Vol. LXXXVIII No. 18 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 88 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
13 Tevet, 5769
January 9, 2009
Rocket fire from Gaza becomes personal for Israeli in Omaha by TAMAR HALEVY JCC Community Shlicha The morning Operation Cast Lead began, I received an invitation to a new Facebook group called: “newcomers to the Hamas’s attacks range”. A Facebook group is usually something you’re proud of, a group of people you identify with. If you’ll look at my Facebook profile, you’ll see who I am: I belong to the Israeli Border Police group, my army unit for the last four years, a Young Jewish Omaha group which I just joined recently, the Jewish Agency for Israel Shlichim group, and several others. This is the first Facebook group to which I wish I didn’t belong. I’m a 23-year-old working at the Jewish Community Center of Omaha as Omaha’s Community Shlicha (which literally means “messenger”) representing the Jewish Agency for Israel. I’m from a small village in Israel called Kibbutz Hatzor, located 22 miles from Gaza Strip and 29 miles from Tel Aviv. This is where I was born and raised; this is where my whole family lives today. Joining this Facebook group didn’t mean just another feature on my profile; it means that I’ve joined 500,000 Israelis, soon to be one million, who have no safe place to live since the rockets being fired from Gaza by Hamas can now reach as far
A 27-year-old construction worker from the Bedouin village of Aroer was killed and 14 other Israeli construction workers injured when a Grad rocket fired from Gaza landed on their construction site. Five of the wounded were in serious condition. Of the 60 rockets that have been fired into Israel just on the morning of Dec. 29, nine have landed in Ashkelon. Rockets also landed in Ashdod and Sderot during the day and in Beer Sheva the next day, where an empty school was hit. This was the deepest into Israel a Palestinian rocket has yet to strike. Credit: ISRANET
Community loses two giants
as Beer Sheva. I’ve joined a larger uncountable group of people who cannot sleep at night anymore, spending hours worrying about their closest beloved friends and family, asking themselves, “Will they survive the day?” On Dec. 27 the Qasaam’s alarm was heard in my home announcing: “Red Color, Red Color.” My family didn’t even have a shelter to go to, because who would have imagined that this area, in the heart of Israel, only 29 miles from Tel Aviv and 39 miles from Jerusalem, would ever be attacked by rockets from Gaza? For the first time since Israel’s Independence War in 1948, my home was under attack again. My father, Michael, who was a baby in 1948, was evacuated to a safe place in the Tel Aviv area during the Independence War. Now, 60 years later, he is not going anywhere he says. “This is my home,” he insists, “and I’m sticking to my home.” Just like my father 60 years ago, my newborn nephew, Noam, now eightweeks-old, and my sister-in-law, Noga, have left the kibbutz for a safer place. Noam’s father, my brother Ram, an officer in the Israeli Army, left home on Dec. 26 to protect us all. In my kibbutz -- for the first time in 60 Continued on page 2
Friend to immigrants, Sol Parsow dies at 86
Supporter of Blumkin staff, Jack Schrager dies at 95
Anne Shackman receives prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/ Friedland award
by JOAN K. MARCUS Funeral services were held Jan. 4 at Beth El Synagogue for Sol Parsow, retired Omaha clothier who had dedicated himself to helping Russian artists and artisans market their works in the United States. Parsow died Jan. 1. His wife, Lee Jane, and two sons, Dr. Jay Joseph Parsow and Steven Parsow, preceded him in death. Parsow was born in Cleveland to Russian immigrant parents. He often remarked that his parents didn’t know each other in Russia. “My father hiked over the mountains to escape being drafted by the Cossacks. He got to America penniless and met my mother in Cleveland.” Sol was seven when the family moved to Pittsburgh where they “starved” for three years. His father was a floor-sanding contractor who didn’t get much work and the family exhausted their credit at the grocery. As a young boy, he fainted at school from malnutrition. He never forgot that some of the other children brought Continued on page 15
by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press A self-made man and friend to the staff at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Jack Schrager died there Dec. 19 at the age of 95. Services were held Dec. 23 at Temple Israel. According to his son Phil, who gave one of the eulogies, “by the time he was 10years-old, Dad was selling newspapers in Milwaukee. It was the Depression and anyone who was old enough was expected to help earn money for the family.” A high school graduate, Jack was making deliveries with his father one night when their truck crashed. Jack survived, but his father didn’t. The experience defined him, making him the “man of the house” that included his mother and sisters. By the time he married his first wife, Sonia, in 1934, and started a career in sales in the early 1940s; he was known as “ace salesman.” With two children in tow, the couple moved to Omaha in 1946 and with business partner Irving Herzog, started Central Construction Continued on page 15
by LISA LIEB Having been a dedicated volunteer for more than 30 years, Anne Shackman was recently honored with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award. She has participated in a variety of Junior League programs, served on the Police Chief’s Task Force for Drug Prevention, and done extensive work for the Children’s Museum, including a term as President of the Guild. But Shackman’s first commitment has always been to the Jewish community, where she has held innumerable local, regional and national leadership positions. Shackman was the liaison for the Omaha Section of the National Council of Jewish Women to the ProChoice Coalition, served on the Jewish Family Service (JFS) board and chaired its fundraising campaign. Her involvement with the Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee has included participating in the Prejudice Elimination Workshop, serving on the board, and co-chairing ADL’s exhibit: Anne Frank in the World”, a major project which drew” close to 50,000 visitors to Joslyn Castle. The project won the Jewish Federation’s Community Service Award in 1991. Continued on page 9
Inside Opinion Page see page 12
This Week: Special Issue on Women’s Health See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Former Omahans’ grandchildren serving in IDF: Page 3
Coming Next Month: Simchas & Celebrations on Feb. 6 Federation salutes women’s philanthropy: Pages 8-9
Author highlights fictionalized account of Sarajevo Hagaddah: Page 16
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 9, 2009
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For visiting Americans, a brush with terror in Sderot
The Presidents Conference group met with Prime by DINA KRAFT SDEROT, Israel (JTA) -- American Jewish leaders on a Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, solidarity visit to this besieged southern Israel city learned President Shimon Peres and opposition leader Benjamin quickly what life was like under fire. Netanyahu as well as Defense Minister Ehud Barak. On Sunday, when a Code Red alert was sounded, they In these meetings, the American Jewish leaders have were rushed into a protected room. Seconds later a been hearing details about how Israel prepared for the miltremendous crash was heard -- a Hamas rocket had struck itary assault that, on the night of Jan. 3, went from masjust 300 feet from the police station where they had sive air attacks to a ground war, as well as insight into what sought shelter. Israeli officials hope to achieve “It was such a thud, believe by the military operations. me, something you don’t “We got a very good sense forget,” said Malcolm of what is happening and Hoenlein, the executive vice what the message is that we chairman of the Conference should be getting out to the of Presidents of Major world,” said Ronald Lauder, American Jewish Organizaa past chairman of the tions, a few hours later. “The Presidents Conference and building shook.” president of the World “This was so close and so Jewish Congress. impactful in terms of recogThat message, he said, was nizing the vulnerability to it twofold: Israel’s military and the unpredictability of it needs to bring an end to because it can strike any- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg in Israel on a solidarity Hamas’ rocket fire and where at any time,” he said, mission, visits Barzalai Hospital in Ashkelon. Credit: ISRANET weapons smuggling, and to adding, “you can never not be on alert.” accomplish these goals, Israel probably would need time With Israeli tanks rumbling into yet another war, the despite international pressure for a swift cease-fire deal. delegation sent by the Presidents Confence to Sderot New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also was in marks the first wave of solidarity visits by American Jews. Sderot Sunday on a brief solidarity tour stop -- and also “We felt we had to be here not just in spirit but body experienced an alert for incoming rocket fire. As the alert to communicate the message that the people of Israel are sounded, security guards frantically pushed him and his not alone,” said Hoenlein. entourage into a protected room and slammed shut the Participants say they are motivated to see the situation door behind them. on the ground so they can return home and provide a “I think intellectually I understood what the people of firsthand account of Israel’s perspective. Many have been Sderot were going through, but this time it’s more on past solidarity visits -- most recently during the 2006 etched in my memory and more personal than reading Lebanon War, and before then at particularly tense times about it or seeing it on television,” Bloomberg said. during the most recent Palestinian uprising, as well as the As the mayor stepped through the ruins of a house that 1991 Gulf War. had been hit by a rocket just hours before he arrived, a It’s also a chance to meet with Israel’s military and man named Yigal whose mother lived next door shouted, political upper echelon, who despite the tense situation “Tell Obama to give a green light to the Israeli army.” make time for such visitors knowing that they can be Bloomberg, facing a re-election campaign in a city that effective advocates for the Israeli cause upon their return courts the ample Jewish vote, was unequivocal in his supto the United States. port for Israel and his condemnation of Hamas.
Rocket fire from Gaza becomes personal
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Continued from page 1 from Gaza. years of independence -- all the pre-schools, the kinderIn response to the hundreds of rockets and mortars gartens and the schools closed. The community dining that have been fired into Israeli civilian populations over room was evacuated. Once in while, they hear the rock- the past 2l weeks, on early Saturday morning, Dec. 27, ets falling all around them, once in a while they hear the Israel launched as a self defense measure a series of alarms and pray for luck. Airstrikes against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. My family was lucky in the three days since Operation About 180 trucks bearing medical supplies, basic food Cast Lead began. Not so commodities and other lucky was Irit Sheetrit, a 39humanitarian goods as well as year-old mother from 10 ambulances were transAshdod, who was on her way ferred into the Gaza Strip home from the gym with her through the Kerem Shalom sister Ayelet when a rocket crossing from Dec. 28-30. exploded near their car On Dec. 28 alone,160 tons shortly after 9 p.m. of food and medicine in 23 Although Irit managed to trucks entered Gaza; on get out of her car to take Dec. 29, triple that amount cover, she was fatally wound-- 60 trucks of medicine and ed and succumbed to her food and 10 ambulances -injuries shortly afterwards. were delivered. During the Her sister was wounded. Irit six month truce, Israel let Sheetrit was buried in 17,000 truckloads of goods Ashdod. She is survived by into Gaza. her husband Herzl and their More than 40 Kassam and Grad rockets were fired from In 2008, more than 3000 Gaza into Beersheva, Ofakim and Sderot on Dec. 30 Two rockets were fired into Israel four children. Three other Israelis had people sustained light injuries from shrapnel and some 60 -- 200 since the truce expired Credit: ISRANET and 150 in the just the first “shared the same luck” -- others were treated for shock. Beber Vaknin, 58, from Netivot was killed when a rocket three days. More than 100 Hamas military and weapons fired from Gaza hit an apartment building in the city; sites have been targeted, however, Hamas (as do other Hani al-Mahdi, 27, from Aroar, a Beduin settlement in terrorists) often place their munitions factories in the the Negev was killed when a Grad-type missile fired from heart of residential areas. Gaza exploded at a construction site in Ashkelon; Warrant In his visit in the city Sderot, on July 2008, PresidentOfficer Lutfi Nasraladin, 38, from the Druze town of elect Barack Obama, said, “I’m here to say as an American Daliat el-Carmel was killed by a and as a friend of Israel, that we mortar attack on a military base near For a greater understanding of what is hap- stand with the people of Sderot and pening in Israel and Gaza visit the Jewish with all the people of Israel. The Nahal Oz. Israeli civilians in Southern Israel Federation of Omaha website: www.jew- rockets fired by Hamas deliberately are being attacked by the Palestinian ishomaha.org, ADL’s webpage on Israel: and indiscriminately target civilians terror organization Hamas, con- www.adl.org/Israel/IsraelStrikesBack.a and this terror is intolerable. Israelis stantly and deliberately for years. sp. For more resources on Israel and the should not have to live in danger in Three weeks ago, after six months Middle East: visit: www.adl.org/israel/advo- homes and schools. America must the cease fire, Hamas had renewed c a c y / o n l i n e _ r e s o u r c e s . a s p , always stand up for Israel’s right to its attacks on Israeli communities, www.memri.org or www.imra.org, as well defend itself against those who firing rockets as far away as 25 miles as www.honestreporting.com. threaten its people.”
January 9, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
My three soldiers JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER I have three children serving in the Israel Defense Forces. I am the father of Sgt. Nathan Weinberger (almost 21), Cpl. Rebecca Ross (19 and a half), and Pvt. Ruthie Ross (18). President-elect Obama has spoken repeatedly of the need to engage young people in service for their country and for the world; in Israel, service is mandatory. Nathan is two-thirds of the way through his required three years of service, Rebecca is half way through her two, and Ruthie was inducted in November. We moved to Israel from Miami in the summer of 1997. Thanks to the Russian immigration boom that preceded our arrival, when I showed up at the ripe old age of 36, the IDF was not interested in my services. My children, however, all immigrated before the age of induction begins, and the IDF very much expects each one of them to serve in some capacity. A few weeks before a child turns 17 the Induction Administration sends parents a letter, which reads in part: “We believe that enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces represents a joint family experience and that you also, as close family members, are excited and curious in advance of the enlistment. We very much appreciate the guidance, support, and encouragement of the candidate through the various stages of enlistment, and we will help you in this as much as we are able.” I felt relieved when I first received this letter in advance of Nathan’s induction
process four years ago. While I was not given the opportunity to serve, I have a part to play in supporting the service of my children. How is it different to live in a country with mandatory military service? As the parent of three soldiers, I am very much touched by the fact that the whole country loves my children. Because
our failures (and oh how difficult it is to admit failure). The years of regular-army service are so enshrined in Israeli culture that when one speaks of a “soldier” one is referring precisely to this period, though tens of thousands of Israeli men are active in the military reserves and must report for duty some 20-35 days a year up until they are discharged around the age of 40. Even your typical hardened Israeli will soften for a soldier. My son Nathan failed his driving test three times. Nathan passed on his fourth try, while wearing his IDF uniform. Rebecca took our car in for its governmentrequired annual testing. She was in uniform. Though she could not find the necessary insurance papers and a headlight needed to be replaced, she managed to convince the tough mechanics at the testing center that we did have insurance and that they Corporal Rebecca Ross and Private Ruthie Ross (18) and Sergeant needed to replace the Nathan Weinberger, are currently serving in the IDF. headlight on the spot service is mandatory, when Israelis look because she was too busy to return (less upon my uniformed children, they see not than true). only young people serving their country, The guys got a big kick out of seeing but they also see themselves, as well as little 5’2” Rebecca in her uniform. their own mothers, fathers, brothers, sis- Repeatedly saluting her and saying “yes, ters, sons and daughters -- who once officer ma’am,” they stamped all the necserved, who are serving, or who will serve. essary forms and sent her on her way. It is because of this, too, that the miliFor a parent, there is a huge difference tary’s achievements are naturally experi- between non-combat military service and enced as our achievements and its failures combat military service. When your son
goes into a combat unit (there are almost no girls in these), you can say good-bye to sleep for a few years. Thankfully, I am not yet the father of a combat soldier (though it’s almost certain that one or both of my youngest two, both boys and both now in high school, will be in combat). Nathan was excused from combat for medical reasons. He is serving in the air force in the south of the country, working in a weapons’ testing lab and also in the financial office of his huge base. Rebecca works at a high school for problem children during the day and plays professional basketball at night (she was awarded “outstanding athlete” status by the army and can thus maintain her basketball career). Ruthie will be teaching Hebrew to new-immigrant soldiers; she is now in the middle of a 10-week training course. A big difference between me and my peers in the States, whose children are in college rather than in military service, comes down to pride. I can feel that the whole country is proud of my children, and in turn I am completely and utterly proud of them. Were I in the States, and were my children, respectively, a freshman, a sophomore, and a junior in college, I would certainly be proud of them, but I don’t believe that pride would be the key emotion in my relationship to them. I would be concerned about paying for their tuition and about their future. After the often tense high school rebellious adolescent years, it’s wonderful to have pride be one’s overwhelming feeling for one’s child. I am proud that when called upon by their country to serve, my children have responded in the affirmative. Weinberger and his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, live in Givat Ze’ev. He can be reached at weinross@netvision.net.il.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 9, 2009
Parenting respectfully
by CAROLE GREENBERG CDC Assistant Director The Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center will host Joanne Baum, Ph.D. on Monday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. This event is open to the community. Dr. Baum believes that parenting more respectfully increases skills and confiDr. Joanne Baum dence in abilities to handle difficult emotional situations in life as adults. She will share her basics of “Respectful Parenting” in order to optimize your child’s emotional, social and cognitive development. In a national contest, Dr. Baum and her book, Got the Baby Where’s the Manual?!? won the 2007 IPPY Gold Medal for Parenting. Baum received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1979. During her graduate studies, she trained and worked with Dr. Carl Whitaker doing family therapy. Dr. Baum has taught at Central Michigan
University, Vista College and Diablo Valley College. She also was the Clinical Director of the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic Detox Project from 1981-83. In 1981, she began her private practice in the Bay area and continued when she moved to Colorado in 1993, working with adults, teens, children, as well as couples, and families. Baum wrote two parenting/family newspaper columns a month for the local weekly newspaper, The Canyon Courier, from 1984-94. Currently, Dr. Baum is in private practice in Evergreen, CO. In addition, she is a popular speaker for training workshops/seminars and keynote speeches for parent groups, community and professional groups around the country. She also works in the divorce field as a Child and Family Investigator (formerly called a Special Advocate for children), as a divorce coach or child specialist in collaborative divorce cases, and as a mediator throughout the Denver metropolitan area. The CDC recognizes the importance and the need to create a lifetime of difference for parents and children through education. Respectful Parenting is wonderfully nurturing for children while parents become the parents they want to be. Please RSVP to Charlotte at 334.6413.
YACHAD to sponsor art show and sale
by OZZIE NOGG An exhibit of art work by Yachad members will be displayed in the Jewish Community Center Gallery from Jan. 20-29, with a special “Meet the Artists and Sale” scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25, 1-3 p.m. with a dessert reception, sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section and Hadassah. “Each piece is charming and unique,” said Karen Gustafson, Jewish Family Service director, “and every work of art is for sale. Proceeds will go directly back into the Yachad program, which -- like so many other social service programs -- is in dire need of funds. We invite the entire community to join us for the afternoon, to visit with the Yachad artists and perhaps take home something special created by someone special.” Yachad, a program sponsored by JFS, provides social,
cultural and religious activities plus advocacy, referral services and general support for Omaha Jews with developmental disabilities and their families. “This art show and sale fits in with our commitment to enhance life opportunities for Yachad members and to integrate them into their community,” Gustafson said. “We can’t wait to show off their creativity, and Yachad members look forward to interacting with the public and utilizing the social skills they’ve been practicing.” Carole Greenberg, assistant director of the Child Development Center, is providing artistic guidance to Yachad members in the creation of their individual pieces. The exhibit was made possible by a grant from the Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Federation Foundation.
Parenting isn’t easy. Don’t give up. Call toll-free 2-1-1* or go to www.ne211.org. Reach out. Get Answers.
ORGANIZATIONS
WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the Bunch to Lunch day trip to Cheeseburger in Paradise and shop at Village Point, please meet at the JCC by 10:45 a.m. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., in the the JCC. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
VISIONS Reminder: Visions luncheon meeting is Friday, Jan. 16, 12:30 p.m. at the Venice Inn. Take a musical journey with Cantor Wendy Shermet from Temple Israel. For information, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709. If you need a ride, call Florence Hauss at 571.4583. Send reservations to Tootie Simon at 8725 Izard St., Omaha NE 68114.
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Hear all about the new UNO Israel and Jewish Studies Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14, noon, at Regency Lodge, from the educational director and founder, Dr. Guy Matalon and Natan Schwalb, respectively, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Lois at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
IN THE NEWS
Merrill Elizabeth Abrams, daughter of Laura Reilly and former Omahan Jim Abrams, was recently promoted to Vice President at Miller Buckfire, a New York investment bank specializing in restructuring distressed businesses. She is a graduate of the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania College of Engineering.
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Jewish Experience Grant applications due by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Director of Operations and Programming, The Center for Jewish Education Despite the ice and snow and daily wind chill reports, think of camp for your kids -- when summer really is just around the corner! And the Jewish Federation of Omaha has a wonderful gift to help with the cost of summer camp. That gift is the Jewish Experience Grant. Jewish Experience Grants are available to everyone in the Omaha Jewish community. The grant is a non-need based award, with no financial information requested or required. The total grant amount is $1,000. This can be used in one year or divided into two $500 grants to be used over two summers. Attending a summer Jewish camp is truly a life changing experience for kids. The percentage of kids who attend camp and maintain a strong Jewish identity in adult life is very high. Camp Sabra, OSRUI, Herzl Camp, Moshava, Shwayder, Ramah, and Camp Nageela Midwest are just a few of the camps attended by kids from the Omaha community. Recognizing that the cost of camp can be a bit challenging for families, the Federation designed the Jewish Experience Grant program as a way to help. Program requirements include: Grants are available for students in grades three through 11; the student must currently attend an
Omaha synagogue religious school or Friedel Jewish Academy and will attend religious school or Friedel Jewish Academy the year following the camp experience; the family is a contributor in good standing to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha; the program must be a summer residential Jewish camp recognized by the Center for Jewish Education; the camp session is a minimum of two weeks; and an application, completed in full, must be received by the Center for Jewish Education office no later than Jan. 30. Applying is simple. A two-page application form is completed by the parents, signed by the family’s congregational rabbi and religious school director, and returned to the CJE office. Payment is then made directly to the camp. Grant applications can be printed from the Federation website at www.jewishomaha.org. Select the CJE page and then go to the Scholarships and Grants page. Applications can also be obtained by calling 334.6645 or via email to mgrossman@jewishomaha. org. There are also opportunities for financial-need based scholarships through the Financial Aid Committee of the Center for Jewish Education. Applications for these scholarships can be found on the same page as described above. The application deadline for financial-need based scholarships is March 2.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
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Temple families, OTYG celebrate Hanukkah at Remington Heights
Others from Temple who lit candles at Remington were members of the Rob and Wendy Reiss, George and Jill Idelman, Mike and Susie Norton, Bruce and Cindy Goldberg, David and Wendy Goldberg, Jeff and Ellen Platt, and Natasha Kraft families. “We enjoyed the experience greatly,� said David Goldberg. After leaving Remington, OTYG went ice skating at ConAgra. “I was expecting it to be really cold,� added Jordan, “but it was nice� to her surprise. The rink was filled with people of all ages and from many parts of the city which lent a Cantor Wendy Shermet, right, leads the teens and residents in several holiday songs. feeling of community to the evening. of Lights with Jewish residents of Remington Heights. OTYG ended the night with dinner at Zio’s Pizzeria in Jordan Jensen, 14, a member of OTYG, said spending time with the residents, singing with them, playing drei- the Old Market where “we just hung out and talked,� said Jordan. del, and munching on latkes “was really fun.�
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Seven Temple Israel families and Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) took turns throughout Hanukkah lighting candles and celebrating the Festival
Sunday night dinners available at Beth Israel
ADL addresses global anti-Semitism in mini-course
by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Since last fall, Beth Israel Synagogue has been hosting monthly Sunday Night Dinners. The next Sunday Night Dinner will be held on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. and the community is invited to attend. “Each month, we have a different theme and menu option,� explained Executive Director Beth Cohen. “For instance, one month we had kosher deli sandwiches from a Subway in Kansas City. Another time the meal featured breakfast foods. This month, we’re going to have hot dogs, corn dogs, chili and side dishes, as well as dessert.� The Sunday Night Dinners are chaired by Joey Shyken. “Thanks to Joey’s time and energy, we’ve had some great dinners,� noted Cohen. “We’ve had many people volunteer to help with shopping, cooking, set-up and clean-up. What’s so nice about these monthly dinners is that it brings people together with the preparation as well as during the dinner itself. We owe a debt of gratitude to Joey for all of his hard work.� Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages four to twelve and free for children ages three and younger. You also have the opportunity to sponsor a Sunday Night Dinner. Sponsors are recognized at the dinner and in Beth Israel’s monthly bulletin. To learn more about sponsorships, please call the office. Mark your calendar for the February Sunday Night Dinner, too. The theme will be “Israeli Night� with falafel and many other Israeli delicacies. The dinner will be held on Feb. 8, 6 p.m., at the Annual Tu B’Shevat Seder and Bracha Bee. To RSVP, please call the office at 556.6288.
by THERESE VAUGHN-WEINER Anti-Defamation League, Plains States Region From a swastika-painted locker at a local school to a terrorist attack in India to malicious anti-Israel cartoons in Arab newspapers, anti-Semitism is a continuing threat around the globe. Yet, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) remains evermore committed to exposing and stamping out this new anti-Jewish hatred. This month, ADL Plains States Regional Director Alan Potash will be leading a four-part series on global anti-Semitism at Beth El Synagogue. The course will enable participants to share personal experiences as well as learn about confronting antiSemitism within regional and international communities. Possible topics may include: • Anti-Semitism in the world media (cartoons, Internet, etc.); • Increased hate rhetoric and incidents prompted by the economic crisis and the U.S. presidential election; • Mixing age-old canards with outrageous new conspiracy theories; • Equipping families with the skills to take personal action against anti-Semitism and create more respectful and inclusive communities. “Anti-Semitism is on the rise, both locally and internationally. The ADL, however, is prepared to serve as an educational leader, helping our community resist the currents of scapegoating and stereotyping,â€? Potash said. Open to the public, the Global Anti-Semitism Series started at Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California Street, on Wednesdays Jan. 14, 21 and 28, 7:30 p.m. Cost is $18 per participant. For more information, call the ADL at 333.1303 or Beth El at 492.8550.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 9, 2009
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Beth El Caring Committee always looking out for congregants in need
by JILL BELMONT others, she noted. “What we do is not Beth El Publicity Coordinator public. Many people don’t like to ask for They work quietly behind the scenes, help, and turning to the synagogue is a they are always on call, and they ask for comforting thing.” no recognition or thanks. But by assisting In addition to enjoying spending time any congregants in need, Beth El’s with the folks she assists, volunteer Evie Caring Committee makes a significant Mitchell shared that she helps out, difference in the lives of fellow synagogue “because it is something I am able to do members. at this time in my life and because I know The committee of mitzvah mensches, that the people who can no longer drive led by Diane Shandell and Diane Baum, need the service. It is the least we at Beth is responsible for “becoming aware of, El can do to help our congregants. If I and helping meet the needs of, Beth El were in the same position as those in members when they are ill, recuperating need, I know that I would be most apprefrom surgery, or going through stages of ciative of this service. Do unto others as transition that require the support or you would want done for you.”Ann attention of others,” Baum explained. Goldstein echoed that sentiment, saying Volunteers prepare and deliver meals, assist with household chores, offer general handyman services, and provide rides to the grocery store or medical appointments; they also keep tabs on congregants who live alone, by checking in on them via frequent phone calls. In addition, the committee, along with Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg, keeps Blumkin Home res- Diane Shandell and her daughter, Jessica, recently spent time idents connected to Beth in Beth El's kitchen, putting together Mitzvah Meals for the synEl through visits during agogue's Caring Committee. “Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home,” that “having experienced times in my life a program shared by all of the synagogues when I couldn’t drive and had to depend in town. on others, I’m delighted to now have the Volunteering on the Caring Committee time, energy and desire to assist in any is “very gratifying,” said Shandell, who way possible. explained that she got involved with the “This is simply something that congrecommittee as a way to give back to Beth gations do for one another!” she continEl, the synagogue at which she grew up. ued, applauding Shandell’s leadership. “I She expressed sensitivity toward older think that Diane does such a great job congregants who live alone and might because she enables congregants to ask feel isolated, saying, “It seemed that once for assistance in a quiet way, and enables some older congregants reach a certain others to provide assistance in a quiet point in their lives - those whose families way, as well. It’s just people helping peoare grown and gone - sometimes they feel ple. It is also nice to have a connection invisible, and that they’re no longer with congregants who don’t have the important. I want to keep a connection opportunity to get out very often. A ride with these people so that they would to an appointment is both a nice converknow they’re just as important as younger sation and a way to help people see their synagogue members. I hope it makes a doctor in order to stay healthy. It’s fun difference to those who otherwise might and easy to do.” feel isolated or neglected.” Synagogue President Steve Pitlor Several mitzvah mensches who, on a expressed appreciation for the kindness regular basis, drive synagogue members and generosity of time shown by Caring to medical appointments, explained why Committee members, saying, “Synathey enjoy serving on the committee. gogues are about many things. In addi“I help out because someday that could tion to spiritual enrichment, social gathbe me or my family who needs the help, erings and education, the Caring and I’d like to think that it would be Committee at Beth El is a prime example available for us,” Helen Epstein of how members devote time and effort remarked, adding that, “the committee is to make other people’s lives better, particspecial for volunteers who want to make a ularly in a time of need. We are so appredifference but don’t have the money to ciative of these individuals who truly go donate. This is their way of contributing to great lengths to make the world a little by giving of themselves.” better place. We are proud to have such The services provided are vital, Epstein caring people as members of Beth El.” said. “In our congregation, there are Shandell said she is always looking for many people who are essentially alone. more volunteers to assist with the Caring It’s not easy when most of a person’s fam- Committee’s services; she encouraged ily is either dead or live in another city anyone interested in volunteering or and is unavailable to help out.” learning more about the program, to Privacy is an important factor in the contact her at dhshandell@tconl.com, success of the committee’s ability to help or at 333.7226.
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January 9, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
OTYG advisor’s nursing career knows no boundaries
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator In June 2009, Amy Katz will celebrate her 30th anniversary as a nurse. “My grandmother, Mabel Cooper, was a nurse,” Katz explained. “Mabel worked in research in the administration of President Herbert Hoover. She was the first person to give an injection of penicillin to a non-research subject,” Amy recalled proudly. Even after contracting polio and being wheelchair dependent for many years, Cooper worked in nursing administration until she was 78. “She was specifically interested in care for the elderly well before geriatric medicine was popular.” Influenced by her grandmother’s example, Katz, originally from Buffalo, New York, attended nursing school at Northwestern University. Amy Katz: wife, mother, nurse, and By that time, her OTYG advisor. family had moved to Chicago where her father worked for United Airlines. “I worked as a nurse’s aide when I was in high school.” After earning her degree, Katz moved to San Francisco “at the urging of a friend,” Dick Katz, whom she married in 1982. In 1993, they moved to Omaha where he had grown up. “My first position was in San Francisco at a rehab hospital. I worked on a unit for young adults. We treated patients from immediately post injury and through the rehab process, usually about nine months. These were young kids who became paralyzed by diving accidents, car accidents, gun shot wounds. I was only 21 years old at the time so it was very challenging especially since I was treating mostly kids my own age,” she said. “This was in an era before insurance assignment of hospital length of stay,” Katz pointed out. “We really saw the benefits of extended stays. We even took the kids out into the community as part of our day’s work. When they were discharged, they were fully rehabilitated.” About four years into her work at the rehab hospital, the hospital closed. Katz took a job with the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation as research coordinator. She described it as “a wonderful job” that taught her much about medicine and disabilities. “I think that job had
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group. “I didn’t want to intrude on her personal life, but she said she didn’t mind,” said Amy, “and she has enjoyed working side by side with me. “Nurses are great time managers so the organizational skills I learned in nursing make working with OTYG easier,” Amy added. “I find time to do both, because I love what I do in both positions.” She spends 20 hours per week planning events with the youth, guiding the OTYG Board members in their roles, being available for the teens, taking them to conventions and regional events, and making their lives at Temple Israel fun. Rabbi Eric Linder has noticed that Amy is “incredibly organized. She’s also fun and responsible. She’s a pleasure to work with, and our students enjoy her knowledge and leadership. She allows space for OTYGers to grow and lead and is a wonderful complement to the rest of our staff.” “I enjoy working with teenagers,” Katz admitted. “I enjoy their enthusiasm and their perspectives on life. I laugh more with them than anywhere else. As we’ve gotten to know each other, we have found the best way we work together, and this has allowed us to plan for next year and make the organization even better.” Being part of Temple is important to Amy. “We are so lucky to have the clergy we do at Temple. When I walk in the doors to work, I feel completely at home and enthused about any goals we have that they will work out.” “I would not change anything in my career,” Katz insisted. “I consider all the good and bad to be part of life’s education. What I’ve learned as a nurse applies to both my profession as well as my personal life. When you work with people who are ill and often facing death, it’s an honor to be a part of that. What I’ve learned from patients over the years, I hope will make me a better person.” Emphasizing that nursing has no boundaries, Katz “would like to do humanitarian work either in a refugee camp or just in a foreign country. Nursing hasn’t changed me. I went into it, because of who I am, and it has allowed me to continue to be who I am.” CORRECTION In the Dec. 26 article about Rabbi Yaakov Weiss, it was incorrectly stated that he is training at UNMC. In fact, he works at The Nebraska Medical Center, not UNMC. UNMC is the medical school and is separate from The Nebraska Medical Center, which is the hospital; all patient care (pastoral care included) is done at The Nebraska Medical Center. Most research and education is done through UNMC, as part of the statewide university system. The Press regrets the error.
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the greatest impact of who I am as a nurse. “After our move to Omaha, I couldn’t find a research position that matched the one I had left so I decided to try something completely different. This is the true beauty of nursing,” according to Katz, emphasizing “the variety and endless possibilities to stretch oneself. I took a position in the health center at the Iowa School for the Deaf.” She learned sign language and worked at the school part-time for 14 years “and loved everything about it. I liked watching the kids grow and mature over the years. I liked being a surrogate parent for the kids who lived far from home. I think the staff at the school is incredible in their love for their work and dedication to education. “Unfortunately, the funding was cut last summer, and the residential part of the program was cut” reducing staff hours. “Since I had another part-time job in Omaha, I resigned to allow other staff continued fulltime employment.” For the past four and a half years, Katz has been with Omaha’s Children’s Hospital as the research coordinator for the Department of Hematology/Oncology. She works about 30 hours a week there. “My responsibilities are related to diagnosis and assignment of treatment protocols for our patients. In pediatric cancers, it is the standard of care to treat children on research protocols. We are part of a cooperative group of over 250 institutions.” By sharing data and following children throughout their care and treatment, survival rates have improved, and the long-term affects of chemotherapy and radiation have been reduced. “I don’t work as closely with the children as I would as a staff nurse, but I feel this is a very important part of cancer treatment and hopefully a cure for cancer in our lifetime. “When I went to nursing school, nursing was taught as an art and a science. As much attention was spent on understanding the patient personally as medically. I think all the technology and insurance paperwork and legal concerns have taken some of the art out of nursing. I admire the nurses who continue to hold nursing as both an art and a science,” she explained. Shortly after moving to Omaha, the Katz family joined Temple Israel and raised their family here. Son Alex, now 23, is a project engineer for Chevron Phillips Chemical in Port Arthur, Texas. Twenty-year-old Max is a sophomore in architecture at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Emily, 16, is a sophomore at Westside High School. Dick Katz has worked in the telecommunications field since 1980. It was Emily for whose approval Amy asked before she applied for the position of Omaha Temple Youth Group advisor early this year. Emily, OTYG social action vice president, is an active member of the youth
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 2, 2009
Women’s major giving leads the way Roz Friedman’s legacy: Projects from the heart
by LISA LIEB Asked to describe her family’s philanthropic philosophy Rosalie (Roz) Friedman once said, “We’re motivated by things that are meaningful to us. We’re drawn to projects that hit us in the heart.” One thing is apparEshet Chayil ent to all who knew (A Woman of Valor) Proverbs 31 her -- Roz’s heart was full of love for the low-income stuJewish community. dents, the Siena Born in Coon Rapids, Iowa, Rosalie Francis House, and Wasserman moved to Omaha when the the Omaha Food Bank. But taking care of time came for her brother Sidney to begin the Jewish community both here and his studies for his Bar Mitzvah. She overseas would always come first. In attended Dundee School and graduated 2003, Roz Friedman and the Friedman from Central High School. Shortly after family were honored with the Jewish graduating from the then-Lindenwood Federation’s Humanitarian of the Year College in St. Charles, Missouri, Roz Award in recognition of their outstanding married Ike Friedman in 1946. example of Jewish philanthropy. After turning Borsheim’s Jewelry Store Roz would often fund areas of special into an unparalleled success, Roz and Ike interest to her, such as Jewish Family Friedman were quick to use their good Service’s Project Dreidel. But with Roz, fortune to help enrich the lives of others. giving to some of her favorite Jewish Always making the Jewish community projects was never done at a sacrifice of their number one priority, Roz and Ike her gift to the Federation, explains also gave generously to museums, art and Executive Director Jan Goldstein. “Roz cultural programs, higher education, and never faltered in her support of the Jewish human service organizations. Federation, because she understood that After Ike died in 1991, Roz continued programs such as Project Dreidel could down the philanthropic path she and Ike only exist because of the strong commuhad embarked upon together. nal structure the Federation provides,” Throughout the years, Roz continued Jan said. to give generously to a number of secular Roz Friedman died on Aug. 2, leaving causes – such as public schools serving behind family and friends who loved her
“An accomplished woman, who can find? Her value is far beyond pearls... Strength and honor are her clothing, she smiles at the future.”
and an entire community that admired and respected her. As Goldstein said about Roz at the time of her death, “Roz was a philanthropic leader, role model and mentor, who knew when to give quietly and when to stand up publicly so that others would follow.” By all accounts, Roz’s generosity was extraordinary -- she will be remembered as the single largest female philanthropist to have ever blessed the Omaha Jewish community. In what was perhaps her greatest contribution, however, Roz Friedman had the foresight to endow a significant portion of her annual gift. That endowment ensures that her legacy of giving will live on for years to come.
Omaha Women's Giving in Dollars 900,000 800,000 700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000
From the Chairman by GAIL VEITZER 2009 Lion of Judah Chairman As a transplant from Chicago more than 40 years ago and as a member of a small community, I realize how important it is to raise money to help the Jewish community here and overseas, so I have accepted responsibility to serve as Lion of Judah Chairman. Lions are dedicated and generous women who work to make the world a better place. On behalf of the Federation, I want you to know how much we value and appreciate your support and generosity. When visitors come, I take pride in showing them our beautiful campus. I point out our special facility, starting with the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Friedel Jewish Academy, the Child Development Center, state-of-the-art fitness and aquatics center, and more! They are always impressed with our campus as well as what our vibrant Jewish community of fewer than 6,000 people has accomplished -and so am I. But the fact is our costs are increasing. Last year, for the first time in several years, we raised less money than in the preceding year, magnifying the fact that our campaign increases have continuously fallen behind inflation. So in order to maintain our campus, as well as our high level of programs and services, we must increase our campaign. An older generation gave generously for decades to help build this community and now we all have an obligation to provide for its future. In addition to our work here in Omaha, your gift will provide social services, strengthen Jewish identity and put food on the table for Jews in 69 countries around the world. I have always been proud to say I am from Omaha, where we have a great legacy of women opening their hearts and giving generously. Thank you for supporting our wonderful Jewish community!
Women’s Major Giving Levels 100,000
0
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Lions of Judah
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Double Chai $3,600 - $4,999
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Phyllis Aronson Judy Baker Ellie Batt Frances Batt* Sandra Belgrade Carol Bloch Margaret Block Frances Blumkin Susie Blumkin Paula Boggust Marcia Cohen Aileen Eisenstatt* Bobbie Epstein Sandy Epstein Ruth Erman Darlynn Fellman Frances Fried Carol Gendler Pearl Richman Giventer Janet Glass Ann Goldstein Jan Goldstein Shirley Goldstein Linda K. Gordman Nancy Greenberg Sheri Idelman Andi Kavich
$100,000 +
Roz Friedman*
$25,000 – $49,999 Susie Cohn Nancy Friedland
Sapphire Lion $18,000 - $24,999
Ruby Lion Sharee Newman
$10,000 - $17,999
Thama Friedman Karen Javitch Fran Juro Maxine Kirshenbaum Sharon Kooper Nancy Noddle Terri Schrager
Beverly Seldin Anne Shackman Phyllis Sherman Gail Veitzer Joodi Veitzer Anonymous
$5,000 - $9,999
Gail Kohll Joan Lehr Bobbi Leibowitz Lyra Ann Monasee Jeanie Neff Phyllis Newman Susie Noddle Patty Nogg Carol Parsow Marcia Pitlor Daphna Pollak Zoë Riekes Dorothy Riekes Kimberly Robinson Julie Rochman Stacey Rockman Cynthia Schneider Jan Schneiderman Beth Schrager Hannah Schwalb Sarah Seldin Norma Silverman Harriet Singer Ellen Slosburg Martha Slosburg Cari Sommer Melissa Steiner
* Of Blessed Memory
Eunice Denenberg Phyllis Glazer Gloria Kaslow Sharon Kirshenbaum Shirley Kulakofsky Kim Noddle
Ramona Pepper Barbara Platt Helene Shrago Linda Shrier Suzanne Singer Nancy Wolf
Pomegranates $1,800 – $3,599
Marilyn Berman Bonnie Bloch Chris Blumkin Bess Brodkey Jane Brooks Anne Cohen Sylvia Cohn Cheryl Cooper Elaine Feldman Deanna Gilinsky Cindy Goldberg Danielle Gordman Linda Gordman Caryl Greenberg Andrea Hamburg Cookie Hoberman Joanie Jacobson Sheryn Joffe Joan Kaiman Beatrice Karp Renee Kasner Carol Katzman Madeline Katzman Sandra Kutler
Barbara Lashinsky Sandra Lehr Bert Lewis Deana Liddy Thelma Lustgarten Jody Malashock Linda Mann Sue Meyers Ducky Milder Lori Miller Jane Murow Fefe Passer Arlene Richman Iris Ricks Margo Riekes Barbara Rips Jane Rips Susan Scherl Nancy Schlessinger Suzy Sheldon Eve Simon Muriel Steinberg Selma Tretiak Debbi Zweiback
January 9, 2009
Lions leave a legacy with LOJE ing the same result. For those who have by MARTY RICKS Executive Director significant Individual Retirement Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Account (IRA) balances, making the You see the list of Lions of Judah on the Federation a designated beneficiary at opposite page. We are very fortunate that death is an even easier and simpler way to many of these generous women have obtain LOJE status, since an attorney is gone one giant step beyond becoming not needed to draft a document. Once Lions by creating a LOJE, which stands again, no assets pass until death. for “Lion of Judah Endowment.” This A third alternative has been used by means they have established an arrange- four of our LOJE donors: Bobbi Epstein, ment that after their death, a gift to the Kim Noddle, Patty Nogg and Joodi United Jewish Communities/Jewish Veitzer. They have purchased life insurFederation of Omaha Annual Campaign ance with the Federation designated as will continue forever. “The Lion of Judah Endowment provides an How does this work? A fund is set aside with opportunity to fulfill long term and future commitments at least $100,000- to Jewish survival and the quality of Jewish life in our $125,000 held by the community. The Or l’Atid (light unto the future) on the Jewish Federation of Omaha or our Lion pin is a symbol of the Foundation, where eternal responsiveness of Jewish each year the “income” women. A LOJE fund that of 4-6% from that fund permanently endows a woman’s is transferred to the annual gift to the Jewish Federation for that year’s annual campaign. Federation Campaign will A typical response to perpetuate commitment to this picture might be, Jewish continuity. By providing a “I cannot give you permanent endowment through LOJE, you will help $100,000-$125,000, with needs we can anticipate and needs for the future. especially with the stock market so low.” This is why it is important to establish a Lion of Judah My answer to this is, Endowment Fund.” Sharee Newman “Not to worry. In order to qualify for the beneficiary. This works espeLOJE status, we do not cially well for younger donors need to set up the fund Frances Batt because the annual insurance preSusan Cohn during your lifetime.” miums are relatively low. The fact In fact, many of our Aileen Eisenstatt that the premiums are tax LOJE donors have Barbara “Bobbie” deductible is an added advantage. funding set up to be Using a simpler but not necesEpstein available after their Roz Friedman sarily as popular a method, some death, through a Thama Lee Friedman of our current LOJE donors bequest in their wills or have prefunded their arrangePearl Richman a provision in their livment with cash donations. There Giventer ing trust. Having a are other ways to create LOJE provision inserted into Shirley Goldstein funds too numerous to list. your will or trust by Sharee Newman I would be happy to discuss any your attorney is suffi- Kim Noddle of these options with you to cient to obtain LOJE Patty Nogg establish a LOJE endowment. status and be recog- Dorothy (Mrs. Henry) Call me at 402.334.6440. nized by United Jewish This community is indebted to Riekes Communities and the Terri Schrager these women who care so much Federation. about perpetuating into the Joan Udes There is another future what they care so much Joodi Veitzer method of accomplishabout today.
LOJE Donors
Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland award
Continued from page 1 Taught the importance of giving back to the community at an early age, Shackman has proved to be a natural leader in fundraising efforts. She has been Lion of Judah Chairman, Co-Chairman of the Women’s Campaign and of the Annual Campaign. In addition, she served for four years on the National Women’s Campaign board and has been a campaign consultant for other Federations. With a love of Israel that has led her to the homeland numerous times, Shackman has chaired two local ARTZA teen trips to Israel, chaired the Omaha Federation’s Israel Experience committee, served as Regional Chairman for a National Women’s Mission to Israel, and was named National Chairman for a Family
Mission to Israel. In addition, she has served as local Chairman of the Partnership 2000 program The Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award is a tribute to Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland, founders of the Lion of Judah pin. Introduced in 1972 for the Miami Women’s Campaign, the Lion pin has been firmly established as a symbol of women’s commitment to the worldwide Jewish community. The award recognizes extraordinary women from Jewish communities throughout North America who have set the highest standards for philanthropy and volunteerism. Winners are selected by their community because they embody the spirit and vision of the Lion of Judah through their commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam.
As this year’s recipient of the KipnisWilson/Friedland Award, Anne Shackman joins the prestigious ranks of past Omaha winners: Maxine Kirshenbaum and Zoë Riekes. On her nomination form, Kirshenbaum was described as a pillar of the community with numerous campaign leadership roles, whose involvement with the Federation over the last 40 years shows no sign of slowing down.
Another long-time volunteer, Riekes was recognized for her work as Federation President and her involvement with the Federation’s Partnership with Israel program. She is currently Chairman of Partnership’s 16-City Central Consortium, and she and her husband, Carl, are Co-chairmen of the Federation’s 2009 Annual Campaign.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
A Lion of Judah remembers how it began in Omaha
by LISA LIEB their community’s Annual In 1988, as Chairman of Campaign. Today, more than the upcoming Federation 13,000 women proudly wear Women’s Campaign, Bobbie a Lion of Judah pin, which Epstein attended the UJA has been firmly established as Midwest Women’s Division a symbol of commitment to Leadership Conference in the worldwide Jewish comChicago along with Comunity. chairmen Cheryl Cooper Epstein’s unwavering belief and Ann Goldstein. that the women of Omaha This conference would would become passionate ultimately change the course philanthropists has become Bobbie Epstein of Women’s Philanthropy in realized over the years. Omaha, because it was here that Epstein Today, 66 Omaha women stand with her first learned about the Lion of Judah. She as Lions, and the entire women’s caminstantly realized that she must share this paign accounts for more than 26% of exceptional program with the women of Omaha’s Annual Campaign. the Omaha Jewish community. Now that Omaha’s women’s philan“There are Jewish women in Omaha who thropy has reached new heights, Epstein already qualify to wear the Lion of Judah,” says that the next most important chalexplained Epstein at the time. “They are lenge is to endow these gifts for the very very special people who set the finest exam- same reasons we created them in the first ple of Jewish giving in our community and place - to ensure a bright future for our across the country. It’s time we honor children and our children’s children. them, not for having, but for sharing.” “I was always so proud that I was able to She was referring to Rose Blumkin and endow my gift,” she says. “Our grandparFrances Batt, who became recognized as ents and parents gave us a fabulous Jewish Omaha’s first Lions of Judah at a Grand community, and it is our responsibility to Gifts Division luncheon on Nov. 7, 1988. do the same for future generations.” Epstein was soon honored as Omaha’s Though Epstein has volunteered in third Lion of Judah, at the Women’s many different capacities over the years, Community Luncheon in March of 1989. she says that bringing the Lion of Judah She expressed her thanks to Omaha’s to Omaha was one of the most meaningwomen for having given her “100 times ful things she has done. more” than she has given back. “What I “The Lion of Judah made us aware that said at that luncheon still rings true women had a great potential to participate today,” she says. “Women’s giving has in the community campaign,” she says. taught me that we can all make a differ- “We have helped keep our Jewish commuence in so many lives.” nity viable because of our sense of tikun First introduced in 1972 for the Miami olam. The Lion of Judah has truly Women’s Division campaign, the Lion of changed the way we view women’s giving. Judah pin quickly evolved into a national And today, more than ever it is our award given to women who make an indi- responsibility to endow our gifts. We must vidual commitment of $5,000 or more to think of the future as well as the past.”
Our overseas giving is so important because it gives hope to Jews everywhere. Women’s giving can improve lives and give dignity to thousands of elderly in the FSU and Europe who have lived through the Holocaust, years of persecution under Communism, and today live in deplorable poverty.” Nancy Noddle
the Federation supports the continuity and vibrancy of the Omaha Jewish community as well as helping Jewish causes globally, and that is very important to me.” Ellie Batt “I wear the same Lion of Judah pin that my mom wore and it represents my love and admiration for her and all that she stood for. Personally, I am committed to our Omaha Jewish Community, to Israel, and to our Partnership program which works to care and strengthen our Jewish world.” Stacey Rockman
“For me, giving to my community is ‘paying the rent’ and after 29 trips to Israel, I call Israel my community as well. There are so many needs, from the elderly to the children, those from the FSU to those from Ethiopia and we must act responsibly in our obligation as Jews “Giving for me is about the chilto work toward Tikkun Olam.” dren. Knowing that my Federation Jan Schneiderman gift is investing in the next generation of world Jewry makes me feel “My mom was an incredible role good. So many children live in povermodel for me in terms of her ty and lack life’s most basic tools. I generosity and devotion to Omaha. have visited with many young people It’s remarkable that I have lived on my trips to Israel and I know that away from Omaha for so long, but if we do not help them, no one will.” still feel such a connection. Giving to Sharon Kooper
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 9, 2009
Chabad offers a new guide Beth El readies for for the financial crisis community-wide by SHEVI KATZMAN Healthy-Living Expo for Chabad House
Put down the newspaper. Log off of your computer. Turn down the radio. Don’t dwell on the horrors of today’s economic crisis. Turn to the age old Torah for hope, direction and clarity. The creative Torah Studies progam has developed a new way of browsing through the weekly Torah protion -- the Parsha -- and using it as a manual for Jewish business ethics. The program was developed by the Jewish Learning Institute in New York and is brought to Omaha by Chabad House. The 10-week course commences on Jan. 14, 7-8 p.m. and continues every Wednesday through March 4. Beginning with examining the first Parsha in the Book of Exodus, participants will learn how to balance profit and principles; they will discover the Torah version of capitalism; and will explore the true meaning of making money. “We are looking forward to “stepping up” our Parsha offerings utilizing the excellent curricululm and textbooks expertly prepared by an outstanding group of JLI scholars whose aim is to make Parsha relevant, meaningful, and alive,” said Rabbi Mendel Katzman, who will be teaching the course. The cost for the course is $6 per class or $54 for the entire course. To reserve your spot in the class or to try the first class, please visit www.ochabad.com or call 330.1800.
Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik, left, and Sisterhood President Marcie Spivack make a final check of the exhibitors’ list for this Sunday’s Karin Levine HealthyLiving Expo, to be held at the synagogue from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to the community at no charge, the expo will feature a variety of health-related exhibits offering nutrition, exercise, and relaxation tips, among others. The entertaining and interactive event will also include Tai Chi, Krav Maga and CPR demonstrations, plus healthy snacks and refreshments. Beth El’s Sisterhood is sponsoring this special event, with support from the synagogue’s other groups: Men’s Club, Hazak, the Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group and USY.
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Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital earns national honor -Magnet recognizes nursing excellence
by JODI HOATSON It’s one of the highest levels of recognition a hospital can receive. Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital has achieved Magnet recognition for excellence in clinical services by the American Nurses Credential Center’s (ANCC) Magnet™ Recognition Program®. “Magnet recognition is a tremendous achievement for Lakeside Hospital,” says Karen Sweeney, RN, MSN, chief nursing executive at Lakeside Hospital. “It simply recognizes the excellent work our clinicians do each day and reflects the commitment of our entire staff to serve as a team, providing the highest quality care possible for the people of our community.” The Magnet Recognition Program honors health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in clinical practice and adherence to national standards for the organization and delivery of care. The Lakeside Hospital staff underwent a rigorous evaluation that included extensive interviews and a review of clinical services. Research shows there are clear benefits to hospitals that are awarded Magnet status and to the communities they serve: Benefits of a Magnet hospital: • Patients can rest easy knowing the hospital’s overall quality has achieved the level of excellence established by the Magnet Recognition Program. • Magnet-designated facilities consistently outperform other health care systems in recruiting and retaining nurses resulting in increased stability in patient care and patient satisfaction. • Because quality clinical care is one of the most important factors in enlisting world-class physicians and specialists, Magnet status becomes an attractive force that extends to the entire facility. “Only five percent of the hospitals in the nation have Magnet designation and we are now one in that elite group,” Sweeney said. “This is the beginning, not the end. We will continue to be innovative leaders and try to raise the bar on patient care in our area.” Lakeside Hospital joins Mercy Hospital as the second in the Alegent Health system to earn Magnet status. Mercy Hospital earned the title in 2005.
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January 9, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Which one is right for you: family practitioner or woman’s doctor BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS
Do you remember when everybody had a “family doctor” who took care of the whole mishpucha? Chances are, if you’re entitled to a senior discount at the pancake restaurant, the answer is “yes.” That’s the way it once was, way back before the medical profession decided to branch off into a multitude of specialties. The family doctor took care of the mama, the papa and the kids. And if mama was preparing to add to the statistics, that doc took care of her, too. She didn’t have a different doc looking after her from the first heartburn to delivery -- she had old faithful -- the same one who put a cast on your brother’s broken arm when he fell off the swing while showing off. Now I’m not saying it was better to have just one doctor in charge of everything from scarlet fever to childbirth. But that’s the way it once was. There was a certain comfort, because the doc who took care of everyone for everything usually became the family friend. He (and it was always HE back then) was the keeper of the secrets often spilled in his office, as well as the one who made that awful sore throat feel better. True, he said to gargle with warm salt water because there wasn’t yet a Z-pack to cure a strep throat, but he said it kindly, like he cared. He was also the guy who rolled out of a warm bed in the dead of winter when he was called at 3 a.m. Not only did he answer the phone, he also pulled on his sheepskin
jacket, his boots, picked up the familiar black bag and got into a cold car to make a house call. Oh yeah -those: you have to be a mature senior citizen to remember those! Today, if you call in the middle of the night, the answering service will deal with you, and eventually connect you with whomever is taking calls. And I suppose there’s good reason because in this day and age, that familiar old black bag can’t always contain all the wonderful, helpful meds found in the E.R. The E.R.? You know, the emergency room where they tell you to go in the middle of the night. I would describe that place except I’d probably make all my doctors mad. All my doctors ... you could probably say the same thing. I have that darling lady doctor who watches my cholesterol and my weight who’s called the “internist.” You probably have one of those. Then I have another darling lady who watches my gender health (I just made that up, but you know who I mean). Then I have that other doc who tells me those spots he removes are related to my birthdays. He gets extra credit for not using the term age-related. Then there was that nice man from heaven knows what foreign country who looked at my insides. That’s all he does ... he looks. Kind of like show and tell. But we need him because our skin isn’t transparent and no matter how smart, none of them has x-ray vision. There are more, of course, including the guy who keeps your smile lovely. And mostly, they’re all young enough to be your children? That used to scare me, but I’ve gotten so it’s kind of a comfort, because kids now are so smart!
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My grandkids learned in kindergarten what I didn’t hear about until years later. They’re smart; they know the answers. So we have to forgive them their youth. As we get older (and older!) we need these people who have studied for extra years to learn more about all that scary stuff. The specialists -- do we need them! It doesn’t matter whether female or male, youngster or old, there’s always something lurking around the corner, waiting, for somebody to let their guard down. Then, boom! “Guess who was just diagnosed with the latest awful?!” That’s what you often hear when you ask somebody, innocently, “So what’s new?” Oy. What’s the answer? Don’t ask? We no longer just have “the family doctor” we depend on. We do have specialists for every part of the body, and the mind too. We need all of them. After all, when
the doc says you’re so sick because you need to be separated from your gall bladder, it doesn’t mean he or she will do the separating. You have to find the surgeon. That’s the one who does it umpteen times a day, not once in a Purim, so that’s what makes him (or her) special. And certainly you want special, of course. So, no big deal about the old family doctor. We need him/her as well as all the specialty people. Until somebody figures out how to keep us all in incredibly great health, we need them. All of them. Bless them all. May they all get As in medical school and all graduate at the top of their classes. And, by the way, this isn’t a conclusion I’ve come to because one of my kids is a family practitioner, honest. Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.
Hebrew 101 class begins by SHERRIE SAAG Center for Jewish Education Would you like to talk to Israelis in their native language? Be able to meet and greet them with basic Hebrew? How about surprising Omaha’s own shlicha, Tamar Halevy, with a “It’s so nice to see you, how are you enjoying Omaha?” greeting in Hebrew? If that sounds like fun to you, consider enrolling in the Center for Jewish Education’s “Hebrew 101” class. This course is for beginners and will introduce the student to the basics of Hebrew. Beginning with the alphabet, the class will move to reading and conversation. Teaching the course for a second time, Mor Sheinbein will be the instructor. A native Israeli, Mor also teaches fifth
grade Hebrew classes at Temple Israel. “I have always enjoyed teaching Hebrew to students and conversational Hebrew is really the most fun,” states Sheinbein. “Learning happens so fast when students speak in conversation to each other. The interaction is a great way to absorb the practical use of a complex language.” The class will meet weekly for eight weeks in the Center for Jewish Education classroom at the Jewish Community Center on Mondays, Jan. 19, 26, Feb. 2, 8, 16, 23, and March 2, 9, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Tuition is $45, discounted to $36 for donors to the Federation Campaign. Pre-Registration is required. To register or for more information, please call 334.6445.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 9, 2009
What will 2009 bring? Oy! Could it be any worse than 2008? Well, yes. Between the leftovers of the economic crisis and now the escalating War in Gaza, there doesn’t seem to be any bright spot on the horizon. Some financial advisers are saying the Dow could go as low as 5000 and the value of our homes might decline even further. As to Gaza, Hamas rockets can now reach as far as Beer Sheva, Rishon L’Tzion and Rehovot, on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. On second thought -- maybe there are some positive outcomes, even from these two issues. A few columnists in Jewish newspapers have noted that big city Federations have been relying on just their biggest donors for more than a decade. One decried the lack of grassroots involvement of going door-to-door with pushkas that used to be the signature of communal giving. Luckily in Omaha, our donor base is more evenly spread. Like synagogue affiliation, Omaha has a high percentage of its Jewish residents participating in the Federation campaign. Of course, Omaha’s major donors do make up about two-thirds of the annual campaign -- but still, we’re not dependent on a single giver or single family to meet our obligations. The concept of foundation giving also came to light during the Madoff scandal in December; a number of Jewish endowments are now either out of business or have suffered serious setbacks in providing financial resources to Jewish institutions and individuals in need. Here we don’t rely heavily on foundation grants; in fact agencies are not allowed to even
list them in their annual budgets unless the grants have been verified by letter. Omaha was lucky (or smart) once again in that no institution here had any involvement with Madoff. Perhaps it’s the skeptical nature of Midwesterners knowing that “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” While investment income is down, happily Omaha’s annual campaign is currently running slightly ahead -- a tribute to the caring and compassion this Jewish community has for the institutions here and for our friends and relatives in Israel. As to the situation in Gaza -- we believe that the Israeli government has shown remarkable restraint in the more than three years since it evacuated from Gaza, leaving it Judenrein -the German word for “free of Jews.” There hasn’t been an Israeli occupation there since August of 2005, yet thousands of rockets have been fired at Israeli civilians. The government of Gaza (which unfortunately became the democratically elected Hamas terrorist group) had an opportunity to create a state. Even the greenhouses, which were built block by block by Jewish residents of Gaza, were left intact in the hope that Gazans would use them to create agribusinesses. Instead, the Hamas-led Gazans destroyed everything. They squandered the millions sent by the United States, the European Union and Arab states to purchase arms and ammunition, instead of building hospitals, schools, decent housing or maybe a sewer system and allowing their citizens to create businesses. What a waste! In the meantime, Israel has
been developing new technologies, including Shai Agassi’s promise of an electric car with charging stations across Israel. (And by the way, representatives from Japan were in Israel last month for talks with Agassi; the Danes and the Aussies have already held talks with him regarding development in their countries.) So will this year be worse? While it remains to be seen, we actually think we’re actually off to a pretty good start in correcting the wrongs of the past year.
FOCUS ON ISSUES by MYRNA SHINBAUM NEW YORK, NY -- A historic election at home, a devastating terror attack in India, the 60th anniversary of the Jewish State, Iran’s relentless nuclear aspirations, more anti-Israel bias at the U.N. and conspiracy theories linking Jews to the global financial crisis were among the top issues affecting Jews in 2008, according to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) annual list. “The past year has proven a decidedly mixed picture, with historic breakthroughs and damaging setbacks,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “The devastating attack in Mumbai targeting Westerners and Jews reinforces the grave threat that terrorism poses to the world, while the global economic crisis once again brought out those who blame all the world’s ills on the Jews. Israel celebrated a major milestone, but faces threats in numerous forms.” “At home, the election of Barack Obama represented a triumph against racism, though it did not mark its elimination,” added Glen S. Lewy, ADL National Chairman. “White supremacists and other bigots used the opportunity as a clarion call to swell their ranks and spread their hatred. Meanwhile, racism and xenophobia plague our country, as immigrants continue to be targeted simply because they are immigrants.” Terror in Mumbai The devastating assault against a number of high visibility targets in Mumbai, India -including an attack on the Chabad house that killed the rabbi, his wife and four other victims -- was a tragic reminder that terrorists often single out Jews wherever they may be in the world. As seen after the 9/11 attacks, the “big lie” was again disseminated in an ugly rumor that the Israeli security agency, Mossad, was responsible for the Mumbai attacks. Barack Obama’s Historic Victory The American people chose Barack Obama
Jewish Press Board Michael Sigmond, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Marc Brodkey; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; Andy Ruback; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, 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.
Top issues affecting Jews in 2008 to be the first African-American president in the nation’s history. The victory represented a triumph against prejudice, but does not signal the end of discrimination in our nation. Obama’s administration inherits a crowded agenda with critical issues of pressing importance, including, at home, religious freedom and immigration reform; and abroad, Iraq, the Iranian nuclear threat and the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Iran Still the Antagonist The Iranian regime continued its relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons, while its president railed against Israel and the West. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivered a hate-filled diatribe at the U.N. General Assembly, in which he invoked classic anti-Semitic canards of Jewish domination of finance and media. He pointed to Jews as the source of upheaval in the economy and in international conflicts, and declared that America and Israel would soon collapse. Israel Turns 60 In a major milestone, Israel marked 60 years since its founding. Amid countrywide celebrations, world dignitaries, including President George W. Bush, joined Israeli leaders in Jerusalem to celebrate the birth of the Jewish State. The Global Economic Crisis In the wake of the collapse of major investment banks, there was a dramatic upsurge in anti-Semitic statements posted to Internet discussion boards devoted to finance and the economy. As the financial crisis intensified globally, so did anti-Jewish invective and conspiracy theories, demonstrating once again that age-old canards about Jews and money are never far from the surface. Compounding the situation, New York businessman Bernard Madoff defrauded investors including Jewish charities and institutions - of billions of dollars in an alleged Ponzi scheme of unprecedented scale. The full impact of this scandal on the Jewish community is yet to be determined. Anti-Israel Bias at the U.N. Bias against Israel at the United Nations persisted in many forms and in many forums.
(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Robyn Belgrade Sales Associate Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper
Examples included: the Security Council’s failure to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on Israeli seminary students in Jerusalem; the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights blaming Israel for worsening conditions in Gaza, while giving a pass to Hamas; and Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s report, mandated by the U.N. Human Rights Council, which concluded that Palestinians are paying the price for the West’s guilt over the Holocaust. Pope Benedict XVI: Catholic-Jewish Relations Pope Benedict XVI’s pilgrimage to the United States was a historic event, as he became the first Pope to visit an American synagogue. The pontiff reaffirmed the importance of the Catholic-Jewish relationship, one that faces challenges. Jews continue to work with the Vatican in an effort to open the Church’s Holocaust-era records and shed light on Pope Pius XII’s role during the war. Jewish-Hispanic Ties Strengthened, Immigrants Targeted Jewish support for immigration reform - and for Hispanics caught up in a wave of violent hate crimes -- has strengthened ties between the Jewish and Hispanic communities. The murder of two Ecuadorean immigrants in separate attacks in New York, as well as the fatal beating of a Mexican immigrant by white teenagers in Pennsylvania, evoked united responses from communities. A national poll in October showed that concerns about racial tensions have declined sharply over the past 15 years, and that twothirds of Americans view the country’s population growth due to immigration as “an advantage for America.” Jewish Groups, Courts Weigh In On Social Issues Jewish organizations contributed significantly, through public advocacy and amicus briefs, to a series of important court decisions on social and cultural issues. In Florida, the state supreme court struck down two proposed amendments that would have eliminated longestablished religious freedom protections from the Florida Constitution. Continued on page 13
Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $33 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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January 9, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Pray for the Gazan boy FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN
No, I’m neither a prophet nor a covert Israeli operative. Yes, it was only a day after I distributed a column taking the New York Times to task for refusing to call Hamas a terrorist organization that Israel launched its offensive against Hamas in Gaza. But, really, I had no foreknowledge of the fact that Israel’s leaders would do anything more in response to the shelling of its towns by Hamas and its friends than offer the sort of statements that have been issued for years after such terrorist onslaughts. But they did do more, in the hope --may we merit its fulfillment -- of crippling the infrastructure of the murderous entity to its south. And, true to form, The Times avoided the “T” word, going only so far as to identify Hamas on first mention as a group “which Israel and the United States brand as a terrorist organization.” According to informed sources, Israel and the United States have also branded the sun hot and the Pope Catholic. Similarly true to form was Hamas itself, whose spokesman Fawzi Barhoum, according to the very aforementioned newspaper, “called for revenge in the form of strikes reaching ‘deep into the Zionist entity using all means,’ including suicide attacks.” Still no you-know-what-word, though. There was more of interest in the paper’s reportage, too. In a dispatch by veteran Times reporters Ethan Bronner and Taghreed El-Khodary that appeared on
December 30, the scene at Gaza’s Shifa Hospital was vividly brought alive. “Armed Hamas militants in civilian clothes roamed the halls,” they wrote. “Asked their function, they said it was to provide security. But there was internal bloodletting under way.” The report then described how a young woman came to the hospital seeking her wounded husband. She asked a “militant” to help her but was turned away. Fifteen minutes later, however, she saw her spouse being carried out on a stretcher and watched as, lying there helplessly, “he was shot in the left side of the head.” The fatal bullet was administered by a terro -- a “militant,” that is -- presumably convinced that the man on the stretcher, who had been incarcerated by Hamas before an Israeli bomb liberated his prison, had collaborated with Israel. So charged Sobhia Jonaa, a lawyer with the Palestinian Independent Commission for Citizens’ Rights. Perhaps some ray of hope lies in the possibility that the man killed on the stretcher was indeed cooperating with Israel and not just someone from a different clan than his killer. If there are in fact Arabs unlike those whose angry faces adorn the front pages of papers worldwide, who realize that Islamist terror-mongers do not bode well for the Arab umma, that is true reason to celebrate. As it happens, an undeniably hopeful spark was reported in the very same Times story. Highlighting the saga of Gaza families lamentably displaced by the bombings, as civilians unfortunately are in even the most
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treaty with Israel, and nothing is happening to them.” Were only such insight and common sense as contagious in the Palestinian world as hatred and violence have been. Kudos to The Times for including the quote. But brickbats, too, for taking the astoundingly irresponsible step of actually identifying the quoted boy by name. Pray for him.
Rabbi Shafran is director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America and can be reached at Shafran@agudathisrael.org. This column is courtesy of Am Echad Resources.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Twenty-four years in prison is enough. This is your last chance to do a mitzvah. Elie Weisel said, “Jonathan Pollard has suffered enough. Now is the time for human compassion.” Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, shlita, said, “The mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim applies to Jonathan Pollard and it is a compulsory Torah command for every Jew.”
Sen. Charles Schumer said, “I support clemency for Jonathan Pollard because he poses no danger to society; he shows real contrition and his sentence is disproportionate to others who have commited similar crimes.” Call President George Bush between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day for the next 11 days: 202.456.1111. Irwin Goldenberg
Top issues affecting Jews Continued from page 16 The U.S. Supreme Court held, for the first time, that the Second Amendment guarantees individuals the right to have a gun for private use, despite arguments that such a ruling would make guns more readily available to extremists and domestic terrorists. Jewish groups adopted differing positions on controversial decisions by two
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state supreme courts, California and Connecticut, prohibiting bans on samesex marriage, and also addressed the fallout from a California ballot proposition that sought to reverse that state’s position. The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
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Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 9, 2009
Candlelighting Friday, January 9, 4:56 p.m
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others!
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Glen Fineman, LIMHP, LCSW speaking on How Do I Know if I’m Mishugeneh or Not? The community is invited.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. Kid-friendly dinner follows the service, hosted by David and Rebecca RuetschFinkelstein. There is no charge for dinner, but for planning purposes, RSVP to the office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Stanley and Ellene Edelstein, in honor of their daughter, Julia, becoming a Bat Mitzvah; Minha/ Ma’ariv, 5 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Bible Study SUNDAY: Discussion Group; and I Am a Jew, and Navigating our Services with Joy led by Susi Frydman-Levin, 10 a.m.; Mitzvah Club, also led and by Frydman-Levin; Synagogue skills class, led by Cantor Beth Schlossberg, 11 a.m. THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Jewish Ideals and Ethics for Everyday Living, noon KARIN LEVINE HEALTHYLIVING EXPO: Sunday, Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. EXPLORING GLOBAL ANTI-SEMITISM: Wednesdays, Jan. 14, 21 and 28, 7 p.m. open to adults in the Jewish community; cost is $18. For information or to register, contact Margie in the office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org. PJ HAVDALAH: Saturday, Jan. 17, 5:45–6:30 p.m. service for young children, followed by songs, stories, a snack, art project, led by ‘Miss Patty’. No charge, but RSVP to the office or programming@bethel-omaha.org.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by
Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:56 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored in honor of Elliott & Ida Banner's 60th anniversary; “Guard Your Tongue” and “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 & up)” are one hour prior to Mincha, 4:30 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit; Havdalah, 6:01 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Weekly Teen Class, 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Mishnah Club for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. Wednesday: Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s Gross’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. For more information or to register email Estie@ochabad.com. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Achieving Integrity, Torah Studies for the Workplace, 7 p.m. For more information call 330.1800 or email TorahStudies@ochabad. com or you can enroll at www.OChabad.com. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II for ages 7-9, 3:40 p.m. Please contact shevi@ochabad. com for a pass.
All events and programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Maureen and Dale Lobb. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan - Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Jewish Ethics, 12:30 p.m. with Rabbi Emanuel. Please RSVP to the temple office to be counted for lunch; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Jewish Federation of Lincoln Annual Meeting, Sunday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION JAN. TUESDAYS, 7:30 p.m. Introduction to the Study of Religions, led by Dr. Rita Lester, Associate Professor of Religion at Nebraska Wesleyan.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Vision Members. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Marty Shukert.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m.; Madison Jensen, daughter of Lynne and Patrick Jensen, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; WRJ Book Sorting Day, 10 a.m. Select five free books just for helping. Contact Danielle Gordman, dsgordman@cox.net, or Program Director Wendy
Goldberg at wgoldberg@templeisraelomaha.com,; Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; Four B’s, 10:30 a.m.; Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Noon. Pizza lunch provided for choir members and younger siblings; OTYG Spaghetti Dinner Planning Meeting, Noon; WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 712, 6 p.m.; Aleph Bet and Beyond, 6:30 p.m. with native Israelis Na’ama Artzi and Mor Sheinbein. Class fee is $18 for members, $25 for non-members and no charge for Family School parents. Contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg at wgoldberg@templeisraelomaha.com to register. THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azreil, 10 a.m. FRIDAY, Jan. 16: Shabbat Comes to you at Remington Heights, 4 p.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:43 p.m. SATURDAY: Srvices, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m., Lunch and Learn, and Talmud study. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan - Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Shabbat Dinner on Jan. 16. Services begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner, with Dr. Ari Kohen, Schlesinger Assistant Professor of Social Justice and Political Sceince, UNL. RSVP by Jan. 12. Jewish Federation of Lincoln Annual Meeting, Sunday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Lunch will be served. RSVP to Jaine Merliss.
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Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451 or Robyn Belgrade 402.334.6559
Julia Hazel Edelstein, daughter of Ellene and Stan Edelstein, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Beth El. Julia is a seventh-grade superior honor roll student at Millard North Middle School and plays violin in the school orchestra. She is a member of the JCC swim team, and plays on a select soccer team. Her inter-
ests also include playing basketball. For her mitzvah project, Julia volunteered at Camp Gan Israel and collected various items for the Nebraska Humane Society. She is also participating in the Jewish Federation of Omaha Teen Tzedakah Program. She has a sister, Sarah, and a brother, Sam. Grandparents are Helen and Harold Abrahamson, and the late Edith and Haskell Edelstein.
Alyssa Rachel Kirshenbaum, daughter of Sharon and Jeff Kirshenbaum, will celebrate her Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 17 at Beth El. Alyssa is a seventhgrade President’s honor roll student at Beveridge Middle School. Her interests include volleyball, dance, and spending time with friends. For her mitzvah project, Alyssa
volunteered with the Special Olympics. She also is sending supplies to the Bet Elazraki Children’s Home in Israel. She has a sister, Lauren. Grandparents are Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum, Jerry and Roberta Kaufman of Jericho, NY, and Carol Kaufman of Miami Beach, FL.
January 9, 2009
BLUE RIBBON
DEATHS SOL PARSOW Continued from page 1 him a food basket the next day. He was always grateful and vowed that he would someday help others. Beginning at age 10, Parsow exhibited a talent for drawing. In high school in Brooklyn, he won first prize in watercolor in an all-city competition. After that, he attended classes conducted by the students at the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. However, after a thumb injury, he quit drawing and went to work at a Brooklyn haberdashery. During World War II, the army sent him to radio-electricity school in Omaha, where he met Lee Jane Greenberg. In 1946, he returned to his job in the Brooklyn haberdashery and became a buyer and merchandise manager. A short time later, he decided to return to Omaha and marry Lee Jane. He arrived with $400 in his pocket and spent $900 for an engagement ring. He went to work for David Goldman at Herzberg’s Department Store. “I went to work for $35 a week which was $65 less than I made in New York,” Parsow said. “When Goldman asked me if I could live on the salary, I said ‘yes, but not for long!’” Goldman became Sol’s mentor and gave him three books to read about retailing. Sol told him that he was working hard and he didn’t have time to read. However, when he got to the middle of the first book, he found a $100 bill. This made reading much easier and Sol soon became a very astute businessman with a dream of having his own men’s clothing store. His dream soon became a reality when he opened his first store in the City National Bank Building, another in the Kiewit Plaza and eventually the present store in the Regency Fashion Court. His stores specialize in quality men’s clothing. In 1987, Parsow “semi-retired” and left his sons, David and Steven, much of the responsibility. He wanted time to visit with his mother and sister and felt it was time to “pay back” because his business had prospered. It was in 1989 that he made his first trip to Russia. He began a collection of art that included Russian antiques. A “collectors corner” was set up in the corner of Parsow’s, where customers could buy some of the pieces that he could bear to part with. He read every book that he could find about Russian art and gave lectures on the subject. During his many trips, he imported thousands of art pieces. He sold some for low prices, but paid the artists in dollars so they could live in relative luxury. He said that some of the things were so beautiful that “he couldn’t believe his eyes!” His collection expanded to antique Russian silver and enamels and some objects that were created before the Russian Revolution. In 1990, he signed an agreement for an art exhibit that would come to Omaha. Works in the show included lacquer boxes, paintings, woodcarvings and other objects of art. Many came from the National Museum of Donetsek in Ukraine. Proceeds went to the former Soviet Union for AIDS treatment, medical supplies and medical research. Parsow also used some of the funds to assist Russians in their efforts to emigrate. In one case, a young man and his mother had tried for nine years to leave. Parsow helped them realize that dream and they arrived in Israel within a few weeks. He also helped Russian immigrants who came to Omaha to find jobs and otherwise get established in this country. In addition to helping strangers, he made contact with some of the survivors of his own family who were still in Russia. He arranged for their immigration to the United States, always remembering that it was “pay back time.” He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Carol Parsow; son, David; daughters-in-law, Margo Parsow and Debra Parsow, grandchildren, Josh, Dan, Michael, Aaron and Charles Parsow; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Barton and Caryl Greenberg Memorials to the Fragile X Foundation, 45 Pleasant St., Newburyport, MA 01950, Beth El Synagogue or Hadassah. JACK SCHRAGER Continued from page 1 Company, a home improvement firm, which prospered and grew. Phil noted a life lesson he learned from his father’s business and personal practices: “He was an abosolute perfectionist and personified the theory, ‘a place for everything and everything in its place.’” One of the first to undergo heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1969, Jack Schrager had a full recovery, but sold his interest in his business to his partner and retired. Jack and Sonia began spending time in Palm
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Springs, eventually making it their permanent home. Shortly after his wife of 65 years died in April of 2000, Jack established the Sonia and Jack Schrager Endowment Fund in her memory for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. According to an article by Claudia Sherman in the Dec. 29, 2000, issue of the Jewish Press, he watched as staff members cared for Sonia with love and respect during her stay there. He wanted the Fund to recognize the Home’s employees, “based on teamwork, attitude on the job, quality of work and professionalism.” The recognition comes with $250 awards for quarterly winners and $1000 for the annual winner. In announcing the award, Jack Schrager said he was “getting more out of it than anyone. I’m hopeful it will help in some small way to make the Blumkin Home an even better place for the elderly of our community.” It was perhaps fitting then, that he would spend his last months at the Blumkin Home, among the staff and friends he respected. “Omaha has been wonderful to me and my family,” he told Sherman in the Dec. 29 article. “I would like to do something to demonstrate my gratitude to this city.” The couple were also founders of the City of Hope Chapter in Omaha and he served as president. In addition to his sons, Phil and Harley, he is survived by his wife, Lillian; daughters-in-law, Terri and Beth; daughter and son-in-law, Cherna and Gary Gitnick of Encino, CA; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
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ARLENE KUKLIN MOSKOVITZ Arlene (Kuklin) Moskovitz died at the age of 67. Services were held Dec. 26 at Beth El Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Richard Kuklin. She is survived by her husband, Milton; daughters and sons-in-law, Rochelle and Edward Bates and Lisa Coakley-Maguire and Mike Maguire; grandchildren, Alexander and Cari Coakley. Memorials may be made to the Omaha Public Library Literacy Program or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. FRANCES ROSENBLATT FOX Frances (Rosenblatt) Fox died at the age of 89. Services were held Dec. 30 at Beth El Synagogue. She was the first secretary of Beth El Synagogue when Rabbi Goldstein was hired in 1930. During World War II, she worked for IBM in Washington, D.C. She was preceded in death by husband, Jacob I. Fox. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Janie and Alan Kulakofsky; sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Jonathan and Renee Fox and Daniel and Mary Beth Fox, all of Arizona; grandchildren, David and Elizabeth Kulakofsky of Chicago, Jay Kulakofsky of North Carolina, Joelle Fox, Brian Fox, Aaron Fox, Evan Fox, Seth Fox, and Justin Fox, all of Arizona; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Joan Rosenblatt of Chicago; sister-in-law, Helen Kranther of California; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Ruth Fox. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, or charity of choice MARILYN TRELLER Marilyn Jean Treller died Dec. 31 at the age of 61. Services were held Jan. 4 at Temple Israel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward M. Treller. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Pete Thomas; son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Emily Cipinko; brother and sister-in-law, Ret. Col. Marshall and Annette Kaplan; sister and brother-in-law, Andrea and Scott Dull; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren. Memorials to the charity of choice. ESTHER “TIBE” STOLER Esther “Tibe” Stoler died at her home on New Year’s Day. She was 96. Services were held Jan. 4 at Fisher Farm Cemetery. A life long resident of Omaha, she served as president of Beth Israel’s Sisterhood and on the Beth Israel Board of Commissioners. She was preceded in death by her husband Jay Stoler and her eight siblings. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Kim Stoler; son, Stuart Stoler of Carrolton, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Jerry Wacks of Lexington, MA; four grandchildren, two great-grandsons. Memorials to Beth Israel Synagogue.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 9, 2009
Pulitzer prize-winning author highlights faith in a fictional journey of Sarajevo Hagaddah by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press War stories often wind up as novels. Think Norman Mailer’s The Naked and the Dead, based on his experiences as a correspondent in World War II. Or the hundreds of Holocaust novels that emerged later. Geraldine Brooks, an awardwinning writer for the Wall Street Journal, was stationed in Bosnia during the conflict there when she heard about the discovery of the Sarajevo Hagaddah. Protected during the war in the 1990s by a Moslem, hidden in a mosque, the hagaddah is a rare and priceless 15th century book filled with colorful illuminations Author Geraldine Brooks will talk about her third book not found in any other Jewish of historical fiction -- People of the Book -- during books of the time. Brooks was Countryside Church’s Faith Studies reading series on Credit: Randi Baird intrigued and in her research Sunday, Jan. 18. found other possibilities of the hagad- sions for the WSJ,” says that in writing dah’s rescue by unlikely parties -- during People of the Book, “in fiction you range at will through time and space ...” the Inquisition and in World War II. By using real events -- the ghetto in Though Brooks bases her novel on factual research, including how rare books Venice, for example, or the expulsion are preserved and restored, her novel -- from Spain in 1492, there were some surPeople of the Book -- is a work of historical prising moments for her characters. A fiction. She’ll talk about it, as well as her young girl saves her nephew, but it seems other books -- the 2006 Pulitzer prize- like she might drown him -- and herself. winning March, and her debut novel, And a rabbi in Venice has a severe gamYear of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague, bling problem. Brooks uses human frailwhen she highlights the Faith Studies ties so that readers can relate to them “Everyone has their weaknesses,” she reading series at Countryside Church on wrote in a recent e-mail interview. “Even Sunday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. Brooks, who had a “very defined mis- gritty Hanna (the book restorer whose sion, reporting on United Nations mis- story is woven through the historical fic-
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tion flashbacks) can be a smarty pants and self absorbed and intolerant. I like characters best when they have flaws. The gambling problem, though, was suggested by the autobiography of an actual Venetain rabbi of that period, Leon de Modena.” Brooks’ Civil War novel, March, uses the absent father of Louisa May Alcott’s girls in Little Women, to raise the issue of a parent’s passion about a cause -- in this case slavery -- and its affect on the family left b e h i n d . March, who enlists as a chaplain in the Union Army, potificates about the war, but neglects the family who needs him. And in Years of Wonder, Brooks tackles the loss of faith after the bubonic plague strikes a village in England’s Lake District in 1666, and the mob mentality that sometimes arises in crisis when people look for “the Other” to blame. This sensitive subject is a constant theme in Brooks’ novels; the Inquisition, the rise of Nazism, the ethnic cleansing of former Yugoslavia are essentially the same story told in different places and times in People of the Book. She’s working on a novel now, still exploring faith and “first
contact” in Caleb’s Crossing, set in New England in the 1660s. “I’m in a happy rut, it seems,” Brooks added. “I like to explore faith in times of catastrophe or crisis, and I like to find these themes echoed in real stories from the past where you can know something about what happoned, but not everything, so imagination has room to work.” As to the reception of the publication of People of the Book after winning a Pulitzer for March? “One is always nervous as to whether any book will find its readers, but the Pulitzer prize is only a plus in that regard, because it draws more readers to your work,” Brooks noted. “You can’t suddenly be a different kind of writer just because they give it to you though -- you just slog away as you always have done, sentence by sentence, word by word, doing the best you can.” She is also the author of Nine Parts of Desire and Foreign Correspondence. During her 11 years as a correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, her beats included some of the world’s most troubled areas including Bosnia, Somalia, and the Middle East. Born and raised in Australia, Brooks lives on Martha’s Vineyard, MA, with her husband, the author Tony Horwitz, their sons, and their three dogs. Tickets for her appearance and book signing in Omaha are priced at $10 each and can be purchased in advance by calling Countryside Church at 391.0350. The book is available at local bookstores and at the Kripke Library