Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA February 15, 2013 5 Adar 5773 Vol. 93 | No. 22
B’nai B’rith honors Tom Osborne
This Week
by ARI D. RIEKES President, B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge The Henry Monsky Lodge will honor the legendary Dr. Tom Osborne at its 59th Annual Sports Banquet sponsored by B’nai B’rith. While paying tribute to one of Nebraska’s most celebrated figures, the Banquet will also be extraordinary because it will provide benefits to local Jewish families in need in an unprecedented fashion. The Henry Monsky Lodge is committed to make this an event for the entire Jewish community of Omaha. The Lodge will use a significant share of the proceeds from the event to provide opportunities to help defray the costs to Jewish families and individuals who wish to participate in Jewish related activities. Belonging to a synagogue and the Jewish Community Center, or enrolling Jewish children in activ-
All Together Now: Help us reach our goal Page 3
Incredible Experiences in Israel Pages 8 & 9
ities like the Child Development Center, summer camps, the Friedel Academy or participating in a Jewish youth group activity is not cheap. Many struggle financially to be a
Omaha JCC wins bike challenge by ED HELLER JCC Fitness Center Director The Expresso Bikes in the JCC Fitness Center are two of the most popular pieces of equipment in the gym. And now, our JCC riders have won the January 2013 Expresso Bike World Challenge.
No excuse to miss school with smart technology Page 16
Tom Osborne
part of such programs. Money should not be a burden for Jewish families to participate in Jewish activities. The Henry Monsky Lodge is ecstatic that Temple Israel, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, the Jewish Federation of Omaha, and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization have all agreed to partner with the Lodge to promote the event and to help raise money for Jewish families in need. Consequently, any funds raised that exceed the Lodge’s annual expenses will be divided among the following: the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation’s CornerStone Fund, which provides scholarships for many activities such as the CDC, Friedel, summer camps and youth groups; Beth El, Beth Israel, and Temple Israel synagogues; the BBYO; and the Henry Monsky Lodge. In exchange for
receiving these funds, each of the above-mentioned institutions has committed to use the money exclusively to enable participation in Jewish activities for families and individuals in need. Directing proceeds in such a manner fulfills the B’nai B’rith’s mission to help bring all Jews together for a common purpose. In turn, we hope that our commitment inspires the entire Jewish community to support this wonderful, fun and exciting event. As for the Banquet program, Dr. Tom Osborne will be the keynote speaker. Howard Shandell, Sports Banquet Chairman, stated: “As a coach, congressman, and athletic director, Tom Osborne has been an inspiration and a model as to how to lead in a strong, civil and ethical manner. Tom has consistently supported our organization and I cannot think of a better person to be the first keynote speaker to address our sports banquet in that capacity for a second time.” Dr. Tom Osborne represented Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District for 6 years and in 2007 returned to the University of Nebraska as its Athletic Director. Continued on page 2
Building bridges
traditional 12 speed. It includes over 40 virtual tours, ranging from easy to extreme. Tours are as varied as mountain paths, city streets and outer space. Biometric feedback tracks heart rate, calories burned, and power output. These bikes are the wave of the fitness future. The
Inside The old city of Akko Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
12 14 15
Next Month The Passover Issue See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
The digital display on Expresso Bikes in the JCC Fitness Center. The bike itself is an upright bike that has 30 gears as opposed to the
Omaha JCC has two Expresso Bikes, which we have had for four years. The interactive riding experience allows you to work out while engaging competitively against a computer, your workout buddy, or others. Interactive Fitness, which has Expresso Bikes in fitness centers around the globe, organizes monthly challenges to promote the use of the equipment and to incentivize the users. In January, the Omaha JCC was Continued on page 2
by BETH COHEN Executive Director, The Center for Jewish Life I arrived in Israel on a January morning amid weather the country hasn’t seen in over 20 years. Snow was falling in Jerusalem, 30 mile an hour winds were blowing off the Mediterranean Sea, and our daily Tefillat Geshem, prayers for rain, were heard loud and clear. The weather dominated the news and conversations, and it was fascinating to not hear anyone complaining about it. After landing at an unrecognizable Ben Gurion airport compared to my last trip to Israel in 1996, I went directly to Akko for my eightday stay. Yes, eight days in Akko. Those of you who have been on touring trips in Israel probably think of Akko as a day trip from Tel Aviv. You take the cable car to see
the Rosh Hanikra grottos at the Mediterranean Sea, you peer across the fence at the border of Lebanon, you see the ancient aqueduct spanning the area, and you explore the tunnels of the Old City of Akko. Believe it or not, after eight days, there was still more to explore in Akko than I had time to do. For this trip, I was focused on learning as much as I could about the projects supported through the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign, and to attend the Steering Committee Meeting for our Partnership2Gether region. Since I have worked with the Federation and Partnership for less than a year, I had a lot to learn. Partnership2Gether is the paradigm for promoting people-topeople relationships by partnering Jewish communities with Israeli Continued on page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | February 15, 2013
B’nai B’rith honors Tom Osborne Continued from page 1 He has hired numerous head coaches, and he has been instrumental in high profile projects including the expansion of the East Stadium, new basketball facilities, including the Pinnacle Bank Arena for basketball, and developed the Student Life Complex. Not only is Tom Osborne one of the most distinguished coaches in college football history, but he has also tirelessly devoted himself to improving the lives of others, in Nebraska and across the country. In 1991, Tom and his wife, Nancy, founded the TeamMates Mentoring Program. TeamMate’s goal is to help mentor school-aged youth to graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education. Recognizing the achievements of youth has always been a cornerstone of the Lodge’s Sports Banquet. Each year the
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Henry Monsky Lodge, through the Adam Jacobs Memorial Tribute Scholarship, honors the most outstanding Omaha area high school male and female athletes. The recipients of the respective Bert Render and Earl Siegel awards not only excel in athletics, but also have proven to be leaders on and off the field and have committed themselves to academic success. Howard Shandell added, “The banquet has traditionally taken place on Wednesday night, but this year, it will be held on Thursday evening, May 23 at 6 p.m. We have revitalized and revamped our banquet this year and it will be better than ever. Tickets will go on sale in February or early March and will be available for purchase online by visiting Omahasportsbanquet.org. The Lodge is not raising ticket prices this year; patron tickets will be $110 and the VIP ticket price will be $160.�
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Continued from page 1 Center for Jewish Life, attend the Steering Committee communities. Omaha is one of 15 communities making up Meeting, along with Jan Goldstein who is now the Stateside the Central Area Consortium - 12 cities in the U.S., Director of our Partnership area. We all came to the meetBudapest in Hungary, and Akko and the Matte Asher ing with a different perspective, a different history with region in the Western Partnership, and different Galilee of northern Israel. ideas about how we can ZoÍ Riekes, of Omaha, is the strengthen the connection U.S. Chair for our between Omaha and Israel. Consortium. She partners Throughout my trip, the with a lay leader from Israel, parallels in the Western and together they lead the Galilee of Israel to Omaha group of volunteers and prowere uncanny. I had the fessionals in projects to opportunity to visit with share cultural, social, medentrepreneurs, government ical, educational and ecodignitaries, big business nomic initiatives. owners, those who had lived Omaha has been part of in Akko all their lives and the Central Area those who only recently Consortium since the incepmoved there. Over and over, tion of the Partnership prowe heard the refrains of gram, about 17 years ago. encouraging boutique busiBeth Cohen with Uri Yirmias, a well-known chef, restauraWe are a unique nesses, creating opportuniteur, entrepreneur, hotel owner and developer in Akko. Uri is Partnership, since we not ties for a struggling middle the owner of the Efendi Hotel, a boutique hotel in a centuries only bridge to Israel and class, making the region old building he painstakingly restored (www.efendiBudapest, we work closely attractive for young people hotel.com), and the exceptional Uri Buri restaurant that with many other stateside to return to after their IDF overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Uri will be in Omaha in communities. Larger worldservice, and the communal April as part of a Visionaries Delegation from the Western wide cities are partnered pride in what has already Galilee. with larger Israeli cities – been accomplished. It was Los Angeles with Tel Aviv, Toronto with Eilat, and Boston also fascinating to hear from many Israelis involved in with Haifa. To build a network of 45 partnerships, smaller Partnership that their engagement in Judaism started with stateside communities join forces to create impactful rela- their engagement in Partnership. You read that right – sectionships with smaller Israeli communities. ular Israelis found their connection to Judaism when they As a strong contributor to the Partnership, Omaha has a saw the connection of those in the Diaspora. Before this seat on the nine-person management Team comprised of trip to Israel, I thought I understood Partnership as a way lay leaders, community professionals and Partnership staff. to build a bridge from Jewish Omaha to Israel. It took The management Team meets monthly via conference call being in Israel to realize the bridge being built from Israel and two days prior to each of the bi-annual Steering to Omaha was just as important. Committee Meetings to discuss the business of the partOmaha has been selected as the host city for the 2013 nership. The content of the Steering Committee Meetings summer Steering Committee Meeting for our Partnership. include reports from our Task Force Chairs on the many We are looking forward to showing off Jewish Omaha to projects and programs of the Partnership. The meetings over 40 Partnership volunteers and Federation professioninvolve stateside lay leaders and Federation professionals, als for the three days of the meeting, July 21 through 23. As our Israeli staff and Israeli volunteers. part of the meetings, there will be opportunities for comIn addition to Riekes, Omaha is also home to the Arts munity members to learn more about Partnership and the and Community Task Force Chair, Kim Goldberg. Omaha work we are doing in Israel. was also very lucky to have Bonnie Bloch, president of the
Omaha JCC wins bike challenge Continued from page 1 named the facility that burned the most calories per bike for the month, winning a small prize. The JCC competes against other fitness centers across the globe, such as YMCAs, Gold’s Gyms, Anytime Fitness, university and colleges, and other JCCs. For the month of January, the Omaha JCC ranked 1st averaging 123,011 calories burned per bike. Omaha’s JCC registered 72 riders for the January competition. A leader board in the fitness center has generated excitement. And make no mistake: this is a competition, plain and simple. Our riders are in it to win. Our competitiveness has inspired new cyclists to take up the workout. The competition is not easy. There are 1063 fitness facilities registered for the competition. Our JCC’s closest competition came from a YMCA in Newark, Delaware (110,278 calories/bike), a fitness center in Callian, France (104,618 calories/bike), and a YMCA in Puyallup, WA (103,742 calories/bike). While winning this challenge is exciting, I’m even more excited how this bike is encouraging more people to take up interactive riding as a part of their workout regimen.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert rider, these bikes are fun and easy to use and provide a great workout. To add to the excitement, Interactive Fitness will continue to introduce new monthly challenges on the Expresso Bike so it is never too late to start. The JCC Fitness Center is establishing its own monthly challenges to motivate our members. They range from fastest time to most miles logged in a month. Currently, we have a two month challenge called “Connecting to Our Past.� Registered members who ride a total of 180 miles (equaling the mileage from Omaha to the Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney, NE) by the end of February can enter their name into a drawing for a chance to win a prize. Those who work out on the Expresso Bike have more fun, involve their friends, work out harder and achieve better results. If you are a JCC member and this is something that you would like to be a part of, all you have to do is create an Expresso account by going to www.expresso.net. It’s a great way to track your progress, and most importantly, challenge yourself. If you’d like, we can even help you register; just stop by the trainer’s desk and we’ll get you started.
February 15, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3
ADL seeking artists for Typecast | Recast project by LIZZY GILBERT Corporate & Community Development Anti-Defamation League The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) – Plains States Region, in cooperation with the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, invites artists living within a 250-mile radius of Omaha to submit qualifications and preliminary proposals to be considered for the 2013-2014 Typecast | Recast public art exhibition. The deadline for submission of entries is Saturday, March 2. Typecast | Recast is an annual public art exhibit that seeks to activate and amplify the urban conditions of a seven-block stretch of Downtown Omaha through innovative and adventurous temporary public artworks. ADL is seeking qualifications from artists who have experience working in the public realm, as well as from artists for whom the project would represent an expansion of their practice. ADL and its partners believe this temporary public exhibition will animate a specific urban corridor, promote nuanced cultural dialogue and communicate the transformative power of public art. ADL will commission up to ten artists to produce temporary site-specific art installations for North 12th Street in Downtown Omaha between Mike Fahey and Douglas Streets with a total budget of $50,000 to be divided amongst the artists. The art will be installed mid-August, 2013, and remain on view until July, 2014. Although it is not required for works to adhere to thematic parameters, the selection process, led by the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, will include sensitivity to ADL’s mission to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Artists may be asked to work collaboratively with members of the Artist Selection Panel and project consultants in determining unique design opportunities. The Anti-Defamation League is keen to improve the culture of our community so that all people – no matter who they are – can strive to live in a respectful and hate-free
world. ADL seeks to challenge perceptions, break down stereotypes, and generate understanding. We have all felt typecasted at times, and we all hold our own typecasts or biases of others. Typecast | Recast offers each one of us the opportunity to recognize and examine typecasts, perceptions, and personal biases, and through art, to consider a world free of them. By using art to initiate crucial conversations, people are drawn to understand one another on a more human level. In consideration of this underpinning, proposals may embody ADL’s mission to secure justice and fair treatment for all, and the pursuit to make Omaha a No Place for Hate community. The exhibition is anticipated to serve as a public illustration of respect, diversity, and mutual understanding. For more information on the ADL’s work to secure justice and fair treatment for all, visit www.adl.org. Applicants will utilize ADL’s online Call for Artists Submission Portal: http://typecastrecast.org/call-forartists/. The selection process will consist of two phases. To be considered in the first phase, artists are invited to complete the online form and upload a current resume, up to ten documents of related past work, and a general statement of interest and brief description outlining the proposed project. A shortlist of candidates will receive an invitation to participate in Phase 2 of the Artist Selection Process. These candidates will submit a site-specific proposal of their project and will be asked to interview with the artist selection panel and publicly present proposals at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Finalists will be invited to participate in a public Typecast | Recast selection and fundraising event on April 11. For inquiries regarding the application and selection process, contact Alex Priest at 402.341.7130 x 21 or alex@bemiscenter.org. All other inquiries should be directed to Lizzy Gilbert, ADL Corporate and Community Development, at egilbert@adl.org or 402.334.6582.
All Together Now
by BOB GOLDBERG Director of Strategic Initiatives, Jewish Federation of Omaha We are approaching the goals for our 2013 Annual Campaign, but we need your help to get across the finish line. If you have not yet made a pledge to the 2013 Annual Campaign, please do so today by calling 402.334.6485 or going online to www.jewishomaha.com/donate or stopping by the Federation offices. A donation to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign makes a significant difference in the lives of Jews here at home, in Israel and around the world. Our success would not be possible without you! Thank you for making Omaha the best Jewish community.
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4 | The Jewish Press | February 15, 2013
Record number of teens attend IC in D.C. by LEORA AZRIEL Teen/BBYO Director From Feb. 14-18, 14 eager Omaha BBYO teens will arrive in Washington, D.C. to be a part of the largest International Convention, From the Roots We Build, that has ever been recorded in BBYO’s history of almost 90 years. Not only is this a momentous occasion for BBYO, but never have this many teens from Omaha attended. With more than 1,600 teens, volunteers, alumni, BBYO professional staff, advisors, and many more community leaders, IC 2013 will be a unique experience that Omaha teens are looking forward to. Over 18 countries will be represented including Bulgaria, Australia, and Israel. Sophomore Jake Baron is enthusiastic for IC. “When I return, I am going to bring knowledge from experienced AZA members on how to improve the programming and involvement in my chapter. I know I will come back with great excitement and more love for BBYO than ever!” During the teens’ visit, they will be a part of several amazing opportunities. One significant highlight is the Stand Up Day of Service and Advocacy. BBYOers will have the chance to make an impact by giving back to organizations such as Autism Speaks, DC Jobs for Justice, Girls Rock DC, and Interfaith Works. Teens will actively participate in activities such as distributing clothing to low income individuals, working in a library for youth and learning how to be an advocate for social justice in their own community. This year, a new track has been added, Limmud IC. Teens will take part in eight engaging sessions where they will learn how to incorporate Jewish holidays, Shabbat, and much more into their BBYO regions and chapters. Another high point of IC is the opportunity for teens to visit historical sites like Smithsonian, American History Museum, Holocaust Museum, and the National Aquarium. Hoodie Allen and Time Flies will be taking the stage for a performance that is sure to be spectacular! Omaha BBYO members are thrilled to have a chance to be a part of a social event that many have been looking forward to for weeks. Junior Tyler Siegel comments “I have been listening to Hoodie Allen since BBYO made the musical guest announcement! I am thrilled to be part of IC with so many talented performers and BBYO leaders. I want to represent and share my spirit and the love I have for Mother Chapter AZA #1 and Omaha.” Junior Cheyenne Janicek states “I am beyond excited for Hoodie Allen and Time Flies. I have been a fan of Hoodie Allan since last year and have memorized all
his songs! I look forward to attending the largest IC convention ever, meet new BBYO’ers from around the world, and have an impact on the D.C. community.” The generosity of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation has been key to the record number of Omaha teens attending International Convention. Dawn Riskin Thomson and her family are extremely grateful of all the resources and scholarships available for Jewish teens. “With their support, my daughter Sarah has been able to benefit by connecting with other Jewish teens throughout the Midwest by attending many BBYO conventions over the years. Sarah is a senior in high school this year and has dreamed of attending the International BBYO Convention since middle school. This trip would not have been possible without the assistance of the scholarship she has received allowing her to fulfill her dream.” Dawn’s comments are echoed by Mary Sue Grossman, Associate Executive Director of the Center for Jewish Life. “Events such as the BBYO International Convention provide excellent opportunities for our teens, particularly in the area of leadership. The Financial Aid Committee of the Center for Jewish Life considers itself a true partner in helping make experiences such as this a reality,” Grossman comments. “Giving financial support to Omaha families to provide Jewish experiences for their children is the key focus of the Committee.” Grossman explains scholarship funding is provided through endowment funds, grants from outside entities plus a yearly budget allocation from the Jewish Federation of Omaha. “Funding provided by community members through the Federation’s Annual Campaign is critical to enable the Financial Aid Committee to continue its work. The Committee considers each scholarship awarded to be an investment in the future.” So how does Omaha benefit from this experience? Sophomore Jessica Shandell knows exactly what kind of impact it will have on her chapter. “MZ Yoshanah will improve because our teen leaders from our chapter are attending. Omaha BBYO will benefit with fresh ideas about how to plan Shabbat services that are engaging, incorporate interfaith relationships, and how to make stronger connections between all four chapters.” Not only do we have a record number of teens attending IC, but Omaha BBYO Connect was just awarded one of the top regions of engaged members with 46 participants as of Feb. 1! Want to be a part of this amazing organization? Contact Leora Azriel at 402.334.6404 or lazriel@jccomaha.org.
Do you know an outstanding Jewish teacher currently teaching K-12 in the Omaha metro area?
$10,000 Sokolof Teacher’s Award
Just write a letter describing this teacher (who has been teaching at least 3 years) and tell us why she/he deserves this special recognition. Encourage others (current or former students, parents, teachers) to do so also. A teacher who was nominated in the past, but not selected, can be nominated again. Only an update is needed. Send your letter by March 8 to Janet Henthorn at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154. Contact her with any questions at 402-334-6551 or jhenthorn@jewishomaha.org.
Deli Dinner for Purim plus a Dairy Deli in February by OZZIE NOGG On Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Star Deli will present a Very Special Purim Brisket Dinner Deli in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. “We have it on good authority that brisket was the main course that Queen Esther served at the banquet she threw for King Ahasuerus and Haman,” said Mike Schop, Assistant Administrator of the RBJH. “Believe me, our Brisket Dinner will be a royal treat. Plus, anyone who wears a costume to the event receives a free dessert, so polish your crowns, iron your harem pants and join us on Feb. 26 for fabulous food and fun.”
And backing up a few days ... on Friday, Feb. 22, during regular Deli lunch hours, the Star menu will scratch the meat and serve dairy items only. “The Dairy Deli is a huge favorite with our customers,” said Chef Mike Aparo, “and our menu always makes a splash.” True to his word, Aparo’s dairy specials include Grilled Salmon served with pineapple-strawberry salsa and mixed greens as well as Seared Yellow Fin Tuna Steak marinated in ginger lime sauce. Those who enjoy the deep (fried) end of the ocean can eat their fill of Fried Lox and Cream Cheese Kreplach, Fried Matzah Balls, Fried Cheese Sticks, Blintzes (cheese or cherry) or a sampler of all the above. Delicious Dairy Desserts include Cheesecake, Chocolate Cream Pie, Warm Brownie Ala Mode and Root Beer Floats. “As we always say,” Aparo said, “what’s not to like?” Speaking of ‘like’, Star Deli has a new and improved Facebook page. To stay up to date on specials and hear the online Deli scoop, ‘like’ their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/star.deli.rbjh. The Star Deli is open every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and continues to be a popular destination for chow hounds who enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the kibitzing factor. In addition, the Deli is happy to host special occasions and will reserve private dining spaces in the RBJH for large groups. For more information on how Star Deli Catering can add spice to your meetings, parties and life cycle events, contact Mike Aparo at 402.334.6522 or Regan Tinglehoff at 402.334.6523. If you prefer electronic Star Deli news -- including Friday Deli lunch offerings -- please visit their web page at www. rbjh.com/index.php/star-catering/home.
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February 15, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 5 LEGAL NOTICE
To merchants who have accepted Visa and MasterCard at any time since January 1, 2004: Notice of a 6+ billion dollar class action settlement. Si desea leer este aviso en espaùol, llåmenos o visite nuestro sitio web. Notice of a class action settlement authorized by the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York. This notice is authorized by the Court to inform you about an agreement to settle a class action lawsuit that may affect you. The lawsuit claims that Visa and MasterCard, separately, and together with banks, violated antitrust laws and caused merchants to pay excessive fees for accepting Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards, including by: ™ Agreeing to set, apply, and enforce rules about merchant fees (called default interchange fees); ™ Limiting what merchants could do to encourage their customers to use other forms of payment through, for example, charging customers an extra fee or offering discounts; and ™ Continuing that conduct after Visa and MasterCard changed their corporate structures. The defendants say they have done nothing wrong. They say that their business practices are legal and the result of competition, and have benefitted merchants and consumers. The Court has not decided who is right because the parties agreed to a settlement. On November 27, 2012, the Court gave preliminary approval to this settlement.
THE SETTLEMENT Under the settlement, Visa, MasterCard, and the bank defendants have agreed to make payments to two settlement funds: ™ I]Z Äghi ^h V š8Vh] ;jcYº ¡ V +#%* W^aa^dc [jcY i]Vi will pay valid claims of merchants that accepted Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards at any time between January 1, 2004 and November 28, 2012. ™ I]Z hZXdcY ^h Vc š>ciZgX]Vc\Z ;jcYº ¡ Zhi^bViZY id WZ Veegdm^bViZan &#' W^aa^dc ¡ i]Vi l^aa be based on a portion of the interchange fees attributable to certain merchants that accept Visa or MasterCard credit cards for an Z^\]i"bdci] š>ciZgX]Vc\Z EZg^dY#º Additionally, the settlement changes some of the Visa and MasterCard rules applicable to merchants who accept their cards. This settlement creates two classes:
l^aa \Zi bdcZn [gdb i]Z hZeVgViZ >ciZgX]Vc\Z ;jcY! Zhi^bViZY id WZ Veegdm^bViZan &#' W^aa^dc# I]Z kVajZ of each claim, where possible, will be based on an Zhi^bViZ d[ dcZ"iZci] d[ & d[ i]Z bZgX]VciŸh K^hV and MasterCard credit card dollar sales volume Yjg^c\ i]Vi eZg^dY# EVnbZcih id bZgX]Vcih l]d ÄaZ kVa^Y XaV^bh [dg V edgi^dc d[ i]Z >ciZgX]Vc\Z ;jcY l^aa be based on: ™ The money available to pay all claims, ™ The total dollar value of all valid claims filed, and ™ The cost of settlement administration and notice, and any attorneys’ fees and expenses that may be approved by the Court. Attorneys’ fees and expenses and money awarded to the class representatives/ ;dg ldg` YdcZ i]gdj\] final approval of the settlement by the district court, Class Counsel will ask the Court for attorneys’ fees in an amount that is a reasonable proportion of the 8Vh] HZiiaZbZci ;jcY! cdi id ZmXZZY &&#* d[ i]Z 8Vh] HZiiaZbZci ;jcY d[ +#%* W^aa^dc VcY &&#* d[ i]Z >ciZgX]Vc\Z ;jcY Zhi^bViZY id WZ &#' W^aa^dc to compensate all of the lawyers and their law firms i]Vi ]VkZ ldg`ZY dc i]Z XaVhh XVhZ# ;dg VYY^i^dcVa work to administer the settlement, distribute both funds, and through any appeals, Class Counsel may seek reimbursement at their normal hourly rates, not id ZmXZZY Vc VYY^i^dcVa & d[ i]Z 8Vh] HZiiaZbZci ;jcY d[ +#%* W^aa^dc VcY Vc VYY^i^dcVa & d[ i]Z >ciZgX]Vc\Z ;jcY Zhi^bViZY id WZ &#' W^aa^dc# 8aVhh Counsel will also request reimbursement of their expenses (not including the administrative costs of hZiiaZbZci dg cdi^XZ ! cdi id ZmXZZY )% b^aa^dc VcY je id '%%!%%% eZg 8aVhh EaV^ci^[[ ^c hZgk^XZ VlVgYh for their efforts on behalf of the classes.
HOW
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To receive payment, merchants must fill out a XaV^b [dgb# >[ i]Z 8djgi Ă„cVaan VeegdkZh i]Z settlement, and you do not exclude yourself from the Cash Settlement Class, you will receive a claim form in the mail or by email. Or you may ask for dcZ Vi/ lll#EVnbZci8VgYHZiiaZbZci#Xdb! dg XVaa/ &"-%%"+'*"+))%#
OTHER BENEFITS
FOR
MERCHANTS
™ A Cash Settlement Class (Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class), which includes all persons, businesses, and other entities that accepted any Visa or MasterCard cards in the U.S. at any time from January 1, 2004 to November 28, 2012, and
Merchants will benefit from changes to certain MasterCard and Visa rules, which will allow merchants to, among other things:
™ A Rule Changes Settlement Class (Rule 23(b) (2) Settlement Class), which includes all persons, businesses, and entities that as of November 28, 2012 or in the future accept any Visa or MasterCard cards in the U.S.
™ Offer discounts to customers who do not pay with Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards, and
WHAT MERCHANTS WILL GET FROM THE SETTLEMENT Every merchant in the Cash Settlement Class that ÄaZh V kVa^Y XaV^b l^aa \Zi bdcZn [gdb i]Z +#%* W^aa^dc 8Vh] ;jcY! hjW_ZXi id V YZYjXi^dc cdi id ZmXZZY '* d[ i]Z [jcY id VXXdjci [dg bZgX]Vcih who exclude themselves from the Cash Settlement Class. The value of each claim, where possible, will be based on the actual or estimated interchange fees attributable to the merchant’s MasterCard and Visa payment card transactions from January 1, 2004 to CdkZbWZg '-! '%&'# EVnbZcih id bZgX]Vcih l]d ÄaZ kVa^Y XaV^bh [dg V edgi^dc d[ i]Z 8Vh] ;jcY l^aa WZ based on: ™ The money available to pay all claims, ™ The total dollar value of all valid claims filed, ™ I]Z YZYjXi^dc YZhXg^WZY VWdkZ cdi id ZmXZZY '* d[ i]Z 8Vh] HZiiaZbZci ;jcY! VcY ™ The cost of settlement administration and notice, money awarded to the class representatives, and attorneys’ fees and expenses all as approved by the Court. >c VYY^i^dc! bZgX]Vcih ^c i]Z 8Vh] HZiiaZbZci Class that accept Visa and MasterCard during the Z^\]i"bdci] >ciZgX]Vc\Z EZg^dY VcY ÄaZ V kVa^Y XaV^b
™ Charge customers an extra fee if they pay with Visa or MasterCard credit cards,
™ ;dgb Wjn^c\ \gdjeh i]Vi bZZi XZgiV^c Xg^iZg^V id negotiate with Visa and MasterCard. Merchants that operate multiple businesses under different trade names or banners will also be able to accept Visa or MasterCard at fewer than all of the merchant’s trade names and banners.
LEGAL RIGHTS
AND
OPTIONS
Merchants who are included in this lawsuit have the legal rights and options explained below. You may: š <_b[ W YbW_c je Wia \eh fWoc[dj$ You will receive a claim form in the mail or email or file online at: lll#EVnbZci8VgYHZiiaZbZci#Xdb# š ;nYbkZ[ oekhi[b\ from the Cash Settlement Class GjaZ '( W ( HZiiaZbZci 8aVhh # >[ ndj ZmXajYZ yourself, you can sue the Defendants for damages based on alleged conduct occurring on or before November 27, 2012 on your own at your own ZmeZchZ! ^[ ndj lVci id# >[ ndj ZmXajYZ ndjghZa[! ndj l^aa cdi \Zi Vcn bdcZn [gdb i]^h hZiiaZbZci# >[ ndj are a merchant and wish to exclude yourself, you must make a written request, place it in an envelope, and mail it with postage prepaid and postmarked no later than CWo (." (&') to Class Administrator, EVnbZci 8VgY >ciZgX]Vc\Z ;ZZ HZiiaZbZci! E#D# 7dm '*(%! EdgiaVcY! DG .,'%-"'*(%# I]Z lg^iiZc request must be signed by a person authorized to do so and provide all of the following information: (1)
i]Z ldgYh š>c gZ EVnbZci 8VgY >ciZgX]Vc\Z ;ZZ VcY BZgX]Vci 9^hXdjci 6ci^igjhi A^i^\Vi^dc!º ' ndjg full name, address, telephone number, and taxpayer identification number, (3) the merchant that wishes to be excluded from the Cash Settlement Class (Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class), and what position or authority you have to exclude the merchant, and (4) the business names, brand names, and addresses of any stores or sales locations whose sales the merchant desires to be excluded. Note: Oek YWddej X[ [nYbkZ[Z \hec j^[ Hkb[ 9^Wd][i I[jjb[c[dj 9bWii (Rule 23(b)(2) Settlement Class). š EX`[Yj je j^[ i[jjb[c[dj. The deadline to dW_ZXi ^h/ CWo (." (&')# Id aZVgc ]dl id dW_ZXi! hZZ/ lll#EVnbZci8VgYHZiiaZbZci#Xdb dg XVaa &"-%%"+'*"+))%# CdiZ/ >[ ndj ZmXajYZ ndjghZa[ [gdb i]Z 8Vh] HZiiaZbZci 8aVhh ndj XVccdi dW_ZXi to the terms of that portion of the settlement. ;dg bdgZ ^c[dgbVi^dc VWdji i]ZhZ g^\]ih VcY dei^dch! k^h^i/ lll#EVnbZci8VgYHZiiaZbZci#Xdb#
IF
COURT APPROVES FINAL SETTLEMENT
THE
THE
Members of the Rule Changes Settlement Class are bound by the terms of this settlement. Members of the Cash Settlement Class, who do not exclude themselves by the deadline, are bound by the terms of this settlement whether or not they file a claim for payment. Members of both classes release all claims against all released parties listed in the Settlement Agreement. The settlement will resolve and release any claims by merchants against Visa, MasterCard or other defendants that were or could have been alleged in the lawsuit, including any claims based on interchange or other fees, no-surcharge rules, no-discounting rules, honor-all-cards rules and other rules. The settlement will also resolve any merchant claims based upon the future effect of any Visa or MasterCard rules, as of November 27, 2012 and not to be modified pursuant to the settlement, the modified rules provided for in the settlement, or any other rules substantially similar to any such rules. The releases will not bar claims involving certain specified standard commercial disputes arising in the ordinary course of business. ;dg bdgZ ^c[dgbVi^dc dc i]Z gZaZVhZ! hZZ i]Z hZiiaZbZci V\gZZbZci Vi/ lll#EVnbZci8VgYHZiiaZbZci#Xdb#
THE COURT HEARING ABOUT THIS SETTLEMENT On September 12, 2013, there will be a Court hearing to decide whether to approve the proposed settlement, class counsels’ requests for attorneys’ fees and expenses, and awards for the class representatives. The hearing will take place at: United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York ''* 8VYbVc EaVoV Brooklyn, NY 11201 You do not have to go to the court hearing or hire an attorney. But you can if you want to, at your own cost. The Court has appointed the law firms of Robins, @VeaVc! B^aaZg 8^gZh^ AAE! 7Zg\Zg BdciV\jZ! E8! VcY GdWW^ch <ZaaZg GjYbVc 9dlY AAE id gZegZhZci i]Z 8aVhh š8aVhh 8djchZaº #
QUESTIONS? ;dg bdgZ ^c[dgbVi^dc VWdji i]^h XVhZ In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1720), you may: 8Vaa idaa"[gZZ/ &"-%%"+'*"+))% K^h^i/ lll#EVnbZci8VgYHZiiaZbZci#Xdb Write to the Class Administrator: EVnbZci 8VgY >ciZgX]Vc\Z ;ZZ HZiiaZbZci E#D# 7dm '*(% EdgiaVcY! DG .,'%-"'*(% :bV^a/ ^c[d5EVnbZci8VgYHZiiaZbZci#Xdb EaZVhZ X]ZX` lll#EVnbZci8VgYHZiiaZbZci#Xdb [dg any updates relating to the settlement or the settlement approval process.
w w w. P a y m e n t C a r d S e t t l e m e n t . c o m s INFO 0AYMENT#ARD3ETTLEMENT COM
6 | The Jewish Press | February 15, 2013
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Temple Israel’s spiritual move by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer As preparations continue for Temple Israel’s physical move to its new building on Sterling Ridge Drive, plans are also underway to ready the congregation for its spiritual move. The Long Range Planning Committee surveyed members to understand what people like and/or dislike about their experiences at Temple Israel, and to develop programming that will hopefully reflect the needs of the congregation as it begins this new phase. Response to the survey was very positive, with about 240 congregants responding. The survey covered a range of topics, from what first attracted members to Temple Israel to why they stay to what they feel Temple Israel is doing well or not so well. In addition to the survey, about 80 congregants joined Temple Israel staff and clergy on Sunday, Feb. 3 to discuss face-to-face the future of the congregation. Todd Simon facilitated the energetic brainstorming session as congregants were led through a series of exercises to help distill down to one or two words what makes their experiences at Temple Israel so special. “The activities Todd incorporated into the conversation helped to focus the feelings and emotions which draw congregants to synagogue life,” said Long Range Planning Committee Chair Michael Halsted. Simon began the session with an icebreaker question by asking what makes an experience “exceptional” before moving on to questions more specific to life at Temple Israel. He asked attendees to come up with a single word that describes what it is about the Temple Israel community that makes it important and meaningful to them. And while specific words varied, there was a common thread that almost everyone touched on in some way, with words like “caring” and “supportive,” and “acceptance” and “belonging.” Simon then asked everyone to share a memory of a particularly great Shabbat, and then to determine in one word what made it great and memorable. Congregants shared stories about adult b’nai mitzvah classes and children’s b’nai mitzvahs, about family and tradition. For example, Andee Scioli shared a story about visiting a temple in France with her mother, and how they were both overcome with emotion when they realized the prayers were being sung with the same melodies that they knew from home.
Beth El to lend a hand at Food Bank by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Thanks to the overwhelming enthusiasm for Beth El’s “Eight Days of Giving” community service projects last December, the synagogue’s Social Action Committee plans to continue its efforts, volunteering once again at Food Bank for the Heartland, 10525 ‘J’ St., on Tuesday, Feb. 19. Congregants, clergy and staff will sort and package food from 9-11:30 a.m., and everyone wanting to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand is welcome.
“Todd has a unique talent for facilitating dynamic conversations among groups of people that lead to meaningful and rich outcomes,” added Board of Trustees President Sally Kaplan. “The responses and outcomes of the conversation and recent survey will inform the strategic initiatives identified by the Board and Long Range Planning Committee. It is clear that our congregants are looking for connection and relationships at Temple Israel along with spiritual and religious experiences that help them grow Jewishly.” As a way of symbolizing the spiritual and communal experiences Temple Israel congregants most associate with being a member of the community, a small group of board members, led by Jeff Gordman, is hard at work creating a new Mission Statement that accurately reflects what the congregation stands for in the 21st century. In January, Gordman led a similar brainstorming session with the Board of Trustees in which he discussed lessons he learned about community-building and customer loyalty that he felt were applicable to life at Temple Israel. “We are very lucky to have Temple members like Todd Simon and Jeff Gordman who are willing to share their expertise and time with us in so many ways,” Kaplan said. Using the data collected through both the survey and the Congregational Conversation as a starting point, Temple Israel staff, clergy and lay leadership are working to create an action plan, timeline and budget to design programming that they hope will increase participation among youth ages 14-26, enhance the Shabbat experience and foster a sense of community by strengthening the relationships among its members, to name a few target areas. “Going forward, utilizing the insights drawn from the Congregational Conversation, the Long Range Planning Committee, with the clergy and lay leadership, will strive to develop the life within the new walls of Temple Israel to be vibrant, fulfilling and meet the hopes, desires and needs of our congregants,” Halsted said.
Engagement KATZMAN/FLIEGELMAN Former Omahans Carol and Michael Katzman of Overland Park, KS, announce the engagement of their daughter, Rachel Shira, to Elliott Marc Fliegelman, son of Rabbi Louis and Suzanne Fliegelman of Chicago. The bride-to-be graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. She works in Online Fundraising and Marketing for a humanitarian nonprofit organization. She is the granddaughter of Madeline and the late Maury Katzman of Omaha, and Janie and the late Marvin Levin of Miami, FL. Her fiancé received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Northeastern Illinois University. He is the Vice President of ReallyTech, a start-up computer electronics company. He is the grandson of the late Sara and the late Alex Fliegelman of Bronx, NY, and Shirley and the late Edward Kety of Elizabeth, NJ. A wedding is planned for April 28, 2013, in Chicago.
Organizations Over 30 congregants volunteered at the Food Bank last December during Beth El’s “Eight Days of Giving” community service initiative.
Moving? Please give us the following information: Your name, old address and new address and when you want the change to go into effect.
The Jewish Press Call 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress.jewishomaha.org
“The decision by our staff to begin taking a day and volunteering goes to the heart of who we are as a synagogue,” Rabbi Steven Abraham said. “We are a place steeped in prayer, founded on our love and devotion to Torah; yet we learn in Pirkei Avot 1:17, from Shimon (the son of Gamliel), ‘It is not what one says, but rather what one does, that makes all the difference in the world.’ “As a staff and as religious leaders, it’s important for us to role model values that we believe are important for ourcongregation. I’m proud to be part of such an amazing team of people who care so much about their community.” All volunteers must register by Wednesday, Feb. 13, and may do so online at www.bethel-omaha.org (click on ‘Social Action’), or by contacting Cheryl Lerner at cldancer@aol.com.
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Mayor Jim Suttle continues our “Candidate Speaker Series” and will tell us why he wants to be re-elected Mayor of Omaha on Wednesday, Feb. 20, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH The Yiddish language is a wonderful source of rich expressions, especially terms of endearment (and of course, complaints and insults!). Come join us for fun and laughter. We meet in the boardroom of the Blumkin Home every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.
To order a gift subscription to the Press... Send a check for $40, made out to the Jewish Press, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 402.334.6448.
February 15, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7
NCJW-Omaha Section “Girls Night Out” by SHARON HOUCHIN NCJW-Omaha Section Co-Vice President of Public Relations In celebration of American Heart Month, NCJW-Omaha Section, working with Project Harmony, has planned a “Girls Night Out” on Thursday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. at Project Harmony located at 11949 Q Street (SE corner of 120th and Q). All women in the Jewish community are invited to attend an evening of wine, women, and wisdom. There will be three presentations and a VIP tour of Project Harmony with Diane Malashock, Development Specialist. Project Harmony is a non-profit organization that provides help to children who are victims of abuse and neglect. NCJWOmaha Section has been a strong supporter of Project Harmony and its mission. The three presentations will include Katherine Finnegan, Yoga Instructor; Silvia Herszkopf, Registered Dietitian; and Darlene Golbitz, Registered Nurse. All three women are members and supporters of NCJW. Katherine Finnegan began her first yoga class in 1988 in Southern California. For 20 years, she has worked with different types of yoga, from Bikram to “TV Yoga,” with a practice focused on “getting the kinks out” and reducing stress. Her teaching is influenced by Astanga and is constantly evolving to challenge her students’ practices. She includes a healthy dose of core and upper body work in her classes at every level, to encourage the development of strength required to operate on and off the mat.
Silvia Herszkopf graduated as a dietitian in her native country of Costa Rica. She then moved to New York where she obtained her Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. Silvia and her family currently live in Omaha. She is a clinical and ambulatory dietitian at Lakeside Hospital. She also provides nutrition counseling services at the Jewish Community Center. Darlene Golbitz is a Registered Nurse at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. She graduated nursing school at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA and started working for the Blumkin Home in 1982 when it opened. She completed her geriatric certification at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and went on to obtain her Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on gerontology and public administration. Chairing this year’s membership event are Bonnie Levinger and Jaime Nogg. RSVP to Jaime at jgoldf5375@aol.com or 402.991.6753. NCJW-Omaha Section membership information will be available to all who are not currently members. Donations from Project Harmony Wish List would be much appreciated. Immediate needs: natural bristle brushes and hair products for African Americans, infant boy’s NB clothes, infant girl’s clothes size NB-24 months, school age boy’s pajamas size 4-12. For health and safety, Project Harmony asks that all donations be new and unused. For more information, go to www.projectharmony.com.
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Free for all, fun for all at the RBJH by OZZIE NOGG Recent activities at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home showed some decidedly outof-the box thinking on the part of Karen Menagh, RBJH Director of Activities, and Nurse Manager Natalie Osborne, R.N., who co-ordinated the programs. “First, we presented I Love Lucy Day,” Menagh said. “We treated residents to an all-day marathon of I Love Lucy shows via inhouse channel 18 TV, plus trivia over the intercom and costume appearances by our staff dressed up as series stars.” Mary Heiman from the Activities Department came as Lucy, Natalie Osborne wore a Fred Mertz outfit and Mike Schop, the Blumkin Home Associate Director was decked out as Ricky. “I wore an Ethel Mertz outfit,” Menagh continued, “and we all had lots of fun.” The following day, the Home hosted a belly dance class for residents and staff alike. According to Menagh, “Bedouin Star Belly Dancers came to teach belly dancing, and a guest appearance by Maria the Magnificent -- aka Chef Marco Martinez of the RBJH culinary staff -- was a highlight of the event. We all agreed that Blumkin resident Norman Zevitz stole the show as well.”
Top picture: Karen Menagh, left, RBJH Director of Activities dressed up as Ethel Mertz, and Nurse Manager Natalie Osborne, R.N., as Fred during the Blumkin Home’s I Love Lucy Day; bottom picture: Belly dancer Maria the Magnificent, aka Chef Marco Martinez, left, entertains Blumkin Home resident Norman Zevitz.
8 | The Jewish Press | February 15, 2013
Incredible Experiences in Israel by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Associate Executive Director, Center for Jewish Life Each year, many teens and young adults have the experience of a lifetime, traveling to Israel on a wide variety of programs. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is delighted to support these experiences through the Israel Experience Grant program. The Israel Experience Grant is a one-time gift from the Federation for students in grades 9-12 or young adults ages 18 to 25 for an approved Israel experience. The grant is available to anyone in the Omaha Jewish community who meets the following requirements: 1. The applicant must be a resident of the Omaha metro-
politan area, 2. The applicant, or his/her family, is a donor in good standing to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, 3. The applicant agrees to provide an article and pictures of the experience within one month of return to Omaha for publication in the Jewish Press, and, 4. The applicant will participate in any required preparatory program, Applying for an Israel Experience Grant is a simple onepage application. The applications are available on the Scholarships and Grants page of the Center for Jewish Life on the Jewish Federation of Omaha website at www.jew-
ishomaha.org. Applications may also be requested via email at scholarship@jewishomaha.org. Return completed applications to the Center for Jewish Life, 333 South 132nd Street, Omaha NE 68154. Those in need of additional financial assistance can also apply for financial need-based scholarships. Scholarship applications are available as described in the previous paragraph. For additional information on all grant and scholarship programs, please call 402.334.6445 or email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org. The following articles were written by teens who participated in programs in the summer of 2012 and each was a recipient of an Israel Experience Grant.
Trip to Israel: A connection with ancestors by CRYSTAL MODDE EPSTEIN of classes and seminars taught by rabbis and women from This summer I experienced Israel for the first time with diverse Jewish backgrounds. Classes included topics such the help of an Israel Experience Grant from the Jewish as Mussar (Jewish character development), Pirkei Avot, the Federation. I am writing here to share a few highlights from laws of brachot, Jewish prayer, women’s issues, and the hismy trip. tory of Jewish oral tradition. We also had Tiyul Tuesdays Before leaving for Israel, I had been warned of the hot for trips to places such as Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Israeli summers. “Could it be worse than Nebraska?” I museum) and the world’s largest gemach, Yad wondered to myself. After a few days in my 3rd floor apart- Sarah. ment in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Har Nof, I found myself basking in cool evening breezes, with highs of 85 degrees on some days. Meanwhile temps were soaring in Omaha, reaching record-breaking highs into the 100s. Who knew I would be escaping the heat by leaving for Israel in the summer? I think the only place in Israel hotter than Omaha was the 120 degree Negev desert. Hot weather aside, most of my time in Israel was spent at the women’s seminary Midreshet Rachel v’Chaya in Jerusalem. It’s a program for women who have graduated college and want to learn Torah. This was a five-week program where I was able to immerse in Jewish learning every day of the week from morning til evening. One of the things that makes Midreshet Rachel unique from other women’s seminary programs is that it emphan. sizes source-based learning. This means that our teachers d Aryeh Epstei de and husban od M al st ry C demonstrated how everything we discussed in the lecture Even though was connected directly to a Jewish commentary or source. five-weeks of all-day learning seems like a lot, I feel Most Jewish sources are in Hebrew, so learning Hebrew that I learned only a small bit of all there is to learn. Torah skills was also an important part of the curriculum. A reg- study is truly vast and limitless. I went in feeling like I knew ular day at Midreshet Rachel started out with Hebrew some, and came out feeling like I knew less. Joel Alperson grammar and translation of Chumash and Navi. It was said this, “Then you must have learned something.” This is quite challenging, but I was especially grateful for this part the irony of learning. However, with Torah study, I feel it of the day. It gave me a greater appreciation for the richness even more so. Because of this, I have come to a greater and beauty of Torah when read in Hebrew. appreciation of long-term Torah study and the knowledge Afternoons at Midreshet Rachel were filled with a variety of rabbis and women in our community who have studied
Torah for many years. Another point I took away from this summer is that Torah scholarship was not accomplished over one lifetime or even one period of time. It is something that has been continuously studied and commented on by Jews since the journey across the desert, being passed from one generation to the next since then. This is one of the things I love most about Judaism -- the connection of Jews today to a long history of ancestors. Each generation of Jews sees themselves not as a single entity in time, but rather as a link between generations, connecting Jews of the past to Jews of the future. Even though the world we live in today is much different than the world of our ancestors, we continue to study their wisdom. While in Jerusalem it was wonderful to study the ancient sources, walk the same streets and pray at the Kotel, knowing that millions of Jews have done the same over thousands of years. In addition to the visible bond of Jews throughout time in Israel, I loved the feeling of Jerusalem on Shabbat. On Friday afternoon, the bustling city suddenly becomes still. Shabbat candles are lit in every home. And in every street you can hear the sounds of Kabbalat Shabbat from the synagogues to usher in a day of rest. Before Israel, I couldn’t even create a picture in my mind of what the land of Israel or the city of Jerusalem was like. One of the great gifts of this experience was that even though I am no longer there, I still have an image in my mind of this land that is so full of Jewish history and learning. I am so grateful to have a memory that will forever connect me this place. Though I was sad to leave, I know that one day I will be back. Thank you to the generous donors of the Omaha Jewish community who made this learning experience possible. I encourage you to continue to support these kinds of Israel learning experiences.
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February 15, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9
My trip to Israel by MACKENZY GORDMAN I went to Israel during the summer of 2012. I never thought that going to Israel could change my life so much. I am a student at Millard West; my three friends Josh Sullivan, Emily Glazer, and Jack Gilinsky (who all go to Westside) went to Israel with me. We went on the BBYO Journey 1 trip to Israel. It was nice knowing some people on the trip because all the other people were from all over the United States. When we first arrived in Israel, my friends and I were kind of just hanging out together; however, we ended up branching out and making new life-long friends! Israel was spectacular. I feel like I matured so much and had some breathtaking experiences. We had a packed schedule every day in Israel. We did so much there, like learning a ton of history, riding camels, going to a Bedouin tent, climbing up Masada, visiting the Western Wall, praying, and just enjoying a different country. My favorite night was when we went to the Bedouin tent in the desert. It was so hot there. This was the best night because it gave us an opportunty to learn many things about the Bedouins, followed by a wonderful dinner. After that we hung out and learned how to play some drums. Sharing these types of experiences brought every-
one in the group closer. When it was dark out, our tour guide had a surprise for us. We followed him into the dark and silent desert. Finally he told us to spread out one hundred feet from each other, lie down and look at
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the stars. It was a moment to contemplate everything we had enjoyed, experienced and learned during our time in Israel. It was a spectacular thing. After we all laid there for a while, we got up and our tour guide spoke with us about our experiences so far and how close we had all become. We all stood in a circle and sang some songs. It was a moment I’ll never forget. This was a great moment, and it was one of many. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to go to Israel. I’m extremely blessed I had the chance to go there.
Purim at Beth El promises the whole Megillah by JILL BELMONT get one free. Individual meal tickets are $7, Beth El Publicity Coordinator and patrons may also take advantage of the Purim fun at Beth El can’t be beat, offer- combo packages being offered: a combo ing a rollicking good time for holiday rev- pack (one meal, 10 game tickets and one elers of all ages. This year, the synagogue’s raffle ticket) is $8 in advance, $9.50 the day festivities will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, of the carnival; or the Family Pack (includFeb. 23, with Mincha/Ma’ariv services and ing four meals, 50 game tickets and 11 raffle followed by the fun-filled congregational tickets) is $40. Megillah reading at 6:45 p.m. Everyone in the Jewish community is invited to enjoy the recounting of the tale of Shushan and its shenanigans, complete with handclapping, footstomping, cheering for Queen Esther and booing for Haman. Attendees are encouraged to strut their stuff in silly, colorful costumes; those showAdults and kids alike donned fun, wacky costumes during last ing up in wacky garb year’s Purim festivities at Beth El. This year’s celebration will be -- adults and chilheld on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 6:45 p.m. dren alike -- will receive a free game ticket for the annual Ticket orders are being taken now: BILY USY Purim Carnival. And after the checks -- made payable to Beth El USY -reading, don’t run home; stick around to may be sent to Beth El Synagogue, 14506 enjoy some scrumptious appetizers and California St., Omaha NE 68154. Tickets sweets, as well as adult drinks and non- may also be purchased online at alcoholic beverages. www.bethel-omaha.org. For more inforThe synagogue’s holiday festivities con- mation, contact Director of Congregational tinue the next morning, Sunday, Feb. 24, as Learning Eadie Tsabari at 402.498.0904, or teens from USY present their annual Purim etsabari@bethel-omaha.org. carnival from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The event The Purim carnival serves as USY’s will feature entertaining game booths for biggest fundraiser of the year; proceeds are children of all ages, prizes, a silent auction, used for convention travel expenses and raffle, a ping pong tournament, and a holi- scholarships, and a portion is donated to day lunch served by the Men’s Club. two charities selected by USY members. According to organizers, game tickets are The entire community is invited to support five for $1, four for $1 the day of the carni- Beth El’s teens and have a great time in the val. Raffle tickets are $1 each -- buy 10 and process.
Evening Deli Special Brisket Dinner Tuesday, February 26 5:30 -7:30 p.m. All regular Deli specials will be available Reservations appreciated
Contact Mike at 402-334-6522
Invites you to:
KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP
MARCH 7, 2013 9:30-11 a.m. or 1:30-3 p.m. Optional Tea & Tours to be held on: February 12: 9-10 a.m. February 14: 1:30-2:30 p.m. or February 20: 9-10 a.m. Reservations preferred Call 402-334-0517 for more information
10 | The Jewish Press | February 15, 2013
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Omaha Performing Arts Presents
The Joffrey Ballet Le Sacre du Printemps - The Rite of Spring 100th Anniversary
March 3 | 7:30 PM | Orpheum Theater
TicketOmaha.com | 402.345.0606
All productions, performers, prices, dates and times subject to change.
Warm and welcoming by BOB GOLDBERG We love how close and welcoming the Director of Strategic Initiatives, community is. It is a good-sized city, yet Jewish Federation of Omaha we are part of a close-knit group with peoWe want to hear from all our new ple who care about us. For example, peodonors. If you would like to be included in this Jewish Press series, please call me at 402.334.6431. We want to welcome you into the Federation family! Why become a donor now? We recently moved to Omaha and have benefitted so much from being a part of the community already. We wanted to give back. Sara Kohen Ari Kohen What’s your hope for the Omaha Jewish community moving for- ple brought us meals after the recent birth ward? of our daughter, and we always run into We hope it continues to thrive and be as people we know at the JCC. Also, as parwarm and welcoming as it is now. ents, we love all the programming opportunities for families. What’s your takeaway?
Informational meeting for Partnership TRIP2Gether Mission by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant The Center for Jewish Life On Feb. 28 an informational meeting regarding the September 2013 Partnership TRIP2Gether Mission to Israel will be held. Partnership2Gether recently responded to the perfect opportunity to make the past several years of desiring to arrange such a trip a reality. The opportunity presented by an
extraordinary program produced by Ballet Austin entitled Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project had all the elements to move forward with a mission trip. A full-length contemporary ballet, Light, includes a Holocaust education partnership that promotes the protection of human rights against bigotry and hate through arts, education, and public dialogue. Promoted and embraced by businesses, educational organizations and governmental entities, the impact of Light has spanned an impressive cross section of the communities in which it has performed. Since its world premiere in Austin in April 2005, Light has travelled to Philadelphia and Miami and is being presented in Denver in January through March. After being introduced to the project, a dialogue immediately began in order to find a way for Partnership to be involved. Conversations with Ballet Austin and other supporters ensued, and after a few months, it was announced that the international debut of Light would take place in Israel, Sept. 18-Oct. 2, 2013, during a three city tour that will include Akko, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. With the dates of the performance secured, it was decided it was time to develop the long awaited Partnership mission. The itinerary presents a trip with a distinct flair that will appeal to community members throughout the 12 city Partnership Consortium, of which Omaha is a part. Zoë Reikes, chairperson of the Mission has commented, “I am absolutely thrilled our Partnership has developed this mission. This has been a goal of mine for a very long time, and being able to include the international debut of Ballet Austin’s Light and to also be a part of the Israel Festival of Alternative Theater and the Arts makes this
trip that more special.” The Israel Festival of Alternative Theater and the Arts is a yearly draw for people throughout Israel. It is held each year during Sukkot. Albert Ben-Shloosh is general director and producer-in-chief for the festival and he, along with Kim Goldberg of Omaha, are co-chairs of the Partnership Arts and Community Task Force. In October of 2012, Goldberg participated in the festival. “For two years I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the Israeli Festival for Alternative Theater in Akko,” reports Goldberg. “The festival is the second largest in Israel” she continues. “It’s an incubator for new performances both on-stage and in the streets, and because of this cutting-edge creativity, it’s filled with energy and excitement.” The mission dates are Sept. 21 through Oct. 1 with the group celebrating Sukkot and Simchat Torah in Israel. The trip has been designed with three distinct “experience” segments. Discover and Learn: Touring will include the new Yitzhak Rabin Center, the newly renovated Israel Museum, the City of David Tunnel excavation, Yad Vashem and a visit to the Kotel. Other stops will include the galleries and shops of Old Jaffa and old Akko plus a tour of A Better Place, Israel’s emerging electric car business. Recharge Your Soul: Attend the opening gala and performance of Ballet Austin’s Light/The Holocaust and Humanity in Akko. Experience the Israel Festival of Alternative Theater and the Arts in Akko, participate in art workshops and sail into the caves at Rosh Hanikra. Make a Difference Together: Meet Lone Soldiers and MASA youth and learn about the many programs and projects of Partnership in the Western Galilee. The mission is $2,980 per person, which covers land expenses and is priced at double occupancy. The cost includes three nights in the north at the Hacienda Lodge and Spa, four nights in Jerusalem, one night in Tel Aviv, program and entrance fees, guide and driver. The price does not include airfare, and the cost of a single supplement is $1,240. Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. will be a great opportunity to find out more about the trip. To make your reservation to attend the meeting, email jan.amiel.israel@cox.net, or call Mary Sue Grossman at the Center for Jewish Life, 402.334.6445 or email her at mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.
February 15, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11
Temple Israel invites applications for new position by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer Temple Israel has created a new senior staff position, Director of Family and Youth Education, to help elevate Temple Israel’s Jewish education services for children and adults alike. A committee led by Rosie Zweiback and comprised of parents, students, teachers and clergy is currently conducting a national search for this new position. “We are energized by the process of hiring a new educator,” Zweiback said. “It’s a great opportunity for the congregation to take youth and family education to a whole new level.” The new director’s role will encompass the responsibilities of our Religious School principal and will also create new programs to further engage families and help parents access Jewish tradition as a tool for enhancing their Jewish home. “We’re excited about finding another Reform Jewish role model for our youth and families,” Rabbi Josh Brown said. “Someone who will be able to teach adults as well as children, someone who can be an exempla-
LTYG heads west, finds community
ry teacher in the community. We want an educator who will be able to provide an example of good teaching for our many teachers and who has a strong command of Jewish tradition and context.” In searching for the best candidate, Temple Israel is casting a wide net. The position has been posted on national Jewish websites, but the search committee believes that its best resource is the local Jewish community. Temple Israel invites anyone who knows a Jewish educator who relates well to children and adults to put them in touch with Rosie Zweiback at rozback@cox.net or Rabbi Brown at jbrown@templeisraelomaha.com. Temple Israel is looking for candidates who hold either a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education or a Master’s Degree in Education with experience in a Jewish educational setting. “As we prepare to move into our brand new light-flooded classrooms with state of the art technology, we are excited to welcome a new member to our team who will have a vision for engaging the next generation of families in our tradition,” Zweiback said.
In the news Zach Wahls will be the speaker for the Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights Tuesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. The lecture will be held in the Thompson Center, 67th and Dodge at the west end of the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus. He will discuss “What Makes a Family?” Shirley and Leonard Goldstein established The Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Lecture
on Human Rights in 1997. The Goldstein Lecture brings to the UNO campus each year a distinguished scholar or leading expert on human rights who represents a wide range of views on a variety of human rights issues. The lecture is sponsored by the Religious Studies program at UNO. It is free and open to the public.
by JULIE SADOFSKY shiping with Alan Goodis brought the The Lincoln Temple Youth Group’s first Missouri Valley Chavurah community group trip to the NFTY Missouri Valley together spiritually. Chavurah participants Winter Chavurah was a complete success. also enjoyed recreational events, including a Seven teens, advisor Julie Sadofsky, and visit to “The Island” for a unique mix of South Street Temple’s Rabbi Craig Lewis beach games, sand volleyball, and Havdalah. travelled to Denver, CO, for Winter Another highlight was the annual basketball Chavurah, Jan. 18-21. This opportunity offered many new experiences for the Lincoln participants, whether that was their first experience with NFTY, first airplane trip, or first time meeting, worshiping, and making friends with other Jewish youth outside of the Lincoln community. The umbrella theme for MV Winter Chavurah was community. The 200 plus Rachel Crable, Tanner Crable, and Grant Gordon represent participants discussed the LTYG at the NFTY Missouri Valley Chavurah, with advisor meaning of community and Julie Sadofsky and Rabbi Craig Lewis. learned the shared sense of community game between the two Missouri Valley subwithin NFTY. Additionally, LTYG learned regions: SLIID (St. Louis-Illinois-Iowa about how NFTY-Missouri Valley expresses District) and Western. This year Western the value of community through its partner- took the title away from the previous fourship with Camp Rainbow, a camp in year champions. Missouri for kids who are in treatment for Tanner Crable, LTYG member said, “I had or who have experienced cancer. As part of a blast! I made so many new friends.” Sister the 2012-2013 NFTY Action Theme of Madison Crable said, “It was so awesome! I Mental Health, Chavurah participants also had so much fun and I cannot wait to go learned about different mental illness and back.” NFTY-Missouri Valley provides discussed ways to eliminate socially con- many opportunities for this region’s Jewish structed stigmas. youth, whether participating in NFTY Each year, the Missouri Valley Winter Chavurahs, traveling with NFTY in Israel, Chavurah falls on the Martin Luther King, attending URJ Camps, or working at Camp Jr. Day weekend, and this year a powerful Rainbow. Spring Chavurah is coming up in memorial program reflected on the signifi- April and will be the next great opportunity cant impact Dr. King had on the past, pres- to have the NFTY experience. Further inforent, and future. Social action and communi- mation regarding Camp Rainbow, NFTY in ty-based programs were important compo- Israel, or Winter Chavurah, can be found at: nents to the Chavurah. Singing and wor- www.nfty.org/mv.
Passover Greetings This year you can send your greetings through these very special ads that will run in our annual Passover issue. Each ad can be personalized with your name, the names of your children or your grandchildren. Just fill out the form below and send or bring it to the Jewish Press office. But hurry; these ads will only be accepted through February 20, 2013.
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12 | The Jewish Press | February 15, 2013
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
What’s your status?
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Facebook has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s a great tool to stay in touch with family and friends who don’t live exactly next door; you get to talk about the small, day-to-day stuff. When I first moved here, we relied on several pricey phone calls a month, and there was pressure to make every minute count. Facebook is free, and we get to share many, many pictures. It is not such a surprise when we see each other again and we’ve all gotten a little older. I can speak with my foster son, who’s stationed in Kandahar; he can post pictures of his Humvee and tell me he’s all right. Of course, it also eats away at our free time, and there is the question of privacy. The fact that my facebook page regularly treats me to ads for Israeli travel sites and Jewish nonprofits makes me think someone is paying too much attention. However, the ups outweigh the downs. Plus, it has games! I love games. The problem with that much freedom is there is opportunity for abuse. Combine freedom of speech, social networking, and people with too much time on their hands, and you end up with a nasty little stew. Those foul-mouthed kittens and tiresome memes are only the tip of the iceberg. The most recent facebook-related firestorm centered on something particularly ugly: a page named “F*** Israel,” which gathered more than 30,000 followers before anyone really caught on (by comparison, the page F*** Relationships has 819,428 followers, F*** Justin Bieber has 78,468 and the aptly named F*** Sensitivity has 631,011). B’nai B’rith International issued a statement, demanding Facebook take down the anti - Israel page, but facebook officials politely declined. “Thanks for your recent report of a potential violation on Facebook. After reviewing your report, we were not able to
confirm that the specific page you reported violates Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities,” read the answer. No matter, a petition has been started to remove the page, so far unsuccessfully. Michael Mendelsohn, who started the petition, received 75,000 likes for his initiative during the first week. Facebook remains unresponsive. Which begs the questions: what should we make of this? First of all, in spite of all the talk about having standards, the powers that be at facebook don’t really have what it takes to police 1-billion+ users. But we already knew that; it’s the Wild West out there. At the same time, what is said on facebook is a fairly accurate reflection of what the world is really thinking. Most people, sitting behind their computer screens, at least partially loosen their filters when expressing their opinions. The fact that over 30,000 users don’t think highly of the State of Israel isn’t a surprise. If anything, I’m surprised the number isn’t higher. We must all be vigilant about hate speech, and regardless of what facebook’s official statement says, this page qualifies as such. Many of the comments left by its followers are too disgusting to repeat here, and so I won’t. So by all means, sign Mendelsohn’s petition, report nasty comments, bug facebook about what they do and don’t allow. But, when we consider these types of online disagreements as our biggest problem, we run the risk of forgetting that facebook isn’t the real world. No matter how much it reflects what people believe and think, it is still an online social network, it’s not the street. There is a lot of hateful chat-
ter online, and we can drown in trying to fight it all. What are we doing in the real world to combat anti-Israel sentiments? Our actual social network, meaning face-to-face contact with others, continues to be more meaningful, no matter how many times we click that ‘like’ button. When we, as human beings, talk to each other, we get to have a more dynamic conversation. It’s much harder to ignore a dissenting opinion when it comes from someone standing in the same room. You actually have to respond, and know what you’re talking about. Advocating for the continued existence of Israel, teaching others respect for the State and its inhabitants takes more than a facebook meme. It takes conviction and dedication, and knowledge about the issues. Let’s work on that, face-to-face, and leave facebook for the kittens and family pictures.
Jews vocal on both sides of France’s gay marriage debate
Behind the headlines CNAAN LIPHSHIZ (JTA) -- Wide-eyed and smiley, Elay-Gabriel seems utterly unaffected by the French media’s sudden interest in him. A dozen French journalists have visited the 18-month-old in recent months because he is trapped in a sort of legal limbo: He cannot obtain citizenship because the state does not recognize children born to surrogates abroad as French, even if one of their biological parents is a French national. Complicating matters is the fact that Elay-Gabriel is being raised by two gay Parisians -- Israeli-born Eran and his partner, Jean-Louis. (The family asked that their last name not be published.) Gay couples cannot adopt in France, meaning that surrogacy -- and the citizenship uncertainties which follow -- are inevitable for gays wishing to raise children. “We learned singles practically can’t adopt, and gays are all singles in France because we can’t marry,” Eran said. Much of that could change if President Francois Hollande succeeds in his effort to push legislation through parliament that would allow same-sex marriage in France, a move that has set off a fiery public debate in which Jews have played an outsized role. In October, Chief Rabbi Gilles Bernheim, breaking with the French rabbinate’s traditional neutrality on issues of civil legislation, penned an essay on the negative effects of gay marriage. Bernheim argued that legalization efforts are made for “the exclusive profit of a tiny minority” and are part of a wider move to “undermine the heterosexual fundamentals of our society.” France’s association of Jewish homosexuals, Beit Haverim, condemned Bernheim’s language as “bellicose.” But the doc-
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ument has been quoted at length in influential French dailies and was cited approvingly by Pope Benedict, who called it “profoundly moving” during his Christmas address to Vatican officials. Bernheim’s essay was a notable contrast to the inflammatory reaction of France’s Catholic clergy. Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, the archbishop of Lyon, said in an interview that the law would bring about “social collapse,” adding, “Next they’ll want to have foursomes. Then they’ll legalize incest.” “When the Catholics spoke against this law, nobody listened because of the vehemence and because they’re Pavlovian opponents of change,” Yeshaya Dalsace, a wellknown Conservative rabbi from Paris, told JTA. “People listened to Bernheim because the Jews are known as progressive forces of change in law, medicine, labor -- you name it.” For many, the debate is largely a nominal question of principle, as legal workarounds afford French gays de facto equality in most areas. Parenting, however, is an exception. In November, Eran met with several French Socialist lawmakers leading the gay marriage effort. On Jan. 29, French media reported that Justice Minister Christiane Taubira ordered authorities to naturalize the dozens of surrogate children like Elay-Gabriel who are living as foreigners in France. “This is positive, but a directive could be canceled and cannot replace legislation,” Eran said. Preliminary deliberations on the “marriage for all” bill began in parliament on Jan. 28. With Hollande’s Socialist Party holding a majority in both houses, the law is likely to pass. Still, the debate has ignited passions. Only a bare majority -- 52 percent -- supports the law, according to a poll of 1,002 adults published Jan. 13 by the newsweekly Le Point. The first discussion in parliament was preceded by a demonstration in Paris by some 340,000 opponents of the legislation.
Another 120,000 demonstrated in favor. The divide is similarly evident within France’s Jewish community. Joel Mergui, president of the French Consistoire, a state-recognized body responsible for synagogues and religious Jewish services, spoke out against gay marriage in September, telling Le Monde, “It would change the natural model of the family.” Dalsace has emerged as something of a spokesman for the other side, penning a 37-page essay and several Op-Eds disputing Bernheim’s reasoning and asserting that the law does not infringe on religious liberties. But while he is routinely quoted by supporters of gay marriage, Dalsace maintains that rabbis should not get involved in debating civil law. His objective in speaking out, Dalsace told JTA, is “to fight the false impression that Bernheim speaks for all Jews.” While no data exist on where French Jews stand on the gay marriage question, experts say the Jewish community of 550,000 -- the world’s third-largest -- is gradually becoming more traditional and inclined to oppose Hollande’s law. “The affiliated Jewish community of France is becoming more and more religious and traditional, and that is part of the influence of the large North African contingent which arrived here in the 1950s and ‘60s,” said Gideon Kouts, head of the Department of Hebrew and Jewish Culture at Paris 8 University. Whether or not religious opposition to the law is sufficient to prevent its passage is an open question, but it’s certainly not going to deter the French president. In an article in Le Figaro last month about an “informal talk” he had with a group of clergymen that included Bernheim, Hollande made clear that he planned to stand his ground. “We don’t make laws based on demonstrations,” Hollande said. “[Because] if we did, we’d be letting the street decide.”
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February 15, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 13
Will Obama’s planned Israel visit revive Israel-Palestinian peacemaking?
Focus on issues RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) - Is President Obama’s plan to visit Israel a sign that he’s ready to take another shot at IsraeliPalestinian peacemaking? The White House announced Tuesday that Obama would visit Israel in the spring, his first trip there as president. He did visit in 2008, when he was a candidate for the Oval Office. This trip also will include meetings with Palestinian Authority leaders and a trip to Jordan, the White House said. Obama spoke of the visit in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Jan. 28. The White House did not announce dates. The announcement appears to be a signal that the president is serious about peacemaking, said David Makovsky, an analyst with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, which has close ties with the Obama and Netanyahu governments. “Part of the problem is that on all sides, there’s disbelief that peace is possible,� Makovsky said. “He wants to engage both societies about why you can’t give up. He wants to engage on the gut level with Arabs and Israelis in a way he hasn’t until now.� In a region where optics are important, Obama’s failure to visit during his first term as president was cast by his opponents as a sign that Israel was not a high priority for him. It did not help Obama’s popularity in Israel when he omitted the Jewish state from a June 2009 visit to the Middle East that included a major speech in Cairo and a stop in Saudi Arabia. As much as anything else, the spring trip may be about reaching out to Israelis. “I’m excited that President Obama is coming this spring to reaffirm the deep ties between Israel and the United States,� Dan Shapiro, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, said in a message in Hebrew on Twitter. Netanyahu may have his own reasons for welcoming such a visit now. For one, a U.S. president on Israeli soil sends an unmistakable message to Israel’s enemies that America stands with Israel. It also helps Netanyahu politically. Netanyahu emerged weakened from Israel’s Jan. 22 elections, and aides have told the Israeli media that they believe voters stayed away from the prime minister over concerns about his rapport with Obama. The two leaders have had something of a fraught relationship. There have been philosophical differences about Israel’s settlement enterprise and the Palestinians, disagreements about the red line for Iran’s nuclear program and perceived snubs on both sides. During a March 2010 White House meeting, Netanyahu was denied a photo opportunity with the president, and Obama interrupted their meeting to eat dinner. Last year, Netanyahu gave an enthusiastic reception to Obama rival Mitt Romney during the 2012 campaign. But the recent elections in both the United States and Israel could mark a turning point. In recent days, Netanyahu has indicated that he wants to establish a coalition government that tends more to the center than his last government. He also has identified diplomacy with the Palestinians as one of his top priorities. On the other side of the Atlantic, Obama’s choice for Secretary of State, John Kerry, said in his Senate confirmation hearing that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and advancing Israeli-Palestinian peace would be his twin priorities in the job. Kerry has since announced his own plans to visit Israel next month, and among his first
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calls in his new job were conversations with Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. “It’s a new beginning: Obama can have a serious discussion with the Israeli prime minister at a time he’s heading a new government,� said Dennis Ross, a counsel at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, who was Obama’s top Middle East adviser until a year ago. “The president is interested in connecting with the Israeli public. It allows him to show he cares about the peace issues, but allows him to do so while discussing all the issues, including Iran, Syria and Egypt.� Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. negotiator who now is vice president of the Wilson International Center for Scholars, says both Obama and Netanyahu are being driven to a rapprochement by exigency: “One guy is caught in circumstances which require improvement, and the other guy knows if he wants to get anywhere he’s going to have to figure out if he can work with
Bibi,� Miller said, using Netanyahu’s nickname. Debra DeLee, the president of Americans for Peace Now, said in a statement that Obama’s visit will give him an “opportunity to directly address the people of Israel and lay out a compassionate, pragmatic vision for a future Israel that enjoys security and peace, and that it is a respected member of the community of nations.� But Danielle Pletka, vice president of the American Enterprise Institute, said if Obama is going simply to advance a peace process that many Israelis and U.S. lawmakers believe is stuck because of Arab intransigence, he’s running a fool’s errand. It would be more useful, she said, for him to use his Israel trip to discuss strategies at a time of Middle Eastern turmoil. “If he’s president of the United States, he’s going to talk about Iran and Hezbollah and Syria,� Pletka said. “If he’s the president of Barack Obama’s dream house, he’ll talk about the peace process.�
Ed Koch, FDR, and the Holocaust (JNS.org) “Mayor Koch last night took on the ghost of President Franklin D. Roosevelt,� an item in the New York Daily News in 1988 began, which probably surprised no one, since Ed Koch had spent a lifetime taking on everybody who deserved to be taken on, whether they were alive or dead. Indeed, his willingness to vigorously battle for what he believed, and let the chips fall where they may, was precisely what endeared Koch -- who died Feb. 1 -- to so many people across the political spectrum. As a historian who has written about President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s response to the Holocaust, what intrigued me about that 1988 speech was the unique way in which the New York City mayor framed his criticism of FDR: “I will never forgive him for closing the doors to Jews who could have left Germany. Never will I forgive him. If you believe in purgatory -- and I don’t even know what it is -- that’s where he is, for that sin.� In the years to follow, as Mayor Koch and I became friends and then coauthors, I had the opportunity to speak with him about that “purgatory� remark. And when a reporter from Italian National Television who was scheduled to interview Koch on the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz asked me what topics I thought he should raise, I suggested bringing up the purgatory issue. “I think it’s a Catholic expression," Koch told him. “I’m not Catholic, I’m Jewish. I don’t think Jews have purgatory. I’m not really sure, I’m not religious myself, although I believe in God. But ‘purgatory’ [means] that you have an opportunity to deal with your sinful life and ultimately get to Heaven... you have to spend a time in purgatory, winning the right to enter Heaven.� President Roosevelt “did many, many good things,� Koch emphasized, recalling FDR’s role in “saving the United States from the Depression� and leading America against Hitler in World War II. But FDR “also had an opportunity to save Jews before World War II,� and his failure to do so is what landed him in purgatory, Koch explained. He cited Roosevelt’s decision to turn away the refugee ship St. Louis; his refusal to instruct the State Department to permit Jewish immigration up to the maximum allowed by law (the quotas
were woefully under-filled); and the sham Evian Conference of 1938, which the Roosevelt administration convened to give the impression of concern for the Jewish refugees without actually doing anything to aid them. For me, however, perhaps the most significant part of the interview was Koch’s analysis of anti-Semitism in the U.S. in the 1930s and 1940s. Given the public mood in those days, was it politically possible for FDR to have done much for the Jews? Scholars looking at this issue tend to rely on newspaper reports, public opinion polls about prejudice, and statistics about the size of anti-Semitic organizations. But an eyewitness account can be very revealing. And Koch, having grown up in hardscrabble neighborhoods in Newark and Brooklyn in the 1930s and 1940s, had much to say about the subject. “Yes, there was a lot of anti-Semitism in America in those years, but that is no excuse for Roosevelt’s inaction, which was vile,� Koch asserted. “A leader has to lead. He has to try to change minds.� What about claims that helping the Jews would have undermined Roosevelt’s ability to convince the public to fight Hitler? “I don’t accept that,� Koch said. “I believe that the American public could have accepted saving Jews.� Koch wasn’t a sociologist. He just knew what he had experienced among the people he met in the neighborhoods where he lived and worked. Some were bigots, but most weren’t. Koch wasn’t just speculating when he expressed his faith in the basic decency of most Americans. In April 1944 -while the Holocaust still raged, and before the deportations of Hungarian Jews began -- the White House quietly commissioned a Gallup Poll on the subject. It asked the public about offering “temporary protection� to Jews fleeing Hitler. The “anti-Semitic� American public supported the idea by a margin of 70 percent to 23 percent. Despite that overwhelming public sentiment, President Roosevelt agreed to create just one refugee camp -- in upstate New York, where 982 refugees were brought in the summer of 1944. In a world of cynics and naysayers, where too many people almost instinctively assume the worst of their fellow citizens, our generation was fortunate to have Ed Koch, whose many contributions as a public servant included reminding us of the abundant goodness to be found, sometimes in unexpected places, both in those days and in our own time. Dr. Rafael Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies.
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Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, call 712.323.8885. FRIDAY, March 8: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by an oneg with guest speaker, Nancy Wolf, Community volunteer on Ikebana-Friendship through Flowers. The community is invited. Cantor Beth Schlossberg will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Dinner and Drash, 7 p.m., following Kabbalat Shabbat services; led by Hazzan Krausman. Cost: $12.50 per person. RSVP online at www.bethel-omaha.org, or by contacting the synagogue office, or programming@bethel-omaha.org. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush given by Beth El; Evening Service, 5:20 p.m.; YAC Brix/Funny Bone Outing, Beth El’s Young Adult Committee will host a social evening for everyone in the 20s and 30s in the Jewish community (single and married), at Village Pointe. At 7:30 p.m., meet for drinks at Brix wine bar, and then head to The Funny Bone comedy club. Tickets for the show may be purchased at the club’s website, or by calling 402.493.8036. For more information, contact Shira Abraham, at shira.abraham@gmail.com, or Sonia Tipp, at stipp0811@yahoo. com, or 402.968.5519. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m., with Hazzan Krausman. MONDAY: Wrestling with Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham. TUESDAY: Food Bank Volunteer Day, 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Register online at www.bethel-omaha.org, or email Cheryl Lerner, cldancer@aol.com. WEDNESDAY: Lunch and Learn, noon, with Rabbi Abraham. Topic: “The Mitzvah to Destroy Amalek.” All adults in Jewish community are welcome to attend, at no charge. Reservations required by Feb. 15. For location and to RSVP, contact Rabbi Abraham at rabbiabraham@bethelomaha.org. THURSDAY: Dames & Drinks, 7 p.m. All women of Beth El are invited. No charge to attend; babysitting provided free of charge with a reservation. For questions or to RSVP, Melissa Schop at melschop@hotmail.com. Purim, Festive congregational Megillah reading on Saturday, Feb. 23, 6:45 p.m., followed by appetizer/dessert reception. USY Purim Carnival, Sunday, Feb. 24, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. (see full story on page 9.) All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Please contact the synagogue for office hours. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:41 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service
Bar Mitzvah Benjamin Raffel, son of Wendy and Adam Raffel, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Feb, 23, at Temple Israel. Ben is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Buffett Middle School. He is a Duke University Talent Identification Program participant. His interests include baseball, basketball and technology. For his mitzvah project, Ben volunteered at Together, a non-profit which provides education, guidance and services to prevent people from becoming homeless. He has a brother, Jordan, age 10. Grandparents are Suzy and Norman Sheldon, and Shelley and Ron Raffel of Highland Park, IL.
begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored in honor of February Simchas; The Laws of Shabbat, 3:45 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Boys (ages 10 and up), 4:45 p.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 6:42 p.m.; Hamantashen Baking, 8 p.m. To volunteer, please contact the synagogue office. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Hamantashen Baking, 8 p.m. To volunteer, please contact the synagogue office; RBJH Connection for Teens, 2:30 p.m. Meets at the Blumkin Home; PlearVie (Pizza, Learning & Movie) for sixth-eighth graders, 6 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m.; Teens 4 Israel Latte & Learning, 7:30 p.m. at Starbucks, 114th & Dodge. TUESDAY: Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds with Rabbi Gross, 9:30 a.m; Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC; Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:30 p.m.
CHABAD CENTER An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.; Speial kiddush luncheon in honor of Marlene Cohen to celebrate her appointment in the international medical community will follow. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m. The Life of Moses our Teacher. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. Please reserve by calling 402.330.1800. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. Call 402.417.2752 to reserve. THURSDAY: Call for women at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. Contact Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@ unmc.edu to receive updates; Fast of Esther-Mincha, 5 p.m. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., with youth from Nebraska Wesleyan as guests and oneg following hosted by Eleanor and Jeff Kirkland. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Terumah; Game Night/ Potluck, 6 p.m. All ages welcome. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Confirmation Class, noon; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. MONDAY: Temple office closed for Presidents Day. TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Sher-E Punjab, 16th & Q Streets. WEDNESDAY: Jewish Book Club, 1 p.m. We are invited to join Westminster Presbyterian Church Book Club for discussion of the stories of Tilly Olson – If you plan to attend, please call Faye Molton at 402.423.7608 (if no answer, please leave message); Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Star City Kochavim Rehearsal, 7 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 9:30 a.m. Bagels and Brew/Joint Adult Education class led by Rabbi Lewis at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAYS, Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m. and Advanced Hebrew, 7 p.m. Tot Shabbat with Ms. Jennifer, Friday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Purim Extravaganza on Sunday, Feb. 24. Doors open for lunch at noon (RSVP needed). Doors open for the Purim Spiel at 1 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
Candlelighting Friday, February 15, 5:41 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Marty Shukert. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Executive Director of Rabbis for Human Rights-North America, will join our us for Shabbat and speak about Human Rights, Social Justice and Judaism. Rabbi Jacobs is the author of There Shall Be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice Through Jewish Law & Tradition and Where Justice Dwells: A HandsOn Guide to Doing Social Justice in Your Jewish Community. SATURDAY: Torah Study with Rabbi Jill Jacobs, 9 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Kathleen Kirshenbaum, daughter of Jennifer Tompkins-Kirshenbaum and Matt Kirshenbaum, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: No Religious School. TUESDAY: Executive Meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Contemplative and Devotional Practices in Hinduism and Buddhism, 6:30 p.m. with Dr. Michele Desmarais, UNO Associate Professor of Religious Studies. THURSDAY: Articulate Architecture, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Brown; Long Range Planning Meeting, 7 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch; Kids Rule the Shul Services, 10:30-11:15 a.m. led by the Hamicksburg trio. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Sher-E Punjab, 16th & Q Streets. Please contact Stephanie Donher with any questions. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 9:30 a.m. Bagels and Brew/Joint Adult Education class led by Rabbi Lewis at Tifereth Israel. Tot Shabbat with Ms. Jennifer, Friday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m. Purim Extravaganza on Sunday, Feb. 24. Doors open for lunch at noon (RSVP needed). Doors open for the Purim Spiel at 1 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Gala Congregational Purim Celebration, Saturday evening, Feb. 23 at the Coren home, 3417 Hanson Court. People of all ages welcome.
Tifereth Rosh Chodesh by NANCY COREN
Tifereth Israel sponsored a Women's Rosh Hodesh celebration on Sunday, Feb. 10, that featured a Hallel service, Torah study, and Torah yoga session. Women ranging in ages from their mid 40's to upper 80's came together for a glorious morning that engaged their bodies, minds, and spirits.Tifereth Israel members also enjoyed the company of several South Street Temple women. The Torah study about parashat Terumah was led by Nancy Coren and the Torah yoga session was led by Barbara Barron. Afterwards the group enjoyed a healthy snack together. Pictured are: Nancy Coren, left, Brenda Ingraham, Barbara Barron, Charla Hutkins, Barb Strauss, Nanci Hamicksburg, Miriam Wallick, and Eve Hoffman. Not pictured are: Louise Springer, Sophia Golovey, Elaine Monnier and Lorena Wachendorf who also participated in the morning's activities.
Pulverent e
February 15, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 15
“Raising”
In memoriam EVE KATSKEE
Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Terumah Our Sidrah is devoted to preparing for the Sanctuary that was to exist, and to accompany the Israelites for 40 years through the unoccupied fields of ancient Western Asia. The Israelites, therefore, were told to collect (“raise”) whatever they could of silver and gold, and of precious and semiprecious stones, acacia wood and beautiful fabrics of different colors, for the construction and decoration of the Sanctuary. Thus the collection began: “raising.” The people brought whatever they had for the Sanctuary that was yet to be built. The Hebrew word for this collection is “Terumah,” which implies a lifting, a raising, because it was to be used for holy purposes. It is instructive to note that even we in our own days, when we collect funds for some important purpose, say we are “raising” funds. I do not wish to imply that there is any attempt to translate the thought of lifting in our current use of the word “raising funds.” It is instinctive in the human mind to use the term “raise” when collecting money for noble purposes.
Pope Benedict praised by Israeli chief rabbi for outreach by JTA NEWS STAFF ROME (JTA) – Pope Benedict XVI said he is stepping down, citing his advanced age and, apparently, failing health. In the first resignation of a reigning pope in modern times, the 85-year-old Benedict said Monday in a declaration in Latin issued by the Vatican that he was no longer able to carry out his duties and would be leaving the papacy at the end of February. A spokesman for Israeli Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger wished the pope well and said relations between Israel and the Holy See had become the best ever during Benedict’s papacy. The pope said in the declaration that his strength in the last few months “has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.” Though the pope’s brother told the German news agency DPA that Benedict had been weighing the decision for months, the announcement came as a shock. The last pope to resign was Gregory XII in 1415, in order to end a civil war within the Church. Benedict, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was elected pope in April 2005 following the death of Polishborn Pope John Paul II. John Paul had made bettering relations with the Jewish world and Israel one of the cardinal points of his papacy. Metzger praised Benedict’s outreach to Jews and other religious groups during his tenure. “During his period [as pope], there were the best relations ever between the Church and the Chief Rabbinate and we hope that this trend will continue,” Reuters quoted Metzger’s spokesman as saying. “I think he deserves a lot of credit for advancing interreligious links the world over between Judaism, Christianity and Islam.” Metzger wished Benedict “good health and long days,” according to his spokesman. Moshe Kantor, the president of the European Jewish Congress, wished the pope a “peaceful retirement” but said his “emotional commitment” to interfaith dialogue “perhaps ... was not quite at the level of other recent popes.” Still, “Pope Benedict XVI carried on the work of his predecessor Pope John Paul II in interfaith dialogue,” the statement read, adding that the pope’s “intellectual commitment as expressed in his firm stance against the collective and individual guilt of Jews in the killing of Jesus is one most appreciated by Jewish communities.” The FCJE, the umbrella organization representing Spanish Jews, said in a statement issued shortly after the announcement that it “respected” the pope’s decision. “As pope, Benedict XVI acted with great intellectual rigor that undoubtedly contributed to Catholic-Jewish relations,” the statement read. “We wish the pope a long life and encourage him to continue working for peace between the peoples after leaving the post.”
Eve Katskee passed away on Feb. 6 at 101 years old. Service were held Feb. 10 at Beth El Cemetery. She was preceeded in death by husbands Jack Raznick and “Sheff ” Katskee; son Howard Raznick; granddaughter, Belle Raznick and dear friend and companion, Bob Gerelick. She is survived by grandchildren: Christopher Raznick and Elizabeth Tietsort; six great-grandchildren: Jeremy, Marissa, Brittany, Dalton, Richie and Forrest; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Beth El Synagogue.
RUTH DIAMOND LEVINSON Ruth Diamond Levinson passed away in Lincoln on Feb. 3 at age 102. Services were held Feb. 6 at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home. Burial followed at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Lincoln. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry. She is survived by Gail Wishnow and Janice Wishnow, and many loving family members and friends. She was born Jan. 14, 1911, in McCook, NE. Ruth graduated from Lincoln High School in 1927 and the University of Nebraska in 1931. She received her Masters degree from Columbia University in NYC. She began her teaching career at the University of Omaha by introducing a dance program into the curriculum. After WWII began, she joined the American Red Cross, serving in England and France. After the war, she and Harry Levinson, who had served in the U. S. Army in India, were reunited and married on June 9, 1946. Ruth then worked in the UNL Department of Physical Education where she was an instructor for 22 years. After retiring in 1973, she established the Ruth Diamond Levinson Scholarship to honor outstanding dance majors. In her retirement she volunteered with the American Red Cross, served as archivist for the UNL Department of Physical Education, and traveled extensively with the Friendship Force with Harry. Memorials may be made to the Ruth Diamond Levinson Dance Scholarship Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation, Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Eastmont Towers Foundation, or donor’s choice.
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Sunday Night Dinner committee: Ben Shapiro, left, Joey Shyken with his son and future committee member Akiva, Shirly Banner, and Harry and Kathy Weiner. The Sunday night dinner committee outdid themselves for Super Bowl Sunday at Beth Israel! Members of all ages shared food, conversation and football!
Netanyahu and Bennett meet for first time in five years by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Jewish Home party leader Naftali Bennett for the first time in five years. The two political rivals reportedly talked Monday about forming a government coalition. Bennett had served as a Netanyahu aide but quit about five years ago following a clash with Netanyahu’s wife, Sara. Monday’s meeting took place a day after Bennett apologized for insulting Sara Netanyahu during the campaign. “The attacks on Sara Netanyahu are unacceptable. She is a good woman who loves her husband,” Bennett said Sunday on Army Radio. “He has a right to consult with her, as I do with my wife. If someone wants to criticize Netanyahu’s policies, he’s the address, not her.” The two men reportedly agreed to meet again in the coming days.
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16 | The Jewish Press | February 15, 2013
No excuse to miss school with smart technology by SHERRIE SAAG Ministry for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee. Central Area Consortium for Partnership2Gether said, “I Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha Some 420 smart classrooms are being installed in elemen- am absolutely amazed at what this program is doing. What World ORT helps Jews world wide lead independent and tary, middle and high schools, serving a diverse population. we are supporting is an opportunity to make these kids productive lives through educational and vocational training. The project is expected to be completed on time at a total smart. It’s rewarding for all of us to know they will achieve The Jewish Federation of so much more.” Omaha provides financial Traveling with Riekes was support to World ORT through Beth Cohen, executive direcORT works for the advancement of people through traingenerous donations to our tor of the Center for Jewish ing and education; it fosters economic self-sufficiency and Annual Campaign. Life, an agency of the mobility through use of state-of-the-art technology and it As a direct result of Federation. She added, “The supports economic and social development with vocaCampaign support for World idea of cutting edge technolotional training and technical assistance. ORT, the Merom HaGalil prigy, particularly in places mary school in northern where one would not think of Israel now has four smart finding it, was very appealing classrooms, fully equipped to Omaha Federation leaderwith interactive whiteboards ship. Smart classes are not the and laptops, as well as wirenorm in Omaha so the idea of less internet connectivity. providing support for this is Smart classroom technology very exciting.” addresses the critical issue of World ORT faced signifiproviding learning opportunicant logistical challenges in ties to children when being delivering distance learning physically present in school technology to children inside isn’t possible. It has taken hold bomb shelters during Israel’s in Israel, in particular, as an most recent military operaefficient and productive way Colorful computer learning stations make hospital schools tions. “That they persevered A Classroom with a web-connected smart board. for children missing school for more comfortable. and children continued norhospital treatment to stay up-to-date in their school work. cost of nearly $30 million. mal routine schoolwork amidst the chaos and stress that According to Israeli law, kids who are in the hospital for What works in hospitals works in bomb shelters, too. So surrounded them is really amazing, said Riekes. more than three days are required to “attend” classes. With when recent hostilities broke out during Israel’s Operation Those involved at the grassroots level in Israel say that smart technology now installed in 27 Israeli hospitals Pillar of Defense, World ORT began to distribute laptops to Kadima Mada goes beyond improving education. By having (appropriately named “distance” learning centers) kids schools in the South for distribution to children forced to a presence in communities in the embattled periphery, they engage, in real time, with their teachers and friends and take stay home or be confined inside bomb shelters. say we are helping keep Israel safe. an active role in the learning experience. This is how it works. Long distance students “plug in” to a The fact that schools outside of major population centers In 2007, World ORT embarked on a cutting edge pro- teacher’s remote workstation, connected to an electronic have been kept technologically current is a significant elegram, Science Journey – Kadima Mada, to enhance educa- whiteboard in a smart classroom. Students and teachers ment in Kadima Mada’s philosophy. The group aims to bring tional services provided to hospitalized children. The pro- interact, using computer programs that let students solve innovative educational techniques specifically to those who gram combines state-of-the-art interactive classrooms, a problems and communicate with everyone in the “physical” wouldn’t have easy access. website that doubles as a virtual classroom and intensive classroom. Students can study online with classmates in Future programming enhancements include volunteer teacher training. other shelters and with the teacher in the “virtual” classroom. undergraduates and young adults in the national service proIn 2010, the program expanded and World ORT is in the Two of Omaha’s own got to witness the smart classrooms gram providing one-on-one tutoring for long-term patients. midst of a four year plan in northern Israel’s Galilee region first hand on a recent trip to Israel. Zoë Riekes, 2013 Annual The Times of Israel, JFNA, and www.ort.org contributed in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Campaign Chair and a Co-chair of the Western Galilee/ to this article.
World ORT’s Mission
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