I orphans in the Warsaw were here to bring ties *"" "~~" J ~" *"* •" "" 'ghetto and ultimately closer between Omaha B e t l i D o t a n . D i r e c t o r of the ADL's Institute for w e n t t o t h e i r d e a t h i n and Israel, prior to a P2K Holocaust Education and a former educator ^ b l i n k a ) , the GFH meeting of the 13-city con- a t t h e Ghetto Fighters'Museum's Yad LaYeled w o u l d l i k e t o s e e a n e w sortium in Dallas, TX. (Children's Museum) gives Simcha Stein, educational project that "This is my first time in General Director of t h e GFH, a check for t h e c o m b i n e s existing Omaha," explained f u t u r e master plan of t h e museum, The funds K orczak materials, miniSimcha Stein, "and it feels w e r e carried over from a g r a n t from former e x M b i t a n d w o r k s h o p s like home-like the a t m o s - O m a h a n B o b S t u r m > n o w o f D e n v e r > C O with the educational phere of a kibbutz, where people know one another, expertise of the Western Galilee College, Israeli Omahans are very friendly and they smile a lot!" educators of kindergarten through high school, and Stein, who toured the Jewish Community Center, the work being done by the ADL's Institute. was especially pleased the watch the Reggio method "P2K should concentrate on fewer large projects of education in action at Pennie Z. Davis Child that enable those of us in Israel to cross lines and Development Center. "That reinforced my impres- have a bigger impact on more people," Stein added, sion that Omaha is like my kibbutz," he added with "than lots of little independent projects. One of the a smile, "seeing the children in that kind of family joys of P2K is that it has enabled those of us in the atmosphere." Western Galilee to interact more than ever before, Stein also noted other similarities between as well as introducing us to our American counterOmaha and the Western Galilee. "We have the same parts. problem as you do in getting our young people to "The other item we've learned is that P2K misreturn," he explained. "Yours like to be in New York sions came to see Yad LaYeled, the children's museand Chicago. Ours go to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. We um at GFH," Stein noted, "and the main museum both have to find ways to get them back home." got neglected. We're embarking on a capital camOne of the ideas the Western Galilee leadership paign to update exhibits, make GFH handicapped has contemplated is creating a high-tech center. accessible and generally improve overall quality." Another idea that's been shelved for now (because of You can already see that just by visiting the the continuing intifada) is promoting tourism in Ghetto Fighters' House website: www.gfh.org. il.

The Mate Asher Cello Quartet and Vocal Ensemble performed after Hanukkah for 200 people. The 14 musicians, all under the age of 20, are students at the Mateh Asher Music TJlpan, located in Omaha's Partnership 2000 area in Israel's Western Galilee. Helen and Tuffy Epstein served as chairpersons. The Burke High School Music Department and Dietze Music and their families hosted the students during their stay here.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Thinking the Unthinkable (Continued from page 1)————— The short trip began with an historical overview of Israeli medicine, starting with the 1800s through the emergence of the modern Israeli state. The doctors learned about the Israeli approach to mass casualties, bioterrorism and chemical and/or nuclear war and what those types of attacks would do to the civilian population. The group even participated in suiting up in bio/chem resistant warfare suits! After a visit to the 36th Medical Squadron of the Israeli Defense Force, stationed in the Northern Galilee, the doctors met with soldiers in a tank division and then stopped at the IDF's Northern Command Center near Tsfat. According to the Dr. Sidney Miller of Dayton, another participant in the group, "We were able to inspect the Stern-3 tanks, powered by twin 1100 horsepower turbine engines. The tanks can travel and fire at 60 mph and were designed for a crew of four to live in them for up to 20 days!" The group went on to visit Har Bental-overlooking Syria—and Kiryat Shemona—Israel's northernmost city. There, the doctors saw the city's underground hospital, too, designed for emergency treatment and triage. once stabilized, patients are transferred to other nearby civilian hospitals. The last day of the quick trip included trauma rounds at the Western Galilee hospital and a tour of Acco, a Crusader city. While the current situation— Ha'Matzav—as the Israelis call it, have not forced a change in the way

medical resources are allocated, a national disaster would, Lainof explained. "It's disruptive to society— and to families involved, obviously— but it doesn't change allocations. '"In times of a mass casualty event, doctors would have to revert to a triage system of care, possibly beginning with decontamination, referrals to larger surgical or burn units, and the call-up of American medical personnel." Lainof is prepared to "sub"' for

Israeli doctors for two weeks to two months, depending on the need. After all, he has a daughter, son-in-law and his newest grandchild living in Israel. He hopes his trips to visit them won't be in times of war—but, like the Boy Scouts, he's prepared to go if called.

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Top left photo: Dr. Wayne Lainof, center, visits an Israeli tank division, after meeting with the 36th Medical Squadron in the Northern Galilee; The road signs for directions to Haifa-and Baghdad, only 12 minutes flying time to the Israeli border; A highlight of the trip to Israel for Dr. Lainof was the chance to meet up with his wife, Carole, and visit their ninenionth-old granddaughter, Shira, daughter, and son-in-law, Meredith and Avram Nacher, who live in the Jerusalem suburb of Mattesdorf. Above, Dr. Danny Leor leads Dr. Lainof and doctors from Dayton and Dallas for an inspection of the supplies in the underground wards of the hospital; Druze parents visit their son in the pediatric ward of the Western Galilee Hospital.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 20, 2002

Girls Win Three Out of Four by BEN DELMAN, Jewish Press Student Intern A flood covering Earth for 40 days. A tower built up into the heavens, An idyllic garden. It was through these epic scenes and more, that 13 local teens walked as they answered in the 17th annual Edward Zorinsky B'nai B'rith Bible quiz. Held last Wednesday, it had high School students competing for scholarship money. This could then be ased for Jewish experiences, summer camps or travel or to fund college studies. The prizes were $600 for

first, $350 for second, $250 for third and $150 for fourth. This years winners included: Emily Sternberg, Gal Tsabari, Aaron Neesman, and Becky Sternberg. In addition to these awards, cash prizes were given to contestants who answered at least four questions correctly. "I was nervous that I would get questions I didn't know the answers to," Emily Sternberg said. Each year, one of the first five books of the Torah is picked for the

The Sternberg twins and Gal Tsabari made history when the young women took three of the top four spots in the annual B'nai B'rith Bible Quiz last week. Aron Neesman joined the winning group in third place. Among the

Kaslow, Emily Stemberg, first place; Aron Neesman, who won third Gal Tsabari, second place; and Becky Sternberg, fourthplace; back row: Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, . Rabbi Howard Kutner, Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Steve Riekes, Gary Javitch, and Rabbi Craig Marantz.

presenters and winners are, front row: Stan Mitchell, left, Gloria

students to study. Along with that is another biblical story. This year the book was Genesis, and the story was Jonah. The questions that the contestants get are only from those parts of the bible. The questions ranged in wide variety of trivia, from the biblical unit of measurement, (cubits); to the number of people on Noah's ark, (eight). In order to be prepared for such a wide range of questions the contestants had to do a lot of studying. Each synagogue held study sessions in order to better prepare the students. "It helped studying with Rabbi Azriel. He helped me understand the material and told me what was important to know. If I didn't study, I wouldn't have done as well." Sternberg said. It isn't just the students who have to prepare. Starting in the summer, a committee is formed to select the material and decide on questions. "To put something like this together, it takes the cooperation of the Lodge, synagogues, the rabbis and the B'nai Brith. Everyone is happy to do it." Steve Hikes said. The competition was divided into two rounds in rotation, with each contestant answering orally. They were also asked questions in a written format. The 13 contestants were divided into two groups. The winners of

each group advanced into the final round. The people with the next four highest scores also advanced. Success in the bible quiz isn't new to the Sternberg family. Older brother Steve placed fourth once and second twice. The Steinbergs said they planned to use their winnings to help pay for college. The Sternberg sisters cited having a sibling in the competition as helpful because they were able to quiz each other while driving in the car. Before the competition Emily made a family tree to keep track of "who was who. "This was helpful because many of the questions related to familial relations. One such question was: who were the offspring of Adam and Eve? (The answer is Cain, Abel and Seth.) The audience was mostly made up of contestants' peers who were there for moral support. "It isn't embarrassing missing a question because if the audience knew the answer, they would be in the contest," Becky Sternberg said. The audience was vocal but support- ' ive. There were cheers of support when a right answer was given, and sighs of sympathy when a question was aiissed. The biggest cheers were when a conference of the judges was needed to verify an answer. "B'nai Birth is proud to sponsor a community contest and award prize money for knowledge," Garv Javitch said.

Pmui to be Centennial PafronsS

The following people haw made increased gifts to the 2003 Centennial Campaign. Nantes in bold indicate an increased gift of $100 or more in honor of the Centennial of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Senior Division donors are automatical]V included when they make their gift to the 2003 Campaign. MEWS MUM GSTS J « l Alperson UnruM Bernstein Bam- Broder Jack Cohen Gary Epstein Harold Epstein Paul Epstein iun Erman Mike Erman ToraFeltoian Willard Friedman Richard Glamr Don Goldstein Herbert CMdsten Trust Don Greenberg B a & R o z Friedman Family Foundation Gary Javitch Amokljnffe Howard Kaslaw Maurice Katzman Krvce Kirshenbaum J e n y Kohll Howard Kooper Forrest Knitter Martin Lchr Leonard Lewis Lynn Roberts International Edward Malashock Sank Meyers Ji'rrv Milder

N.ritlor&Son Sherman Ncff Murray Newman Allan Noddle* Jay Noddle Sieve Nogg Omaha B«kling Company Alan Parsow Sol Parsow Carl Riekes Henry Riekes Sieve Riekes Andrew Robinson Larry RoSrnan Bruce Shackman Norm Sheldon* Stuart Simon Gerald Simons Jerry Slusky PhaSokakrt Sworbbaugh FarberAssociales Melon: Trefiak JohnWaldbaum Speedy Zweiback

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Robert Lepp Mike Irvine Steve Lei inger Roland Lewis TtentanMagB Ben Magzamin Robert Malashock HaroMlVIann Todd ManviE Dan Marburg SheMonCMasrek GuyMatnlon John McGauvran Bnice Moym Joseph Meyers Larry Meyereon M i d i a d Miller Stanley Mitchell Henry Monsky Don Nogg Michael Norton HaroMNovafc DonNovkoff Dennis Pafcy M a r k Passer Steve Peretaian Lawrence Raful Leonid Raksin Gerald Raznlck Steve Redlcr M a r t y Ricks Sheldon Rips • Dick Rochman

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WOMEN'S CAMPAIGN CM Geraldine Larierre B a r b a r a Lashinsky Sandy Lehr Susan L e h r Karin Levine Susie Noddle Lerine Bonnie Levinger DeanaLiddy Frilzi Luefshuaz Thebna Lustgarten Jody Malashock lindaMann Sally Masnek Elinor Ma talon Kathy McGauvran TioaMej-crs Miriam Meyerson RhcdaMUder Lori Miller SueMilhvard EvieMtdxH PamMonsky Man' Belli Muskin BabeNogg Rita Novak Tatvuna No\iko\ Fefe Passer S j i d y Passer Magda Peck Shelly Hdiik Enid Pollack Ruth Potash Iriia Raksin Ese R'itndoJK Dodi Redfcr Juuana Iteno Iris Ricks Margo Riekes Helen RiDcin Barbara Rips Nancy Rips BeaKarp Paula Robinson FrankieKnsin Stacey Rockman Leona Kasin MJmi Rogers Gloria Ka*j\v NanKaE Riia Rosen Doltie Ruseflblum Carol Katzman J u k e Katzman Susan Rothlwlz Kate Kirshenbuarn Faye Ruback Sharon Kirshenbaum Jennifer Rubin Janet Klein Monica Sacks Marina Sadofsky Marsha KMnberg GaHKobJl Linda Safeman Shane{(Dtot Rosalie Swttemaii Angie Krfeger Deborah Salisbury Frances Fried Nancy Sch!essinger RobbiKudym ayl&Bfed Carol Ann Schneider Helen Kulakofiky Axny&iedman Heidi S d i n d d a n a n DcMeFtiedman Shirlej' Kulakofsfcy SlttryljTiedmim Sandra Kurland AndiSdoli Jamie Fiiedland Nancy Kutter JanetteShaSer Pauline Landman Diane Shandell MiHidyFiost-Betker BetliGayrEsGuisI)er<> Sara Landsman Cantor Wendj- Shermet WOMEN'S CAMPAIGN Cot PattvGilinskv BsarbCiita " JuHe Ginsherg O e r i Giflsburg Larisa Ginzborg Pearl Richman Giventer JordaiaGldier Phyllis Glazer Crody Goldberg Wendy Goktterg Jill Goldstein JadiGoMstein DonGoldstrom RiniGonsher Dee Goodman AndieGordman EsiherGraetz Sherri Green Carole Greenberg Caryl Greenberg Shirley Greenberger Rosalie Greenspan Ethel Grossman Paulina Guss Margie Gutoik Debbie Hale Ida Haiperin Meody Halted Janice Harris Eve HeMer Bosuiie Honvich Jounie Jacobson Franjuro SaraJuster liseKahn Rox:inne Kalm Jo^inie Kaiman Sylvia Kairnun Dorothy Kaplan

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MEN'S SEWORS Bill Abnihams Sam Alloy Jack Brody Jack Diamond David Dvorkin BobEncblman Jack Epstein Sam Epstein Abraham Faier Canter Leo Fetmian Hersz Flatowicz Irving Forbes Stuart Fried Walter Friedlander Julius Froom SaulGraetz Dan Greenfield Gerald Gross Joe Guss Ben Heisler Art Jacobson Leonard Krasne Manfred Krdtstdn Abram Kukawla Mnrey Landnian Ben b-bowich Irving Marcus Re\erend Mendel Lindsnian Ben H, Mag'/ainin Nate Mandell Cart Milder Ben Miller Paul Natlian Phil Rainer Ben Schneider George Shafer Harold Siporin Morton Soiref Richard Spiegal Eli Stone Kenneth Wdner Norman Zevilz

WOMEN'S SENIORS Helen Abraliamson Doris Alloy Millie Altman Millie Bemssein Doris Cohn Minnie Cutler Rose Davis Jeanne Dvorkin KayFerer Annette Fettman Rose Fine Paulette Flatowicz Ida Forbes Sonia Forbes Jean Gendler AnneGerber Bemice Getter Hilda Gottlieb Sara Harding Pauline Hobennan Charlotte Kaplan Myllee Katelman Eve Katskee Betty Kelbas Rulli Klein Mwffi Kirshenbaum Gertrude Korney Dorotliy Kotok Peggy Krasne Friida Krizelrreui Harriet Kutl^r Gnica Lcbowidi Marjoric Lincoln Louise I jppett MajciaUpsman Anil Margolin Beniice Milder Harriet Miller Reva Oruch GildaPieck Lola Reingias Floraine Rice Marjorie Rosen Natalie Rubin Reva Rudemuui Audrey Schapiro Julia Schapiro Lillian Sclirager Sopliie Scliulman Celia Schwartz Doris Shukert Leali Siegal Esther Silver Helen Soiref Marion Strauss Sally Vengw

To thegemmussuppottsts oflte Men'sand Women's Genera/&/rp^'In tar of the Centennial ye^ name will befetedand highlighted in this "PROUD TO BE A CENTENNIAL PATrTON" ad. tfyxj increase yxirfiedfS by air community and a meaningful way to guarantee its future!

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The 2003 Jewish Federation of Omaha Centennial Campaign 333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 402/334-320®

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Campaign Hotline 334^594

The Jewish federation of Omaha 19O3-2QQ3-{5663-5763) •

Vol. LXXXII

No. 17

Omaha, NE

22 Tevet, 5763

December 27,2002

CELEBRATING 82 YEARS OF SERVICE TO NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA

Noted Israeli Philosopher Delivers Kiipke Lectures In Lincoln and Omaha

Women's Group to Performs at Joint Temple-Beth El Mizrachi Concert

by CHERYL KRUID, Judaic Studies Assistant Harris Center, UNL •. • - • , , „ • . , „ „ , , • — . , „ —

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator,

The author of a number of philosophical articles and a founding member of the Israel peace group, Peace Now, Professor Avishai Margalit will deliver a series of two lectures in Lincoln and Omaha in February. Sponsored by the Norman and Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the lectures are funded by a gift from Rabbi Myer S. Kripke. He and his late wife, author Dorothy Kripke, served Beth El Congregation from 1945-1975.

Galeet Dardashti, f tinguished Jewish Iranian leader of Divahn, the only singers. Her grandfather, Yona Dardashti, was one all-female ensemble perof the most famous forming Mizrachi-influsingers of Persian classienced music in the United \"1 cal music in Iran. Galeet's States, will join Cantor ^'•father, Cantor Farid Wendy Shermet on Shabbat Shira, Friday, f- i United States from Jan. 17, at Temple Israel. Teheran when he was 19. Shabbat Shira, the A popular tenor, who has Sabbath of Song, will feathe distinction of being ture a Sephardic "flavor" the first Iranian-born this year, said Cantor •'• international concert Shermet. artist and hazzan in the She added that the?* western world, Cantor Torah portion thatr«.-' Dardashti has made evening. from the Book of appearances at many venExodus, is Beshalach. It \ ues including Carnegie describes Pharaoh's pur'Hall. suit of the newly liberated Israelites who are able to safely cross the Sea of Reeds while the Egyptians are not. Upon concert where he was reaching the eastern singing with the Inbal shore of the Sea, the Dance Troupe. Galeet's parents now live in New Israelites sang to God in Divahn, an all-female ensemble. Rochelie, NY, where thanksgiving and praise. It has become common to commemorate the event Cantor Dardashti serves a local congregation. "Music has always been a part of my life," said by dedicating this service as a Sermon in Song or Galeet. "I think I made my singing debut when I Shabbat in Song. On Saturday evening, Jan. 18,7 pan., Temple Israel was three. According to my parents, I was insulted and Beth El Synagogue will jointly sponsor a concert that I didn't have my own microphone," she recalled. "They knew then that I'd be a performer." featuring all four Divahn musicians at Beth El. (Continued on page 9) Galeet Dardashti descends from a family of dis-

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Professor Avishai Margalit Photo by Joseph Raz Margalit, who is the Shulman Professor in Philosophy at Hebrew University in Jerusalem will speak on "Occidentalism: the Mind of the West," on Sunday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. in the Christlieb Gallery of the Great Plains Center, 1155 Q St., Lincoln. On Monday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, Margarlit's topic will be "Religious Occidentalism." — —— • And the following night, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m. by SHARON SAMBER the award-winning Israeli film, Time of Favor, a WASHINGTON (JTA)-It's been more than a year political thriller and romantic melodrama, will be since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and many peoshown at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center ple no longer think about the tragedy every day. in Lincoln. The film was Israel's entry for best forKenneth Feinberg does. eign language Oscar and the winner of six Israeli As the special master overseeing a congressionalAcademy Awards, include best picture. Following ly mandated compensation fund for victims' famithe screening, Prof. Margalit will participate in an lies, Feinberg is constantly reminded of the relaquestion-and-answer session with the audience. tives' pain and grief. In his Lincoln lecture, Prof. Margalit will explore Feinberg, a Washington attorney and Georgetown the idea that in the eyes of the Occidentalists (those University law professor in his mid-50s, approaches in the East that hate the West), the mind of the his task with pragmatism and a philosophical outWest is devoid of soul and spirituality. His "test look: He knows he has a job to do, but he also probes case" is the 19th century debate between admirers questions of morality behind the issue, even cjuesof the West and the "Slavophiles." tioning the whole compensation program. In his second lecture, in Omaha, Margalit will The idea of a public program is wonderful, he says, explore radical Islam as an Occidentalist theology yet he still wonders about how the fund of "public which sees the West as promoting a new form of compassion" is working out in practice. He says he idolatry. has not resolved in his own mind why such a proMargalit has held visiting positions at Harvard gram is justified, when families of victims of other University, Wolfson College and St. Anthony's terrorist attacks do not have the same recourse. College in Oxford, England, and the Max Planck Working with such an emotionally charged issue Institute and the Free University in Berlin. Most and with grief-stricken families takes its toll, and recently, he has been a Rockefeller Fellow at the Feinberg reaches back to his Jewish roots to keep Center for Human Values at Princeton University. himself grounded. "What's helped me is being His books include Idolatry (jointly with Moshe brought up in a Jewish home," he said. "The conHalbertal), The Decent Society, Views in Reviews and cepts of tzedakah and helping your fellow manThe Ethics of Memory. He has also edited Meaning they've helped me be sensitive." and Use, Isaiah Berlin: A Celebration (jointly with Only 750 families, out of 3,300 who are eligible, Edna Ullmann-Margalit) and, in German, Amnestie have applied for compensation so far, Feinberg said. (jointly with Garry Smith. He is a frequent contribuFeinberg believes many families have not signed tor to the New York Review of Books, writing both on up because they are clinically depressed and cannot philosophical subjects and on Israeli politics, and an bring themselves to apply. He is trying to find a way active member of Peace Now. to help them register before the program expires in For more information, call 402-472-9651. December 2003.

For Man Overseeing Sept. 11Fund, Terrorist Tragedy Hasn't Gone Away ' The compensation pro| JI am. allows victims and I 'inilies to apply for feder1 aJ money to cover lost " ages, pain and suffering, it they agree not to file lawsuits against the airlines and other entities. The Sept. 11 victims fund began amid much controversy and criticism. Kenneth Femberg F a m i l i e s w e r e ^ s ^ i f their cases would be heard fairly, and skeptics wondered if compensation awards would be sufficient. • The first awards were announced in August. Fourteen cases were decided in late September for an average award of $1.75 million each, prompting the families' attorneys to praise the fund. At the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington earlier this fall, Feinberg told several hundred attendees how important the work of charities has been to many families. "I have renewed faith in charities," he said, praising the federations and calling them essential to the functioning of the Jewish community. (Continued on page 2)

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Becember27 2002

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and StiSI Abuse by RABBI MYER S. K R I P K E — — - — - - — (Editor's note: This column was originally published in the Jewish Press on Dec. 31, 1999.) Parasiiat Shemot That an impressive number assails us this week is obvious. But it's only a number and it shouldn't really impress us. In the first place, we should recognize that the number itself is a few years off, even to Christians, to whom it is meaningful. And even to them, second, it is helpful to remember that they simply seized on a Roman (pagan) dating system and declared it their own. And we must remember that the numbers we puny humans give to the passing years are laughable when we consider the number of stars-billions!—in our unimportant galaxy, and the number of galaxies-billions!—in our universe, and the incomprehensible speed by which they are fleeing from, each other. "What is man that You give him recognition?" But if we (we humans, that is) do give attention to the fleeting years of our frail lives, notice the seachange that our ancestors suffered in their lives in Mitzrayim. From respected aliens, they were reduced suddenly to an underclass of restricted slaves. Human beings have short memories, when they want to. One of the surest ways to acquire resentment is to do someone a favor. He now feels he owes you something, and he doesn't like to be in debt. Thus, it was with Mitzrayim and the descendants and relatives of Joseph, Joseph the economic whiz, Joseph the provider. (A rankling resentment of this kind is involved in history's oldest and most eneradicable hatred, antiSemitism. It was Jews who gave the world religion, and especially, morality. "They" hate "use" for that.) So a new king arose in Mitzrayim who pretended not to know about Joseph. It's enough, he thought, that they have this funny religion, with any real gods; do they also have to know more about agriculture and economics, taxation and government? I hate them. I'll take care of them. Enslavement—and liberation from it-became the prime moving thought in Jewish history and religion. It echoes through all our ceremonies and prayers. The Ten "Commandments" begins with God's reminder that it was He Who brought the slaves out of the house of bondage. When you read our Sidra, notice how rapidly the text disposes of non-essentials. In a few verses, it moves from, a prosperous, expanding Israelite population to an oppressed, doomed underclass of hated aliens. From their time to ours, these Israelite-Jews have been resented for their gifts to civilization: religion, culture and morality. Our Sidra begins a new book of Torah, with the names of the first Israelites in Mitzrayim (aside from ancestral visits). We may add our names—or we may refuse. Oddly enough, the more we learn about the abuse shown us in the centuries since Mitzrayim, the more the sensitive among us cast our lot with the abused. Their is something profoundly human about that, something profoundly noble.

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Whew! What a Noise! by JEWISH PRESS News Service —

A group of school children from t h e Jordan Valley watch an IAF F15 take off from an Israel Air Force base in t h e center of the country. The children were invited to visit t h e base by the Israel Air Force in collaboration with WIZO, ( t h e Women's International Zionist Organization )• Photo by ISRANET

FAYE COOPER Faye Cooper died Dec. 4 in Davenport, IA, at the age of 88. Services were held Dec. 6 with burial at the Tri-City Jewish Cemetery. A 50-year member of Hadassah, her latest position was a chairmanship in the Quad Cities Chapter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Cooper. She is survived by sons and daughters-inlaw, Dr. Steven and Margie Cooper, Davenport, and Dr. Ron and Cheryl Cooper of Omaha; grandchildren, Suzanne Cooper, Lee's Summit, MO, Charles Cooper, Kansas City, MO, Drs. Joshua and Emily Cooper, Seattle, WA, and Alex Cooper, Omaha; two great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, David and Ruth Learner, Rock Island, IL; sisters Cele Heuman, Rock Island, and Jackie Sandier, Des Moines; sisters and brothers-in-law, Elsie and Albert Baker, Tucson, AZ, and Marilyn and Sid Abraham, Scottsdale, AZ; sister-in-law Elinor Learner, Rock Island. Memorials to Hadassha, Hospice Care of the VNA or Tri City Jewish Center.

ZAKA Prepares for War by JEWISH PRESS News Service

Zaka volunteers were among 15,000 Israeli emergency rescue workers to receive smallpox vaccinations in preparation for a possible Iraqi missile attack. Zaka, which is a rapid-response emergency-rescue organization, was awarded the 2001 United Nations Volunteer Organization of the Year award. It has more than 600 religions volunteers who provide emergency first aid, assist rescue efforts, and recover and identify victims of terror attacks to ensure they receive a proper burial. Photo by ISRANET.

Terrorist Tragedy ( C o n t i n u e d from p a g e 1) —•——« — • — » — • — —

Feinberg has won praise from victims' families for his sincerity and his willingness to help. He has years of experience in resolving disputes in classaction tort cases, having overseen a program for Agent Orange litigation after the Vietnam War. He also serves as an arbitrator for the allocation of legal fees in Holocaust slave labor litigation. Feinberg continues to oversee such difficult issues as how people should apply for compensation and whether the program should pay for victims' lawyers. Feinberg questions the congressional instructions to base awards on a victim's former earning potential. "There's a problem in valuing life based on economic wherewithal," he said. Under a special track, victims' relatives can meet with Feinberg to describe special circumstances for the compensation formula. "But how do you adjust awards fairly?" he asked.

December 27, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Candlelight! rtg Friday, Dec. 27

4:44 p.m.!

; I-.. ,.-;' i... . y j a ^ ^ K a A K M P ^ w . * - • > " .

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^^s^r^f'•• 3^ FRIDAY: Afen's CZuo, 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. Evening service, 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Craig Marantz will officiate. He will give the D'var Torah. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 a.m., in the Milder Center. Please join us as we continue study of Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The Amidah; Morning service, 10:30 a.m.

SATURDAY: 9 a.m., services, conducted by Andrew Greenberg, are open to the community.

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Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 Office hours are: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shabbat Services are conductconducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. ed by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Cantor Emil FRIDAY: Kabhalat Shabbat, 4:50 p.m.; The Berkovits and Ritual Director Gaston Bogomolni. West Minyan is at the home of Dennis and SU;T.;'. FRIDAY: Come join a joyous, musical Kabbalat Paley, at 4:50 p.m. Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m. Free SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; babysitting begins at 10 a.mu; Junior Congregation, Kiddush sponsored by Beth El. Rabbi Levin's Torah 10:30 a.m., Kiddush. is sponsored by Sisterhood. Class, 4:20 p.m. informal discussion and snack, folMincha, 4:35 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot and lowed by services at 4:45 p.m, Ma'ariv; Havdalah, 5:48 p.m, A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 4:50 p.m. To receive Rabbi Levin's weekly "Thought For WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m Shabbat" e-mail message, please send your e-mail MONDAY: Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 pan. address to Exec@bethel-omaha.org. WEDNESDAY: The synagogue office will be closed. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 Services, 9 a.m. and 4:50 p.m. p.m.; weekdays at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION Thursdays, noon-1 p.m. Rabbi Levin's Introduction to Judaism Class. Lunch is available, call the office to reserve.

^^^^K^^

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. FRIDAY: Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m. B'nai Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 ajn. Mitvah of Judy McKeighan and Emily FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m., Junior Stanfield. Oneg to follow. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Congregation, 10:15 a.m. Study, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: No Hebrew or Religious School. MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Mishna with Rabbi Milder, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: B'nai Mitzvah class, 3 p.m.; Cantillation with Rabbi Weisser, 6:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home-. SATURDAY: We will be leading services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 9 a.m. Dec. 22-Jan. 5: Winter Break, no Hebrew School, no services.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Oneg will follow. Check out our NEW website, above. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Students Enact Ritual Monday-Friday, services at 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m., fol- by DIANE AXLER BAUM—-—™ lowed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 8:30 a.m. WOMEN OF WORTH Please join us Thursday, Jan. 9: 11:45 a.m.1:30 p.m., The meeting will begin with lunch and include a discussion ofRosh Chodesh (beginning the new month) A Women's Holiday. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Pars has HaShavuah (weekly Torah portion), 7-8:30 p.m., led by rabbinic student Mendel Hecht. To register for any class, please call Jennifer at 330-1800, or e-mail chabadoffice@aol.com.

EARLY DEMILINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1. Deadline for articles, ads, and photos is noon as folio ws: Issue

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Jan. JO* Monday, Dec. 30 *Our first House & Garden special issue will be published on Friday, Jan. 10, 2003. Advertisers: to be a part of this, call your ad rep or the Jewish Press office, 334-6448.

Friedel Jewish Academy students Anna Kohll, left, and Audrey Gerber participate with Francine Klagsbrun in an enactment of Shabbat candlelighting at this year's Jewish Book Fair luncheon. Klagsbrun, an awardwinning author of more than a dozen works on social and religious issues, spoke at the event on her new book, The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day.

Russia Returns Books to Lubavftch, But Will Group Get the Rest of Library? by LEV KRICHEVSKY-—

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MOSCOW (JTA)--The Lubavitch movement is celebrating the transfer of 16 religious books to a Lubavitch-run synagogue in Moscow. But it is unclear when—and indeed, if—the balance of the thousands of books that make up the "Schneerson (Library" will come into the [fervently (Orthodox r ou p 's hands. Last week, a group of Lubavitch Jews gathered in a [downtown Moscow syn' agogue to Rabbi Shlomo Runin, center, welcome the director of Chabad activities in IQ books that California, and Rabbi Berel Were returned Lazar inspect the returned t 0 the movebooks. Photo by Lev KrichevshylJTA m e nt from the Russian State Library, formerly known as the Lenin Library, where the collection has been held for the last 80 years. A few years after the Russian Revolution, the books-estimates range from from 4,000 to 12,000 volumes—were seized from the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, as part of a crackdown on religion, Excitement, singing and clapping filled the room as Rabbi Shlomo Kunin, who described the transfer as "the fulfillment of 80 years of imprisonment," carried the pile of antique books into the Bronnaya synagogue's main hall. The return of the books came after more than a decade of efforts. Agudas Chasidei ChabadLubavitch, a group affiliated with the Lubavitch movement, was established in 1990 with the goal of achieving the release of the Schneerson collection. It took three U.S. administrations, appeals by all 100 U.S. senators, heads of state from various nations and Jewish leaders from around the world "to get these 16 volumes," said the Los Angelesbased Kunin, who has been spearheading the Lubavitch effort to get the books returned. More directly, a gesture from the Bush administration apparently made the return possible. At a ceremony in Moscow last Friday, the United States returned to Russia an archive of the Smolensk Regional Committee of the Communist Party.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 27, 2002

)ry Bones

Wishes for 2003 • Okay, so it's not Rosh Hashanah, but since we also live by a secular calendar, there's no harm in making our requests for the coining year. Feel free to add some of your own to this, admittedly incomplete, list. • More than anything else, we wish for peace in 2G03--peace in Israel, peace in the Middle East, peace throughout the world, wherever and whenever people are fighting—and dying. Talk first; shoot later—but if the talking doesn't work, (and it often doesn't work with bullies), then standing up to the ruthless and heartless has to come nest. • We wish for a year of health, including new discoveries in science, fitness and technology (how "bout that chocolate-a-day diet?) that will make us well and keep us that way. • We wish for a year of learning. Bob Wolfson, executive Director of the Anti-Defamation League once described an elderly friend. This friend found the secret of staying young by learning one new thing each year of his later years: everything from studying a foreign language (Hebrew? Yiddish?) to learning to use a computer. Learning apparently keeps one young!

• We wish for more volunteers in this community (and elsewhere). The days of stay-at-home mothers forming the volunteer core of non-profit organizations is over. Today, groups should look to students, and retirees, as well as young parents and middle-aged career folks. And non-profits have to provide one-shot, easy commitments— and follow through on their volunteers' requests! 8 Speaking of volunteers, we wish for growth in greater Omaha in the Jewish (and non-Jewish) communities. Newcomers bring fresh ideas, vitality and energy. The leadership of Nashville, TN, "grew" their Jewish community 14% over the last decade. Omaha doesn't have to reinvent the wheel; let's find out what worked there and modify it to fit our needs. 8 Back to peace. We wish for peace here in Omaha, too-peace between brothers, peace between friends, peace among synagogues and Centers of Excellence and the Federation and Jewish organizations, peace between professional staff and lay leaders. It's been a rocky few years for the world; let's set the example here and show everyone what "the best of Jewish communities" really is!

4 by GIL SEDAN - — - — • •

•

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JERUSALEM (JTA)-Sometimes, they say, hope shines brightest in the darkest hours. Palestinians and Israelis have never been further apart in the past decade, with nearly 3,000 people killed in the two years of the Palestinian intifada. Yet "the dreamers," as some call them, are still busy preparing peace plans, as if all that is needed to bring peace to the Holy Land are a few intelligent position papers. Many of the peace plans are the work of academics and would-be politicians. Lacking the authority to implement their plans, the authors are free to combine fantasy with wishful thinking. However, among the "dreamers" are some with sound political records, and-perhaps more importantly-they represent Palestinian-Israeli collaboration. While the plans may have little chance of being implemented in the near future, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has many examples where once-radical ideas slowly moved from the margins to the mainstream, finally becoming policy. Even the Oslo accords, which radically reshaped relations between the two parties and held out the prospect of peace, began in talks led by Israeli academics before the Israeli leadership offered its sponsorship. Top on the list of "dreams" right now are the joint peace plans of Yossi Beilin and Yasser Abed Rabbo, on the one hand, and Ami Ayalon and Sari

Nusseibeh on the other. Beilin, the architect of the Oslo accords and a former justice minister, recently quit the Labor Party and joined Meretz. Abed Rabbo, the Palestinian Authority minister of culture and information, is considered among the more moderate Palestinian figures. Ayalon is a decorated commando, former commander of both the navy and the Shin Bet General Security Service, and an outspoken dove. Nusseibeh, the president of Al-Quds University in Jerusalem, holds the PLO's Jerusalem portfolio and is a longtime advocate of peace with Israel. All four are respectable figures, yet all represent a minority in their communities, without the power to initiate real change. It's not always easy to find the differences between the plans. Both call for many of the same principles: a full Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Palestinian renunciation of the Right of Return and of terrorism, an end to Israeli control of Jerusalem's Temple Mount and the dismantling of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. According to Beilin, the main difference between the two documents is that the Ayalon-Nusseibeh. blueprint serves as a declaration of principles, whereas the Beilin-Abed Rabbo paper goes into details, trying to continue negotiations that broke off in Taba

nearly two years ago. Indeed, Beilin and Abed Rabbo began working on their agreement shortly after the Taba talks ended. "A few days after Taba, I told Yossi that had we had a little more time, we could have reached a final and absolute settlement," Abed Rabbo said. "Even today I believe that never before in the history of the two peoples were they so close to an agreement." Beilin and Abed Rabbo say they are again close to reaching an agreement —but they no longer have the political influence to carry it out. Both teams are still working on their papers, and want to publicize them after Israel's Jan. 28 election. Beilin is convinced that Labor Party chairman Amram Mitzna would support his plan if he didn't feel obligated to take Labor toward the center to attract undecided voters. In fact, both teams have refrained from officially publishing their papers, fearing that publication would cause more harm than benefit. Though Labor recently chose a Knesset list that is more centrist than Mitzna, there are some indications that the left still maintains strong influence within the party. For example, the party's election platform for the first time will refer to Jerusalem just as "Israel's capital, including its Jewish neighborhoods." Gone is the traditional reference to Jerusalem as "whole and united,"

Fred Tichager Chairman Carol Katzman Editor The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish com- Richard Busse munal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Creative Director Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Allan Handleman Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Advertising Manager Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publi- Ray Pred Account Executive cation. Timothy J . Ketelsen The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $28 per calendar 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: ckatzman@jew- Jen Gales Production Assistant ishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The George Schapiro

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Despite Bleak Situation Optimists Spin Israeli-Palestinian Peace Plans

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implying that Labor would be willing to relinquish Arab parts of the city. Even former party chairman Benjamin Ben-Eliezer said this week that control over the "holy basin"- the holy sites in Jerusalem's Old Citywould be negotiated among representatives of the three major religions, a far cry from the official Likud policy that no concessions will be made on Jerusalem. Similarly, Palestinian moderates have published advertisements in the eastern Jerusalem media, calling on the Palestinians to support the Israeli peace camp, specifically mentioning Mitzna and Ayalon. The ads are signed by 'The Popular Campaign for Peace and DemocracyPalestine," apparently a front organization for Nusseibeh's supporters. The ads openly call for Palestinian intervention in the elections on Mitzna's behalf. "Mitzna is committed to the solution proposed by Ami Ayalon," one ad read. "Let us help him to implement its clauses." "Supporting the Ayalon document means evacuation of the settlements," another ad read. The ads quote parts of the AyalonNusseibeh document. For the first time, they say, the document includes "recognition of the Palestinian Right of Return," but specifies that Palestinian refugees will be able to return only to a future Palestinian state, not to Israel.

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 Weinslein; Arnee Zetzinan; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

December 27, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Fed up with New Year's Resoiytions? Then Save Them for the High Holidays by JANE ULMAN — — — — ENCINO, CA (JTA)--Blame it on the Mesopotamians. Four or five thousand years ago, they came up with the mishugunah idea of New Year's resolutions. And what was their most common pledge? To return borrowed farm equipment. "That would be a pickax or a sickle," says Danny, 11, who's studying the Mesopotamians in his sixth-grade ancient civilization class at the Los Angeles-area Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School. But today we can't simply return some borrowed tool or toy or casserole dish. No, we North Americans feel compelled to annually reinvent ourselves as perfect physical, intellectual and emotional beings. We feel compelled to promise to shape up, to learn Aramaic or read the 100 top English-language novels, to be more patient. And so, as soon as the ball drops in Times Square, we plunk hundreds of dollars down at Weight Watchers and 24-Hour Fitness. We enroll in university extension classes and buy Ulysses and The Great Gatsby. We start to meditate, visualize and count slowly to 10. But less than a week later, up to 90 percent of us have reverted to our formerly overindulgent, ignorant and short-fused ways. Why do we even bother making resolutions? "Relentless optimism," Jeremy, 13, suggests. "Self-deception," Gabe, 15, says. "Social pressure," Zack, 18, adds.

: _ ra ™»» ,—_ „ «_ _ . ; ; ;—; : : "Why do we diet?" my husband, Larry, harmed or injured during the previous down on this bogus ritual. Let's instiasks rhetorically, knowing that it's year. tute truth in advertising and call New human nature to want to improve oneWe must formally and sincerely Year's resolutions by their real name: self. apologize, make concrete amends and New Year's wishes. An opportunity to And it's human nature to want to refrain from repeating the behavior. dream, to fantasize, to visualize a divide time into manageable and We must also contend with the promis- "before" and after" us. A shot at the meaningful segments, marked with es we have broken between God and self-improvement lottery, with, like the appropriate rituals. ourselves. We are held accountable for California SuperLotto Plus, a one in And that's what New Year's Eve is— a our actions, or inactions, which deter- more than 41 million chance of winsymbolic milepost, a fresh start, anoth- mine nothing less than "who shall live ning. er chance that this year, magically and and who shall die." I don't know about you, but I don't mysteriously, our resolutions will stick. Psychologically and experientially, have many more habits I'm willing to But there's nothing magical about we know that change doesn't happen break. Over the years, I've quit smokJan. 1. In fact, the Mesopotamians, until we hit the proverbial rock bottom. ing, worked myself down to my preEke the ancient Jews, celebrated the Until life slams us up against a brick pregnancy weight, given up caffeine New Year in the spring, to coincide wall or brings us abruptly and humbly and Diet Coke and changed my sedenwith the rebirth of the land. That's why to our knees, forcing us to confront our tary ways. (Of course, nobody's asking they almost unanimously resolved to demons and wrongful deeds, our addic- if I want to give up carpool driving, groreturn borrowed farm equipment, tions and afflictions. cery shopping, bill paying and serving which was needed for planting the new New Year's Eve is the only secular as the family's human Palm Pilot.) crops. holiday, save our birthdays, that specifI don't know about you, but I'm savIt wasn't until 46 B.C.E. that Julius ically marks the passage of time. ing my serious repenting for the High Caesar, on the advice of the Greek Perhaps it's that intimation of mortali- Holidays, where substance and sublimastronomer Sosigenes, instituted the ty, combined with the knowledge that ity trump slapdash superficiality. Julian calendar, arbitrarily moving the once again we've made no one's yearStill, given the expectation of a New beginning of the year to Jan. 1. end Top Ten list, that triggers our Year, however arbitrary and inauthenAnd there's nothing magical about desire to revamp ourselves. tic, and given the grim state of the change. As Judaism teaches us, we're And in our fast-track society where .world, I think some frivolous resoluall continuously engaged in a bitter, everything is open 24/7 or only one tions, or wishes, are not out of order. millennia-old battle between yetzer click away, we want that transformaPersonally, for 2003, I'd like to eat hatov, the good inclination, and yetzer tion to be instantaneous and painless, more vanilla ice cream, occasionally hara, the bad inclination. like those diet advertisements that oversleep, read some trashy novels and Spiritually, we know that change does- promise permanent and immediate spend more time needlepointing and, n't happen without prolonged and weight loss with no exercise and with as my kids constantly urge, "chilling." painful soul-searching. all the pizzas and doughnuts we can But not, I assure you, before returnFor us Jews, that happens during the eat. ing the pickax that's been sitting in the High Holidays, with the process beginBut the Federal Trade Commission, garage. ning a month earlier, on the first much to my husband's delight, is Jane Ulman is a freelance writer of Elul. During this time, we are com- clamping down on those bogus adver- in EncinOf CA, and the mother of manded to confront the people we have tisements. And it's our turn to clamp four sons.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 27, 2002

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PageS A

December 27, 2002

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Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a m . Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at 11 aan. Following lunch at noon, Joe Cherack will perform on the Clavinova. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330-4272. Call Maggie Conti at 334-6521 for reservations to the following: deadline for "Remember "When with Lois Wine" on Jan. 16 is Jan. 9; deadline for The Lion King at the IMAX on Jan. 23 is Jan.16; deadline for New York Deli Lunch on Jan. 27 is Jan. 20; deadline for Bluffs Run Casino on Jan. 30 is Jan. 23. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those going on the Bunch to Lunch Day Trip to Le Peep Restaurant please meet at the JCC on Thursday, 11 ajn. Exercise will begin at 10:15 a.m. in the Social Hall. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. LOMER REDN YIDDISH The Yiddish Conversation Group will meet on Thursday, 1-3 p.m, at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638.

VISIONS A new Walt Disney feature animation of The Lion King will be shown on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 11 sum.. at the IMAX. Reformatted specifically for the giant screen from the film's original digital elements, this limited engagement offers moviegoers a chance to experience one of the greatest animated adventures of all time. Lunch follows at the Bohemian Cafe. Cost of $15.15 per person includes show and lunch. Send reservations to Fred and Sandy Bromley, 13419 Marinda St., Omaha, NE 68144. Make check payable to Jewish Senior Services. Deadline is Jan. 2. Luncheon Meeting is Friday, Jan. 17,12:30 pan. at the Caniglia's Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person. Celebrate the Installation of our new officers for the 2003. Jewish Senior Services Executive Director Michael Silverman will give us a brief synopsis of his future plans for JSS. Send reservations to Marvin Gerber, 9318 Walnut St., Omaha, NE 68124. For information call Harry Alloy at697-8709. Make check payable to JSS. Deadline is Jan. 10.

B'NAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS There is no meeting on Jan. 1. Breadbreakers will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 8, noon at the Park Inn Regency. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Aryeh Blum leads a parasha shiur at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St., Saturday, Dec. 28, 3:15 p.m. Time for Talmud with Rabbi Blum is at Monday, Dec. 30, 7 p.m.; learn at the Beis Midrash, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., all at the OCTL house. The weekly Lunch'n Learns and the Teen Class for Girls for Jan. 1 are cancelled. The Wednesday discussion on the weekly parasha will resume Jan. 8, noon, at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library; the Wednesday Teen Class resumes Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. at the home of Brooke Shrago, 805 So. 120 Ave. For more information about OCTL or to schedule one-on-one or small group learning, call Rabbi Blum at 320-8055.

Visions Celebrates Birthday

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by JEWISH PRESS News Service —

MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger announced help for Nebraska's hungry and needy is on its way after awarding a total of $15,500 to two of the state's hunger-relief organizations. Over the course of the last 12months, MAZON granted $3.4 million to some 260 programs nationwide. In Nebraska, an $S,000 grant was awarded to the American Indian Council in Alliance in support of the Council's food program, which serves hungry Lakota Indians and other low-income people in Alliance; a $7,500 grand was awarded to the Lincoln Interfaith Council in support of the Council's network of 12 food pantries, providing food and case-management services to 16,000. Dr. Kami Arav has announced that openings are still available for his Spring Semester, 2003, "Dead Sea Scroll" class. The class, offered through the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, meets on Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30-3:45 p.m. in the Arts and Science Hall, Room 211. Contact the UNO administration office for registration.,

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Members of Visions celebrated its 10th ily Service's Project Dreidel. Left photo: Doris anniversary with a party and entertainment Parker lights the hanukkiah; right: sisters at the JCC recently. In addition to the festivi- gather to celebrate: Pauline Landman, left, ties, members made a donation to Jewish fam- Harriet Lobel and Maxine Simons.

The editorial board of The Hatchet, student newsTerri and Bryan Davis of Sandy, UT, announce paper at The George Washington University, the Dec. 3 birth of their daughter, Carlie Ann. named Jeff Baum "Most Valuable Photographer" Grandparents are Susie and Jeff Cooper and Mike at an awards luncheon that brought the fall semes- and Marina Sadofsky of Omaha and Rosemary and ter to a close. Jeff, a GWU freshman, is a 2000 Don Davis of Broken Bow, NE. graduate of Burke High School, where he served as ' """' Great-grandparents are Chickie Gilinsky of a co-editor and photographer for the Burke Beat Omaha, Dorothy Davis of St. Paul, NE, and Reed and also provided photos for the yearbook. He is Pulliam of.Sergeants, NE.: , the son of Donald and Diane Baum. Dr. Alan and Debbie Kricsfeld announce the Former Lincolnite Arieh Lev Breslow has Dec. 4 birth of their daughter, Rachel Miriam, recently published a novel, On the Wings of named in memory for her maternal great-grandDragons, a murder mystery set in San Francisco. mothers, Rose Besser and Miriam Ceder. Breslow, who lives in Efrat, Israel with his wife and Rachel has a brother Samuel Gabriel, age three. children, teaches martial arts. The book is available Grandparents are Susan and Jake Besser, Cheryl at the Kripke Library and through Amazon.com.

Kricsfeld and Barry Kricsfeld. Great-grandparents are Mauritz Ceder, Margie and Bernie Weiss and Florence Kricsfeld. Lori and Brad Nacht of Riverdale, NY, announce the Sept. 30 birth of their daughter, Daniella Rose, named for her paternal grandmother, Diane Nacht, and her maternal great-grandmother, Rose Comen. Daniella has two brothers, Jacob Micah, 7, and Samuel Elijah, 5. Grandparents are Natalie and Herman Rubin of Omaha, the late Diane Nacht, and Ron Nacht of River Edge, NJ.

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December 27, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Ptilverente MONUMENT CO. by BERT LEWIS — ——. Every time we turn around, it seems, we read another article about the over-weight of Americans. Children are included in this concern by our medical experts, which made me wonder when I read a news story recently. The topic was bread and what was usually spread on a slice to make it taste better. Since most of us can remember, a snack for a kid was often a slice of bread with something spread on it, like maybe peanut butter and/or jelly. For the child with simpler tastes, maybe just butter, or like a neighbor kid I remember, a piece of bread and butter liberally sprinkled with sugar. The story I read described the differences in various countries, when it came to the topping for a slice. For example, in France a youngster might come home from school and be given a piece of buttered bread covered with a thick piece of chocolate! Doesn't sound bad, does it? In Argentina, it seems the mom puts an unopened can of condensed milk in a pan of water and cooks it until it turns to caramel, which is spread on bread for a nosh. It's also said to be delicious, but I can't personally testify. You might guess that in Italy, when a child wants a snack, the bread is spread with a mixture made of hazelnuts and chocolate. It comes in a jar and is available in our stores, but I don't know how many American moms feed it to their kids. I'm told it's beyond delicious, but I keep my distance from anything as rich as this. (I'm allergic—I break out in fat!) In Russia, a favorite is said to be a piece of that good dark rye bread, spread with sour cream and sugar. How bad could that be? The Swedish people, who like fish and fish products, often use a kind of paste made from cod roe. Frankly, it didn't sound like anything I wanted to know more about, so I can't tell you any more. Find a Swede and ask about it yourself. The story also reported that British moms favor a shmear of something that looks "like tar and smells yeasty." They say the moms tell the kids, "It's very good for you,"but nobody even suggests that it's as tasty as the nosh the French kids get! All of this reminded me of the stories my late father loved to tell, about his mother's idea of a good nosh. My Bubbe knew that if she had fresh schmaltz, (chicken fat) it spread very nicely over a piece of good pumpernickel. Furthermore, if there

happened to be any grebenes (onions fired in schmaltz) handy, and they were sprinkled over the schmaltz, it was Jewish ambrosia. And what Jewish kid couldn't (in days gone by) tell you how good .thick slices of salami tasted with a hunk of bread? Or maybe chopped liver, still a little warm, as a spread? Of course the food police would go ballistic over such things today— and what a shame. But then, there are all those overweight kids to be considered. Well, I don't know what is considered a reasonable after school snack today, but I do know that fresh fruit and crunchy veggies are high on the preferred list. I also know that potato chips and lots of stuff labeled "junk food" find their way to those looking for munchies. So my question is, if they're eating stuff that's bad for them anyway, how come they can't enjoy some fresh and wonderful grebenes on their bread? I guess the problem is most of today's kids don't even know what grebenes are (is?). Poor kids. They don't have a clue what they're missing!

BELLS Will Ring Again in January by OZZIE NOGG

The next session of BELLS- Beth El Lunch & Learn on Shabbat—will meet on Saturday, Jan. 11, immediately after Shabbat morning services and Kiddush. These gastronomic and educational opportunities are open to the entire community. The topic is "The Song of Songs: Allegory" or "All About Ring Solomon's Love Life?" Guy Matalon, Assistant Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, will lead the discussion and examine the Song of Song text which has long been a subject of rabbinic and philosophic debate. Cost for the luncheon and study session is $7.50 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Free babysitting is available by advance reservation from 12:45-1:45 p.m. Reservations should be made by Wednesday, Jan. 8, by calling the Beth El synagogue office, at 4928550.

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Women's Group (Continued from page 1) < • • Galeet began performing Jewish music for groups group together. After making excuses for over a year, I finally gave in. Lauren is an amazing perlike Hadassah with her older sister and mother. "Soon enough, I suppose, my dad felt that we were cussionist and can play percussion instruments good enough and we started performing together with from all over the world," Galeet met Michal through her mother, Esther him as a family for larger venues." Galeet's younger sister Michelle joined the group when she was six. "It Raizen, a Hebrew professor at the University of Texas. The three young women, all in their 20's, was fun! My family is very close," Galeet said. Now a doctoral candidate studying cultural "clicked immediately," according to Galeet. "Later we were looking for a violinist. Emily, a anthropology at the University of Texas in Austin, Galeet has lived there for four and a half years. Her graduate student in ethnomusicology~at UT, was research is on Middle Eastern music in Israel where more than we could have ever expected." All four she lived for two years before starting graduate have become singers," Galeet added. Divahn has been performing for a little less than school. "I wanted to find something that fused my aca- two years. "We perform about once a month in Austin and demic and artistic interests," she commented. "I have always been particularly interested in travel to out-of-town performances every few Mizrachi music because of my father's background. weekends," Galeet said. They've also performed in I decided that I'd pursue academic studies on music San Antonio as well as in Atlanta and Savannah, in Israel. I'd get to spend time in Israel, continue GA, and throughout New York and in New Jersey and made numerous live radio broadcasts. performing music, and stay in school forever. A classically trained vocalist, Galeet has served as "What more could you ask for?" After she earns her doctorate, Galeet would like hazzan for Congregation Agudas Achim in to work as a professor either in anthropology, Savannah during the high holidays for the past Middle Eastern studies, or Jewish studies. But three years. Admission for the concert on Jan. 18 ranges from she also plans to continue performing and doing $18 per person, to $50 for two, $100 for two, and cantorial work. Lauren DeAlbert, Michal Raizen, and Emily $500 for four. Proceeds will benefit Temple Israel's Music Fund Pinkerton, Divahn's other performers, and Galeet and Beth El's Youth Scholarship Fund. Teenagers met in Austin "through music," she explained. Lauren, the group's percussionist, and Galeet per- can attend for $2.50 and children for $1. Following the concert, a reception will be sponformed at a few Middle Eastern performances sored by both congregations in the Social Hall at together in Austin. It was at Lauren's insistence that the group got Beth El Synagogue. started, Galeet confided. "Everytime I saw her, Reservations can be made by calling Temple Israel she'd tell me that we needed to start an all-female at 556-6536 or Beth El at 492-8550.

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 27, 2002

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MARRIAGE BENSMAN/FORBES

Hal France, Artisitic Director of Opera Omaha, ' • •

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Melinda Ann Bensman and Jm 1 trie Young Brian Forbes, both of Milwaukee, ', ' • : E n e r g e t i c were married Dec. 1 at the Hiltun . , Sc-niors group Milwaukee Center. Rabbi Bernard • •* on Monday, Reichman officiated. '. J a n . 8, noon. Maid of honor was Deborah Fi-il of J France West Monroe, LA, sister ot rlu1 ' begins h i s bride; Debra Whiteside-Enlgc- of ! •• eighth season Neenah, WI was bridesmaid. ;-.vith Opera Jeffrey Langer of Milwaukee was | . O m a h a , Best Man; groomsmen were Jt>i*l ' ' where he is Berman of Bayside, WI, and nlrfo Principal Jonathan Lyons of Tallahassee, FL, ,. •",•" i C o n d u c t o r brothers-in-law of the groom. ' _. • " ' • ' • • ' ! ] iind continues The bride, daughter of Melvin and . '•, •- '''.'•.'•' .; his role a s Barbara Bensman of Milwaukee,

lm '* j _ i *.-,.-; V.,..;,::.A-;:..i Director of the Orlando Philharmonic. Last spring, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha for his work with Opera Omaha and the community. France has been a producer and conductor for the Arts on the Green festival and a regular guest conductor for the Omaha Symphony, his commitment to arts education continues with his involvement in numerous projects including Bloodlines, a new opera by Deborah Teason and the students at South High School, and this season's Choral Collaborative with six area high school choirs, Opera Omaha, Ernest Richardson and the Omaha Symphony. In recent seasons, France has been a guest conductor for the Royal Philharmonic, the National Symphony, and symphony orchestras in New Jersey, Richmond and Jacksonville. In 1992, he made his European debut with the Royal Opera of Stockholm in a production of Stuarda. Cost is $5 and includes lunch. Call Maggie Conti at 334-6521 for reservations. The deadline is Monday, Dec. 30. Naomi Rennard, daughter of Dr. Stephen and Barbara Rennard, is featured in The Elves and the Shoemaker currently playing at the Dundee Dinner Theatre. The show, which runs through Jan. 11, is $"; $9.99 for the show and lunch. F.or information or ticket availability, call 558-8535. Auditions for the Nebraska Choral Arts Society will be held on Jan. 6 and Jan. 9. For information or to schedule an appointment for an audition, call 342-6753. After more than three decades of rock and roll, 70s super band, Three Dog Night, will perform with the Omaha Symphony on Jan. 10 and 11, 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets are $13.50-$49.50 and may be purchased by calling the box office, 3423836 or online at: www.omahasymphoiiy.org.

studied at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, Milwaukee j and Madison campuses. She is an * elementary school teacher with the Milwaukee Public Schools. The groom, son of former Omahans Marshall and Toby Forbes, Brown Deer, WI, graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, with a degree in finance and economics. He is employed by the Bank of New York in Milwaukee. Following a wedding trip to Israel, the couple resides in Milwaukee.

Comfort Me with Apples by Ruth Reich! (Random House, $13,95) Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN

-—

The Comfort Me with Apples title comes "from the Song of Solomon, which has a lot to say about both food and love." Known to her friends as one who can always exaggerate, Reichl tells her story of loves and foods. The story begins at a fancy, no, "the fanciest San Francisco French restaurant," a new Visa's $250 credit limit, an ancient beat-up Volvo with a screwdriver in place of a key and Reichl dressed in thriftstore clothing for her first restaurant assignment. At the time she and her artist husband, Douglas Hollis (by the way Doug's frequent trips to Omaha to work on his sound sculptures are mentioned often in this cookbook!), lived in a commune hi a peeling Victorian house with five other people in Berkeley eating from a "model of politically correct consumption."

Stiabbat Dinner Spotlights BESTT Students by OZZIE NOGG

Beth El Synagogue's series of Friday Night Shabbat services and dinner continues on Friday, J a n . 10, when special attention will be paid to BESTT third and fourth graders and their families. The evening begins a t 6 p.m. with Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv and segues into a delicious, traditional Shabbat meal. Cost for the dinner is $11 for adults and $5.50 for children ages five to 12. The dinner is free for kids under five. The entire community is invited to join in this warm welcome to the Shabbat. No reservations are required for the sendee but seat assignments will be made for dinner so please call Beth El, 492-8550, no later than Jan. 7 to save a place at the table for you and your group.

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December 27, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Jews Answer the Age-old Query: What to Do at Christmastime? by JOE BERKOFSKY———-—-

NEW YORK (JTA)-Sharon become excluded," Plaut says. Glassman was just another nice "They're not invited to the big Jewish girl who wanted to experience Christmas party." Christmas. The Jewish response is bom of two Tipped off by a friend, she trekked to major impulses: the desire to fit in New York City's main post office seek- and the need to take a Jewish stand, ing Operation Santa Claus, the annu- Plaut says. al campaign drawing letters from Those reactions evolved dramaticalneedy kids and families hoping for a ly in the past century. Christmas present. In the 1920s, songwriter Irving She took three letters, bought the Berlin—born Israel Baline, son of a requested toy castle, down jacket and shochet, or ritual slaughterer, from football, then wrapped the gifts and Russia-penned the hit "White sent them off with a note ostensibly Christmas." It was representative of a from St. Nick. generation of immigrant, Jews in the Glassman, raised as a "twice-a-year" arts and business who packaged "a Conservative Jew, had embarked on secular version of holiday cheer" for her mission as a "tzedakah Santa," the marketplace, Plaut says. propelled by the Torah's commandAsked how a Jew could write a ment to do acts of loving kindness. Christmas song, Berlin is said to have Six years later she's touring nation- remarked, "I wrote it as an American," ally with a new book, Love Santa: A Plaut says. Different Kind of Christmas Story, One prominent non-Jewish chilabout her annual campaign to con- dren's author even removed religion vince others to follow suit. from the holiday. Theodore Geisel, "I would not have been comfortable known as Dr. Seuss, wrote The Whos trying to mimic a tradiof Whoville, a generic tion that wasn't mine," story about giving that Glassman says. "strips Christianity from Faced with the annuChristmas," Plaut says. al dilemma of what to Christmas also has prodo during the duced what Plaut calls Christmas season, "the Christmas Yid"~ the American Jews increasJew who performs mitzvot ingly are creating new in part to help Christians annual celebrations who are. off celebrating. that meld Jewish culThat model-later updated ture with the birth of on "Saturday Night Live" Jesus. From serving as "Hanukkah dinners at homeless Harry"-first emerged in shelters to prowling the 1880s, when members Sharon Glassman "Matzah Ball" singles of the Washington Hebrew events to noshing Chinese food at a Congregation gave toys to needy Jewish comedy revue, Jews are "pro- Christian children. claiming their identity by creating By the 1920s, Jews were volunteernew cultural traditions" for ing for vital army and civil service Christmas, according to Rabbi Joshua jobs, helping in hospitals and even Plaut. serving hams in soup Mtchens. Plaut, executive director of the In New England, members of some Center for Jewish History in New 70 congregations from all denominaYork, is analyzing these reactions for tions sing carols, do arts-and-crafts a doctoral dissertation he hopes to projects and help in hospitals, shelpublish as a "non-judgmental" book ters and nursing homes as part of the about how Jews handle Christmas. Synagogue Council of Massachusetts' "American Jews are part of the Project Ezra. majority culture every day of the year, Such efforts, tike Glassman's, reflect but on Christmas eve they suddenly "the Christmas mitzvah of doing good

JFS Helps Local Families SSeep at Night by JENNY MEYERSON-

Dan Marburg, left, Hap Pocras and Scott Meyerson worked with Jewish Family Service recently to deliver beds to local families in need. Ron Blumkin and the Nebraska Furniture Mart, assisted JFs in providing several beds which volunteers delivered and

assembled in two homes. Previously, the adults and children in these homes were either sleeping on a mattress on the floor or on a pull-out sofa. The families and JFS expressed appreciation to the volunteers who made a good night's sleep possible.

Glassman's Love Santa: A Different Kind of Christmas Story. deeds for one's neighbors," Plaut says. "It's people justifying their behavior on Christmas Day with Jewish reasons." New Jewish rituals are evolving as well. The sight of Jews taking refuge in Chinese restaurants has become so commonplace as to become a cliche. One Jew who put a comic spin on that line is comedian Lisa Geduldig of San Francisco. A decade ago, Geduldig was booked at a Chinese eatery in October. She joked about doing a similar show on Christmas as an antidote to "getting Merry Christmas'ed to death." So Geduldig threw together a comedy show at a restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown, calling it "Kung Pao Kosher Comedy." The show grew, moved to bigger Chinese restaurants and won such headliners as "Seinfeld" writer Carol Leifer and the king of one-liners, Henny Youngman. That material grows from a "subversive tendency" of feeling overwhelmed by and angry about Christmas, Plaut says-a condition he dubs "Claus-trophobia." The Kung Pao comedy grew so big that Geduldig took her show on the road to Los Angeles, and plans a New York version next December. This year the San Francisco show

features four days of Jewish comics. Organizers sold 3,000 tickets for a dinner-comedy show featuring Jewish comics and fortune cookies with Yiddish proverbs. In keeping with the tzedakah tradition, Kung Pao also has raised $40,000 for various charities, Geduldig says. But there are plenty of other Christmas options for wandering Jews. , The Forward last week filled a half page with "Noisy Night" events on Christmas Eve in New York. The action ranges from a Zamir Choral sing-along to Jewsapalooza at the hip Knitting Factory club. Jewsapalooza features new-wave klezmer and a songwriter series that has spawned hits such as "Chanukah with Monica," "What I Like About Jew," and "It's No Fun to Be a Jew at Christmas." Elsewhere, Israeli dances and singles events like the Matzah Ball have spawned some 19 shmoozefests, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami and San Francisco. New York's drew 3,000 partygoers in 2002 alone. Jewish museums nationwide remain open on Christmas and often attract their largest crowds of the year. For example, the Center for Jewish History's Yeshiva University Museum is featuring a "Winter Spectacular" with an art opening, a concert by the Jewish boy band, The Hamsa Boys, and craft workshops. While the Center usually gets 3O05*00 people for an opening, Plaut expects 600-900 on Christmas day. Many observant Jews simply stay in. They have built a tradition of "Nittelnacht"—the night of no learning —which centers around games such as cards or chess, Plaut says. Unlike some American Jews, many Orthodox Jews simply "don't feel threatened" by Christmas "because they are secure in their own identity," Plaut says. Yet today, he adds, most American Jews "feel secure enough" as a minority that "they use the Christmas holiday to express their own Jewishness."

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 27, 2002

Tri-Faith Group to Hire Coordinator Religious Jew Shows the Way

to Tolerance in Iowa Town

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator.

Root2fruit, an Omaha granting organization, has awarded the TriFaith Working Group, comprised of Temple Israel, First United Methodist Church, and the Islamic Center of Omaha, $10,000 per year to hire a coordinator to implement the group's programming which includes meaningful trialogue and community building. The grant will extend for three years. Root2fruit builds and funds organizations and leaders who are committed to advancing social, economic, and environmental justice in Omaha. "We believe that a community and its culture are the true essence of its people and should be valued, shared, and preserved in the process of enhancing community," said Nancy Mammel, a board member of root2fruit. With the grant, the group hopes to find someone who is "committed to the ideals of peace, justice, tolerance, and inter-cultural understanding," said Rosie Zweiback, program director at Temple Israel. "We are seeking someone to work with our three communities to build relationships, plan programs and help us enlarge our vision of what we can do to further positive human relations in our diverse, and often divided, world." Other qualifications include "excellent communication skills, the ability to dream, be creative, and problem solve. A visionary who can expand the efforts of this tri-faith community to touch all of Omaha is preferred," Zweiback said. She added that "experience in team building, programming, intercultural or interfaith work, and marketing" would also be

helpful for this part-time position. Clergy and lay leaders of all three faith commuxiities have been meeting regularly to build bridges among the three faith groups in the aftermath of Sept. 11. The groundwork was actually laid before then, but the mission became more compelnng in light of the tragedy. An interfaith dialogue on forgiveness was one of the Tri-Faith Group's first events followed by a documentary, The Road to Morocco, in December 2001 at Temple. Other events included a potluck picnic for families on the lawn at First United Methodist Church, a prayer service at the Islamic Center Mosque, a series of dialogues among teenagers, and an ice skating party for the youth. Zweiback said the group hopes to be a role model in the community and to other cities in demolishing barriers of ignorance, fear, and prejudice. Reverend Chad Anglemyer, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church, explained that the Tri-Faith Group is striving to demonstrate that people of different faiths are coming together to develop programs, activities, and educational opportunities that speak to the three faith communities in the same way. Temple member David Goldberg, one of the lay leaders who has helped plan some of the tri-faith programs agreed that "building personal relationships among Jews, Muslims, and Christians" is one of the goals of the group. "Hiring someone who is open to and sensitive to all three faith communities," said Rev. Anglemyer, is the next stage.

by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor—

—

A series of small, seemingly unrelated events brought a California businessman to a small, Northeast Iowa town and would lead to the appointment and then election of the nation's only Chabad Lubavitcher to a town council. Aaron Goldsmith, president of a company which makes custom-made hospital beds, spoke to a group of about 60 people last week at the JCC in an event sponsored by Chabad of Nebraska and the Anti-Defamation League. Goldsmith, who grew up a Conservative Jew in Park Forest, IL, graduated from Drake University in Des Moines. Some 25 years later, he and his family followed his oldest son, who attended the boys' yeshiva in Postville, IA, and moved his business there as well. "I found the town to be very friendly," he admitted, describing his first Sukkot, when a neighbor sent over a chain saw to help him cut branches for his sukka. "Because of my company, I got involved with the Chamber of Commerce and received some media attention as the owner of a light manufacturing company in the middle of an agricultural area." When a state-wide election left a vacancy on the city council, several prominent local (and non-Jewish) politicians urged him to accept an appointment. "Why me?" he asked. The town leaders replied, "The council is lacking leadership and doesn't have a voice. You could be that voice." When his appointment was challenged, a special election was called.

Aaron Goldsmith watches himself on a video tape of one of many news stories about his election. He won, 325-261 and then won again last month in the general election. Goldsmith's mild manner and attitude of looking only for the good in people made him seek out those who accused the Jews of a variety of stereotypical behavior-everything from being aloof and not caring for their property to being cheap and not paying their bills on time. He also sought out his fellow Jews and was able to persuade them to change their behavior as well. And he compared the American melting pot, not to a single piece of wood, but to a laminated , combination of mahogany, pine and oak, "whose qualities combine to make us stronger." Goldsmith often quotes the late Rabbi Schneerson, the last head of the Chabad movement, "If a person looks at the world and sees something that needs to be fixed, that person has been put in a position to fix it. But if a person only sees ugliness, then he's the one who needs fixing."

Leaie a legacy to the Omaha Jewish Community by establishing an endowment fund at the Foundaion of the Jewish Federation of Omaha for as GUe as $5,000 in osh F securiies (staeksF corporate b«ids? mutual funds, Israel bondsf etc.)> Youll receive a tax deduction and... the opportunity to make any of'the Mowing dreams come true: 1 Endow scholarships for Jewish children to attend the Pennie Z. Davis Child Develpment Center. I Establish a merit-based college scholarship with Jewish Educational and Library Services. I Help Jewish Family Service provide for those in need in our community.

I Set up a fund for caregivers to spend a few hours a week assisting Jewish seniors who live in their own homes or apartments. I Provide funds to help support Friedel Jewish Academy. ! Help make it possible for Jewish youngsters from Omaha to attend Maccabi Games.

I Bring national speakers to the Omaha community. I Widen the options for adult Jewish education.

1 Boost the Anti-Defamation League in its fight against intolerance.

i Provide support for new exhibits at the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society.

I Create a fund to fulfill your own dreams and ideas for the Jewish community of Omaha.

>f the Jewish Federation of Omaha Contact Marty Ricks, Foundation Executive Director at 402/3346440

or 301-4038 (cellular) for questions or a confidential interview.