Vol. LXXXV No. 18 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
13 Tevet, 5766 January 13, 2006
With Sharon Sidelined, Bush Team Reaches out to Potential Successors by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA)--The Bush administration is juggling two stages of grief in dealing with the absence of Ariel Sharon: denial and acceptance. Sharon has been the premier agent of change in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since Bush took office. One message the administration is pushing is to deny that Sharon’s disappearance from the political scene substantively changes anything. Two top Bush administration envoys were set to fly to the region Tuesday to remind all parties that systems are still go, despite the massive stroke Jan. 4 that has kept the Israeli prime minister incapacitated and likely has ended his political career. The other message is to accept the reality that Sharon is gone, establish the same level of trust with his deputy, Ehud Olmert, now the acting prime minister, and feel out the other two leading candidates in March 28 elections in Israel. It’s a delicate balance for a delicate time. The Bush administration has dramatically increased its investment in the peace process, successfully betting last year that Sharon’s longstanding reputation as Israel's last lion of war would guide the Jewish state through its most searing peace move, evacuating Gaza Strip settlements.
In the Israel and coming the West year, the Bank. administra“We all tion hoped know that Sharon P r i m e w o u l d Minister begin to Sharon is evacuate in the hossubstantial pital, and portions of we continthe West ue to hope Bank. State his for Departrecovery,” m e n t McCorspokesman mack said S e a n M o n d a y. McCor“There are mack said still agreeElliott ments in Abrams, place that the deputy require folnational low-up. We security are followadviser to ing up, as the White This photo was taken of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at his are others House, and last public appearance on Jan. 4 during the sale of Bank Leumi. on impleCredit: ISRANET mentation D a v i d Welch, the top State Department envoy to of those agreements.” the region, would press the Palestinians to Condoleezza Rice, the U.S. secretary of hold legislative elections as scheduled on state, stepped in personally in November Jan. 25, and would push Israel to open up to broker the transit agreement, and is transit points between the Gaza Strip, anxious that Israel has yet to open the
When Tragedy Hit the Gulf Coast, U.S. Jews Were Quick to Contribute by LARRY LUXNER UJC funds also have gone NEW ORLEANS (JTA)-to the Jewish Federation of Major Jewish organizations Greater Houston, as well as have raised over $30 million groups such as Mazon: A to house, feed, educate and Jewish Response to Hunger, relocate thousands of victims to aid 13 food banks and of Hurricane Katrina in other groups along the Louisiana and Mississippi. storm-ravaged Gulf Coast. The biggest chunk of Smaller amounts have money has come from the been allocated to groups United Jewish Communsuch as the Dallas Mayor’s ities, which represents 155 Housing Initiative, to provide housing assistance to Jewish federations and 400 evacuees ($250,000); the independent communities Jewish Federation of across North America. As of Northern Louisiana to proDec. 13, UJC said it had collected $25.5 million in vide Wal-Mart gift cards to evacuees in shelters Katrina disaster relief, of Longtime Beth Israel congregant Sol Lebow removes brass ($153,900); and the Jewish which $7.9 million already plates, including one commemorating his bar mitzvah, from community of Jackson, MS, has been allocated to Jewish a flood-damaged wall of the New Orleans’ synagogue on for emergency aid to evacand non-Jewish hurricane Dec. 26, 2005. Credit: Larry Luxner/JTA uees ($50,000). victims. (Editor’s note: The The American Jewish Committee also has been active. Jewish Community Center of Omaha contributed $10,000 to the JCC Association, specifically for the JCC In mid-December, the group's executive director, David of New Orleans, while the Jewish Federation of Omaha Harris, visited New Orleans to present a total of contributed $7500 directly to UJC. That figure does $575,000 in hurricane relief funds to four institutions: not include individual donations from Omahans to UJC Dillard University, a predominantly black college, got of the JCCA, nor does it include contributions from syn- $200,000 to help rebuild its Information Technology Center, while $125,000 went each to Clement of Rome, agogue members to their respective movements.) The single largest beneficiary of UJC's generosity has a Catholic church, and two synagogues--Congregation been the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, Gates of Prayer, a Reform synagogue next to St. which received $4 million for programs ranging from Clement, and Congregation Beth Israel, an Orthodox emergency assistance for individual Jews to general shul in suburban Lakeview severely damaged by Katrina. Continued on page 24 funding for social services.
Inside Opinion Page see page 20
This Week: Tax & Financial Planning Starts on Page 13 Beth El Unveils Wall of Honor: Page 3
Final Part of Series--Struggling to Make the Grade: Pages 4-5
transit points. Israel is worried that the Palestinian Authority is not taking control of terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Yet while it’s business-as-usual on the micro level, Bush administration spokesmen make clear that they understand the tectonic political changes underway in Israel ahead of the March elections. As Sharon’s front man on the peace process, Olmert was already a known quantity to the administration. He has spoken extensively with Rice since assuming the acting premiership. Rice canceled a planned tour of Indonesia and Australia to keep a close watch on developments in Israel. “We stay in close contact with the government of Israel and we have officials that travel there on a fairly regular basis as well,” White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Monday. “I expect we’ll be going back there in the near future, too.” A breakthrough in the IsraeliPalestinian peace success might purchase Arab and international goodwill and help the Bush administration navigate its other grand plan loaded with potential booby traps: the transition t democratic self-rule in Iraq. Sharon broke away from his Likud Party late last year because it continued to defy his plans to withdraw from some Continued on page 2
Omaha Synagogues to Compete for Fun and “Bragging Rights” by CLAUDIA SHERMAN “You could feel the enthusiasm in the room tonight, the energy level boosting up,” said Mike Silverman, one of three coordinators for Jewish Omaha’s First Annual Decathlon scheduled throughout the month of February. Captains from Temple Israel, Beth El Synagogue, and Beth Israel Synagogue met on January 4 at the Jewish Community Center to determine how many players can participate in each of the ten events and play on each team, rules for each competition, and dates and locations for each event. Scott Simon and Beth Cohen are the coordinators, respectively, for Beth El and Beth Israel. Sparked by two softball games between Temple Israel and Beth El’s Men’s Clubs last year, Simon and Silverman wanted to keep the fun rolling. They met with Cohen and the decathlon idea came to life. Continued on page 11
Scott Simon, left, Mike Silverman and Beth Cohen “shake” on the deal to compete in Omaha’s “decathlon.”
Coming Next Month: Simchas & Celebrations on Feb. 10 News for Omaha Jewish Teens-Passover Issue, Contests, More: Page 8
Op-ed on Ariel Sharon and What Happens Next: Page 21
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 13, 2006
Ariel Sharon
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 OTYG Winter Chavurah, Jan. 13-15 Top 100 Words of the Parsha, 11 a.m. Temple Israel “Shabbat Comes to You”, 4 p.m. at Remington SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 HAZAK Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El C HAZAK Lunch & Learn, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El L Travlin’ Toddlers Go to My Gym, 6 p.m. I P SUNDAY, JAN 15 Living Hebrew and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel S WRJ-O Board Meeting, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel A Prayer Class, Jewish Potpouri, and Torah Training, 11 a.m. V at Beth El E BESTT Chaverim, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El
C L I P & S A V E
MONDAY, JANUARY 16 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. Advanced Conversational Hebrew Class, 7 p.m. BEAM, 7 p.m. at Beth El Youth Commission Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 The Guy & Bob Show, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. C A History of Israel, 7 p.m. L Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel I P WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El & American Jewish Writers, 11 a.m. S THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 A Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel V Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El E Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Book Club, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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Continued from page 1 That applies not only to relations with the administraPalestinian areas. He established the centrist Kadima tion, but with the pro-Israel community as well, party, bringing over leading figures from Likud and Hoenlein said. An official of the American Israel Public Labor. Affairs Committee, the premier pro-Israel lobby, conThe question is whether Olmert or his competitors-- firmed that. Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Labor “AIPAC has a relationship with all three men,” the Party leader Amir Peretz--have the strength or the will to official said, speaking anonymously because AIPAC push for additional withdrawals. avoids comment on internal Israeli politics. “They’re “Olmert has a very solid reputation in terms of intelli- well-known to the leadership of the Jewish community. gence and decision making, but he’s not known to have They’ve all expressed a desire to have a strong relationthe same personal stature and leadership skills as Sharon ship with the United States.” had,” said Lewis Roth, assistant executive director o M.J. Rosenberg, policy director for the Israel Policy Americans for Peace Now, a group that backs withdraw- Forum--another group that backs withdrawal--agreed al. “The question is can he deliver on what will presum- that the U.S.-Israel relationship would not be a factor in ably be a more difficult the March 28 elections. evacuation of settlers “The only foreigners from the West Bank.” who determine what hapU.S. diplomats also pens are the Palestinians,” have reached out to Rosenberg said, referring Netanyahu and Peretz, to the Palestinian leaderbut there are even greater ship’s failure to contain questions concerning violence in Gaza since how the two of them Israel’s withdrawal in would pursue peace. September. quit Netanyahu The Bush administraSharon’s government tion agrees, and persistover the Gaza withdrawal ently has pressed P.A. last summer and is not President Mahmoud likely to campaign for furAbbas to assert control ther pullouts, though that before the Palestinian elections. could change if he wins. “The Palestinian In 1996, Netanyahu ran Authority needs to proon a platform criticizing vide an atmosphere of the Oslo process. Once in office, however, he even- Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sits next to the empty calm and safety for the tually embraced its land- chair of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon during an emergency citizens of the Gaza Strip, important,” for-peace precept, though cabinet meeting in the Prime Minister's Office, Jan. 5, 2006, in that’s not as willingly as his Jerusalem. Olmert temporarily took over as Prime Minister when McCormack said last Labor Party predecessors. Sharon suffered a severe stroke Jan. 4 and underwent surgery to week. “It is the primary Peretz, by contrast, is a stop the bleeding in his brain. Credit: GPO/BP Images/JTA responsibility of any government entity to security and diplomacy cipher, having wrested the Labor Party leadership from provide for the welfare of its citizens in terms of safety. Shimon Peres last year in a campaign run purely on Clearly we don’t have that right now in Gaza.” The message-sending doesn’t stop in Washington. The socioeconomic issues. Peres has since backed Kadima. He has said he is committed to making peace with the international community, embodied by the diplomatic “Quartet” guiding the Middle East peace process--the Palestinians quickly, but has given few details. “Peretz is fairly well-known within the Labor Zionist United States, European Union, United Nations and movement, but he's not been over on speaking trips so Russia--says a Palestinian government that includes terthere’s additional work to do,” Roth said. One obstacle rorists would be unacceptable. The rush of warnings reflects widespread concern that is that Peretz reportedly has substantial difficulties comAbbas, favored for his relative moderation, is losing conmunicating in English. Some Jewish leaders said the solid U.S.-Israel relation- trol as the Gaza Strip, which Israel evacuated in ship makes the personality of the next prime minister less September, descends into internecine violence. Dennis Ross, the Clinton administration’s top envoy important. “The relationship is so institutionalized and so impor- to the region, said continued violence against Israel also tant that while each prime minister puts his own stamp undermines Abbas’ claim that the Palestinian polity is on the relationship, whatever differences there are can be moderating. “Israel got out of Gaza, but Kassam rockets are still addressed,” said Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major being shot out of Gaza,” Ross told JTA. “The impulse is to say, ‘What are the Palestinians doing?’” American Jewish Organizations.
Israel Begins Preparations for Politics after Sharon by DAN BARON JERUSALEM (JTA)- Israel is resigning itself to politics without Ariel Sharon. Shock gripped the Jewish state last week when Sharon was hospitalized with a massive stroke, turning to fears for the worst when he underwent repeated surgery under deep sedation. Doctors began bringing the prime minister out of his induced coma Monday. Sharon reportedly was able to breathe on his own and showed slight movement in his right arm and leg in response to stimuli. “This was a clear reaction to pain, not a reflex,” said Dr. Felix Umansky, head of the team that has operated on Sharon three times to stem bleeding in his brain since his Dec. 4 stroke. On Tuesday, Sharon reportedly demonstrated movement in his left side as well, and his breathing was more independent. “These are neurological changes that show slight improvement in Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s brain functioning,” Hadassah Hospital director Dr. Shlomo Mor-Yosef said Tuesday, according to Ha’aretz. Doctors said it would be several days before it was clear whether Sharon had suffered any cognitive damage or paralysis. Still, a prognosis took shape whereby Sharon could survive, but in a form of forced retirement. Sharon’s chief surgeon, Dr. Jose Cohen, said Sharon had a “very high” chance of surviving. “He is a very strong man, and he is getting the best care,” the Jerusalem Post quoted Cohen as saying. “He will not continue to be prime minister, but maybe he
will be able to understand and to speak.” Sharon’s sons spoke to him Tuesday and he responded with an increase in blood pressure, doctors said. Omri Sharon on Tuesday thanked the public and the medical staff that had treated his father. As the prime minister lay in a post-operative coma Sunday, his temporary replacement, acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting. “We hope that the prime minister will recover, gain strength, and with God’s help, will return to run the government of Israel and lead the State of Israel,” Olmert said. While noting that doctors’ reports from Jerusalem’s Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center at Ein Kerem had given a “glimmer of hope” as to Sharon's chances of recuperating, Olmert said matters of state were as robust as ever. “We will continue to fulfill Arik’s will, and to run things as he wished,” he said, using Sharon’s nickname. “Israeli democracy is strong, and all of the systems are working in a stable, serious and responsible manner. This is just as it should be, and how it shall continue.” With general elections looming on March 28, Olmert has his hands full. But he received an early show of support with a weekend phone call from U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. There was also an internal reprieve from the Likud, which decided against resigning from the government, reversing a decision made before Sharon suffered his stroke last week.
January 13, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Beth El’s Wall of Honor to be Unveiled, Paying Tribute to Rabbis and Cantors by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The entire community is invited to Beth El on Sunday, Jan. 22, 11:30 a.m., for a special ceremony marking the unveiling of the synagogue’s Wall of Honor, which pays tribute to all of Beth El’s past and present rabbis and cantors. This striking artistic exhibit will be on permanent display in the community court and will feature each clergy member’s photo and the years he served the congregation. Featured guests during the dedication ceremony will be Rabbi Paul Drazen, Beth El’s Rabbi from 1982 to 2002, and currently Director of Congregational Service for United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and Beth El’s Rabbi Emeritus Myer S. Kripke, who served the congregation from 1946-75. Religious school and adult-education classes will dismiss early that morning, giving families the opportunity to attend the 30-minute program together. Following the unveiling, a congregational brunch will be held, generously sponsored by Beth El Sisterhood, Mike and Arielle Levine, Alan and Carol Parsow, and Bruce and Anne Shackman. Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin expressed gratitude for those responsible for making the Wall of Honor a reality. “We at Beth El owe a great deal to our professional and volunteer leadership, as well as to our congregants who have brought Beth El to this day,” he said. “This exhibit is a significant addition to the synagogue, as we recognize and honor the past rabbis and cantors for their
g r o w n a through symbiotic relationship between its leaders and its members. the Both community and the leaders benefit from their h a v i n g w o r k e d together. “It is fitting for Beth El to conclude its celebration of Dedication ceremony coordinator Joanie Jacobson shows Cantor Gastón 75 years by Bogomolni, left, and Rabbi Mordechai Levin blueprints for the Wall of Honor, dedicating a to be unveiled Jan. 22 in Beth El’s community court. special display years of devoted service to our synagogue, as they have given so much over the years.” Saying “I’m very happy to have been part of Beth El’s history for about 30 active years,” Rabbi Kripke added that, “The wall will be a matter of visual history. Those who have served Beth El over the years will be on view so that visitors will see who the spiritual leaders have been in the past.” that, Rabbi Drazen observed “Throughout Jewish life there has been recognition that every Jewish community is a product of its history and heritage. Every community, every congregation has
to honor its religious leaders,” he added. “Each brought talents, ability and vision to help create and later shape the congregation as it is known today.” Noting that “a lasting tribute to our rabbis and cantors is long overdue,” dedication ceremony coordinator Joanie Jacobson said that “this is a perfect opportunity for all of us--adults and children--to show our respect and appreciation for Beth El’s spiritual leaders and their individual contributions to our great synagogue. The Wall of Honor will forever reflect our history and respectfully recognize those who helped to write it.” The new exhibit has been made possible through a generous contribution by Michael and Tiffany Hoberman, in honor of their children Joel, Sarah, Jacob and Gabrielle, and Jacobson expressed “a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for this wonderful and historic gift to our congregation.”
Local Author to Speak at Beth El Men’s Club Breakfast by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Omahan Steve Fischer, author of When the Mob Ran Vegas: Stories of Murder, Mayhem and Money, will be the featured speaker at a special Beth El Men’s Club breakfast on Sunday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. The entire community is invited to be there as Fischer shares behind-the-scenes stories about the men, the Mob, movie stars and missing money that made ’50s and ’60s Vegas such a hot spot in the Nevada desert. Also scheduled to attend the breakfast is Evan Rumack, President of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs--Midwest Region, according to Beth El Men’s Club President Harry Weiner. This event is free of charge; for more information, contact Weiner at 397.8028.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 13, 2006
Part III: Struggling To Make The Grade Offering a Way Out of Poverty, Foundation Funds School Extras by DINA KRAFT TEL AVIV (JTA) -- Rinat Tzur leans over the shoulder of her third-grade student’s homework, correcting his grammar while gently explaining that he must do a better job of focusing the plot in an essay about a treasure hunt. Three times a week, Tzur is paid extra to stay late and help her students with homework, giving them the individual attention often lacking during the regular school day. “I can sit one-on-one with the children where I can strengthen them individually,� Tzur says. “It gives me time to deepen my connection with them.� The extended school day at the Yarden School in Tel Aviv’s working-class Shchunat Hatikvah neighborhood is possible because of a 3-year grant by the Sacta-Rashi Foundation, based in Ben Shemen, Israel. In addition to the study sessions with their teachers, students are treated to extracurricular activities ranging from juggling to art design and chess. They also receive hot lunches, which for some may be their only substantial meal all day. Started by a family of French philanthropists, the foundation assists Israel’s underprivileged, focusing mostly on schoolchildren and special-needs populations, including substance abusers, the disabled and victims of domestic violence. The foundation’s main focus is education, and the extended school day-- or “enriched� day, as it’s known - is one of its flagship programs. Some 60,000 students from kindergarten through high school take part in the program in 100 schools, mostly in outlying, poor areas or inner city neighborhoods like Shchunat Hatikvah. Many of the schools are in small, poor towns in the southern and northern reaches of the country, where students tend to perform at a lower level academically than their counterparts in the center of Israel. The situation in these areas has grown more dire in wake of recent budget cuts that hamper education and welfare services in parts of the country that need it most. Among children of Western countries, Israel’s fall victim to some of the highest rates of poverty. Hubert Leven, president of Sacta-Rashi since its founding in 1984, said the foundation’s goal is to invest as much and as efficiently as possible to create the largest possible impact. “Our objective is social mobility -- to try to decrease the gaps between haves and have-nots,� says Leven, a Paris businessman who has served as the CEO of a major French brokerage firm and an executive of Source Perrier.
Leven’s family has long been involved in educationally focused Jewish philanthropy. His great-grandfather was among the founders of the Alliance school system, which served Jews in French-speaking countries. Leven wants to see students whom his foundation helps make it all the way to university. The idea is to continue to push for excellence and let students and their families know that education offers a way out of poverty. The fund runs several other educational programs in addition to the enriched school day program. One is called Tafnit, Hebrew for “turnaround,� which provides intensive tutoring in math, Hebrew and English, to the lowest-achieving students, including potential high school drop-outs. Sacta-Rashi does not shoulder the entire budget for its programs; the Education Ministry and local authorities also contribute.
Students work on computers during an extended school day at the Yarden School in a working class section of Tel Aviv in Credit: Dina Kraft/JTA June 2005. The exact percentage each contributes depends on the program, but in the case of the extended school day program the ministry pays 50 percent. The remaining 50 percent is divided between the municipality and parents -- who together contribute about two thirds -- while Sacta-Rashi and its partners pay the remaining third. In the case of the Yarden School, the Los Angeles Jewish Federation also contributes money. In the past the foundation has run a rather discreet operation and didn’t advertise its involvement. But now it is searching for additional philanthropic partners and is launching matching-grant initiatives. The foundation recently partnered with the New York-based Jewish Funders Network on a matchinggrant initiative. That initiative raised more than $2 million in new gifts for Israel, according to Mark
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Charendoff, president of the Jewish Funders Network. Sacta-Rashi also runs a science and technology enrichment program in the South, which provides tutoring, extra classes and computer and lab equipment for nearly 300 schools. It also runs a scholarship program that pays college and university tuition and living expenses for Druse, Ethiopian and other immigrant students. At the Yarden School, instead of going home in the early afternoon -- often to homes where there is no adult supervision, only the pull of the television set or the streets -- the students stay until 5 p.m. The longer day “helps us with our homework,� says Anna, 9. “Our parents are at work and cannot help us. Being here we learn more.� Other children say they’re grateful for the extracurricular activities. Most of them come from homes where their parents couldn’t afford such activities on their own. “There are great activities. I love basketball, young veterinarian� -- a program where they learn about animals -- “and singing and dancing,� says Mali, 10. The Yarden School is bright and airy. Red construction-paper hearts dangle from the ceiling, with words and phrases written on them such as “politeness� and “respecting others.� Compounding the school’s challenge of serving underprivileged children, 40 percent of the students are children of immigrants from the former Soviet Union. There also are many students whose parents are foreign workers, mostly from West Africa. The principal, Tsipi Avrahami, says Sacta-Rashi’s support has made a huge difference. She’s especially thankful for the extra funding for drama and art-therapy classes, which have helped build students’ confidence. “You see dramatic changes in the children,� she says. Parents also are a partner to the process. The school now hosts parent groups where professionals instruct the parents on how to motivate their children and explain the importance of reading. Some families that are especially disadvantaged receive home visits from teachers, who sit with parents and children and show them how to interact through playing and reading. Many of the parents were raised in homes where they weren’t read to as children, and they don’t realize how important it can be to their children’s educational development. Nuriel Izenger, a special education teacher at Yarden whose salary is funded by Sacta-Rashi, says the extra help is essential for students. “As teachers, every extra hour helps us to push the child higher, to give the child more,� she says. “It’s like water in the desert -- we need it desperately.�
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January 13, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
School for Immigrants Blazes Trail for Ethiopians I’ll go to university, “ he says in halting by BRETT KLINE YEMIN ORDE (JTA) -- Grima waited English. “I don’t miss Ethiopia, only some seven years in a refugee camp in Addis of my relatives there.” Many of the Ethiopian girls still have Ababa to come to Israel. Now the 16-year-old looks around the wide crosses tattooed on their foreheads campus of the Yemin Orde Youth Village, and necks, signs of their background in the sitting on 70 acres of hilly, wooded Falash Mura community. The Falash Mura are descendants of Ethiopian Jews who grounds south of Haifa. “This is like paradise,” he says. “All the converted to Christianity, but later convertkids in the camp know about this school. ed back to Judaism. “We’re trying to develop a system to Everyone wants to come here.” In Israel only a year, Grima barely speaks remove the crosses surgically,” Leibovitz English but insists on trying. His big smile explains. “Crosses are not exactly a favorite shows off bright, white teeth, with the tattoo in Israel.” The boys wear yarmulkes. The school, beginning of a moustache on his upper lip. Grima’s determination to speak English run by the Jewish Agency for Israel from its is typical of most of the 450 students at inception in 1953 until Yemin Orde, but especially the 250 or so the Education Ministry took over in 1996, Ethiopians: They’re eager to learn, disci- is considered a pluralistic religious institution, though many of the students are not plined and grateful. Some came to Israel without their par- halachically Jewish. Students begin the day ents, while others have mothers and fathers in synagogue, but can choose not to living in poor districts of working-class attend. “We know that most of our students will towns such as Kiryat Malachi. The parents speak little or no Hebrew, not be religious later on, but we give them have little formal education and stand little some basics and tradition,” Weigel says. “This is part of what chance of advancwe call the ‘drip-irrigaing economically in tion’ system for their Israel. In much of brains -- the ideas and the Ethiopian the education seep in community, parbit by bit. On the ents’ authority over emotional side, we tell their children has them we will always be broken down, and here for you, you are some kids go bad. going to be okay.” For the students Tamar Silberberg, at Yemin Orde, 23, the daughter of however, it’s Ethiopian immigrant children eat lunch in the Friends of Yemin Orde another story. Paul “We have incred- Yemin Orde Youth Village's dining hall, Nov. 8, chairman ible success with 2005, in Yemin Orde, Israel. Ethiopian gradu- Silberberg, recently the Ethiopians,” ates of the school often become leaders in visited the school. says Susan Weigel, their communities, and officers in the IDF. The Friends of Yemin based in Yemin Orde’s out- student in front bears a cross on her forehead, Orde, raises reach director. “We a sign of her Christian upbringing, sometimes Washington, deal only with new seen among Falash Mura. about $2 million a Credit: Brett Kline/JTA year for the school, immigrants here, but among those people the Ethiopians about 30 percent of its operating budget. have been the most challenging group to “This village gives these young people integrate in the history of the school, and the chance to have access to the good perhaps in the history of Israel. From here, things that people such as myself have had most go on to the army and then to uni- my whole life,” she says. versity, paid for by the state. From there, “We make up for the unfairness they they become leaders in their community.” have experienced in their lives,” she says. Israel’s first Ethiopian lawyer, for exam- “For us in the States, this is not about polple, is a Yemin Orde graduate. itics and the right or left in Israel: It’s about The school is named after Orde Charles values, the same values my parents raised Wingate, a British army captain who organ- me with.” ized the Jewish Night Brigade, a counterinLocal youths from nearby Israeli Arab vilsurgency strike forces in the 1930s, and lages participate regularly in after-school trained future Israel Defense Forces leaders programs. The school has 10 foreign prosuch as Yigal Allon and Moshe Dayan. grams, including one in an AfricanThere are 20-25 students in a class, com- American community in Baltimore. pared to an average of 40 students per class Some 35 youngsters from Brazil spend a in other Israeli schools. Subjects are the year here, taking classes in Portuguese that same as in regular schools, and students are follow the Brazilian public-school curricuprepared so they can take university matric- lum, plus Hebrew. Weigel says about 75 ulation exams. percent of the Brazilians make aliyah. “Some Ethiopians cannot read or write in The school doesn’t have an auditorium any language when they come here,” says or football field, but it does have excellent Schlomo Leibovitz, the school’s deputy computer facilities. On many afternoons, all director. “Believe it or not, some do not of the school’s approximately 70 computknow how to use a pencil. ers are being used by students for home“The Russians also have problems -- work, technical lessons, games or e-mail. some come from orphanages, and we deal Haim Peri, the school’s director since with criminal behavior and alcohol and 1979, is seen by Israeli education officials drug abuse in some cases,” he says. “But and some members of the Ethiopian comthey’re not lacking in education. The munity as a visionary. Ethiopians come from another world.” “In Kiryat Malachi, the Yemin Orde Fasico and Bayeche are walking with graduates are the leaders of the Ethiopian other Ethiopians to the dining hall for community,” notes Gidon Ayech, a captain lunch. The boys and girls mix freely, chat- in the Israeli army whose mother served as tering in Amharic with Hebrew words the first Ethiopian assistant mayor of an thrown in. Inside the dining hall, the Israeli town before being forced to step Ethiopians and Russian students tend to sit down earlier this year. at separate tables. “They have more than brains -- they have Fasico came to Israel with his parents 15 hearts and values also,” he says. “They have months ago. They live in Beersheba, but he good jobs in the army and they’re teachers. is thrilled to be in Yemin Orde. We wrote to Dr. Peri to thank him and his “I love studying English and math, and staff.”
AS JEWS, WE KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO HAVE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES STRIPPED AWAY. Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr. has ruled to restrict our reproductive freedom and against civil rights protections for both women and minorities. If he is confirmed to a lifetime seat on the nation’s highest court, Judge Alito will determine our rights and liberties — now and for generations to come. We stand on a slippery slope — if we lose just one right, we can lose them all.
WHICH FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOM ARE YOU WILLING TO LOSE?
YOUR SENATORS NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
SPEAK OUT TODAY BY LOGGING ON TO WWW.BENCHMARKCAMPAIGN.ORG. TELL YOUR SENATORS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS BY VOTING “NO” ON JUDGE SAMUEL A. ALITO, JR. IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
BENCHMARK IS THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN TO SAVE ROE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 13, 2006
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator How long does it take to roast 125 pounds of turkey? Just ask Joan Marcus, chair of Temple Israel’s Social Justice Committee, who helped prepare dinner for about 100 to 125 homeless and nearly homeless men, women, and children on Dec. 25 at the Stephen Center. Ten members of Temple Israel helped serve, including Bernie Wolf and Ellen Long shown stirring mashed potatoes and George Quittner, slicing turkey. Others who served were Julie Wolf, Milton and Howard Marcus, Toby Fellman, Sharon Quittner, and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. Larry and Silvia Roffman and two of their grandsons, Justin and Seth Norton, delivered a car full of food. Dennis DePorte made homemade gravy, and Sandy Friedman donated cookies and candy as she does on every
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• 16120 West Dodge Road • Health West • 354-0670 • 4242 Farnam St. • Dr.’s Building Suite 141 • 558-8961 Bernie Wolf and Ellen Long mashing potatoes. Credit: Joan Marcus holiday. Others cooked, baked, and donated money. With an emphasis on tzedakah during Hanukkah, Temple members donated 75 to 80 brand new coats, plus scarves, gloves, and hats to students at Castelar School. Shari Hess, who coordinated the effort, told Rabbi Azriel, “The amount of coats and monetary donations was phenomenal. Our congregation displays great generosity in time of need. Thank you for your continuous inspiration.” A former teacher at Castelar, Hess said, “You should have seen their faces light up! They were so proud of their new coats. Some of them have never had any brand new clothes before.” One kindergartner’s note expressed her gratitude: “Thank you for the new shoes that don’t hurt my feet.” According to Hess, the new outerwear brings such delight to the children that it can even improve their outlook on school.” In addition, congregants donated books with attached audio tapes to be sent to the Gordon School in Akko, Israel. Elyce Azriel, Director of Temple’s Middle/High School, who has been to the Gordon School, said, the
Learn to Crochet at Beth Israel’s Next Make-It-And-Take-It Class by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Come and learn how to crochet! Or, at least have some fun trying! Beth Israel’s Sisterhood will host a “Make-It-and-Take-It” Crochet Class on Sunday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m. to noon. The class is designed for beginners as well those with crocheting experience. The class will be led by Bette Kozlen, Ann Moskovits and other Sisterhood members--on hand to provid guidance and answer questions. And, while the objective is to learn some crocheting basics and work on creating a scarf, the overall goal is for everyone to enjoy doing a creative activity while chatting and visiting with friends. According to Kozlen, “Our knitting class was so successful that people asked for a continuation. So, those who attended our previous classes can look forward to a similar fun experience. Everyone is welcome to come and schmooze and crochet.” If you plan to attend, bring one skein of worsted weight yarn and one crochet hook, size J or K. And what if you’re someone who doesn’t know the difference between a “skein” and a “skinned knee” or envisions shopping for a crochet “hook” in the fishing section of the local sporting goods store? Not to worry. For those who are new to the world of crocheting and knitting, a “skein” is pronounced “skane” and is length of yarn that is loosely wound up in to a bundle. Look for “worsted weight” on the skein’s packaging. Crochet hooks differ from knitting needles--crochet hooks literally have a “hook” at the end. Knitting needles, on the other hand, remain straight. Skeins and hooks can be purchased at craft stores. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you won’t want to miss out on the fun. Questions? Please call the synagogue office, 556.6288.
books are for the school’s library and English classroom. The Gordon School is part of the Omaha Jewish community’s Partnership 2000 Project. Forging relationships through programs that build Jewish identity, Partnership 2000’s purpose is to strengthen connections between Israel and the United States. Another Hanukkah tradition at Temple Israel is lighting the menorah with the Jewish residents of Remington Heights Retirement Center. Throughout the fest i v a l , Te m p l e members, including the family Rabbi of Craig and B e t s y Marantz, Sarah and A b b y SchondelGeorge Quittner cutting up turkey. m e y e r , Credit: Joan Marcus
Kate Ferer, (left foreground), Bernice Gerber, Gertrude Korney, (left background), Sally Venger, Eve Katskee, Charlotte Koom, Louis J. Levine, Julius and Sarah Schreiber. Ellen Long, Ruth Oruch, Harry and Doris Alloy, Sheila Tomps, and Natasha and Alexander Kraft read the blessings, lit the candles, and sang songs with residents. “I think it’s plenty nice of Temple to come and do this for us,” said Gertrude Korney, who enjoyed the last night.
Icy Escapades by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El Synagogue’s Chaverim youth group bundled up for a recent ice skating outing at Tranquility IcePlex. Taking a break in the action are, from left, Chaverim Advisor Robert Mosenkis, Jacob Hoberman, Ze’ev Lailari, Aaron Zipursky, Zachary Kahn, Beth El Youth Director Jamie Skog, Kylie Kirshenbaum, Naomi Zipursky, Aaron Kurtzman and Zachary Bram.
The group’s next activity will be a sledding party at the Candlewood Dam on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2:30-4 p.m. Drop-off and pick-up will be at the Zipurskys’ home, 1407 No. 127 Cir.; there is no charge to attend. In case of no snow, the children will be welcome to stay at the Zipurskys’ to enjoy a movie and refreshments. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Beth El Youth Director Jamie Skog at 492.8550, or youthdir@bethel-omaha.org. All Jewish fourth-through-sixth graders in the Omaha area are welcome to participate in Chaverim; for membership information, contact Beth El Education Director Judy Rubin at 498.0904, or eddir@bethelomaha.org.
January 13, 2006
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Film Streams’ first programming starts in January-- 10 films over five months at Joslyn. You can purchase advance tickets on our newly-designed website www.filmstreams.org or at all Homer’s records locations. All screenings begin at 7 p.m. at Joslyn’s Abbott Lecture Hall. Tickets are $10, all proceeds support Film Streams’ programming and forthcoming cinema in downtown Omaha. Friday, Jan. 13, The Lady Eve 1941). Directed by Preston Sturges; Friday, Jan. 27, Buena Vista Social Club (1999), directed by Wim Wenders; Friday, Feb. 3, The Magic Flute (1975), directed by Ingmar Bergman; Friday, Feb. 10, Notorious (1946), directed by Alfred Hitchcock; Friday, Feb. 24, To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), directed by Robert Mulligan. (Presented in collaboration with the Omaha Public Library); Friday, March 10, The Passenger (1975), directed by Michelangelo Antonioni; Friday, April 7, Rashomon (1950), directed by Akira Kurosawa; Thursday, April 20, In the Realms of the Unreal (2004), directed by Jessica Yu. (On April 22, noon, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts will host a follow-up panel of artists discussing the film); Friday, May 5, Down by Law (1986), directed by Jim Jarmusch; Friday, May 19: New Film, To Be Announced. Alexander Who’s Not...Going to Move is coming to the Orpheum Theater. A Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration® Production on Jan. 20-21 at Slosburg Hall in the Orpheum Theater. Tickets are $10-$15.
Judith Viorst, author of the adored Alexander children’s book series, magically brings this novel to life as she presents one of America’s spunkiest characters, Alexander, in a way that makes young audiences yearn for more. This comic, heartfelt musical tells the story of Alexander and his family when the news comes that Alexander’s father has been given a new job a thousand miles away. Children preschool age through fourth grade will relate to this entertaining story that shows change is not always a bad thing. The life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. will be highlighted Wednesday, Jan. 18, noon, during a celebration at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) in the Milo Bail Student Center (MBSC) Ballroom. This year’s celebration will include a keynote address by Joao Brito, UNO graduate student from Brazil. “During his lifetime, Dr. King sought to forge the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important community issues,” said Sharif Liwaru, cultural awareness programs adviser at UNO. “Working alongside individuals of all ages, races and backgrounds, Dr. King encouraged Americans to come together to strengthen communities, alleviate poverty, and acknowledge dignity and respect for all human beings.” Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for faculty/staff and $7 for the general public by calling 402.554.2979. No tickets will be available at the door. For more information, contact Liwaru at 402.554.2711.
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NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY The community-wide tribute to the Jewish veterans and active duty personnel continues with a final expanded exhibition in the Gallery of the Jewish Community Center from Wednesday, Feb. 1 through Tuesday, Feb. 28. The exhibit, featuring 31 local heroes, has traveled to the three sponsoring synagogues: Beth El, Beth Israel and Temple Israel. In addition to the panels dedicated to each participant, the exhibit will feature artifacts from military service that the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society has collected over the years. Veterans and active duty personnel who were not featured in the exhibit are invited to bring in an 8x10 photo of themselves in uniform to add to the display in the gallery. In order to be included, photos must be labeled with the name, date and location where they were taken. The NJHS will be accepting photos until Jan. 20. At the conclusion of the exhibit, the photos will be returned. Please contact Renee Corcoran at 334.6442 for more information. This project is sponsored by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, the Plains States Regional Office of the AntiDefamation League and Beth El, Beth Israel and Temple Israel. It was funded by the Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Federation Foundation. BREADBREAKERS Meet Rabbi Royi Shaffin of Tiferth Israel and Rabbi Ilan Emanuel of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, the new
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VISIONS Reminder: The Luncheon Meeting is on Friday, Jan. 20, 12:30 p.m. at the Venice Inn with ragtime piano player Marty Mincer. Give recognition to new incoming, outgoing and present board members as we celebrate the Installation of New Officers for the year 2006. Visions Membership dues of $7.50 are due. Please mail your check to Visions, c/o Beverly Gilinsky, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 69154.
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YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday, Jan. 16 at the JCC as we celebrate Caribbean Day with a tropical menu and steel drums by Joey Gulizia. Lunch begins at noon in the auditorium. The cost is $6 per person. Try your luck with Bingo with Eileen Remer at 10 a.m. Exercise will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. Call Dee Dee for transportation at 330.4272. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 for the Ameristar Casino on Jan. 26.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 13, 2006
Teens Who Celebrated B’nai Mitzvahs in 2001 to be Featured in Press’ Passover Issue
AAA Challenges High School AJSS Seeking Applicants for Tikkun Olam Summer Work Students with New Contest
by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Were you born in 1987 or 1988? Did you celebrate your B’nai Mitzvah in 2001? Or are you graduating high school this spring? If you can answer “yes” to any of the questions, you are eligible to be featured in this spring’s Jewish Press Passover issue--April 7, 2006. It all began in 1988, when former Press board member Silvia Roffman realized that babies born around that time would become B’nai Mitzvah in 2001. That year--which also happens to be the name of an acclaimed movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey--seemed so far away at the time. The following year, Roffman urged Morris Maline, then editor of this paper, to run articles about these babies and what they might encounter in the future. The Press featured this group again in 1993 as they entered kindergarten and in March, 2001, in “The B’nai Mitzvah Class of 2001”-that year’s Press Passover issue. Call me at 334.6450 with questions about how to write your 500-750 word article, submit photos, artwork, poetry, creative writing or essays. You can submit your article via e-mail directly to me at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. The deadline is Feb. 1, so call today!
by Jewish Press News Service ORLANDO, FL--High school students across the United States will soon tackle questions about fjords, freeways, French-speaking islands and more, as the fourth annual AAA Travel High School Challenge returns to identify America’s most travel-savvy teen. The scholarship contest, which drew nearly 64,000 registrants last year, again offers more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes. “After awarding nearly half a million dollars in scholarships and increasing participation eight-fold since 2003, we’re adding a new individual round to the national finals competition this year,” said Sandra Hughes, AAA Travel vice president. The AAA Travel Challenge’s primary focus remains the same though: trying to spark students’ interest in travel and the world around them, as well as get them to consider careers in the travel industry.” The three-stage competition kicks off with a 40-question online contest that runs until Jan. 17. The top five scorers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia will compete in state finals, with winners receiving prizes and an expense-paid trip for two to compete in the national finals at Universal Orlando in May, 2006. The national online contest is open to all U.S. students in grades nine12 (public, private or home-schooled). Students can pre-register, take a sample quiz, and find the contest rules at www.aaa.com/Travel Challenge.
Applications for the Maccabi Australia International Games Now Available Sport and Age Category information: OPEN: ALL AGES, Basketball (M,F), Beach Volleyball (M,F), Field Hockey (F), Golf (M,F), Half Marathon (M,F), Karate (M,F), Rugby 7’s (M), Soccer (M,F), Squash (M,F), Swimming (M,F), Table Tennis (M,F), Tennis (M,F), Ten-Pin Bowling (M,F), Triathlon (M,F), Water Polo (M). MASTERS: 35+, Basketball (M), Golf (M,F), 50+, Half Marathon (M,F), Soccer (M), Squash (M,F), Swimming (M,F), Tennis (M,F), Triathlon (M,F), Spivak added, “The Jewish Community in Sydney is warm and one of the friendliest in the world, and they look forward to welcoming our Team to compete with some of the best Jewish Athletes. Our athletes will have an opportunity to visit one of the greatest cities in the world, compete in fantastic venues and immerse themselves in the Jewish culture of Sydney. It will truly be an experience of a lifetime!” For more information about the Maccabi Australia International Games, call me at 215.561.6900 x116 or email amonson@maccabiusa.com, or visit the Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel website at www.maccabiusa.com.
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NCSY to Cheer on the Jays by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Getting the chance to go to a Creighton Men’s Basketball game sounds like an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The chance to attend the game for free, and sit up in the Qwest Center’s Pepsi Skybox while you’re watching the Bluejays play, sounds even better! Beth Israel’s Junior and Senior National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) are making plans to attend a Creighton Men’s Basketball game on Sunday, Jan. 22, when the Bluejays take on University of Evansville’s Purple Aces at 2:05 p.m. “NCSY’ers went to a basketball game last year, so this is actually the ‘Second Annual’ trip for the group,” said Brooke Shrago, NCSY Director. “Bag ‘n Save was kind enough to contact Pepsi and made arrangements for us to use Pepsi’s Skybox for a game. We’re appreciative to Bag ‘n Save and to Pepsi for their generosity.” There are only a limited number of tickets available. “We have twelve tickets to give to Junior and Senior NCSY’ers,” explained Shrago. “So, if you want a chance to go to the game, you need to call and get on our reservation list. Tickets are on a first-come-first-served basis.” The group will first meet at Beth Israel, departing at 1:30 p.m. to the Qwest Center. Beth Israel is going to provide rides to those attending the game and will bring them back to the synagogue after the game is over. For tickets, or if you have questions about NCSY’s trip to the game, please call Brooke Shrago at 556.6288.
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by AMI MONSON Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel, located in Philadelphia, is sponsoring U.S. participation in the MAIGs in July 2006. Applications for the U.S. team representing are now available at www.maccabiusa.com. MAIGs are a competition for Jewish athletes that will be held in Sydney, Australia, according to Robert Spivak, chairman of Team U.S.A. “The Inaugural Maccabi Australia International Games are going to be a spectacular event! Members of the U.S. Team and other Jewish athletes from 18 countries will have the opportunity to travel ‘Down Under’ to Sydney and compete in their sport in state of the art venues designed for Olympic competition,” says Spivak. According to Spivak, the United States will send a contingent of 150 athletes to the Games, which will feature: • U.S. participation in two age categories, Open and Masters; • Cultural programs for the American delegation to include touring of Sydney; • Most of the sport competition to be held in the same facilities as the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
by CARL BRENNER The American Jewish Society for Service is seeking applications for its 56th summer Tikkun Olam community service program for high school students. Young men and women, ages 16 and 17, who are interested in spending six weeks providing critical construction and service to communities in need and putting their Jewish values into action may be interested in applying for the 2006 summer projects. This year, in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, AJSS will conduct at least one project in the Gulf area with our long time partner, the Southern Mutual Help Association, with Umpqua Community Development Corporation of Roseburg, Oregon, also serving as hosts. AJSS is an independent non-denominational nonprofit organization. It was founded in 1951 and has sought to inspire teens to put their Jewish values into action by providing significant service to communities in need. Limited scholarship support is available. For more information and to apply for the 2006 summer program, go to www.ajss.org.
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January 13, 2006
Julie Durmaskin graduated from Drake University with a Master of Science in Adult Learning, Performance, and Development, with an emphasis in Leadership and Professional and Personal Coaching. Her research and dissemination focused on Informal Learning among Telecommuters and Field Personnel. She was recognized for earning a 4.0 grade average during all semesters and is now an Ambassador for Drake University’s graduate program. Julie works in the Training and Educational Development department at Carlson Hotels Worldwide Center in Omaha. Brian Durmaskin, son of Jay and Julie Durmaskin, graduated from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota in May. A former Carlson School Student of the Year, Brian received the Alpha Kappa Psi Tablet Award at the graduation ceremony for his work as president of the school’s Undergraduate student government. In June, Brian started work as a financial analyst at the General Mills headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. On Saturday, Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m., Leonard Greenspoon will give an illustrated lecture titled, “‘The Handwriting on the Wall’: The Bible in Art” at the Joslyn Art Museum. Greenspoon, who holds the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, will highlight the use of the actual text of the Bible--in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, English, and other languages--as an integral part of Western art. Among the painters, sculptors, lithographers, and other artists he will illustrate are Baskin, Chagall, Rembrandt, Dore, and Ratner. Greenspoon’s lecture comes just one week before the opening at the Joslyn of the exhibition, Illuminating the Word: The Saint John’s Bible. As he points out: “My presentation is almost the ‘flip-side’ of the Joslyn exhibit: Illustrated manuscripts incorporate art into the biblical text; the examples I will
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Tu B’Shvat Trees, Please
IN THE NEWS Gordmans, Inc., an Omaha-based apparel and home fashions retailer, together with its customers and associates, raised $125,000 to support American Red Cross relief efforts for victims of the Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and the U.S. Gulf Coast region. Jeff Gordman, Gordmans’ president and CEO, presented a check to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina relief initiative Dec. 21, at the Lakeside Hills Plaza Gordmans store in Omaha, Neb. American Red Cross Heartland Chapter Executive Director Judy Peschio accepted the check on behalf of the American Red Cross.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
discuss incorporate the biblical text into art.” Greenspoon’s talk is part of a series, CU at the Joslyn, which is taking place on selected Saturdays throughout the year. For further information, please call Fran Minear at 280.2304. Organizations and individuals in the Omaha metropolitan area are being asked to nominate senior women for the 2006 University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Women of Wisdom Awards. Awards will be given this spring to three women over age 50 who exemplify the spirit of community contribution while providing a meaningful example of successful aging. Nomination forms are available online at http://pwsa.unomaha.edu/ or by calling 402.554.4897 or 402.554.2292, and are due March 1. The minimum nomination requirements include: Name, age, address and phone number of the nominee; The nominator’s relationship to the nominee; Information on the nominee’s actions, activities and involvement in the community, and its results; Reasons why the nominee’s work or advocacy was significant and identification of who benefited (individuals or groups); and Any other additional information that effectively creates a strong picture of the nominees’ accomplishments. “We’re extremely excited about this event and receiving nominations from the community,” said Patricia Adams, the director of UNO’s Program for Women and Successful Aging (PWSA), the sponsor of Women of Wisdom Awards. “We know that senior women make a tremendous difference through their work. Highlighting those efforts will be extremely rewarding.” Award recipients will be honored at a luncheon and community-wide program, “Celebrate: Women of Wisdom Because Aging is a Lifetime Event” set for April 5, 11:30 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Frances Mayes, the bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany. This is the second annual Celebrate: Women of Wisdom luncheon. “PWSA has always been about helping women enjoy and understand the concept of aging well,” Adams said. “These awards fit that mission perfectly. We look forward to honoring another group of remarkable women who embody successful aging.” The luncheon event, at the Holiday Inn Central, is open to the public. Tickets are $40 per person; $35 for seniors over the age of 60. Corporate tables are available and prices begin at $500. For more information, call 402.554.4897 or 554.2292 or e-mail jmaassen@mail.unomaha.edu.
MARRIAGE HURWITZ/MINOWITZ DeDe Hurwitz and Richard Minowitz of Scottsdale, AZ, were married Sept. 24, 2005, at the Caleo Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, AZ. Rabbi Raphael Goldstein officiated. Parents of the couple are Leonard Minowitz of New York City, NY, Rhoda Minowitz of Somers, NY, and the late David and Mollie Fogel. Standing with the couple under the chuppah were the groom’s parents and the bride’s children: Michael Hurwitz, Boulder, CO, Dawn Gold, Seattle, WA, Gold, were ring bearers. Bradley Hurwitz, Miami Beach, FL, and After a honeymoon to the Dominican Jason Hurwitz, Phoenix, AZ. The bride’s Republic, the couple are at home in grandsons, Aidan, Noah and Simon Scottsdale, AZ.
by BERNARD MANN Legacy Crosswords, © 2006 Sponsored by CATEGORY ONE
ACROSS 1. Fed. workplace safety agency 5. “I don’t care. It’s on your _____.” 10. TREE OF ISRAEL, ONCE THRIVED ALONG THE JOR DAN NORTH OF DEAD SEA 14. “Come on, now! Get ____!” 15. TREE OF ISRAEL, VALUED FOR ITS WOOD AND OIL 16. Away from the windward side 17. Small wagon 18. As are most school notebook pages 19. Monetary unit of Iran 20. TWO FRUIT TREES OF ISRAEL (joined by a con junction) 23. Mail service 24. Monetary unit of Japan 25. Volume of maps 28. But, to Brutus 31. Indian state 35. Brought up a child 37. Doc for dogs and does 39. Fix starter 40. WHY THIS TREE-PLANTING DAY WAS SET TO THE FULL MOON (4 words, suggestive of a farmer’s almanac) 44. “___ day, as I looked out ....” 45. Soviet/Russian space station 46. Call Poe a ____ __ a story-writer; he was both. 47. Less common
50. Airport abbrev. 52. Lariat 53. Kildare, familiarly 55. Archaic adverb for gladly, willingly 57. TWO FRUIT TREES OF ISRAEL (joined by a conjunction) 65. “Don’t touch that ____!” 66. Land investm. vehicles 67. MONTH AFTER SHVAT 68. ____ of Geierstein, Walter Scott novel 69. Lauder 70. Siberian river 71. MLB team 72. WMD trial 73. WHAT OUR TREES BECOME, WHEN THEY’RE CUT DOWN DOWN 1. Ocean mammal, preys on 2 Down 2. Ocean mammal 3. Damage 4. Choral assignment (2 words) 5. Some fungi 6. Aggregations of names at the bottom of the pile. Well, let’s say fifth down. 7. Singer Turner 8. Not odd at all 9. Singer Helen 10. Mother or father, in Latin 11. Inter ____ 12. Shakespeare’s Job-like king 13. Brooks and Torme 21. Pushed out in front slightly 22. VEGETABLE OFTEN
PLANTED SHORTLY AFTER THIS TIME 25. WOOD STRUCTURE, DERIVED FROM WORD FOR TREE 26. ____ Marie, R&B singer (“Starchild”) 27. Type of intense light, beam 29. Tennis champ Chris 30. NBA champs city 32. Tiffs, arguments 33. Italian river, New Yorker cartoonist 34. Paris transit 36. Hold back a stream 38. EACH TREE HAS ONE 41. USE ONE TO FASTEN A YOUNG TREE TO A STAKE 42. Worked a raft, other craft upstream 43. YEARLY EVENT, DECIDUOUS TREES IN OFF-SEASON (2 words) 48. Roman officials 49. Mythic bird, Arabian Nights 51. Winged plants, animals (using the adjective form) 54. Jazz great Chick 56. Small map within a map 57. FIRST PLANTER (assumedly) 58. TREE OF ISRAEL, A CONIFER 59. Rail, declaim bombastically 60. Exam 61. Location 62. Word starter for concept 63. ____ of Fourteen (McCain et al) 64. Mrs., plural, in Spain
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January 13, 2006
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by BETH KATZ ADL Director of Interfaith Affairs and Community Education The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will offer the four-week program “Within Context: A Jewish-Christian Study Circle” to bring together Jews and Christians to examine a significant passage from each tradition’s sacred texts. The group will be jointly facilitated by Jewish, Catholic and Protestant clergy and scholars: Rabbi Craig Marantz, Temple Israel; Reverend Dennis Hamm, S.J., Ph.D., New Testament Professor at Creighton University; and Dr. Paul Williams, Assistant Professor of Religion at University of Nebraska at Omaha. This unique study circle will take place on Sundays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 3-5 p.m., at Countryside Community Church (8787 Pacific St). Event organizers want to provide an opportunity for Jews and Christians from the community to explore some of the scripturally-based theological issues that have united and divided the two communities and to
build relationships between Jews and Christians in the process. “I believe face-to-face interfaith dialogue is the most effective way to break down stereotypes about members of other faith traditions,” comments study circle cofacilitator Dr. Williams. Study circle co-facilitator Reverend Hamm, who has been involved in Jewish-Christian dialogue in Omaha for more than 12 years, says that he is aiming to create an environment where people are comfortable exploring the some of the differences between the two traditions, “[Often] we try so hard to emphasize what we have in common that we shy away from acknowledging differences. But I expect that anyone who commits to this kind of dialogue has the courage, kindness and creativity to meet these challenges.” For this event, the ADL has partnered with the Center for Faith Studies at Countryside Community Church. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. To register or for more information, call me at the ADL office, 402.333.1303 or at bkatz@adl.org or Cyndi Kugler at the Center for Faith Studies at Countryside Community Church, 402.391.0350, or email cyndik@countrysideucc.org.
Women of Spirit XXI Welcomes All Women of Faith at Creighton University by CLAUDIA SHERMAN In an era of dangerous division among the world’s religious traditions, Women of Spirit promotes understanding and peace among peoples of faith. All women of faith are invited to participate in a one-day gathering on Sunday, Jan. 29, 1-6 p.m., at the Creighton University Skutt Student Center, 24th and California. After 20 years of occurring on Saturday, this is the first time the event has been changed to Sunday, to accommodate Jewish women. This year’s theme, “Stories Between the Spaces of our lives, our cultures, our spiritual paths,” features professional storytellers from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian traditions represented respectively by Temple’s own Rita Paskowitz, Novera King, and Lucy Duncan.
Following the formal presentations, women can choose to explore and enhance their own spiritual journeys by selecting from 10 breakout sessions featuring educational opportunities about a variety of formal faith traditions and interactive sessions to explore their own stories. Since 9/11 in 2001, Women of Spirit has been expanding and evolving in ever-widening circles to embrace all women of faith. The goal is to promote understanding among spiritual peoples. Advance registration of $35 is required by Tuesday, Jan. 10. After that date, the registration is $45. For information, log on to more http://marian.creighton.edu/~wos or call the Knowles Mercy Spirituality Center at 359.4288.
New Year’s Welcomed at Beth Israel by Dancin’ to the Music
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Beth Israel’s Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve celebration, held the evening of Dec. 31, 2005, included lighting of the menorah, a spaghetti dinner, live music, singing by Chazzan Ari Dembitzer, and special activities for children led by Shlicha Rachel Ohana. People stayed late playing mah jongg and other board games. Photo at left: members of the “Beth
Solution to Crossword Puzzle on Page 9
Israel All-Star Band” with Rabbi Gross on trumpet, Dik Weiner on drum set, Brent Saltzman on drum set, Ari Dembitzer on guitar, Alan Kricsfeld on keyboard. Not pictured ... Donald Gerber and Howard Gendelman; two young Beth Israel members, Leah Gurock and Bradley Berman, dancing to the music.
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In a gesture of neighborly friendship, a group of Beth El volunteers, organized by the synagogue’s Men’s Club, helped to prepare and serve dinner at Girls and Boys Town last week. Among those helping out were, from left, Ryan, Bob, Stephanie and Donna Olesh (volunteers at right are unidentified). Not pictured: Steve Riekes, Harold Zabin and David Herzog.
January 13, 2006
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Open to the Entire Jewish Community
Omaha Synagogues Continued from page 1 Silverman, Simon, and Cohen’s intent is to “bring the Jewish community together in the spirit of competition and fun.” The purpose is not to win, but to keep everyone in the Jewish community connected and to encourage new friendships. Events will include backgammon, bowling, dodge ball, mah jongg, pictionary, ping pong, poker, billiards, a spelling bee, and a walk-a-thon. Each event is captained by representatives from all three synagogues. Congregants may participate in a maximum of three decathlon events. There is no age limit--some events, such as the spelling bee and walk-a-thon, will be appropriate for children. First place winners for each event will be awarded 50 points, second place earns 30 points, and third place garners 20 points. Captains will determine if scoring is credited to individuals or teams for each event. A grand finale is being discussed by the coordinators which would perhaps include a reception at which time a traveling trophy is expected to be awarded to the synagogue with the most points. Every year, the trophy would be up for grabs by all three synagogue teams. Silverman said the captains are a diverse group of men and women representing a range of ages. He pointed out that some might not be actively involved in their synagogues in other capacities. “This is a good way to draw them in.” Beth Israel’s Rabbi Jonathan Gross is the captain of his team’s backgammon group. An experienced backgammon player who learned to play as a youngster and has played seriously for the past 10 years, he said, the decathlon “will be a great chance to meet people from the
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
other synagogues in a fun context.” Gloria Goodman, assisted by Esther Wax and Harriett Marcus, are captains of Beth El’s mah jongg team. Goodman has been playing for 51 years and still plays three times a week. “It should be fun for anybody who likes mah jongg,” she commented. “I think it’s great. We’ll get to meet new mah jongg players” which is good for the game. Wax, who learned to play more than 40 years ago, agreed. “I think it’s a way to get us all to do something together, and that’s good for strengthening community bonds.” Temple’s bowling captain, Adam Yale, thinks, “one of the nice things about the decathlon is that a lot of people will be doing things and hanging out within the Jewish community at synagogues and the Federation. That’s a positive thing. It’s the sort of thing that makes community ties stronger.” Yale said he likes to bowl a few times a year. “A lot of skill is not a requirement” to participate in the bowling event, he added. By Jan. 18, the captains are expected to report dates and venues to their respective synagogue coordinators. Events will be divided among the synagogues, the Jewish Community Center, and some other places such as a bowling alley. Some events will be on Sundays, others on weekdays during day and evening hours. Spectators are strongly encouraged by the coordinators to attend the events and root for their teams and vie for “bragging rights.” But the biggest emphasis is on having fun, stressed Silverman. That’s already happening among the captains. Call the captain of your synagogue team event (three per participant maximum) to bowl, spell, walk, paddle, and play your way to some fun.
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Beth El Offers “The Blessing of Good Parenting” the class to offer more of by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator a support-group atmosphere rather than a tradiDuring February and tional classroom experiBeth El March, ence, she explained that, Synagogue Talmud Torah “I think everyone wants (BESTT) will present a to be the best parent they new class for all Jewish can be, and we can all use parents and grandparents a little help from our in the Omaha community community and friends.” entitled “The Blessing of All classes will be held Good Parenting.” Based on Sundays, 10-11 a.m.; on the book The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by the course schedule and Wendy Mogel, PhD, this topics follow: exciting new course is Feb. 5: “The Blessing Stefani Lailari geared to help parents of Having Someone to raise self-reliant Jewish children, and will Look Up To: Honoring Father and be facilitated by Beth El congregant Mother;” Stefani Lailari. Feb. 12: “The Blessing of a Skinned Saying she has been familiar with The Knee: Why God Doesn’t Want You to Blessing of a Skinned Knee for several Overprotect Your Child;” years, Beth El Education Director Judy Feb. 26: “The Blessing of Longing: Rubin said the messages in the book Teaching Your Child an Attitude of merit further exploration via an entire Gratitude;” course. “It has become popular to say March 5: “The Blessing of Work: that parenting does not come with an Finding the Holy Sparks in Ordinary instruction book,” she said, “but this Chores;” delightful book gives parents valuable March 19: “The Blessing of Food: insights into parenting Jewish children, Bringing Moderation, Celebration and and providing guidelines for creating self- Sanctification to the Table;” sufficient Jewish children.” March 26: “The Blessing of SelfCiting instructor Lailari’s nursing back- Control: Teaching Your Child the Value ground and work with support groups, of the Present Moment.” Rubin called her an excellent choice to Cost is $18, plus $7 to purchase the lead the new course, adding that “as a book The Blessing of a Skinned Knee; new synagogue member, Stefani has reservations are needed by Jan. 22 and shown a great deal of enthusiasm for may be made by contacting the BESTT becoming an active part of Beth El.” office at 498.0904, or via e-mail at Lailari, a recent newcomer to Omaha, eddir@bethel-omaha.org. said her goal in this class is to help parents This course has been made possible by “have a closer relationship with their chil- a grant from the Herbert Goldsten Trust. dren and with their Judaism.” Wanting
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January 13, 2006
Chabad Celebrates Hanukkah in Omaha, Out-State
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the venue for a unique by SHANI KATZMAN Hanukkah celebration and Moylan Ice Plex was the lighting ceremony. As part venue for this year’s Annual of the ongoing outreach Hanukkah Festival sponprogram of Chabad House sored by the Chabad House. and its many services offered The event attracted skaters to the communities of and non-skaters alike to celNebraska, Iowa, and the ebrate and revel in the beauDakotas, Rabbi Katzman ty of the holiday presented an afternoon of The program, created to Jewish pride and education educate and engage the to the residents of Kearney, young and the young at Gibbons and the surroundheart was truly a hands-on ing areas. Hanukkah adventure. In The event made the front addition to popular Jewish page of the Kearney Hub music during skating, the two weeks in a row--the first occasion included a delicious time a Jewish event of this family buffet dinner replete kind has been highlighted in with Hanukkah favorites and this manner. Assisted by Dr. opportunities to create Tom and Elaine Urban, forHanukkah crafts. The celebration also incorporated a lighting ceremony with a six-foot menorah in the center of the rink. “Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights is the celebration of the triumph of good over evil, right over might,” explained Rabbi Mendel Katzman, spiritual leader of the sponsoring organization. “Hanukkah teaches that Above: Rabbi Mendel Katzman ice skates with his daughter Devora at the Moylan Ice Plex; with a bit of light and kind- below: a large menorah that could be seen from I-80 was lit in a ceremony attended by more ness we can drive away the than 40 out-state Nebraskans; Elaine Urban serves latkes at the Hanukkah Festival. darkness and despair in our midst. It affirms our belief in mer residents of Kearney who currently reside in humanity, that with our moral deeds we can make a dif- Omaha, Rabbi Katzman has been offering programs on ference despite the wickedness and danger that seem to a more regular basis to this area. prevail. Has there been a time in recent history when “It was touching to witness the joy, the enthusiasm this message was more vital?” he asked. and pride in those who attended the program”, The program also included a performance on the ice described Rabbi Katzman. “The nature of Hanukkah is by a group of young skaters. such that it touches the core of the soul. Hanukkah The Hanukkah festivities were not limited to Greater awakens the innate goodness within each of us. The Omaha. The Kearney Wingate hotel just off I-80 was desire to make a difference.”
Preparing for Retirement; Some “Get It”, Some Still Don’t
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by ROB A. RANDELS CFP®, MBA, ChFC), Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Legislation passed in the last several years gave people saving for retirement the ability to put more money into IRA accounts and qualified retirement plans and reap significant tax benefits. Welcome news as Americans realize the serious need to take responsibility for their own retirement planning. An estimated 28 million families headed by a worker under age 65 had no retirement savings accounts in 2001. And, while the actual dollar amount of IRA contributions increased after the new tax rules went into effect, it appears as if the actual number of taxpayers making contributions to an IRA is still declining, a trend dating back to 1997. Despite the efforts of the government to help reverse this situation, two serious problems remain: 1. Americans aren’t saving enough money to adequately fund their retirements. 2. The Social Security system will have increased demands placed on it as baby boomers age. Are you saving enough for retirement in order to have the lifestyle you hope for? You don’t want to be working at age 70 unless it’s by choice. While some realize the importance of taking their retirement planning into their own hands, many continue to ignore the urgency of the matter. For those who need to set more money aside for retirement, there are many considerations to be made. How and where to invest your money With all the options available today, it’s important to make sure your investments are as efficient and effective as possible. Are you in a tax bracket that makes tax-free investments more attractive? How do you get access to what you’ve saved without giving an unnecessary chunk of it to the government in taxes? Make sure you know all the tax implications of distributions from different types of assets especially if you are under age 59. Your overall asset allocation As a general rule, your money should be allocated among different types of investments and appropriate to your risk tolerance, time frame and investment objectives. The closer you are to needing the cash, the fewer fluctuations you will probably want in the value of your portfolio. Because of varying degrees of gains or losses in each asset class, your asset allocation is destined to change over time. Rebalancing your account periodically can help smooth out the
volatility and maintain the asset allocation needed to reach your planning objectives. Set aside as much as you can afford Here are several tax rules that may help you maximize the amount you put away for your retirement: • Traditional and Roth IRAs – contribution limits (currently $4,000) increase to $5,000 in 2008 depending on your level of income. • 401(k)s and Similar Plans – eligible deferrals increase from $14,000 in 2005 to $15,000 in 2006. • SIMPLE IRA Plans – contribution limits of $10,000 as of 2005 ($12,000 if over 50). • “Catch-up” Provisions for those over 50- Generally, anyone over age 50 can make additional contributions to certain retirement programs over the usual limits: IRA and Roth IRA – additional contributions of $500 are allowed through 2005 and $1,000 beginning in 2006. Non-SIMPLE Pension Plans - additional contributions are allowed up to $5000 in 2006 SIMPLE Pension Plans - catch-ups are 50% of others • Special Provisions for Business Owners If you own a business, the recent tax law changes make it much easier for you to start a retirement plan that can provide meaningful benefits for you and attractive benefits for your employees. Tips for Preparing IRAs appear likely to be the largest source of non-Social Security income in retirement for many in the next generation of retirees (baby boomers and beyond). If you need to save more and have not been taking advantage of the higher contribution limits for these plans, don’t wait any longer. The key to living the lifestyle you want in your retirement is making the right decisions today. To that end, working with a respected and trusted financial professional can help you make those decisions that are right for you and your unique situation. A Word of Caution Don’t plan on these provisions being around forever. The current rules “sunset” in 2010 and will revert back to the (lower) levels of 2001; it will literally take an act of Congress to prevent it. The higher limits available today may help you improve your chances of living a comfortable retirement in the future. Take advantage of them while you can.
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Book Catalogs the Wonders of Israeli Ingenuity, Innovation by CHANAN TIGAY NEW YORK (JTA) -- Each year, more than a half-billion birds traverse Israeli skies en route from Africa to Europe and Asia. Israeli bird-watchers love that their skies are a sort of avian Spice Route, but air force pilots, who fly at about the same altitude as the migrating birds, are less sanguine: Between 1972 and 1998, 3,000 Israeli military planes struck birds, losing three pilots and eight aircraft in the accidents. Thanks to the ingenuity of Israeli researcher Yossi Leshem, however, bird-strikes have plummeted by 76 percent during the last 20 years, according to a new book about Israeli innovations in fields from science and technology to agriculture, medicine and outreach. Leshem’s work isn’t the kind that’s likely to make headlines, especially coming from a region long dominated by violence and political turmoil. But for one British philanthropist -- who conceived and funded the book “Israel in the World: Changing Lives Through Innovation� -- it was just the kind of story he wanted to read, and wanted others to have access to. “Other books tell you how to argue for Israel,� said Trevor Pears, who directs the Pears Foundation. “They don’t tell you why you should.� The new book “encourages me to argue the case because I think Israel is doing some good stuff,� he said. Leshem’s is just one of the interesting stories in “Israel in the World.� Pioneering the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, drafting volunteer bird-watchers and using a motorized glider, the Tel Aviv university researcher and bird lover launched a massive and sophisticated project to track the flight paths and schedules of migrating birds, allowing Israel’s air force to avoid particular areas when they were likely to be teeming with birds. The project, which is credited with the drop in birdrelated accidents and is being emulated around the world, was an enormous undertaking: Some 280 species of birds take to the skies above Israel and each has its unique patterns and eccentricities. Leshem now works closely with the Jordanian and Turkish air forces to help prevent bird strikes, and many Western governments have sought out Leshem and the Israeli air force for guidance on preventing collisions. Indeed, Leshem provided the United States with information on the birds’ migratory patters during the first Gulf War in 1991. Pears’ favorite story in the book is about Yoel Margalith, an Israeli scientist known worldwide as “Mr. Mosquito.� Margalith is credited with saving millions of lives through his discovery of Bti, a naturally occurring bacteria that kills disease-carrying mosquitos and certain types of flies. Bti does not harm the environment, as past
chemical mosquito killers have, but it’s lethal to the tiny creatures that spread malaria and river blindness. The discovery has saved lives outside of Israel, including some in Africa and China. But what impresses Pears most is that Margalith is a survivor of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp and the Teresienstadt transit camp. Margalith’s achievements make clear the “waste of creativity and humanityâ€? perpetrated during the Holocaust, Pears said. Among other Israeli innovations detailed in the book are: • Nemesysco, an Israeli company that has developed voice-sensitive technology that reveals, over the telephone, whether or not someone is telling the truth; • M-Systems, the Israeli firm that developed the DiskOnKey, whose Flash technology allows huge amounts of computer data to be stored on a key chain; and
‘Israel in the World: Changing Lives through Innovation,’ by Helen and Douglas Davis. Credit: Courtesy of Weidenfeld & Nicolson • Given Imaging Ltd., which developed a miniature, disposable video camera that can be fitted into a capsule and swallowed, giving doctors thousands of images of a person’s intestines. “It’s breathtaking how broad Israel’s innovative genius has become in the 21st century,â€? said Larry Weinberg, executive vice president of Israel21c, an organization that works to give a fuller picture of Israel beyond the conflict with the Palestinians. A number of the stories in “Israel in the Worldâ€? are from Israel21c’s archives, Weinberg said. “People look at this book and go, ‘Wow!’ Even Jews don’t know what Israel has become in the 21st century,â€? he said.
Many Israelis, too, aren’t aware of their county’s achievements, said Mark Waldman, a Canadian philanthropist and chair of CIJA-PAC, a Canadian Jewish advocacy group. “The surprising thing is, when I gave copies to friends in Israel -- and when other Israelis looked at the book - they all came back and said they had no idea how much Israel had contributed to the world,� he said. “There’s so much negative stuff in the media about Israel and we let the media try and define Israel, but the way they define it isn’t what Israel really is.� Waldman said he has been promoting the book in North America to Jewish federations and other nonprofits, and is trying to attract the interest of the media. Pears, to whom the authors dedicated the book, said the idea came to him as he looked around for something to read about Israel’s achievements. “I couldn’t find the kind of book I was looking for and figured perhaps I might make it happen,� he said. He pitched the idea to Britain’s Lord George Weidenfeld, a founder of Weidenfeld & Nicolson publishers and a former chief of staff to Israeli President Chaim Weizmann. Weidenfeld set Pears up with the Orion Publishing Group. From there, journalists Helen and Douglas Davis were drafted to write the book, and it was released about 18 months later. Launch parties have been held in New York, London and Toronto. “Israel in the World� includes a foreword by media mogul Rupert Murdoch. “From media and telecommunications to I.T. and banking, Israeli technological advances are key contributors to the progress and strength of the global economy,� writes Murdoch, whose News Corp. controls NDS, a television technology company profiled in the book. The book can be bought online at Amazon.com and is available at bookstores. Proceeds are going to the Emet Foundation, created to use its profits to take on projects that offer positive approaches to Judaism, Pears said. “Emet� is the Hebrew word for truth. The book has had two printings already and a third is being considered. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has purchased about 2,000 copies of the book, and Jewish federations are giving it to donors. Those involved with the book say a French translation is a possibility. “To know that it’s in most Israeli embassies around the world and that they’re giving them out showing a face of Israel that has just not seen -- that’s a success,� Pears said. Waldman agrees that the book may prove influential. “I think it can have a big impact in changing people,� Waldman said. “Maybe it can get someone to invest in Israel, to visit Israel, to benefit from all the great things that come out of the country,’’ he said.
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Written Out of the Will by SORIYA DANIELS Steve Kaplan* had just finished sitting shiva for his mother when he was dealt the next emotional blow: news that he was written out of his mother’s will. Every belonging of his mother would pass to his brother, as specified in his mother’s Last Will and Testament. As for him, zilch. Not a word. Not a penny. “It’s not the money,” says Kaplan when asked which aspect bothers him the most. “It just reflects how she might have viewed me. It leaves a negative connotation.” “These people feel immense hurt and rejection,” explains Dr. David Falk, a clinical psychologist in Cleveland, Ohio, who has counseled many people with bereavement issues during his 25-plus year career. “It can create a sense of bitterness for a long, long time. It revives a lot of sibling rivalries from earlier in life, and can hurt families for generations,” adds Falk, who also directs The Psycho-analytic Center, a community clinic in Cleveland. According to Falk, when a child is written out of a parent’s will, it implies either a lack of trust in that child, or insinuates some other kind of personality problem in a person. “That leaves open a vulnerability to be hurt even deeper, so that there is an awful lot of shame and anger that’s generated in the rejected party,” he adds. “You could argue that the son who everything was left to bonded with her the most and cemented the relationship, and Mama was leaving everything to him out of gratitude,” contends Peter Strauss, a partner of the New York law firm Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., and author of The Complete Retirement Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Safeguard Your Money, Your Health and Your Independence (Facts-on-File 2003.) Strauss, also a law professor and Co-Director of the Elder Law Clinic at New York Law School, explains that most states’ laws protect a spouse from being excluded from a will, but does not protect children, with rare exception. He also points out that while anyone who had a right to inherit and was cut out of a will could theoretically contest the will, the chance of a successful contest is very low. “My guess would be only five percent,” he adds. Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt of Shaara Tzedeck Congregation, an Orthodox synagogue located in Vancouver, points out that while it is not technically a violation of Jewish Law to show favoritism to one child, that it is considered unwise. Rosenblatt believes that it is improper to write out a close family member from a will. “The general principle is Gadol HaShalom,” drawing from Ya’akov, that ill fate awaits a family that favors one child,” says Rosenblatt, alluding to the story of Ya’akov’s son, Joseph, who was favored by his father,
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Nervous About Tax Season? thus causing great enmity between the brothers.” Kaplan admits to feeling “disappointed,” though he doesn’t believe his mother would have wanted him to feel bad. He believes it’s important, however, that testators leave behind something in writing that explains why they are not leaving so-and-so any money, if that was their final wish. “This way, the person understands why and isn’t just dangling with many different thoughts,” says Kaplan. Rosenblatt takes this approach a step further, urging people to heal their problems so they don’t get passed on through the documents. “Those who have disputes with their children that are so intense as to want to disinherit the child that was fed and nursed from birth, might want to find a good counselor who can help them work through their dispute,” he says, adding, “Obviously, there has been conflict in the family. This is a matter of reconciliation, not of wills, lawyers and the standard code [of Jewish Law.]” Rosenblatt feels strongly that the money is often secondary, and that the relationship will not be salvageable after death. Falk agrees and urges families to work through disputes while everybody is still available to be angry about it, talk it out, reason with it, and come to an understanding. “But to blind-sight somebody with a swipe at the end of life leaves a legacy of pain for somebody, that my so-and-so didn’t love me.” According to Falk, the sibling who receives the inheritance may not even benefit from the arrangement when considering the big picture. While for the short-term he could claim victory over his sibling, but over the long run, there can be a lot of guilt and alienation from the rest of the family. “It’s very hard to win when families are very conflicted and are competing with each other for a parent’s attention,” says Falk, adding, “If the parents give an equal distribution, which many attorneys advise, the one who did everything will feel like he’s been cheated.” Strauss, a frequent speaker at estate planning conferences and a popular speaker for various Jewish Federations, doesn’t recommend including or excluding family members, so long as the law allows for it. “It’s the client’s wishes that are important, not the lawyer’s,” he maintains. As for Kaplan, he feels terrible that his 62-year relationship with his mother ended this way, without closure. He’s still not sure why she wrote him out of the will. It seems these things can be as complicated as families themselves. *name changed to protect privacy Freelance writer Soriya Daniels lives in South at: Florida; she can be reached soriyadaniels@excite.com.
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Beth Israel’s Rabbi Offers Tips for Book Club Discussion Novices by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Rabbi Jonathan Gross has been an avid participant in book clubs since he was a teen. As one who now leads a book discussion group, he encounters some people who have been in book clubs for years and others who have never considered attending a book discussion. Upon realizing that there are plenty of book club “novices” out there, Gross has a number of useful suggestions to help them make the most out of any book club meeting. On Thursday, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Jonathan Gross will lead Beth Israel’s Book Club in a discussion about The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis. If you have never gone to a book club meeting, Gross suggests that this book is a great first choice. The novel is relatively easy to read and lends itself well to various types of discussion. “‘The Screwtape Letters’ is an entertaining satire-fantasy consisting of letters from one character to another,” explained Gross. “The fact that it’s a segmented work makes it easier to pick up and put down, like you might do with a book of short stories. Each letter tends to address a different theme, or a theme might be carried over into a couple of additional letters, and then move on to something else. So, after reading for awhile, it is easy to stop at a point where a theme is completed, and then move on to the next letter when you return to the book.” Gross always encourages people to read an entire novel before any book club discussion. However, he noted, that The Screwtape Letters is a good selection if you don’t have much time for reading. “Even if you can’t read the entire book, you still can participate in the discussion,” he said. “It’s more like a collection of short stories, so at least you can talk about some of the ‘stories.’ Unlike a murder mystery where you’d be in trou-
ble if you hadn’t gotten to the part where ‘the butler did it,’ if you’ve read only part of ‘The Screwtape Letters’, you’ll be able to enjoy our discussion.” In regard to preparing for and participating in a book club, Gross suggested, “For those who want to get the most from a book discussion, it is most helpful to have an informed opinion. Certainly, you’re welcome to simply sit and listen in on the discussion. But if you plan to participate, there are things you can do while you’re reading. Make a note of the different themes in the letters. And, if you own the book, don’t be afraid to underline passages or highlight key paragraphs. I often keep a pad of paper nearby, to jot down ideas or questions that occur to me while I’m reading.” For his book discussions, Gross says he tends to break the meeting into two halves. “In the first half of our discussion, we review the overall thematic material,” noted Gross. “And here is where I’ll add outside knowledge, such as how the themes relate to Jewish writings. In the second half, everyone brings up details of interest and how they integrate with what we’ve already discussed. “When I lead a book club discussion, I generally hand out a sheet with three or four questions relating to the book we’ve read,” continued Gross. “We use those questions as springboards for discussion. Some questions are global, relating to common themes that appear throughout the reading. Other questions are more detailed or specific about a particular scene that is pivotal or poignant. These questions merely serve as starting points, for the discussion will depend on everyone’s contributions during the meeting.” Gross encourages everyone to read books and to take advantage of opportunities to attend book discussions. “It’s fun and educational to learn others’ viewpoints about a novel,” he stated, “and I always find book club discussions so stimulating.”
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A friend of mine declined an impromtu lunch invitation the other day because, as she said, “I’m going to start working on my taxes today”. Ok. It seemed a bit early, then I realized it really isn’t. Before we know it, our accountant friends are up to their elbows and don’t have time to do anything but sit at the desk and juggle numbers. I know lots of people who do that for a living, many of them are Jewish, which makes me wonder why our people get into this field? What does it go back to--the money lenders centuries ago, or the early banking families in Europe, or maybe something as simple as the piggy bank. The piggy bank? Yes, you know--the little bank your first child had when he/she was barely old enough to know why. The bank that the kid put the change in, then cried because it wouldn’t come back out...that bank. Seriously, how come our people so frequently have a real interest in being tax consultants or estate planners? Does the fact that many of our kids are really, really good at math when in school? Or can it be that Jewish mother’s aren’t pushing so hard for medical school anymore? (Look how many doctors are changing professions to something else these days. How come?) Before I blame (or credit) mothers for influencing in the direction of Finance, I would wonder if there are other reasons? Maybe it’s because it’s a dignified profession, with most living a nice existence, enjoying a vacation (after tax seasion), providing enough free time to parent/coach a kid’s soccer team and maybe to work
out of the home in some instances. In other words, it affords enough time to enjoy life. Except for that brief and hysterical time in late winter. Also interesting to me, is the gender change seen in recent years--that is, so many more women are becoming accountants and CPAs and estate planners. In years gone by, it was most unusual to see a female in such a position. I suppose that may be just because the old order has changed and almost every profession can say they now have women where formerly they didn’t. That’s a nice reason...I like it. Well, that’s all guesswork, and you know how much that’s worth. I wonder how much electronics has played in this? I mean, there are so many gadgets that compute and figure and type in here and print out in a little handheld shmitchek...does one really have to be a genius with numbers, or just own some of those fancy little machines? I mean, if your telephone can take a picture or show a tv program, why can’t a little gadget do all the figuring you were told you had to learn? Does it turn out you don’t need to know all that stuff? Does that also mean all the hours I sat with kids doing “new math” and crying because “I don’t get it!” And “why do I have to know this stuff anyway?”. weren’t necessary? If that should turn out to have any validity at all, I’m going to bring a class action suit against all the educators who made my life totally miserable in the 60’s. Oy, I still remember! I guess that’s all I have to say on the subject. I still don’t really know why lots of our people go into the field, but kids, gezundereit. It’s a nice way to make a living, and your mom will be proud. That way, when she’s showing off pictures, she can say “that’s the doctor, that’s the lawyer and that’s the CPA.” Does it get any better than that?
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator As new moms and dads quickly realize, children don’t come with an owner’s manual. Fortunately, there is an approach that can help children develop and grow through their mistakes in a healthy way, provide them with confidence and dignity and teach them how to become more responsible by living with the consequences of their choices. In fact, by following the “Love and Logic” philosophy, adults will also be happier, empowered, and more skilled in interacting with Karen Gustafson children. Karen Gustafson, a licensed therapist and parent instructor at Jewish Family Service, will share “Love and Logic” techniques with parents when she teaches “Parenting Five through 12-Year-Olds with Love and Logic” on Sundays, Jan. 22 and 29, 10-11:30 a.m., at Temple Israel. It’s never too late for parents to begin using the “Love and Logic” techniques. Although Gustafson will be directing her remarks especially to parents of five through 12-year-olds, the approach works for older children as well. Last year, Gustafson facilitated a workshop at one of
Temple’s Four B’s (Behaving, Belonging, Believing, and Bagels) meetings for parents which was so successful they requested she return for more, according to Rosie Zweiback, Temple Israel program director. “Love and Logic” puts teachers and parents in control and teaches children to be responsible while preparing them for the real world. “Love and Logic” is easy to learn, changes lives, and raises responsible kids who are fun to be around. “Love and Logic’s” first rule is for adults to take care of themselves by providing limits in a loving way. The number two rule is that childhood misbehavior should be treated as an opportunity for gaining wisdom. “Love and Logic” is “surprisingly effective which is why I believe in it,” Gustafson said. She has worked with children and families for more than 20 years. She has taught several different parenting programs and became “sold” on the practicality of “Love and Logic.” She enjoys teaching parents based on her education and her experiences working with children. The mother of two, who uses “Love and Logic” with her own children, Gustafson also writes counseling articles for local publications including Omaha Family Magazine. To register for “Love and Logic,” contact Rosie Zweiback at Temple at 556.6536 or via email at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com. All members of the Jewish community are welcome to attend. “Love and Logic” is sponsored by Temple Israel’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.
Develop an Abundance Mentality by BARBARA KENYON Business and Personal Coach Do you work, invest, save, create, build, succeed, and still feel a lack of abundance? Do you ever ask yourself, as the song title says, “Is That All There Is”? What is an abundance mentality? Is it having things or is it doing what you love and loving what you do? My coaching clients have found that when they stopped chasing the buck and starting focusing on what they really love, the buck found them. Abundance Thinking is the opposite of “Lack” Thinking. If our thoughts are on what we ‘lack’, we will get more of what we don’t want. If we continually think about lack, regardless of how much we have, we become trapped into a life called ‘More’. “To be happy I must have more money, lose more weight.” To feel abundant I must have a bigger house, a more expensive car, nicer jewelry and on and on. Realize that you will never find hap-
piness and abundance by chasing after it. In the words of Dr. Wayne Dyer, “There is no road to happiness; happiness is the way.” Do you have an abundance mentality? Check your self talk. Here is an example of abundance thinking: “The more I help others, the more others find ways to help me.” “The more knowledge I acquire, the more knowledge and ideas appear.” “If I need additional finances, I’ll find it.” “If I need ideas, the ideas will come.” Real abundance begins in your mind. The more you think abundant thoughts, the more abundance you will enjoy. Join Allan and me Wednesday, Jan. 18,7-8:30 p.m., when we present “Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Come True” at the Plaza Conference Center, Bryan LGH East. This free program is motivational and fun and will help you accomplish what you really want in the new year and throughout your life.
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The Talmud: A Top-drawer Business Textbook STAYING IN TOUCH by OZZIE NOGG The required reading list for current Business School students and MBA wannabes often includes Competing on the Edge, The Concept of Corporate Strategy, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and Power Failure: The Inside Story of the Collapse of Enron. For my money (no pun intended), the list should also include the Talmud. True, most people consider the work dry and arcane, but this vast collection of Jewish legalese and guidance in moral matters is punctuated with lively debate and (surprise!) humor. New or seasoned entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a totally menshidik approach to Business Ethics, will benefit from the Talmud’s wisdom. Now, before you ask, “What could ancient scholars, engaged in lofty, cerebral pursuits, teach me about today’s down-and-dirty marketplace?” please consider this. Most Talmudic scholars busied themselves in down-to-earth occupations. Rabbi Abba Oshiya ran a laundry. Shammai the Elder was a builder. Rabbi Huna raised cattle and Mar Shmuel was a physician. Other Talmudic rabbis worked as tanners, scribes, gravediggers, blacksmiths, shoemakers or field hands. Some earned their livelihood as silk merchants, beer brewers, school teachers and cotton dealers. Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai ran a business for 40 years. Rabbi Hillel was a woodchopper. By all accounts, the sages considered idleness the road to mental illness and immorality--even death--and the Talmud proudly says, “Great is labor for it honors the workman.” Clearly, the rabbis recognized both the financial and psychological satisfaction that comes with useful employment. So whether you’re searching for the perfect profession, the ideal employee, or the honorable way out of an ethical quandary, learn from the sages. The following five examples of their practical advice still applies, 2,000 years after the words were written. 1. Work should be pleasant, dignified and not break your back. The Talmud understands that workers are happiest in jobs they love, and in careers that best suit their talents. But the sages insist that when conditions warrant it, a person must accept work beneath his station rather than depend on the charity of others. Apparently the rabbis practiced what they preached. Example? It is said that Rav Kahana was told to, “Skin a carcass in the street, receive wages and do not say I am an important person and this work is beneath my dignity.”
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2. Work should allow time for spiritual and intellectual growth. The rabbis often debated societal questions that flowed from a preoccupation with business. What will become of the Torah (translation: Judaism) if people spend their lives chasing the almighty dollar and forget The Almighty? What will happen if man forgets he has a purpose higher than material gain? “Limit your business activities and occupy yourself with the Torah instead,” the rabbis answered. “One who engages too much in business cannot become wise,” Hillel cautioned. 3. Work should allow us to help others. If possible, choose a profession that benefits society, even in small ways. According to legend, Elijah the Prophet once saw two jesters in the market place and told the assembled crowd, “These two men bring smiles to people who are depressed. When they see people quarreling, they work to make peace between them. And for this, the jesters are destined for Paradise.” 4. Work should be financially rewarding. The Talmud considers wealth, “comely to the righteous and comely to the world.” And though Judaism is against obsessive moneymaking, the attitude towards wealth is positive--as long as it’s earned honestly and shared with the poor. The Talmud even encourages us to increase our riches. Diversify your holdings, the sages tell us. Divide your assets into thirds -- one-third in land, onethird in business, and one-third kept liquid. Lou Dobbs could not have said it better. 5. Work should not compromise our values. The Talmud demands we aim for the highest ethical behavior in all our business dealings. Our occupation should foster honesty, morality, peace and humility, and praised is the merchant willing to lose money rather than take advantage of customers. “Better a little with the fear of
the Lord, than a great treasure and turmoil with it,” says Proverbs. “Better is one handful with quietness, than both hands full with travail and vexation of the spirit,” echoes Ecclesiastes. Adhering to Deuteronomy’s warning that dishonest business practice is “an abomination unto the Lord, your God,” the rabbis insisted that shopkeepers scrub their scales after each transaction and clean their weights every week. They railed against excessive profits and cracked down on price gouging. (This past summer’s rash of gas-pump price gouging by greedy profiteers in response to Hurricane Katrina would have outraged the rabbis.) Bottom line? Ill-gotten gains bring grief. Wealth acquired fairly brings peace. Period, end of discussion. Well, not quite. Before those eager B-School students and bright-eyed MBA candidates are judged “ready” to claim a sunny corner office, they’ll have to demonstrate solid analytical and quantitative skills plus knowledge of the emerging global economy. They’ll also be expected to answer questions about IPOs, ROI, cost-benefit analysis, mergers and acquisitions, guerrilla marketing, takeovers (hostile or otherwise), stockholder return, strategic objectives and Organizational Behavior. A few nights cramming should secure a passing grade. On the other hand, the Talmud poses only one question. The Talmud says that on the final Judgment Day, the very first question we’ll be asked is, “Were you honest in your business dealings?” Better start cramming now, folks ... Freelance writer Ozzie Nogg, who also happens to be the first freelancer ever elected to the Executive Board of the American Jewish Press Association, can be reached at: ozmom@cox.net.
Sing, Sing, Sing! Beth El congregant Emily Meyer and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni peruse Jewish folk music compositions they’ve selected for the newly-formed Nashir (“We Will Sing”) choir, open to everyone in the Jewish community ages 14 and up. Led by Meyer, who is a singer, musician and music instructor, Nashir will meet for the first time this Sunday, 10-11 a.m. in the synagogue’s chapel. Cost to join the choir is $10 (to cover materials). Those interested in participating are encouraged to e-mail Cantor Bogomolni at cantor@bethel-omaha.org
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This Spring Break, Fall in Love...with JNF in the Negev…
Study Shows Few Planning for Long-term Care
by JODI BODNER dents to Mexico, South Africa and the like for commuJNF Communications Director nity service trips, JNF wanted to devise a way for stuForget Ft. Lauderdale. Kiss Cancun good-bye. Puerto dents to do the same -for Israel. Rico? Passé. ASB is part of JNF’s piece of the “Israel starts with I” Looking to provide idealistic Jewish college students campaign, organized by The Israel on Campus Coalition the opportunity to connect with the land and people of (ICC), a partnership of the Charles and Lynn Israel through meaningful acts of tikkun olam, commu- Shusterman and Family and Hillel: The Foundation for nity service, while having the time of their lives, Jewish Jewish Life on Campus, in cooperation with a network National Fund is offering an alternative to the tradition- of 30 national organizations committed to promoting al Spring Break: a week in the Negev. Israel education and advocacy on campus. They are With options to depart the third or fourth week in working collaboratively to assist students in fostering March, the 8-10 day trips support for Israel on the college campus. are heavily subsidized and During the 2005-06 school year the ICC and its will devote 60% of the member organizations are spearheading the “Israel time to community servStarts with I” campaign to deepen the connections ice; 20% to educational between American campuses and Israel and encourprogramming on the hisage investment rather than divestment. tory of the Negev, the JNF’s year-long campaign is called “iNegev” to work being done there correlate to the Blueprint Negev campaign. now, and its importance; JNF’s ASB hopes to attract 40 college students for and 20% to tourism and each session and connect Jewish college students to fun. JNF and the land of Israel in this creative, fun, and By participating in Last spring’s group of backpackers community-minded way. Alternative Spring Break were introduced to the Negev by JNF. If you are interested in seeing what JNF is doing (ASB), American college students will be able to experi- in the Negev, in actually getting your hands dirty helpence what the early chalutzim, pioneers, of Israel experi- ing build it, and learning how you can be part of the enced: turning the desert into livable land. They will new frontier, please contact Rebecca Kahn at work with several of the 25 new communities that JNF, rkahn@jnf.org or 212.879.9305 x248. There are together with its partners, are developing in the Negev plans in place that help fund all programs to Israel. For with the Blueprint Negev campaign. Over the next five information, contact JNF at collegeactivists@jnf.org. Jewish National Fund is a non-profit organization to 10 years, these communities will become home to founded in 1901 to serve as caretaker of the land of 250,000 Israelis. But ASB is not just about community development. Israel, on behalf of its owners—Jewish people everyStudents will also enjoy hiking, evening activities, get- where. Over the past century, JNF has planted over 240 ting their hands dirty building mud bricks at a thriving million trees, built over 180 reservoirs and dams, develecological kibbutz in the Negev--Kibbutz Lotan--and a oped over 250,000 acres of land, created more than 450 parks, provided the infrastructure for 1,000 communiShabbat in Jerusalem. “Students have asked us how they can both give back ties and educated students around the world about Israel and get back to Israel,” said Rebecca Kahn, JNF’s and the environment. Today, JNF is putting its century Campus Programs Manager, “but it also needs to be of experience to work with the Blueprint Negev initiative, supporting Israel’s newest generation of pioneers in affordable. We think this trip answers that question.” Inspired by other organizations that send college stu- developing the Negev Desert Israel’s last frontier.
by GARY KUDYM, CLU, CASL State Farm Insurance Agent Wake up, America! A financial crisis could be looming for which you are not prepared. This is the loud and clear conclusion of a recent Roper study about long-term care, which shows that most Americans have done little to prepare for what could be one of the largest expenses they’ll ever face--their own longterm care. The American Society on Aging (ASA) released the study. “This study is a real wake-up call for people to start thinking about long-term care,” said ASA’s Jim Ererman. “People need to take the first step of getting some guidance about their longterm care needs. Careful planning can help preserve your options and protect your assets. If you ever need long-term care in a nursing home, an assisted living facility or even in your own home.” But the Roper study of people 45 and older shows how few are actually taking that important first step. More than four in five (86%) surveyed said it was important they have enough money to be able to choose a long-term care setting if they or a loved one needs it. But only 37% have actually started saving money to cover those costs. At the same time, while the overwhelming majority (89%) believes it’s important or very important to have some type of private or government coverage for long-term care, only 17% have bought insurance that specifically provides it. Long-term care is for people who need help taking care of themselves after an injury, illness, stroke or disease. While most people think of it simply as moving into a nursing home, it can also include having a healthcare aide come to your home or staying in an assisted living facility. Surprisingly, 40% of the people who need long-term care are actually quite young--working adults under the age of 65 who need help after an accident or injury. The survey, funded by State Farm, found considerable confusion about long-term care. In the most telling comments, half said since they won’t need it until they’re older, there’s no need to think about it now! It’s time to wake up and change that way of thinking! Long-term insurance can help protect assets, preserve choices and provide independence.
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
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www.jnf.org
January 13, 2006
A Message to Corporate “Yes-Men” Thanks For Nothing! by DAVID ARVIN How many bad ideas go unchallenged in corporate America everyday? Why does mismanagement so often go unreported or unaddressed? How is it that off-hand comments by CEOs in a meeting, or in the hallway, become de facto policy by subordinates too eager to please? According to a leading business consultant, the root of the problem is a lack of honest communication in the workplace. There is a crisis of ‘Rubber Stamping’ in America today, and it’s costing organizations billions of dollars a year. Stephen Gaffney is the author of the new book: Honesty Works! Real-world solutions to solve the most common problems at work and home (2005 JMG Publishing). “There is a serious problem with dishonesty in American business,” says Gaffney. But Gaffney contends that it’s not as much about blatant deception as it is about the lack of straightforward, honest communication. Quite simply, people don’t say what needs to be said. Management has created a disincentive for people to speak their mind. The intimidation that is inherent in the hierarchy, or caused by a poor management style, dissuades subordinates from sharing their insight and perspective and that lack of input hampers good decision making,” Gaffney says... Honesty in the Workplace Sorely Lacking When people bemoan the lack of honesty in corporate America, images of Enron, WorldCom and Martha Stewart come to mind. But honesty issues have a significant impact on virtually every workplace in America, says consultant Steven Gaffney, noting that it’s not as simple as “truth or lies” that is the primarily problem. He says that true honesty in the workplace equates to simple, straightforward communication. And that, he contends, is in short supply. “Whenever someone avoids a festering issue with a co-worker, tells a supervisor only the good news, remains silent when they disagree with a proposed initiative, becomes a “yes-man” with superiors to curry favor, or complains to someone, other than the person they have an issue with, they are being dishonest,” asserts Gaffney. And that lack of honest communication can come at a great cost... Reduce Stress at Work by Speaking Up The key to eliminating stress in the workplace is very simple, according to consultant and author Steven Gaffney: “Just be honest.” Gaffney says that most of the conflict that occurs in the workplace is internal, but is has nothing to do with the company itself. “We struggle mostly with ourselves as we debate whether or not to speak up in meetings, confront a co-worker who we have issues with, or approach a supervisor about unreasonable expectations or to clarify instructions. That conflict between what we want to say and what we actually feel we can say, causes great stress,” Gaffney says. The solution is to do what most people are reluctant to do--be honest. Temper Criticism for Best Effect Nobody disputes that feedback is important. But too often at work and at home, the focus on the negative creates a
barrier and the “message is lost for the messenger.” Gaffney says that it’s important provide feedback through “both speakers” of the headphones. “Rarely is a person’s perceptions of another person, or their behavior exclusively negative, Gaffney notes.” Just as it is wrong to focus exclusively on one bad grade for a child who has brought home an otherwise strong report card, so it is with negative feedback in the workplace.” Gaffney says that while it is important to point out where someone has fallen short of expectations, he says that it is also important to be clear on their strengths as well. He notes that the intention is not to “sugar coat’ the bad news, but simply because everyone deserves recognition for their strengths and accomplishments. “Far too many supervisors fall short when it comes to acknowledging skills and accomplishment among their subordinates,” Gaffney observes. “Nature abhors a vacuum, and in the absence of positive feedback, employees will often misinterpret silence as displeasure and that becomes a catalyst for growing discontent or internal conflict.. Universal Agreement Bad for Business Someone once said: “If everyone agrees, then someone isn’t thinking.” Just as an adversarial system is important in both our legal structure and representative form of government, so it is with business decisions. Gaffney says that it’s astounding to him that so much valuable feedback goes unspoken and unheard everyday in corporate America. “Reluctance to speak when someone has an important perspective to offer, is pervasive problem in today’s business world,” Gaffney cautions. A consultant in creating open and honest communication in the workplace, Gaffney sees the effects of this trend every day and at every organizational level. Gaffney calls these situations the “lies of withholding.” “It’s not just the high profile corporate scandals,” he notes, “it’s the ill-conceived, sometimes illegal and potentially dangerous products and policies that are moving forward virtually unchallenged. Gaffney notes that when a staff member offers silence when input is needed, it’s tantamount to an official endorsement of the flawed policy or initiative. Good ideas go unheard everyday and bad ideas become policy, Gaffney notes. High-profile corporate consultant Steven Gaffney subscribes to the old adage that asserts that “Honesty is the best policy.” The president of the Steven Gaffney Company, he is a trainer, speaker and consultant for some of America’s largest companies. His new book: Honesty Works! Realworld solutions to solve the common problems at work and home (2005 JMG Publishing) is available now in The Steven Gaffney bookstores. Company’s clients include: American Express, Marriott, SAIC, BP, Navy, NASA, Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Instruments, and American Cancer Society and many others.
BIRTH Cecilia and Jay Falk of Playa Del Rey, CA, announce the Sept. 22, 2005, birth of their son, Max Eldie, named for his great-grandfathers, Max Falk and Eldie Freese. Max has a sister, Sophia Ilana, age four.
Grandparents are Fran and Harold Falk of Phoenix, AZ, (formerly of Sioux City, IA) and Beverly and Dan Nikolic, Santa Monica, CA. Great-grandparents are the late Helen and Bernie Diamond.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 19
Smart Money Tips for the Self Employed by JOSEPH JOHN, CLU, CLFC As an employee, you received a Form W-2, detailing your income and the amounts your for Summit Financial Services So you work for yourself. You set your own employer paid out for federal, state, Social hours. Call your own shots. Make money on Security and Medicare taxes. As an independyour own terms. But how are you doing when it ent contractor, you will receive a Form 1099comes to managing your money? While work- MISC from every organization that pays you ing for yourself affords many new freedoms, it $600 or more during the tax year. Since no also presents unique financial challenges. taxes are withheld, you will need to calculate Cash flow, for example, can be erratic at best. the amount you owe. Now is the time to invest Saving for a rainy day offers new hurdles too; in a good tax software program, such as while corporate employees enjoy automatic TurboTax. The IRS website (www.irs.gov) also payroll deductions for savings and retirement has guidelines on calculating quarterly tax payplans, the self-employed must rely on good old- ments. Keep in mind, you will also have to pay fashioned discipline when it comes to funding your own Social Security and Medicare taxes-for their golden years. And then there is the you can use Tax Form Schedule SE to help you calculate these amounts. The good news is whole issue of taxes. Whether you are currently among the 12.2 that the self-employed enjoy many unique tax million According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor breaks. Generally speaking, contributions to Statistics in December 2003, independent retirement plans, health insurance premiums, contractors in today’s work force, or just con- travel costs, and office-related expenses may sidering making the leap from employee to all be deductible. Your personal tax advisor entrepreneur, here are some quick tips to help can help you determine which deductions are applicable to your business. you secure your financial future. #1: Manage Your Cash Flow Tip #3: Prioritize Protection Planning What do entrepreneurs; freelance writers, When working for yourself, it’s up to you to real estate agents and plumbers have in com- provide your own health, disability and life mon? They all face periods of uneven cash insurance. Sadly, many self-employed individuflow. To ensure you always have money als forego this important financial safety net, reserves, develop a budget that allows for fearing they simply can’t afford it. The reality swings in your income. First, determine an is, a lack of adequate protection planning can average of how much revenue you can count have dire consequences for your business and on each month and use that as a base for your family. At the very least, you should have monthly expenses. Then, during months that enough coverage to protect yourself against you earn more, resist the urge to splurge. potential loss of income due to illness or disInstead, stash away extra cash in an interest- ability, medical and dental expenses not covearning savings account or money market ered by government health plans, and potential account. Also, when setting up your budget, medical expenses while you travel. You may consider paying yourself a set salary and keep- also need to boost your home insurance covering your personal and business cash in sepa- age or purchase liability insurance if you have rate accounts. These steps will greatly simply a home-based business. your life when tax time rolls around. Your best bet is to speak to your licensed financial advisor, accountant or attorney. Tip #2: Keep Uncle Sam Happy PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 13, 2006
Investing in the Jewish People Despite the tragedy of Ariel Sharon’s disability caused by a massive stroke, life in Israel will go on; it must. However, his contributions cannot be underestimated. Like Richard Nixon going to China, Sharon--the hardliner-was the one to broker a deal with the Palestinians, possibly paving the way for future peace agreements. Now that he’s gone--from the political scene at least--his vision may--or may not--be fulfilled. Man plosts un Gott lachs. Man plans and G-d laughs. Who knows what plans G-d has in store for any of us...which is why, despite the apparent random acts of the universe, we must continue to plan--for ourselves, our families, our communities, our nation...a perfect segue to the theme of this issue: Tax and Financial Planning. If you knew this was the last day of your life, would you have everything in order? Do you have a will? Does your family know if you are an organ donor? What about DNR orders (do not resuscitate), heroic measures and life support? Who has the key to the safety deposit box and who knows where your important papers are stored? Each of us has a responsibility to ensure that our families do not suffer needlessly after we’re gone. Having our financial home in order will relieve some of the burden of having to make important decisions while we’re still sitting shiva. Assuming you already have a family plan in place, what arrangements have you made at work--or in your volunteer life? Have you named a successor at your business? Is he or she trained and knowledgeable about your role in the company and your job description? If you’re a volunteer, can someone take over for you if you’re unable to continue? Do other volunteers know where papers are located? Instructions for
projects and programs? Important phone numbers and e-mail addresses? Leaving family in a lurch adds to their pain; leaving your business or volunteer organization without information creates chaos. We’ve used this space before to promote the ideal in operating a charitable organization, noting that all board members are entitled to all pertinent information in order to make informed decisions: current and correct financial information and the organization’s annual budget, a list of all assets (including how much, where the assets are located and who manages them), a list of all staff and their job descriptions, a copy of the group’s bylaws and policies and procedures, as well as a copy of the board’s roster and the past year’s minutes of all meetings. If the charitable organization has provided all these documents to each board member and is communicating effectively when there are changes in staff, policy, programs or projects, then, in our opinion, the group is keeping its leadership trained and informed. And that means, future decisions ought to be made in a non-judgmental open atmosphere, where all board members feel free to ask questions without fear of glaring looks or raised eyebrows. In exchange for access to this valuable information, a board member also should ensure that communications are a
two-way street, and that means: informing your president or executive director when you can’t attend meetings, asking questions prior to a board meeting to clarify agenda items, fulfilling your promises in completing tasks so your organization can achieve its goals, contributing funds to help fulfill the mission, and, when necessary, asking the really hard questions--and making the hard decisions--regarding staff, programs, projects, budgets and finances. No one wants to come home to a messy house or be involved with an unprofessional organization--business or charitable. Pay attention to finances; get expert help from accountants, attorneys and financial advisers; inform family about important decisions and business partners and volunteer colleagues about future plans; talk to your rabbi and doctor about end-of-life decisions. And may you and yours have a prosperous 2006!
Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
Join Us: We Cannot Do It Alone
FOCUS ON ISSUES by CHARLES R. BRONFMAN and MICHAEL H. STEINHARDT The New York Jewish Week As Taglit--birthright israel completes its sixth year, edging close to 100,000 total participants thus far, it is no exaggeration to say that the program has ushered in a revolution in Jewish life. Despite the skepticism of critics who argued that a 10-day educational experience in Israel would do little to shore up young Jewish identity, birthright israel has changed the landscape for the next generation. But we cannot do it alone. When we began this extraordinary journey, we and a few others saw birthright israel as an example of venture philanthropy, investing our own money in an experiment. Six years later, we find that it has blossomed beyond even our own wildest dreams. While we are humbled by its success, we must now plan for its future. To do so, we recognize that birthright israel has become so large, so meaningful, it needs to be seen as a precious asset of the Jewish community. It has become a permanent right of passage for our young people and is literally changing the fabric of Jewish life. It is now too big for a small group to do and must be embraced by the entirety of our community if it is to fulfill its mission: a gift from one generation to the next: a gift of Jewish identity, Israel connection and ties to global Jewish peoplehood. Just as in successful previous movements for our people, we must mobilize resources to meet the challenge. We must broaden the base of philanthropic support and involvement. Studies also show that the impact of the trip lasts after returning home. Five years later, there continues to be a powerful birthright effect in the hearts, minds and souls of the participants; powerfully different than those who
were eligible and didn’t go. But the real measure of success is not only in the incredible overall data, it’s also in the personal stories. There’s 28 year-old Aviva Garbowit. She grew up in New Haven, CT, and didn’t even identify as Jewish until she went on a birthright israel trip last year. She now works for a Jewish arts agency in New York and is leading a birthright israel trip in January. And Sara Liss from Worcester, MA, and Avery Pack from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Liss grew up Jewish, but Pack less so, despite his Jewish heritage. Sarah and Avery first went on different birthright israel trips, but met on a subsequent trip. They returned yet again and became engaged. The couple were recently married in Jerusalem and are living a Jewish life in South Florida.
Who could ever have predicted...a waiting list of next generation Jews from around the world wanting to visit Israel? It defies every study of young Jews. Out west, there is Cameron Levin whose experience resulted in many changes in her life, not the lease of which was her relocation to Seattle where she pursues her graduate degree in Middle East Studies, is active in Hillel, teaches Sunday school and serves on the volunteer board of the JNF. But there are not enough Avivas or Saras or Averys or Camerons going to Israel on these trips. And not because they don’t want to. Since 2004, the waiting list of young people wanting to go exceeds the number actually going. Who could ever have predicted...a waiting list of next generation Jews from around the world wanting to visit Israel? It defies every study of young Jews. Instead of cries of “gevalt, we are losing the next generation,” we have cries of those seeking Zion and being told there are not enough places. This week
(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jason Rich Sales & Marketing Intern Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.
the winter trips begin with 8,000 going to Israel and more than 12,000 waiting for their turn. Today, we are on the cusp of being able to send even more young Jews to Israel. As we prepare to celebrate the extraordinary milestone of our 100,000th participant, we must plan for the next 100,000. But it takes money. To that end, the birthright israel Foundation has expanded its board to build a broader, truly national base for support. Our partners, the Government of Israel, the communities of the world acting through the Federation system and the Jewish Agency for Israel stand with us in pain knowing that demand exceeds resources. They have each substantially increased their support to birthright israel, despite their many priorities. But they, too, are overwhelmed by this unprecedented demand. The philanthropic partners will continue to do our part. We did not start this exercise to simply walk away or put it off on others at its most critical time. But we cannot do it by ourselves. It is now simply too big. We need you. We want you. Just as our forefathers and mothers all participated in building the Mishkan, we must participate in building the Jewish future. It is so easy to quantify the need and the impact. We know that for every $2400, we can take another youngster and that there is close to a 90% likelihood that this investment will change their sense of personal and communal identity. We are all blessed with an amazing opportunity to change the course of American Jewish life. Join us. For the next Aviva. For the next Sara and Avery. For the next Cameron. For the next 100,000. The authors are members of the birthright israel Foundation Board. For more information contact Jay Golan, President, birthright israel Foundation, at 212.457.0054 or at jay.golan@birthrightisrael.org.
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. 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 $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 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 13, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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With Sharon Ailing, Election in Israel Suddenly up for Grabs
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by LESLIE SUSSER JERUSALEM (JTA)--Ariel Sharon’s massive brain hemorrhage has thrown Israel’s upcoming election wide open. What looked like a foregone conclusion-with the prime minister’s Kadima Party
nificant Israeli pullback from the West Bank? Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert appears to have the inside track to Kadima’s leadership, as all the party’s top people have come out in support of his candidacy. It was clear to them that a bitter fight over the succession could tear the new party apart. Faction Chairman Roni Bar-On, a close supporter of Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, a potential rival for the top spot, called on
strengthens his image as a national leader among Israeli voters; conversely, his opponents in Labor and Likud will hope that targeting him and focusing on his perceived weaknesses will cut Olmert down to size. The public saw Sharon as a pragmatic centrist who could take difficult decisions and sell them to moderate right-wingers because of his security credentials. Many Israelis believed Sharon was uniquely positioned to separate Israel from the
How this post-Sharon fallout settles could decide the election. Trailing in the polls, Netanyahu cannot be ruled out altogether. Another former prime minister, he could pick up support at the expense of rivals who lack Sharon’s political heft. Netanyahu's leadership ticket will include Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, and he will try to persuade ex-Likudniks who joined Kadima, including Mofaz and
A Timeline of Israeli Political Rule
Ariel Sharon photo from Brian Hendler/JTA; all other photos from GPO headed toward a landslide victory--could now become a close three-way race among Kadima, Labor and Likud. “We have an entirely different political situation: Three parties are now running toward the finish line, and no one can say who the next prime minister will be,” political analyst Sima Kadmon wrote in Yediot Achronot after Sharon was hospitalized. Doctors remained guarded about the prognosis for the 77-year-old leader, but the stroke--Sharon’s second within three weeks--seemed likely to end the political career of a man who had outgrown his past as a polarizing figure to unite a broad swath of the public behind his plan to separate Israel from the Palestinians and set th country’s final borders. Sharon was elected prime minister twice by huge margins and appeared poised to win another landslide in March at the head of Kadima, which he formed after leaving the Likud in November. Though he was extremely overweight, Sharon was known for his energy and drive and--before suffering a mild stroke Dec. 18-- had seemed generally healthy. Latest polls still give Kadima a huge lead, but it’s not clear how much of that support might be a fleeting sympathy vote or what will happen once the party chooses a new leader who is subjected to negative electoral campaigning by his opponents. And there’s a deeper question: Will any successor have the political clout to continue Sharon’s policy, which could entail a sig-
the party to unite behind Olmert. Livni herself declared that “I will do all I can to help the acting prime minister carry out his job, and I am sure the other ministers will too.” Haim Ramon, who crossed to Kadima from Labor, might have been expected to back ex-Laborite Shimon Peres as Kadima leader, but he too called on party members “to restrain their egos” and give their support to Olmert. The first polls taken after Sharon's serious illness show that Kadima under Olmert would win around 40 seats in the Knesset, compared to 18-20 for Labor and 13-16 for Likud--figures similar to those forecast for Kadima under Sharon. The early polls are significant not so much as an election forecast but because they will help Olmert consolidate his leadership position. A former Jerusalem mayor who has held numerous Cabinet posts, Olmert has been one of Sharon’s closest associates in recent years, often testing the waters by proposing controversial policies that later were seen to have come from the prime minister. Before taking over as acting prime minister, Olmert was not the most popular figure in Kadima: He trailed Peres, Livni and even Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz as the people’s choice for potential successor to Sharon. But Olmert’s still-brief term as Israel’s temporary leader already has changed that. He will hope that further incumbency
Palestinians and delineate the Jewish state’s permanent borders. A legendary and controversial general, as prime minister since early 2001 Sharon was instrumental in defeating the Palestinian intifada. Despite a reputation as a hardliner, he appeared to have undergone a profound ideological transformation in recent years and pulled Israeli settlements out of the Gaza Strip last summer, giving the Palestinians a testing ground for autonomy and creating a new window of opportunity for the peace process. Many believed Sharon would initiate a similar withdrawal from most of the West Bank if elected to a third term. With Sharon no longer the dominant force setting the election agenda, all the leading parties are likely to build competing leadership teams. Instead of Sharon against Labor’s Amir Peretz and Likud’s Benjamin Netanyahu, the election likely will be recast as Olmert and his team against the Peretz and Netanyahu panels. Olmert’s team probably will include Livni and Peres. On Friday he began political talks with Peres in an apparent effort to agree on the former Labor prime minister’s place in the new Kadima set-up. In Labor, Peretz may try to bring in former Prime Minister Ehud Barak as his No. 2 to boost his security and foreign policy credentials. He also is desperately trying to persuade Peres to return to Labor. For his part, Olmert may well try to lure Barak, a close personal friend, to Kadima.
Cabinet minister Tzachi Hanegbi, to return to the fold. Netanyahu also will allow Likud Cabinet ministers, who were to resign Sunday, to remain in government. The resignation was meant to signal a break with Sharon and his policies; the decision to stay is intended to highlight the stature of Likud’s leadership team. Despite the wall-to-wall support Olmert seems to enjoy, he still could encounter problems within Kadima. Drawing up the party's Knesset list could prove a minefield. Sharon had the authority to do this more or less as he pleased but Olmert will have to tread carefully, and will risk flak from people who feel they have been placed too low on the list. If the results of the current polls hold up and Kadima wins the election, will Olmert or some other Kadima leader be able to further Sharon’s groundbreaking withdrawal from territory the Palestinians demand? Under Sharon, the idea would have been to reach agreement on this with the Palestinians and--absent an agreement--to get international sanction for new borders Israel would set on its own. Whether an alternative Israeli leadership will be able to proceed in this vein is perhaps the most important political question in a postSharon era. Along with Sharon’s medical condition, it’s this question, more than any other, that is troubling Israel, the region and the international community.
As Abramoff Case Plays out, his Jewish Ties Come to Fore
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--Reading the indictment against Jack Abramoff, one might not know that he was prominent in Washington Jewish circles. But in coming months, his ties with Jewish and Israeli organizations may play a large role in the web of illegal activity to which the lobbyist has pled guilty. While Abramoff has been portrayed as a man willing to do nearly anything to further his political goals and wallet, he also has been an idiosyncratic player in the Jewish community of the nation’s capital, starting several shortlived, money-losing ventures to fill religious gaps he saw in the city's Jewish world. He also used his largess to further Israeli businesses and charities that appealed to his conservative worldview. Specifically, Abramoff is accused of using money from a Washington charity he oversaw to fund militarytype programs in the West Bank. Indian tribes donated money to tax-exempt charities, believing they were supporting anti-gambling foundations, but the money was redirected to help a “sniper school” in the West Bank, operated by a friend of Abramoff. According to congressional documents, Abramoff sought night-vision goggles and a vehicle for the snipertraining facility. Abramoff also allegedly worked on behalf of an Israeli firm that sought to wire the Capitol
for cellular phone use. While leading cell phone manufacturers in the United States settled on JGC Wireless to install antenna in repeaters in House buildings, an Israeli company with ties to Abramoff, Foxcom Wireless, ultimately won th bid. The switch is allegedly linked to Rep. Bob Ney (ROhio), chairman of the House Administration Committee, who accepted numerous favors from Abramoff over the years, and placed comments in the Congressional Record favorable to Abramoff's ventures. Foxcom didn’t pay Abramoff to lobby for the House job, but it did donate $50,000 to the Capitol Athletic Foundation, an Abramoff charity, the Washington Post reported. Foxcom has changed its name to MobileAccess and moved its headquarters to Virginia. A spokesman did not respond to requests for comment. Abramoff also made contributions to several Jewish lawmakers. Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) donated $7,000-the amount he received from Abramoff to charity last week. A spokesman for Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) did not respond to questions about the $1,000 he received from Abramoff, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Abramoff also has been tied to two rabbis, the Lapin brothers from South Africa, who aided his political and personal ventures. David Lapin was hired to run a Jewish school Abramoff created in suburban Maryland to teach his children and others. The school closed within two years, and several teachers say they are owed back pay. Lapin also received close to $1.2 million to promote “ethics in government” to the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, one of Abramoff’s clients. Officials on the island said Lapin did little for the money. His brother, Daniel Lapin, is president of Toward Tradition. Abramoff allegedly asked him to create an award to bestow upon Abramoff to help his acceptance into Washington’s Cosmos Club. Abramoff suggested he could be a “scholar of Talmudic studies” or a “distinguished biblical scholar.” Lapin said yes, according to e-mails obtained by congressional investigators, and asked whether Abramoff needed a letter or a plaque. Lapin told the Washington Post he meant the exchange to be tongue-in-cheek and never produced an award for Abramoff. In Washington, Abramoff was best known for his idiosyncratic use of his money.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Thank you so much, Joanie Jacobson, for the extraordinary interview with Karin Levine. Thank you for the ‘just a few more shining moments’ that all of us who knew, admired, appreciated and loved her were able to spend with her last week. The legacies that she brought with her, and left with the various ‘communities’ in which she became a part, were illuminated so well in your writing/telling. Thanks, also, to Mike and Arielle Levine and the Jewish Press for sharing it with us! Dottie Rosenblum
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 13, 2006
Candlelighting Friday, Jan. 13, 4:59 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Betty Schrier. The community is invited.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE 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
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.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 333 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.tiferethlincoln.org
FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. in the chapel; Junior Congregation, 6 pm. in the sanctuary. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. led by Hazak; Junior Congregation (3-7), and K’tantan (K-2), 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; following services, a Hazak-sponsored Lunch ’n Learn will be held, featuring storytellers Marcy and Anna Cotton. Reservations are needed; for more information, contact Gloria Goodman at 333.3351; Evening Service, 5:05 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Living Hebrew, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class, 10 a.m.; Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 11 a.m.; and From Your Heart to God’s Ears, 11 a.m. SERVICES: WEEKDAY Sunday, 9 a.m./5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. PATTER: Wednesdays, 10:30 -11:45 a.m. led by Helen Epstein THURSDAY, noon: Discovering the Talmud: Lessons for Everyday Living, with Rabbi Levin. PASSOVER CANDY SALES: Bartons Passover candy will be sold from now-Feb. 12. Order forms are available at the synagogue and BESTT offices, through the Beth El web site www.bethel-omaha.org, and through all BESTT students. NASHIR CHOIR: Beth El’s new choir will meet in the chapel on Sundays, 10-11 a.m., beginning Jan. 15, open to the Omaha Jewish community, ages 14 and up. Anyone interested in joining is to contact Cantor Gastón Bogomolni at cantor@bethelomaha.org. MEN’S CLUB BREAKFAST: Sunday, Jan. 15, at 10 a.m., Men’s Club will sponsor a breakfast featuring guest speaker Steve Fischer, author of When the Mob
Ran Vegas. This event is free of charge; no reservations are required. WALL OF HONOR UNVEILING: On Sunday, Jan. 22, 11:30 a.m., this special ceremony will mark the unveiling of the synagogue’s Wall of Honor, recognizing Beth El’s past and present clergy members. A congregational brunch will follow. (See full story on page 3.) KADIMA SHABBATON: Sign up for Kadima (Sixth to Eighth grade) Shabbaton, on Jan. 27-29 at Gretna’s 4-H Camp. Cost is $85 (financial assistance is available through BESTT); registration forms are available in the synagogue and BESTT offices. For more information, contact Education Director Judy Rubin at 498.0904, or eddir@bethelomaha.org, or Youth Director Jamie Skog at 492.8550, or youthdir@bethel-omaha.org.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush Sisterhood; Mincha, 12:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:05 p.m.; Travelin’ Toddlers go to My Gym, 132nd & Center, 6:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. MONDAY: Synagogue Office is closed for the King Holiday. THURSDAY: Book Club, 7:30 p.m. discussion on The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, led by Rabbi Gross.
BEYT SHALOM
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to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334.6451.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg provided by Eleanor and Jeff Kirkland. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: No Religious School Classes; Annual Congregational Meeting, 10 a.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. THURSDAYS, 7 p.m. Music Education, led by Mark Miller, Holly Hefflebower, and Elaine Monnier. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY: Learner’s Minyan, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
CHABAD HOUSE
SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to you at Remington Heights, 4 p.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Rabbi Craig Marantz will officiate. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Religious School (K6), 10 a.m.-noon SITTER SERVICE: Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. TUESDAY, Jan 17: Family School and Dinner, 5:30 WEDNESDAY, Jan. 18: Religious School, 4-6, 4 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Middle/High School, 6 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY, Jan. 19: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 5 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 7 a.m., followed by breakfast. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with a Shabbat dinner following. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. TUESDAY: The Ladies’ Lunch Bunch will meet at Lone Star, on 70th and ‘O’, noon. If you need a ride, call Marcia Kushner at 423.5959. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m.
Services conducted by Rabbi
PERSONAL I would like to thank all my friends and family for the flowers, cards and visits during my illness. God bless you all. Sylvia Davis
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements
If you’re looking at this space, so are others!
Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Ima & Me, 10–11:30 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Mishne class, 9:30 a.m.; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champions, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Spice and Spirit Cooking Club, 9:30 a.m.; Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; Torah Tots (ages 35), 4:15 p.m. For information about programs or to register for classes, call the office or visit: www.nebraska-judaism.com.
Announcements of children becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah will be printed on the synagogue page of The Jewish Press one week prior to the event if submitted eight days prior to publication. The following information may be included: name, name of parents, grandparents and/or great-grandparents and stepparents and stepgrandparents (including late parent[s] and/or late grandparent[s]), names of siblings, date and location of event. In addition, the school which the child attends, honors and hobbies may be included, if space permits, as well as the name of the child’s Mitzvah Project and a short description. A clearly identified photo is welcome if it is easily reproduced. Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. You can also submit announcements online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
B’NAI MITZVAH Yonatan Ben-Asaf Dotan, son of Amnon and Beth Dotan, will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Beth El Synagogue. Yonatan is a seventhgrade honor student at Westside M i d d l e School. He plays piano and saxophone and is first chair in the Middle school Hot Jazz band. He also plays basketball and attends Herzl Camp each summer. Yonatan has a older sister, Liatte. Grandparents are Sarah and Ted Seldin, and Ruth and Aryeh Dotan of Kibbutz Ayelet Hashahar, Israel.
Aaron Zachariah Priluck, son of Ira and Sheila Priluck, will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Beth Israel Synagogue. Aaron is a seventh-grade honors student at Beveridge M i d d l e School. He enjoys computers, math, chess, and cello. Aaron has three brothers, Joshua, Noah, and Jacob, and a sister, Rebekah. Grandparents are Elaine Geller of Minneapolis, MN, and the late Dr. Joseph Geller, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Harry Priluck of Boston, MA.
January 13, 2006
Pulverent e
DEATHS ETTA ROSENBLATT Former Des Moines resident Etta Rosenblatt died in Omaha Dec. 26 at the age of 89. Services were held Dec. 28 at Jewish Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines with Rabbi Baruch HaLevi officiating. She was born in Omaha and lived here until the 1950s, when she moved to Des Moines. Active at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, she also managed the gift shop at Broadlawns Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maxwell Rosenblatt. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Gerald and Sue Rosenblatt, and Michael and Marcia Rosenblatt of Burlington, IA; grandchildren Martin and Rosa Rosenblatt of Albuquerque, NM, Jason Rosenblatt of Chicago, IL, Geoffrey Rosenblatt of San Francisco, CA, Beth and Ryan Huddleston of Austin, TX, and Amy and Dale Burch of Lincoln; two great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Sol Yaffe; and brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Marvin and Greta Camel of St. Louis, MO. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or charity of choice. ZEPH TELPNER Zeph Telpner died at the age of 73. Graveside service were held Jan. 10 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Council Bluffs, IA. Telpner, a lifelong resident of Council Bluffs and graduate of Creighton University, was a Certified Public
MONUMENT CO.
(Editor’s note: the reflection below is not connected to this week’s Sidra.) I have been reveling in Hebrew poetry written in medieval Spain, from about the 10th Century to the middle of the 12th, when a fanatic Islamic movement forced many Jews (including, e.g., the Rambam) to move from Spain to North Africa and from there to many countries to the East, including Egypt, Greece, and Israel. This poetry is mostly religious, about God, the human soul and Israel. Given that modern poetry is different, this medieval poetry is remarkable. Its vocabulary expresses brilliantly all that the poets wished to share of their minds and emotional life. Prominent are familiar names, like Judah HaLevi and Abraham Ibn Ezra, who rightly have places in the list of the world’s greatest poets. I admit freely that I did not appreciate them when I was a student. But a more mature mind (and, especially, with a guide and spur in the work of Raymond P. Scheindlin, a professor at the Jewish Theological
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Accountant for more than 45 years, a published author Frank L. Ciciulla Jr. and a teacher. He lectured across the country on accounting, business and inspirational topics, and co60 Years Experience authored the book Expert Witness and Forensic With Jewish Accounting for Accountants and Lawyers. For many Lettering and Memorials 204983A01 years, he was a regular columnist for the Council Bluffs Nonpareil and the Midlands Business Journal. In 1964, he pioneered the organization of Judo tournaments to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Telpner was a member of the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, Toast Masters, Rotary, the National Forensic Accountants Association, and a former board member of the American Trucking Association. He was voted Outstanding Young Business Man in Council Bluffs in 1965. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Telpner. He is survived by wife of 50 years, Flora Telpner of Council Bluffs; sons and daughter-in-law, Joel and Pamela Telpner of New York City and Michael and It’s fun to know history. Christina Telpner of LaVista; daughter, Deborah Telpner of Council Bluffs; son, David Telpner of Denver, CO; granddaughters, Rachel and Aliyah; sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Morris Shapiro; brother and sister-in-law, Maynard and Sally Telpner of Ashland, OR; sister-in-law, Fritzie Telpner of Winnipeg, Canada; DO NOT PRINT INFO BELOW, FOR ID ONLY. NO ALTERING OF AD COUN and brother-in-law, Seymour Schrier of Lincoln. NOTE TO PUB: • We appreciate Your Patronage Library of Congress - Newspaper - B&W - LOCYR3-N-02059-C “Get History Buff” 4 1/4 x 3 1/2 85 Memorials to the B’nai Israel Synagogue in Council film at Schawk: (212) 689-8585 Ref#:204983 • Every Party or Event is Equally Important to Bluffs or to an organization that helps people with canAAA Rents (from 5 to 500) cer.
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Medieval Poetry? Yes, Yes!
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Seminary), sees these poems for what they are, of graceful construction, choice wording, elevated thought and deep sentiment. The sheer beauty of these poems I cannot convey in this brief note. The Hebrew is matched in the astonishing translations (no, no, the beautiful original poems triggered by the Hebrew) by Prof. Scheindlin. The poems are assessed and described in Prof. Scheindlin’s magnificent essays about each of them in turn in his book, The Gazelle. If you think that you don’t like poetry, try this book! If you do, run, don’t walk, to our Federation Library.
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To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site, as well as other pertinent information to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.4.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Obituaries--as well as engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies, and births--also can be submitted at the Jewish Federation’s website. Just go to: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press and click on “Submit Announcements.”
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JTA NEWS BRIEFS • Ariel Sharon’s condition is improving. On Tuesday, a day after he moved his right side, the Israeli prime minister showed movement on his left side for the first time since his Jan. 4 stroke, according to Israeli media. The damage to Sharon’s brain is believed to be concentrated in the right side of his brain, which controls the left side of the body. But doctors at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem, where Sharon is being treated, cautioned that Sharon remains in critical condition, and that it could be several days before they could assess the damage caused by his stroke. • Hadassah Hospital disputed a report that questioned Ariel Sharon’s medical treatment. Ha’aretz reported Tuesday that Sharon’s brain hemorrhage could have been caused by a blood vessel disorder that doctors initially failed to detect. The article then raised questions about the administration of anticoagulants, given Sharon’s condition. But Dr. Shlomo Mor-Yosef, director-general of the Hadassah Medical Organization, rejected the report, saying, “Everything we know today about P.M. Sharon’s condition we diagnosed when he was admitted to the hospital the first time with a mild stroke.”
• The U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition from the American Jewish Congress to review a decision allowing Americorps teachers to teach religion in religious schools. The court did not act on the organization’s petition Monday, essentially denying them a Supreme Court review, after a federal appeals court ruled last year on behalf of the Corporation for National Service, which oversees Americorps, because the government was not using the money to promote religion. AJCongress said the payment of $4,725 in financial aid to teachers in religious schools violates the separation of church and state. “Our request presented important questions on church-state law, and we believe that the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia allowing the corporation, an agency of the United States, to fund teachers of religion in religious schools, was rendered in the face of other Supreme Court rulings prohibiting such subsidies,” said Marc Stern, AJCongress’ legal counsel. A lower court had ruled in favor of AJCongress, saying the process lacked clear criteria or monitoring.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 13, 2006
When Tragedy Hit the Gulf Coast, U.S. Jews Were Quick to Contribute the fund.” The URJ also has raised $225,000 for SOS New Orleans, a new fundraising campaign to help four New Orleans-area Reform congregations maintain their operations, programs and services. The four are Gates of Prayer in Metairie; Temple Sinai and Touro Synagogue in New Orleans; and the Northshore Jewish Congregation of Mandeville. According to a URJ press release, some 500 to 600 of the 2,000+ families that belonged to these four synagogues before Katrina may not return. This puts an added burden on the synagogues’ fundraising efforts at a time when they need money more desperately than ever. “Never in our modern Jewish history have we witnessed such a dramatic displacement of a Jewish community in North America: so many people displaced, for who knows how long a time,” said Robert Heller, Chairman of URJ’s board of trustees. “Those who want to return need to know their congregations will be there for them. The buildings can and will be repaired, but souls and spirits do not mend so easily.” Eric Stillman, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, said that besides the institutional grants, his federation has received over $100,000 in private, individual donations from outside the New Orleans area since the hurricane. “We’re tremendously grateful to the American Jewish community for the way they’ve stepped forward and provided financial supThe New Orleans Jewish Community Center, photographed port,” Stillman said. “I Dec. 27, 2005, has become a temporary disaster recovery don’t know where we’d be center for FEMA. Credit: Larry Luxner/JTA otherwise.”
Continued from page 1 “Each of us is potentially vulnerable to the fury of Mother Nature, irrespective of where we live, the religion we practice, or the lifestyle we lead,” Harris said. “Responding to the needs of our fellow Americans in New Orleans was a moral imperative, and we are glad to be able to contribute significantly to the long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts.” In addition, the Union for Reform Judaism, which represents over 900 Reform congregations, has raised $3.4 million in general hurricane relief. Rabbi Deborah Hirsch, director of regions at URJ, said about half of that is going to general assistance for both Jews and non-Jews, and the other half to Reform congregations throughout the Southeast that suffered damage this fall from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. “Whenever there’s a disaster of this kind, there are often high uninsured losses. Obviously, the fund won’t be able to cover all thoses losses,” Hirsch said. “Between these three hurricanes, the losses are going to exceed whatever is in
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Ruined Synagogue in New Orleans Symbolizes Difficulty of Rebuilding by LARRY LUXNER according to Stillman, and few people NEW ORLEANS (JTA)--From the carried flood insurance. outside, Congregation Beth Israel looks Beth Israel is the only Orthodox synalike a deteriorating building in a bad gogue in a city where 70 percent of Jews neighborhood, with its boarded-up win- are Reform. New Orleans also has four dows, ruined facade and mountains of Reform temples, one conservative shul debris on the sidewalk out front. The and two Chabad centers, though none reality is much worse. was as heavily damaged as Except for the colorful Beth Israel. Nor was the stained-glass windows local JCC, part of which inside its main sanctuary, has been converted temalmost nothing is left of porarily into a FEMA the 100-year-old OrthoDisaster Recovery Center. dox synagogue. Its onceEric Stillman, Executive gleaming floors are litDirector of the New tered with pieces of wood Orleans Federation, said and the torn pages of the city’s pre-Katrina prayer books. Jewish population was Daniel Held of Toronto, with hamThe bima sits at an around 9,500. About half mer, and Rabbi Elka Abrahamson angle, not far from a broof the city’s Jews fled to of Columbus, OH, repair the floodken felt stool embroiHouston ahead of the damaged fence of a Jewish residered with the Star of approaching hurricane, dent of New Orleans on Dec. 26, David. Off to one side, while significant numbers 2005. Credit: Larry Luxner/JTA the blue-and-white flag of also relocated to Baton Israel stands proudly on a flagpole, but Rouge, Atlanta, Dallas and Memphis. As the flag itself is stained by a grimy water of Dec. 29, about 4,250 Jews-- nearly 45 line that won’t go away. percent of the community--had returned. “We’re in a state of flux right now,” said “We had 3,600 Jewish households in Marshall Gerson, past president of Beth our database, and we’ve heard from Israel. “We had the only daily minyan in 2,190 of them,” he said. “So far, only New Orleans. But even before the hurri- 257 households have indicated that they cane, we were financially on the ropes.” possibly will not return or have decided Although only four Louisiana Jews died that they won’t return. We continue to as a result of the August 2005 storm--the see more people indicating that they’re statewide death toll is 1,079-- Katrina’s coming back, and the numbers will conimpact on the Jewish community will be tinue to climb.” felt for years, economically and emotionStillman has heard New Orleans leaders ally. Synagogues and other Jewish institu- predict a net Jewish population loss of 10tions sustained more than $20 million in 30 percent, though the federation doesn’t uninsured losses and operational deficits, know for sure. “It’s too soon to tell.”
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