February 10, 2006

Vol. LXXXV No. 22 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

12 Shevat, 5766 February 10, 2006

Press Launches Website Survey

2006 OLYMPICS

Israeli Team Hopes to Skate into History with Ice-Dancing Routines by PETER EPHROSS NEW YORK (JTA)--Galit Chait left Israel with her family as an infant and grew up in the United States. Sergei Sakhnovski grew up in Russia and immigrated to the Jewish state at the age of 19. In a few weeks, the ice-dancing duo, both Israeli citizens, will be the best hope for Israel’s first-ever medal in the Winter Olympic Games, which will take place in Turin, Italy, starting tonight through Feb. 26. It’s a responsibility they’re reminded of whenever they’re in Israel, where they’ve put ice skating on the map. “We’re not only skating for ourselves,” Chait said last week during an interview at their home rink in northern New Jersey. “We’re skating for a country -- and a country that expects a lot.” According to most observers, Israelis are right to expect a lot from the pair. They won a bronze medal at the 2002 World Championships and are considered serious contenders in Turin. “They need to skate well,” said one of their coaches, two-time Russian Olympic gold medalist Evgeny Platov. Israeli ice dancers Galit Chait, left, and Sergei Sakhnovski. Credit: Mike Braca “And have some luck.” During the interview at the snack bar area at the Floyd If Chait and Sakhnovski do, they would make history for Israel. Israel has won medals in Summer Olympics; Hall Arena in Little Falls, N.J., Chait and Sakhnovski, most recently, Gal Fridman won a gold in windsurfing at both 30, couldn’t seem more different. Continued on page 2 the Athens Games in 2004.

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Are you web savvy? Do you read news stories on the Internet? Is your list of website bookmarks now longer than your address book? Is your laptop one of your most important possessions? If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then you’re probably would vote for the Jewish Press to have a major presence online. While the Press posts three to four stories a week on the website of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the Press committee and staff want to know whether or not a major presence could expand our readership and increase our advertising revenue. In order to accomplish this task, the committee will collect data from three sources: an online survey, the insert in this week’s issue, and letters sent to our advertisers. “Last spring, we were asked by the Budget and Allocations Committee to explore the possibility,” explained Joanie Jacobson, Chairman of the Jewish Press Committee. “The Press Committee has discussed the advantages and disadvantages, we’ve met with a member of B&A to discuss possible options, we even drew up a preliminary website proposal. However, it’s clear that before we go any further, we need to assess the level of interest in the community. “It’s important that our readers respond,” Jacobson urged. “Putting the Press online would mean additional staff hours and additional funding, but if public interest isn’t significant, there’s no need to change what we’re doing at this time.” At the suggestion of Press Committee member George Quittner, the Press staff contacted an online company--surveymonkey.com--to gauge the interest of Continued on page 2

Celebrating Simchas Something Old, Something New

Legacy of Giving Finds A Perfect Fit

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Simchas at Temple Israel “are not just about sanctifying and codifying old traditions and rituals but also about creating and filling them with new meaning,” explained Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. Parents wrap their newborns in a talit at naming ceremonies and bring family heirlooms and pictures to the rit- Stephanie and David Eshel circle one another during Sheva ual. Mothers and fathers pre- Brachot (the Seven Blessings) recited during the ceremony. pare their own special words to share with their children on the bimah at cycle more of their personal family narraB’nai Mitzvah ceremonies. He sees more tive. They want to bring in the memories of dear ones who are deceased in creative kippot and tallitot at ceremonies. “We are becoming more learned and and appropriate ways.” Stephanie and David Eshel, who were spiritual,” said Rabbi Azriel. “As we seek Aug. 21, 2005, at Temple Israel, married to understand the depth of the Jewish covered the top of their chuppah with his soul, couples and individuals learn about tallit. It was held grandfather’s maternal rituals and create new ones. They sanctiup by four simple wooden poles put in fy the past while renewing the present. place on the bima during the procession“There is definitely an upgrade offered al. “In addition, to the tallit above our in Jewish education in all the movements,” heads, we were wrapped by our parents he remarked. “As a result of the explosion during a part of the ceremony with the of new materials and publications, individtalit that was given to David by my paruals want to share more rituals themselves and also in their larger communities. ents,” said Stephanie, principal at Temple We’re living in times when couples are Judea in Tarzana, CA. interested in incorporating into the life Continued on page 18

at the Clothesline, a Thrift Store the 86-Year-Old Founded and Still Runs at Boys Town

Inside Opinion Page see page 12

by LEO ADAM BIGA Eighty-nine years ago, Omaha Jewish leader Henry Monsky befriended an Irish Catholic priest with whom he shared a dream of creating a safe haven for troubled youths. The priest found a site, but lacked funds. Monsky, a successful attorney and inveterate do-gooder, lent Rev. Edward Flanagan $90 for the first month’s rent on the original Boys Town building in downtown Omaha. Besides serving, pro bono, as attorney for Louise Abrahamson rules over thrift shop she founded at Boys both the home and the Town: the Clothesline, a store for residents and families. late Fr. Flanagan, Monsky was a member of the Boys Town board of ed. Now it’s become a much replicated directors from its 1917 inception until his national model, and the names Fr. Flanagan and Boys Town are synonydeath in 1947. His support of Fr. Flanagan and the mous with youth care worldwide. The role Monsky played in the thenyouth care program got other civic-business leaders to follow suit. The rest is his- fledging institution’s founding is even tory. As Boys Town’s approach to serving portrayed in the 1938 Oscar-winning at-risk children caught on, donations film Boys Town. poured in and the organization expand- Continued on page 8

This Week: Simchas & Celebrations Starts on Page 13 Church/State Issues Discussed at Shabbaton: Pages 5 and 6

Purim 2006 Crossword Puzzle: Page 10

Next Week: More Olympic Coverage Review of Ushpizin, Showing at Upcoming Jewish Film Festival: Page 16

Rick Recht in Concert at Beth El Next Month: Page 24

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 10, 2006

Press Launches Care Consultants Website Survey for the Aging Continued from page 1 ®

readers. It’s easy; just log onto the Jewish Federation’s website at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on the ‘Jewish Press’, and then click on “Take the Survey.” Readers will immediately reach the short (three minutes or less) onepage survey. Readers also can complete the survey enclosed with this newspaper and mail it back to: Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE, 68154; or fax it to: 402.334.5422. Advertisers will have an opportunity to comment when they receive the survey in a mailing about the April 7 Passover issue: “The B’nai Mitzvah Class of 2001 Graduates High School!” In the survey for advertisers, the Press has asked if clients are interested in advertising online (in addition to print advertising) and if they want the Press sales staff to call on them with regard to same. In addition to Advertising Manager Allan Sales Terri Greenwood Handleman, Terri Greenwood has joined the Jewish Press as a Marketing Associate. Greenwood has a background in both marketing and sales and can be reached at 334.6559 or at: terrigreenwood@jewishomaha.org; Handleman can be reached at 334.6451 or vi e-mail at: ahandleman@jewishomaha.org. The deadline (online or print) is Feb. 24. The online surveys will be collated by surveymonkey.com; the print versions will be collated by Press committee members Linda Saltzman and Jamie Meyerson. The Press committee then will use the data to determine the next step. “We want to hear from everyone,” explained Jacobson, “--people who read their news online, people who prefer a print version, out-of-towners who get the Press, seniors, juniors and everyone in-between. Obviously, the more people who respond, the more accurate the data. “Our goal is always to remain a full-service, relevant, up-to-date newspaper, responsive to the needs of both our readers and our advertisers,” Jacobson added. “Will the Jewish Press find fame and fortune in cyberspace? The jury is still out.” For more information about the survey, contact the Press office at 402.334.6448.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, 5 p.m. with Alolfo Roitman at Beth El SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Beth El USY Winter Shabbaton Feb 9-12, 7 a.m. Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, 9 a.m. at Beth El Sisterhood Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El C “Kids Rule the Shul,” 4 p.m. at Beth Israel L Beth Israel Jr. NCSY Movie, 7 p.m. at AMC Theatre I SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 P Scholar-in-Residence Weekend at Beth El & S A V E

Living Hebrew Class and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El Beth El TuB’Shevat Celebration, 1:30 p.m. at Lauritzen Family Dinner & Auction, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Tu B’Shevat Seder, 5 p.m. at Beth Israel

C L I P & S A V E

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Tu B’Shavat JCC OPEN, 7 a.m. Derech Torah Class, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. at Chabad Visions Movie & Lunch, 11 a.m. at Westwood Plaza The Guy & Bob Show, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. A History of Israel, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Spice and Spirit Cooking Club, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad C PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El L Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, 11:30 a.m. I Executive and Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel P JELS Adult Ed. Class “Bad Girls of the Bible,” 6:30 p.m. Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel & S A V E

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El JWI Sweetheart Day, noon at the Blumkin Home Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. at Kripke Library 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

Vision Screening Now Available for CDC Children by JORDANA L. KURTZMAN The children at the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center recently had their vision evaluated through a program sponsored by Prevent Blindness Nebraska. For more than 17 years, the CDC has arranged for this vision screening, which has always been provided without charge. In the past, only four-yearolds received this free testing; however, this year Carole Greenberg coordinated the testing for the three-yearolds as well. According to Sherri Petersen, assistant director of Prevent Blindness Nebraska, “Vision disorders are one of the most prevalent health problems in children today, yet the majority are undetected.” One of these disorders is amblyopia, or lazy eye, which can be successfully improved if treated properly with vision therapy, drops, or patching. Volunteers Bob Kemp and Harold Slaight, who tested the children, used the SureSight Vision Screener this year. In previous years, Kemp and Slaight have used the eye test which involves moving one’s fingers and asking the children to respond to what they see. By using SureSight, they were able to test younger children because they did not require verbal responses from the children. Over the years, Kemp and Slaight have provided numerous recommendations for parents to take their children for further testing. To find out more about the Pennie Z. Davis CDC and its preschool and child care programs, contact Director Corey Kirshenbaum or Assistant Director Carole Greenberg at 334.6413.

Bob Kemp, right, performed a vision screening on Spencer Schneiderman at the CDC.

Omaha Reporter Kotok, Photographer Bundy to Relay Iraq Experiences During Community Event by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Veteran World-Herald reporter C. David Kotok and long-time World-Herald photographer Jeff Bundy will share their recent experiences as embedded journalists in Iraq, at a special community event on Sunday, Feb. 19, 1:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. The men were sent to the war zone last year by the newspaper to cover the daily lives and experiences of Nebraskans and Iowans fighting in the war. The gathering will be co-sponsored by Beth El’s Hazak group, Visions, AMIT Women, Jewish Women International, B’nai B’rith Men, Hadassah, Beth El Men’s Club, the Jewish Historical Society, LOVE, the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Community Center, Beth Israel, Chabad House and 39 Forever. A dessert reception, sponsored by Jewish Senior Services, will follow the speakers’ presentations. A native of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Kotok holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Iowa. He has worked for the Omaha World-Herald since 1980, primarily as a political and government reporter. Bundy, a staff photographer for the past 15 years, is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Omaha. In addition to covering daily news and events, his extensive list of assignments has included taking photos of the pope, the war in Bosnia, baseball players Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, and a trip on Air Force One. The journalists’ presentation is a great opportunity for the community to better understand what our troops are experiencing in Iraq, said event organizer Jim Wax, who serves as both Hazak president and chairman of Visions. “The war in Iraq is one of the most significant issues in our country today and strikes close to home as the military relies increasingly on National Guard units for key roles. These servicemen and servicewomen joined the guard for a variety of reasons and now find themselves

far from home in harm’s way. “Equipped with military body armor, laptop computers, cameras and a satellite telephone, David and Jeff went to some of the most dangerous places in that war-torn country, including Ramadi, Baghdad, and Fallujah. I encourage everyone to attend and honor these men for their courage and contributions to objective journalism.” This event is free and open to the entire community.

Go to the Movies with Beth Israel’s Junior NCSY by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue An unsolved murder and theft of the Pink Panther diamond requires an investigation by a well-known detective with superior sleuthing skills--but, he isn’t available. So, the French government turns to the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau to solve the case! The Pink Panther opens in theaters this weekend, and Beth Israel Synagogue’s Junior National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) will be there for the fun on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 10. According to Beth Israel’s NCSY Advisor Brooke Shrago, Junior NCSY will meet at AMC Oakview movie theater to see the new “Pink Panther” movie, starring Steve Martin, Beyonce Knowles and Kevin Kline. “We’ll go to the movie in the evening, after Shabbat is over,” Shrago said. “Anyone in fifth through eighth grade is welcome to join us, and the cost is only $5 per person. Beth Israel will cover the rest of the cost. It’s a fun movie and I know we’ll have a great time.” To RSVP, and for more information, call Brooke Shrago at 556.6288.

February 10, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Skate into History Continued from page 1 Pretty and petite, her hair dyed a reddish orange, Chait describes herself as full of energy, “like the Energizer bunny.” She admitted to being anxious, while he’s the calmer of the two. Sakhnovski--with longish dark hair, brooding eyes and small glasses--looks like a graduate student in philosophy. On the ice, their personalities mesh well. They’re known for their intense, expressive skating style that has made them favorites with the fans. During the Olympics, their free dance will feature Ravel’s Bolero, while during their original dance they will skate to cha cha, rhumba and samba music. But they took very different paths as young skaters. Chait was born in the Israeli city of Kfar Saba to parents who had immigrated to the Jewish state from the then-Soviet republic of Moldova. Her family moved to the United States before she turned 1. At the age of 8, she began her skating career with a trip to Rockefeller Center in New York City. She competed for a while in individual events before switching to ice dancing. Sakhnovski, whose father is Jewish but whose mother is not, began skating in Russia at age four--“when my mother pushed me into it,” he said. By the age of eight, he was already into ice dancing, which is similar to pairs figure skating, but does not allow lifts or other strength moves. “It’s a stage--you need the play there like an actor,” said Sakhnovski, who immigrated to Israel on his own as a young adult. His family still lives in Moscow, while he lives in Freehold, N.J., as does Chait. After skating with other partners, the

two came together in the mid-1990s, at said, they plan to stop skating as amateurs France, where they finished fifth. They’ll the suggestion of another coach. They fin- and want to train and coach, promoting gradually increase their skating time, and ished 14th at the 1998 Olympics in the sport further in Israel. There the spend the immediate pre-Olympics period Nagano, Japan, and sixth at the 2002 national rink is part of the Canada Centre, in Russia to acclimate to European time. Olympics in Salt Lake City. But whether or not they reach the podilocated in the city of Metulla in northern The climb hasn’t come easy. Except for Israel. um depends on the judges in the notoria month off in June, the two train at least While they might promote the sport ously political world of skating. They six to eight hours together in Israel in the future, believe they should have finished higher at a day. Training theirs is only a business relation- the competition in France. includes running, Boris Chait doesn’t mince his words on ship. They are each dating othersweightlifting and -Chait’s boyfriend is Jewish, while the subject. ballet, as well as “If they had been skating for the United Sakhnovski’s girlfriend is not. ice time. They On a late January day, they skate States, if they had been skating for reduce the workin the New Jersey rink, which fea- Canada, if they had been skating for load only during tures a Pepsi scoreboard with a Russia, they would have had a much easithe winter, when sign that says, “Home of the er time,” he said, adding, “Israel has to say there are skating thank you for being accepted into the Montclair Hockey Club.” competitions. She’s wearing a light blue fleece boys club.” “For eight and Galit Chait is more diplomatic. “After and white sweats, he’s wearing a a half months, we medium blue sweatsuit with the this, I understood that you can’t fight work every single letters “ISR” for Israel on the with it,” she said of the judges’ decision. day,” Chait said. It wasn’t the first time controversy has back that he takes off as the pracTheir work has surrounded the pair. At the 2002 World tice gets going. paid off, not only after Chait and For the next hour and a half, Championships, for themselves but they glide, bend and dance Sakhnovski edged out a Lithuanian duo for Israel’s image together on the ice for an hour for a bronze medal, a petition protesting Sasha Cohen, 2006 U.S. Olympic in the world. and a half, occasionally stopping the decision circulated among competifigure skater. Boris Chait, to receive instruction from their tors and judges. But the ruling stood. Credit: Sashacohen.com Galit Chait said she has learned a lesson: Galit’s father, Russian coaches. It’s a relaxed who also serves as chairman of the Israeli practice, since they just finished the “Don’t skate for the judges; skate for the Ice Skating Federation, said that recently, European Championships in Lyon, people.’’ a Chinese woman approached him after a competition and said, “Kol hakavod,” which translates loosely from the Hebrew by JTA STAFF as “more power to you.” NEW YORK, (JTA)--There are more Jewish athletes who compete in the The two are “some of the best ambassaSummer Olympics than the Winter Games, but there are still a number participatdors of the country in the world,” Boris ing in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, which run from Feb. 10-26. Chait said. They’re ambassadors within Among them are medal contenders Sasha Cohen, Ben Agosto and the ice-dancing Israel as well. team of Galit Chait and Sergei Sakhnovski. Here are some Jewish athletes expect“When we started skating, people ed to compete: Ben Agosto, U.S. (skating); Galit Chait and Sergei Sakhnovski, weren’t aware there was an ice-dancing Israel (skating); Sasha Cohen U.S. (skating), Melissa Gregory, U.S. (ice dancing); team from Israel. People laughed at us,” Michael Renzin, Israel (skiing); Mathieu Schneider (hockey), U.S.; Jamie Galit Chait said. “Now everyone knows.” Silverstein, U.S. (skating); Alexandra and Roman Zaretzki, Israel (skating). After the Turin Olympics are over, they

Jewish Olympic contenders from Israel and U.S.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 10, 2006

Nominations Due for JCC Wall of Fame and Jewish High School Athlete of the Year by LISA SHKOLNICK JCC Assistant Executive Director The “JCC Athletic Wall of Fame” award recognizes the achievement of Omaha’s Jewish athletes who participated in JCC sports programs in their youth and went on to make significant contributions to the Jewish community, the general community and/or the Jewish Community Center.

recognition at the final JCC board meeting on June 6 and will be recognized in the Jewish Press and JCC Centerpiece. Last year’s Wall of Fame Inductees were: Barry Zoob, Jack Cohen, Don Goldstein, Louis Kohll, David Kohll, and Justin Kohll. The “Jewish High School Athlete of the Year” award recognizes the achievements of Omaha’s elite Jewish athletes in

Among last year’s honorees are, left photo: Don Goldstein, left, Barry Zoob, and David

Kohll; and high school athletes: Adam Skog, Joel Passer, Jodi Levine, and Corey Green.

Nominees must meet all four criteria: must be Jewish; must have participated in at least one JCC sponsored sports program; must have lettered and excelled in a varsity sport for a high school or university, and/or won a city or state championship in a particular sport; and must have devoted at least three to five years of service towards the betterment of the community. This service is to be contributed to the JCC and/or the Jewish community by being active on committees, a volunteer leader through a program, acting as chairman on committees, or promotion of programs. Applications will be approved and judged by the JCC Health and Fitness Committee. A plaque will be added to the “Wall of Fame” at the ‘J’ and the recipients will receive a certificate of

high school. All participants who meet the following criteria will be honored at the JCC board meeting on June 6, and will be recognized in the Press and Centerpiece: must be Jewish; must be a senior in high school; must have lettered in a sport at the varsity level. (Note: The recipient is not required to be a current member of the JCC.) Last year’s recipients were Jacob Finnicum, Corey Green, Jodi Levine, Joel Passer, Amy Saylan, Adam Skog, and Gal Tsabari. Applications for nominations can be found online at www.jccomaha.org or may be picked up at Member Services; deadline is March 31. For information on the Wall of Fame, call Ed Heller at 334.6580; for Jewish High School Athletes, call Bob Franzese at 334.6424.

Special Visitors Come to Israel’s Schneider Hospital There was an air of excitement last week for some of the older children in Schneider Children’s Hospital in Israel. Australian-born and educated, NASA astronaut Andy Thomas visited patients there. His last mission was last July’s ‘Discovery’ flight to the International Space Station. This was the first NASA flight since the ‘Columbia’ disintegrated on its return to earth on Feb. 1, 2003, killing all seven astronauts, including Israeli astronaut Col. Ilan Ramon. Right: Thomas shows his NASA emblem to a young patientwhile Rona Ramon, Ilan Ramon’s widow, gives him mementos from the ‘Discovery’flight.

Copyright: ISRANET

Foundation Guide to Available Funds by JANET HENTHORN Foundation Endowment Associate The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation has published and is distributing a guide intended to advise community agencies and organizations concerning funds which may be available through various Foundation endowments. Foundation Chairman, Steven Bloch, announced that a Foundation Grants Committee has been appointed to facilitate the matching of endowment resources to community organization needs. The Grants Committee, chaired by Don Goldstein, will meet twice yearly to review and recommend to the full Foundation Board for approval, selected grant applications.

“We have so many generous donors within our community,” Goldstein explained, “that we want to make every effort to ensure that the endowments which they have established are fully utilized for their stated purposes.” The Grants Committee is distributing to eligible organizations and agencies (not to individuals) a guide to available funds. The Guide also lists supporting foundations and endowments to remind applicants of their stated purposes. This year, semi-annual deadlines for applications by eligible organizations and agencies are March 9, 2006, and July 17, 2006. To receive a guide or application or to make further inquiry, please call me at the Foundation office at 334.6551.

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February 10, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Separation of Church and State Issues to be Decided by America’s Great “Middle”--If It Speaks Up by CLAUDIA SHERMAN to one requiring “neutrality” toward reli- “What should the Jewish community’s response to these events be?” gion. Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Nationally, our organizations need to Another topic Wishner discussed was On Jan. 29, at Temple Israel, Jane President Bush’s faith-based initiative stay involved. But we all have a responsiWishner followed up the Shabbaton for Justice by leading a conversation on which is transforming both the delivery bility to become more informed and out“Government and Religion: The of social services in this country and the spoken on these issues. We need to eduChanging Law and Politics of Church- relationship between government and cate our non-Jewish friends about the impact of these trends on State Separation” sponminority religions. The sored by the Plains States future of separation of church Region Anti-Defamation and state will be decided by (ADL), the League the great ‘middle’ in this Nebraska Chapter of country. There is ‘no war on Americans United for the Christianity--if there is a war, Separation of Church and it is to preserve religious State (AU), and Temple diversity and tolerance. What Israel. seems striking about the reli“For more than 20 gious right is their seeming years,” pointed out disrespect for religious diverMagda Peck, there has sity.” been “a systematic strateBob Kully, one of approxigy and campaign by the mately 40 who attended Christian Religious Right Wishner’s presentation, said, to fundamentally alter “I went to be educated furcore public and private ther on the issues of the day. institutions of our nation. The speaker was well qualiIt may be the greatest fied and extremely interestthreat to democracy we now face. As Jews, we Magda Peck, right, leads a group excercise during Temple’s Social Action ing. My concerns were, Photo by Howard K. Marcus unfortunately, strengthened must pay attention, heed Shabbaton with Jane Wishner, left. the call to action, and work in partnership pervasively sectarian organizations whose with groups like the ADL, the National primary mission is religious worship, eduCouncil of Jewish Women, and AU to cation, and proselytization. “I believe that the faith-based initiative make our collective voices heard.” Wishner mentioned some of the areas is a dangerous intrusion of government in which there have been extraordinary into religious life and the promotion, by developments in the relationship between government, of particular faiths through religion and government both in the the allocation of federal funds.” She courts and politics including anti-gay big- emphasized that “providing money to otry, the Terry Schiavo case, organized pervasively sectarian organizations is bad political campaigns to erect religious sym- public policy and will undermine the sepbols on pubic property, proposals in aration between church and state in this Congress to allow houses of worship to country.” Faith based funding will pit faith engage in partisan political activity, pharmacists refusing to dispense the morning- groups against each other; it will promote after-pill and even birth control pills, bat- social divisiveness. People in need will be tles over intelligent design beliefs, hun- forced to listen to religious messages they dreds of millions of dollars in government do not want to hear, because they need to funding of faith-based organizations, and eat, to have shelter, and to receive other services, Wishner explained. To enforce judicial nominations. “Government can’t prohibit me from the ban on promotion of religion, there practicing my own religion and faith,” will be an unprecedented entanglement Wishner said. “But the free exercise of government and religious institutions, clause involves many indirect burdens on and faith-based funding will undermine religion, leading to a requirement that the independence of religious instituthere be an ‘accommodation’ for the free tions, she said. It will also permit federalexercise of religion.” She used the exam- ly-funded employment discrimination ples of grooming, garb, and getting time and not serve the interests of those needoff as examples of accommodations for ing social services, added Wishner. Conceding that she is not an expert in the free exercise of religion. The establishment clause has been even the political arena, Wishner shared these more controversial than the free exercise thoughts: The Terry Schiavo case was a clause, according to Wishner. “The estab- watershed; even evangelical Protestants lishment clause has been interpreted to opposed Congressional intervention. The require government neutrality toward stem cell vote in the U. S. House garreligion and to prohibit government from nered support from pro-life representataking actions that advance or inhibit reli- tives. She discussed Christians describing gion, but there has been a chipping, or themselves as victims in the proselytizing chopping, away of the Establishment affair at the Air Force Academy. Pointing out that the Christian right Clause by the Supreme Court,” she said. Establishment Clause jurisprudence has has been very organized over the past 25 changed from a “separationist” approach years, Wishner posed the question:

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after listening to the presentation,” remarked Kully, who is involved with Nebraskans for Research which provides a positive voice in support of the continued development of medical research in the state. He believes, “The active vocal minority scares the silent majority. They need to speak out or be run over.” “I thought the presentation was excellent,” observed Wendy Vann. “If there were more opportunities for people to hear a speaker of Jane’s caliber, more people might be motivated to take action on a local level. She was great.” Vann said she “absolutely” plans to be more active herself in advocating for the separation of church and state. Vann added, “It was nice to see that our Temple brings speakers here like Jane Wishner.” “She is a wonderfully knowledgeable, articulate advocate whose reasoned and impassioned voice was a welcome breath of fresh air,” described Peck. “She represents the next generation of bold leadership of the Reform Movement--savvy, smart, insightful, and sensitive. How blessed we were to have her for a short while as a catalyst for change.”

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Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 10, 2006

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Temple Israel Shabbaton Targets Social Action Causes in Response to Biblical Mandate by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not pick your vineyard bare or gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger; I am Adonai your God.” This text from Leviticus 19:9-10 is part of the basis of Reform Judaism’s strong commitment to social justice. With that in mind, Temple Israel sponsored a “Shabbaton for Justice: Focus on Poverty” on January 28. Beginning with worship services, Rabbi Craig Marantz talked about the Torah reading, Vayeira Jane Wishner from Exodus 6:2-13. The by Howard K. Marcus Photo Israelites spirits were crushed by cruel bondage even when Moses told them that God would free them from the labors of the Egyptians and would lead them out of bondage. “Featuring a unique blend of worship, Torah, and text study, the Shabbaton focused on planning for concrete actions to take together,” said Magda Peck, a member of Temple’s Social Justice Coordinating Committee and a local at-large member of the Commission on Social Action of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). Jane Wishner, a member of the National Board of Trustees of URJ who also served for ten years on the Commission on Social Action (CSA) of Reform Judaism before becoming chair in 2004, led the Shabbaton, attended by about 35 participants. According to CSA/Religious Action Center (RAC), 26 million children in the United States are growing up in low-income families. The 2.1 million children under age three who are poor face a greater likelihood of impaired development because of their increased exposure to a number of factors associated with poverty. In Nebraska, 54,667 children under age 18 live in poverty. The rate of poverty in Douglas County is 14 percent for children under age five, 31 percent for minority children, and 77 percent among children with single parents--all according to Voices of Children in Nebraska and the Nebraska Appleseed Center. Wishner suggested, “We balance our personal lives to commitment to the broader community. It changes over your lifetime.” Similarly, the historical context of social action within the Reform Movement has evolved over the years. In the early 20th century, Jews were “very involved in the labor movement.” Race issues were of growing concern after World War II. At the Reform Movement’s Biennial in 1961, delegates voted to create the RAC where the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were drafted and which housed the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights for many years. In 1968, the Reform Movement was the first national Jewish organization to oppose the Vietnam War. Wishner was a legislative assistant at RAC in the 1970s. She later worked as a litigation attorney in private practice and served as an assistant attorney general of the State of New Mexico. Most recently, she founded and is president of a new organization, the Southwest Women’s Law Center, in New Mexico where she lives. “Rabbinic involvement has always been critical,” Wishner continued. “As the voice of conscience within our communities, rabbis often push the envelope in the broader community and within our own congregations” to advocate for social action. But lay leaders have become more involved as reflected in “the richness and intensity of our biennials.” Some of the issues taken up include civil liberties, stem cell research, cloning, Judge Samuel Alito’s appointment to

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the Supreme Court by President Bush, and the politicization of science, torture, and global poverty among others. Women of Reform Judaism, in particular, is committed to social action on a national level on issues of health, social and economic justice, women, judicial nominations, and separation of church and state among many others. Ducky Milder remembers when people used to walk out of worship services when the rabbi gave a sermon on a political issue. “And now it’s a part of Reform Judaism. It’s what we do,” she pointed out. “Why is advocacy important?” asked Wishner. Elected representatives listen to their constituents. Our effectiveness, she added, relates to the fact that our movement has 1.5 million members, and we can influence local and state issues of concern such as poverty, churchstate and gay rights issues. Peck asked the group “to anchor our day on one major challenge in our community, our nation, and the world: children in poverty. “We’re talking about fairness and equality,” she said. She brought up concerns of health care, child care, affordable housing, and transportation. Wishner then asked, “How do you think we can make a difference in the lives of poor children in our community?” The participants spent most of the afternoon ranking the top issues into feasible social action initiatives. “Together we agreed on the top issues facing children in poverty that we are committed to taking on as a congregation: breaking the cycle of poverty through working with parents and supporting the principle of a living wage. We recognized that it will take a mix of three kinds of activities to address these core issues if we are going to make a real difference.” She mentioned educating the congregation, the need to strengthen and expand mitzvah projects, and to find better ways to advocate for poor children and their families. Evie Zysman, who at 95 was the oldest participant at the Shabbaton and introduced the fair living wage issue, said, “This, today, strengthens my commitment to being a Jew.” Peck said, the Shabbaton “was dedicated to moving from vision and inspiration to pragmatic action: What can a congregation really do? Jane Wishner was the best person to spend a weekend with us at this time to help us identify a focus for our work for justice in the next one to three years that can build upon our cumulative and current work and the congregation’s strengths. “Under the leadership of Joan Marcus, Temple’s Social Justice Committee is poised now to take the ideas and insights of the weekend and map out the concrete next steps for education, hands-on projects, and targeted advocacy.” David Anderson, 15, said, “I thought that it was a great experience to lay the groundwork by putting themes into social action for years to come. We were organizing ways to put social action into a more concrete form rather than just leaving it as ideas.” Bernie Wolf agreed. “I thought it was informative, insightful.” His wife, Julie, said, “It was eye opening. I come from the Catholic tradition. Reform Judaism’s approach to social justice is different in the sense that social action is more your duty, your obligation.” “For me, concluded Wishner, “social action is not a committee or a project. It is an integral part of what it means to me to be a Jew. When we are able to tie social justice work to our spiritual lives, when social action is felt and experienced as religious action, that’s about as good as it gets. Feeding the hungry and clothing the naked is essential but treats only the symptoms of poverty, not the causes. Unless we target the causes, we are not able to fulfill the biblical mandate to pursue justice.” Peck acknowledged, “It will take time. There is so much to do. But we can make a difference.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Omaha Community Playhouse and Metropolitan Community College together with The Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Program will hold a Theatre Career Fair on Monday, Feb. 13, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Program, in conjunction with area colleges and businesses in the Omaha and regional area, will be present to communicate theatre career opportunities. It is free to the public. Call Karli Newman at 402.553.4890, extension 147, for further information.

Bridging the gap between rock and roll and classical music, the Omaha Symphony will perform “The Music of Led Zeppelin” with guest vocalist Randy Jackson and conductor Brent Havens on Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m., at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The two-plus hour concert features Zeppelin tunes, including “Stairway to Heaven”, “Heartbreaker”, “Black Dog”, “Kashmir” and “Immigrant Song.” Tickets range from $20-$95 and are available by calling 342.3560, visiting www.omahasymphony.org or at the box office, 1605 Howard St.

The Omaha Community Playhouse presents Ruthless! The Musical in the Howard Drew Theatre Feb.10 through March 19, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices are Adults, $35; Students, $21, and are available by calling 553.0800, or at www.OmahaPlayhouse.org.

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KVNO’s morning show “Blank’s Morning Blend,” will provide concert-goers with insights into the concert, artists, the repertoire and the composers. Each discussion will take place in the Peter Kiewit Concert Hall at the Holland Performing Arts Center prior to the concert. The KVNO hosts will speak about André Watts on March 1, the National Symphony Orchestra on April 1 and Itzhak Perlman on May 7, a special bonus for ticket holders to these concerts. For information, call 345.0202. The Opera Omaha Guild will host “Butterfly’s Closet” at Hiro Sushi (129th & Maple) on Feb. 21, 48 pm. the first of three events that take their inspiration from Opera Omaha’s spring production of Madama Butterfly. Advanced tickets of $20 per person should be mailed to Kyle Robino, 9719 Fredrick St., Omaha NE 68124. Tickets purchased at the event are $25.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 10, 2006

Legacy of Giving Continued from page 1 Twenty-six years ago, an Omaha Jewish woman named Louise Abrahamson, a former legal stenographer, small business owner, retailer, grant writer, fundraiser and political advisor, got the idea of starting a thrift shop to outfit children at the home with new clothes and things. At the time, she was a secretary and much more at Boys Town. Struck by how little new arrivals had in the way of clothes or other possessions, she took it upon herself to solicit donations from clothing and sundry manufacturers. Donated goods began arriving at her home and were stored in her garage. She distributed the gifts to Boys Town residents and to other organizations helping families and children. Before long, the operation outgrew her garage and moved to new quarters on campus. Today, she operates out of a retail storelike setting called The Clothesline. The volume of goods that comes in yearround is enough to keep the store’s neatly dressed shelves, bins and racks filled and to take up floor-to-ceiling sections of a warehouse storage area. At any given time the inventory -- a typical shipment contains hundreds or thousands of items -- includes everything from apparel to accessories to toiletries to toys. Each box must be unpacked, sorted and labeled. In 2005 alone she collected merchandise worth a combined commercial value of $1.3 million, a record year. And that’s only counting donations of $1,000 or more. She applies her well-practiced people skills and business acumen--“I’ve done a lot of things in my life”--to sweet talk corporations out of in-kind gifts and to ease the transition displaced kids face

miles away from home. All her considerable time on the project is given as a volunteer. More than just a place where children get a new set of duds, The Clothesline is where kids find a friend in Abrahamson they can always confide in. “She is so wonderful to all these kids. When they come in they get a hug and kiss,” said Betty Rubin, a friend and fellow volunteer at the store. “This is what makes it tick -- the warmth of it. I mean, it’s very personal to her.” “Louise is one of those rare people who flourishes by helping others,” said Fr. Val Peter, who recently stepped down as executive director of Girls and Boys Town. “Her joy is in giving to others. She is an expert at human relations. She can talk major manufacturing reps into helping us, and she has a way with the kids, too. She is an enormously happy person, and to be that happy you have to work at it.” “This is my life,” Louise said by way of explaining why, at age 86, she still works at the store four days a week. “I get a lot of pleasure out of this. It’s just kind of a challenge to see if people remember me and send me stuff I ask for for the kids.” Besides, the need that inspired her to start the store in the first place is still there. Then, like now, newcomers arrive with few possessions and little trust. If anything, she said, kids today present “a lot more problems than when I first came here. I have just taken it into my heart to care about the kids. Generally, when they come in, I don’t settle for a handshake. I have a hug. I want them to know I truly care what happens to them. That, to me, is what sets the pace for a youngster. Rather than have them feel like a stranger or a truant, I want them to feel wel-

youth a newbie in need of threads to replace the banned gang clothes he’s come with. She greets the teen. “Good morning. How are you?” He says, “What’s up?” “And you are?” “Tavonne,” he tells her. “Where you from?” “Baltimore.” “Baltimore, well you know cold weather then. You just pick out what you want, bring it up here and we’ll check it out. That’s all there is to it,” she explains. A few minutes later, after trying on some pants, shirts and shoes, Tavonne’s Louis Abrahamson and her volunteer assistant, Sandy Fuder. back. Louise asks him, “Did come,” said the former Louise Miller, an you find what you’re looking for?” Omaha native and Central High gradu- “Yeah.” “So now you’re all fixed up with ate. “That’s why I tell them, ‘We want dress clothes, right?” “Yeah.” “That’s you here. It’s a great place to be. Make good. How long have you been here?” the most of it. If you take advantage of “This is my second day.” “Second day, what we offer, we’ll never let you down.’ you’re an old-timer.” He smiles shyly. I love that about Boys Town. I like what “Probably by the end of next week you’ll we do for children.” be sworn in as a Boys Towner. We’re glad “Louise is a great ambassador for those to have you here.” The boy, warming to kids,” Girls and Boys Town Public her, replies, “Thank you.” Relations Director John Melingagio said. She tells him, “We hope you do well. “She manages to take some of the fear It’s a great place to be. Now, I have and anxiety away for them.” these...if you want a watch,” she says, On a typical day at the store, the pint- pushing a basket filled with nice men’s sized Abrahamson, crisply-attired in a watches near him. He fishes through the pants and sweater suit and her hair nicely bunch and finds one he wants. “I like this coiffured, is seated at her command cen- one.” “It’s yours.” “Thank you, I appreter at the front of the shop, her phone, ciate it.” “You’re very welcome. I want to computer and files within easy reach. An wish you a merry Christmas.” “Same to adult man saunters in with a teenage boy you.” “And I hope things work out for trying hard to suppress his unease. The you, dear.” “Thanks.” man is a campus family teacher and the Continued on page 9

February 10, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Legacy of Giving exhibit on him in collaboration with Boys Town. Fr. Continued from page 8 It was while working as a secretary in Boys Town’s Peter said that if Monsky is the grandfather of Boys Youth Care program she saw first hand the need and Town, then Abrahamson is “the grandmother. She is conceived the idea of a free clothing center. She got it loved and appreciated here.� Playing the role of matriarch to kids with severed famup and running out of her home in no time. “I’d see these unhappy youngsters come in carrying a ily relationships appeals to her. “While they’re here, I am grocery sack and I’d say, ‘Where’s your luggage?’ They’d like their grandmother,� she said. “A lot of the young say, ‘This is it.’ My husband and I used to be in retail--we people come in and tell me their problems, and I’ll lishad a shoes and clothing store--and I wondered if I called ten very carefully. They’re welcome to come in anytime. on our old dealers, would they help and send me what they They don’t have to make an appointment.� Her contact with the children often extends well past have. So, those were the first people I wrote to. They were their graduation and very giving and began departure from the home. sending merchandise to “Even two or three years me.� later,� she said, “kids can With the chutzpah all have hard luck. I’ll get a doers possess, she just call that says, ‘Louise, so thought it up and went and so is going out on a ahead. “I did this strictly job interview and doesn’t on my own. I didn’t ask have a thing to wear.’ And anybody’s permission. I I’ll say, ‘Send ‘em over.’ just started doing it,� she Now, where else can you said. “Once I’d get the go and get that kind of a merchandise in, I’d open feeling that you’re needed up the boxes and I’d send and wanted?� out a memo and invite the The ties go well beyond family teachers and the kids that. Her desk at the to come over my house.� front of the store displays By then, Louise and her late husband of 58 years, Louise Abrahamson, second from left, and her family: Jill and Asa, photos sent by former Boys Town students, Norman Abrahamson, seated; Nicole, Louise, Hugh and Steve. lived alone. Their two sons, Hugh and Steve, were many pictured with families they’ve begun. She grown. She credits Norman for her success. “He taught exchanges cards and letters, just like any good grandma me everything I know. He taught me how to greet peo- does. “I keep in touch with a lot of the children after ple. He taught me how to go for the product. He taught they leave,� she said. Just don’t assume her kindly ways and diminutive me that being kind is unusual. He was very supportive. He encouraged me. He said, ‘Go for it, honey. You can stature mark her as a pushover. “Louise is a very pleasantly, disarmingly assertive little do it.’ He was there when I asked for advice and when I faltered.� A former Edison Brothers shoe salesman, he old lady,� said Dan Daly, Girls and Boys Town’s Vice opened his own retail men’s apparel and shoe stores, President and Director of Youth Care. “You see this Hugh’s. He later became a real estate builder-developer. pleasant looking, smiling, tiny person and pretty soon Soon, the amount of donations was too much for the she’s got her hand in your right back pocket. That’s how couple’s garage. “My husband said, ‘Don’t you think Boys Town was founded. She and Fr. Peter, made a very, Boys Town would give you a spot?’ So, I went to Fr. very potent tandem. He knew what kind of talent she Hupp (the late former executive director of Boys Town), has at doing this sort of thing and he was very supportwho knew I was inviting the teachers and kids over to ive of her. It’s grown and proliferated because of her my house to get clothes, and he said, ‘We’ve got space personality and her keen business sense.� So savvy is this nice little old Jewish lady in sizing up down in the boiler room (of the Youth Care building). Can you hack that?’ ‘Any place would be good,’ I said. people, Daly said, that he and other Boys Town officials So, we had our stuff delivered there, and this is pretty would steer family teacher candidates by her desk, so she could observe them. Her assessment factored into new much the way it started.� She wore a mask to protect against fumes in the hires. Her counsel was also sought ought off-campus by cramped boiler room. It was under Fr. Peter’s watch that candidates for mayor, governor and senator. She even the operation moved from that dank place to its pleasant wrote a booklet to help prospective candidates weigh environs today--in the building that houses the U.S. bids for public office. Using her political skills, she routinely contacts corpopostal station on campus. “When Fr. Peter came aboard, we just went on from rate giants like Target, Wal-Mart, Dillards, Lands End, there. He and I worked very closely, especially at Johnson & Johnson and Colgate, and gets them to Christmas-time. The store grew and grew, as did the donate surplus items. Her personal appeals, scripted herdemand.� She’s done it almost entirely on her own, too, self, are laced with tug-on-your-heart pathos and practirunning things the way she sees fit. “There’s nobody cal let’s-do-business talk. She tells them, “We have so many young boys and girls who...desperately need that’s been put here to watch me.� Generations removed from Henry Monsky helping clothing...I am asking for your help. If you have any make the dream of Boys Town a reality, fellow Jew donation department of your discontinued styles, overLouise Abrahamson is helping Boys Town fulfill its non- stocks, irregulars or out-of-season merchandise, could I sectarian mission of providing a caring environment to ask that you place us on your recipient list? Any merhomeless and abused children of all faiths and creeds. chandise sent can be a tax write-off...Thank you. I hope She’s familiar with Monsky’s legacy, too, as she helped you will share in Boys Town’s grand mission.� organize a touring Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Continued on page 11

Page 9

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Family Series

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 10, 2006

Purim 2006

ORGANIZATIONS

by BERNARD MANN Legacy Crosswords, © 2006

JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL Our annual Sweetheart Day at the Rose Blumkin Home will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, 1:30 p.m. Lucille Wittnuss will entertain on her accordion. She has been playing since she was threeyears old and is now 80. Refreshments will be served after the program and everyone is welcome to join us. Any questions, call Frieda Krizelman 391.0661 or Esther Wax 393.4442.

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WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to the Bluffs Run Casino this Thursday, please meet at the main entrance of the JCC by 8:45 a.m. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

VISIONS Reminder: For those members going to Lunch & a Movie, please meet at Hooters at 11:15 a.m. Visions membership dues are due. Please mail your check payable to Visions to: Visions, c/o Beverly Gilinsky, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 69154. BREADBREAKERS Rivkah Sass, the Omaha Public Library Director who was recently named National Library Director of the Year, will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Feb. 15, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. She will talk about her “Omaha Reads” program and will discuss the current assigned book To Kill a Mockingbird. All men and women in the community are invited to attend Breadbreakers. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.

ENGAGEMENT ACROSS 1. THE TRIBE WHOSE MEMBERS WERE THE CORE OF THE BABYLONIAN EXILE, LATER GIVEN FREEDOM BY THE RULERS OF PERSIA 6. WHAT WAS UNDOUBTEDLY HEARD FROM THE THROATS OF SHUSHAN'S JEWS AS THEY BATTLED THEIR ENEMIES 10. Animal kind treatment grp. 14. Girl’s Hebrew name 15. Raison d’____ 16. Frost 17. Do your stuff on guitar strings 18. HEBREW FOR AUTUMN, WHEN QUEEN ESTHER AND OTHERS OBSERVED THE HIGH HOLY DAYS 19. At a time in the past 20. Mr., Mrs., or Sir 21. Apparent communication from one mind to another 23. Contraction relating to time 25. Bind up again 26. Had confidence in 30. What you need in a tire 31. Fly high again 32. What 30 Across needs, in a tire 37. Towns of same name in Georgia, Iowa, and Oregon 38. Pitcher Preacher or ocean’s salmon ___ 39. The Havdalah candle __ ___ when three stars are seen on Saturday night. 40. ESTHER’S COUSIN--WITH HER, A HERO OF PURIM (name

contracted) 42. Entwined, tangled, as hair or grass 43. HEADWEAR 5 DOWN IS MEANT TO RESEMBLE 44. Vessels for incense burning 45. Glacial depositional ridge 48. College milit. training group 49. Dined near the Tree of Knowledge? 51. Russian-Jewish poet Mandelstam 56. What drought-stricken regions need 57. One man, one ____ 58. Practical, useful 59. Chinese dynasty 60. Each (contracted, common in poetry) 61. Evaluator 62. Chemical compound endings 63. Prefix in the plural, often refers to contemporary movement members 64. Word, appears on U.S. dollar bill DOWN 1. Joke 2. Mate with this prefix becomes ‘the most’ 3. Small arrow 4. Undo, as a recent marriage 5. PURIM PASTRIES 6. Took ease 7. River or coastal mammal 8. Asian sea 9. Daydream 10. Young hog 11. Filmmaker Carlo

12. Hidden trove, or computer storage site 13. Singer Mariah C____ 22. ROYAL MILIEU OF ESTHER AND AHASHUERUS (2 words) 24. Contraction, relating to time 26. Trolley 27. Make over 28. Screen name person 29. “You ____ me!” (I’m convinced) 30. To be, present tense 32. Hawaiian food 33. Concorde, etc. 34. Rior, with this prefix, makes for suspect motives 35. To laugh, in Lyons 36. Airport abbreviations 38. “You dirty ___!” 41. Hebrew for Stone Mountain 42. WHEN 40 ACROSS ___ HAMAN, HE DID NOT BOW DOWN 44. Rabbits of Europe 45. Tin, in Troyes 46. River, in Paris 47. Saul, David, Solomon, Josiah 48. Fashions that harken back to, say, the ’50s or ’70s 49. Pistol, say, on the Pont Neuf 50. Peacenik 52. BOTH ESTHER AND 40 ACROSS CAN BE CALLED A ____ OF THIS SAGA 53. Lab, medical, or legal term: “in ____” 54. Corsica and Elba, to Napoleon 55. Sassy or cute

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BBYO Joins Yachad at Hockey Game time together. Like any new relationship, by DUANE J. PIEPER Last month members of the B’nai the initial step is the most challenging in B’rith Youth Organization came together the course of becoming more comfortwith Yachad at the Omaha Civic Center able with each other. to watch the Ak-Sar-Ben Knights take on Yachad’s next event will take place on the Peoria Rivermen. It was a very com- Feb. 12. A bowling trip to Maplewood petitive game with its share of good skat- Lanes is being planned. This is one of the ing, aggressive checking and a couple of members’ most favorite activities where fights thrown in to keep everyone’s everyone is an active participant. attention. The group, which was close to the action with rink-side seats, all agreed that we were on the right side of the boards at this event. Cheering and clapping from the stands is a whole lot safer and healthier than being a participant when it comes to the game of hockey. This was a unique event for the Yachad members in that it was a joint outing with the members of BBYO, coordinated by Uri Levin, shaliach from Nitro, the Knights hockey mascot, posing with the Yachad and the JCC. It was an oppor- BBYO members before the game with the Peroria Rivermen. tunity for both groups to meet each So whether you are a 300-bowler or a other, share in the excitement of the novice at the game, come and join us. event and come to know each other bet- Call me at Jewish Family Service, ter. Even though the Knights lost this 334.6491, to reserve an opportunity to one in overtime, everyone appeared to be with the Yachad members and have enjoy the game and appreciated their some fun.

CORRECTION The information regarding the Jewish Decathlon Bowling Event was submitted incorrectly to the Jewish Press. The following is the correct information. The event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 26, 10:15 a.m.-noon, at West Lanes, 151 No. 72 St. Interested bowlers should contact: Team Beth El: Gary Kudym, 496.4665; Team Beth Israel: Mike Shrago, 963.9889; or Team Temple Israel: Adam Yale, 930.3016.

February 10, 2006

Delights of the Jewish Kitchen

Legacy of Giving

by Tzippora Kreizman (Feldheim)

Continued from page 9 She doesn’t stop there, either. She follows up with phone calls and letters, always gently reminding potential donors of the need. Her persistence often pays off. “I’m after them all the time. I don’t take no for an answer. I keep pitching, and pitching kindly.” Every donor receives a personal thank you note from her. Melingagio said the donations she brings in help Boys Town “leverage our dollars. Those in-kind gifts she gets from corporations allow the monies we get to go to things that help the kids get better.” When she approached Fr. Peter with her concept for the store, he embraced it. “I knew that if we let Louise loose at the Clothesline, that it would become very big,” he said. “The best thing to do is to let Louise do her work. She does it better than anyone else.” He said the store’s proved a winning venture. “Oh, yes, it’s a great idea. We needed it badly. It helps everybody. The best ideas come from people like Louise who have talent and a willingness to make their ideas successful.” He added there’s never been any thought of taking it out of her hands. “It has been Louise’s baby from the get-go. What we do here is we give people a job and say, You’re in charge of making it a success, and she’s made it a success. We’re all proud of her.” He confirmed there’s also been no talk of what will happen once she’s gone. “We don’t want to think about that. We tell her, Take your vitamins. Stay healthy. We need you for years to come. She’s it.” Before she came on the scene with her business-like practices, Daly said, the home didn’t have a formal apparatus for processing donated goods: “There was a day when, without Louise, you would have walked in and seen just big piles of stuff, and Louise moved the organization away from that way of handling donations to a very effective, modern way where things are very attractively displayed to the kids and to the adults.” Daly said Abrahamson is quite adept at “networking with family teachers. She alerts people when new stuff comes in. She’s always pushing the product, so to speak. Louise has her favorites. If she gets something in that she knows one little girl would like, she makes sure that little girl gets the first crack at it.” He said it’s not only the 500-some kids on campus who benefit from the fruits of her labor. Another 200 or so in foster care settings also have dibs on what she collects. When supplies or shipments exceed the Boys Town demand, she places

READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN In memory of Tzippora Kreizman, who “wove the traditions and customs of the Jewish people into practical daily life” and baked and cooked cakes, cookies and pastries, this cookbook for Sabbath, holidays and everyday is perfect for the simchas in your life. Originally published in Hebrew, the preface includes the custom of accompanying special occasions, from the day of birth to the end of life, with cake and schnaps. Choose from Nut Cakes, Cheesecakes, Honey Cakes, Dobos Cakes, Tortes & Sponge Cakes, Cake Rolls, Crescents, Strudels, Doughnuts & Dumplings: A Miscellany, Cakes with Fruit, Yeast Cakes, Cookies and Liqueurs chapters with the recipes listed on the first page of each chapter. Nut Dzerbo, Linzertorte, Potato Cookies, Peach Cake, Poppy Seed Strudel and more. The recipes are one-to-a-page and include careful instructions. This cookie freezes well. ALMOND COOKIES 2 cups flour 11/4 cups salted margarine, at room temperature 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup chopped almonds 1 egg pinch salt Decoration: powdered sugar Sift flour into a bowl. Add margarine, sugar, almonds, egg and salt. Stir and knead into a soft dough. Shape into a ball. Line two cookie sheets with baking parchment. Pinch off pieces of dough and shape them into small balls, or roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8-inch and cut out rounds using a drinking glass. Place the cookies on the tray. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 20 minutes until golden. Remove from oven. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar. Cool. Store in a closed container.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

the extra goods with places like The St. Francis House and the Salvation Army. Louise considers Betty Rubin, her “mainstay”, a volunteer on whom she can depend. Her office is also the base for a whole other category of gifts she acquires for children. Daly said she manages to get kids passes to movies, concerts, athletic events, skating rinks and many other activities. She gets donated food for parties. She ensures every Boys Town resident has gifts at Christmas and graduation. “It’s a lot bigger than just The Clothesline,” he said. Service to others is a lifelong habit. Whether advising politicos such as Kay Orr and Hal Daub, or helping run their campaigns for public office or volunteering with the American Red Cross, the Arthritis Foundation, the March of Dimes, Hadassah, the Special Olympics and the United Way or serving as a member of the credit committee of the Boys Town Federal Credit Union or as a past-President of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, she gives her time in many ways. Then there are the two years she devoted to caring for her son Steve after he was temporarily left a paraplegic as the result of an auto accident. He now lives independently. She became a vocal advocate for the rights and abilities of the handicapped. She was also care provider for her husband after he contracted cancer. Her good works have been recognized. Under her watch the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society won the Federation’s Community Service Award. She was nominated by the National Council of Jewish Women for the Federation’s Humanitarian Award for “her great compassion for the needs of others.” Nothing slows her down, either. A bad back that laid her up last year only kept her away from the store a few months, during which time she did all her business from home. The flow of merchandise never stopped. But she knows she can’t do it forever. That’s why she’d like to work out a plan for a successor--ideally someone like herself who, as Melingagio put it, “goes the extra mile.” “I worry what’s going to happen to this place when I no longer can do it,” she said. “My hope is that there is somebody who has pretty much the idea that I have. That they’re caring and want so much for the kids that they know how to express that caring. Because that’s the bottomline. That’s what it’s all about.” Omaha freelance writer Leo Adam Biga may be contacted via e-mail at: leoauthor@yahoo.com. Check out his website at www.leoadambiga.com.

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February 10, 2006

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by SARA SPIELMAN We all know the planning that goes into creating the wedding--or any party--of our dreams. The desire to impress guests with the most original settings, the prettiest flowers, the best fabrics… can all be quite overwhelming. Months of intense planning finally culminate with an event that whirls by in a blur, only to be left with enormous bills and lots of leftovers. But before you toss your bouquet or flower arrangements or stuff extra ribbons, fabric, gift-wrapping, invitations or cards into a box in the attic, consider an innovative way to retain memories from a party you’ll most likely forget (especially since you probably didn’t find one moment to relax and absorb it all) while decorating your home with a creative and artistic piece. A new venture in floral preservation, “Reminiscent Rose” gives the hostess of any party the reward she deserves--a sort of plaque of the event’s best details frozen in time. Kraindel Trappler, founder of this homebased business in Brooklyn, NY, has discovered a unique way to save flowers and other “simcha memorabilia” by creating shadow boxes, frames, mirrors, lamps, collages, center pieces--or anything else her “customers’ hearts desire”--that showcase everything from the bouquet and broken wedding plate to invitations and photos. Unlike larger businesses that rely on expensive freeze dry machines to preserve flowers and charge four times what she does, Kraindel says her prices are significantly cheaper because she loves what she does as an artist and wants to educate the public that “throwing out flowers is such a waste” especially sentimental ones from proposals, engagement parties or weddings. Originally attaining a Masters Degree in Social Work from Columbia University, it was only years later that she pursued her lifelong love of color and flowers and transformed her garage into a lively floral studio. She relates that customers are often “delighted and dazzled by what can be created from the bouquet that was dropped at my doorstep.” There are many ways to preserve flowers but what works best for her is “air drying,” a method that involves hanging flowers upside down for a few weeks to dry. After five years experience working with flowers, studying floral arts at Parsons School of Design in New York City and reading a wealth of information on the subject, Kraindel has learned the numerous steps necessary in the drying process. Although some of her reference books claim that certain flowers don’t dry well, she “always gives every flower a chance to dry.” Using various preservation techniques, such as hardening sprays and special glues, each flower is ensured “the longest life possible.” Often, she reattaches rose petals that have fallen and paints those that have lost its radiance, reviving a flower beyond recognition. Still, some flowers don’t really survive, such as lilies and orchids, says Kraindel, who informs customers right away that they won’t be used in the preservation piece. Roses, she says, are the winners when it comes to preserving flowers. Dark roses--red, orange, coral, purple, bright yellow, two-toned and jewel-toned colors--tend to dry in richer, more beautiful shades. Baby roses, hydrangeas and certain greenery are also the best choice when it comes to choosing fresh flowers that can later be

Fresh Winds Blow in Eilat Even after the end-of-year holiday season, the Red Sea resort of Eilat continues to attract many tourists from Israel and abroad. While most of Israel, down to the northern Negev, was unusually cold, and on many day very wet, the sun continued to shine across the Bay of Eilat. Since the Olympic success of Gal Friedman, when he won a gold medal for Israel in the windsurfing event, scores of windsurfers can be seen every morning in a colorful Armada as they glide across the bay. Visitors to Eilat will see a colorful display of flowers at the Credit: ISRANET Royal Beach Hotel.

preserved. She often assists customers in selecting the perfect assortment for an event that can later be used for a keepsake piece. “The quicker a flower dries, the more chance it’ll retain its color,” she explains. Most flowers become more compressed and slightly change color after the drying process, usually becoming a deeper, darker color. While jewel-toned flowers retain their original color in a somewhat darker shade, certain colors experience a bigger transformation, such as red roses, which turn burgundy. The main thing that determines a flower’s future, Kraindel stresses, is how soon she receives them. “The sooner I get them, the better they dry,” she says. After the flowers are carefully dried, she discusses with her customers what type of piece they want her to create --anything from small to large, decorative to more functional, traditional and classic to rustic and romantic-depending on personal taste and style. While some prefer a garden scene, such as a basket overflowing with dried flowers or a garden arch on a wooden backdrop used as a wall hanging, others request mirrors, frames, shelves, trays, message centers, lamp shades or shadow boxes that may have a photo or monogram of the couple surrounded by flowers from the event. She also offers centerpieces that permanently display the dried flowers in unique vases or collages with photos from the party, including notes from the groom to the bride, invitations, ribbons, giftwrapping or other memorabilia. Think twice before you throw away anything from the party--even food. She once preserved the top of an anniversary cake by washing, varnishing and then attaching the edible photo onto wood, which she then decorated with flowers. Like most artists, Trappler works with a few mediums. For example, she uses acrylic paints and fabrics to customize the piece. But her main medium--and true passion - is flowers. “Flowers are my paint,” she explains. As a floral artist, she is “amazed by the degree to which one can be creative with flowers as a medium.” With a deep appreciation and uncanny sense for matching colors since she was a young child and always “soothed and excited by visual, colorful things,” she has found a way to channel her love of color into the art of floral design and preservation. Catering mostly to the Jewish community, Trappler’s largest clientele are those engaged or recently married. Although many are local customers from Brooklyn, she has finished pieces for people from other cities and has helped carefully wrap and protect designs that were transported by car or plane. For long distance customers, she says it’s best to first call and discuss which flowers to save before lying them sideways, covered with tissue paper, in a box marked “fragile” and overnighting them to her. She then works via phone and email to work on the piece of her customer’s dreams, incorporating all the details – much like the party one planned and imagined for so long. Except this time, you’ll have everything saved and framed to remember. To preserve flowers with Reminiscent Rose, contact Kraindel Trappler at 347.247.2517. Sara Spielman is a freelance writer in New York City. She can be reached at: mail4set@yahoo.com.

February 10, 2006

’s ketubah abinowitz ple Israel. R y m A d n m ires Paul a eir wedding at Te t th ermet adm a h S y d n e Cantor W

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Journey into Judaism Leads 11 Beth El Women Toward Becoming B’not Mitzvah Mitzvah last year. Time did not allow it to happen that by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator way, and now I am the one doing it for her--also to fulFor the past year, 11 women at Beth El Synagogue fill my promise.” A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Secola have taken a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual and educational said her biggest challenge while preparing for her Bat journey together; their destination will be realized on Mitzvah was not reading Hebrew, but “keeping a tune Saturday, March 11 as they become B’not Mitzvah while at the same time remembering what language I was thinking in. It used to be worse when I had to during Shabbat services. A variety of personal factors has led Shirley Cemaj, Ann remember the Ashkenazi way of saying things versus the Goldstein, Carole Greenberg, Betty Kolnick, Gale Levitan, Israeli-Sephardic pronunciations.” Goldstein recounted that several years ago, during a Mitzie Monovitz, Betty Perelman, Carol Schneider, Lourdes Secola, Sherry Shapiro and Sally Zipursky to work challenging period in her life, a friend presented her with toward this special milestone; all spoke recently of the spe- a banner reading ‘Every Journey Brings Blessings.’ “My cial connection they’ve made to Judaism, to Beth El, and journey toward having a Bat Mitzvah began back then,” Goldstein said. “It was an opportunity in my life to to each other, during this year-long process. “I believe learning is a journey, not a destination, and switch gears toward making time for adult Jewish eduI am very fortunate to have been given this opportunity cation. Having a Bat Mitzvah feels like a natural progression of my journey, at this stage of my life,” said which has brought blessings Shapiro. “The most difficult of life, health and learning, part of the learning process and the love and support of has also been the most friends and family.” Calling rewarding: to know that I the past three years since her can read a Torah portion conversion to Judaism “a without vowels--after many whirlwind of Jewish activihours of practice--is somety,” thing I never thought I Schneider’s involvement in would do as an adult.” The Beth El’s classes helped lead decision to become a Bat her to this significant time in Mitzvah was not an easy one for Betty Perelman, who Beth El’s B’not Mitzvah Class of 2006 includes, Betty her life. “Rabbi Levin, Susi admitted that “I had my Perelman, left, Lourdes Secola, Shirley Cemaj, Carol Levin and Cantor Gastón doubts and swung between Schneider, Sally Zipursky, Carole Greenberg, Cantor Gastón have all had a major influence ‘yes’ and ‘no’ many times.” Bogomolni, Betty Kolnick, Sherry Shapiro, Ann Goldstein on my studies and growth,” she said. “Each is a motivator However, with the constant and Gale Levitan. in his or her own way, and they have support of her family and classmates, “I eventually not all shared their excitement, love and only believed them, but also began to believe in myself,” knowledge of Judaism with me.” said Perelman, who, through hard work, successfully Overcoming physical challenges to mastered the Hebrew words and phrases which initially reach this milestone has been a frustrated her. source of satisfaction for Levitan, With her children’s B’nai Mitzvah on the horizon, who has vision difficulties, and Zipursky said this was the right time for her to lead by Greenberg, who is hearingexample and become a Bat Mitzvah. “I have wanted to Mitzie Monovitz impaired. do this for a very long time,” she said. “Growing up in Unable to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah years ago because Grand Island, I didn’t have the opportunity for a formal Jewish education and have sought it out since living large-print materials were not available, Levitan said that here. This is a continuation of my Jewish journey.” She having the appropriate texts “made a huge difference in added that the most amazing aspect of her studies is my participation in this class.” For Greenberg, “The that, “I am learning the same things my ancestors have most difficult part for me is the pronunciation and havlearned for years. I am reading the same Torah that has ing to ‘sing’ or chant the tropes,” she said. “Foreign lanbeen read for thousands of years--pretty heady stuff.” guages have always presented a challenge to me, so I am For Lourdes Secola, becoming a Bat Mitzvah was a pleased to have learned Hebrew.” She also noted that a meaningful way to honor the memory of her small sign-language interpreter will be on the bimah during daughter, Emma, who died in 1994. Recalling her vow the service for her mother and sister, who are both deaf. to read Torah--a promise made following her child’s Kolnick, Monovitz and Cemaj grew up in communideath--Secola said, “Emma would have become a Bat Continued on page 17

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Let the Journey Begin! by MEGAN GILLIGAN Welcome to the Hilton Omaha! The City of Omaha and the Hilton Hotels Corporation are proud of this magnificent hotel, nestled in the heart of downtown. We’re known as the place to be for special events, weddings, fundraisers, and corporate meetings. At Hilton, we believe travel and entertainment should be more than just a line between A and B. While traveling, we want you to enjoy the experience and all the wonderful happenings that take place. Our experienced team of event planners will be your escort as you take the Hilton Journey, one that starts with a creative

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February 10, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Jewish Premarital Programs Seek to Address Problems Early by MICHAEL JACKMAN © 2004 Michael Jackman, All Rights Reserved The rose-colored glasses often worn by couples headed for the bima can easily hide some relationship blemishes. So when the glasses come off after the honeymoon, the new vision of the future can be a bit shocking. Just to be better prepared, before you take that long trip down the aisle, you might want to make a short trip to a marriage counselor for some Jewish-style premarital counseling. Especially as Jewish matrimony isn’t as sure a thing as it used to be. Lynn Levy, a clinical social worker and Director of Premarital Education in the Reform movement’s Department of Jewish Family Concerns explains, “Reform Judaism and other Jewish denominations are experiencing divorce rates that are similar to the rest of society. Decades ago that wasn’t the case.” Rabbis are often highly qualified to perform pre-marital counseling, and will make a few meetings a required part of the marriage prep. But there are also other options for professionally fine-tuning your future within a Jewish framework. For instance, partly in response to the rising divorce rate, and partly due to increasing numbers of interfaith marriages and decreasing numbers of affiliation, the Reform movement recently started a new marriage-preparation course, called “The Aleph-Bet of Marriage: Journeying Towards Commitment” (see uahc.org/jfc/ premarital.shtml). So far, the seven-session group workshops have debuted in Atlanta, New York, Cleveland, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and

Seattle. And they seem to be working. Rabbi Harvey Winokur of Roswell, Georgia’s Temple Kehilat Chaim (near Atlanta), who participated in the pilot project, says “The couples who took it were glowing at the end and praising it to the sky.” Two of his couples even affiliated with the synagogue. The program ($175 per pair), includes a hefty 150-page curriculum, and is facilitated by a licensed social worker. R a b b i s attend some sessions, in to order provide expertise in Judaism and Jewish marriage. That expertise is framed, naturally, within a liberal-Reform perspective. For example, the sessions welcome couples of any sexual orientation and even of different religious backgrounds. Nevertheless, the topics are based on traditional texts and each of the seven sessions is structured around one of the traditional marriage blessings, the Sheva Brachot. “The blessing becomes an introduction to, and a point of jumping off the subject matter for the session,” Winokur says. In addition, to be eligible for the course, “The one given is that they had made the decision to give their child a Jewish education and make a Jewish home,” Winokur said. “We did intake interviews to determine the appropriateness of their being in the workshop.” While Levy and Winokur have faith that The Aleph-Bet of Marriage pilot will give birth to programs in many cities, the fact

is, not all locales have a large enough Jewish community to support group classes. And innovative, spiritual, and timely as they are, the classes are designed for the relatively narrow group of marriage first-timers. For the growing numbers of marriage veterans who will be trying again, perhaps even blending families and struggling with faith and inter-faith issues, a Jewish-oriented counseling center be might the way to go. J u d y Freundlich Tiell, a clinical social worker and director of professional service at Louisville, Kentucky’s Jewish Family and Vocational Service, runs the premarital counseling program there. The sessions have the broader perspective needed by many couples, including those “who have been previously married and want to avoid the mistakes they made before.” At the JFVS there’s even a place for those first-timers wearing rosy sunshades. Tiell offers them a test called PREPARE (also given by many certified rabbis). Based on interviews with thousands of couples, PREPARE is designed to define strengths and problem areas in the relationship, Tiell says. She ticks off a list of items fiancées ought to cover before lifting the veil, including communication, finances, setting boundaries, the pressures of pleasing people, not to mention the stresses of planning a wedding. After receiving the

computerized scores, staff review the results with the couple (JFVS charges $50 for the test). Tiell’s careful to point out that the assessment isn’t a judgment about whether you should marry or not. But “even in the best of marriages you continue to have issues that emerge that you need to deal with,” Tiell says. “With PREPARE, some couples are more apt to get help sooner rather than waiting.” (Marriage vets can take a similar test called ENRICH, also for $50). A Jewish-oriented agency like the JFVS will not overlook Jewish aspects of marriage either. “We look at couples with different backgrounds, whether different religious faiths or people who come from very different Jewish experiences, and we talk about how they have to talk about those things; we focus on how do you make a Jewish home,” Tiell explains. A little preparation can go a long way. After all, a marriage is intended to be a lifetime adventure, and, as Tiell points out, “The marriage ceremony begins a process of separating you out as a Jewish family.” Michael Jackman is a freelance writer, columnist, and radio commentator for WFPL, 89.3 FM, based in Louisville, KY. His Jewish-life articles have appeared in Community, The Jewish Press of Omaha, The Jewish News of Phoenix, The Connecticut Jewish Ledger, The Chicago Jewish News, The United Synagogue Review, Jewishfamily.com, and many others. Read more about his work at www.mjfreelancer.com.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 10, 2006

Praying for a Miracle, and Receiving Ushpizin In reality, what’s being tested is Moshe and Malli’s five year marriage. Although they love and respect each other, their inability to produce children is a source of tension. Ushpizin (which translates approximately as “holy guests”) marks an unusual collaboration between secular filmmakers and a religious cast. The director acceded to a number of conditions, including not working on Shabbat. Dar even agreed that when the film opened in Israeli theaters, there would be no Shabbat shows. (Needless to say, that proviso doesn’t apply to U.S. bookings.)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT by MICHAEL FOX The marvelous Israeli film Ushpizin reminds us that there’s nothing more rare or precious than an enlightened comedy. In lieu of the bathroom humor, cartoonish villains and strenuous slapstick that define modern jokefests, Gidi Dar’s movie brims with a uniquely Jewish wistfulness and generosity of spirit that can be traced to Sholem Aleichem and his forebears. When a friend asks the main character how he is, he replies, “Terrible.” Then he adds, “Praised be His name.” How Jewish is that? Well, a variation of that joke can be found on most every page of Leo Rosten’s The Joy of Yiddish. Ushpizin is an unabashedly spiritual film, in part because it derives its humor from decent characters wrestling with the difficulty of doing the right thing. The premise is as simple and straightforward as a vintage Neil Simon play. When a financially struggling Orthodox couple’s prayers are answered on Erev Sukkot, their troubles really begin. Miraculously blessed with a discarded, first-rate sukkah, and an envelope filled with cash to buy an etrog, lulav, food and wine, Moshe and Malli couldn’t be happier. But a reprobate from Moshe’s past shows up, accompanied by a boorish pal, and a shadow is cast over the celebration. (Any resemblance to David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence is purely coincidental and infinitely more benign.) Although the couple embraces the commandment to welcome guests into the sukkah, Eliahu and Yossef would test anyone’s goodwill.

Ushpizin opens the Omaha Jewish Film Festival with showings on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26, 7 p.m., in the JCC Theater. For more information, call Gary Katz, Library Administrator of the Krpke Library, at 334.6462. Shuli Rand, who plays Moshe and wrote the screenplay, had performed in Dar’s earlier films before he became ultraOrthodox and gave up acting. Rand exudes likability and trustworthiness, and his comeback earned him last year’s Israeli Academy Award for best actor. Before he decided to star in Ushpizin, however, Rand obtained a blessing from his rabbi. Further, he would not act with any woman other than his wife. For the record, the nonprofessional Michal Bat Sheva Rand acquits herself just fine. Beyond its entertainment value,

Ushpizin makes an enormous contribution by deflating stereotypes of the ultraOrthodox. The notion of the domineering husband and acquiescent wife is pretty well demolished, for this is a love story about two equal partners. And although the power of prayer is acknowledged at every turn, and the will of God is paramount, the observant Jews aren’t portrayed as dogmatic automatons. It is still the individual’s choice whether or not to be kind and honest, and to rectify mistakes and seek forgiveness. Indeed, Ushpizin slips in a dig at those who mask their indifference toward the less fortunate with rote advice to ask God for help. Being religious is not a justification for certain behavior, the film suggests, but an impetus to behave better. But you certainly don’t have to be ultra-Orthodox to enjoy Ushpizin. Like Eliahu and Yossef, secular moviegoers are likely to find this trip to Jerusalem not just pleasurable but inspiring.

BIRTH Yosef and Shani Richtman of Far Rockaway, NY, announce the Jan. 30 birth of their daughter, Chana. Chana has a sister, Charna Rochel, and a brother Menachem. She is the granddaughter of Walter and Harriet Richtman of Chicago, IL, and Abe and Ellen Orzel of Kew Garden Hills, NY. She is the great-granddaughter of former Omahan Rosa Richtman of Chicago, IL, and the late Dave Richtman.

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February 10, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

Thirteen and a Day--The Bar and Bat Mitzvah Across America by Mark Oppenheimer, (Farrer, Straus and Company, 2005; $24)

BOOK REVIEW Review by JOEL GLAZIER Rarely does a cover prompt me to buy a book. Thirteen and a Day (The Bar and Bat Mitzvah Across America) is a book whose cover caught my eye. It shows an open Torah scroll on whose parchment is a colorful map of the USA. I have visited all fifty states making visits to numerous synagogues; the book’s topic looked like a good read and it turned out to be just that. The book is a thoroughly enjoyable and at times provocative account about modern B’nai Mitzvah celebrations. In the past two years, stories have surfaced mentioning “Faux mitzvah” parties put on by Gentiles in California; a “Bark mitzvah” a New Yorker held for his dog after 13 years of ownership; and “Black mitzvahs” celebrated by Manhattan African-American families. This summer, a tented celebration was later referred to as a “spa mitzvah” by the guests who endured heat and humidity in a Pennsylvania back yard (the tent was not air conditioned). Mark Oppenheimer spends many pages describing over-the-top parties thrown in the greater New York area. New York Magazine called these “Bash Mitzvahs!” in a 1998 story. The extravagance is often tsk’d about in Jewish newspapers where such “Bar Mitzvah” planners advertise. The author journeys to such a “Party Planner Expo” and his description is entertaining if not sinful. Many Jewish families may not believe having your photo on a cake (and eating it too) is necessary as a follow up to a serious Haftorah reading. Oppenheimer seemed to have little difficulty gaining admission to some gala Bar Mitzvah parties but getting into some synagogue services was, at times, a problem for the uninvited guest. It is refreshing when Oppenheimer finally moves away from the seemingly obligatory bashing of lavish affairs. The reader is then rewarded with some compelling tales of small congregations’ celebrations. We meet an array of characters and families who take the partly arbitrary age set in the Middle Ages (“13 and a day” for Jewish majority) and celebrate in small, memorable and meaningful ways. In more densely populated Jewish neighborhoods, or as he calls them, Jewish towns, Oppenheimer notes a bar or

bat mitzvah can become a private affair. Invitations are exclusive and the “regulars” feel like outsiders at their own shuls where b’nai mitzvah are so common. He shares his chagrin that in some of the communities, “The b’nai mitzvah overshadows Shabbos…the communal prayer and public Torah reading seems to be crippled by the b’nai mitzvah’s heightened importance within the community.” In small towns, on the other hand, he expresses, “Gentiles are necessary.” If only the Jewish residents and family are invited, the seats would not be filled and any party would be no more than an intimate dinner. Often many of the town folk are welcomed as Oppenheimer observes, “It is a natural opportunity for Jews to proclaim that they exist and to perform their existence in a way that the neighbors can see.” As he visits ceremonies in Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Alaska and Louisiana, Oppenheimer meets a diverse group of celebrants and congregants. “Jews by choice” have taken to the modern adult b’nai mitzvah celebrations. The reader gets a glimpse of a Chabad (in Anchorage) celebration as well as ultra- Reform services. Oppenheimer admits his parents did not value religious rituals. He felt he was meeting other Jews for the first time when he got to college at Yale and that contact was positive and life changing. Earning a PH.D in Religious Studies from Yale, Oppenheimer’s curiosity about the enduring rite of b’nai mitzvah led him on his journeys seeking the Bar and Bat Mitzvah across America. The book’s introduction and concluding chapter could be the basis for a fine, enlightening discussion in Havurah or Jewish study groups. Oppenheimer’s narrative of the bar mitzvah’s history is scholarly and very readable. He does not write comparing his own personal, familial religious experiences, as he actually had none. Filling the book with ceremonies that all have a basic familiarity, yet no two being the same, provides a fascinating look into the diversity of what has become the Jewish community in America. His final, fascinating visits to small dedicated congregations and members’ homes along the Louisiana Gulf Coast makes one wonder about them now as Hurricane Katrina devastated so many towns and communities. Glazier is a freelance writer in Wilmington, DE. He can be reached at: JGlazie@aol.com.

Journey into Judaism Continued from page 14 ties where girls did not become Bat Mitzvah, so this accomplishment holds special meaning for them. For Kolnick, learning more about Judaism meant a great deal to her, and as a result, she said, “I feel more comfortable at the synagogue, but I know there is more to learn.” She proudly added that following the March 11 ceremony, “everyone in my immediate family will have celebrated a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.” Wanting to participate fully in religious services has been important to Cemaj, who did not have that opportunity while growing up in an Orthodox Sephardic community in Mexico City. She sees her Bat Mitzvah as “a first step, a beginning in the learning process,” and is also driven by the bond created by being able to pray with Jews around the world. “It is so nice to be able to pray with others--we may not be in the same room, the same city or the same country, but through prayer, we’re connected to Jews everywhere.” Being raised in an Orthodox family and attending an Orthodox Hebrew school, Monovitz recalled that she did attend classes along with her younger brother. Years later, when she was approached about joining Beth El’s class, Monovitz initially declined, but changed her mind after being encouraged by a friend. “Now, I am so happy I said ‘yes,’ as I’ve had the chance to meet 10 wonderful women,” she said. “It has been a wonderful class. Cantor Gastón has been wonderful and very supportive, and encouraged us all along,” she said. Her classmates chimed in to sing the praises of Cantor Bogomolni, who, along with class

tutor Andy Greenberg, inspired his students to work toward this special milestone. “The cantor’s enthusiasm and dedication to making each of us succeed is infectious and exciting!” Goldstein said. “How could you be around him and not love the music and tidbits of information he would give us each week? He gave us the tools to learn and the encouragement to go for it. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with him.” Levitan echoed that thought, adding that “Cantor Gastón has been a wonderful instructor, and yes, he has expected a lot from us, but without that extra push to learn, I personally would not be able to read the prayers, participate in services and read my chosen readings as I continue to prepare.” Praising the cantor as “an amazing man, far wiser than his years,” Shapiro remarked that “his humor, his smile, his sensitivity, his incredible talent and ability to teach on so many different levels is a blessing to those who are privileged to study under his tutelage. He has made what started as a daunting challenge a proud accomplishment.” During the past year, a deep camaraderie has developed among these dedicated women -- and it will be undoubtedly palpable during their upcoming celebration. “This diverse group of women has jelled into a proud, talented and cohesive class,” Perelman said. “We have each had our own difficulties to deal with throughout this course, but we have helped each other and encouraged each other to the point of success.” Schneider agreed, saying, “I have enjoyed the bonding with my classmates and am very proud to have my name included with theirs as the B’not Mitzvah class of 2006.”

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Something Old, Something New Continued from page 1 David, a rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and a rabbinic intern at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, met Stephanie while they were attending graduate programs at the seminary. Although they picked Aug. 21 because it was convenient for their families and schedules, it also was the day after Tu B’Av which “is similar to Valentine’s Day in Israel,” according to Stephanie. At the Shabbat worship service prior to their wedding day, they were called up to the bimah for a blessing by Rabbi Azriel. This custom, called an aufruf, is “biblically based,” according to The Jewish Home, A Guide for Jewish Living by Daniel B. Syme. Stephanie also performed the ritual of immersing herself in a natural body of water, a mikvah, before her wedding. “For me,” she said, “it was a symbol of ritual purity and to separate from being unmarried to married. I went with my mom and close family friends, including Elyce Azriel, who led a beautiful ceremony at the mikvah.” At their wedding, they chose simple wedding bands. “We do double ring ceremonies at Temple,” said Rabbi Azriel. “The bands symbolize roundness and simplicity, no break in the new union of bride and groom.” “Everyone has a ketubah,” he added. “Ketubot express creative, artistic, innovative overtones. There is more poetic Hebrew and English to describe their feelings and commitments to each other.” “We chose a Reform egalitarian ketubah,” a written marriage contract, according to The Jewish Home, which was published by the UAHC (the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, now the Union for Reform Judaism) Press, “that was written in both Hebrew and English,” noted Stephanie. “After the wedding, we hung it in our bedroom.” During the ceremony, Stephanie circled David three times, and he circled her three times. Then “we circled together one time equaling seven times around,” she said. In The Jewish Home, Syme explains that the circling practice is based on a midrashic verse, that “A woman shall court a man,” which the rabbis interpreted to indicate that a woman should ‘go around’ a man. The custom also can be explained in terms of there being seven days in a week, seven aliyot on Shabbat, the Bible saying “when a man takes a wife” seven times, and carrying the Torahs around the synagogue seven times on Simchat Torah. Amy and Paul Rabinowitz met on Jdate, a Jewish internet dating site. They were married at Temple on May 29, 2005, by Cantor Wendy Shermet. Like the Eshels, the Rabinowitzes also were blessed on Shabbat at an aufruf ceremony prior to the wedding. Rabbi Caig Marantz officiated and held a tallit over their heads during the aufruf. And then, their friends and family showered the couple with colored wrapped chocolate mints. “Paul’s sister and brother-in-law,” Amy explained, “offered to get us a personalized ketubah as a wedding gift.” Found on-line at www.ketubah4less, “we had a great time designing our perfect ketubah, choosing by style and color. They gave us language options of Hebrew, Arabic, English, or Hebrew and English. Then we were able to pick the text from numerous choices of Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or even commitment ceremonies.” Today, “we proudly have our ketubah displayed in our living room.” Amy, who works at the Nebraska Medical Center, and Paul, Vice-president of Ballantyne of Omaha, preferred simple elegance at their wedding. “Both of my

parents walked me down the aisle,” she said. “I think they would have been heartbroken not to have done so. It is one of the reasons we chose to have a wedding versus eloping. It was our belief that this was a family event merging families.” As all Jewish couples do, Paul stomped on a glass at the end of the ceremony. “It’s currently still wrapped up in the napkin it was broken in,” Amy reported. “We plan on having it set in lucite.” Andy Ruback and his wife Teresa also saved the shards of glass from the broken glass. They set it in their mezuzah. The couple was married by Rabbi Azriel on Aug. 7, 2005. Teresa smiled, “I would have gotten married anytime. But my husband did a five-year weather study to find the perfect rain free day.” Teresa was married in a gold band that “has been in the family for four generations. All of the women in the family have been married in this ring. Bubbe is the keeper of the family ring,” Teresa pointed out.

Andy and Teresa Ruback stand under the chuppah at Temple Israel as Rabbi Aryeh Azriel officiates at their wedding. During the ceremony, “We each circled around the other three times, and then circled together three times.” “Our ketubah was made by an artist in Minnesota. It’s the first thing you see as you walk in the door, and the last thing you see when you leave.” To add a touch of her own heritage, Teresa, who is a caterer, and Andy, owner of The City Weekly, incorporated some of her Panamanian background into the reception by offering their guests some Latin flavors. Jamie and Ted Friedland offered some of their families’ favorite fare, too, including her great aunt Babe’s chocolate brownies. But this time, the occasion was at a baby naming--their daughter Rose’s. Two and a half now, Rose is named after Jamie’s mother’s grandmother and Ted’s grandmother. Her middle name, Ellen, is in memory of Jamie’s grandfather and Ted’s other grandmother. They wrote a letter to Rose describing her namesakes and how important “they were to us,” Jamie said. Their pictures were on display during the baby naming ceremony facilitated by Rabbi Azriel. Jamie and Ted also wrote about their wishes for Rose in the letter. After the birth of their now 10-monthold son Alex, the Friedlands returned to the hospital for his brit milah and naming, led by Cantor Shermet. “Then we went to my mom’s for lunch with our extended family.” “The role of the clergy,” added Rabbi Azriel, “is not just to utter ancient words at the simcha but to connect the dots from the traditions and customs of past generations to creative, meaningful Jewish life experiences at the present time and keep Judaism and Jews alive for future generations.”

February 10, 2006

The Bar Mitzvah Theme to End Them All

FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN The Washington Post recently informed me that, if it is to qualify as “a state-of-the-art New York bar mitzvah,” the celebration my wife and I are planning for our youngest son’s upcoming entry into Jewish adulthood needs a considerable dose of “theater,” including “like all theater...props.” The Post article, on the “glam makeover” that bar mitzvahs have reportedly undergone in recent years, stressed the importance of themes, highlighting themes like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “guitar”, a “casino”, “Yankees” (complete with a film of the new Jewish adult joining the team during spring training), and other themes best left unmentioned here (actually, anywhere). My goodness, I exclaimed to myself. Mere weeks from our dear son Menachem’s assumption of the yoke of the Torah’s commandments, we were utterly themeless. Whatever would we do? Sure, like other parents described in the article, I suppose we could (after taking out a third mortgage) hire some “motivators” to drag guests into dancing circles, some acrobats and even a bartender or two to oversee a “vodka slide”--a “massive block of ice with a groove down the middle”--for the adult guests. The bar mitzvah boy (thank G-d) would boycott his celebration if he saw any of those things, but at least we would have done something meaningful. What, though, about the all-important theme? As Orthodox Jews, we couldn’t really go the route of the corporate CEO who recently flew in a number of rock and rap artists to regale the masses at his daughter’s multi-million dollar bat mitzvah. But I know well that we Orthodox are hardly beyond our own acts of immature excess. Think, I thought. But of course! The possibilities were endless! We could have a “tefillin bar mitzvah,” with tables in the shape of the leather phylacteries worn by Jewish men; or a “Talmud bar mitzvah” with tractate volumes made out of chopped-liver; or a “Mount Sinai bar mitzvah,” with centerpieces rigged to erupt in simu-

lated lightning after the bar mitzvah boy’s speech; or a “manna from heaven bar mitzvah,” where, in keeping with Jewish tradition’s teaching about the miraculous nourishment’s ability to taste like almost anything, each guest could order whatever food he or she wanted (we’d need both meat and dairy kitchens for that one, but hey, who said successful excess was easy?). Then, though, it hit me. No, none of those themes was right--the perfect bar mitzvah theme was something else, and I had it: a “shtetl bar mitzvah.” We would recreate a pre-Holocaust Eastern European small town bar mitzvah, precisely like those my son’s grandfathers experienced when they turned 13 in 1930s Poland! It wouldn’t be easy, but we could do it. We’d have to find the appropriate venue, of course, something that captured the ambiance of a true shtetl synagogue. I’d seen old photos. It shouldn’t be hard. There are a number of establishments in certain New York neighborhoods that would fit the bill; they might lack actual dirt floors--but their floors are certainly dirty. The cuisine might be trickier, I thought, but after intensive historical research, I came up with just what the theme demanded: kichel (a primitive precursor of the cookie) and herring, with a shot of schnapps as an accompaniment for those of age (drinking, that is, not Jewish adulthood). No main course and no dessert for authenticity’s sake. A truly unique bar mitzvah, one not seen for 60 years! I imagine there may be some strange looks from guests unaware of all the careful thought and planning that went into our son’s chic, minimalist bar mitzvah theme. Even when I explain it, some may not realize how “state of the art” our celebration really is. It won’t be their fault, of course. It takes sophistication to recognize true style. I even hope to start a trend. An avant-garde, deceptively low-key approach to bar mitzvahs! And aside from the sheer coolness of it all, the simplicity of the affairs may just make it easier for the bar mitzvah boy (or bat mitzvah girl) to remain focused on the true theme of the moment, their entry into the circle of Jews who are now responsible to humanity, to their fellow Jews, and above all, to G-d. Rabbi Shafran is Director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America. For their son Menachem’s bar mitzvah celebration, he and his wife plan to serve a modest dinner for family, a handful of their closest friends and Menachem’s yeshiva classmates. Menachem’s grandparents will serve as motivators, in the deepest, most Jewish sense of the word.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Young Israeli Artists’ Work Featured at Christie’s NY; Profits Earmarked to Strengthen Ties of Young People to Jerusalem (IPS) Late last month, the renowned New York auction house Christie’s hosted a special auction on behalf of the Jerusalem Foundation. On sale were unique works of art by Israeli artists from the Artists Workshops in Jerusalem, a Jerusalem Foundation project created to support young artists and enable them to stay and work in the city. Money received from the Christie’s auction over and above the sum the artists determined that their works are worth, will go to subsidize visits for youth to the Tower of David Museum for the History of Jerusalem, which covers 4,000 years of Jerusalem’s multi-colored history through a unique blend of modern exhibits.

A rare sketch by Marc Chagall, a dove of peace against the backdrop of Jerusalem, drawn on a visit to Jerusalem in the early 1960s, was recently sold at a special Christie’s New York auction. IPS photo courtesy of the Jerusalem Foundation. The auction included a number of items from the private collection of former Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek, including a rare sketch by Marc Chagall which he drew while visiting with Kollek in Jerusalem in the early 1960s. A number of works by the well known Jerusalem artist Dudu Gerstein were also up for auction, as well as a painting by Kollek’s daughter, artist Osnat Sachs. All in all, the auction raised the sum of $100,000.

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February 10, 2006

The Real Meaning of Simcha Look up Simcha in any Hebrew dictionary and you’ll find meanings ranging from joy to happy occasion. Add ba’al in front and you get the host of the celebration. Add mashbeet and you’ll have something (or someone) that spoiled the party. Or use the expression Mo’adim l’Simcha and you’ll be using it to wish people a “Joyous Holiday.” The opening line of the blessing for children is y’seemaych--which we think of as ‘May you be blessed or like Ephraim and Menashe for boys and Sara, Rachel, Leah and Rivka for girls. The dictionary, however, translates it as “gladdened.” And, of course, it all makes sense because each Hebrew word originates with a three-letter shoresh or root, from which come a variety of different, but related meanings. A simcha can mean everything from an engagement to a wedding, the birth of a child to his or her Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a 50th anniversary or a special birthday, but it has also come to mean any celebration of life. For example, in this week’s Simchas and Celebrations special issue, we highlight the meaningful life of Louise Abrahamson. A woman who has reached the age of 86, an age when many of her contemporaries are slowing down, she continues to work at the Clothesline, a thrift store she founded to help clothe the children and family counselors at Girls and Boys Town. Though it’s not her birthday this week and she’s not receiving any awards at the moment, what she does with her work is truly a simcha for others. This is the fourth year that the Jewish Press has published a special issue on Simchas and

Celebrations. You’ll also read about weddings at Temple Israel, adults celebrating B’nai Mitzvah at Beth El, preserving flowers from your simchas, pre-marital advice for engaged couples and a critical look at recent over-thetop themes for B’nai Mitzvahs. We hope our readers learn something new they can use in upcoming simchas of their own-and patronize the advertisers who help us publish such a large issue (please tell them you saw their ads in the Jewish Press!). We also hope readers will use simchas to elevate them beyond a party. Use a celebration to compile a family history; it’s a great opportunity to hear Uncle Max talk about his military service in Korea or copy down Bubbe’s recipe for holishkes (stuffed cabbage). Turn a simcha into a fundraising event by letting guests know that contributions to your favorite charitable organization would be “gladly” welcomed. And don’t forget to contribute something yourself! Use a major milestone, like a special birthday or anniversary to establish a fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation or through your synagogue or favorite nonprofit. If you care about scholarships for Jewish camping or trips to Israel, the Teen Age page of the Jewish Press, art or music classses for children, transportation for the elderly, prayer books and Torahs, con-

sider creating a fund that will perpetuate your simcha (or the memory of a loved one) every time it’s used and announced. Not only will the recipients be grateful, but your simcha will seem like it’s never ending (now that’s a party!). So may we only have simchas and may your next celebration be a joyous one!

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

European Jews Express Anger, Frustration Amid Furor over Cartoon

BEHIND THE HEADLINES by JTA STAFF PARIS (JTA)--European Jews expressed a mixture of anger and frustration this week as the furor over a Muslim cartoon erupted into violence in Europe and the Middle East. As frequent targets of anti-Semitic cartoons --many of them in the Arab press--Jews on one hand sympathized with the Muslim outrage over depictions of the Islamic prophet Mohammed, which is considered b Muslims to be blasphemous. But Jews joined many others in expressing shock at the level of violence the controversy sparked. “Of course, we condemn all forms of propaganda that carry prejudice toward any faith. But people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” said Serge Cwajgenbaum, the secretary-general of the European Jewish Congress. In Denmark, Jews felt solidarity with their country as it came under attack after a Danish newspaper printed the controversial cartoons, including one that depicted the Islamic prophet Mohammed as wearing a turban shaped as a bomb. “Usually the Jews are always in the center of things, but here we feel we are part of the Danish population,” said Rabbi Bent Lexner, Denmark’s chief rabbi. Other newspapers across the world--in France, in Australia and in the United States-printed one or more of the cartoons. In France, the editorial director of France Soir, was fired after running at least one of the cartoons. At least one Israeli paper, the Jerusalem Post, also reprinted the cartoons. A German Jewish Web site, haGalil, got hacked after it posted some of the Danish cartoons. The controversy took on specific Jewish overtones as the Muslim reaction intensified. As Muslims rioted across the Middle East, the

Web site of the Arab European League printed anti-Semitic cartoons and Iran’s largest newspaper requested cartoon submissions that question the Holocaust. “The cartoon was made by a Danish newspaper, not a Jewish one. But once again, someone does something and we as Jews are guilty,” said the head of Poland’s Union of Religious Jewish Communities, Petr Kadlcek. Most European Jews, led by France’s chief rabbi, Joseph Sitruk, saw the original cartoons as a needless provocation. Following a meeting with French Prime

“The cartoon was made by a Danish newspaper, not a Jewish one. But once again, someone does something and we as Jews are guilty.” Minister Dominique de Villepin, Sitruk said, “We win nothing by disparaging religions, humiliating them by making caricatures of them.” Freedom of expression is not an unlimited right, Sitruk said. The right to satire “stops as soon as there is incitement to or hatred of the other.” Jews are no strangers to racism dressed up as humor, said David Ruzie, a French university professor and specialist in international law. “There is humor, and there is humor,” Ruzie said. “It was through derision that Germany, and in France as well, before World War II, began to attack Jews.” But there was widespread condemnation of the Muslim reaction, which in addition to the anti-Semitic cartoons, included Muslim violence, throwing rocks at Danish and other European institutions abroad and, in some cases, setting buildings ablaze. “I don’t believe in absolute freedom of expression,” said journalist Jean-Claude Baboulin, writing in Guysen Israel News, a

(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.

news service, “but I certainly don’t defend the Muslims who believe they have a right to forbid others what their religion forbids them,” he wrote, referring to the Muslim prohibition to depict Mohammed. Said Danielle Brami, who owns a pharmacy in Paris, “To go burn embassies and cultural centers is a scandal, pure and simple, and is totally unwarranted.” This is not the first example of religious slander in the European media, but the reactions are exaggerated, said Jean-Michel Rosenfeld, a Paris official. “There is something to be angry over, just like when Catholics were furious over caricatures of the Holy Trinity in the French press,” he said, “but the Catholics did not go out and burn buildings.” Others reacted with more equanimity. People of all faiths must work to defuse the situation, said Paul Spiegel, head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, complementing German Chancellor Angela Merkel in her call “for prudence and de-escalation.” “A clash of cultures is avoidable,” he said. For some elderly Danish Jews, the violence brought back some historical nightmares, said Lexner, the Danish chief rabbi. “I think that there are some kinds of fear, especially of those people who have seen this burning of flags and violence in the many countries, and they compare” that to the 1940s, fretting that “things are repeating themselves,” he said. In Great Britain, both lawmakers and Muslim leaders condemned a demonstration last Friday in front of the country’s largest mosque during which some Muslims threatened beheadings, terrorism and another “7/7,” referring to the multiple subway and bus bombings that left 56 dead last July. Many European and American Jewish observers noted the irony of Muslims and Arabs objecting to an offensive characterization of Mohammed when anti-Jewish characterizations are rampant in the Arab world. Continued on page 21

Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE or e-mail to: 68154-2198 jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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February 10, 2006

An Award for Terror

BEHIND THE H EADLINES by YOSSI ZUR

ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW by RITA SHELLEY

Last week the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominated the Palestinian movie Paradise Now for Best Foreign Language film of the year. The film follows the path of two young Palestinians from their decision to become suicide bombers to the moment one of them boards a crowded Tel Aviv bus. Paradise Now is a very professional production, created with great care for detail. It is also an extremely dangerous piece of work, not only for Israel and the Middle East, but the whole world. My son Asaf was almost 17-years-old, an 11th-grader studying computer sciences, when one day after school he boarded a bus in Israel to return home. On the way, a suicide bomber from Hebron, 21-years-old and himself a computer sciences student in the Hebron Polytechnic, also boarded the bus and blew himself up. Of the 17 people killed, nine were schoolchildren aged 18 or younger. Asaf was killed on the spot. I went to see Paradise Now to try to understand what message it was trying to convey. Was it that the murderer is human and is as deserving of sympathy as his victims? He is not. Was it that he has doubts? He has none. After all, he is so sure of his mission that he is willing to kill himself along with his human targets. Or maybe, I wondered, the film was trying to give the message that it is the Israelis who are to blame for this horrific act, for the phenomenon of suicide bombing. In that case, are the Israelis also to blame for the similar terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center, the Bali nightclub, the Amman hotels, the shop in Turkey, the restaurant in Morocco, the underground stations in London, the trains in Spain and so many others? What exactly makes Paradise Now worthy of such a prestigious nomination? Would the entertainment writers who chose to honor this movie have given the same accolades if the film had been about the young men from Saudi Arabia who moved to the U.S., took flying lessons and then underwent Islamic ritual preparations for their holy mission to crash airplanes into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon? Would they have dared to nominate a version of Paradise Now for a similar award? This movie attempts to deliver the message that suicide bombings are a legitimate tactic for those who feel they’ve exhausted all other means of resistance. But a suicide-murderer who boards a bus and snuffs out the lives of 15 or 20 innocent people, or who walks into a city carrying a biological, chemical or nuclear weapon and kills 10,000, or even 100,000 people, is that still a legitimate tactic? Where does one draw the line? The world should draw the line at one person. My son was almost 17; he loved surfing, he loved pop music. He is now gone because a suicide bomber decided that blowing himself up on a crowded bus filled with children was somehow a legitimate act. Nominating a movie such as Paradise Now only implicates the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the evil chain of terror that attempts to justify these horrific acts, whether the number of victims is 17 or 17,000. This op-ed is courtesy of the Israel Project, an international non-profit devoted to educating the press and the public about Israel while promoting security, freedom and peace.

To Omaha’s Jewish community, I owe a debt of gratitude for the opportunity to serve a community that honors its elders. If you are a person born or married into this community, you may assume the enormous resources devoted to meeting the social, medical and spiritual needs of its elders are typical. You may even take the availability of services for granted. The nursing homes in which my own elders lived are staffed with caring people. But those caring people do not have the army of volunteers and financial support through endowments that Blumkin staff is able to draw upon. If they did, I venture to say the tax dollars that now are spent on public oversight of the well-being of nursing home residents could instead be spent on their care. Before I worked for Jewish Senior Services as public relations staff, I did not know people like Nancy Rips, who can be counted on month after month to bring a lively discussion of current events to Blumkin Home residents. Men like Buzz Rubin and Harold Bernstein, who for a dozen years now have visited their friend and former colleague Bill Lohrman to swap stories every single week. Couples like Miles and Eileen Remer, who pursue raising money and support for the Blumkin Home with an energy that, if harnessed, could supply power to most of the west coast. Or Joan and Terry Bernstein. A past-president of the JSS board, many of Joan’s contributions are behind the scenes. She and Terry also are present at the Home on Tuesdays, helping out wherever they are needed. Sarah Shondlemeyer, along with her daughter and several of their family pets, share their time and energy on regular Monday night visits to the Home. My life is richer for knowing Judy Yoo, who schedules much of her life around accompanying Blumkin residents to medical appointments. For having met Lois Friedman, an organizing influence behind decades of NCJW fundraising for the fabulous transportation that makes it possible for Blumkin residents to take the fre-

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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quent field trips that defy the stereotypical image of nursing home life. For knowing Kate Ferer, who sees to the many of the details of sustaining the weekly Singalong. For those who can’t be present, community support is "present" in other ways. No other community I know of funds its services to seniors to the extent that it can employ a professional social services staff to support families, and to fill in the gaps upon the occasion that a member of the community outlives all of his or her close relatives. Or whose job descriptions include checking regularly on the welfare of community residents and helping families evaluate options for safely maintaining their elders’ independence. Your community employs a staff of activities professionals who oversee the endless details of organizing road trips, special occasion meals, and quality entertainment. Who, because their department is adequately staffed, are able to cater to individual tastes, providing the simple choices that keep life meaningful in ways I would want for my own parents, and for myself. You can boast a nursing staff with low turnover because the Blumkin Home is a pleasant place to work. Your residence for seniors shares a campus with two schools. The opportunity for young people to visit does not require complicated arrangements for school bus transportation. It is 20 years too late for me to be “present” in my own grandparents’ lives. I regret to say I wasn’t paying attention sufficiently to appreciate them (two teachers who taught a passion for reading and writing, a homemaker who tried to teach self-discipline, and a dealer in farm implements who taught me how to spell) until they were gone. At the Blumkin Home, I have the pleasure of knowing the current generation of retired teachers, homemakers, and community leaders who now can look back on their accomplishments with pride. It’s not such a bad place to be. And this time I’m paying attention. I thank my Blumkin resident friends, and their community, for teaching me that a long life is a blessing, and that to be part of the long lives of loved ones is a blessing, too. Rita Shelley recently was the Public Relations Coordinator at Jewish Senior Services.

Furor over Cartoon

Continued from page 20 Jon Benjamin, director general of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the country’s main Jewish umbrella organization, emphasized the frequent references in the Arab world to The Protocols of Zion, a forgery that purports to be a plan outlining how Jews want to rule the world. It shows “how bizarre and insidious this all is. If they

understand that it's hurtful, why didn’t they pay attention to it ever before,” said Abraham Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League who has often pressed the issue of anti-Semitism in the Arab media. Some in the secular French Jewish community revealed bitterness at the anger expressed against France, particularly concerning demonstrations that took place in the Gaza Strip. Ruzie wrote on the website desinfos.com: “The traditionally welcoming attitude of France toward the Palestinians” has not exactly “paid off.” Underlying much of the reaction was an anger that efforts at tolerance and dialogue could now be jeopardized. “Some people have worked for trying to integrate the Muslim community in the Danish society, and I think that, in that way, many years of work were destroyed,” Lexner said. (JTA staff writer Chanan Tigay in NY and correspondents Dinah A. Spritzer in Prague, Lauren Elkin and Brett Kline in Paris, and Toby Axelrod in Berlin contributed to this report.) (Editor’s note: If you want to see the actual cartoons, go to Michelle Malkin’s blog: http://michellemalkin.com/archives/004413.htm.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 10, 2006

Candlelighting Friday, Feb. 10, 5:34 p.m.

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with speakers, Betty Shrier and Bill Ramsey on their soon-to-be released book on David Kaufman. The community is welcome to attend.

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org

The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org

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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: From tonight through Sunday, Beth El will present Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Adolfo Roitman, curator of the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m., in the chapel; during Shabbat dinner, he will discuss “Sects and Groups in Judaism Today and in Second Temple Period: Parallels and Differences.” SATURDAY: Sisterhood Shabbat, led by the women of Beth El, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 11 a.m. led by Esther Katz; kiddush sponsored by Beth El; during kiddush luncheon, Dr. Roitman will address “Esther and Judith in Jewish Literature and Art, and Their Relevance for Modern Feminist Approaches;” Evening Service, 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Living Hebrew, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class, 10 a.m.; at a 10 a.m. brunch, Dr. Roitman will explore “The Significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls for Judaism and Christianity;” Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 11 a.m.; and From Your Heart to God’s Ears, 11 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m./5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. PATTER: Wednesdays, 10:30 -11:45 a.m. led by Helen Epstein THURSDAY, noon: Discovering the Talmud: Lessons for Everyday Living, with Rabbi Levin. NASHIR CHOIR: On Sundays, 10-11 a.m. TU B’SHEVAT AT LAURITZEN GARDENS: Sunday, Feb. 12, 1:30-3 p.m., 100 Bancroft St. No charge to attend. ALTERNATIVE SHABBAT SERVICE: On Feb. 18, 10 a.m. in the chapel. BESTT WORKSHOPS: This series of workshops will focus on ways to identify and intervene in situations of child abuse, bullying and other types of child victimization, scheduled for Sundays,

12:15 p.m.: Feb. 26, March 5 and March 26. There is no cost to attend. To register, contact Judy Rubin at 498.0904, or via eat eddir@bethelmail omaha.org. SISTERHOOD HAMANTASCHEN SALE: All orders placed before Feb. 17 will receive the discounted price of $5 per dozen; after that time, the price increases to $6. Order forms are available in the office, or by sending a check--made payable to Beth El Sisterhood--to: 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. Orders will be ready for pick-up on Sunday, March 5, 10 a.m. to noon, or March 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Rick and Julee Katzman in honor of their wedding anniversary. A special “Kids Rule the Shul” program and Mincha, 5 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:36 p.m.; Junior NCSY Movie Night to see The Pink Panther will be after Shabbat. (See full article on page 2.) SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m; Tu B’Shevat Seder, 5 p.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s meeting, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Wine, Whine and Win! at 7 p.m. This monthly distopic is cussion group’s in Participation “Children’s Shabbat Services.” Congregants are invited to brainstorm, chat, discuss and participate. Babysitting service will be provided.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Ima & Me, 10–11:30 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9

BAR MITZVAH Alexander Howard, son of Stephanie and Rodger Howard, will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Temple Ahavat Shalom in Northridge, CA. Alexander is a seventhgrade honor roll student at Rio Norte Junior High, in Valencia, CA. He is a First Class Rank member of Boy Scout Troop 228 in Santa Clarita, CA, and received the Ne’er

Tamid religious emblem from the Jewish Committee for Boy Scouting. His interests are basketball, baseball, swimming, and reading. For his mitzvah project, he is assisting the coach of the Special Olympics Swim Team in Santa Clarita, CA. Alexander has a brother, Adam. Grandparents are Sarah and Ted Seldin.

a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Studies, 10-11:30 a.m. The Exodus Series, a 10-week course exploring themes of leadership, liberty, law, and growth; Aleph Champion and Little Scholars Programs, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Spice and Spirit Cooking Club, 9:30 a.m.; Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; Torah Tots (ages 35), 4:15 p.m. For information about programs or to register for classes, the office or visit: call www.nebraska-judaism.com.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat and Tu Bishvat Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg provided by Sara Friedman. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: School-wide TuB’Shevat celebration at Tifereth Israel, 10 a.m.-noon; Board of Trustees Meeting, 1 p.m.; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m.; Winter Lecture Series, 7 p.m. at Unitarain Church, 6300 ‘A’ St.; the topic is “Relationships of Taiwan and China” with Megan Greene. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. THURSDAY, 7 p.m. Music Education, led by Mark Miller, Holly Hefflebower, and Elaine Monnier (first and third Thursdays of the month).

on Psalm 147. Musical accompanist and director of the adult choir at Temple De Hirsch Sinai in Seattle, WA, Sheilds will be here for the premier performance which also includes organ, harp and oboe. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Jack and Judy Baker in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Chloe Heyman. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Chloe Rose Heyman, daughter of Betsy Baker and Richard Heyman, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 Prayer a.m.-noon; Family Assembly, 10 a.m. TUESDAY, Feb. 14: Family School and Dinner, 5:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 15: Religious School, 3-6, 4 p.m.; Scrapbook Club (7-12), 5 p.m.; Informal Dinner, 3-12, 6 p.m.; Middle/High School, 7-12, 6:30 p.m. LIVE, LAUGH & LINGUINI Sunday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m.: Join the Omaha Temple Youth Group members for the annual Spaghetti Dinner and Auction. Services and items to be auctioned. Proceeds will benefit Camp Rainbow and Camp CoHoLo (camps for seriously-ill children) and is the sole support of Temple Israel’s Youth Groups. Adults, $7; Children age 3 and up, $4; no charge for children age two and under. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Feb. 12: The 4 B’s: Behaving, Belonging, Believing & Bagels, 10:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.: Bad Girls of the Bible with Guy Matalon. Cost $18 THURSDAY, Feb. 16: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m., led by Alan Shulewitz.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Shira Service, 7:30 p.m.; Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Marantz, Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Cantor Shermet, along with the combined choirs of Temple Israel’s Kol Rin and the St. Paul United Methodis Church, under the direction of Jerry Brabec, will debut a composition by Valerie Shields. Written especially for Shabbat Shira, the piece is based

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 7 a.m., followed by breakfast. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with a Oneg Shabbat following in honor of June and Richard Segal on their 50th wedding anniversary. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m., followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, at 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m.

PERSONAL I would like to thank my dear family and friends and Rabbi Levin of Beth El and Rabbi Maximo Shechet for their prayers, flowers and get well cards during my hospital stay and convalescence at home. Every day is a little better. Thank you all again. Betty R. Alloy

February 10, 2006

Israel Leaves Egypt

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Beshallach We actually know the name of a famous Philistine. His name was, as you will remember, Goliath. (I remember with a certain amount of glee the problem a girl had in one of Professor Mordechai Kaplanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classes. The class was dealing with the question of the historical reliability of some passages in the Book of Joshua and I and II Kings. In the passage we dealt with, there was the famous battle between the youthful David and the giant man-killer, Goliath. But the girl in question--where is she now?--could not proceed because she told the professor she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what Golyas meant. Prof. Kaplan frequently came to distraction by things said in his class, but I never saw him so close to apoplexy as this time.) Historically, the Philistines, who had been a

Mediterranean people, got a land-base along the eastern shores of that sea and even on the shores of Egypt. Now our Sidra tells us that when Pharaoh, now beside himself, sent the children of Israel out of Egypt, they did not go north for that would have put them in conflict immediately with the Philistines. (Notice that the Philistines gave their name to Palestine.) Instead, the Israelites turned east and it took them 40 years, according to the Sacred Text, to enter what was to be the Land of Israel from the east, with the Jordan River their last obstacle to the Land. It is impossible at this point to gauge the historicity of the events that we have desribed above. Historians of the ancient world will have to clear these points up for us. I think that historical evidence will be thin and unreliable, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their worry, not mine. Instead all we have to do is recognize the Bibleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s account that it was a whole generation, from the time of the Exodus from Egypt to the entrance to the Land of Israel. But great things were to come after the Exodus, for shortly they were to receive nothing less than the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Keep listening.

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DEATHS LOUIS H. KOHLL After battling cancer, Louis Kohll died Feb. 2 in Israel at the age of 45. Services were held Monday at Temple Israel with interment at Temple Israel Cemetery. He is survived by wife, Ivy Lynn; children, Jordan, Ariel and Sophia; parents, Marvin and Sandra Kohll; brother, Justin Kohll; brother and sister-in-law, David and Janet Kohll; sister and brother-in-law, Sarah Ita and Nosson Meretsky of State College, PA; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Holly and Sam Masur of Lafayette, LA; sister-in-law, Jerrie Freeman of Allen, TX; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Helen Rose Pesses of El Dorado, AR. Memorials to Nebraska Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home or Jewish Family Services. ARON ZEIDERMAN Former Omahan Aron Zeiderman died in Denver, CO, on Feb. 4. Graveside services were held Sunday at Golden Hill Cemetery in Lakewood, CO. Born in Poland and a survivor of the Holocaust, he arrived in Omaha from Israel in 1962. A tailor since the age of 16, he opened a store in Omaha, Aronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Tailoring, located for many years at 4916 Underwood Ave. A long time member of Beth Israel, he served on the board and was a dedicated member of the Chevra Kadisha for many years. He was also a member of Beth El. He and his wife, Pela, who preceded him in death, moved to Denver in 1996. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Abe and Hollie Zeiderman; and granddaughters, Marla and Rebecca, all of Aurora, Colorado. Memorials to charity of choice. RUTH RASKIN Former Omahan Ruth Raskin died in La Jolla, CA, on Jan. 18, after a long illness. A talented interior designer, she returned to college in

her late 40s and at 53 opened a store--The Studio, in Rockbrook Village, which she successfully operated for 24 years. A year after the death of her husband, Bernard H. Raskin in 1996, she retired and moved to La Jolla. She was an active supporter of Jewish organizations and established foundations at the Jewish Federations of Omaha and San Diego. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Andrea M. Booth and Dr. Alan Booth of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, and Betsy Raskin Gullickson and Gary Gullickson, Ph.D., of Kentfield, CA; three grandchildren, Rabbi David Booth of Ocean, NJ, Deborah Booth of Seattle, WA, and Pamela Gullickson, of Greenbrae, CA; and five great-grandchildren. Memorials to San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care, Attn: Foundation, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103; Scripps Health Foundation for Lymphoma Research, P.O. Box 2669, La Jolla, CA 92038-2669, or to Rabbi Azrielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discretionary Fund at Temple Israel. MICHAEL ROSINSKY Former Omahan Michael Rosinsky died in Los Angeles, CA, at the age of 48. Services were held Feb. 5 at Beth El Cemetery. A well known and respected jazz musician in Omaha and the Los Angeles area, he was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame in 2001. He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Rosinsky. He is survived by his father, Jerry, and his wife, Charney Rosinsky; companion, Christine Joyce of Altadena, CA; sister and brother-in-law, Janey and Neil Joachim of Danville, CA; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Sara Rosinsky of Lakeland, FL; nieces, Emily Joachim and Helen Rosinsky; nephew, Max Joachim. Memorials to: Jazz Foundation of America, Katrina Relief Fund, 322 W. 48 St., New York, NY 10036, or charity of choice.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 10, 2006

At Annual Cantor’s Concert,

Angela Bell

Beth El and Rick Recht Will Raise the Roof with “Rock ‘n Roll for Your Jewish Soul!” based not only on his talent as an exceptional musician, singer/songwriter and entertainer, but also because he serves as a role model for involvement in Jewish life. He has become an icon for Jewish youth in the United States, elevating the medium of Jewish music as a powerful and effective tool for developing Jewish pride and identity among the masses. Recht is also known for involving audience members in his shows, and during the upcoming Cantor’s Concert, community members will be welcomed onstage to perform during several of his numbers. Anyone who plays an acoustic instrument or loves to sing is invited to rock out with Recht and the band, consisting of musicians Emily Meyer, Tuffy Epstein, Jill Bob Adler, Belmont, Deborah Rick Recht performs at Kutz concert. Credit: Jeff Hirsch Greenblatt, Robert Daniel Mosenkis, Ocanto, Aleks Salkin and Jeff Malashock. At the present time, other congregants joining in the fun will be Caroline and Samantha Juster, Marty Kaplan, Shir Palmon, Lev Nachman, Dayna Cohen, Jeffrey Libov, Ryan Kirshenbaum, Alex Solomon, Annelise Ocanto, Jamie Skog, Rebecca Cantor Gastón Bogomolni Rick Recht Wolfson, Mitchell Credit: Suzy Gorman Raznick, Cameron The entire community is invited to Gilinsky, Steven Meyer, Rachel Stein, attend “Rock ’n Roll for Your Jewish Yonatan and Liatte Dotan, Claire and Soul,” a 90-minute, hand-clapping, Daniel Schlessinger and Tali Levin. dancing-in-the-aisles celebration of mod- Anyone wishing to perform is asked to ern Jewish music, highlighted by Recht’s contact Cantor Bogomolni by Feb. 16 at infectious tunes, as well as selections by 492.8550, or cantor@bethel-omaha songwriters such as Dan Nichols, .org. A dessert reception will be held followNeshama Carlebach, Sam Glaser, Craig ing the concert, according to event chairTaubman and Noam Katz. Beth El’s Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, man Eadie Tsabari, and everyone will the event’s organizer, expressed excite- have the opportunity to meet Recht, plus ment with the prospect of “seeing and have their CDs and songbooks autofeeling our sanctuary rocks with this great graphed. And if that’s not enough, Beth Jewish music!” El will also be raffling off two iPods, and Having presented two Cantor’s everyone who performs in the show will Concerts already, Cantor Bogomolni said receive a “Rock ’n Roll for Your Jewish his personal challenge is to present the Soul” t-shirt. community with something new each All proceeds will benefit the synayear. “I’m always looking for something gogue’s Youth Scholarship Program, original, something that will offer the which provides opportunities for young audience a unique experience and leave people to attend Jewish summer camps, them with good memories,” he said. visit Israel or attend Jewish youth con“Through this concert, we want to share ventions. with people different ways that Jewish Tickets categories and prices follow music has evolved, and show how a mix- $2,500: Pop Royalty (12 tickets); ture of the traditional and modern creates $1,000: Musical Mensches (eight ticka very entertaining combination.” ets); $500: Rhythm Masters (six tickets); He added that “each year, one of my $250: Serenaders (four tickets); $100: priorities is to create a musical environ- Hip Hoppers (four tickets); $75: Chart ment the entire family will enjoy. This Toppers (two tickets); $40: Harmonizers year specifically, I wanted to appeal to the (Family Package); $18: Rock ’n Rollers young people in the community--and (one ticket); $10: Students; $5: fivewho better to electrify our teenagers and years-old and under For reservations, please mail payment young adults than Rick Recht?” Recht, a top-touring musician in Jewish to: Beth El Synagogue Cantor’s Concert, music, plays over 150 concerts a year in Beth El 14506 California St., Omaha, the United States and abroad. His wide NE 68154. appeal to youth and family audiences is by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Are you a fan of rock ‘n’ roll, hip hop, blues and pop music? If so, you won’t want to miss Beth El’s annual Cantor’s Concert on Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m., featuring guest performer Rick Recht-one of this country’s premiere Jewish rockers -- and some of the greatest Jewish music you’ve ever heard!

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