Vol. LXXXVII No. 22 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 87 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
2 Adar I, 5768
February 8, 2008
Friedel principal to retire
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Storms, rain, snow and floods were the feature of Israel’s weather as nearly a half a foot of snow fell in Jerusalem last Tuesday as well as in Israel’s north. Schools were either closed or closed early. The Jerusalem municipality kept the main roads open while Magen David Adom ambulances were placed at various strategic spots around the city, including the pedestrian mall on Ben Yehuda Street, above. Mt. Hermon reported nearly a foot of snow over night, while at the upper elevations more than two-and-a-half feet were recorded. The rain in the north is really good news for farmers and the rivers and brooks flowing into the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) are full of fast flowing water. Copyright: ISRANET
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT At the end of this school year, the curtain will fall on an exceptional period in the history of Friedel Jewish Academy. After devoting 43 years to education, five and a half as Principal at Friedel, principal Cookie Katskee has decided it is time to move on and spend more time with her family, and her grandchildren in particular. The decision to leave her role as principal was painful, but she feels it is an important one. In Januar y of 2003, Katskee came out of retirement from her long career with the Omaha Public Schools. “I wanted to finish my career the way I had started it. I wanted to be surrounded by children who were Cookie Katskee enthusiastic, and eager to learn,” she said. “When I walked through the front door at Friedel Jewish Academy, I was met with such passion and dedication; I simply couldn’t say no. This passion wasn’t just evident in the kids; it was very much present in the teachers and parents. Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schuller and Susan FellmanWitkowski serve as co-chairmen of Friedel’s Board of Directors. “The Friedel community has been blessed by Cookie’s years of giving her heart and soul to the school. With her help, we have been able to hold on to the hope of what Friedel could be, and should be. We have grown exponentially under Cookie’s leadership,” noted Fellman-Witkowski. Continued on page 2
Part I
Two men shared path to social justice and interfaith harmony Relationship still shows the way 60 years after their deaths by LEO ADAM BIGA Even as the world grows ever flatter and more interconnected, political, religious, ethnic differences still separate people into divisive factions. One need only consult history or today’s news to see how this distrust of the other is the cause of conflict. Inroads to understanding can be made. The efforts of the NAACP, the Urban League, the National Conference for Community and Justice and many other organizations bring disparate groups together in a spirit of cooperation. Macro alliances can start at the micro level. All it takes is two persons willing to work toward the greater good. Ninety years ago in Omaha two men -a Catholic priest and a Jew -- forged an enduring friendship that made famous a haven for homeless boys, shined a light on at-risk youth and demonstrated the power of unified action. Father Edward Flanagan was an Irish immigrant prelate dedicated to rescuing men from the bowery and children from delinquency. He dreamed of a home for wayward boys but lacked funds. Henry Monsky, a Jew from the Orthodox tradition, was a social activist and attorney with a law degree from Jesuit Creighton University, where he
Inside
graduated top in his class (1912). As legend has it, Monsky is the mensch who loaned Flanagan $90 to start Boys Town in 1917. For the next 30 years he served, without pay, as Flanagan’s confidante and legal counsel. Monsky also drew his law office of Monsky, Grodinsky, Marer & Cohen into tending to the home’s affairs. One partner, William Grodinsky, joined Monsky in serving on the Boys Town board of trustees. Like his fellow mensch, the priest, Monsky was involved in assisting children in the juvenile justice system, a cause he “felt deep in his bones, as Flanagan obviously did, too,” said Omaha historian Oliver Pollak. Recognizing they shared a vision for helping lost boys, they formed an association “of legendary proportions,” Pollak writes in his article, “The Education of Henry Monsky,” published in the journal Western States Jewish History. That association is much documented, even dramatized in the 1938 movie Boys Town. A Jewish merchant-benefactor in the film, Dave Morris, is based on Monsky, whose desire for anonymity led him to secure a promise from producers that neither his real name nor profession be used. Columnist Walter Winchell later revealed
at Boys Town and the Jewish Community Center, traveled widely. Boys Town plans to display the exhibit again next fall for the home’s 90th anniversary celebration. This year is the 60th anniversary of Flanagan’s death; 2007 marked the 60th anniversary of Monsky’s passing. “The close friendship between Father Flanagan and Mr. Monsky was very unique for its time,” said Boys Town Hall of History director Tom Lynch. “... Father Flanagan had developed an ecumenical outlook on life, especially when it Henry Monsky, left, and Father Edward Flangan attend a came to helping children in graduation ceremony at Boys Town in 1942. Legend has it need ... Father forged many that Monsky was the anonymous donor of $90 which helped bonds with like-minded Flanagan establish the famous institution. individuals of different races Monsky as the real Dave. and religions. The first such friendship In 1989, the Boys Town Hall of was with Henry Monsky, who represents History and the Nebraska Jewish the thousands of supporters who have Historical Society co-curated an exhibi- assisted Boys Town ...” tion, “Father Flanagan and Henry The bond of brotherhood these men Monsky: Men of Vision,” telling these exemplified lives on today. men’s story. The exhibit, which showed Continued on page 6
This Week: Simchas and Celebrations begins on Page 12
See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 20
Local author pens book recalling Passover seders: page 9
Coming This Month: Women’s Health: Feb. 29 Where Are They Now? features former Omaha cantor: page 15
Israeli dance troupe to perform: page 24
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 8, 2008
Community invited to create unique artwork during Beth El Sisterhood event
YOUR CHOICE
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator On Sunday, Feb. 24, members of the Jewish community are invited to let their creative juices flow and spend the afternoon at Beth El participating in a special art project presented by the synagogue’s Sisterhood group. For this special event, Sisterhood has partnered with the Hiddur Mitzvah Project from the Gary Rosenthal Collection, which offers the public opportunities to create their own Judaic glass mosaic artwork in the style of Rosenthal, a renowned and popular artist. According to the Hiddur Mitzvah web site, the Project is the brainchild of Rosenthal, who has been committed to reflecting the spirit of hiddur (“to make beautiful”) mitzvah for the past 30 years through his Gary Rosenthal Collection, a unique line of sculpture. The site notes that, “His beautiful, functional works of art are made of mixed metal and brilliant fused glass, and
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they exhibit a contemporary style that is deeply rooted in tradition.” Adults and children (six years and older) are welcome to come to the synagogue from 2-4 p.m. and craft their own unique Judaic glass mosaics, which will be cherished as heirloom keepsakes. All materials will be provided; after the mosaics are completed, they will be shipped to the Gary Rosenthal Collection studio, where they will be fired, attached to metal bases, and then shipped back to Omaha, ready to display. Participants may create dreidels ($25); tzedakah boxes ($50); small copper mezuzot ($55); spice boxes ($60); pointed mezuzot ($75); candlesticks ($75); and yads ($80). All projects must be pre-paid by Feb. 15; sign up today by sending a check to: Hiddur Mitzvah Project, Beth El, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. Be sure to indicate which mosaic you’ll be making. For more information, contact the office at 492.8550.
‘Sopranos’ star on birthright discovers her Jewish spirit 402.880.1887
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, FEBRUARY BBYO Weizmann Sweetheart Dance, 7 p.m. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Reading the Rambam Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Four Bs, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC Basketball Awards Ceremony 1-4 Grades, 3 p.m. & Bedtime Storytime, 6 p.m. at Chabad House C L I P
S MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11 A Story Time, 10:30 a.m. at Kripke Library V CJE Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. E ADL Youth Leadership Meeting 2008, 7 p.m. Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.
C L I P & S A V E
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 WOW Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 9 a.m. at Chabad ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Bedtime Storytime, 6 p.m. at Chabad House Yachad Vocational Skills Class, 6 p.m. Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Gary Zola, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel C JFS’s Love and Logic, 7 p.m. at Beth El L NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. I THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 P RBJH Project Construction Meeting, 9 a.m. & Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel S Gary Zola, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights and Values from the Torah, noon at Beth El A Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. V Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El E Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Understanding Jewish Mysticism, 8 p.m. 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 Allan Handleman 334-6451
C L I P & S A V E
where she was surprised by her tears, and to Yad by DINA KRAFT Vashem, where the Holocaust and its history suddenly JAFFA, Israel (JTA) – Meadow Soprano, Jewish? “Everyone assumes I’m Italian,” says Jamie Lynn felt deeply personal. “I started to think, ‘What if I was there, what if I had Sigler, 26, with a sigh, pausing over her hummus lunch at the open-air market in Jaffa, one of the stops on her been ripped away from my family?’” she said. Sigler said Israel had been a fairly abstract concept birthright israel tour. “Even kids on the trip keep asking, before the trip, with her images limited to the coverage ‘Are you Jewish?’” Sigler, who played the daughter of Mafia kingpin Tony of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict portrayed in the media. Soprano on the acclaimed HBO show “The Sopranos,” On the birthright trip, which brings Diaspora young grew up in a Jewish home in Jericho, N.Y., going to people between 18 and 26 to Israel for free 10-day Hebrew school and having a bat mitzvah. tours, her group was accompanied part of the time by a Her father’s family immigrated to America from small group of Israeli soldiers. Greece and Poland. Her Through them, Sigler said mother, who is Puerto she heard about a much difRican, converted to Judaism. ferent life than the one she But it was only touring in and her friends lead in Israel, her visit to the counAmerica. She was taken by try, that she said she felt a their sacrifices and the pride true spiritual and emotional they have in their country connection to her roots. and history. “It’s one of the most “It’s so different but so beautiful, inspiring places inspiring to be part of that I I’ve ever been to,” Sigler would want to move here said. “I now have a greater and join the army, (too),” understanding and motivasaid Sigler, her face dominattion about preserving my ed by a pair of large designer Jewishness.” sunglasses. Among the highlights she She bonded quickly with noted were riding camels in the other birthright particithe desert, dining on roast pants; Sigler and her new lamb in a Bedouin tent and friends kidded about returnexploring the back alleys of ing to Israel together and Jerusalem’s Old City. renting apartments in the Jamie Lynn Sigler, who played Tony Soprano's daugher on Sigler said she was espesame building. "The Sopranos," in Israel during her birthright israel trip. cially moved during her visShe compared these fast Credit: Dina Kraft its to the Western Wall, and seamless friendships to her experience with the cast and crew of “The Sopranos.” “It’s a similar dynamic -- people loving what they are doing,” she said. Continued from page 1 Sigler acknowledged it’s been difficult realizing that the “Cookie has given the school her experience, passion, show, considered to be among the seminal works of teleand wisdom; she has shared her common sense, her vision drama, is finally over after six seasons. She has plans love, and her wonderful sense of humor. As we embark to move to Los Angeles and continue her acting career. on our search for a new principal, we need to celebrate So would Tony have allowed Meadow to come to Friedel’s growth, and give Cookie the words of appreIsrael? ciation she deserves,” Fellman-Witkowski added. “Probably not,” she says. “The Friedel Board, staff, parents, and students Her friend, noting that Tony’s mob rivals were out to express the hope that the entire community will join kill him by the end of the series, interjects: “What are us in wishing Cookie well with her much-deserved you talking about? It’s probably safer for Meadow in retirement.” Israel than near her father.” A search committee is being formed to hire Stigler laughs, saying that’s probably true. Katskee’s replacement.
Friedel principal to retire
February 8, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Suicide bombing offers reminder of dangers still facing Israelis by ROY EITAN JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The first Palestinian suicide bombing in more than a year has provided Israelis with a stark reminder of the security risks overshadowing recent peace efforts. Two Palestinians wearing explosives belts walked into the southern town of Dimona early Monday, mingling with shoppers in a mall. The first terrorist detonated his bomb, killing an Israeli woman and wounding nine. The attack prompted a major security alert at a nearby nuclear reactor. Among those floored by the blast was the second terrorist. Medics who stripped him to administer treatment saw the bomb, and a police narcotics agent passing by shot him dead. “It was like a war zone,” said vendor Haim Mor-Yosef. “I heard a blast and immediately knew it was a terrorist attack because of the body parts.” Al-Aksa Brigades, an armed wing of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction, claimed responsibility for the attack. Other terrorist groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad issued statements of praise for an action they described as revenge for Israel’s blockade on the Gaza Strip and military raids in the West Bank. Fatah denied involvement, while Abbas, who has been strongly praised by President Bush, issued a statement of tepid censure. “The Palestinian Authority expresses its full condemnation of the Israeli military operation in Kabatiya early this morning, just as it condemns the operation that took place today in Dimona,” he said, adding a call for an end to “all operations
that target civilians, whether they are Palestinians or Israelis.” The “civlians” referred to in Kabatiya, a West Bank village, were two Islamic Jihad gunmen shot dead by Israeli commandos. Israel responded angrily to the equivocation by Abbas. At least one Cabinet member, Industry and Trade Minister Eli Yishai of the Sephardic fervently Orthodox Shas party, called for the end of peace talks with Abbas that were revived last November and for Israel to redouble its crackdown on the Palestinians.
killed a Palestinian terrorist rocket chief in the Gaza Strip a few hours after the Dimona bombing, he said, “The security forces managed to eliminate a head of one of the terror groups. We have had many such success in recent days and weeks, though of course this cannot be detailed in public.” Jerusalem sources said they expected no change of diplomatic direction. An official government statement avoided dramatic pronouncements on policy. “Plain and simple: The terrorists’ goal is to kill as many Israeli civilians as they can, wherever and whenever they can - in their homes, schools and shopping centers,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry said. “Israel will continue to fight this murderous terrorism and will act in keeping with its right, and its duty, to protect the lives of its citizens.” Israel’s immediate concern was determining from where the bombers Israeli police stand over the body of a Palestinian suicide bomber fol- came. lowing a double bombing attempt on Feb. 4 in the southern Israeli Dimona is 20 SOURCE: BPH Images miles from the West town of Dimona. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Bank, but also 40 miles from the remarks to his Kadima party faction said, Egyptian border. Dimona is a small town “There is a war on between us and the with a high profile because Israel’s main terrorists, and it is being waged without nuclear reactor is located on its outskirts. let-up.” Israeli officials have been warning that Referring to an Israeli airstrike that Palestinians who streamed out of the
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Gaza Strip after Hamas recently blew up the border fence with Egypt would end up infiltrating the Jewish state. Egypt has since begun sealing its border with Gaza -- known in Israel as the Philadelphi Corridor -- and tried to round up Palestinians in the Sinai Desert. But Israeli right-wingers said such steps by the Egyptians was a case of too little, too late. Yuval Steinitz of the opposition Likud Party called the Dimona bombing “a direct result of Israel’s failure to do what is necessary in Gaza militarily and control Philadelphi.” “What we have to do now is demand that the Egyptians, finally, make good on their security obligations,” Steinitz said. After a suicide bombing on Jan. 29, 2007 killed three Israelis in Eilat, Israeli officials vowed to erect a fence along the Egyptian border, which is little more than a line in the sand. A year later, no such project has been undertaken, though Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has pledged to find the funds. He said the day before the suicide bomb attack in Dimona that he was pushing for the government to approve and fund the construction of a fence between the Negev Desert and the Egyptian Sinai to keep out arms smugglers and terrorists. Israeli concerns about infiltration from the Sinai, where currently the border is little more than a line in the sand in a punishing part of the desert that is difficult to cross on foot, have peaked over the recent influx of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip into Egypt. The cost of an Israel-Egypt border fence is projected to be between $100 million and $200 million.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 8, 2008
“Lev Banim” grant brings consultant to Beth Israel by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue “Lev Banim al Avotam,” Hearts of Children upon Their Parents, is Beth Israel Synagogue’s educational program that is funded through a grant from the Legacy Heritage Innovation Project. As the program continues, Beth Israel will bring in a professional consultant, Rabbi Dr. John Krug, to work with synagogue youth and parents. Specifically, Krug will work with staff, lay leaders and congregants on a strategic Rabbi Dr. John Krug plan for implementing longrange systemic change in educational programming at Beth Israel. Krug’s visit is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, Feb. 22-24. Krug last visited Beth Israel in August of 2007, to initiate a strategic plan associated with the grant. “He was terrific and we’re really looking forward to having him return to Omaha,” said Executive Director Beth Cohen. “In August, he helped us frame our vision for the project. Staff has been in contact with him since then, as we’ve continued to develop our programs and implement our vision,” she added. “We’ve been able to draw on Rabbi Krug’s expertise as an educator and draw from
his background in the performing arts.” An expert in Jewish education, Krug is the Dean of Student Life and Welfare at the Frisch Yeshiva High School in Paramus, New Jersey. He holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and speech drama from Yeshiva College, a masters in Jewish education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education, and a masters in psychology and doctorate in clinical psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School. Krug was ordained at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and serves as an adjunct instructor at two of Yeshiva University’s graduate schools. He also maintains a private practice in clinical psychology. He was the Assistant Producer of the original run of the off-Broadway hit, The Fantasticks, having served 29 years in that position. He has more than 250 professional credits in theater, film and television. Krug has written and produced dozens of programs and films for Jewish education. Active in informal Jewish education for 30 years, Krug has authored articles including “Set the Stage of Jewish Education” and “The Use of Creative and Theatrical Techniques in Informal Jewish Education.” He has produced more than two dozen resource books for schools and programs. Krug has lectured in Israel, the United States, Canada and England. Events during Krug’s visit will begin on Feb. 22, starting with Kabbalat Shabbat at 5:47 p.m., followed by
dinner. After dinner, Krug will lead a discussion on the topic, “Lev Banim - Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, Where We’re Going.” The cost for the dinner is $12 for adults and free for children ages 12 and younger. Please RSVP for the dinner with the office. On Feb. 23, Krug will give the sermon, “Who is Raising Our Kids?” After morning services, there will be Kiddush with a special Cholent Cook-Off sponsored by Sisterhood. Cohen, explained “There will be different cholents to taste and people can vote for their favorite. There’s no charge for the tasting.” One of the ideas associated with “Lev Banim al Avotam” is to provide youth with the tools to be educators. Krug will help Beth Israel’s youth move in that direction on Sunday, Feb. 24 , 10 a.m.-noon, when he meets with them during Rabbi Gross’ teen class; all youth in seventh through 12th grades are invited to participate. During the class, the students will work with Krug to begin developing a multi-media project that will be shown to the congregation in May. “With Rabbi Krug’s experience in film and television, as well as education, he’ll be able to help our teens develop something that is memorable and worthwhile,” said Cohen. “The kids will be the ones who decide what to specifically do, working with video, music, pictures and so on. Rabbi Krug will be able to provide direction and guidance to the process.” For more information, call the office at 556.6288.
Iran, Jews and Israel: explore 2,500 years of Jewish history by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator, Center for Jewish Education Beginning in Biblical times through the modern era, there has been a strong Iranian-Jewish history. During a six-week course, Dr. Moshe Gershovich will explore the origins of that relationship as well as the chronicles of Persian Jewry and the ties between the modern nations of Iran and Israel. Also, the course will provide background information about various aspects of Iranian history and culture, such as the Dr. Moshe Gershovich “Twelver” brand of the Shi’ah. Dr. Gershovich is Associate Professor of History at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is a regular participant in “Eye on Israel” and a frequent instructor for the Center for Jewish Education. The class will meet
Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and April 7, 7815 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. This course is presented by the Center for Jewish Education. “The course is designed for members of the Jewish community and others who care about Judaism, Israel, and the future of US involvement with the Middle East,” states Gershovich. “It will give participants a much needed historical contextualization to current affairs and better sense to the news.” Course topics will include: Introduction to the Class and Broad Discussion of Persian History, Geography, and Culture; Biblical and Post-Biblical Connections: From Cyrus and Haman to Zoroastrianism and the Sassanians; Islamic Iran and its Jewish Community through the 19th Century; Modernization and Nationalism: Iran through the Second World War; Iran and Israel Until and After the Islamic Revolution; and the Present Shape and Projected Future of Iran’s Relations with Israel and the West. “Iran is the most dangerous country in the world for its pursuit of nuclear weapons to be used to threaten its Arab neighbors and to annihilate the State of Israel,”
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adds Dr. Guy Matalon, executive director of the CJE. “The history of the relationship of the Jewish people to Iran goes back to the Biblical period. The relationship knew some great times yet we are now facing the most dangerous period. Dr. Gershovich will bring his expertise and knowledge to elucidate the various intricacies of the relationship between Iran and Israel. This course is a must for all who are interested in Israel and the Middle East,” Matalon says. Tuition for the course is $36, discounted to $28 for donors to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 25 by calling 334.6445 or e-mailing mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.
Jewish archives director to deal with nature of Reform life during visit to Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Some people say that Reform Jews can believe anything and do anything as long as they still call themselves Jews. Others disagree. They insist that there are indeed identifiable boundaries in R e f o r m Judaism. Rabbi Gary Zola, executive director of The Jacob Rader Rabbi Gary Zola Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives (AJA), the world’s largest resource which documents the history of North American Jewry, will be a guest of Temple Israel on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., and Thursday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m., to address the topic, “Who Are We?” He emphasized that this exploration of boundaries in Reform Judaism will be “very interactive.” As he deals with the impact of social challenges such as non-Jews becoming religious school teachers and directors, board members and presidents, Rabbi Zola will explore how these developments might be complicating the nature of Reform Jewish life and, in the opinion of some, threatening the movement’s existence. On the other hand, “If a (Reform) synagogue wants to keep kosher or a rabbi doesn’t drive on Shabbat, is there a place beyond which you’ve left Reform Judaism?” asked Rabbi Zola, who is also an associate professor of the American Jewish Experience at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Cincinnati. Rabbi Zola said he will approach these questions from an historical point of view. “Reform Judaism is the most interactive movement in Judaism and appeals to many people,” Rabbi Zola continued. “We want to make our tent very open, but not everyone will fit in.” On Thursday, Rabbi Zola will attend Adult Study with the Clergy at Temple to present: “Rabbis and Civil Rights in the
20th Century.” By introducing some of Reform Judaism’s most notable orators, he’ll portray how some leading American rabbis handled pivotal world events from the pulpit such as the struggle for Civil Rights in the 1950s and 1960s. This will be a rare opportunity to actually hear a series of remarkable vocal recordings (digitized with visuals added) of several towering rabbinic voices such as Steven S. Wise, Abba Hillel Silver, and Joachim Prinz, from the American Jewish Archives’ historical collection. Ordained at HUC-JIR in 1982, Rabbi Zola earned his Ph.D. in 1991. He is the second director of the AJA succeeding his teacher and mentor, Jacob Rader Marcus, a pioneering scholar in the field of American Jewish history. Under Rabbi Zola’s leadership, AJA has initiated an array of innovative projects that capture the attention of both the Jewish and general communities. As chair of the Commission for Commemorating the 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History, Rabbi Zola led an historical collaboration of the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the American Jewish Historical Society, and the Marcus Center. An historian of American Jewry and a highly regarded expert on the development of American Reform Judaism, Rabbi Zola has written articles for many scholarly publications. edited a number of volumes, has appeared on ABC’s Nightline, and has been quoted by The New York Times, the Chicago SunTimes, and numerous national publications. Prior to joining the Marcus Center, Rabbi Zola served for more than 15 years as the National Dean of Admissions, Student Affairs and Alumni Relations for HUC-JIR. During his tenure as the school’s chief admissions officer, he admitted more than 800 students to HUC-JIR, more than any other admissions officer in the history of the institution. Temple Israel’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning and the Howard and Judy Vann Family School Education Grant are co-sponsoring Rabbi Zola’s visit.
BIRTHS Eric and Ruth Konigsberg of New York announce the Jan. 16 birth of their daughter, Frances Riker, who will be called Frankie and is named for the late Frances Riker Davis. She has a sister, Alec, 3. Grandparents are Dr. Harvey and Marilyn Konigsberg, Eleanor Sackett of Groton, MA, and Rodman Townsend Davis of Norwalk, CT. Sarah and Shawn Schroeder announce the Jan. 23 birth of their son, Shane Matthew. He has a sister, Sadie, 2. Grandparents are Clara and Charles Shub of Colorado Springs, CO, Veronica and Jared Wilson of Little River KS, and Nancy and Duane Schroeder of Dodge City, KS. Great-grandparents are Wanda Hale of Haven, KS, Evelyn Schroeder of Lyons, KS, and Gwen and Fred Brooks of Dodge City, KS.
Melissa and Matt Shapiro announce the Dec. 4, 2007, birth of their son, Joshua Lewis. Granparents are Sherry and Larry Shapiro, and Barb and Jeff Shapiro, Minneapolis. Great-grandparents are Betty and Ben Shapiro of Sioux City, IA, Rose Grossman of Minneapolis, the late Lewis Grossman, and Marilyn and Alan Shapiro of Minneapolis. Sarah and David Kotlyar of Har Nof, Jersualem, Israel announce the Dec. 28, 2007, birth of their son, Yosef, named for his great-great grandfathers. Grandparents are Judith Morrow, West Orange, NJ, Kenneth Morrow, Stirling, NJ, and Joan and Natan Kotlyar, Albany, CA. Great-grandparents are Sylvia Wettenstein, Fairfield, CT, and Esther and Stuart Simon.
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Two men shared path to social justice and interfaith harmony
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In her book, Daisy recounts the time Flanagan borContinued from page 1 “There is a respectful mutuality in the relationship rowed $25,000 from a board member in order to post between the Jewish community and Boys Town,” said bail for a boy charged with murder in Iowa. The priest Father Steve Boes, national executive director of Boys learned of extenuating circumstances in the case and Town. At the 2005 ceremony introducing Boes as Boys decided the lad would be better served at Boys Town Town’s new leader, “Rabbi Jonathon Gross of Beth Israel rather than in a youth detention center while awaiting offered a prayer for our kids, our organization and for trial. In a letter Flanagan asked Monsky to smooth over the me. Since that day and in the spirit of Henry Monsky and legalities of it all: Father Flanagan, we have “... Henry, this home developed a friendship; is for saving boys, and we and meeting monthly.” cannot let that boy stay in Boes added, “Our disjail over there...I hope cussions range from the you will present the matsocial problems that ter properly at the next affect our community to meeting of the board, and personal issues like family, explain what has been exercise and prayer. I have done.” come to value our time Always the trusted together and see it as a servant, Monsky persuadgreat extension of Father ed the board to approve Flanagan?s legacy. We the loan and its repayalso have a relationship ment. Up until his trial with Beth Israel. memthe boy remained at Boys bers who have helped Town. serve Christmas dinner to The story illustrates our kids who can’t return Henry Monsky, left, his brother Philip, and father Abraham are how the men shared an home at the holidays.” implicit understanding of Just as Boes and Gross shown in this early photo in their first law office. make an intriguing contrast today, so did Flanagan and Monsky. Flanagan, the pale, soft-spoken, bespectaled Irish priest. Monsky, the dark-complexioned, loud, lion-headed, larger-than-life Jew. Just as having a top flight attorney and lay Jewish leader in his corner was a coup for Flanagan and Boys Town, having a preeminent child welfare advocate and Catholic priest on his side was a boon for Monsky and convergent Jewish interests. Each was a Great Man in his own right. Flanagan owned the ear of powerful figures on the national-international stages, traveling the globe on speaking, goodwill and fact-finding tours. He commanded large audiences through personal appearances he made, including many addresses before Jewish crowds, and interviews he gave. He openly supported interfaith alliances and Zionist In 1946, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, left, who would become President of causes. At the time of his death, he was the United States six years later, and Lt. Col. Elliot Miles award Henry Monsky, acting at the behest of President Harry with a War Department citation for his service to the Allies during WW II. S. Truman in appraising the war orphan Photo:Harris & Ewing, Washington, D.C. situation in Europe, a mission he made how Boys Town matters should be handled. The symbithe year before to Korea and Japan. Monsky served on many civic and charitable boards otic way they operated is not surprising when you conand from 1938 to 1947, presided as international presi- sider the two knew each from the time they were young dent of B’nai B’rith, the largest Jewish service club, at a men. Ireland born and reared, Flanagan first came to crucial time in history. As an ardent Zionist, he implored U.S. and world leaders to intervene on behalf of Jews in America in 1904. That year or the next he arrived in Nazi-occupied Europe and supported the establishment Omaha on the coattails of older brother Patrick, a priest of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. He helped form the who started Holy Angels Church on the north side. It’s American Jewish Conference (Congress), served as edi- then that Edward may have first met Henry, who lived tor of the National Jewish Monthly and consulted the nearby. When Edward expressed interest in the priesthood, U.S. delegation at the formation of the United Nations. He and Omahan Sam Beber also established AZA, the the Omaha bishop -- a fellow Irishman named Harty -accepted him as a seminarian and sent him off to study world’s largest Jewish youth organization. Like Flanagan, Monsky was in high demand as a pub- in Rome. Ordained in 1912, Flanagan was assigned to lic speaker, addressing audiences of all persuasions, and Omaha, where he celebrated his first mass at Holy enjoyed entree into halls of power. He, too, encouraged Angels. Monsky was studying law at nearby Creighton. interfaith collaboration and served on many Catholic After a stint in O’Neill, Neb. Flanagan returned to Omaha in 1913 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. He and boards. No one knows precisely when or how they met but Monsky soon worked together -- to establish a Boy there’s no question they saw each other as kindred souls Scouts of America council and to advocate for youth working to save endangered or abandoned youth. The with juvenile justice system judges and social workers. A 1945 address by Flanagan at a B’nai B’rith tribute fact one was Jewish and the other Catholic seemed to for Monsky at the Commodore Hotel in New York City matter little to them. Monsky’s widow, Daisy (Hirsch) Monsky, makes these alludes to their longtime friendship: “... we have come here to honor a great man -- a man points in the book she co-authored with Maurice with a brilliant mind and a loving heart. A man whose Bisgyer, Henry Monsky: The Man and His Work: “The profound friendship and loyal devotion between outstanding virtue is his love for his fellow man ... Henry and Father Flanagan was based on the fact that, Unlike most of you here, I have known him as a boy, a despite the vast difference in their formal religion, both student at the university, a young lawyer entering upon believed in social justice and both were willing to work a professional career -- a fellow worker with whom it was to achieve it. There are innumerable stories of the bond my privilege to engage in charitable and welfare fields. between them...Father Flanagan always knew that He is a member of the board of Father Flanagan’s Boys Henry could be depended upon to act for the benefit of Home, and my own attorney. He is my personal friend.” Continued on page 7 the underprivileged.”
February 8, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Two men shared path to social justice and interfaith harmony ner celebrating Boys Town’s 25th anniversary. “This is a privilege that I would not like to have missed ... Father Flanagan, you can be very proud for what you have contributed in the past 25 years ... those of us who have been on the board have enjoyed the great privilege, not only in that we have worked with you, but accepted your philosophy of this unique institution that ‘there is no such thing as a bad boy” ... It is perfectly understandable that he has become the outstanding individual in America for his work with boys.” In 1921, Monsky chaired the speakers bureau for Boys Town’s inaugural capital campaign, which bought the land and erected the first building for the campus. In a letter to Daisy, Flanagan wrote about his departed friend’s service on behalf of that campaign, which raised some $25,000: “He spent much of his time then in training our boys who constituted his principal speakers on the public platforms throughout Omaha and its environs for this campaign. He took even more interest in making this campaign a success than he did his own business, but it seems to me he did this with everything he took up ... That is why he was a great man, a great friend and a great citizen.” Perhaps the tug of the home and its mission led Monsky to build a home on 90th Street -- on then still undeveloped farm land -- to be near his “brother,” the padre. The home and Flanagan became national icons thanks to savvy marketing and the success of MGM’s 1938 hit Boys Town. Superstar Spencer Tracy won the
mated 30,000 people filled the streets, sidewalks and roofs around the Omaha Theater. Daisy recalled the excitement of that opening night in her book: “... the stage setting was irresistible ... Klieg lights, loud speakers, all the Hollywood paraphernalia stretched for blocks ... as we left the car ... the master of ceremonies stopped my husband for a broadcast over the loud speaker ... of his speech ... In the Henry Monsky leads the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dr. theater we sat just in front Philip Sher Home in August of 1946. of Father Flanagan, Best Actor Oscar for his endearing por- Bishop Ryan, Mickey Rooney and his trayal of Flanagan and popular Mickey date and other visiting celebrities. Mickey Rooney won new legions of fans as the ... wept at all of the touching scenes, plucky Whitey. including his own. So did Henry, whose Even before the movie Flanagan and emotions were always easily stirred.” the home gained national exposure via a Besides being invited to make remarks weekly coast-to-coast radio broadcast he for the pre-show program outdoors, delivered. But the movie brought a whole Monsky was among the guests intronew level of attention. From its two- duced inside the theater. week, on-location shoot in Omaha to its Despite the hoopla, Boys Town officials Sept. 7, 1938 premiere at the Omaha and MGM big wigs had little confidence Theatre downtown, Boys Town was a phe- in the pic. Flanagan-Monsky gave away nomenon. the rights to the story for a measly Thousands of curious onlookers $5,000. The story goes they didn’t think descended on the campus for a glimpse of the movie stood a prayer of making the stars during the filming, which money. And they probably weren’t wise unfolded in the middle of a July heat to the going rates in Hollywood. Studio wave. There’s some suggestion the files indicate MGM boss Louis B. Mayer Monskys put up Rooney at their home lacked enthusiasm for the property even and that Rooney and Henry’s son, after it’s completion, shelving it for Hubert, went out on the town more than months before Tracy-Rooney prevailed once. upon him to release it. At the movie’s world premiere, an esti- Continued on page 8
a C t e r N ’
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Continued from page 1 The fondness they felt for each other is seen in their correspondence: Flanagan to Monsky on the receipt of a gift: “My dear Henry, I have received your wonderful gift ... It is very kind of you, dear Henry, to think of me in this way -I don’t know what other gift would be appreciated as much right now. Wishing you God’s every blessing and success, I remain, dear Henry, Yours most sincerely ...” And on the occasion of Monsky’s marriage to Daisy: “... I am very happy to hear this good news, for I know it makes you happy, and my whole household joins with me in wishing you both every blessing and happiness that this old world can bring to people of good will ...” Monsky, in appreciation of that note, references an honor conferred on Flanagan: “... know how interested you are in my welfare, and I assume that happiness that comes to me gives you the same thrill as I experienced when I witnessed your elevation (to monsignor) in last Sunday’s ceremony. I think I know as much as anyone does how well merited this recognition is. With kindest regards...” And on the occasion of his election to international B’nai B’rith president: “I appreciate very much your telegram...It is delightful to know, in undertaking a responsibility of this character, that one has the confidence of those with whom he has been intimately associated for so many years...” Monsky’s admiration for Flanagan is evident in a speech he gave at a 1942 din-
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 8, 2008
Two men shared path to social justice years hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of advice “He was one of the most active members of the Board Continued from page 7 The rest is history. When the movie hit big a new for which I paid nothing. It is only within the last few in determining policies, and was constantly concerned problem arose -- donations dried up as the public years that I was able to show my appreciation in a small with anything which would further the interests of Boys assumed Boys Town made a killing on it, not realizing way, and never have I considered anything that I did for Town. His fine legal mind would shine forth at these Board meetings ... and I know that in following his the home saw nothing from the box office receipts. A Henry a recompense for his legal work ...” The late Hubert Monsky confirmed the selfless nature advice we have made very few mistakes.” desperate Flanagan, perhaps at the urging or with the Flanagan trusted Monsky’s judgment enough that he blessing of Monsky, asked MGM to get the word out of his father in an interview for the “Men of Vision” involved him in nearly all aspects of the home’s operathat Boys Town needed help. Tracy signed his name to exhibit: “... when my father passed away, in going through his tions and interests. Further testimony of this high regard an appeal letter sent donors. The money flooded in. MGM, perhaps feeling guilty, gave $250,000 for the desk ... found a check written to my father for $25,000 is found in the following excerpt from a letter the priest wrote to Daisy: construction of a dormi“He was one of the tory. most active members of The sequel to Boys the Board in the foundTown, 1941’s Men of Boys ing of the Boys Town Town, was not well received, but it still carFoundation Fund and in ried the home’s message this, as in all other legal and name. Where matters, resolutions, etc., Flanagan-Monsky erred he personally dictated in securing a small rights those and gave much fee the first time, they thought and consideranegotiated $100,000 for tion to them. the sequel, which proved “Henry’s last and final a shrewd move when the act was giving advice and movie bombed. counsel in the establishBoys Town further capment of the training proitalized on the films when gram in Boys Counseling a nationally broadcast to be established at the radio serial aired weekly Left: In May of 1944, Henry Monsky spoke about the aftermath left, and Henry Monsky, right, are honored at a B’nai B’rith din- Catholic University of dramatizations based on of World War II and its implications; notice that Eleanor ner in New York City in 1945; a navy chaplain was there to give America in cooperation the lives of residents Roosevelt is seated behind him. Right: Father Edward Flanagan, the invocation. Below: the poster from the film, Boys Town. with...Boys Town, which there. by Father Flanagan ... offers a two-year graduate training program leading to a Up to the time of his death in 1947 Monsky remained and a note attached to degree, M.A., in Boys Counseling.” a close ally of Flanagan’s and key adviser to Boys Town. it which said, ‘Henry, Although neither made a fuss over it, Monsky’s and He was there for it all: from a fledgling start in an old dear, for years your Flanagan’s nonsectarian brotherhood transcended their 10-room house downtown; to the purchase of the services have been vastly different backgrounds. From the start Flanagan Overlook farm for the present site; to an impressive cam- given to us with no opened Boys Town to boys of all races and creeds. While pus build-out that turned corn fields into a “city of little renumeration, and now Jewish youths have always accounted for a tiny percentmen” with fine educational, vocational, residential and that we have the funds, age of residents, one, Daniel Ocanto, was elected mayor recreational facilities; to the household name status Boys you must accept this.’ of the incorporated village in 2002-03 and attended Town gained and parlayed. That check was seven Creighton University after he graduated. The measure of high esteem in which Father Flanagan months old; my father Whatever faith a youth professes, Boys Town facilitates held Henry Monsky and his contributions is expressed would not cash it. That their practice of it. “If you’re a Lutheran, I’m gonna in this letter to Daisy, following Henry’s death in 1947: was very typical of the make you a better Lutheran than you are now. If you’re “... Henry was Boys Town ... He is as much responsi- two people. Father Ed a Jew, I’m gonna make you a better Jew than you are ble for the fine things the public sees out there as are my recognized what my now, ” said former Boys Town director Father Val Peter. associates and me, for it was through his keen mind and father had done. He Current director Father Steve Boes said, “When we advice that we were able to follow a pattern of prudence appreciated it deeply and in his fashion he was trying to admit Jewish students to campus, we work with local and good judgment. Never in all my associations with say ... ‘God bless you, Henry, for a job well done.’ But synagogues to secure their religious training, and our men have I found one who seemed to understand what my father didn’t wish to be compensated for any work kids are always welcomed with open arms.” I wanted to do and who would advise me how best to that he did for Boys Town because he felt that it was a (Editor’s note: Part II of this series will run in next do it. Over the years we have had many difficult prob- project for everybody in Omaha.” week’s Jewish Press. It follows the expansion of Boys Town lems...and Henry’s handling of all these matters was one Referring to Monsky’s work as a board of trustee and the legacy left by these two great leaders in building interfaith relationships.) of great satisfaction. I have received from him over the member, Flanagan wrote:
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February 8, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Local author pens book about Passover remembrances shoe out of place. But between July and September she covered every table, chair, couch, corner of floor, countertop and bed with piles and scraps of paper while turning her work-in-progress into a finished manuscript. (All the while keeping up with her regular job at The Bookworm, her scheduled radio and television appearances, and her volunteer commitments at Beth El, the Blumkin Home, Remington Heights Retirement Center and three library boards.) Now hostess, bookseller, media personality, committed volunteer and tenacious writer Nancy Rips can add “published author” to her resume. This year guests at Seder tables may read from the pages of her Seder Stories, Passover Thoughts on Food, Family and Freedom, to be published this spring by Cumberland House, a midsized publisher based in Nashville, TN. The book will be available at local bookstores and the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Choosing which story, or stories, to read won’t be easy. Guests may read about Nancy Rips accumulated a thick folder of rejection letters, the “no excuses” Seders of but last July learned her compilation of Seder stories had Omaha’s own Bert Lewis. been accepted for publication. Seder Stories, Passover Attendance was mandatory, Thoughts on Food, Family and Freedom will be published even if you were hospitalthis spring. ized or dead. About a who promotes books and reading on young Al Abramson musing on whether local radio and television stations, the Maxwell family, publishers of the Maxwell House Hagaddah used by his Nancy Rips. For Nancy, listening to her Seder family, was Jewish. The 40 cousins at guests’ stories, an idea started “cook- puppeteer Shari Lewis’ family gathering. Young Rabbi Jules Harold Kushner’s ing.” Maybe this could be a book? Yes, maybe it could. For nearly 10 preparations for 200 GIs in a Kosheryears, Nancy asked friends and acquain- for-Passover mess hall in Lawton, tances to tell her their Seder stories. She Oklahoma. Rabbi Harlow leading tracked down total strangers by phone, Sedarim in 1970s Leningrad for a group letter and e-mail. When she opened a of young refusniks who had never celeconversation with Rabbi Jules Harlow brated Passover before. There are accounts of Seder meals with “Let me tell you about this book that I’m writing.” he said “That’s such a eaten in Germany, Omaha, Los Angeles, good idea. Why hasn’t anyone thought Israel, South Africa, India, Provence, Buenos Aires, Australia, Egypt, Italy, or of that before?” For three years, Nancy searched for a on a bench in Central Park. Former publisher who shared her enthusiasm. Omahan Ron Wolfson fondly recalls that She accumulated 117 polite rejection his bubbe never sat down at the Seder. Seder Stories is a small book, but readletters in a bright red folder. But one day last July she received a phone call from a ers won’t want to rush through it. They publisher who said “yes, we’d like to will want to savor each story, each mempublish your book, but we’ll need the ory, adding their own, with the care and deliberation prescribed for the rituals of completed manuscript by September.” Nancy is known by her friends as a the Seder meal. Why hasn’t anyone thought of that person who never has a paper, crumb, unwashed dish, fleck of dust or unworn before? by RITA SHELLEY At many Seder dinners, after the fourth question has been asked and answered, after the table has been cleared, and after the adults have had more than a few drops of wine, the stories begin: “Bubbe used every chair, piano bench and footstool in the family for all the tushies crowded around her table.” “Our first Seder together after we were married.” “Once I was a child who found the afikomen. Now I’m the grandfather who hides it.” “The Seder I remember best.” But at most Seders, the hostess encouraging the storytelling isn’t also a bookseller, writer and media personality
Temple Men’s Club not bluffing on fun at annual poker tournament by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator You can bet that the Temple Israel Men’s Club third annual Texas Hold “Em Poker Tournament on Thursday night, Feb. 21, will be “great fun,” just like last year. Jimmy Farber attended and added that the fund raising event was “very well done.” Larry Albert agreed. “It was fun and enjoyable.” With competitors from throughout the community playing, Men’s Club is expecting a full house for an evening which will also feature “guy”
food, said Dennis DePorte, Temple’s executive director. Doors open at 6 p.m. for registration. Table assignments will be announced at 6:30, and the first hand will be dealt at 7:15. A $1,000 gift card which can be used anywhere will be awarded to the top winner. Everyone at the final table will win prizes. Tickets for $50 can be purchased in advance by calling Men’s Club President Adam Kirshenbaum at 651.9756 or sending him an email at akirshenbaum@blackwellsanders.com.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 8, 2008
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IN THE NEWS Leading experts in pediatric behavioral and developmental medicine will come together in Omaha on April 4-5 to present the first-ever Munroe-Meyer Institute Symposium, a multidisciplinary conference on the latest research, concepts and strategies in treating behavioral, genetic and developmental disabilities in children. The symposium, which will be held at the newly renovated DoubleTree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center at 1616 Dodge St. in downtown Omaha, is designed for health professionals in pediatrics, special education, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology and nursing. The program will cover a range of pediatric topics including the management of autism spectrum disorders, pediatric feeding disorders, ADHD, metabolic and genetic diseases, treatment of pediatric bone disease, and options to promote mobility in children with developmental disabilities. The Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI), which is part of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. “MMI has a tradition of providing services and support to families of children with genetic disorders and developmental disabilities,” said Mike Leibowitz, Ph.D., interim director of MMI. “We thought the symposium would provide a perfect forum to highlight our anniversary and share some of our expertise with the community. We think it will be an outstanding opportunity for providers to learn new information to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.” Early bird registration is available through Feb. 15 for $74. In addition, the DoubleTree Hotel is offering a special room rate of $105 through March 15. To register for the symposium, visit the Web site at www.mmisymposium.com or contact Joan Husted of UNMC at 402.559.6235. American Airlines named former Omahan Robert J. (Rob) Friedman President of AAdvantage® Marketing Programs. He is currently American’s Managing DirectorReservations. “Rob’s business knowledge, leadership abilities and customer insights will be of great value as he assumes his new role,” said Bella Goren, Senior Vice President of Customer Relationship Marketing & Reservations. “The AAdvantage program, established more than 25 years ago, is the world’s leading program of its kind. With 60 million members, it is an enormously important part of our business and we are excited that an individual of this caliber will be leading the AAdvantage team.” Friedman joined American in 1990 and held positions of increasing responsibility within the airlines’ revenue management department. He later moved into the interactive marketing organization, where he played a key role in enhancing and expanding the reach of AA.com. He has significant customer relationship management expertise, and most recently led American’s largest reservations office. Son of Lois and Sol Friedman, he is a 1981 graduate of Westside and holds a BS in Finance from the University of NebraskaOmaha. Last month, a new exhibit on Muslim Righteous Among the Nations, from Albania, opened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Yad Vashem exhibit; “BESA: A Code of Honor -- Muslim Albanians Who Rescued Jews During the Holocaust” is comprised of photographs by the American photogra-
pher Norman Gershman. This exhibit has traveled from Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Remembrance Authority’s Education Center in Jerusalem, to the United Nations to mark International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Holocaust. “BESA: A Code of Honor” is a collection of portraits taken by Mr. Gershman, of Albanian Righteous people and their families as commemoration and tribute to their courageous acts during WWII, when in defiance of Nazi’s orders and at a grave risk to their own lives, saved Jews by providing them with shelter and hiding places. In the darkest days in recent Jewish history, the Albanians acted according to their code of honor known as “Besa” which literally means “to keep the promise”; one who acts according to “Besa” is someone who keeps his word -- someone to whom one can trust one’s own life and the lives of loved ones. Gershman spent four years focused on photographing the Albanian Muslim families who saved Jews during the Holocaust, making their story known around the world. The exhibit will remain on display through March 2. Marcotte Insurance is sponsoring an informative workshop for the Greater Omaha community on Workplace Violence Prevention. Donald Kleine, Douglas County Attorney, will lead off the workshop scheduled for Thursday, Feb 21, 8 a.m., at the Champions Club. The program includes, the On-Scene Commander for the Von Mauer incident, Steve Danon, Risk Control Director for Marcotte Insurance; Ryan Gebauer, Risk Manager for Gordmans; Sara Juster, Corporate Compliance Manager for Methodist Health Systems; and other legal and business leaders. There is no cost for this workshop. To register or get additional information, call Marcotte Insurance at 398.9009. Lindsey Paige Savoie is returning to Omaha next week to meet with Jewish community leaders and activists. “We will explore ways to incorporate environmental practices into our daily Jewish lives, holidays, simchas, and educational programs,” she said. The Omaha Jewish community is in line to be the premier city to engage in a city-wide initiative to incorporate environmental practices into all aspects of our Jewish community. “We will create a comprehensive plan for greening several different aspects of the Omaha Jewish community through education, action, and outreach,” she added. With the support of a grant through the Klutznick Chair of Creighton University and other community support, Savoie will hold two training workshops on Sunday, Feb. 17 and on Monday, Feb. 18. She also plans to attend youth group events including Tuesday, Feb. 19, BBYO night to meet with social action representatives and other interested students. Savoie is a Jewish environmental educator. She currently serves as Director of Shomrei Adamah of Greater Washington, a grassroots Jewish environmental organization. She holds a master’s in education with a concentration in Jewish Family Life Education. She has taught and lectured across the United States, the Former Soviet Union and Israel on a variety of topics including Jewish values, biblical studies, foreign language, and environmental education for children, adults, and families. Please contact her at Lindsey@subpenguin.com or 408.6451 to sign up for the workshops, schedule a oneon-one meeting and to inquire about the initiative.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Jim Suttle will speak about a call to action for Omahans: “Breaking the Grip of Gangs and Guns” at Breadbreakers Wednesday, Feb. 13, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. All men and women in the community are invited to attend. Cost is $12 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343-1638. VISIONS Membership dues to Visions are due. Please mail your check payable to Visions for $7.50 to: Visions, c/o Phyllis Schwartz, 1212 So. 137 Ave., Omaha, NE 68144.
DEADLINE NOTICE Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. Questions? Call 334.6448.
February 8, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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New York cantor still has soft spot for Omaha about the state of Nebraska or the fair city of Omaha. He recalled, “Having come from the East Coast, it was a bit of an adjustment coming to Omaha. However, it was made easier for me by the warmth of the Omaha by JOAN K. MARCUS community. The pace was slower and I found the people to be very sincere and engaging. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Many of us have wondered what ever happened to Jane Rips, the Temple president at that time, were very Hazzan Erik L.F. Contzius. He was very young when he welcoming.” served as cantor at Temple Israel from 1995 to 1998. He went on to say, “There was a great musical tradiWe recall his beautiful baritone voice and his enthusiasm tion at Temple, but there was also a great respect for the for Judaism and music. We found him in New Rochelle, cantor as clergy. My choices at that time were to work in New York, where he currently serves as a cantor at New York or Omaha and I made a deliberate decision to another Temple Israel! come to the Midwest.” Contzius was born and raised in Parsippany, New Contzius remembers that Temple had been without a Jersey, and he has loved music from the time that he was cantor for a year before he arrived. He felt that Temple very small. He says his grandfather, Joseph Contzius was “in tune” with who he was. There was no adult (now deceased) and Rabbi Daniel Franzel inspired him. choir when he came and he developed Kol Rina, a volIn 1991, he received his unteer group. “I believe that the undergraduate degree from group is still going strong. And I Rutgers College in New had many opportunities to express Jersey where he sang in the myself musically, whether in conRutgers University Glee cert, through services, or other Club. Even as a college stumusical programming.” dent, he performed extenAlthough he was sad to leave sively in oratorios and musiOmaha, especially after such a cal productions in York, short period of time, ties to his England. He went on to family pulled him back to the East get a Masters in Sacred Coast. From Omaha, he took a Music from Hebrew Union position at Reform Congregation College-Jewish Institute of Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, Religion, School of Sacred Pennsylvania. He served there for Music in Jerusalem and four years and then made another New York City in 1995. change. Before coming to He is currently in his sixth year Omaha, he served as a stuat Temple Israel of New Rochelle. dent cantor in Long Island He has been very busy writing and Westfield, New Jersey. music for the synagogue and has When he heard of the had three pieces published by opening at Temple in Hazzan Contzius and his son, Jacob, at his wedding to Transcontinental Music PubliOmaha he said, “I had Monica Flaherty. cations. One is “Shalom Rav,” a heard about Omaha on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild piece he wrote while he was in Omaha. It is in memory Kingdom. Even then, they didn’t mention Omaha of Yitzhak Rabin, Prime Minister of Israel who was assasexcept in the title of the show. I literally knew nothing sinated while Contzius was serving as cantor.
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“I write music primarily for the synagogue. I find joy in creating music that is prayerful, expressive of the text and has a Jewish sound. Most of all, I love to write music with which I would pray myself. Although I enjoy sometimes writing esoteric music, I like creating works which I would like to sing or pray with over and over,” he said. “I have also had the pleasure of serving on the executive board of the American Conference of Cantors as a regional representative for six years -- aiding in its direction and planning. I’m still active in the Conference, but have now directed my energies elsewhere by teaching at Hebrew Union College.” He added, “Last year, I co-taught a class with my esteemed colleague and friend, Hazzan Jack Mendelson. This fall, I taught a class to clergy about how to use technology on their pulpits.” Cantor Contzius was divorced, but has recently married Monica Flaherty. They share a lovely home and two cats in New Rochelle. Jacob, nearly seven-years-old, is his son from his first marriage and, “He looked great in his tuxedo at our wedding last June.” Monica and Erik met through singer and conductor, Bobby McFerrin. They were both at a vocal music workshop in Rheinback, New York. According to the cantor, “Monica is studying vocal jazz at City College in New York. When she isn’t working as a consultant, we find many times to make beautiful music together!” Hazzan Contzius says, “I do miss the pace of things in Omaha. Being outside of Manhattan, things are pretty quick around these parts. I miss many of the people in Omaha. I have had the good fortune of being back for a concert with three other cantors and it was great to see everyone.” He added, “The biggest shock was seeing some of my former Bat/Bar Mitzvah students and how tall and mature they’ve become. Through the Internet and Facebook, I reconnected to some of those former students who are now in college or beyond.” He says he tries to keep in touch with a few people but hopes to do a better job in the future of staying connected. “I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Omaha and my first congregation!”
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 8, 2008
A unique and extraordinary wedding brings descendent of Chinese Jews back to her roots Jewish wedding in Israel -- it is a dream by LIDAR GRAVÉ JERUSALEM -- In a historic and very come true. I am very excited,” said the special ceremony last month in the Great bride. “No one in the world is as happy as I Synagogue in Jerusalem, Shoshana Rebecca Li, of the Jewish community of am. I thought it impossible to marry a Kaifeng, China, wed Ami Emmanuel, a Jewish woman from China. However, it new oleh (immigrant) from the United States. More than 150 guests, including a number from the Kaifeng Jewish community, participated in the wedding, which was organized by Michael Freund, Chairman of Shavei Israel. Li, 29, is a descendant of the Jewish Community of Kaifeng, China, which flourished for more than 1000 years on the banks of the Yellow River. She made aliyah to Israel two years ago, and recently completed her formal conversion back to Judaism by Israel’s Chief Rabbinate. Emmanuel, 25, made aliyah to Israel two and a half years ago from Photos from left: Shoshana Rebecca Li, a descendant of the Florida after studying Jewish community of Kaifeng, China, which ceased to exist over film and directing. The 150 years ago, got married last month in Jerusalem to Ami new couple will live in Emmanuel, a new oleh from the United States. Credit: Shavei Israel Kibbutz Ketura in the southern Arava region, which was estab- seems miracles do happen, and this is the lished in 1973 by young olim from the biggest miracle of my life,” added her United States, and plan to build their groom. According to Freund, Chairman of home there. “For me, to have a proper religious Shavei Israel, “this wedding symbolizes
the beginning of the return of the rem- out and assists “lost Jews” seeking to nants of the Jewish community of return to the Jewish people. The charitaKaifeng, China to the Jewish people and ble organization works with various to the State of Israel. This is a special groups around the world, such as the and unique occasion. 150 years after Bnei Menashe of northeastern India, Kaifeng Jewry essentially ceased to exist, who claim descent from a lost tribe of a wonderful young woman descended Israel, the Bnai Anousim (“Marranos”) from the community is getting married of Spain, Portugal and South America, to a new oleh from the United States the Subbotnik Jews of Russia, and the under a Jewish wedding canopy in “Hidden Jews” of Poland from the time Jerusalem. I can not think of a more of the Holocaust. poignant example of kibbutz galuyot -The organization also engages in the the Ingathering of the Exiles,” Freund absorption of new olim in Israel, includsaid, ing providing assistance with housing, Jews first settled in Kaifeng, China, employment, and professional training. over 1000 years ago when it was an important stop along the Silk Route. The community flourished, and numbered as many as 5000 people in the Middle Ages. After the last rabbi of Kaifeng died in the first half of the 19th century, assimilation and intermarriage prevailed, eventually leading to the collapse of the community. Nonetheless, around 700 Jewish descendants still live today in the city of Kaifeng, China, and many of them are seeking to reclaim their Jewish identity. Shavei Israel, which Mazal tov to Ethel Grossman and George Shafer who celewas founded by Freund, brated their birthdays in January and celebrated with is a Jerusalem-based Visions. Grossman turned 96 and Shafer, 90. organization that reaches
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Memorable anniversary celebrations abound at Beth El Synagogue by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The halls of Beth El Synagogue resound with memories of joy-filled simchas that have taken place there over the years. Each one has left its own unique mark and holds lasting significance to both honorees and their loved ones. Among those many synagogue celebrations, three which took place last year are especially noteworthy. Sitting in Shabbat morning services last September, Dan Schuller mentioned to his wife, Yaffa, that his Bar Mitzvah parasha was going to be read in three weeks, and that he wanted to participate in the service. When Yaffa realized that this Bar Mitzvah anniversary would be her husband’s 35th, she decided to make the milestone extra-special by filling the weekend with a plethora of surprises -- no small feat given the short amount of time, plus the fact that the Schullers’ parents reside in Mexico City. The resourceful spouse prevailed, and the fun began the evening of Oct. 18, when Dan came home from work and was stunned to find his mother waiting for him (because of health concerns, his father was unable to attend). The following day, his mother-in-law arrived, followed shortly thereafter by his father-in-law; the cherry on the sundae was the arrival of his closest friend who traveled from Denver to join in the festivities.
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Dan Schuller and his mother, Esther “He was in heaven,” Yaffa recalled. “He was so excited and said, ‘I can’t believe you did this for me!’” On Shabbat morning as he walked into Beth El, Yaffa recalled that, “Dan couldn’t understand why so many people greeted him with ‘mazel tov!’ He was saying, ‘What did I do?’” While reading the synagogue’s weekly announcement sheet, he received his next surprise: his wife had sponsored a congregational Kiddush luncheon in his honor. To mark the 35th anniversary, Schuller read Torah that morning, a gesture that was a symbolic and essential part of the family’s celebration. “Torah is not something you read in private; it is read in the community,” said Yaffa. “Being a Jew means being a part of the community, and the best place to celebrate and share with your community is the synagogue. It’s the natural thing to do.” Three fellow Beth El congregants -- all longtime members -- also chose to share special milestone events last year at Beth El: Shirley and Leonard “Buddy” Goldstein marked their 65th wedding anniversary in the fall, and in August, Barton “Bucky” Greenberg, commemorated the 70th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah. Shirley Goldstein and Greenberg expressed deep affection for the synagogue to which they have both belonged since childhood. “We talked it over with the children and decided to celebrate our anniversary at Beth El. The synagogue has been part of our lives; we were married by Rabbi Goldstein, and we’ve always belonged to this congregation -- it’s always been there for us,” said Goldstein, who noted that as a young child living in a small Nebraska town, Beth El was her only connection to the Jewish community. Goldstein applauded her daughter-in-law, Ann
Goldstein, for coordinating the Shabbat morning festivities, and called her “the mastermind of the weekend!” Choosing Beth El for the celebration was ideal, Ann said, because “it would be so inclusive for anyone in the community who wanted to join in the celebration. “We have celebrated other simchas at Beth El, and always like the warmth and comfortable atmosphere that it provides,” she remarked. “The staff makes it easy to arrange a special celebration and to enjoy it as well.” Members of Leonard and Shirley Goldstein the Goldstein photo courtesy of Rodney Green family particiPhotography pated in the Shabbat morning service, Ann said, noting that, “The rabbi spoke to Shirley and Buddy and also allowed Donald to add personal comments, which were quite meaningful to everyone.” Helping to prepare desserts for the Kiddush luncheon was one of the most enjoyable parts of the planning, she continued. “It was fun to gather friends together at Beth El to bake for the sweets table. One highlight was Anna Mosenkis’s baking, because it gave the dessert table a Russian influence, which was quite appropriate, considering Shirley’s and Buddy's many years of involvement with Soviet Jewry.” The efforts of the baking brigade did not go unnoticed by the honoree: Shirley exclaimed that, “It was the most gorgeous sweets table I’ve ever seen -- it was beautiful. Ann did such a beautiful job, the women baked like mad, and everything was wonderful!” Commemorating his remarkable 70th Bar Mitzvah anniversary at the same synagogue where he became a Bar Mitzvah in June of 1937, brought special joy to Bucky Greenberg. He chanted the m o r n i n g ’ s Haftarah, and bypassed the traditional D’var Torah to instead share his memories of Beth El -- and having belonged to the synagogue at all three of its locations (including the JCC on 20th and Dodge Streets, Bucky Greenberg where he became a Bar Mitzvah), he had compiled a wealth of recollections. He spoke of his family’s involvement in the establishment of the synagogue, and recalled riding his bike down Dodge Street after school to study with Cantor Aaron Edgar, at his duplex near the Blackstone Hotel. Greenberg’s dedication to Beth El was evident throughout his presentation, and the rich history fueling that commitment continues today. These special anniversaries of Schuller, Greenberg and the Goldsteins join the long list of memorable life-cycle events that have been observed at Beth El over the years. With a thriving congregation and a beautiful facility to accommodate all kinds of simchas, the celebrations will undoubtedly continue for generations to come.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Art & Soup, the annual fundraising event sponsored by the Visiting Nurse Association, is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 17, 2-6 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 72 and Grover. New this year is a Patron Party from 12:30-2 p.m., featuring a three-soup meal prepared by the Sage Student Bistro at the Institute for Culinary Arts, as well as early entrance to Art & Soup to buy-it-now on the silent auction, meet the artists and purchase original artwork. Among the
artists are Beth Brown-Gershovich, Larry Budwig, and Phil Rich. Tickets are $45; $100 for Patrons, and may be purchased online at www.vna omaha.org or by calling 402.930.4021. Proceeds from the event will benefit the VNA Shelter Nursing program, which provides public health nursing services to children and adults living in Omaha area homesless shelters.
February 8, 2008
Science is serious, but art is fun TIME OUT by ANNETTE VAN DE CAMP-WRIGHT As always, the dedicated teachers at Friedel are very interested in getting parents involved. More often than not, this takes the form of ‘projects to help your child with’, evident in the note that is sent home explaining all about the Science Fair. The next week, I receive a communication from my daughter’s art teacher, telling us they are preparing an exhibit based on Judy Chicago’s artwork. My daughter is supposed to choose a woman that inspires her. She picks me, and I refuse to cooperate, telling her that it’s her choice, but she’ll have to get her father to assist her. I am not sending pictures of myself to school. She protests that if she is going to learn about inspiring women, she is certainly not going to ask a man to help her. She pronounces the word man with a dislike that is a bit troubling, but I get the point. I promise to help her find someone else, and settle on Frida Kahlo. With her bright, colorful paintings, not to speak about her dresses and hairdo, she will certainly inspire my daughter to great heights; or so I think. I should know better by now; every time I pick a topic for my daughter, she chooses to assert her independence. This time is no different. I show her a few clips of Salma Hayek’s Frida biopic, thinking to impress her, but the only thing she wants to know is why Diego Rivera is kissing another woman. Oops, wrong scene. Then she comes up with an idea of her own: Marie Antoinette. Artists are great, but a Princess and a Queen can’t be beat. She is six, after all; she is growing up in the United States, and thus deprived of any real royalty. “But she got her head cut off!” My husband says, before I can throw him a warning glance. Great. Now I can explain both adultery and guillotines. I take the coward’s way out and promise her we will certainly, absolutely, talk about it ‘later’. (Yeah, right. I’ll just wait until she’s forgotten all about it.) In an attempt to divert her attention, I talk to her about the Science Fair. She is enthusiastic at first, claiming she already has a topic. Great, I think, until she tells me what it is: “I want to do my Science project about Feelings.” What? I talk her out of it by showing her the leftover onion and potato that never made it into the Latke batter last month. They lie forgotten in the kitchen; the onion has started to sprout thick green leaves.
“Look what happens when you forget things,” I say enthusiastically, but she isn’t listening. To her, this is old and tired material: she’s already researched plenty of related hypotheses. Leave a lollipop in a hidden spot and you’ll need a tire iron to remove it from the carpet. Leave a half eaten apple behind the couch and it will turn a sick shade of grey. Those are exciting outcomes, but onions and potatoes? Feh. Luckily, when I explain to her that it’s this-or- nothing, she starts to cooperate. Together, we take and upload photos; together, we plant these sad vegetables in pots. But once the novelty has worn off, she loses interest in what is starting to look like “Mommy’s Project”. Will I never learn? All she’s interested in is drawing the pictures for her display board. Last year, ‘we’ researched the weather; she learned to color the sky, the sun, she glued 50 cotton balls on one piece of paper. She spent half an hour contemplating the background color of her display board. To everyone who saw it, she said: “Isn’t it pretty?” This year, she will explore how many different colors of green exist; how many ways you can draw an onion. To my daughter, science is only moderately interesting at best. What she really wants is art class, 24/7. I think that’s fine; some people are meant to make the world a better place, others just make it more beautiful. One display board at the time. The Friedel Jewish Academy Science Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 21, 6:30-8 p.m. For more information, please call 334.0517.
Visions gets new officers
Harry Alloy, right, installed the Visions officers for 2008: Doris Alloy, left, Sol Schwartz, Tootie Simon, Jim Wax, Phyllis Schwartz, Florence Hauss, and Betty Sanford at a recent Visions luncheon meeting. Not pictured: Howard and Sissy Silber, Ethel Goldston, Rose Pitlor, Ilse and Marcel Kahn, Phyllis Roffman and Sally Masnek.
OLESH/PRENDERGAST Mara Renee Olesh and Patrick James Prendergast of Phoenix, AZ, have announcd their engagement. The bride-to-be graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a degree in Business Marketing. She is a marketing coordinator for Kiewit. She is the daughter of Dr. Robert and Donna Olesh, and the granddaughter of the late Meyer and Rachel Rosenstein, and the late Isidore and Bella Olesh. Her fiancé also graduated from UNO with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is a Nebraska Registered E.I.T. (Professional Engineer-In-Training), and works as a civil engineer for Kiewit. He is the son of Mike Prendergast and the late Margaret Prendergast, and the grandson of Madeline Dineen and the late Thomas Dineen, and the late Mike and Patricia Prendergast. A Sept. 13 wedding is planned at the Magnolia Hotel. EGERMAYER/ RABIN-HAVT Julie Anne Egermayer, daughter of Robert and Janice Egermayer, and Ari Rabin-Havt, son of David Havt and Anita Rabin-Havt of Port Washington, NY, have announced their engagement. The bride-to-be graduated in 2001 from Washington University in St. Louis with a B.A. in political science. She is pursuing a masters in social work from the The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., with plans to graduate May 2009. She also is an intern at Dominion Hospital, Falls Church, VA. Her grandparents are Edward and Sally Malashock, Margaret Egermayer and the late George Egermayer. Her fiance is a graduate of Brandeis University with a degree in Politics and Peace Studies, and earned an M.A. from The George Washington University, Washington D.C., in Political Managment. He is Vice President and Creative Director of OMP Direct and advisor to former Vice President Al Gore and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. His grandparents are Bernard and Helen Rabin A May 25 wedding is planned for Joslyn Art Museum.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 8, 2008
Tradition, family histories beckon couples to celebrate nuptials at Beth El by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator There’s no place like home, especially when it comes to getting married. Newlyweds Laynie (Ginsburg) and Joshua Heller, Carrie (Roitstein) and Steve Bernstein, Lisa (Silver) and Peter Reitzes, and Shoshana (Wees) and Corey Friedman may have chosen different cities to begin their married lives, but there was no question about where they all wanted to tie the knot: here in Omaha -- the brides’ hometown -- at Beth El Synagogue.
Beth El’s sanctuary (shown here during the Silver-Reitzes wedding), provides a beautiful and dramatic setting for simchas. Tradition and family history played roles in the couples’ decisions about where to exchange nuptials, and they all were enthusiastic to reminisce about and share details about their weddings, which all took place last year. “We absolutely loved having our wedding at Beth El!” said Shoshana Friedman, whose Oct. 14 ceremony and dinner party were held at the synagogue. “We both felt strongly about having a ceremony at a synagogue, and I had always imagined getting married at Beth El. Since we had so many outof-town guests, we wanted a ‘one-stop shop,’ and needed a place that could hold a large group. Plus, the sanctuary is beautiful and the social hall is Shoshana and Corey Friedman lovely.” The sanctuary is known to create a magical ambience for wedding celebrations. The architecture of the room emphasizes the dramatic and lovely atmosphere: the high, wood ceiling; warm, golden overhead lighting; the arches surrounding the curved walls of the room and the warmth of the wood-paneled ark, all help to create an impressive and yet intimate setting for celebrants. The social hall, which lends itself to a myriad of decorative
themes, can entertain up to 450 guests for a sit-down dinner, and the synagogue’s strict policy of kashrut allows every Jew the comfort of eating all food items served. Friedman, now working in marketing in Chicago (her husband works in financial services), recalled her involvement at Beth El, including a stint as USY president and as a tutor for younger children on Shabbat mornings. She also pointed out that her parents, Stephen and Joye, remain active congregants. Among her special wedding memories, Friedman cited the moment when her father, “a really talented pianist,” surprised her by manning the keyboard while Cantor Gaston Bogomolni chanted the Sheva Brachot. “It was so special and such a surprise,” she said. Fellow newlywed Lisa Reitzes said that she and her fiancé were looking to have a “fairly traditional Jewish wedding,” and Beth El fit the bill. Reitzes grew up at Beth El, and celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at the old synagogue on Peter and Lisa Reitzes 49th and Farnam. She also witnessed moving day, when the synagogue relocated to its current location at 145th and California St. “I remember the day the Torahs were walked over to the new Beth El, and as a kid, I thought that was so interesting.” The couple resides in Brooklyn, New York, where Lisa works as a freelance events planner and Peter is a speech pathologist specializing in stuttering disorders. Prior to their wedding on August 12, she noted that Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón were instrumental in preparing them for their ceremony. “Both the rabbi and cantor told us what to expect,” said Reitzes, daughter of Steve Silver and Susan Silver. “Rabbi Levin sat with us to get to know us a little better and they both made us feel comfortable. My husband says that even though we are not the most knowledgeable couple regarding Judaism, they made us feel comfortable with the ceremony--they didn’t make us feel like ‘minor league Jews.’” Laynie Heller also praised Beth El’s clergy for their guidance and attention prior to her Sept. 2 ceremony, saying, “They were great! We live out of town and it was important to me that whenever we were in Omaha, we would have a meeting with them. I felt that throughout the engagement year they got to know us as a couple. They were very supportive and put the time in to find out as much about us as they could.” The Hellers, who reside in Philadelphia (Laynie works as a games coordinator for Maccabi USA/Sports for
Israel; Josh is a resident in neurosurgery at Temple University Hospital), never doubted where their wedding would take place. “We never considered getting married anywhere else,” Heller said, noting that her parents, Bill Laynie and Joshua Heller and Beth Ginsburg, were also wed at Beth El. “I knew I wanted to be married at the synagogue where I spent my entire life. Beth El is very important to me and holds a special place in my heart. This is the synagogue that my grandparents belong to, as well as my entire family. “I always imagined walking into the sanctuary on my wedding day, but nothing can describe the feeling I had,” she continued. “It was extremely surreal and emotional and all my memories of childhood, Hebrew school and my life in that synagogue came together. As I saw Josh’s face waiting for me under the chuppah, I was so excited to start my life with him.” Family history also played a large role in Carrie Bernstein’s decision to wed at Beth El. Tradition and the linkage between generations permeated the May 27 ceremony, as the couple wed underneath a chuppah draped with the talliSteve and Carrie Bernstein tot of the bride’s late grandfather, Morris Roitstein, and the groom’s late great-grandfather, Sol Sisser. “Having all my family and friends with me was the most important part of my wedding day,” said Bernstein, daughter of Lloyd and Debbie Roitstein. “Steve and I both walked down the aisle with our best friends - our parents,” She also shared her most special memory: the attendance of her grandmother, Ann Roitstein. Like the Hellers, Bernstein noted the potential pitfalls of planning a wedding long distance (Carrie is an optometrist and Steve is in television programming sales for Sony Pictures Television; they reside in Chicago), but she expressed appreciation to the rabbi and cantor, who, she said, “spent a lot of time with us before the wedding to really get to know us.” She also expressed appreciation to Cantor Gastón, for spending many hours e-mailing music samples for the Continued on page 17
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Two couples unite in faith before family, friends at Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator There may not be anything more identifiable with a Jewish wedding than stomping on a glass at the end of the ceremony. But for four young Jewish men, it took what seemed like “a long and very frustrating process,” to make it to the chuppah and crush the glass, according to one of them. Mike Silverman grew up in Omaha attending both Temple Israel and Beth El. He graduated from Burke and became a software quality assurance engineer for Motorola after earning his degree at the University of Kansas. He has lived in Lawrence, KS, since 1992. Silverman met another young Jewish man, Dave Greenbaum, in the early 1990s in Lawrence. Both computer geeks, they became friends before either realized the other was gay. They’ve now been together as a couple since 1996.
Dave Greenbaum, left, and Mike Silverman relax at home with their dog Tova. As participants in a forum on gay issues at Temple Israel, they brought up the idea of making a public commitment to each other at a ceremony at Temple and eventually, a date of June 6, 1999, was set. Like most heterosexual couples who select their attendants, musicians, and the photographer, a gay couple also seeks to find contractors willing to work with a same-gender pair. Most important of all, Silverman and Greenbaum searched for liturgy for the ceremony itself. They ultimately decided on a fairly traditional Jewish wedding. Greenbaum had dreamed about the rich symbolism of a Jewish ceremony. They found one for a lesbian couple, both rabbis, which was helped along with assistance from a friend of Greenbaum, who was a rabbinical student, Rabbi Azriel, and Cantor Jennifer Blum, then cantor at Temple. Silverman and Greenbaum signed a ketubah, a Jewish marriage contract, were wrapped in a tallit by Rabbi Azriel, exchanged rings, and each broke a glass at the end of the ceremony. Cantor Blum chanted the seven blessings “with real feeling” as Silverman “stood with his knees locked the whole time.” Greenbaum expected “someone to rush in and end the ceremony,” but the only disappointment he had that day was that his parents didn’t attend. “We had a wedding ceremony for the same reason millions of other couples -gay and straight -- do. We love each other and wanted to make a public, lifelong commitment to each other in front of our family and friends,” explained Silverman. He and Greenbaum observe Shabbat most weeks, lighting candles and eating challah “so that all our senses are engaged in the joy of Shabbat,” and going to serv-
ices when possible. Greenbaum doesn’t do any work on Shabbat and studies Torah and Jewish writings frequently. They often observe havdallah as well. Mezuzot adorn the doorposts of their house, and the ketubah is framed and displayed in the living room.
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Weddings • Bar Mitzvahs Danny Cohn, left, and Andrew Miller were the second gay couple joined together in a commitment ceremony at Temple Israel. In the Chicago home of Danny Cohn, also born and raised in Omaha, and Andrew Miller, mezuzot adhere to every door and the ketubah hangs on the wall. “We try to do Shabbat as often as we can,” Cohn mentioned. They host Passover and Rosh Hashanah get-togethers for family members in Chicago. Growing up in Omaha, Cohn was a member of Beth El Synagogue. He graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Kansas in 1999 and is currently vice president and creative director for Edelman Public Relations. He met Miller on the website, JDate.com. They’ve been together for more than six years. “I knew I wanted to marry Andrew the second we met,” Cohn insisted. “However, it took three years for me to get up the nerve to pop the question.” Although they first met with a rabbi in Chicago who agreed to perform a commitment ceremony, they subsequently asked Rabbi Azriel, who accepted their request to conduct the ceremony. “We approached this as a typical Jewish wedding,” continued Cohn. So on Nov. 18, 2006, at Temple Israel, surrounded by about 150 relatives and friends, they signed their ketubah, walked down the aisle, circled each other before approaching the bima, stood under a tallit, purchased specifically to be a chuppah and carried by four of their friends, exchanged wedding bands, and broke the glass, “two of them, in fact, one for each.” Cohn said he and Miller could have waited for their ceremony to be legal, “but I am a Jew before an American, and if it’s ok in the synagogue, then (never mind) the White House.” Their “vow of love and a lifetime of commitment (was) witnessed by God and our family and friends. It was our entrance into Jewish life as a family. Not just a marriage of us but our families as well.” “I am very lucky to have had the support of my parents,” Cohn acknowledged. They “had the foresight to know that any relationship, be it gay or straight, is a good one as long as you are happy. At the end of the day, it’s all about your family and the people you love, and Andrew and I are blessed by their presence in our lives.” Silverman echoed Cohn’s sentiments. “We were married, united for life as a couple, recognized as such by faith, family, and friends.”
Couples to celebrate at Beth El Continued from page 16 ceremony. “He sang a beautiful Israeli song as part of our ceremony that really made it special.” The Bernstein ceremony was also marked with humor, as family and friends waited in great anticipation for Steve to break the glass. “Steve has a long family tradition of the men failing to break the
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
glass,” Carrie joked, “so when he was successful on the first try, everyone had to celebrate.” Tradition, history, family connections ... all these elements meshed together to create precious wedding memories last year for four different couples on four different days, but all at the same place -- Beth El Synagogue. There’s no place like home.
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February 8, 2008
Nothing says simcha like yiddish BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS
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Where were we when we were talking about simchas not too long ago? I know we discussed all the various events falling in that category, right? But after giving this a lot of time, I’ve come to a conclusion. Only the older generation really has what we call simchas. You know, the grandparents, great grandparents, the older aunties and uncles, and the seniors connected to the family who aren’t really related but you call auntie or uncle anyway. Those are the folks to whom the word simcha really has special meaning. Think about it for a minute. When one of those elders shares the news with a friend about a future important happening, there’s a particularly warm and loving sound to “next April, we’ll be celebrating a simcha (meer tsu Shem).” The same news delivered by a younger person might sound like “my sister is pregnant again.” When Great Auntie Chikeh hears about it, she says “how wonderful -- a simcha to look forward to,” and the great-grandma-to-be might be a tad superstitious but she’ll say to Zayde, “kine anahora, a nyahm simcha.” Or, conversely, “hey, guess what?” I think all this has to do with so many younger generation people being unfamiliar with Yiddish, which is such a shame. It’s too bad, because the language is maybe not as melodious to the ear as perhaps French, but when it comes to delivering a statement, it’s delicious. And speaking of simchas, nothing says it like using the word itself, rather than “celebration, event, experience” or what ever else you can think of.
Young mothers of kids preparing for bar/bat mitzvot know what a joyous event is coming soon, but I wonder how many of them think of it as a simcha. For that matter, how many know the word? Maybe the discussion here should be about yiddish, rather than a specific word. I think everyone should have a second language, but if you’re Jewish, you ought to know and enjoy at least some yiddish. I can still remember, even though it’s 46 years ago, how my mom kvelled, preparing for the simcha of her first grandchild’s bar mitzvah; she must have baked enough for two such wonderful events, and you’d better believe, she referred to it as a simcha. I know I have some prejudice about using certain yiddish or Hebrew words, when translations to English are available -- I admit it. But I have to also admit, I’d feel as though I’d lost something wonderful if I didn’t have a fairly easy command, sparse though it might be. There are just words or phrases which don’t have that particular “flavor” that yiddish gives -- phrases for instance, like “sie pasht nit.” Loosely, that means “it isn’t appropriate”, but to me, that sounds cold and pedantic, while the yiddish implies it softly, and to make a point without insulting. No? You don’t agree? But that’s the wonderful thing about being Jewish ... each of us is our own maven and we just know what we mean is right! So, the good news is, we don’t have to boorche anymore about the word simcha. The truth is, it doesn’t really matter if you call your grandson’s wedding a marvelous family celebration or a simcha. Most importantly, let me say I hope you all have so many joyous events in the coming days, you need a special calendar to keep the dates straight! I think they’re called “Event Calendars”, but you’d be excused if you wanted to call yours a Simcha Calendar. Fair enough? Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.
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February 8, 2008
Should we feel sorry for the Gazans? Poor Gaza. No one wants them. After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel tried to return the Gaza Strip to Egypt, but Egypt refused. Fortplus years later, Egypt still doesn’t want to take responsibility for the care and feeding of the residents of Gaza. Why is that? And why should Israel, which pulled out of Gaza more than two years ago, be responsible for supplying two-thirds of the electrical power to Gaza, along with medical, home and business supplies? Didn’t the people of Gaza (who call themselves Palestinians) want independence? They got it in elections when they voted for Hamas, so why blame Israel for lack of electricity, when it was actually Hamas which shut down its generating capacity? And then those photos from the border -splashed all over the news, the response is supposed to be pity. No electricity. No supplies. No food. Oh, we get it. We’re supposed to feel sorry for the residents of Gaza. But how about we blame their leaders -- and Egypt -- instead. People (and the world media) seem to forget that Gaza shares its southern border with Egypt. But Egypt has shown little interest in helping fellow Arabs in Gaza. When they controlled the territory prior to 1967, they didn’t offer Egyptian citizenship to the Palestinians living in Gaza, nor did they do anything (and we mean anything) to improve the lives of the Arabs living there. Egypt left it to the United Nations Relief agency, which allows the status quo to remain: Palestinians in wretched refugee camps. Nothing has changed. Egypt doesn’t want the Palestinians any more than the rest of the Arab world (remember: the Palestinians living in Kuwait were kicked out in 1991 at the start of the first Gulf War -- and no one complained then either, not the Methodist Church which is again looking at divesting from Israel, nor any Muslim leader or cleric).
And now predictions of terrorists slipping through Israel’s border with Egypt have come to fruition. The two suicide bombers in Monday’s attack on Dimona, a small town in the Negev known more for its nuclear reactor that suicide bombings, were thought to have been from Gaza. And a day later, rockets pounded Sderot, plunging the town bordering Gaza into darkness. The Al-Aksa Martyrs Brigade, a unit of Fatah, claimed responsibility, but Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas gave a halfhearted condemnation. Hmmm. This is the “leader” with whom Israel hopes to secure “safe and secure” borders? Yeah, right. A few years ago, Yaakov Kirschen drew a cartoon we published in this newspaper. In the four panels, he showed Israelis digging a trench on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, then on its eastern border with Israel, and then its northern border, also with Israel. In the final panel, Kirschen drew tugboats pulling the whole of Gaza out to sea. While the cartoon was good for a bitter laugh, it obviously is not the solution. Instead we propose to follow Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s call for a security wall or fence (call it what you will) along Israel’s border with Egypt, from Gaza to Eilat. It would also make sense to build a more secure separation between Gaza and Israel on Gaza’s northern and eastern borders with the Jewish State.
That wall should also be patrolled and within Israeli territory, tanks and anti-missile guns should be manned. We also suggest that since the Gazans don’t seem to be able to refrain from launching rockets at Sderot and Ashkelon, that Israel stop supplying electrical power to Gaza and seal the border between Israel and Gaza -- for good. If that seems harsh, so be it. Let the residents of Gaza trade with Egypt. Let them get their medical care from Egyptian health professionals. Let them purchase the two-thirds of the electrical power they now obtain from Israel, from Egypt. If Gaza is going to be Judenrein (following the World War II German ideal of “no Jews allowed”), then let them face the consequences. They can be “reunited” with their brothers in Egypt, even though the Egyptians have made it clear they don’t want them. Feel sorry for the Gazans? No. Only when they demonstrate they really are capable of behaving like grownups will Israel be able to negotiate a peaceful relationship.
political distinction between groups of voters. The January 2008 pollsters of the New Hampshire primary, likewise, do not understand today’s media environment. Cell-phone-only users are not only more likely to be younger voters (under age 30), but are more likely to respond to a pollster’s questioning. Consider the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press study, released in May 2006 and titled “The Cell Phone Challenge to Survey Research.” The full report is available online at http://people-press.org/reports/ display.php3?ReportID=276. The Pew researchers discovered that “characteristics associated with age are also distinctive in the cell-only population.” Here is the error made by all political posters conducting their surveys by telephone in 2008.
landline sample includes a higher proportion of college graduates than does the cell phoneonly group (36% vs. 28%).” The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press study includes an additional significant finding: “Heavy users of cell phones are more easily reached and interviewed on their cell phones than are lighter users, resulting in a potential bias on some types of measures.” Today’s media environment means that younger, unmarried, rent-paying minorities who have not completed college at the same rate as their landline-using fellow-citizens are better represented in phone-based surveys. Nearly 60 years after Truman defeated Dewey, we are still creating invalid poll results because we rely on unsuitable samples from the targeted population. Young Americans, ages 18-29, are much more likely to use only a cell phone (48% according to the Pew study) than are those over the age of 64 (4%). Of course those in the younger demographic are more likely to be “heavy user[s] of cell phones.” Maybe they are also more likely to vote for Senator Obama? The truth is this: Pollsters still do not recognize that voters’ use-patterns of specific media break along political lines. And that was their double-digit mistake.
Political pundits took to the airwaves and their ink-wells after Hillary Clinton surprised the press by posting a first-place finish in New Hampshire last month. The talking heads have credited Senator Clinton’s atypical show of emotion for helping her to “pull-out a win.” Senator Obama was expected to win over Clinton in a “double-digit landslide.” But was there anything that Hillary did or said that changed the minds of New Hampshire’s astute electorate? Allow me to suggest that the candidates did nothing to change any voter’s mind. The pollsters, instead, sampled the wrong people. The famous photograph of Harry S Truman -with glowing face -- holding up the electionday front page of the Chicago Daily Tribune with its banner headline reading “Dewey Defeats Truman” is an instructive metaphor for us today. How did the pollsters of Truman’s day get it wrong? Simple answer: Using the telephone directory to select interview participants skewed their results. Most wealthy (Republican) households had telephones in the mid-twentieth century while those of more modest means (Democrats) had fewer and were not as well represented in the survey. The November 1948 pollsters got it wrong because they did not understand that the media environment of their day created a
Nearly 60 years after Truman defeated Dewey, we are still creating invalid poll results because we rely on unsuitable samples from the targeted population. The Pew report reported, “Nearly three-inten (29%) cell-only respondents are married, compared with 57% in the landline sample.” The Pew Research Center’s report highlights other distinctions of cell-only people: “Only 24% say they own their own home; in the landline sample, 71% do so. The cell-only population also includes a higher proportion of minorities, especially Hispanics (14% vs. 6% among landline users).” In addition, “The
Jewish Press Board Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Eve Randone, Melissa Schop; Michael Siegel, 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 an agency of the Jewish Federation. Highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
Hillary’s Dewey moment
FOCUS ON ISSUES by DR. DANIEL S. BROWN
(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern
Dr. Brown is a professor and chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Grove City (Pennsylvania) College. He is also a contributing scholar with the Center for Vision and Values and holds advanced degrees from Miami University (Ohio) and Lousiana State University.
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Living with the breach: Israeli strategists weigh Gaza options the wall’s collapse demonstrates that Egypt can provide a realistic economic alternative. Eiland acknowledges that an open border with Egypt will accelerate the flow of heavy weaponry into Gaza, but says Israel should deal with that by defining Gaza as an “enemy entity” and establishing a deterrent balance with it -- the way it does with enemy states like Syria. Furthermore, pushing Gaza into Egypt’s hands would sever the connection between Gaza and the West Bank and weaken the Palestinian national movement -- a development that Eiland believes would serve Israeli interests: Instead of looking to Israel or the West Bank, Gaza would look to its Arab neighbor. Although this might not facilitate a formal peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, it would certainly make the conflict more manageable, Eiland says. For other analysts, however, the idea of an open border between Egypt and Gaza is a strategic nightmare. Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Yom Tov Samya, a former head of
Iran does today -- and that this could reopen the possibility of conflict between Israel and Egypt. “Only effective Israeli and American pressure is likely to block this dangerous trend,” he maintains. The Israeli daily Ha’aretz recently took this line of by LESLIE SUSSER thought further. In an editorial titled “Double threat to peace,” the newspaper argued that the fall of the border JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The collapse of the border wall constitutes a danger to Israel’s strategic peace with between the Gaza Strip and Egypt has done much more Egypt and threatens to undermine peacemaking with than break Israel’s siege of the Hamas-run strip. It also the Palestinians. It emphasized the serious threat of terhas opened up new, far-reaching strategic options for rorism from the Sinai and said Israel could be pushed Israel while exposing it to grave new dangers. into a risky ground operation in Gaza in an effort to staSome strategists say Israel should use the opportunity bilize the situation. to force Gaza to look outward to Egypt, its natural Arab Ha’aretz called for an urgent Israeli-Egyptian summit hinterland, and thereby reduce and eventually end Israeli before the situation deteriorates. responsibility for Gaza’s fate. Others say such a handover Israel’s government has yet to adopt any of the new of responsibility would expose Israel to worse terrorism policy suggestions. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert seems than ever and that Israel instead should clamp down on to be toying with the idea of detachment from Gaza, all crossing points: between Israel and Gaza, Gaza and while Defense Minister Ehud Barak would like to see Egypt, and Israel and Egypt. stronger action by Egypt to seal its border Still others are focused on the threat the with Gaza. tricky new situation poses to Israel’s ties with In the meantime, following a court order, Egypt and its peacemaking efforts with Israel has renewed the supply of fuel and Palestinian moderates. cooking gas to the strip. Guy Bechor of the Herzliya InterdiscipliAfter meeting with Olmert on Jan. 27, nary Center argues that the border breach Palestinian negotiators said the prime minister has created conditions for a total Israeli distold them that he wants to transfer responsiengagement that would leave Egypt responbility for Gaza’s humanitarian problems to sible for Gaza, as it was before the 1967 SixEgypt. He also said he was opposed to the Day War. Palestinian Authority controlling Gaza’s bor“For the first time since 1967, Egypt has der crossing points because that would entail been sucked into Gaza, and worse, Gaza has a deal between the Fatah-led Palestinian been sucked into Egypt,” he says. Authority and Hamas. Bechor maintains that Israel’s erstwhile Olmert also apparently warned the negotiapolicy of policing Gaza along the Philadelphi tors that if they tried to exploit the current sitroute, which separates Gaza and Egypt, was uation to negotiate a power-sharing arrangeshort-sighted and ultimately self-defeating. ment with Hamas, Israel immediately would More than protect Israel, it protected Egypt suspend the post-Annapolis peace talks. from Gaza’s Palestinian radicals. Barak, generally thought to be behind the The fall of the wall, he says, has reopened failed Gaza siege policy -- bringing economic the possibility of close working ties between pressure to bear on Palestinians in Gaza in the Hamas and Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, hope that it would lead them to topple Palestinians from Gaza cross into Egypt last month after the border fence at Rafah was which could threaten the Egyptian regime. Hamas -- is now urging Egypt to reseal the toppled by Hamas. Credit: Abed Rahim Khatib /BPH IMAGES Therefore, Bechor says, if left alone to deal border with Gaza. with Gaza, Egypt will keep a much tighter rein on Israel’s Southern Command, which is responsible for “It’s in its interest as much as Israel’s,” Barak said. Hamas than Israel ever could. Israel just has to sit back Gaza and the Egyptian front, says Israel must act quickand do nothing and the situation will take care of itself, ly to reinforce its control along the border with Egypt he avers. “from the Mediterranean to Eilat.” Former Israeli national security adviser Giora Eiland This means increasing patrols along the entire Israelialso believes the new situation provides an excellent Egyptian border and reasserting Israeli control over the opportunity for Israel to rid itself of responsibility for Philadelphi route dividing Gaza from Egypt, which Gaza. Israeli forces handed over to the Egyptians shortly after To the Editor: To cement the break, he proposes detaching Gaza Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005. The Muslims of Gaza have finally decided to throw off from the customs union with Israel and the West Bank. If these steps are not taken, Samya says, terrorists will the shackles of Hamas and Fatah and are leaving the Hell As part of the Oslo agreements, Gaza, the West Bank be able to move out of Gaza into the Sinai and threaten hole called Gaza and go home to Egypt. They can prosand Israel form a single customs entity: All goods com- Israeli civilian populations across the weakly defended per in the Sinai, as the Jews did before giving that land ing into Gaza or the West Bank are subject to Israeli- Israeli-Egyptian border -- to say nothing of the free flow to Egypt in exchange for a false peace at Camp David. level duties to keep prices in the three areas more or less of heavy weapons from Egypt into Gaza. Rather than We applaud their courage, in the face of international equal. Moreover, all three use the Israeli shekel as legal opening Gaza to Egypt, as Bechor and Eiland suggest, pressure to live in Israel, to stop this insanity and say to tender. the world: “We have the right to return to our Samya urges sealing it off tighter from Egypt. Eiland’s proposal would cut off Gaza economically “The holes in the Philadelphi route could lead to Homelands.” We encourage all Muslims living under the from Israel and the West Bank and force it to turn to regional war,” he warns. oppression of Hamas and Fatah in Gaza, Judea, Samaria, Egypt for sustenance and trade. The Likud Party’s Yuval Steinitz, a former chairman of as well as the rest of Israel, to go home to Egypt, Jordan, With the breach of the border, Eiland says, Israel also the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Lebanon and Syria and to reclaim their homelands and could cut off all fuel and other supplies to Gaza and takes a similar view. Steinitz adds that if the border reestablish their own government and begin to prosper. insist they instead come from Egypt. He says the huge between Gaza and Egypt is left open, Egypt is likely to Hillel Bluestein, Chairman, Philadelphia Chapter Gazan shopping spree on Egyptian soil in the wake of become a strategic ally of Hamas -- helping it the way Americans For A Safe Israel/AFSI
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EDITOR
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February 8, 2008
Candlelighting Friday, Feb. 8, 5:30p.m.
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B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Zohar Winer, community shlicha, speaking about “An Eye to Israel.” SUNDAY, Feb. 17, noon: Chili Potluck Cook-off. Cook your favorite chili and bring it to share. To participate, call 323.8885.
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, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 5 p.m., followed by Suedat Shlishit; Special musical Havdalah, 6:34 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Oxman, 9:45 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s teen class, 10 a.m.; NCSY Pizza making, 3 p.m.; HandTossed Pizza Dinner, 6 p.m. (by reservation only); Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY: Sisterhood Mah Jongg, 7-9 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Beth Israel Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m. taught by Leon Shrago.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. FRIDAY: Musical Shabbat services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Shabbat Tunes & Tales: 11:15-11:45 a.m., singalong program, led this month by “Miss Carrie” Fingold; open to all Jewish children (up to age five), their parents and grandparents. Minha/Ma’ariv, 5:40 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m. THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Insights and Values from the Torah, noon; Women’s Book Club, 1:15 p.m.. LOVE AND LOGIC PARENTING CLASS: Wednesday, Feb. 13, 7-8 p.m. Monthly class led by Karen Gustafson, executive director of Jewish Family Service. UNDERSTANDING JEWISH MYSTICISM with Guy Matalon on Thursdays, Feb. 14, 21, and 28, 8-9 p.m. Cost is $23; fee is $18 for donors to the Federation Campaign. To register, contact the office. KARIN LEVINE HEALTH SYMPOSIUM: Sunday, Feb.17, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Beth El. This year’s focus: “Raising Healthy Children,” will cover topics of interest to parents. The seminar is free of charge and presented by Sisterhood. MEN’S CLUB MEETING: Sunday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. YOUNG FAMILIES’ SHABBATON: Feb. 22-23 at Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. For information, call the office. SISTERHOOD HAMANTASCHEN SALE: through Feb. 21. Cost is $6.25 a dozen. Order forms in the office, or send a check -- made out to Beth El Sisterhood -- to Beth El, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. Specify flavor and number desired. Pick-up is Sunday, March 16, 11 a.m.-noon, or at the Purim Carnival, Sunday March 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. HIDDUR MITZVAH ART PROJECT: Sunday, Feb. 24, 24 p.m., sponsored by Sisterhood, in conjunction with the Gary Rosenthal Collection. Members of the Jewish community (ages 6 and up) are invited to create their own Judaica artwork, in the style of Rosenthal. All projects must be pre-paid by Feb. 15; for information, contact the office.
LJCS Board, 1:30 p.m. at Temple; Winter Lecture Series, 7 p.m. at Unitarian Church: “Prospects for Economic Growth and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa” with Prof. Wesley Peterson and colleagues. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Board of Trustees meeting, 7 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. MONDAYS, 7-8:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Hebrew Reading Crash Course One Day Review and Module II . TUESDAYS, 7 p.m. How would the Rabbis vote? Judaism and American Politics, led by Rabbi Emanuel.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
FRIDAY: Minyan, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by B’nai B’rith Members. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m., at the synagogue. SUNDAY: Religious School, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the JCC.
FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. with Rabbi Eric Linder. Bring your own Shabbat candlesticks and and make the candles. Open to families in the community. Cost for dinner is $5 for adults; no charge for children. Contact the Temple office or mkube@templeisraelomaha.com; Youth Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, followed by a night out at the CoCo Key Waterpark; Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Grade Six Shabbat Service and Luncheon,
Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m.; Children’s Service, 10:30 a.m.; Bedtime Storytime, 6-7 p.m., for children up to age eight and their families. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha class, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer, Prophets, and Prayer, 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. All events and programs are open to the community.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM
CHABAD HOUSE
10:30 a.m. Six graders will lead the service. SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; Four B’s: Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels, 10:30 a.m. “Romantic Love in Judaism” with Rabbi Eric Linder. TUESDAY: Hebrew Lunch & Learn, 12:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 712, 6 p.m.; Who Are We? with Dr. Gary Zola, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Cantor Shermet, 10 a.m. FRIDAY, Feb. 15: Parent/ Toddler, 9:30 a.m.
Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. Contact the office to arrange for a minyan. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by kiddush lunch and Talmud study. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grade 1-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION MONDAYS, 7-8:30 p.m. Hebrew Reading Crash Course One Day Review and Module II.
Yachad members cheer the Jays
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grade 1-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at Temple;
Prior to a recent Creighton men’s basketball game, some Yachad members including: Ben Kravitz, standing left, Jeff Steinberg, Alan Friedman, Ron Giventer and Lisa and Jill Salomon, kneeling, enjoyed a photo-op with “Billy” the Bluejay, the team mascot. From their lofty perch, Yachad members cheered the home team to a last minute victory over the Wichita State Shockers. They were flying high as the final seconds of the game ticked past and the Jays were assured of the win.
PERSONAL Thank you to the families at Friedel, Chabad, and the Jewish community for hosting the Bat Mitzvah for Ortal Cohen. Please continue to pray for baby Michael during his hospital stay. Ortal and Smadar
February 8, 2008
Our Jewish heritage: a heritage of giving
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Terumah In our Sidra, we read about an event with makes our Federations whimper. Moses had asked the people to bring contributions of various kinds. Money, to be sure. But also many valuable things, including semi-precious stones that were to be used as is, or converted to money. The people, unused to frequent solicitation, brought contributions that were too abundant for the task before them. Indeed, the text has it that Moses had to beg the people to stop bringing contributions. There was too much. This should only happen to our Federation! Today our communities are well organized; they have to be. Our needs are so great: education, for example, and health needs, and financial assistance for the poor (“who are ever with you”), that they require an organized approach. Do you know the word shnoder (or she-nadar)? If you do, you’re giving your age away. In traditional Orthodox and Conservative synagogues, people used to make oral promises of contributions to the synagogue, as well as personal gifts (aloud!) to the rabbi, the cantor, the shammash, the Talmud Torah, and anything the giver wanted to boast about, all during the Torah reading. In our day, synagogues, hospitals, health organizations, schools, Jewish Community Centers, and other community organizations generally unite in a grand campaign for each city, for the well-being of the community. Omaha has been a kind of role model for the country, and our campus of Jewish institutions dwarfs the efforts and results of much larger Jewish cities than our own. We have learned that it is necessary to start teaching community responsibility to very young children, so that in general, people recognize that services of all kinds begin with financial responsibility. Our Sidra describes in great detail the appurtenances of the Tabernacle, including an ark, a covering, a table, a menorah, and the tabernacle itself, and the court before it. Omahans have had the opportunity to learn how our local synagogues have planned new buildings -- not merely synagogues, but synagogue-centers. Acknowledged or not, the synagogue-center is the brain child of Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan, who saw Judaism not merely as a religion but as the religion of a people, thus a civilization. His ideas influenced Reform and Orthodox Jews, wether or not they choose to say so. His influence largely affected Conservative Judaism and affected many changes of ideas. Kaplan became in time, not exactly to his liking, the founder of a new approach to American Judaism, to combine with Orthodoxy, Conservatism and=Reform: the Reconstructionist Movement. Agreeing or not, re-reading of Judaism as a Civilization by Kaplan, is worthwhile for all of us. (Editor’s note: Rabbi Kripke is still on vacation, but his original columns will appear next week. This column original was published in the Feb. 7, 2003, issue of the Jewish Press.)
To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.
Jewish voters shunned Edwards more than whites in general by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Just two months ago a poll found that John Edwards was slightly more popular than Barack Obama among Jewish Democrats, with the two of them trailing far behind Hillary Rodham Clinton. But while Obama and Edwards were competitive among white voters for second place in Florida’s Democratic primary Jan. 29, Edwards came in a distant third among Jewish voters. What happened? Fox News political commentator Dick Morris was criticized for suggesting that Edwards’ main base of support was white men who didn’t want to vote for a woman or an African American. That theory, when combined with exit polling data on the Jewish vote, suggests that Jews were still likelier than other whites to vote for the African-American candidate in the race despite an ugly recent e-mail campaign falsely depicting Obama as a secret Muslim. Another possibility -- firmly rejected by Marc Stanley, a top Edwards supporter -- is that the candidate’s emphasis on poverty relief may not have resonated as much as it once would have with Jews. “That would be a sad day for the American Jewish community if it were true,” said Stanley, the Austin, Texas-based chairman of the National Jewish Democratic Council and Edwards’ top fund-raiser. “I hope we haven’t abandoned our collective commitment to tikkun olam,” the Talmudic injunction to repair the world. He paused and added, “John would be a great Jew.” Edwards, the former North Carolina senator and vice presidential candidate, left the race for the Democratic presidential nomination the next day, having failed to win a single primary state outright. “It’s time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path,” Edwards said against a backdrop of half-built devastation in hurricane-wracked New Orleans, where he launched his campaign a year ago. “We will be strong, we will be unified, and with our convictions and a little backbone we will take back the White House in November.” Edwards, unlike Obama and Clinton, was never able to shake the impression left over from the 2004 election, when he was on the ticket as the vice presidential candidate, that he was strong on domestic policy and a lightweight on foreign policy. That was bound to hurt him with Jewish voters, a constituency that polls suggest is concerned with the domestic issues Edwards championed -- decreasing poverty and making health care universally available -but also looks to Israel’s security.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 23
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DEATH SOPHIA KIMMEL Sophia (Newman) Kimmel died at the age of 92. Grave side services were held Feb 4 at Beth El Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Arnold and Laura Kimmel of Chicago; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Bruce Friedman of Chicago; grandchildren, Dana, Jordan, Malinda, Adam, Julie, Ron, Michele, Brad, Jill and Amy; a great granddaughter; and sister, Babe Dobrofsky.
DEADLINE NOTICE Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. Questions? Call 334.6448.
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RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet: Open House, Mar. 12-13; go to www.chillmas ters.biz; super ice cream machine sale; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105.
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Free Haggadah from The Jewish Heritage for the Blind This year, the Passover Seders will be celebrated on April 19 and 20. If you are expecting guests who are seniors or visually impaired, you many obtain a Braille or large print Haggadah free of charge by contacting the Jewish Heritage for the Blind at 800.995.1888; or fax 718.388.0653; or e-mail to jhb.ny@verizon.net.
FOUNDATION TEMPORARILY RELOCATES TO JCC As of Monday, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation office has relocated to the ADL Conference Room in the Jewish Community Center, due to construction at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Please call 334.6439 or 334.6551 if you have any questions.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 8, 2008
Beth El’s Tu B’Shevat celebration draws 350 people
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Spring was in the air at the end of January at Lauritzen Gardens botanical center, as Beth El and the Gardens co-sponsored the third annual community-wide Tu B’Shevat celebration. An estimated crowd of 350 came to celebrate the New Year for the Trees, and enjoyed the afternoon’s festivities, which included seed planting, cookie decorating, a video about Israel and a lively, engaging puppet show. Photos from top left: Marty Shukert served as a guide during the event, talking to visitors about Tu B’Shevat and Israel; Tuffy Epstein provided musical accompaniment during the entertaining puppet show; following their performance, puppeteers Abe and Rivkah Sass continued to charm their young audience; families enjoyed arts and crafts activities offered through the afternoon.
Israeli dance troupe to perform at JCC by LISA LIEB Federation Communications Director In November Omaha was captivated by two gifted young violinists. January’s program featured flutes and exotic instruments from around the world. And the musical magic continues on Saturday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., at the JCC, with a performance by Israel’s Kibbutz Gaaton Dance Group. This program is part three of the Jewish Federation’s Partnership with Israel Performing Arts Series. The Kibbutz Gaaton Dance Group is a touring ensemble of talented young dancers training to be professionals. This Kibbutz is located in the Western Galilee, which is home to Omaha’s Partnership with Israel Region. Performing Arts Series Chair Bonnie Bloch describes the Western Galilee as a magnet for the arts, adding “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to present these talented artists in Omaha.” Holocaust survivor and renowned dancer/choreographer Yehudith Arnon founded the Kibbutz Gaaton Dance Group in 1977. Arnon also started the prominent Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, also located in the Western Galilee. Born in Komarno, Czechoslovakia, Yehudith Arnon spent World War II imprisoned in concentration camps. Crammed in a barrack of 1,000 women, she danced to entertain her fellow prisoners, and as a way of maintaining control over a body the Nazis sought to execute. In December of 1944 she refused a
Nazi order to dance at their Christmas party. Arnon was sent outside barefoot in the snow as punishment for her defiance. It was then she vowed to dedicate her life to dance. Upon her escape Arnon moved to Budapest, where she joined the Hashomer Hatzair Zionist youth movement. In 1948, Arnon immigrated to Israel and joined Kibbutz Gaaton. She established a dance center and devoted herself to dance education, quickly gaining a reputation as a pioneer of modern dance. Shortly afterwards she started the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, drawing upon the talent from a number of Kibbutzim. Arnon directed the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company for 25 years, guiding an outstanding group of dancers from Israel and abroad. Many of Israel’s foremost dancers and choreographers have been her disciples. Israel awarded Arnon its highest honor in 1997, when she received the prestigious Israel Prize for her accomplishments. Einav Levy is a former dancer and rehearsal director with the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company. He became the coordinator of the Kibbutz Gaaton Dance group in 1996, and in 2006 was named the company’s director. Levy will accompany his dancers on their upcoming trip to Omaha. Tickets are $7; children and students admitted free of charge. For more information or to purchase your ticket, call 334.8200.
The Jewish Press will publish Israel@60, on April 18, 2008. We’re calling for articles and photos from anyone who has been to Israel on a mission, teen trip or on their own, anyone who has spent a semester abroad there or a post-high school year on a program, anyone who has studied there, lived there, or lives there now. Articles can be 500-2000 words in length (but for those who don’t feel comfortable writing, a few photos and captions are welcome, too). Photos can be real photographs or digital images e-mailed to the Press to ckatzman@jewishomaha.org, with stories as attachments (in Word) or mailed to the Press at 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Deadline is Feb. 29, 2008. Questions? Call Editor Carol Katzman at 402.334.6450.