Vol. LXXXVI No. 19 Omaha, NE
Midwest participants find birthright israel an eye-opening experience by CHANAN TIGAY JERUSALEM --- There’s an old joke about a Jewish mother standing poolside, watching as her son flails in the water, unable to swim. “Help!” she shouts. “My son, the doctor, is drowning!” The joke plays on the well-known stereotype that Jewish mothers pray for their children to become professionals. But touring western Jerusalem, an expansive view of Israel’s Knesset building unfolding behind him, Jordan Krechmer -- who was in the Jewish state last week as one of one of 13,000 young Jews who will visit this winter as participants in the Taglit-birthright israel program -is no longer buying that premise. “It’s so cool to be somewhere where everything is Jewish -- not just Jewish doctors and lawyers, but taxi drivers and bus drivers, too,” says Krechmer, a senior at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME. Krechmer is not the only one to have his eyes opened by birthright israel, which by the end of March will have brought close to 125,000 18- to 26-year-old Diaspora Jews to Israel on free 10-day educational peer trips. Lauren Davis, for example, says that although she went to a Christian elementary school and has never been observant of Jewish laws, her experience in Israel has inspired her to begin observing Shabbat when she returns home to Toronto. “I’ve never really been in the vicinity of so many Jews,” the 22-year-old graduate student says. “It’s incredible. There are so many things that we’ve seen here and I feel such a connection.”
Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
29 Tevet, 5767 January 19, 2007
Omaha loses champion for causes Nebraska Accountability and by JOAN K. MARCUS Disclosure Commission and Miriam (Mimi) Waldbaum, 85, who devothelped establish procedures ed her life to helping people in the commuand mechanisms to monitor nity, died Monday, Jan. 15. Services were political campaign contribuheld Jan. 17 at Temple Israel. tions. Some of her other volIn 1946, she and her husband, Dr. Milton unteer activities included Waldbaum (who died in 1992), moved to service on the Nebraska Grand Island where the family operated a powAdvisory Committee to the dered egg business. The Waldbaums, both United States Civil Rights from New York, met while Mimi was a medical Commission, the Antistudent at Cornell University in Ithaca. They Defamation League, and the were married in 1942 when Milton received a Jewish Federation of commission in the United States Navy. Omaha, which honored her After World War II, they went back to live as its Humanitarian of the in New York but in 1950, moved to Year in 1993. Wakefield, NE, where they started their own In 1994, the YWCA selectbusiness. Mimi used to jokingly say they were Mimi Waldbaum ed her to be one of its the only Jewish people in the whole county. Ironically, it was Milt who in 1950 decided he wanted to Women of Distinction. The nominating process for this become a doctor. So, the family moved to Omaha when award takes five months. She was one of eight women he was accepted to Creighton University Medical chosen from the Greater Omaha area. Mimi Waldbaum espoused that Democrats truly help School. Mimi abandoned her aspirations for a medical people and in 1997, she received the Franklin Delano career to become a wife, mother and political activist. When they came to Omaha, the Waldbaum family Roosevelt Award from the Nebraska Democratic Party. joined Temple Israel and Mimi began a long career of As a young girl, she had worked for President Roosevelt service to the Democratic Party of Nebraska. As a mem- when he ran for his last term in 1944. For many years, she worked in the office of former ber of the League of Women Voters, she directed her efforts toward learning the needs of people in the com- Senator Robert Kerrey. Although she did not get paid, munity and trying to effect change through government she worked alongside professional staff. She handled the and community organizations. She eventually became paperwork for applications to service academies and reviewed grant proposals from organizations. chapter and state president of the League. Sen. Kerrey said, “Mimi was a champion of the people She developed dialog organizations and groups across Nebraska. As a founding board member of the Nebraska of Nebraska. Her efforts and successes were a shining Humanities Council, she was the only public member example of public service. We were proud and lucky to working with five representatives of post secondary insti- have her on our team!” She was involved with Girls Inc. and its board and was tutions in Nebraska. She was appointed as the first chairman of the Continued on page 3
Temple students learn about God from other perspectives
Birthright israel participants dance and wave Israeli flags Jan. 7, 2007, in Jerusalem. Credit: Pool/BPH Images/JTA Davis’s experience bears out research showing that birthright israel participants have a stronger connection to Israel, the Jewish people and their own Jewish identities than young Jews who have not gone on one of the trips. The research, carried out by Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, also found that birthright israel participants are more likely to want to marry a Jew and raise their children Jewishly, and are more directly involved in Jewish activities on their college campuses. “This is the first time I’ve cried in seven years,” says David Copeland, 25, after joining some 3,000 other young Jews in Jerusalem’s convention center for an evening of song and dance. “This is home. In Des Moines, there are 200-300 Jewish families. And here there are 3,000 Jews,” added the student at University of Iowa. “Politics went out the window the second we walked through that door.” Continued on page 2
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Do Christians believe that God rewards the good or punishes the evil? What would an agnostic think? Does a Muslim trust that God controls everything or that God sits back and watches what we do? How does a Buddhist explain science in relation to God? In Lee Needelman’s “God Concept” class during the fall mini-mester at Temple Israel’s new Middle/High School, “T.A.G. You’re It!,” an array of guests all espousing different faiths came to speak about God from their personal perspectives. The speakers were asked if they had ever felt as though they had talked directly to God, how their respective communities affected their beliefs, in what form would God appear Among the speakers in Lee Needelman’s “God Concepts” class were Rev. today, does God give people choices, and Nancy Phillips, left, a Protestant minister, and Maisha Liwaru, a Muslim. who are God’s chosen ones. Needelman also asked the guests to Besides fielding questions, the speakers asked the class, address such questions as what is God’s gender, why which attracted some adults along with the seventh, does God permit disasters, does God act as one’s con- eighth, and ninth graders, some questions, too. science, and belief in miracles. They included inquiring how has the students’ underEach week, people of various religious beliefs standing of God evolved, how do they use God and jusanswered a number of these questions and presented tify that use, are their conversations with God real to their own to the class. In addition to a Christian minis- them, are prayers always answered, do the students ter, a Catholic priest, an agnostic, a Muslim, and a image or describe God, why did God create us and does Buddhist, presenters also included a Chabad rabbi and God really care what we do, is one’s soul connected to two other Jews, an atheist, and a Bahai. God, is life affected by God’s plan or fate, is it possible “There was a really wide range of speakers,” said to integrate more than one concept of God, and what is William Clark, a 14-year-old high school freshman, who the purpose of religion and of life. enrolled in the class. “I thought it was really great. I’ve “It was very interesting,” remarked Aviva Oberst, 14. “It always been interested in religion and philosophical con- was a good way to look at all the diversities of religion.” cepts. The class was really a good experience.” Continued on page 6
Coming Next Week: Special Issue on Camping See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Congressional appointments favor Jewish issues: Page 3
Coming Next Month: Simchas & Celebrations on Feb. 9 When the story hits home...hard: Page 6
More than a witness to history: Page 11
Page 2
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 Visions Luncheon, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn BBYO Kallah Weekend, 5 p.m. SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 BBYO Kallah Weekend, 9 a.m. Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Azriel Unplugged Havdallah, 7 p.m. at Danielle and Jeff Gordman’s House C L Yachad, 7 p.m. at Creighton Basketball
I SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 P Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel
C L I P
Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El
& Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El Temple Club 56 Crazy Bowling, noon at West Lanes Bowl “What’s Jewish About Art?,” 12:15 p.m. at Beth El
S A MONDAY, JANUARY 22 V JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. E Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El
& S A V E
JCC Board: Phone a Thon, 6 p.m. “Biblical Archeology,” 7 p.m. at Beth El Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m. at JCC
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24 Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m.
C C at Sylvia Wagner’s Home L BESTT High School and 7th grade Graduation planning meeting, L I I 7 p.m. P P THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Tapestry Workshop, 11:45 a.m. at Temple Israel S Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El A Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House V Yiddush Group, 1 p.m. E B’nai B’rith Banquet committee meeting, 7 p.m. LOVE Meeting, 7 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross 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)
This Space For Rent Call Terri Greenwood 334-6559
Jamie, 26, and Dana, 23. Continued from page 1 Enjoying a blended beverage at the Aroma cafe in For Alysa Procida, a 21-year-old Baltimore native studying at the University of Vermont, it was a visit to Jerusalem’s Mevasseret Mall along with her sisters, Nikki recalls one day this past week when she referred to Israel the Western Wall that opened her eyes -- literally. “I’m not religious, but my mother had written a note as a “foreign country.” “My friend Lior,” one of the soldiers on her bus, for me to put in the wall about my grandmother who died recently,” Procida says while browsing through the “said, ‘It’s not a foreign country. This is your home. gift shop of Jerusalem’s Israel Museum. “I definitely We’re always here for you.’” “That just gave me chills,” Dana pipes in at her little burst into tears. It was good.” Launched in 2000 as a five-year pilot program funded sister’s side. Among the challenges facing birthright is figuring out by world Jewish communities, the Israeli government and 14 philanthropists, birthright israel has thrived, pro- how to harness all of the enthusiasm generated in Israel foundly influencing the Jewish identities of many partic- when participants return home. The organization sponipants and consistently attracting more applicants than it sors alumni events, and past participants often organize has funds to enroll. their own meetings. Michael Steinhardt -- who In the Boston Area, the Combined along with Charles Bronfman Jewish Philanthropies along with and Lynn Schusterman was a Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish founding philanthropist of Campus Life, and other partner organizations are trying a new birthright -- said that birthright approach. These groups not only offers an “historic opportunity” are encouraging an increasing numto bring a critical mass of young ber of students to take part in a Jews to Israel. Still, speaking Monday during birthright trip, they also are launcha “mega” event at the Jerusalem ing a comprehensive plan for postconvention center that brought trip programming that will be suptogether some 3,000 program ported by full time professionals on participants to enjoy music and Iowan Nathan Kieso, 23, a student at the Boston college campuses who will dancing and to hear from Israeli University of Iowa, buys gifts for family back integrate returnees into and help Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, home in the Israel Museum shop. create Jewish life activities. Steinhardt cautioned that birthright Israel is “struggling As more and more students go on birthright trips, they to find the resources.” will in turn influence their friends and fellow students to It is as such that last March, the organization launched go, says Cheryl Aronson, director of CJP’s Commission the birthright Foundation, to help broaden its fundrais- on Jewish Continuity & Education. As the numbers ing reach. It seems to be working. grow, Aronson adds, and as these students are integratIn 2005, birthright officials say, the group raised some ed into Jewish life, schools will reach a tipping point $17 million from 150 donors. In 2006, those numbers where “Jewish campus life can be transformed.” “We’re getting to know a larger cadre of students we jumped to $22 million from 600 donors. The foundation has attracted both small donors making modest didn’t know, students who have been less engaged,” she gifts and big-time philanthropists -- including Harold says. “Jewish life on campus will look really different Grinspoon and Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson – who because of birthright.” make multi-million dollar donations. Some participants say they take part because of a long “In terms of expanding to more private donors, it’s and deep connection to Israel. Others say it’s to see sites going very, very well,” says Susie Gelman, chair of the they’ve been reading about in books for years. Still othboard of directors of the foundation. Indeed, she says, ers have Israeli parents, but have never visited themthe goal now is to get “the next 100,000 in less than six selves. But nearly every one of them says that the fact that the years.” Birthright israel participants spend 10 days in Israel trip is free is an important, sometimes deciding, factor in visiting national and heritage sites, from Masada to the their decision to join. Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, from the Israel “There are a lot of places I’d rather have gone first, Museum to Har Herzl, Israel’s primary military ceme- but this is free,” says Drew Rosner, a 19-year-old from tery. There are trips for people with special needs, indi- the Philadelphia area. “I didn’t think I felt that connecviduals focusing on the environment, Jewish active U.S. tion with Israel -- until I came here.” military personnel, and for desert adventurers. The Horn sisters from Chicago say that they hadn’t But for many participants, the most meaningful been to Israel previously because of their father’s conencounters are not with sites, but with Israeli people, cern for their safety. Eventually, though, their uncle conprimarily soldiers who ride on the birthright israel busses vinced their dad to let them go, they say. along with participants from the Diaspora. “He’s jealous now,” Nikki says of her father. “That was my favorite part of the trip, having the solAgain, Dana jumps in: “I feel more safe here than I do diers with us,” says Nikki Horn, a 19-year-old Chicago walking down the street in Chicago,” she says. “I can’t native and a sophomore at the University of Illinois. imagine if we had this opportunity and never took Nikki joined the trip along with her two older sisters, advantage if it.”
Taglit-birthright israel: by the numbers
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. “Intro to Jewish Ethics,” 6 p.m. at JCC Beginning Hebrew Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
&
Birthright israel an eye-opening experience
& S A V E
by CHANAN TIGAY JERUSALEM, --- To date, in less than seven years over 120,000 18-to 26-year-old Diaspora Jews will have taken part in Taglit-birthright israel’s free, 10-day peer educational trips to Israel. Research has shown that this experience in Israel not only is extraordinarily influential in the lives of many of those who take part, but also that the programs make a profound impact on Israel and its economy. Following is a sampling of birthright israel’s effects both on Israel and on participants. • Israelis who have taken part in Mifgashim, joining Diaspora participants on birthright trips: 23,000, most of whom are soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces • Birthright israel groups that have visited the Jewish state: 3,100 • Work days birthright israel trips have brought to Israelis: 92,988 • Days buses have been rented out for birthright israel trips: 30,960 • Hotel nights purchased for birthright participants: 360,000 • Spent by birthright israel participants on souvenirs, incidentals, etc.: $32.8 million • Spent by birthright israel participants in Israeli restaurants and cafes: $20.4 million • Spent for birthright israel participants on entrance fees to historical sites and museums: $8 million
• Birthright israel’s total financial contribution to Israel’s economy: $219.5 million • Countries from which birthright israel participants have come: 51 • Summer 2005 trip participants who had attended their campus Hillel three times or more one year after taking part in the program: 38 percent • Non-participants who have attended Hillel three times or more: 25 percent • Summer 2005 trip participants who, one year after the trip, said their connection to Israel was very strong: 71% • Non-participants who said that their connection to Israel was very strong: 43% • Summer 2005 trip participants who, one year after the trip, said their connection to the Jewish people was very strong: 82% • Non-participants who said that their connection to the Jewish people was very strong: 70% • Religious affiliations of participants during Winter 2006-2007 trips: Reform: 36%; Conservative: 27%; Orthodox: 7%; Reconstructionist: 2%; “Just Jewish”: 23%; Other: 5% These numbers have been culled from research done at Brandeis University by Leonard Saxe, Ted Sasson, and Shahar Hecht; from independent auditor Ezra Ganor; and from Taglit-birthright israel.
January 19, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Division of congressional posts seems to favor Jewish issues by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The new Congress doesn’t just feature more Jews in powerful positions than the community has seen in more than a decade -- it also features more friendly faces across the board, Jewish leaders say. “A net positive” is how one pro-Israel activist described it. Lobbyists who focus on domestic issues are pleased, too, noting in particular friendly faces who deal with elderly care and immigration issues. No one denies that the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives, in power from 1995 until 2006, was overwhelmingly pro-Israel. But with Democratic wins in both houses, the 110th Congress removes from power several maverick Republicans who wanted the United States to be more critical of Israel, and boosts to leadership lawmakers who are not just Israel-friendly but intimately acquainted with the U.S. Jewish community. That’s partly because some of the top leaders are from the community. Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.), the sole Holocaust survivor in Congress and one of Israel’s staunchest defend-
Omaha loses champion Continued from page 1 enthusiastic about the work being done by the group in North and South Omaha. She was also a founding member of the Omaha Community Foundation and its Women’s Fund and spoke proudly of the work done by the Foundation to fund programs to combat domestic violence. She worked to promote more participation in the decision making on boards and committees of all agencies. She used to say volunteers are a tremendous resource and they should be recognized and appreciated. Although Waldbaum was a champion of the Democratic Party in Nebraska, she said that people need to responsible for government -- regardless of their party affiliation. She said, “If people don’t vote, they have no right to complain.” When speaking of her political affiliation, she noted she couldn’t measure whether or not she had made a difference, but, “I tried.” She had no regrets about not becoming a doctor and spoke modestly about her influential political career. She said that her life’s greatest accomplishment was that of being a wife and mother. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, John and Natha Waldbaum, Dr. Jerry and Cheryl Waldbaum of Mukilteo, WA; daughter, Susan Hughson of Scottsdale, AZ; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Memorials to the Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha or the ADL.
New House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, left, swears in Rep. Brad Sherman using the first Hebrew Bible printed in the United States, held by Lisa Sherman, the congressman’s wife, Jan. 4, 2007, in Washington. Credit: Office of Rep. Brad Sherman ers in the House of Representatives, assumes control of the International Relations Committee. His deputy is Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), also Jewish. Lantos replaces Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.), who was often critical of Israeli settlement policy, particularly its effects on Palestinian Christians. Hyde was retiring in any case, and moving into the top Republican spot on the committee is Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), whose pro-Israel record is unmatched. Four of the committee’s seven subcommittee chairmen are likely to be Jewish, though the positions will only be formalized by week’s end: In line for chairmanship of the Middle East subcommittee is Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.); Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) is set to head the International Terrorism and Nonproliferation subcommittee; Rep. Eliot Engel (DN.Y.) is ready to helm the Western Hemisphere subcommittee, which deals in part with terrorist and Islamist incursions in the Americas; and Rep. Robert Wexler (DFla.) is set to take over Europe and Emerging Threats, which deals with anti-Semitism on that continent. Perhaps the most prominent pro-Israel boost is of Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), who becomes majority leader. Hoyer is on a first-name basis with much of the board of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and has been to Israel multiple times, exhibiting broad knowledge of its political workings. His immediate predecessor, Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), now the minority leader, is friendly but not as well acquainted with the intricacies of Middle East politics. Lawmakers considered less friendly to Israel are also set to head committees, but none that deal directly with the Jewish state.
They include Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) at Energy and Commerce; Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) at Judiciary, although Conyers distinguished himself recently by delivering perhaps the most stinging rebuke to former President Carter for likening Israel’s settlement policy to apartheid; and Rep. Nick Rahall (DW.Va.) at Resources. Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.), who will head the powerful Appropriations Committee, is in the “friendly but critical” category, backing assistance to Israel but diverging sharply on its settlement policy. Obey once proposed linking assistance to changes in that policy. However, with the burgeoning deficit and major Iraq war funding battles in the offing, Obey is not likely to have much time to deal with Israel. He’ll leave that to Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), who will chair the Foreign Operations subcommittee. Lowey, who began her political career leading Jewish groups, is quite friendly to Israel. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the new House speaker, has elevated a number of Jewish members to powerful committees. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) joins Appropriations after just two years in the House, as does Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). They join Lowey and Rep. Steven Rothman (D-N.J.) on the committee. Jews now number 30 in the House -- a net increase of four from the last Congress. Other significant new committee appointments include Reps. Shelley Berkley (DNev.) and Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) to the Ways and Means Committee, which deals with taxes; and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), who marks her freshman term by joining the sensitive Armed Services Committee. There are a record 13 Jews in the Senate, including 11 who are Democrats or caucus with Democrats -- 20 percent of the Democratic presence. Jews in chairmanship positions include: Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) at Armed Services; Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) at Environment; Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) at Homeland Security; Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) at Aging; Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) at Rules; and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) at Economic. The most significant change for Israel, however, is at the Foreign Relations Committee. Gone is Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-R.I.), who as chairman of its subcommittee was perhaps the toughest congressional critic of Israel’s settlement policy. His replacement is Sen. John Kerry (DMass.), who is eyeing another bid for the presidency in 2008 and is unlikely to deviate from his record of support. Similarly, Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.), the committee’s chair, is also on the presidential track and shows no sign of changing his pro-Israel views. He replaces Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), who was circumspect about Israel but allowed the committee considerable leeway in questioning Israeli policies.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 19, 2007
‘Friday Night Live!’ comes to Beth Israel by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Experience Friday night as you never have before! Sing, dance, attend Kabbalat Shabbat, enjoy dinner and go on a scavenger hunt! Beth Israel invites the community to attend “Friday Night Live!,” a new monthly Shabbat program. The first “Friday Night Live!” will be held on Friday, Jan. 26, 4:30 p.m. The “program, created by Beth Israel’s Rabbi Seth Nadel, consists of a wide range of Shabbat evening activities. Utilizing his extensive musical background, Nadel will lead a program of singing and dancing with a pre-Shabbat concert at 4:30 p.m. Candlelighting and Kabbalat Shabbat will start at 5:15 p.m., along with storytelling for children. A traditional Shabbat dinner follows the service. The evening will end with an Israel-themed scavenger hunt. According to Executive Director, Beth Cohen, “The year of our ‘Parents Are Teachers’ grant is over, but it gave us the opportunity to think about how we can continue creating events for parents and children to learn together. We want to maintain the idea of the grant. ‘Friday Night Live!’ is a terrific way to do that. When Rabbi Nadel talked about it, we knew it was something we wanted to do. It’s about making Friday night an event
where everyone attends services, shares in a meal and enjoys the evening together in a family-friendly atmosphere.” While “Friday Night Live!” is a new program, it mirrors a tradition from Beth Israel’s history. “I’ve heard from congregants how, years ago Friday night was family night, with everyone getting together at shul to bring in Shabbat,” noted Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “We have members who remember these special Friday nights when they were children. They’re parents now; they want to give their children the kind of experience they enjoyed.” “We want to bring in a whole Shabbat experience,” said Nadel. “Shabbat isn’t just on Saturday mornings. Friday night should be about families and friends spending time together. ‘Friday Night Live!’ is a program that promotes that sense of community.” The program will evolve from month to month, based on the time of sunset. “As the start of Shabbat gets later and later, we can have more music before Shabbat starts,” noted Cohen. For those who make reservations by Jan. 22, the cost is $12 for adults and free for children ages 12 and younger. After that, the cost will be $14 for adults and $2 per child. To reserve, call the office at 556.6288.
Temple women cooking up family favorites for brunch by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Linda Stark, Vicki Chesen, and Deanna Gilinsky will be cooking up some “Family Favorites” for the Women of Reform Judaism’s brunch at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, in the Milder Center at Temple Israel. “We all thought it would be fun to do a generational thing,” explained Danielle Gordman, Linda Stark’s daughter, who along with Patty Gilinsky, daughter-inlaw of Deanna Gilinsky, and Stacie Brodkey, daughter of Vicki Chesen, are the co-chairs of the brunch. “Our Moms were excited to do it,” said Gordman, adding that they all have “great reputations” as chefs in their own families. There will also be “some crazy concoctions” created by the younger generation.
All the recipes prepared for the brunch will be compiled in a mini-cookbook and will be included in the $7 attendance charge. Raffle tickets for kitchen accouterments will be sold at the door The event is open to everyone in the community. Please call the Temple office at 556.6536 to make a reservation. WRJ will also host a hamantaschen baking day on Sunday, Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel. The jelly-filled treats will be served after the Purim service on Saturday, March 3, and at the Purim Carnival the following day. On Sunday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to noon, WRJ will be sorting books for the organization’s upcoming annual book sale. “We can use all the help we can get. Come and bring a friend,” said Patty Gilinsky.
Beth El youth group will take flight to the SAC Museum by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator To kick off the new year, Beth El’s Chaverim youth group -- for all metroarea Jewish children in grades four through six -- will journey to the SAC Museum for an entertaining and educational afternoon, on Sunday, Jan. 21, noon to 3 p.m. In addition to touring the museum,
participants will be treated to a scavenger hunt, and those who bring an extra $5 will have an opportunity to get behind the controls of a flight simulator. Cost is $4 for Chaverim members and $6 for non-members (includes lunch at Beth El). After the program, parents may pick up their children at Beth El. For information or to RSVP, contact Mosenkis at 492.8550, or youthdir@bethel-omaha.org.
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January 19, 2007
When the story hits home, hard ...
STAYING IN TOUCH by OZZIE NOGG For the past six months, I’ve contributed a series of news articles to this paper -- articles that chronicle the construction progress of the “New Beginning for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.” The stories followed the rules of hard news reporting. Gather verifiable facts from multiple, credible sources. Do not editorialize or offer personal opinions. Remain impartial. But when a writer finds herself inside the story, all journalistic rules regarding objectivity bite the dust. Two weeks ago, my husband Don -- while crossing the street -- locked horns with a car. As is generally the case in these encounters, the car won. The x-rays showed a fractured pelvis -- extremely painful, but no surgery required. His head, spine and all his innards were spared injury. So, on the “Just-Imagine-WhatMight-Of-Happened” scale, we consider ourselves beyond lucky. The docs tell us that after some time in a rehab facility (where Don will learn to maneuver the walker and use a gizmo that helps him put his socks on without bending over) he’ll come home to finish healing. I picture us cozy together this winter -- me knitting scarves, Don knitting bones. As I write this, Don is in rehab at the Blumkin Home, surrounded by tough-love Physical and Occupational Therapists trained to get him back on his feet. He’s safe and secure in his Jewish community and -- a bonus for a guy like D. Nogg -- able to schmooze all day at a veritable open-house with cronies he’s known for years. We’re stunned by the circumstances that brought him to this temporary Home away from home, but we consider his current digs and care givers darn near perfect. More mazel, immeasurable. However (and here’s where the foreboding B-movie music swells to a crescendo) this happy landing was not without glitches. Hospital clerical snafus. Mystifying insurance requirements. A limbo landscape that had my gut in a knot over the possibility that Don would be assigned to a facility other than the RBJH. The prospect, I admit with chagrin, threw me for a loop. So why am I telling you this? To confess my lack of coping skills? Nope. To remind you to look both ways before crossing the street? Uh-uh. This buttinsky, meddling Jewish mother is cautioning you to look both ways
-- and then some -- before choosing a health care provider. It’s a sad truth that deciphering the differences between available options -- cross-referencing lists of contracted physicians, hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, deciphering restrictions on how they pay, when they pay, what they pay for -- can make the choice of provider staggeringly complicated. And sometimes, no matter how carefully you parse the fine print, no matter how many questions you ask, your choice may backfire and put you in a place where you’d rather not be. From my admittedly biased perspective, the only people in this town willing to offer non-bureaucratic advice and -- simultaneously -- take a personal interest in what’s best for my family and yours, are the professionals at Jewish Senior Services. Even if the Blumkin Home doesn’t factor in your immediate future -- even if merely thinking about nursing homes gives you heebie-jeebies -- do yourself a favor. Ask JSS for their counsel in advance. Get your ducks in a row. Then, when you need TLC, you’ll get from point A. to point B. without a shoulda-coulda-woulda roller coaster ride. (Journalistic note. Writers of opinion pieces, like this one, are free to voice their personal views, use hyperbolic language at will, and employ every dog-eared cliché in the book. Mission accomplished.) Ironically, just a few hours before Don’s accident, I sat around a table with my Adult Ed classmates at Beth El where, under the wise leadership of Rabbi Levin, we continued our weekly discussion of Jewish prayer. During this particular session we focused on gratitude, appreciation and a sense of wonder. We read words by Rabbi Abraham J. Heschel who suggests that we have forgotten the mystery and lost our sense of wonder, our sense of radical amazement at being alive. But Heschel goes on to say, “The profound and perpetual awareness of the wonder of being has become a part of the religious consciousness of the Jew. Three times a day we pray, ‘We thank You for Your miracles which are daily with us, for Your continual marvels.’” Right now, I say prayers of thanksgiving far more often than three times a day. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for Don’s escape, for the miracle that is life, for our precious family, our treasured friends, and for this beautiful Jewish community. Your acts of love fill me with wonder. And radical amazement. Omahan Ozzie Nogg is a freelance writer and author of the book, Joseph’s Bones. She is also the first freelancer to have been elected to the executive committee of the American Jewish Press Association; she can be reached at: ozzienogg@cox.net.
NCJW book club begins with event for generations of family members by SHARON BARGAS NCJW Co-Vice-president for Public Relations The National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section is creating a new book club for grandparents and their grandchildren. Its goal is to bring generations of family members together and the first event is Sunday, Feb. 18, 3:45-5 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. The event is being spearheaded by Nancy Nogg and Susan Rothholz, Vice Presidents for Public Affairs and Education. “There is a unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren,” says Susan Rothholz. “We believe the connection created by reading together can really leave a positive and lasting memory in a grandchild’s life.” The book club will be broken down into two groups. One group is for ages three through seven. Darlene Golbitz will lead this group by reading, The Keeping Quilt. This is a story of a quilt made from family members’ clothing brought from Russia and how the quilt has passed down through six generations in America. The
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children will have the opportunity to make their own small quilts as a craft project; if grandparents want to bring something of their own to incorporate in their grandchild’s quilt, that would add something special, added Golbitz. “Grandparents can bring items that represent their lives or their family’s history, such as a piece of lace or buttons from a coat worn by a family member,” says Rothholz. The second group is for second through fifth graders who will read a fictionalized diary and create their own journal. This group will be lead by Marion Nogg, a longtime storyteller. Reservations are required and must be received by Feb. 4. Reservations may be made to Rothholz, at 391.3043 or spredwood2@cox.net or Nancy Nogg, at nlnogg@hotmail.com. The cost is $10 per child for the book and craft materials. Each additional sibling is $4 for the craft only. Children are to read the chosen books before the event. The books will be ordered and ready to be picked up at the Kripke Library by Feb. 12.
Discussion group expanding at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Participants are welcome to join for tea time refreshments prior to the meeting. The group would like to thank the following volunteers who have previously facilitated discussion or will be in the future: Guy Matalon, Renee Corcoran, Alan Potash, Bernie Altsuler, Gary Katz, Karen Gustafson, Mary Sue Grossman, Harry Alloy, Zohar Winer and Beth Seldin Dotan. Volunteers should feel free to join in just one session or as many as you like. If you are able to volunteer some time to facilitate the discussion or just come to listen and to talk with seniors who would enjoy your company and conversation, contact Linda Fitzgerald at 334.6520.
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by ANDREA BARTMAN for JSS/RBJH Facilitators and members are being sought from the community to aid a discussion group meeting twice a month at the Blumkin Home. The group, made up of RBJH Residents and community members, is looking for people who are willing to give some of their time to seniors. This group of cognitive and motivated residents enjoys hearing about the lives and work of fellow community members as well as discussing current events. The group meets at the RBJH Auditorium every month on the second and fourth Thursday, 3–3:30 p.m.
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January 19, 2007
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Winter begins with new selections at Temple Israel Middle/High School by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Jewish Literature took a look at contemporary authors. Temple Israel Communications Coordinator His new class, “Contemporary Jewish Fiction”, will Winter classes have just begun for middle and high school explore the work of several major writers focusing on students at Temple Israel. Students were enthusiastic about Jewish-American literary tradition and modern cultural the new format and the array of options offered in the fall themes such as heritage and identity. by “T.A.G. - You’re It,” the restructured Middle/High “Packing for College: Where Does Judaism Fit?” with School at Temple. “I enjoy it a lot more,” commented instructor Rosie Zweiback, a graduate of Princeton Zach Spooner, 16. “There are more choices.” University and former college admissions officer there, Zach was enrolled in “Jewish Cooking/Karing Kids”, was “really interesting,” reported Hannah Ferer, 15. “I taught by Lisa Epstein and Toby Fellman. “I enjoy the culi- hadn’t really thought about college choices seriously.” nary field,” said Zach. The course introduced and familiarAfter taking the course which included how to select a ized students with recipes most American Jews associate college, how to apply, taking the ACT or SAT, and conwith the Jewish home and helping ill patients get well. sidering what Jewish opportunities there might be on “The kids were great as well as artistic and enthusiastic,” campus, Hannah, a high school sophomore now thinks, according to Epstein. “They were more than willing to “It’s a good idea to take the class as a sophomore.” cook and also made stationery and birthday cards for peo- Students explored details to consider about Jewish colple 75 years of age and older.” In addition to cooking and leges, the presence of a Hillel, the number of Jewish stucreating artwork, Zach said it felt good to help others. dents, and the possibility of Jewish fraternities and “Ulpan Hebrew I and II” sororities on campus. will continue from the fall Other fall classes included mini-mester for students “Jews in Comics” facilitated interested in continuing to by Barry Grossman; “What is conversational master Klezmer?” led by Linda Hebrew. Orly Gilat, a native Marcoe, who teaches band Israeli, and Zohar Winer, and orchestra in the Ralston Jewish Community Center Schools, and Cantor Wendy shlicha (emissary), will teach Shermet; and “Introduction the class as students work on to the Tanach”, taught by developing their Hebrew Rabbi Jonathan Gross of Beth proficiency. Israel and Rabbi Eric Linder. As she did during the fall, In Amy Katz’s new winter Katherine Finnegan will class, “Learning How to meet one-on-one with B’nai Speak with Your Hands”, stuMitzvah students as they dents will learn how to use continue to learn about space and movement to comprayers, their meaning, sig- Gary Katz teaches students Alex Fox, left, Oliver Rockman, municate. Katz, who earned a nificance and context in the and Jonathan Baker in the “Jewish Literature” class. degree in sign language/ liturgy thereby deepening spiritual awareness. interpreting, will demonstrate the richness of a unique lanAnother carryover from the fall is Steve Danon’s guage and how Judaism comes to life through the hands “Jewish Current Events”, in which “we talked about and body of the interpreter. Israel and its geography, the basis of the Palestinian and Miriam Moran, a consultant for a national scrapbook Hezbollah conflicts and how they are different,” he said. company, and Leora Azriel will be the instructors for They also talked about the untimely death of another creative class, “Jewish Greeting Cards.” They’ll Environmentalist Steve Irwin and “why something trag- guide the students as they connect the sense of hands-on ic could occur to someone who was so dedicated to satisfaction with Jewish learning. All proceeds of the sale noble causes.” He will continue to emphasize the impor- of the cards will benefit KAVOD, a non-profit Omahatance of becoming “critical consumers” of the media and based tzedakah collective. carefully evaluating the slant on news about Israel. “We can be creative, listen to Jewish music, and do Rita Paskowitz will resume “The Holocaust and tzedakah all at the same time,” said Rosie Zweiback who Beyond.” The effects of the Holocaust on Jewish life in will facilitate “Jewish Fiber Arts: Knitting and America and other issues are explored through discus- Needlepointing Our Way Through Jewish Music.” No sion, guest speakers, and film. prior experience is required. “I’m excited to teach some “Teaching the Holocaust is like taking someone from of the needle arts that for most of our grandmas and being a child to being an adult during one trimester,” bubbes was as easy as breathing,” Zweiback observed. Paskowitz explained. “It is painful and filled with soul As they learn knitting basics, the class will make caps to searching. But it is for someone Jewish an inescapable rite be donated to Save the Children to help underweight of passage. One of the most profound moments in the babies stay warm. class was watching students respond to ‘Night and Fog’.” “iPods and Movies: A Torah for the 21st Century”, “Jewish Symbols from Home” is one of eight new class- taught by Rabbi Linder, will be a lesson in using the es offered during the winter mini-mester which extends music, movies, and books that students know and love through Feb. 7. Lee Needelman’s students will study to examine how they can help reframe Jewish thoughts Jewish ceremonial art to develop aesthetic appreciation and concepts. “Lots of us own iPods, watch YouTube, and a connection with their Jewish heritage. Students will and rent movies. In my class, we’ll discuss how Jewish tell stories of Jewish objects they bring from home. themes emerge from popular culture whether we’re talk“While we will have time to draw, we will also get to ing about “The Force” in Star Wars or looking at lyrics explore what things we may have at home that have of an Eminem song,” Rabbi Linder explained. meaning to us in a Jewish way,” noted Needelman. Rabbi Gross will lead a class on she’bial peh (oral Torah) “Drawing them will bring us even closer to their signif- as he and his students study how all that Moses learned from God, then transmitted orally, by heart, to his sucicance in our lives.” Kripke Library Administrator Gary Katz’s course on cessors was passed on from generation to generation.
Temple students learn about God
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and Judaism: What Bonds Unite Us” on a similar learnContinued from page 1 The high school freshman selected the “God Concepts” ing experience. Each session will feature presentations by religious leaders who will be class, “because it seemed to be the most relevant to accompanied by youth memtoday’s society and things I’m bers of each faith group. interested in. The speakers “In our high school, we were all very different and try to strengthen our stuimpressed me in different dents’ Jewish identity by ways.” She added that the exposing them not only to class “opened your eyes” and our Jewish heritage but also made her aware of “not being to other faith communities too focused on one thing.” and their sets of beliefs,” Along the same path, said Rabbi Azriel. “Being Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will take a involved in serious dialogue winter mini-mester class entiusually strengthens the tled “Know Thy Neighbor as Students in the class included Sam Weinstine, left, Melanie resolve of maintaining a Thyself: Islam, Christianity, Long, Ben Prescott, Brittany Baines, and William Clark. strong Jewish identity.”
January 19, 2007
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Calling all artists! Please join us for the First Annual Associated Artists of Omaha Charity Art Show & Sale at the Field Club, 3615 Woolworth Ave. on Saturday, April. 7, 5-9 p.m. This show will feature Omaha and surrounding area artists, with 25% of the sale price of each piece of artwork being donated to a local charity. Please mail two samples of work (digital or photos) along with a completed form to: AAO/Field Club Charity Art Show, c/o Joe Liebentritt, 16455 Burdette St., Omaha, NE 68116 To request an entry form or to submit your samples electronically, please email to: joelieben@yahoo.com Entry forms must be received by Wednesday, Feb. 28, to have your name included as a participating artist in our advertising for the show. Please include a S.A.S.E., if you would like your photos returned. Final deadline to be included in the show is: Monday, March 16. In its ninth sold-out year on Broadway, The Lion King is now playing at the Orpheum Theater, presented in arrangement with Broadway Across America Omaha and Omaha Performing Arts. Tickets, priced from $25.50 to $68.50 are available for the performances which run through Feb. 11. Experience the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by the award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images audiences will long remember, along with the unforgetable music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice. For tickets, call Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606 or purchase online at www.ticketomaha. com or at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster at 402.422.1212 or www.ticketmaster.com. Barn Girl Art presents paintings by Grant Reid of Glasgow, Scotland, former Omahan Suzanne N. Horwich and local artist Amy Barker Adkins, with an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 3, 6-10 p.m. at the Nicholas Street Gallery at Hot Shops, 1301 Nicholas St. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the Barker Art Residency Project at Hot Shops. The Omaha Children’s Museum has announced puppeteer and puppet-maker Trish Place as its new Artist-in-Residence. Through a partnership with the Nebraska Arts Council, every six months a local artist joins the museum staff teaching visitors about their art through workshops and observation sessions. Place’s residency will focus on puppetry with workshops designed to teach children how to create puppets and will include puppet shows by Place. The first series of workshops will tie into the museum’s current traveling exhibition, “Frontier Presents: Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?” Place started in puppetry in high school in Lincoln,
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ORGANIZATIONS where she joined the Lincoln Community Playhouse Puppeteers. In 1976, she moved to Pennsylvania where she auditioned for and became a part of the worldfamous Bil Baird Marionettes company, which was performing at Busch Gardens - The Olde Country, in Williamsburg, Va. She later returned to Omaha and in 1984 formed Place Puppets and Scenic Productions and in 2003 co-founded The Urban Prairie Puppet Company with Brian Henning. Place also is a part of the Nebraska Arts Council’s Artists in Schools/Communities program and travels throughout the state doing week-long residencies in puppetry in Nebraska schools. In addition, Place is a theatrical scenic artist and paints scenery for Ralston High School and Papillion-LaVista High school and other theatres. She recently toured with Mannheim Steamroller on its 2006 Christmas Tour as Wardrobe Supervisor for the costume characters. Place’s January schedule at Omaha Children’s Museum includes: Saturday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. Performance, 1-3 p.m. Puppet Making; Tuesday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Puppet Making; Thursday, Jan. 25, 3-7 p.m. Puppet Making; Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Puppet Making; Tuesday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Puppet Making. A new exhibit at the Strategic Air & Space Museum reveals the science behind what these missions tell us about the Earth when it opens EYES ON EARTH on Jan. 27. Developed by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), and funded by NASA, EYES ON EARTH is a highly interactive exhibit that examines satellites, how satellite observations are made and what NASA and other scientists learn using this space technology. EYES ON EARTH runs through May 6. The Strategic Air & Space Museum is located at Exit 426 off I-80, halfway between Omaha and Lincoln. The Museum is open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors/military, $3 for children ages 5-12, and children under 5 are free.
BIRTHS Dr. Lance and Traci Kugler announce the Jan. 3 birth of their twin sons, Evan Brandon and Ryan Henry. The twins have a sister, Lauren, and a brother, Alex. Grandparents are Sandy and Stuart Kutler, and Dr. John and Cyndi Kugler. Great-grandparents are Harriet Singer, Louise and Gary Bloehm, Dee and Dale Kugler, Frances and Robert Koehler, and the late Lazier Singer.
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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Channel 7’s Ben Gray, photojournalist and host of the Sunday morning “Kaleidoscope,” will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Jan. 24, noon, at the Regency Lodge. A member of Omaha’s Black-Jewish Dialogue group, he will raise questions about Israel in today’s world and discuss some interesting biblical passages. All men and women in the community are invited to attend Breadbreakers.Cost is $12 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only. YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Members will meet Monday at the JCC in the auditorium. At 12:45 p.m., The Rose Theater presents The Big (Not-So-Bad) Wolf to our members and students from the Friedel Academy. This performance features fairy tales and stories about wolves that have a decidedly “wolfish” edge to them. Lunch will be served at noon at $6 per person. Try your luck with bingo at 10 a.m. with Miles and Eileen Remer. For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330.4272. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. The Yiddish Group is now officially a zamler (collector) for the National Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA. If you have any Yiddish books you would like to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Join Visions for Urinetown - the Musical at the Omaha Community Playhouse (Howard Drew Theatre) on Sunday, Feb.11, 2. Cost is $28 per person. Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plaza #101, Omaha, NE 68114 by Jan. 22. For information, call Rose Pitlor at 558.5144 or Ethel at 393.7358. Membership dues to Visions are due. Please mail your check of $7.50 to: Visions, c/o Beverly Gilinsky, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Make all checks payable to Visions. NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY The NJHS is planning an Early Childhood Reunion Photograph exhibit for April, 2007 in the JCC Gallery. The intent of the exhibit is to trace the history of the program that has been so important to many generations of our community. Helen Epstein, chairman of the exhibit, reports that identified photographs from the years 1974 to the present are needed. Please send copies of the pictures, as they cannot be returned, to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 19, 2007
It may be cold outside, but that’s no excuse for inaction Nebraska’s first real brush with winter came this past week; we’ve been lucky so far with only one minor snow fall and balmy springlike temperatures. So it’s tempting to say that the bitter cold weather that finally signaled the arrival of winter has forced us to hunker down and refrain from communal activity. We don’t buy that. In fact, we’re a little mystified as to why it’s so quiet in our Jewish institutions ... even with the annual exodus of snowbirds to warmer climes. Yes, there are some classes continuing from fall at the Center for Jewish Education, the synagogues and at ADL, (both the Malashock Institute for Interfaith Affairs and the Institute for Holocaust Education are sponsoring programs this month), but, for the most part, it’s pretty quiet. Here at the Press, we’ve just shipped two boxes of entries for annual newspaper contests, sponsored by the Nebraska Press Association and the American Jewish Press Association. Plus, the Press began working on the Passover issue back in November! Entitled “The Blumkin Home at 25: a New Beginning”, our second largest issue of the year will feature stories about residents, volunteers, staff, the history of this award-winning facility and a glimpse into its revamped future in a new, expanded building. In fact, we’re still looking for two items from readers: photos of relatives who lived in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home anytime during the last 25 years; and Passover recipes from residents of the Home (and from their family members).
Even if we can’t profile the hundreds of residents who have lived in the Home during the past quarter century, we’d like to at least get a photo, or a recipe from as many as we can. So, we’re busy at the Press. What are you doing? Are you using these cold winter days to catch up on reading back issues, maybe educating yourself on the state of the State of Israel -- its politics, scandals, immigration status of Faalsh Mura, repair of facilities in the northern and western Galilee regions, continuing sparring with the Palestinians in Gaza, its hunt for three kidnapped soldiers? Or maybe you’re discovering Israel’s developments in the field of medicine, gene research, cellphone and computer technology? Perhaps you’re staying warm these days by contacting your congressional representatives about the case of the Bangladeshi journalist about to go on trial for his life just for advocating contact with Israel (see the editorial on the opposite page, written by our colleague, Lyn Payne of the Heritage newspaper group in central Florida). Or maybe you’re signing petitions on behalf of the victims of the genocide in Darfur -- or helping Mimi Silverman at Temple Israel, who’s collecting furniture and other household goods to set up apartments for Darfurian refugees. If you’ve cut yourself off from contact with the community because it’s
too cold to go out, shame on you. There are residents to visit at the Home and sick people in hospitals. There are letters to write demanding action on issues of importance, and there are classes to take and editorials to read. Wake up...spring will be here in less than nine weeks! You’ve got a lot of work to do.
Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. 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. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Jewish the Committee, 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.
Turning Tu B’Shevat into an environmental Shabbat
FOCUS ON ISSUES by RICHARD H. SCHWARTZ President of Jewish Vegetarians of North America Many contemporary Jews are increasingly looking at Tu B’Shevat as a Jewish “Earth Day,” and using Tu B’Shevat seders as occasions to discuss how Jewish values can be applied to reduce many of today’s ecological threats. This is more important than ever today in view of the many environmental problems currently facing Israel and our planet. Since Tu B’Shvat falls on a Shabbat this Hebrew year (Feb. 2-3), it would be wonderful if many congregations treated it as an “Environmental Shabbat” with observances that would increase the environmental awareness and activism of its members. This could be a great opportunity for education about environmental crises locally, nationally, and internationally, with perhaps a special emphasis in some congregations on environmental problems in Israel. It also could help energize our congregations and bring many Jews back to Jewish involvement. People are becoming increasingly aware of and concerned about global warming because of almost daily reports about record heat waves, widespread forest fires, an increase in the number and severity of storms, severe droughts, the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps and other indications of global climate change. In late December 2006, there were reports of three events that dramatized that global warming is occurring and that it is happening far faster than climate scientists expected: • an inhabited island was completely evacuated because it had been inundated by rising sea waters, leaving 10,000 people homeless; • a giant ice island (120 feet thick and 2,500 square miles in area) broke free from a Canadian Arctic ice shelf; • the Bush Administration, which had been resistant to reacting to global warming,
announced that polar bears are in jeopardy, mainly due to thinning ice, and moved to put them on the endangered list and to take steps to protect them. Both the U.S. and England experienced their warmest years in recorded history in 2006. Some renowned climate scientists, such as James Hansen of NASA, are warning that global climate change may reach a ‘tipping point’ and spiral out of control within a decade, with disastrous consequences, if current conditions continue. A recent 700-page United Kingdom report projected losses of up to twenty percent of world gross domestic product by mid-century unless one percent of current world domestic product is devoted to combating global climate change.
It is urgent that Torah values be applied toward the solution of current environmental problems. This means, for example: an energy policy based not on dangerous energy sources, but on CARE (conservation and renewable energy)... When God created the world, he was able to say, “It is very good.” Everything was in harmony as God had planned, the waters were clean, the air was pure. But what must God think about the world today? What must He think when the rain He sends to nourish our crops is often acid rain due to the many chemicals poured into the air by our industries? When the ozone layer He provided to separate the heavens from the earth is being depleted at such a rapid rate? when the abundance of species of plants and animals He created are becoming extinct in tropical rain forests and other threatened habitats, before we have even cataloged them? When the fertile soil He provided is rapidly being depleted and eroded? When the climatic conditions that He designed to meet our
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needs are threatened by global climate change? When there are already many indications of global climate change, such as melting glaciers and polar ice caps, severe storms, droughts, flooding, and insect migrations; when it is projected that the majority of the world’s people will live in areas with insufficient clean water in 30 years. When, along with Israel’s remarkable progress in many areas, it faces a severe water shortage, very badly polluted rivers, air pollution that causes thousands of deaths per year and 17 percent of its children to have asthma, rapidly declining open space, congested roads, and an inadequate mass transit system? These environmental problems are largely due to the fact that the ways of the world are completely contrary to Jewish values: • Judaism teaches that “The Earth is the Lord’s” (Psalms 24:1), and that we are to be partners with God in protecting the environment. But today’s philosophy is that the earth is to be exploited for maximum profit, regardless of the long-range ecological consequences. • Judaism stresses bal tashchit, that we are not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of value. By contrast, wastefulness in the United States is so great that, with less than 5% of the world’s people we use about a third of the world's resources, and this has a major impact on pollution and resource scarcities. It is urgent that Torah values be applied toward the solution of current environmental problems. This means, for example: an energy policy based not on dangerous energy sources, but on CARE (conservation and renewable energy), consistent with Jewish teachings on preserving the environment, conserving resources, creating jobs, protecting human lives, and considering future generations. Tu B’Shevat is the New Year for Trees, the date on which the fate of trees is decided for the coming year. Hence, it is an ideal time to consider the rapid destruction of tropical rain forests and other valuable habitats. Continued on page 9
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $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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ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW by HELEN FREEDMAN The New York Jewish Week is to be commended for its front page attention to the critical issue of where Jewish philanthropic funds are directed. The Dec. 22, 2006, article by Gary Rosenblatt, Editor and Publisher of the Jewish Week, is headlined, “UJA-Fed. May Fund Gush Katif Evacuees.” This is such welcome news. John Ruskay, Executive VP and CEO of UJAFederation, at a meeting organized by Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills in Queens, NY, admitted that he was unaware of the fact that the Israeli government had not met its obligations and promises to the 8500 Jews expelled from Gush Katif (Gaza) in August, 2005. He was surprised to learn that most of the evacuees are still unemployed, the farmers are without their farmlands, the children and youth are without their schools and support systems, the synagogues, social centers and community structures have not been restored, almost ALL of the evacuees are living in temporary trailer-type homes, and the compensation promised to them has not been delivered. When it does trickle in, it must be used for daily living expenses, since the evacuees are jobless. Therefore, when and if the time comes that they are given land on which to build new homes, there will be no money available for that purpose. Now that Ruskay is aware of the situation, he has appointed Doron Krakow, a UJC professional, to study the needs of the Gush Katif communities and report back to the funding sources. I have no doubt that after doing the fact-finding, Ruskay and other UJC leaders will agree that the Gush Katif evacuees deserve every bit of help that American Jews can provide. Stewart Ain, a staff writer for The Jewish Week is to be commended for his Oct. 13, 2006, article which touched off the inquiry into the use of UJC funds and the neglect of the Gush Katif evacuees. His article, “Center-Right Groups Outraged At Post-War Money to Arabs” highlighted the embarrassing news that funds collected for the Israeli Emergency Fund, following the war with Lebanon this past summer, were being given to Israeli Arabs as well as Jews. In the article, Ain interviewed me, as well as many other leaders labeled as being in the ‘center-right’ groups. He learned of our dismay that Israeli Muslims, who were applauding and aiding the attacks on Israel by Hezbollah, were receiving money specifically donated by generous Jews to help Israeli Jews. This was considered “absurd”, especially in light of the fact that UJC “gave nothing” to the Gush Katif evacuees. In the face of this, UJC President and CEO Howard Reiger said he was “proud” UJC was not treating [Muslim] Israelis and Jews differently in terms of funding. Reiger might have been proud, but I know that many of his contributors were not happy with the situation, assuming that their money was going to alleviate Jewish suffering. Jacob Berkman’s article in the Dec. 22 Jewish Week tells us that Joseph Kanfer is the new top lay leader of UJC. He is quoted as saying, “Our focus has been peoplehood. What do we do to enrich peoplehood and the peoplehood component? How do we define who we are and what our role is?” I suggest that Kanfer start with the Gush Katif evacuees, the Jews in Sedorot and the Negev who are being bombed constantly -- even during this pretend cease fire -- and the Jewish communities in the north. Talk to Aaron Klein of World Net Daily, who has been reporting on the failed funding of the Gush Katif evacuees. Talk to Dror Vanunu, public relations contact for Gush Katif. Talk to Rena Cohen, head of Lev U'Neshama in Tsfat. Talk to Uriel Bar, Executive Director of the Yeshiva in Akko. The list goes on and on. There is no shortage of courageous and exemplary Jews in Israel who define what and who is a Jew. I pray that the rift that has existed between the courageous Jews of Israel, dedicated to holding onto the promised land, and the mainstream Jews of America, who have lost their connection to these Jews, will be closed. I pray that Jews everywhere will be united, so that those in Israel and those in the diaspora, will be as one. And I hope that UJC-UJA Federation will be in the forefront in cementing this “achdut” -- unity. Helen Freedman is President of Americans for a Safe Israel, based in New York City.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
He stands up for Israel -- now we must stand with him
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by LYN PAYNE Associate Editor, Heritage Florida Jewish News FERN PARK, FL. -- A man could be sentenced to death for trying to board a plane to Tel Aviv. Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury is the 41-year-old editor and publisher of The Weekly Blitz, an English-language newspaper in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. In 2003, he was on his way to address the Hebrew Writers Union, after he had written articles that promoted peace with Israel, condemned Muslim extremism, and encouraged interfaith cooperation. He never had a chance to deliver his speech advocating understanding between Muslims and Jews, because he was arrested at Zia International Airport in Dhaka. His passport was confiscated, his home and offices raided, his money and personal effects stolen, and his computers seized. He wound up jailed for 17 months, where his glaucoma went untreated, and where he was sometimes locked up with the insane, whose persistent screams made sleep and thought nearly impossible. He was tortured. His crimes? Sedition, espionage, blasphemy. Because this moderate Muslim journalist dared to stand up to the forces of Islamist fascist fundamentalism that are close to taking over his country. Because he dared to correspond with the Jerusalem Post, and to befriend an American Jew, Dr. Richard Benkin, who is in Bangladesh working tirelessly for an end to the persecution of the man he regards as a brother. On Jan. 22, Shoaib Choudhury is scheduled to stand trial for his life. He had been released on bail in 2005, and senior Bangladeshi officials admitted they had no evidence against him. The public prosecutor even congratulated him. But in the last few months, his newspaper office has been bombed after he published articles supporting a Muslim minority group, and he has been attacked and beaten by a mob that included members of the ruling political party. The police have consistently refused to take action. On Jan. 22, Shoaib Late last year, a judge who is a member of a radi- Choudhury is scheduled cal Islamist movement to stand trial for his brought him up for sedilife...He is our brother, tion again. Bangladesh is in the midst of anarchy, with and we cannot stand idly extremist factions pressur- by while tyrants spill his ing the ruling party into blood... giving them an increasing say in the government, and with local judges able to exert enormous personal sway. And Bangladesh watchers predict that if the country’s Jan. 25 elections proceed, they will bring the fundamentalists even more prominently into power, with a very real possibility that the Islamic religious code of Sharia will become the law of the land. Even if he is sentenced under existing Bangladeshi law, Choudhury can anticipate one of only two possible fates: Thirty years in prison or execution. He also knows that he cannot hope for a fair trial. His only hope is to see all charges against him dropped, and soon. This is where you come in. Rep. Mark Kirk of Illinois and Rep. Nita Lowey of New York have introduced House Resolution 1080, calling on the Bangladeshi government to drop all charges against Choudhury, to cease harassing him, and to bring his attackers to justice. Call or e-mail your representative in Congress and urge him or her to sign on to this document immediately. Contact both of your senators and plead with them to sponsor a complementary resolution in the Senate-now. Bangladesh depends upon some $60 million a year in U.S. aid while its rulers pose as our government’s
enlightened partners in the “war on terror”-make them earn their money. And, speaking of money, Bangladeshi factories continue to churn out endless dollars’ worth of clothing imported by popular U.S. stores: The Gap. Wal-Mart. Nike. Let these retailers know that you have urgent concerns about their trading partner. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association is one of the most powerful organizations in that country, and controls millions of its jobs. “If we can’t count on people’s good intentions,” says Dr. Benkin, “we can count on their business sense.” In the dark, conspiracy-laden view of Choudhury’s persecutors, friendly relationships with Jews are evidence of treason, of collusion with the fantasy Zionist cabal that they say rules the world. But in swatting at these imaginary monsters, they will never realize where the real Jewish power lies, because they could never understand it. It lies in the Jewish traditions of cherishing each individual, of taking collective action to heal the world of hatred and bigotry, of summoning justice to roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. These are also American values, and they live in the hearts of all people around the world who believe in freedom of thought and speech. And for these people, for us, Dr. Benkin says that the only appropriate reaction to his friend’s case is “outrage.” The Talmud says that to save one person is to save a whole world. Know this: For every Shoaib Choudhury willing to risk his life to save his people from tyranny and ignorance, there is a world of others who want to speak out but are afraid. Their future ability to add their voices to his depends on the Western world’s response to him, and they are eagerly watching. The 21st-century versions of gulags and Lyubyankas and Birmingham Jails and SS torture rooms-and graves-are filled with men and women of heart-rending conscience and courage. We’ve just never heard of them, because no one stood up and simply said, “Hineni”: I am here, to be a witness for you, to speak for you, to be outraged for you. You can fold up this newspaper right now, or click off the Web site, and relegate this sad story of one Muslim writer in a faraway land to the back of your mind where it won’t be so disturbing, or maybe bring it up around the water cooler as a reminder of the bleak state of the world today. After all, when was the last time any of us heard about Bangladesh? Not since George Harrison gave a concert to help its people in 1971. But you know your history. Richard Benkin says that if Choudhury had lived in Nazi Germany and been ordered to drive the trains that took Jews to their deaths, he would have said, “No.” When Shoaib Choudhury was a child, his father taught him not to believe the vicious lies about Jews and Christians spewed out in the madrassas by radical haters. And now Choudhury’s wife “Happy,” his 16-year-old daughter, and his seven-year-old comics- and DVD-loving son remain brave every day for the sake of the husband and father of whom they are so steadfastly proud. This mild-mannered, middle class professional and family man is looking through his glasses straight into the eyes of the modern incarnation of fascism and quietly, but unwaveringly, saying, “No.” Speak out for him, pray for him, fill every Congressional office and pulpit and talk show and editorial page with outrage on his behalf. He is our brother, and we cannot stand idly by while tyrants spill his blood upon the ground. Every one of us must step forward and say, “Hineni.” If not us, who? If not now, when? Jan. 23 may be too late. More information, including how to contact U.S. retailers that sell Bangladesh-made clothing, can be found at www.freechoudhury.com. Go to www.house.gov and www.senate.gov for Congressional contact information. You can use the American Jewish Committee’s sample petition at www.ajc.org when writing to Congress on behalf of Shoaib Choudhury.
Environmental Shabbat Continued from page 8 It is customary to recite Psalm 104, as well as other psalms, on Tu B’Shevat. Psalm 104 indicates how God’s concern and care extends to all creatures, and illustrates that God created the entire earth as a unity, in ecological balance. Some possibilities for an “Environmental Shabbat” include: 1. A Tu B’Shevat seder on Friday night, with a discussion or guest speaker on an environmental topic; 2. a sermon on Jewish environmental teachings on Shabbat morning; 3. an environmentally-conscious kiddush or lunch, with a minimum of waste and an environmental d’var Torah; 4. A discussion or a guest speaker on an
environmental topic after morning services (possibly as part of a kiddush) or between Mincha and Ma’ariv. It would be wonderful if Jews used Tu B’Shevat and activities related to this increasingly important holiday, as occasions to start to make tikkun olam, the repair and healing of the planet, a central focus in Jewish life today. This is essential to help move our precious, but imperiled, planet to a sustainable path. Dr. Schwartz is Professor Emeritus, College of Staten Island and author of Judaism and Vegetarianism, Judaism and Global Survival, and Mathematics and Global Survival. He can be reached at: rschw12345@aol.com.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 19, 2007
Candlelighting Friday, January 19, 5:07 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
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
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Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. There will be no services at the synagogue on Jan. 26. Share Shabbat with friends at Offutt Air Force Base Capehart Chapel. Questions call 323.8885.
children six and younger. RSVP for lunch by contacting the office. CURSIVE HEBREW MINICOURSE: Wednesdays in Feb., beginning Feb. 7, 7 p.m.; taught by Sara Juster. Cost is $18. Contact the office to register.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:10 p.m. W E E K D AY S E R V I C E S : Sundays, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Living Hebrew, 10 a.m., with Susi FrydmanLevin; “The Weekly Parasha: It’s All About Me?!,” 10 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg; “Jewish Pot Pourri,” 11 a.m., led by Frydman-Levin. WHAT’S JEWISH ABOUT ART?: Sunday, 12:15-2 p.m., led by Helen Epstein. An afternoon of arts, crafts and music for children six and younger; $5 includes lunch. Call the office to register. BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY MINI-COURSE: Mondays, 7 p.m., led by UNO Professor Dr. Rami Arav. THURSDAYS, noon: Rabbi Levin leads Getting More Out of Prayer: Insights into the Siddur. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP Wednesday, Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. Theme is Tu B’Shevat and flower arranging. RSVP to Diane Axler Baum at Hypelady@aol.com or Lea Grunkin, 445.2809. KADIMA SHABBATON Jan. 26-28. Retreat for sixththrough-eighth graders,“Taking the MTV Challenge: Mitzvot, Torah and Values.” Cost is $85; to register or for information, contact Judy Rubin at 498.0904 or eddir@bethel-omaha.org, or Robert Mosenkis, 492.8550 or youthdir@bethel-omaha.org. TOT SHABBAT & LUNCH: Saturday, Jan. 27, 11:15 a.m.noon, led by Esther Katz. Lunch will follow: $5 for adults; free for
istic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer Circle Tehillim & More, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. Events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800 or visit www. Ochabad.com.
Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:07 p.m. SATURDAY: Postive Jewish Parenting Shabbat: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (call the office for schedule); The speaker for the Positive Jewish Parenting Shabbat is Hadassah Goodman: “What Makes a Mensch?”; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood, followed by lunch; Goodman speaks again after lunch, “Instilling Our Children with Positive Values and Resilience in our Contemporary Society.” Babysiting available through lunch and lecture; Mincha, 5 p.m. followed by Suedat Shlishit with Gemara class; Havdalah, 6:11 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m.; Bracha Buffet for Parents and Kids, 12:15 p.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 7:30 p.m. Make reservations for Jan. 26 Friday Night Live!
Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg, provided by Pat and Rich Lombardi. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Game Night/Potluck Dinner, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: LJCS K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at B’nai Jeshurun; Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.noon and Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel; Temple Annual Meeting, 4 p.m.; Winter Lecture Series, 7-9 p.m. with Prof. Kenneth F. Dewey, Regional Climatologist, School of Natural Resources, High Plains Regional Climate Center, UNL at Unitarian Church, 6300 ‘A’ St. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at TI. ADULT EDUCATION “Israel: State of the Nation,” Sunday, Jan. 28, from 7-9 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SATURDAY: Shabbat services at the Blumkin Home, 9 a.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m., 20minute video broadcast. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Maamar Kabbal-
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Marti Nerenstone and Congregation Beyt Shalom.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. Bob Cohen will give the D’var Torah on “A Personal Journey into Jewish History -With No Ending in Sight.” SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath
the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Vincent Long, son of Ellen Long, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9:30 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.-noon; Grade 1 Parent Workshop, 10:30 a.m.; Club 56 Crazy Bowling and Pizza, noon at Temple and West Lanes; Congregational Conversation, 10 a.m. to be discussed the Temple Israel Building Project and the TriFaith Initiative; 1-3:30 p.m.: OTYG Pottery Party at Temple, then That Pottery Place. Paint a picture frame or other ceramic piece; cost is $7-10. RSVP to Amy Cotton at Temple or acotton@templeisraelomaha.com. TUESDAY: Religious School Steering Committee, noon. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; Scrapbook Club, 5 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6-8 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 68 p.m. LIFE LONG LEARNING TUESDAY, Jan. 23: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30–8 p.m. THURSDAY, Jan. 25: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Linder, 10-11:30 a.m.; Tapestry Workshop, 11:45 a.m., explores art materials and possibilities of creating the Temple tapestry one block at a time. Suggested minimum donation is $18.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 5 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY and THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by a light oneg. SATURDAY: Weekly Parashah class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. SUNDAY: LJCS K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at B’nai Jeshurun; Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.noon and Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew grades 2-7, 4-
Bar and Bat Mitzvah for brother and sister translate into mitzvot by SHANI KATZMAN Levi Yitzchok Katzman and Miriam Katzman are turning 13 and 12 respectively, the age when they pass the threshold from Jewish childhood to adulthood. They will now become obligated to observe the mitzvot which G-d entrusts to them as they come of age. At this exciting juncture, they want to share their enthusiasm for mitzvot with the community. “In the same way that the birth of a baby is cause for celebration, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is the time when the collective Jewish family welcomes a new citizen,” Levi explained. “The becoming of a B’nai Mitzvah (which means son
or daughter obligated in mitzvot) is the shared celebration of the Jewish people who commemorate the privileges and opportunities granted to the new young adult.” “Part of Jewish education is the training of young children with an awareness of ritual and tradition,” explained Rabbi Mendel Katzman, father of Levi and Miriam. “Children are encouraged to observe and experience Shabbat, to recite blessings prior to and after eating. They are motivated to recite the Shema at bedtime and to savor stories read in the parasha. Girls are encouraged to light Shabbat candles. This is how we coach them to become the responsible Jewish adults. But
until the time when they are actually duty-bound, the observances are merely ‘chinuch’ -- preparation for post Bar/Bat Mitzvah.” In light of this idea that a personal B’nai Mitzvah is a communal event, Levi and Miriam invite the community to participate in mitzvot. In the coming weeks before their B’nai Mitzvah, they plan on collecting mitzvah commitments. Their first goal is to garner 100 by soliciting family, friends and community members. Miri explained, “We have selected about a dozen mitzvot and a variety of ways one can commit to them and matched gifts for which one becomes eligible. For example, if a woman or man commit to
reciting the Shema before bedtime with their children for a minimum of two consecutive weeks they qualify for a package of Jewish bedtime stories.” Levi and Miri both say that there is “something for everyone.” They urge community members to call 330.7400 or e-mail mitzvahauction@ochabad.com. The drawing is Feb. 18 during the weekend of celebration for Levi and Miri’s coming of age. Winners need not be present to win. A list of the mitzvot and prizes can be viewed by visiting www.ochabad.com/mitzvahauction. The gifts are available for viewing at the Chabad House on Jan. 28.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
January 19, 2007
What is God’s name?
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Vaera In a much debated and discussed passage in our Sidra, there is the question of God’s name. When was the beginning of the use of YHWH, Lord, our Master? The Midrash here finds reason to be dissatisfied with Moses, comparing him uncomplimentary with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Each of our Patriarchs in turn was promised possession of the Land of Canaan, to be the Land of Israel. But Abraham, for example, was obliged to purchase burial space for Sarah, and Isaac and Jacob also had to pay cash for small parcels of the land that God had given them Yet none of them complained. But here is Moses, commissioned to demand the release of the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, asking
“What name shall I give Pharaoh for the God Who is behind the demand?” Actually, for ourselves, we must be aware that the pronunciation “Adonai” is not immediately apparent in the Tetragrammaton, the four-letter name of God (usually given in English as YHWH). We encounter the Hebrew regularly and frequently in the Siddur, as well as in the Bible -- but, for religious reasons, we avoid pronouncing it and regularly say “Adonai” instead. This is one of the incomprehensible demands on the small child learning Hebrew. It reads YHWH, but it must be pronounced otherwise. Moving from the sublime to the ordinary, one child remembered the headline in a movie review: “Casablanca Pronounced Success.” We are so used to it that it seldom occurs to us that we see YHWH and instinctively read it as “Adonai” -- but we do. And we should. We consider YHWH too sacred to be understood inaudibly or pronounced audibly. (Editor’s note: this column was originally published in the Jewish Press on Jan. 26, 2001.)
More than a witness to history the strike. When the Danish by CAROL KATZMAN police learned in October of Editor of the Jewish Press 1943 that the ‘aktion’ Despite the bitter temperagainst the Jews would be atures and swirling snow, a carried out during the crowd of about 100 -- mostJewish holidays, Christensen ly students and teachers and his fellow policemen from Westside and Burke went to work. high schools -- sat entranced “We used police cars and in the JCC theater listening ambulances to take Jews into to more than just an eyewithiding,” he continued. “And ness account of the rescue of in the early morning, we the Danish Jews. Svend helped them on to boats; Christensen, an 80-something gentleman who’s been Jessica Gall, coordinator of the Tribute to the Rescuers ‘buried’ Jews under the coal living in Des Moines with annual essay contest for high school students, introduced in ships, and got them past his wife and family since Svend Christensen at Sunday’s program, sponsored by the the Germans into the Swedish part of the waters.” 1954, actually participated Institute for Holocaust Education. Of the 8000 Jews living in Denmark at the time, all in the now-famous escape by boat to Sweden. A photo engraver by trade, Chrstensen joined the har- but about 100 survived World War II. The policemen bor police in 1940 when the Nazis occupied Denmark didn’t do as well, however. Punished by the Germans for and closed the Danish newspapers. “At first the their participation in the Danish rescue of the Jews, Germans didn’t bother the Jews,” Christensen said. some 2000 were sent to concentration camps. At the close of his speech, Christensen was presented “When they announced that the Jews would have to wear a star, the Danes said we would, too. We were unit- a single Swarovski rose, representing the flowers Danes ed.” In fact, the Danish people were so united, they placed in the homes of the Danish Jews to welcome called a general strike after Germans killed some well them back after the war. Gloria Kaslow, chairman of the Institute for Holocast known Danes in a public square. “The strike lasted twoand-a-half days,” he added. “There was no water, no Education, noted how important it was to hear from reselectricity, no transportation, nothing. It hurt people cuers like Christensen, saying “That generation won’t be around much longer.” and cost money, but the Germans gave in.” “I was proud to be a part of this,” Christensen added. Unfortunately, the Germans then blamed the Jews for
Join Beth El’s new writing class and get a new slant on cursive Hebrew by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator If you’ve always wanted to learn to write and read cursive Hebrew, or if you’d like to brush up on old skills, look no further than Beth El Synagogue’s new adulteducation Hebrew class, beginning Feb. 7, 7 p.m., and scheduled for every Wednesday night during the month. The new course, geared to those who have a basic knowledge of Hebrew and are familiar with the names and sounds of the letters, will be led by Sara Juster, a teacher at the synagogue’s Talmud Torah. During the class, “We will learn how to read and write cursive Hebrew and improve our ability to read and understand the language at the same time,” Juster said, noting that “This is a great opportunity for parents who want to be able to help their kids in Hebrew school or anyone who never learned how to write cursive Hebrew.” The decision to offer this class came about following BESTT’s “Bring Your Parents to School Day” last Before someone offers you alcohol or other drugs, decide what you are going to say. Having the facts can give you confidence
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month, when parents visiting Juster’s third grade class saw what their children were learning and expressed an interest in a cursive Hebrew class for adults. Their soonto-be instructor was happy to comply. “I’m a huge believer that the best way to learn a language is by using all of your senses – just reading is not very effective,” she explained. “You need to read, write, hear and speak if you want to be comfortable using the language. Some people learn best by writing things down, and because writing block Hebrew is so awkward, I believe that it is critical that our kids learn the script/ cursive alphabet so they can use Hebrew as they learn it, and thus learn it that much better. “Adults are no different – and if they want to help their kids or learn conversational Hebrew or go to Israel, being able to read and write cursive is very important.” The entire Jewish community is welcome to participate in this month-long class; cost to attend is $18. To register or for more information, contact Margie Gutnik at 492-8550 or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 19, 2007
King of the jungle roars into Omaha
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT by ALLAN HANDLEMAN For two-and-a-half hours last week, I forgot that I was in the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha, NE. That’s what Disney’s The Lion King can do. Where to start...the singing, the staging, the costumes? The lions, the tigers, hyenas, oh my! The King -- Mufasa -- played by Geno Segers has a voice like honey. A rich baritone, he sounded more like James Earl Jones than James Earl Jones! He definitely didn’t need a microphone. When Barb Kirkpatrick (the Jewish Press bookkeeper, who ushers at the Orpheum) saw Segers at the stage door after a performance, she said people around her whispered, “Ooh, it’s the king!” Of course, Segers took a low bow...and told the group how appreciative he was of the response the performers were getting in Omaha. And he said it like, well, James Earl Jones! His voice was complimented by the rest of the ensemble, in beautiful uplifting harmony. Ever since the animated version of Lion King, everyone knows the backand-forth patter of Timon and Pumba; it was equally as good in the stage version. Played by Damian Baldet and Phil Fiorini, their comic relief was a strong counterbalance to the drama of the memorable songs and storyline. Speaking of drama, the sets and costumes are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It takes a really creative brain to think up this stuff! Experimental designer Julie Taymor has won multiple awards for her innovative staging. We were lucky enough to have aisle seats and had an upclose view of the elephants as they ambled up to the stage. I still can’t figure out how the actors stayed balanced on stilts or with animal heads on top of their own heads. They must be heavy, but the actors wore them with grace and finesse. The sets themselves were truly inspiring. Actors and singers came “out of the basement” though the floor,
which was leveled at times towards the audience. If you have seats at the back, don’t worry; you can see everything, thanks to Taymor’s original set design. But parents might assume that this is a kids’ show -- if they’re younger than six, leave them at home. This is best enjoyed by older children, and of course, adults, most of whom will come out of the theater humming “Circle of Life”, the signature song of The Lion King. If you haven’t purchased seats yet, there are still plenty of good ones left, especially for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This award-winning musical plays through Feb. 11 (it won numerous Tony, Drama Desk, Grammy, and New York Drama Critic awards in the United States, plus awards in London, Japan, Toronto and Hamburg). Tickets are available at Ticket Omaha or Ticketmaster or the Holland Center box office.
Hold that pose! Middle Eastern dancers, the “Arabian Delights” entertained a of crowd community members and residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home earlier in January at the JCC. N a n c y Mangan, above, a member of the group, d e m o n strates the art of sword dancing. This type of dance is meant to illustrate the strength and power of a woman, as well as her poise and balance. Photo by Andrea Bartman for JSS/RBJH
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Fellman, Kooper Scholarship applications available by JAN ROOS for the Fellman and Kooper Trusts The Bruce M. Fellman Trust and the Robert H. and Dorothy G. Kooper Charitable Foundation Trust have announced the availability of scholarships for the 200708 academic year. The scholarships are based on financial needs of students pursuing their post-secondary education. Bruce, son of Tom and Darlynn Fellman, was a 1982 graduate of Westside High School. He was active in BBYO and served as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of Chaim Weizmann AZA. He attended George Washington University and was participating in the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester at Sea at the time of his death in 1984. Trustees for the Foundation are Darlynn Fellman, Terri Schrager, and Howard Kooper. Robert Kooper had a long history of service to the Jewish community. He was elected B’nai B’rith president in 1929; headed Beth El in 1941; was president of Highland Country Club in 1951 and the Jewish Federation from 1958-60. He died in 1961. Mrs. Kooper was a supporter and worked with the Jewish Federation and Beth El Sisterhood. She died in May 1995. “Awarding a scholarship to a young Jewish person is an appropriate way of honoring my parents” Howard Kooper noted. He and his wife, Sharon, fund the Kooper Trust. Tom Fellman also serves as trustee. Applications are available by contacting Mr. Kooper’s office in writing at 809 No. 96 St., Omaha, NE 68114. The packet will be mailed out and must be received back in his office no later than April 15.
To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax: 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; or log on to www.jewishomaha.org and click on ‘Jewish Press’, and then Submit announcements. Call the Press office at 402.334.6448 for more information.
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