February 28, 2003

Vol. LXXXII

No. 26

Omaha, NE

26 Adar 1, 5763

February 28, 2003

CELEBRATING 82 YEARS OF SERVICE TO NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA

Federation’s 100th Annual Meeting Will Celebrate a Century of Jewish Community by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director The 100th Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Omaha will be held Monday, June 9, 7 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Theater. In addition to honoring community volunteers, the meeting will include a special tribute to the Federation’s 100th year of service. A reception will follow the meeting, which is open to the entire community. Among the honors to be presented are the Humanitarian of the Year, the Bruce Fellman and Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Awards, the Jewish Teen Leadership Award, Community Service Project Award and Volunteers of the Year for the Federation and its Centers of

Excellence. Federation President Steve Pitlor remarked, “The Centennial of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is an auspicious occasion for the Jewish c o m m u n i t y. This particular Annual Meeting will give us all the opportunity to reflect upon our past and prepare for our future. At the same time, we will be able to honor the people who have helped us reach this milestone…our community volunteers.” Award nominations are now being accepted and are due March 28. Nomination forms are available on the community website, www.jewishomaha.org, or by calling the Federation office at 334-6431.

Youth Groups and Families to Observe Shabbat Across America by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator All four of Omaha’s national Jewish services. Ben Gerber, NCSY, is also youth movements, helping to plan the B’nai B’rith Youth mixers. Organization (BBYO), Rachel Blum, National Conference of BBYO director, Synagogue Youth said, the purpose (NCSY), Omaha of Shabbat Across Temple Youth Group America is “to put (OTYG), and United Shabbat back into Synagogue Youth Friday nights.” (USY), are getting “Shabbat Across together on Friday, America teaches March 7, for Shabbat Jews about the Across America, creatbeauty and signified by the National cance of Shabbat,” Jewish Outreach Program to renew added Stephanie Grossman, director interest in observing Shabbat. of youth and informal education at Members of the four youth groups Temple Israel. “The program aims to are compiling and will lead a Shabbat unite Jews across the United States service for that evening which will be and Canada through a single event. It preceded by a song session beginning will take place in every city where at 5:30 p.m. at the JCC. Open to all there is a Jewish presence from major teens and their families, candle light- centers of population such as New ing will be at 6:03 p.m. followed by York and Los Angeles to smaller cities worship services. such as Omaha.” Becki Smedlund, representing After the dinner, the evening will BBYO, is working on decorations and conclude with two concurrent mixers the song session. Jon Gates, OTYG, that are being planned by the youth is handling invitations. Shayna directors and advisors. The theme of Kurland, USY, is in charge of decora- one of the mixers is famous Jewish tions with Smedlund as well as mix- couples and is designed to be an iceers which will follow a kosher breaker, Blum explained. Shabbat dinner to be served after (Continued on page 2)

Teen’s Artwork Leads to Family Reunion HIAS Poster Contest Makes the Connection by KATHLEEN ANDERSEN, HIAS NEW YORK--When Yelizaveta (Liza) Meltser, a February Revolution. He believed they were going Almost immediately, they engaged in animated Russian-American immigrant, entered an art con- back to a new, utopian society. discussion about their grandchildren, their expectatest two years ago, she had no idea that she started Of course, this dream fell apart, and their lives in tions, and their hopes. They shared photographs of a series of events that would graft lost branches Soviet Russia--especially as Jews who had spent time people who they had never met, but in whom they back on to her family tree. in America--were difficult. But 75 years later, after recognized a powerful family resemblance. Then 13-years-old, Liza painted a picture of three the fall of the USSR, Rosa was able to use her Amazing as it sounds, “This is the kind of thing we American children of difexperience at HIAS all the ferent races holding hands time,” says Leonard Glickman, The HIAS 2003 Poster Contest is now for the annual Poster t a k i n g s u b m i s s i o n s . T h i s y e a r ’ s t h e m e i s , President and CEO. “It seems Contest for Immigrant “ T o B e A n I m m i g r a n t , ” a n d c h i l d r e n a r e like a coincidence, but in the Youth sponsored by HIAS, e n c o u r a g e d t o l e t o t h e r s k n o w w h a t i t ' s immigrant community, a piece the Hebrew Immigrant l i k e f o r t h e m t o b e a n i m m i g r a n t i n “ t h e of art or a scrap from an old letAid Society. Like that of l a n d o f i m m i g r a n t s . ” T h e c o n t e s t i s o p e n ter can lead to an otherwise t o i m m i g r a n t a n d f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n y o u n gall contestants, Liza’s completely unanticipated famisters (whose parents immigrated to the work expressed her U n i t e d S t a t e s ) b e t w e e n t h e a g e s o f 4 - 1 5 . ly reunion.” thoughts and feelings F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a n d t h e o f f i c i a l At their request, HIAS was glad about her new home. to give copies of the calendar that entry form at: www.hias.org/ImmigraShe described them, t i o n / p o s t e r . h t m l, o r , b y c a l l i n g H I A S a t included Liza’s poster to every Liza Meltser’s award-winning drawing member of her extended family. “When I came to the 2 1 2 - 6 1 3 - 1 3 4 9 , o r b y s e n d i n g a n e - m a i l appeared in the HIAS 2001 calendar; it Describing the poster that trigUnited States of America, t o : p o s t e r @ h i a s . o r g . led to a family reunion. Courtesy of HIAS. gered this family’s search, Liza I saw that all different kinds of people live here--different races, different American birth certificate to re-enter America, with, wrote, “All these people share one thing in common: religions, different cultures.” among others, daughter Alexandra and granddaugh- their life, liberty, or property can never be taken away.” After Liza’s poster was selected as a finalist and ter Liza. Alexandra recorded these amazing turns of And now her newfound family can never be taken reproduced in HIAS’ 2001 calendar, her family was fate in her memoir. away. asked to contribute to a book of personal stories celOn reading it, a friend of HIAS whose memoir was 120 HIAS Stories, the book that contains Alexandra ebrating HIAS’ 120th anniversary. The memoir also included in the book, Randy Daitch, began to Shats’ and Randy Daitch’s memoirs, is also available written by Liza’s mother, Alexandra Shats, revealed wonder--what happened to the family that Liza’s through HIAS for $39.95 (including s&h). For more something very interesting-- Liza was both the great-grandmother left behind when she returned information, call me at 212-613-1349 or send an edaughter and great-granddaughter of Russian to Russia after the Revolution? She had come with mail to kathleen.andersen@hias.org. Jewish immigrants. her parents and siblings, but lost track of them As a young married woman in 1914, Liza’s great- after her unfortunate return. INSIDE: grandmother moved to the States with her parents, The HIAS Location Service was on the case, and Monthly Calendar ............................. pages 6-7 siblings and husband. Soon after arriving, she and managed to find Rosa’s first cousin, who did not her husband had a daughter, Rosa. Although Liza’s even know of her existence. He had never been told OCTL Expands Programming ............. page 9 great-grandmother immediately fell in love with of an aunt who returned to Russia early in the 20th America, her husband insisted that she and Rosa century. But he was overjoyed, and the family soon Sofer at Temple Israel .......................... page 12 return to Russia with him two years later, after the met in New York City.

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February 28 2003

SPARKS FROM THE WORD Let’s Get Together by RABBI ARYEH BLUM Director, Omaha Center of Torah Learning (Editor’s note: all area rabbis and their spouses were asked to write for Rabbi Myer S. Kripke’s “Sparks from the Word” weekly column on the Torah portion. This is the first of our guest writers, who will be appearing approximately every other week, alternating with Rabbi Kripke’s column.) Parashat Veyakhel/Shekalim The Torah expends five weekly portions on the details and construction of the Mishkan (the Tabernacle). God spent so much time discussing it, it behooves us to spend some time discussing it as well. For what purpose was the Mishkan built? It was a traveling sanctuary, a mobile center for closeness with God. In fact, its very architecture was designed for that for that purpose--to approach God and spirituality. With that in mind, let us explore the blueprints of the Mishkan and cull from it our ancient wisdom. The Mishkan consisted of three areas, not unlike a typical ranch home. The Courtyard was open to the public eye; here sat the great copper altar upon which the animal sacrifices were offered. Leaving the Courtyard, one entered into the enclosed sanctuary, the Tent of the Meeting (not unlike the going from the yard into the house); here were stationed the menorah and the golden incense altar. Within the Tent of the Meeting, there was yet another inner chamber--the Holy of Holies--where only the High Priest, the holiest among us, was permitted to enter and then, only on Yom Kippur. This room housed the Ark of the Covenant (containing the tablets of the 10 Commandments). Our great sages teach us that the journey from the Courtyard to the Tent of Meeting to the Holy of Holies is paradigmatic of the way a Jew comes close to God. First, we enter the courtyard. Here is spilled the blood of animals whose remains are consumed on the holy fire of the altar. This represents the physical world and the way a Jew must take physical aspects of his life, the animal in him, and elevate that to a level of Godliness through are the mitzvot. The mitzvot (the commandments) are solely concerned with confronting the physical world and revealing its spiritual potential. “Mitzvot do not require deep understanding in order to fulfill them.” (Talmud). We are commanded to perform, even though we might not fully understand what we do; we observe Shabbos, put on tefillin, and eat kosher food, though we might not necessarily understand their meanings. From the courtyard, we enter the Tent of the Meeting. We are confronted with the holy light of the menorah and the sweet scent of the incense altar, representing the study of Torah and depth of meaning, respectively. The Torah is what brings light into the world, “For the candle is the Mitzvah, and the Torah is the light.” (Proverbs) And the sweet fragrance of the golden incense altar represents the sweetness and appreciation culled from learning the inner meaning of the mitzvot. Here we add color and vigor to our mitzvot and develop a deeper relationship with God, one based on meaning, and not simply the mechanical performance of His commandments. Finally, we reach the apex of spirituality and closeness to God, the Holy of Holies. Here we find the Ark, upon which stands two angelic cherubim embracing one another. This is the stage of spirituality where we literally attach ourselves to the Divine, to the source of all life, God. Too often, Jews who are searching for meaning and spirituality are led astray with deceptions that one can go straight to the Holy of Holies, without passing through the Courtyard of self sacrifice and Tent of true meaning and discovery. To that, the Torah says, there are no back doors and no shortcuts.Every Jew who searches for God is welcome to enter, but in God’s house--you come in through the front door.

To submit articles to the Jewish Press... Send single-spaced typed articles to the Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, by Thursday, noon, for inclusion in the following week’s issue. Clearly identified photos, color or b&w, may also be submitted. Or e-mail your articles (in the body of your e-mail) and send photos as attached .jpg or .tif files to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. For more information, call: 334-6448.

DEATHS HARRIET TARNOFF Helen G. Tarnoff died Feb. 19 at the age of 87. Services were held Feb. 21 at Beth Israel Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Myron. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Bernie and Linda Tarnoff of Ft. Collins, CO; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Joel Rashbaum of Lafayette, CO, and Bonni and Stephen Litton of Golden Valley, MN; grandchildren, Anna and Jacob Rashbaum, Lafayette, CO, Jonathan Litton and Kimberly Reiss of St. Louis, MO, Jeremy and Michele Litton of Maple Grove, MN, and David Lombardo of Omaha; and 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Betty Friedman of Houston, TX. Memorials to the Susan B. Komen Cancer Foundation, 9202 W. Dodge Road, Omaha, NE 68114, or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. MELVIN LAWRENCE SOMMER Dr. Melvin L. Sommer died Feb. 18 in Los Angeles, where he had lived since 1939. He was a graduate of Central High School, Creighton University and Creighthon School of Medicine. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Kay Sommer. He is survived by his son, John Sommer, daughter and son-in-law Kay Sommer and Nicolas Torok; grandchildren, Paul Torok and Elisa Torok Brown. Memorials to the Dorothy K. Sommer and Melvin L. Sommer Memorial Scholarship, c/o Aspen Music School, 2 Music Rd., Aspen, CO 81611. HELEN GUSS Helen Guss died at the age of 90. Services were held Feb. 27 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She worked at the old ‘J’ and at Camp Esther K. Newman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Barney Guss; sister, Sally Ackerman; and brother, Dr. Fredrick F. Ackerman. She is survived by daughters, Frances Guss, Anna Lea Guss, Joyce Barrett of AZ, Jackie Edwards, Ione Guss of MO; half-brother, Fredrick Guss. Memorials, c/o Anna Lea Guss, 1509 No. 48 St., #27, Omaha, NE 68104

Shabbat Across America (Continued from page 1) Rabbi Jonathan Gross will lead the other mixer and also give the sermon during services. He graduated from Yeshiva University in 2001, studied for a year in Israel, and returned for his rabbinic training at Yeshiva University. He has been to Omaha twice previously to participate in an educational program at Beth Israel Synagogue called Torah Tours. Teens will attend one mixer while their families attend the other, and then the groups will switch. “This is a great opportunity for Jewish high school teens from all four youth groups to get together for a Shabbos,” commented Jeff Shyken, USY advisor. “Regardless of one’s level of observance, it’s important for all Jews to acknowledge Shabbat as a special day,” said Bonnie Bloch, NCSY advisor. “We hope the program will make everyone aware of the significance of Shabbat and give everyone a taste of its beauty.” Cost of the dinner is $10 per person. Reservations are needed by Monday, March 3. They can be made by calling Rachel Blum at 334-6404. In addition to the more than 700 hundred North American synagogues participating in the program, Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska (55th Wing), the largest Wing in Air Combat Command in the U.S., will also host Shabbat Across America on March 7. According to Rabbi Kalman Dubov, Major, the chaplain at Offutt AFB, faith plays an important role for military personnel on active duty. “Having counseled servicemen and women of all religions, belief in a ‘Higher Power’ and the sense of community can be as important as military training in maintaining focus, confidence, and hope while on active duty.” For this reason, Chaplain Major Dubov is organizing Offutt’s participation. “I know firsthand the rewards of observing the Sabbath, and it is important to offer our servicemen and women the opportunity to experience it, explore their faith, expand their spirituality and develop communal ties to strengthen them for what lies ahead.” For information about Shabbat Across America at Offutt Airforce Base, call Rabbi Dubov at: 294-6244.

February 28, 2003

SYNAGOGUES

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Candlelighting Friday, Feb. 28 ..............................................5:55 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism

7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America

1502 No. 52 St., Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net

14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 WEB--www.bethel-omaha.org

FRIDAY: Men’s Club, 11:45 a.m. All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Craig Marantz will officiate and give the sermon. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 a.m., in the Milder Center. Please join us as we continue study of Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The Amidah; Morning service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available each Friday evening at the 7:30 service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, as well as Sunday mornings when there is religious school. Charge is $2 per family. Please make reservations with the office. ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, March 5: Comparison of Jewish Biomedical Ethics with other Philosophies of Religious and Secular Biomedical Ethics, 7-8:30 p.m. Dr. Howard Needelman will lead this Jewish Journey Group on an exploration of biomedical ethics. Class discussions will deepen your appreciation for Temple’s May Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Elliot Dorff. THURSDAY, March 6: Adult Study with Rabbi Craig Marantz, 10-11:30 a.m. TOT SHABBAT Friday, March 7: A short service of song and prayer, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Marantz, followed by cookies and juice. Toddlers through children in the primary grades are encouraged to bring their families.

Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; The West Minyan is at the home of Howard Gendelman and Bonnie Bloch, at 6 p.m. A weekly e-mail update is now being sent out, listing synagogue events. Please e-mail the office to be on the list. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m. Free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m., Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood. Mincha, 5:50 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot and Ma’ariv; Havdalah, 6:55 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m MONDAY: Rabbi Kutner’s Talmud Class, 7 p.m.

Office hours are: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shabbat Services are conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Cantor Emil Berkovits and Ritual Director Gastón Bogomolni. FRIDAY: Come join a joyous, musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m., Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El. The BELLS: iluncheon has been postposed to a future date. Rabbi Levin’s Torah Class, 5:35 p.m. informal discussion and snack, followed by services at 6:05 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Levin’s weekly “Thought For Shabbat” e-mail message, please send your e-mail address to Exec@bethel-omaha.org.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURAN

CHABAD HOUSE

SOUTH STREET TEMPLE

An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement

SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway, Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 tiferethisraellincoln.org

423-8569

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m., followed by an Oneg hosted by Mark and Miriam Wallick in honor of their daughter Rachel. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Rachel Wallick, followed by a Kiddush luncheon hosted by her parents, Mark and Miriam. MEN’S GROUP Meets at The Knolls every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. ARTRAGEOUS EVENING OF ART Saturday, March 8, 7:30 p.m., Art auction, hors d’oevres and desserts, $5 in advance; $7 at the door. Take a second look on Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Large Print Megillas Esther The Jewish Heritage for the Blind is pleased to announce the availability of our Large Print Megillas Esther and Shabbos Siddur in Braille--free of charge for the visually impaired. Please mail or fax your request to: The Jewish Heritage for the Blind 1655 East 24th Street Brooklyn, NY 11229 Toll Free Phone: 1-800-995-1888

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 Phone: 322-4705 e-mail: doc jeb @aol.com FRIDAY: Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Oneg will follow.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: 9 a.m., services conducted by Andrew Greenberg. All services are open to the community.

Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations

2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org FRIDAY: Early Shabbat service, 6 p.m., Mark Shkolnick will lead services; Ben Boomer will chant V’ahavta and T’filah; Mark Miller is pianist; services followed by a Potluck dinner. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m., Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. David Williss will lead services. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 a.m.; Megillah rehearsal, 12:30 p.m.; Gan Simcha at Tifereth Israel, 10 a.m.-noon. MONDAY: Hebrew, 7 p.m. at Temple TUESDAY: Mishna with Rabbi Milder, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: B’nai Mitzvah class, 5 p.m. BAKERS NEEDED Volunteers are needed to bake hamantashen for the Purim Shpiel on March 16. Call the synagogue office for details.

BAT MITZVAH Rachel Naomi Wallick, daughter of Mark and Miriam Wallick, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 1 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln. Rachel is a seventh grader at Dawes Middle School. She enjoys playing volleyball, softball and bowling, plays the alto saxaphone in the school band, and is a Student Coucil Representative. She spends much of her free time playing with the family pets, dog, cat and sugar gliders. Rachel has two older brothers, Jacob and Benjamin.

BEYT SHALOM

An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

3012 S. 119th St., P.O. Box 241130 Omaha, NE 68124-5130 592-4082 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/ FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SUNDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 3:30 p.m. at the JCC. TUESDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at the JCC.

1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone: 330-1800 E-MAIL--chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: www.nebraskajudaism.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, services at 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 8:30 a.m. ADULT EDUCATION MONDAY: Unmasking the Purim Mystery: The second of a three-part series exploring the text of the Megillah, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch included. RSVP by March 2. Last class will be March 10. Cost is $18. TUESDAY: Parsha HaShavuah (weekly Torah portion), 7-8:30 p.m., led by rabbinic student Mendel Hecht. To register for any class, please call Jennifer at 330-1800, or e-mail chabadoffice@aol.com.

Lopolianski Named Acting Mayor of Jerusalem; Olmert Steps Down to Take Seat as a Member of Knesset by JEWISH PRESS News Service Uri Lopolianski, a member of Agudath Israel and an Orthodox member of Jerusalem’s City Council, became the city's acting mayor at the Jerusalem city hall on Feb. 16. Lopolianski along with his father, is the founder of Yad Sarah, a charitable organization which lends medical equipment to the needy in Israel. Photo by BP Images

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 28, 2003

EDITORIAL

Should We Be Worried in Omaha? The run on duct tape, bottled water and battery-operated radios on the East Coast has some people in Omaha wondering if they should do the same. Here are some things that might put your mind a little more at ease: • The Jewish Community Center raised the level of security on the campus long before Sept. 11. In fact, even the killings at the JCC of Northridge, CA, didn’t do much to alter plans. Because the remodeling and expansion of the JCC was already taking place, it was an opportune time to add new security measures like: a card-key entrance at the South Canteen and Fitness Center, a buzzer system at the front entrance, and all other doors to be exits only-the doors lock as you leave the airlock between the JCC and Livingston Apartments and from the northwest part of the JCC, next to Jewish Family Service. • The alarm system throughout the building was upgraded and is monitored on a 24-hour basis, including patrol cars. Both the the locked exits and the buzzer system cover the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, as does the alarm system. During special events--such as last summer’s JCC Maccabi Games or the upcoming Yom Ha’Atzmaut on May 4, campus security also includes off-duty police and patrol cars which “sweep” the area surrounding the Jewish Community Campus. • Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of the ADLCRC, meets periodically with local law enforcement and the FBI. They review potential threats, new information, and the current security on the campus. In fact, a recent meeting

included the synagogue administrators, as well. • Even the American Jewish Press Association is preparing for emergencies. A conference call last week with dozens of editors around the country offered advice from a security expert, as well as a “how-to” guide should a newspaper need to be published outside its hometown. • Schools districts have mailed information on steps families should take to create a communication plan and have notified parents what steps the schools are taking to keep them safe. We don’t really know if Omaha is a target. And we don’t know if duct tape and plastic sheeting will really protect us. What we do know is that we should only have the normal emergency supplies in our homes that we would during tornado season. Any more than that is falling into the trap the terrorists hope for--after all, the aim of terrorism is to create terror. As one of the FBI agents said in last week’s meeting, “The first line of defense is being aware.” If you see someone acting suspiciously, like taking unauthorized photos of your synagogue or the JCC, make a note of their license plate and alert the appropriate authorities. If the synagogue or JCC staff have received similar alerts, they’ll call in local law enforcement. And if you have other concerns about your safety or the safety of your children and are wondering what you should do, don’t hesitate to call your synagogue, the JCC or the ADL. L’Chaim--to life!

JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL

My Children, the Right-Wing Fanatics

by TEDDY WEINBERGER My children are smiling these days, flush with the convincing victory of Ariel Sharon and the Likud over Amram Mitzna and Labor (true, there were many more parties involved, but this formula neatly encapsulates for my children and for many Israelis what happened). My kids snarfed down Sharon’s propaganda and campaign slogans like so many colorful candies: Mitzna is against Jerusalem, Sharon will stand guard over Jerusalem; Mitzna will divide the country, Sharon unites the country; Mitzna will kowtow to Arafat, Sharon instills fear in Arafat. There simply was no reasoning with my children about this election. If the topic came up and I would say, “I’m voting for Mitzna and Labor,” (which included the Jewish Democratic party Meimad, the party to which I belong), they would start screaming at me, telling me that I was a lunatic. My kids also told me that when they discussed the elections with their friends, they could not tell anyone that they had a parent who was going to vote for Labor--the social flak that they would have had to take would have been intolerable. To say that my children and I don’t share the same worldview concerning

the Arab/Israeli conflict, therefore, Ze’ev is known as a “quality-of-life” does not get at the intensity of the sit- suburb rather than a religious settleuation. We currently do not even have ment), but we are still in “occupied the ability to discuss our different territory.” positions. So it’s not My chil- While there are religious doves s u r p r i s i n g dren (ages 8that the in Israel, and even several 15) are quite Givat Ze’ev religious peace groups, these “street” is clear about where they right-wing. voices are relatively few. stand in the And then Arab/Israeli conflict: there’s the kids’ primary school. While • God gave us this Land, and so all there are religious doves in Israel, and of this Land--including all of even several religious peace groups, Jerusalem--is ours; these voices are relatively few. It • if you leave God out of the discus- would be unrealistic to think that sion, there should still be no territori- these voices would be heard in the al concessions to the Arabs, since we Givat Ze’ev public religious school; won everything fair and square; and and indeed, at school the children are • negotiating with the Arabs is fool- not informed of any merits concerning hardy because their ultimate goal is Palestinian claims (the situation is not peaceful coexistence but Palestine better at my older children’s secondjudenrein. ary schools in Jerusalem--though this My children have no doubts about is not to say that one can detect any their political positions. Though I like discernible change in their politics). to claim that we live in a community My children do manage, however, to that just happens to be across the stay very well informed about the latGreen Line, it’s no coincidence that est incidents of Palestinian violence the voice of the Israeli left is not to be against Israeli Jews, and they exult in found in the public spaces of Givat their powerful feelings of righteous Ze’ev. anger and indignation. We might be the wimpy West Bank In America, politics was so simple (along with Ma’aleh Adumim, Givat and so removed from my life while I

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was growing up. There was no question of ever differing with my parents over a preferred candidate for office. If you were a Jewish child (especially if you lived in New York), you favored the Democratic candidate, though you could not see what difference the election might make in your life. In Israel, my children were energized by the recent election campaign because they “knew” that a victory for Mitzna and Labor would mean that they would soon not be able to ever visit the Kotel (Western Wall) again, and they “knew” that a Sharon/Likud victory would allow them to continue living in their home in Givat Ze’ev. My only hope for my children’s political sensibilities is to ascribe their current behavior to their immaturity. I mean, it’s not like I’m always able to have reasoned, tolerant discussions when it comes to other areas of dispute between us (bedtimes, sweets, computer games, etc.). One day they’ll settle down, and then I will lay out my left-wing arguments, they will lay out their rightwing arguments, and they will soon realize the shabbiness of those arguments. And there will be peace over the Land.

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Scott Meyerson; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Melanie Weinstein; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

February 28, 2003

BEHIND THE HEADLINES by MATTHEW GUTMAN TEL AVIV, (JTA)--The Israeli Cabinet’s decision last week to find the swiftest way to bring thousands of Ethiopians to Israel has reignited a controversy over how--and if--to deal with the potential immigrants. On Feb. 16, the Cabinet approved a plan to immediately bring to Israel some 18,000 to 20,000 Falash Mura, the majority of whose ancestors converted from Judaism to Christianity. In recent years, thousands of Falash Mura left their homes in outlying areas of Ethiopia and moved to camps run by immigration activists in Addis Ababa and the northern city of Gondar, where they wait to be cleared for immigration. Activists concerned about the fate of the Falash Mura applauded the Cabinet’s decision, which opponents condemned for being unrealistic, impossible to implement and contrary to Israel's Law of Return. The plan, initiated by Interior Minister Eli Yishai of the fervently Orthodox Shas Party, could cost cash-strapped Israel $510 million. When Israel began carrying out large-scale immigration operations of Ethiopian Jews in the early 1990s, many Falash Mura attempted to join the wave, claiming they were Jewish by ancestry. The number of Falash Mura continued to grow, leading the Israeli government to believe they were not Jews, but just wanted to leave famine-plagued Ethiopia. Ethiopian Jewish activists have been lobbying for the Falash Mura, maintaining that many of them were forced to convert or never really abandoned their Jewish faith. In 1998, after bringing a group of 4,000 Falash Mura, most of whom had relatives in Israel, the government changed its policy, reviewing each Ethiopian immigration request on an individual basis.According to Absorption Minister Yuli

OUR MAN IN ISRAEL

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Israeli Cabinet Okays Mass Aliyah for 18,000 Falash Mura in Ethiopia Edelstein, the Falash Mura have no right to immigrate to Israel. “Not one of them is eligible” under the Law of Return, “which itself is often considered too liberal,” he said. A spokesman for the Shas Party, Itzhak Sudri, reacted angrily. “Since when does the Absorption Ministry decide who is a Jew?” he said. Shas initiated its plan to rescue the Falash Mora more than a year ago, when the party's spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, issued a ruling calling for “saving the souls of Israel.” Unable to prove any lineage to Judaism, many Falash Mura have begun to study Hebrew and Judaism. The government has suggested circumventing the Law of Return with regard to the Falash Mura, indicating that the group could be brought over under the seldom-used Law of Entry. In the past, the government used the Law of Entry to grant citizenship to foreigners for humanitarian reasons and for family reunification. Israel’s Law of Return allows immigration for anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent, along with his or her spouse, children, grandchildren and their spouses. Knesset member Adisu Massala, himself an Ethiopian immigrant, concedes that the Falash Mura are not Jewish according to halachah, or Jewish law. But he maintains that family reunification is reason enough to bring them over. “Anyway,” he said “the arguments about the Law of Return are baseless. Some have children here. Others are linked by blood to Ethiopian Jewry.” Because many Ethiopian immigrants often arrive in Israel with only the clothes on their back, must enter conversion institutes and training courses, and receive 95 percent grants on housing, their immigration and absorption costs are very high. The Finance Ministry estimates that the process costs $100,000 for each Ethiopian immigrant.

Sudri, the Shas spokesman, contends that despite pronouncements by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Absorption Ministry to the contrary, “the Falash Mura are Jewish.” “They led double lives” after their conversion to Christianity, “but they remained Jewish on the inside,” he said. Shas is concerned that the ministerial committee appointed to find a way to bring the immigrants, though headed by Yishai, is filled with those staunchly opposed to the Falash Mura’s mass emigration, he said. Shas also charges that “there is certainly a racist motivation” among those opposing the emigration, he said. “At least that is how the Ethiopian community feels.” Massala echoed the sentiment. If 23,000 French, American and British people were waiting to immigrate, he asked, “Do you even think we would be having this debate? No, but since we are talking about black Ethiopian Jews, the situation is different.” Edelstein dismisses the claims of racism as preposterous. “There needs to be something that ties the Falash Mura to the Jewish people,” he said. “If a line is not drawn, there will always be Ethiopians desiring to the terrible conditions of Ethiopia for life in Israel,” he said. In its contacts with Israeli officials, the Ethiopian government has indicated that it will only allow the Falash Mura to emigrate if they are brought over “quietly.” Since 1998, the Jewish Agency has treaded lightly in order to soothe the skittish Ethiopian government. Weekly flights from Addis Ababa have brought a steady flow of 50-100 immigrants per week. “The government must act. People are starving. They are abused by the Christian majority, treated as traitors,” Massala said. “If the government fails to back words with deeds, it could be a historic mistake.”

The Clock is Ticking in Israel

by CARL ALPERT Haifa--On the surface, all is quiet and normal. Schools are in session, weddings and Bar Mitzvahs take place on schedule, traffic moves on the highways, much of the talk is about internal politics. But the undercurrent is also obvious. Every home in Israel has received a 52-page brochure containing detailed instructions on what to do and how to behave in case the alarm siren sounds. All are aware of the ticking clock. Not all parts of the country are affected equally. There is a feeling that any missiles sent this way by Sadam Hussein will carefully avoid Jerusalem lest they damage Muslim holy sites. Eilat is also thought to be a relatively safe haven because there are few strategic targets there. The most vulnerable area is greater Tel Aviv and all its adjacent cities and towns. It was here that most of the 39 Iraqi Scuds landed during the Gulf War. Some of the municipalities have announced arrangements for mass evacuation of population to safer areas if bombs wreck many homes. Space has been measured in schools, community centers and sports facilities should there be need for emergency shelter. Little is said about it now, but some time ago the rabbinical authorities approved designation of large public parks in the center of the country to serve as emergency cemeteries in the event of massive casualties.

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Israelis who went through the Gulf War a dozen years ago know what is expected of them. If their buildings do not possess impervious built-in air-raid shelters, each family is expected to seal off one room, with the least windows. Plastic sheeting is put up over all openings to prevent penetration of any gas or fumes, and when the alarm sounds, the family will at once take shelter. Everyone has been urged to check or renew his personal gas mask, to be donned on signal and retained in place until the all-clear is sounded. Special gas masks are available for children, for the elderly and for men with beards. Supplies for the sealed room must obviously include a battery-operated radio, drinking water and whatever else may be deemed necessary for a stay that may last for some time. The other day, belatedly, we reported to our local gas mask distribution center here in Haifa since our equipment needed up-dating. We found more than a hundred fellow citizens lined up ahead of us, and a similar long line formed behind us. Some Israelis shrug off the danger. For one thing, they say, the chance of their being struck by a bomb are about equal to their chances of winning the grand prize in the national lottery--very, very low. Furthermore, since Sadam Hussein has sworn that he has no biological or chemical weapons of mass destruction, he would hesitate to do anything which

would reveal him as a liar. The defense establishment is taking no chances. Anti-missile batteries have been set up at various locations, and it is claimed that from four to six minutes advance notice of missiles en route is sufficient to enable interception of the flying bombs and their destruction in mid-air. Israelis who can afford it have made their own plans. The moment American planes or troops attack Iraq, these Israelis will pick up their already packed suitcases and head for hotels or other lodgings in Eilat, in the Negev or even in Jerusalem where, thanks to the absence of tourists, plenty of rooms are available. The situation this year is further complicated by the fact that the Hizbollah, lined up along the Lebanese border, are said to have thousands of heavy duty rockets which they are prepared to rain on northern Israel, as far south as Haifa. It is hardly reassuring, but Bituach Leumi, Israel’s national health insurance program, has announced that any persons hurt in attacks by enemy forces will be suitably compensated for all injuries sustained. And so, the clock is ticking here, but to all superficial appearances daily life continues normally, and attention is concentrated on political steps leading to composition of the new government and on problems affecting the economy.

COMMUNITY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Jewish community of Sioux City, Iowa is seeking a Community Executive Director for its population of 375 Jewish people. Duties will include administration of all but the pulpit and education. A strong social service and business background would be important. We seek a person capable of serving as a Federation Director and Synagogue Administrator. The position is open May, 2003. Annual compensation package is $40’s plus, depending upon experience and qualifications. Send resumes to A. Frank Baron, P.O. Box 717, Sioux City, Iowa 51102. Direct questions to A. Frank Baron at 712/277-1015.

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February 28, 2003

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SATURDAY, MARCH 1 BELLS luncheon, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El BBYO Chaim Weizmann Sweetheart Dance, 8 p.m., at the Omaha Community Playhouse SUNDAY, MARCH 2 BESTT Third Grade Consecration, 11 a.m., at Beth El Paintings by Suzanne Horwich, Reception in Gallery, 1-5 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9 Kids’ Snack and Learn, 11:30 a.m. at Beth El NACS Women’s Day, 3 p.m. Video Presentation for Purim, 8 p.m. at OCTL MONDAY, MARCH 10 YES Program, 10 a.m. Florence Melton Adult Mini School, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel

MONDAY, MARCH 3 YES Program, 10 a.m. Florence Melton Adult Mini School, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel

TUESDAY, MARCH 11 Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Sisterhood Luncheon 12:30 p.m. at Beth Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JFS Couples - Interfaith Group, 7 p.m. NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JFS Couples - Interfaith Group, 7 p.m. Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 Visions Bethsada Exhibit and Lunch, noon Melton Mini-School, 11 a.m. B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon at the Park Inn Regency Lodge B’nai B’rith Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY, MARCH 6 Walk-in Drop-in Activity, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. JFS Becoming a Love and Logic Parent, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 Melton Mini-School, 11 a.m. Federation/Synagogue's Presidents & Rabbis Meeting, noon B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon at the Park Inn Regency Lodge Live from the 92nd Street Y with Joan Rivers, 7 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MARCH 13 Walk-in Drop-in Activity, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. JFS Becoming a Love and Logic Parent, 6 p.m. Live from the 92nd Street Y with Bill Clinton, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Shabbat Across America - Teen Program, 5:30 p.m.

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MONDAY, MARCH 24 YES Program, 10 a.m. Florence Melton Adult Mini School, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel

SUNDAY, MARCH 16 Boy Scouts Blue and Gold Banquet, 3 p.m. MONDAY, MARCH 17 YES Program, 10 a.m. Erev Purim Megillah Reading and Ice Cream Surprise, 7 p.m. at Beth El Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, MARCH 18 Purim Seudah, 5 p.m. at the OCTL House, 1313 N. 58 St. Chabad/Beth Israel Purim Program, 5 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JFS Couples - Interfaith Group, 7 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 Hadassah Board Meeting, 10 a.m. Melton Mini-School, 11 a.m. B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon at the Park Inn Regency Lodge BESTT High School Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El

THURSDAY, MARCH 27 Walk-in Drop-in Activity, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Kripke Library Monthly Book Discussion Group, noon Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. JFS Becoming a Love and Logic Parent, 6 p.m. Live from the 92nd Street Y, Israel and the Media, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29 HAZAK Lunch & Learn on Shabbat, noon at Beth El

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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.

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February 28, 2003

Tri-Faith Working Group Hires Traci Kugler

ORGANIZATIONS

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Traci Kutler Kugler has been hired Awarded a grant for $10,000 per year as coordinator of the Tri-Faith for three years by root2fruit, an Omaha Working Group whose mission is to granting organization, the Tri-Faith build bridges among Jews, Christians, Working Group has already held triaand Muslims. Kugler will focus on logue and community building proimplementing the group’s program- grams. The group plans to continue ming. In addition to Temple Israel, building relationships among the three the group includes First United faiths, provide programs, and foster Methodist Church and the Islamic positive human relations. Center of Omaha. “We are so happy to have Traci on Kugler grew up attending religious board to help us further our work,” said school at Temple Israel. She earned a Rosie Zweiback, Temple Israel program B.A. from Emory University in Atlanta, director. “Her energy and enthusiasm GA, in 1997. She also received a have already made an impact on our Master’s in social work in 2000 from planning team.” Case Western Reserve University in “I think this work is so important in Cleveland, OH. the aftermath of Sept. 11,” Kugler Most recently, Kugler worked at the said. “I think it’s amazing that Omaha JCC Maccabi Games at the Jewish has something like this, and I want to Community Center. She also has be a part of it,” she added. She hopes served as the director of special proj- to help bring the three faith groups ects with the Office of Development together and increase their underand Alumni Affairs at Case Western standing of one another. She would Reserve University School of also like to see the group widen its Medicine and as a social work intern scope in the community. in Cleveland.

Beth El Rosh Hodesh Group Meets Monday by OZZIE NOGG The first meeting of the Beth El Synagogue Rosh Hodesh group is scheduled for Monday evening, March 3, 7:30-9 p.m. Hosted by Jill Belmont and Susi Frydman Levin at the Belmont residence, 1633 So. 154 St., the session’s theme is: “Does Destiny Control Our Lives or Do We Control Our Destiny?” Participants will look at the Purim story and exam-

ine how Queen Esther’s actions affected her destiny, and will also discuss the ways in which today’s women determine the direction of their lives. The Rosh Hodesh meetings are free and open to all Beth El women who are looking for personal, spiritual or educational growth and enlightenment. For reservations, please call Kathy Schmitt at 492-8550.

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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Steve Pitlor, President of Omaha’s Jewish Federation, will speak on Wednesday, March 5, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Marty Ricks, chairman. Lunch is $9; beverage service only, $2. Breadbreakers is open to the community. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN Omaha Section (NCJW) will hold its monthly Board meeting on a special night--Tuesday, March 11, 7 p.m., in at the JCC. All NCJW members are welcome to attend. Delegates who have just returned from the National Leadership Conference in Chicago will give reports OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Aryeh Blum leads a parasha shiur at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St., March 1, 4:35 p.m. Torah Tots is Monday, March 3, 10 a.m. with Shari Blum (parents can learn with Rabbi Blum at the same time); Time for Talmud with Rabbi Blum is at 7 p.m.; learn at the Beis Midrash, March 4, 7:30 p.m. The Wednesday Women’s Class is March 5, 7:30 p.m., all at the OCTL house. Join OCTL for the weekly discussion of the Torah portion at Lunch ’n Learn, Wednesday, March 5, noon, at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library; the Wednesday Teen Class meets at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Brooke Shrago, 805 So. 120 Ave. Save the date--Sunday, March 9, 8 p.m.--when a video of Rabbi Dr. Avraham Twerski will be presented as an introduction to Purim. For more information about OCTL or to schedule one-on-one or small group learning, call Rabbi Blum at 320-8055. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH The Yiddish Conversation Group will meet on Thursday from 1-3 p.m. at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For members going to Lunch Bunch on Thursday, please meet at the JCC front entrance at 11 a.m. Exercise begins at 10 a.m. at the JCC. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334-6521.

VISIONS Reminder: exhibit at UNO for the Bethsaida Excavations: Life Revealed in the Layers is Wednesday, March 5. Lunch at noon at China Road, Westridge Plaza, is on your own. Tour at UNO Arts & Sciences Building begins at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Visions luncheon meeting is Friday, March 21, 12:30 p.m., at the Venice Inn. Cost is $9 and entertainment is by the Feeling Good Duo. Send reservations to Mickey and Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114. Please bring a donation for our mitzvah project with JFS. Get ready to rock n’ roll with The Marvelous Wonderettes at the FondaMcGuire Series at the Omaha Community Playhouse, Sunday, March 23, 2 p.m. Cost is $19.26 per person. Dinner on your own follows the show at the Olive Garden. Send reservations to: Ethel Goldston at 10530 Pacific #104, Omaha, NE 68114. Deadline is March 3. See Appetite for Art! Featured artwork is Galaxy by Jackson Pollock on Tuesday, May 27. Cost is $15 per person and includes lunch and lecture. Lunch begins at noon and lecture at 1:15 p.m. Deadline is March 4. See a performance of the Singing Waiters on Sunday, June 22, noon, in Brownsville. Cost is $36. Send reservations to Jean Elkon, 1005 No. 63 St., Omaha 68132. Make all checks for Visions programs payable to Jewish Senior Services. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, join us for Bob Berg’s musical concert. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330-4272. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334-6521 for Lunch Bunch on March 6 (deadline is March 3); deadline for movie and lunch on March 13 is March 6; deadline for Purim Party on March 17 is March 10; deadline for “Remember When” and lunch on March 20 is March 13; and deadline for Bluffs Run Casino on March 27 is March 20.

Brought to you by the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Centennial Celebration: February 8, 1928: Russia sets up a Jewish district in Birobijanin Eastern Siberia to be used as a buffer zone against China. March 1, 1985: The Jewish Federation of Omaha makes a plea for funds for Operation Moses, a national fundraising effort, to rescue Jews from Ethiopia. March 2, 1962: Temple Israel announces dedication

of its new school wing. March 4, 1983: Beth El and Beth Israel Synagogues announcing the merger of their religious schools into the United Talmud Torah of Omaha. March 4, 1987: Jonathon Jay Pollard an American spy for Israel sentenced to life imprisonment. March 7, 1912 : Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, founded by Hentrietta Szold, 1912.

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February 28, 2003

New OCTL Brochure Highlights Expanded Programming

Can You Identiy This Photo? by JEWISH PRESS News Service From time to time, this newspaper runs unidentified photos from the archives of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. The resulting recognition by our readers has enabled the NJHS to identify and file these unkown pictures. If you know the woman featured at right, please call Renee Corcoran, Director of the NJHS, at her office, 3346442, or stop by the NJHS office, located on the campus of the Jewish Community Center.

IN THE NEWS Susan Aizenberg, Assistant Professor of English and creative writing at Creighton University, has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize for her collection Muse, published by Southern Illinois, 2002. Adam Goldberg, a sixth grader at Swanson School in Omaha, has been asked to join the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra. A music player for three years, Adam will be playing first chair violin. This is his second year with the orchestra. Adam is the son of Cindy and Bruce Goldberg. He has two younger brothers, Scott, 10, and Max, 3. Rachel Talia Katskee, daughter of Sindie and Jerry Katskee, graduated in December from the university of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. in zoology. She is pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.

Page 9

IF YOU HAVE ACCESS TO LEXIS-NEXIS...

by RAE TRAYNOR If one could sum up the theme of the new Rabbi Yehoshua Kahn, Omaha Center for Torah Learning brochure, from Bat Ayin in Israel, on it would be: “You asked for it, you got it.” Tuesday, April 1. “Omaha Jewry has certainly challenged us and For Shavuot, Thursday, we have risen to that challenge,” asserted Rabbi June 5, the OCTL will Aryeh Blum, Director. “This city is demanding offer an open study hall more and more authentic Torah education, and and classes all night (if that’s what we’re here to cater to.” you can handle it--so can Even a cursory glance at the new OCTL Rabbi Blum). brochure reveals a spring and summer proAnd to top it off, the gram chock full of classes, curriculum, and OCTL is planning to bring special events. Helpful improvements to the a “mini-yeshiva” to last brochure include a weekly schedule of Omaha (SEED Program) classes as well as a monthly schedule of profor 10 days in August. grams. “As our brochure says, Rabbi Aryeh Blum Added Rabbi Blum, “This way, someone can don’t get your Judaism OCTL Director look at a full week and visually see where from a PBS special, come they have time to learn a little and grow Jewishly. to our SEED Program and experience Torah the And if a class doesn’t fit into their schedule, we can way our ancestors did for thousands of years,” also talk about learning individually. Basically, Rabbi Blum insisted. we’re making it very hard to come up with an What if Torah study isn’t yet your speed? excuse not to participate in the greatest of all Added Rabbi Blum, “We’ve got something for mitzvot, learning Torah.” everyone. Torah study isn’t the only aspect of a With one to three programs taking place almost healthy Jewish life.” every day, not withstanding private one-on-one Once a month--beginning March 15--the OCTL individual study, Rabbi Blum has a full plate. will sponsor a community Friday night Carlebach In addition to Lunch ’n Learn (Wednesdays at the prayer service called the “Happy Minyan.” The Kripke Library), weekly Torah portion discussion group will also host a community Purim dinner on (Shabbat afternoon), open-night study (Tuesday Tuesday, March 18, 5 p.m., to which, “everyone is night), Talmud classes (Monday night), the OCTL invited to come and meet me and my family at our has added a classes for mothers (Monday mornings best-dressed occasion.” And for Jewish singles, the while the children attend Torah Tots), a Wednesday OCTL will sponsor a “Make-your-own-pizza” party night class just for women on Chassidut, and a teen at the Bagel Bin on Saturday night, March 8, girls class (also on Wednesdays). 8:30 p.m. “We’ve added one more member to the team, The OCTL brochure is also putting a face to the Brooke Shrago, who leads the Wednesday night names with pictures of Rabbi Blum, his wife, Shari, study for teenage girls,” Rabbi Blum explained. and their daughter, Meira, along with Brooke “And we’re in the process of hiring another family Shrago. While the last brochure consisted of six from out of state to help me in the great task of pages, this new one contains eight full pages. meeting the needs of Omaha Jewry.” “All of the additions and improvements to our If that’s not enough, catch your breath, there’s brochure and programming are only indicative of even more. the growing needs of the Omaha Jewish communiThe OCTL is bringing in two scholars-in-resi- ty,” noted Rabbi Blum. “We hope the community dence: Rabbi Noah Orlowek from Jerusalem on will further challenge and inspire us to deliver even Tuesday, April 8, and Philadelphia’s Rabbi Moshe more in the coming year.” Ungar on Shabbat--Friday, May 16 and To be added to the OCTL mailing list, please conSaturday, May 17, as well as a guest speaker, tact Rabbi Blum at 320-8055.

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BESTT third graders will participate in a special Consecration Ceremony on Sunday, March 9, 11:15 a.m., in the Beth El Sanctuary. The ceremony marks the children’s formal induction into the study of Hebrew and Prayer. During the service, Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Education Director Anna Besser will present each third grade student with a copy of Seymour Rossel’s Sefer HaAggada-- a book that teaches Jewish values by retelling the wisdom legends of the sages. This year’s Beth El Consecrants are: Kevin Adler, son of David and Patti Adler; Lauren Cooper, daughter of Justin and Joan Cooper; Hal Emas, son of Rick and Leigh Emas; Abbey Giller,

daughter of Stuart and Barbara Giller; Alex Kirshenbaum, son of Scott and Barbara Kirshenbaum; Sam Kohll, son of David and Janet Kohll; Bradley Kutler, son of David and Debi Kutler; Max Saferstein-Hansen, son of Rhonda Saferstein and Jeff Hansen; Elizabeth Salkin, daughter of Richard and Cynthia Salkin; and Daniel Schlessinger, son of Joel and Nancy Schlessinger. Third grade teachers are Na’ama Arzi, Justin Cooper and Maya Wertheimer. A school-wide reception honoring the class will follow the ceremony. The entire community is invited to join the Beth El family for this event.

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 28, 2003

Friedman Foundation Funds Book Series at UN Press

Wish List Helps JFS “Help Community”

by ERIKA KUEBLER RIPPETEAU, University of Nebraska At a reception on the campus of the University of Nebraska last week, the UNL Press announced the inauguration of a new book series, the Englishlanguage edition of the Comprehensive History of the Holocaust, to be copublished with Yad Vashem. Editor of the English-language edition is Alan E. Steinweis, Roz Friedman, left, and her granddaughter, Rosenberg Associate Dana Cohn, center, is congratulated by Helen Professor of History and Novak, Phyllis Wasserman and Ducky Milder.. Photo by Dika Eckersley/University of Nebraska Press Judaic Studies at UNL. “Here, today, 50 years after--let me The series publication is being made possible by a grant from the Ike and say, rather, only 50 years after--we Roz Friedman Family Foundation to should take this occasion to rememthe University of Nebraska ber, to observe, and to continue to try Foundation. Roz Friedman, her to understand what links us today daughter, Susan Cohn, and grand- with (those) terrible events. Our role, daughter, Dana Cohen, were honored as a publisher, is to help establish the at the reception last week, for the truth in all its particulars; the parts “charitable spirit (of Ike Friedman played by men, and women, and govwhich) continues today through Roz, ernments, and armies,” said Roster. “Ike” Friedman was born in Omaha their children and the work of the Friedman Foundation,” noted in 1924. He joined his father in the University of Nebraska Press Director jewelry business, and together they built Borsheim’s into the country’s Paul Roster. The series’ editorial board also largest single-unit jewelry store. Roz includes Doris Bergen of the University worked alongside Ike at the store of Notre Dame, Peter Hayes of while raising their daughters and son. During Ike’s life, he and Roz gave Northwestern University, Susannah Heschel of Dartmouth College, and generously to numerous causes. Michael Marrus of the University of Among many honors garnered over Toronto. The first book in the series is the years for his philanthropy, he The Origins of the Final Solution: The received the 1990 Humanitarian Evolution of Nazi Jewish Policy by his- Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews. torian Christopher Browning.

by JENNIFER MEYERSON, Jewish Family Service Jewish Family Service provides financial assistance to Jewish individuals and families who are in need. The funds we receive from donors and the Federation campaign go a long way toward helping those less fortunate with essentials such as: food, medical expenses, utilities, rent, and more. However, in addition to such emergency necessities, some people have secondary needs. We currently have several Jewish families in need of the following (new or used): • Refrigerator; • Microwaves; • Electric or gas washer and dryer; • Used car/van in working condition; • Computer desks; • Child’s desk, book shelves, drawers; • Bedroom furniture for both children and adults; • Oven; • Food/grocery certificates; • Bus/Moby/taxi tickets/coupons; • Chairs; • Certificates for children’s school clothes, shoes, toys; • Window air conditioner; • Kitchen table and chairs; • Lamps; • Set of dishes; • Electric mixer; • Iron; • Sofas;

• • • •

Coffee tables; End tables; Bath towels; Coffee pot; If you wish to donate any “wish list” or other used item in working condition, please leave a detailed message for Tanya at the JFS office; 330-2024. Assistance with transportation of these items, such as a truck, moving equipment or a pair of strong arms would be greatly appreciated as well. “Regretfully, we’ve had to refer donors to other organizations when we can’t find an affordable and timely way to move large household items from one home to another”, stated Steve Stiel, Executive Director of JFS. “We want people to feel more directly involved in the process of helping one another. This is what many people have expressed to us that they want”, said Tanya Siena, who has taken on the responsibility as Tzedakah Coordinator. The needs in this community are continuous throughout the year. As one recipient wrote, “Now I don’t have to sleep on the couch anymore. I thank you so much for the bed you gave me.” JFS is very grateful for the generous support and contributions of this community; these gifts directly impact the lives of so many.

Passover 2003 Our theme this year is

Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World

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February 28, 2003

KOSHER CONNECTION

Kosher Symbols

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director When you see a shopper scrutinizing a product label at the supermarket, chances are that person keeps kosher. As the kosher market expands, so has the need for rabbis to supervise food production. Kosher food has become big business and expert supervision is essential to provide the consumer with reliable kosher food. In order to identify kosher food and the supervising entity, the industry uses a variety of symbols, or “hekhshers” indicating that the food item is under rabbinic supervision. There are literally hundreds of symbols used, some of which are indigenous to a specific city or community. Following are the most common kosher symbols found in the Omaha area:

supervision, milk does not. • Wine, grape juice and any product made with grape juice or grape flavoring need to be certified kosher. • Fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, as well as canned fruit, do not need supervision (except for Passover) as long as the only added ingredients are salt, sugar, corn syrup or water. The detailed laws of kashrut are meant to be a celebration of the holiness inherent in eating in accordance with Jewish law and tradition. Kashrut elevates the mundane act of eating to a higher level. (Editor’s note: for additional information, visit these sites on the web: www.kosher.com, www.kashrut.com or www.jewfaq.org or use

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

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by BRIAN BLUM We finally bought our duct tape this week. We already had the plastic sheeting, the transistor radio and extra batteries, three days supply of water and tuna. Now we’re totally prepared. And so, apparently, is the United States. When the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued emergency instructions to Americans to stock up on the supplies needed for a sealed room, including duct tape, many Americans heeded the call. Now you might think that, as Israelis, we might have some extra insight into duct tape, since we have been using the stuff since the first Gulf War in 1991. And we do. So here goes. Behind the rainbow of alerts-orange, blue, yellow and beyond --and the increasingly threatening messages emanating from Al Qaeda on an almost weekly basis now, there lays a conspiracy of even more diabolical proportions. I’m not talking about the oft-repeated suggestion that the looming war against Iraq is all about taking over an Arab land in order to seize its oil. No, it turns out that the entire push for war is being manipulated by a singularly evil corporate monopoly: the International Association of Duct Tape Manufacturers. Think about it: who ever heard of duct tape before sealed rooms? A couple of electricians maybe. But it wasn’t in the everyday vernacular. It was like Weapons of Mass Destruction. And Al Jazeera. Words used by the intelligence community, not by the Average Joe. In fact, a recent poll indicated that 87% of both Americans and Israelis thought it was actually “Duck Tape.” And they have been scratching their feathers ever since trying to figure out either why we should be taping ducks to our windows, or making a sticky adhesive out of a heretofore tasty waterfowl. All this is further exacerbated by the fact that the leading manufacturer of Duct Tape--Henkel Consumer Adhesives--has renamed its flagship brand as “Duck Products”, with their main product being, yes, “Duck Tape.” A classic disinformation strategy if I ever heard one! Need more proof? You only need to look back as far as last year when duct tape was making the news in an entirely different context: wart removal. That’s right. Researchers apparently discovered that the most effective way to remove warts was not by freezing and zapping, but by applying duct tape to the affected area. In 85% of cases, the warts, apparently, just fall off on their own. That's in contrast to only a 60% success rate for the more common cryotherapy. It’s a crying shame, really...

But the real smoking gun is the number of people making big money on duct tape. Ever hear of The Duct Tape Guys? These two so-called “comedians” have created a veritable empire from the stuff, including four books (the latest being The Jumbo Duct Tape Book: 464 Pages of Duct Tape Wit and Wisdom) that have sold more than a million copies, plus eight 365 Days of Duct Tape calendars. Watch for their new book, Duct Shui, out soon. Interested in having The Duct Tape Guys perform at your next corporate event and demonstrate some of the more than 5,000 uses they’ve found for duct tape? It’s only $3,900 a day plus travel expenses in order to learn the Duct Tape Mantra: “It Ain’t Broke, It Just Lacks Duct Tape.” To keep us off guard, the duct tape conspirators purport to share the wealth. At the Duct Tape Club, you can win $2,500 for the best photo of you and your date wearing duct tape to the prom, or for the most outrageous duct taping of your car. But hijinks aside, the Duct Tape industry still needed was an additional catalyst to propel usage into truly stratospheric levels, and fear of chemical attack fit the bill quite nicely. If it worked in Israel 12 years ago, why not try it in the good old U.S. of A. Now that I’ve exposed this conspiracy, you can be sure that it won’t be long before the Jews and Israel will be blamed for it all. Just like after 9/11, the Mossad, it will be claimed, will have tipped off Israelis far in advance who will now be reselling duct tape on city street corners at massively inflated prices. Rabbis, it will soon be said, will have given coded sermons in synagogue suggesting that their parishioners buy certain stocks and mutual funds endorsed by the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council. In the interest of fair reporting, I must disclose I once purchased an significant amount of duct tape myself in order to create a really scary Purim costume: kind of mummy meets Dwayne Schneider (you remember him--the wacky superintendent played by Pat Harrington, Jr., from TV sitcom classic, “One Day at a Time”). So, next time you claim you know what this war is really about, just remember you read it here first. Warts and all. And oh yes, isn’t duct tape also a petroleum product...? Brian Blum is a Jerusalem-based writer and cultural observer. He writes the syndicated online column “This Normal Life” at http://brianblum.com. E-mail him at brianblum@mail.com.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 28, 2003

Congregation to Participate with Sofer in Torah Restoration Project

Snow in Jerusalem! by JEWISH PRESS News Service

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Moshe Druin, a sofer or specially awareness,” explained trained scribe, believes that “one of the most Rabbi Druin. profound experiences a sofer can provide is As the sofer writes, he a meaningful and inspirational Torah allows for various senProject. The Sefer Torah is the prized inhertences to be left outitance of the Jewish people,” he said. “For lined. Members of 3000 years, we have learned to live our lives Temple Israel will then through the teachings, guidance, and meshave the opportunity to sages of the Torah. We are always searching partake in filling for new ways to bring ourselves closer to it.” in the letters by holding Rabbi Druin will spend April 6-11 at the end of the feather Temple Israel restoring the Torah scrolls during the writing. in the main sanctuary. A highly regarded “My task is to look at teacher and calligrapher with more than every letter in the Torah 20 years of experience, Rabbi Druin also and insure that it is has been commissioned to oversee the formed properly,” Rabbi writing of a Scroll of Ruth to be completed Druin said. “Hence not in time for Shavuot. faded, cracked or touchInevitably, Torah scrolls bear the strain of ing any other letters. age and use. Letters fade, ink flakes off, the When this is completed, Rabbi Moshe Druin, a sofer who parchment wears thin. Rabbi Debbie Stiel, then the Torah will be will be repairing Temple’s Torah former associate rabbi at Temple Israel, deemed kosher. ‘Kosher?’ scrolls, often demonstrates his said, “There are places where the letters are you may ask? Doesn’t work to children. very light, and it’s hard to read them. We that apply to food? began to feel the Torah we use a lot was showing signs Kosher means ‘fit to use’ and a Torah needs to be in of wear, and we began to feel it would be important to proper working order. Just like a car needs service to bring in a scribe to make sure the scroll is kosher and keep it in perfect running order so too a Torah needs in good condition.” to be maintained and looked after so it will be in good Sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism, condition in order for it to be used.” “Taking Hold of Torah: A Restoration Project” will According to one Hasidic rabbi, “The many letters give every member of Temple Israel an opportunity in the Torah represent the many souls of the Jewish to be part of repairing and restoring the scrolls. It is people. If one single letter is left out of the Torah, it customary for the entire community to join in this is unfit for use. If one single soul is left out of the mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah by participating in union of the Jewish people, the Divine Presence will the writing. not join them. Like the letters, the souls must join “The benefit of a well planned, all-inclusive Torah together in a union. It is forbidden for one letter to Project is the advancement of Jewish education, touch another, because every soul must have its enhancing communal upliftment, and Jewish own unique relationship with its Creator.”

Israelis like any opportunity to talk about something else other than terrorism and the potential threat from Iraq. Monday’s conversation was all about the weather. Torrential rain rapidly filled up the Kinneret and the other important reservoirs. This winter has already been one of the best for rain in many years. Snow fell on the higher elevations, including Jerusalem. The capital was virtually at a standstill after some eight inches fell overnight. The Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway was closed at the Beit Shemesh interchange. During the day, snow ploughs were able to open major streets in and around Jerusalem, but more heavy snow was forecast for Tuesday. The stormy weather covered the whole country down to the northern Negev, however in the Red Sea resort of Eilat, skies are blue with mild weather! Photos by ISRANET

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