Vol. LXXXIV No. 26 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
23 Adar, 5765 March 4, 2005
Tel Aviv Linked by Train to Ben Gurion Airport Person-to-Person
with Colin Powell
Above: Last fall saw the inauguration of a new train line from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport’s new Terminal 3 project. The new line puts Tel Aviv just 10 minutes away from the new $500 million state-of-the-art airport terminal, complete with 24 walk-on plane connections. The service is to be extended east to Modi’in next year, and to Jerusalem by the year 2008. The project, which is known in the Hebrew acronym as ‘Natbag 2000’, was originally supposed to open in 2000. The bankruptcy of the Turkish contractor, who was to handle the electrical and construction work, caused delays to the project. The new air terminal, right, together with the rapid upgrading of the country’s train network, is part of the new Copyright: ISRANET Israeli transport infrastructure.
Trio to Entertain Community in Post Purim Concert by MARY SUE GROSSMAN nationwide. Visions: The Administrator Documentary has recently Jewish Educational & Library been released, featuring Services behind-the-scenes looks at As a post-Purim celebraperformances and a more tion, Jewish Educational & personal glimpse at the Library Services and Young lives of the performers. Jewish Omaha will present A performance at a special community conUnited Jewish Communcert on Saturday, March ities’ General Assembly in 26, 8 p.m., featuring the the fall of 2004, attended pop female vocal trio, by many from the Jewish “Visions”. The concert will Federation of Omaha be in the JCC Theater and is inspired Guy Matalon, free of charge. JELS Executive Director, to The young women of Visions: Amy Turner, Andra London, and “Visions” is a nationally bring Visions here. Talia Osteen, will perform March 26. acclaimed Jewish musical “These three young trio performing contemporary Jewish and inspirational women are true performers, combining their musical talsongs in breathtaking three-part harmony. Singing ent and enthusiasm, to provide a high energy show”, says together since their Bat Mitzvah classes, these three tal- Matalon. “We are delighted to bring them to Omaha for ented young women perform with a unique blend of the community’s experience.” pop sensibility and Jewish tradition. College studies, volunteer work, and performing are When Cantor Allan Robuck of Congregation Ohev a part of each girl’s life. Turner is a junior at Vanderbilt Shalom in Orlando, FL, brought a new dimension to High University, focusing on a career in healthcare. Holiday services in the fall of 1997, he had no idea that Attending Emory University, London is a junior psythe three former Bat Mitzvah students who he had asked chology major with a marketing/advertising concentrato sing a prayer, would go on to create such a singing sen- tion. Osteen is a senior at the University of Southern sation. Amy Turner, 21, Andra London, 20, and Talia California, double majoring in Film Production and Osteen, 21, now known as Visions, did just that. Communications in the entertainment Industry. All are Hailing from Orlando, the launching pad of ’NSYNC Dean’s list students and are proud to be Jewish role and the Backstreet Boys, they have occasionally been models and are untied in their desire to make the world described as the “Jewish Dixie Chicks”. Best friends a better place. since childhood, they have combined their life long For more information and to listen to music by love of music and Judaism into a unique professional Visions, please log onto www.jewishomaha.org and singing group. click on “Visions” or contact the JELS office at 334.6431 In addition to their CDs, “Living the Dream”, “In Our or e-mail me at: mgrossman@jewishomaha.org Hearts, In Our Prayers”, and “Light of Dawn”, Visions has Partial funding for this event is provided by the Morton performed for organizations, events, and synagogues A. Richards Endowment Fund.
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
by TRUDE B. FELDMAN Colin Luther Powell, during his four years as America’s 65th Secretary of State, was intensely involved in foreign affairs and diplomacy and how those issues affected the world and our global interests. In a farewell interview in his State Department office, he focused mostly on his efforts in the Middle East and on that region’s and Europe’s growing antiAmericanism. He also replied to questions on terrorism and its effect on other countries like Northern Ireland and Laos. Feldman: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (also known as Abu Mazen), continues to say, in retrospect, that the four years plus Intifada (Palestinian uprising) was a mistake, and that he intends to end the violence in the region. Do you believe him? Powell: Mr. Abbas has said this before and he is correct. It is time to end the Intifada and not just say it should end, but start taking such action, like encouraging their media to stop inciting, stop encouraging, stop applauding people who conduct these actions or who commit suicide acts. I had encouraged all Palestinian officials to make clear statements that they are giving up terrorism. I believe Mr. Abbas has begun to take action. As you know, he gave instructions to the Palestinian television stations to stop their inciting language, so I am encouraged. Q His statements aren’t new to you, are they? A No, but he is now saying these things from a new position of authority. Yasser Arafat is gone. Q But, do you believe Mr. Abbas? A Yes, I do believe that he wants the Intifada to end. With Mr. Arafat, you never really were sure. I think Mr. Abbas understands that the Intifada—in four years—has destroyed the Palestinian economy;(and) killed lots of people, both Israelis and, in turn, Palestinians. The Intifada has not moved the Palestinians one step closer to a Palestinian state. Now that Mr. Arafat is gone and the Israelis have begun to show some flexibility toward the Palestinians by allowing them to move around, I am encouraged that Mr. Abbas is still saying he will take action. I believe him. Yet my believing him and his actions are two different things.
Trude B. Feldman, a veteran White House and State Department correspondent, has known Colin Powell since he became a White House Fellow in 1972. She has interviewed every American Secretary of State since William P. Rogers in Credit: Michael S. Messinger. the Nixon administration. Q How would you describe your last official visit to the region (Nov. 22, 2004)? Did you personally see any progress? A Yes, my last visit was one of the better visits because when I met in Jerusalem with Israel’s Prime Minister (Ariel) Sharon, he was really engaged in his disengagement plan. He demonstrated flexibility toward the Palestinians, and was working with the Egyptians to help the Palestinians on security and political issues. He was engaged, and he clearly was preparing to take advantage of the new opportunity with the passing of Arafat. Continued on page 2
This Week: Teen Age Features Teens of B’nai Jeshurun: Page 7 Coming Next Week: Home & Garden Issue: Hadassah Features Israeli Nurse: Page 2
New Facility to Expand Home’s Short Stays: Page 3
JFS Opens Expanded Pantry: PAge 6
South Street Temple Presents Purim Spoof: Page 11
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 4, 2005
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MARCH 4 Temple Israel JYG Chavurah (4th thru 6th grades) Tri-Faith Dialogue, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Across America, 5 p.m. Third & Fourth Grade Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence Pamela Nadell, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, MARCH 5
Scholar-in-Residence Pamela Nadell, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel
& Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El
Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El S Living Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El A Yachad, 1 p.m. at Strategic Air & Space Museum Teen Mitzvah Day Dinner, 6 p.m. at House of Hunan
V E
MONDAY, MARCH 7 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. TLC “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading”, 7:30 p.m.
C L I P & S A V E
TUESDAY, MARCH 8 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Friedel Jewish Academy Open House, 7 p.m. TLC “Growth Through Torah”, 7:30 p.m. at private residence WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 Patter, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Visions Tour of UNO Exhibit, 11 a.m. Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel C Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
C L I P
L THURSDAY, MARCH 10 I Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. P Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Parenting 101, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El
& Rabbi Levine’s class, noon at Beth El
&
Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. S TLC “Meaning of Life” Class, 1 p.m. Temple Israel “Shabbat Comes to You”, 4 p.m. A at Remington Heights V Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El E “The Whole Megillah” A Purim Class with Rabbi Gross, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel
S A V E
All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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by LESLI SHRAGO (cells of the immune sysfor the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah tem) taken from any The Omaha Chapter of Hadassah will donor, whether or not the host a Mediscope health information patient’s and donor’s tisevening on Monday, March 14, 7 p.m., sues match. Through a at the JCC. The meeting features Ruth laboratory procedure, Radiano, Head Nurse of the Sidney these cells are turned into Weisner Department of Bone Marrow cancer killing cells, then Transplantation and Immunobiology in the transfused into the patient Sharett Institute of Oncology. It’s located at where they seek out and Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical destroy any residual canCenter at Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. cer cells in the body that Mediscope is Hadassah’s annual health An angiography machine had to be lifted by a have survived prior treatinformation series, which brings Hadassah crane through the second floor window of the ments. Approximately doctors and nurses from Israel to educate Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem recent- 4000 patients are treated Hadassah members and others about the ly, headed towards its renovated home in the each year. Credit: Hadassah most current medical advances in Israel. cardiology unit. The center, which is Radiano’s visit to Omaha is being coordinated by Israel’s national bone marrow transplantation center, Carole Lainof, who is working with regional and also has a bone marrow donor bank connected to all national Hadassah representatives to re-establish a international search agencies, and an umbilical cord Nurses’ Council special interest group within the blood bank, which serve patients in need of a donor Omaha chapter. Radiano will be accompanied by from Israel and abroad. Approximately 150 transplanUpper Midwest Region Executive Director, Laurie tation procedures are carried out yearly. Stem cell Rosenwasser, of the Minneapolis area. transplantation is performed at all ages, even in utero, Radiano began her medical career as a medic during for diseases that can be diagnosed early in pregnancy. her army service and served in the Israeli Defense Hadassah, Queen Esther’s Hebrew name, was creatForce’s Medical Corp. She received both her nursing ed on Purim in 1913. Its first project was to send two degree and a Masters in Public Health from Hebrew American-trained nurses to Jerusalem. Today, 93 years University and has previously worked in several other later, American nurses continue their partnership with areas of the medical center including the Pediatric Hadassah Medical Organization’s Nursing Division and Ambulatory Care Unit, which provides clinics for spe- Hadassah Hebrew University’s Henrietta Szold School cialties such as hematology, juvenile diabetes, orthope- of Nursing through the Nurses’ Councils. There are dics and dermatology. approximately 3400 nurses who are members of the 45 The Bone Marrow Transplantation Department’s Day Nurses’ Councils in the U.S. This program is free and Care Unit has pioneered an innovative treatment for can- open to the public, including local health professionals. cer patients who have previously undergone chemother- For information about this event or the Nurses’ Council, apy, surgery and/or radiotherapy. This treatment, only contact Carole Lainof, 293.0321, thelainofs@cox.net, or available at Hadassah, is based on the use of lymphocytes Hadassah President Georgia Ann Steinberg, at 558.5813.
Colin Powell
CLIP & SAVE
C Scholar-in-Residence Pamela Nadell 9 a.m. at Temple Israel L Newcomers Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El I SUNDAY, MARCH 6 P Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel
Hadassah’s Push for Stem Cell Research Features Israeli Nurse at Mediscope Meeting
Continued from Page 1 When I met in Jericho with the Palestinians-Mahmoud Abbas (then Vice President); Saeb Erekat, Nabil Shaath, Foreign Minister and other members of the Palestinian Authority, I sensed an understanding on their part that this is a chance they cannot muff. Also, in the immediate aftermath of Arafat’s departure from the region, to the hospital in France, and then his death, the Palestinians displayed quite a bit of political skill in keeping things intact, making sure there was no violence and essentially determining who would be in powers of authority during the transfer to the elections. That they were able to do this was also encouraging. Q Is Ariel Sharon taking a risk by bringing in Shimon Peres (former Israeli prime minister) to join his governing coalition? A Mr. Sharon is a master of analyzing political risks, so I won’t go any deeper into coalition politics in Israel. It is complicated enough without my contributing to it. Q What about your relations with the leadership of Israel and the Palestinian authority? A I have good relations with, and am friends with many Israeli and Palestinian officials as well as with prominent American Jews and Arab Americans…so I think I’ve been able to play a connecting role among them. Q With that ‘connecting role’--how do you see a solution, an end to this powder keg that is the Middle East? A I’ve always been looking for that end. There is now the possibility of an end. But it will only come if terror ends and if the Palestinians are serious about that (solution) and are serious about reforming themselves so that they are a responsible interlocutor for the Quartet (the United States, United Nations, European Union, and Russia). They have to end corruption and make sure they have a government that is resting on a body of law and is operating properly. Frankly, they also have to see some response from Sharon. He has obligations with respect to ending the outpost activity. You know our position with respect to settlement activity--it is that it should cease. And there needs to be some opening of the region so that people can start to move back and forth. Both sides have obligations. While we want the Palestinians to reform, to put in place responsible leadership and end both incitement and terror, we also have expectations for Mr. Sharon. Now, with Shimon Peres and Sharon together in a new unity government, there is hope that their withdrawal from Gaza and some of the settlements in the West Bank will go forward.
But there must be reform of the Palestinian security services as well as an end to terrorism. When both sides accept their responsibilities and act, I believe the Israelis will see they have a new partner for peace, and progress will be made. Then, the U.S. will play a vital part to, hopefully, lead to that end. Q Why was President Bush so adamant in his refusal to meet with Mr. Arafat? Has he ever met him? A I don’t know if he ever met him, but he did not meet with him in the past four years. Perhaps they had a telephone conversation, but never a meeting during Mr. Bush’s first term My last conversation with Arafat was about two years ago, before the President said we cannot deal with him. But, yes, my earlier conversations with Mr Arafat were always pleasant. Q In your quest for peace in the Middle East, what were the most satisfying, most challenging, most difficult times? A I never answer questions like that because it is hard to single out any one challenging or most rewarding or most difficult time. However, I would point out two highlights. One was President Bush’s speech on June 24, 2002 when he set forth his Road Map peace plan, and said the Palestinians must reform themselves and aim to live side by side with Israel. Mr. Bush then said if they did reform themselves, that the U.S. would be prepared to help them create a state by 2005. But he also said the Palestinians first had to reform and run a responsible government. That day was a turning point. The second most promising time was President Bush’s visit to Aqaba (June 4, 2003) when he met with Ariel Sharon, Mahmoud Abbas, Jordan’s King Abdullah and other leaders. While that meeting, in retrospect, appeared to be promising, unfortunately we still have not seen the kind of progress we had expected. But I still remain committed to the Road Map plan. Frankly, I think it is the only plan that can achieve success, and at the time, everyone seemed to be committed to it. Q What is the real key to a solution to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict? A I am always optimistic that we will [find a solution]. I think Mr. Sharon has put on the table an interesting idea, namely, ‘let’s evacuate Gaza’…and when you see the problems in Gaza, then the more reason to say, ‘let’s evacuate Gaza.’ I think if the Palestinians would prepare themselves by political action and reform of their security forces to govern Gaza when that evacuation occurs, we could be back on the Road Map plan and see more progress. Part II of this interview will be in next week’s Press.
March 4, 2005
New Facility Would Expand Services for Short-Term Stays by RITA SHELLEY A generation ago, an 80-year-old person with a broken hip could anticipate a lengthy hospital stay. The emphasis was on treating the medical condition, but not necessarily on the long-term health and independence of the person. The chances of that person resuming an independent life decreased with each passing day of this “cure.” So much has changed. Many medical conditions that in the past meant a loss of independence are today only minor setbacks. Now the emphasis is on rehabilitation. Nowhere is this more true than at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s short-term care unit. But it’s time for the building to catch up with the need. From July 2003 through June 2004, 116 shortterm residents stayed at the Home for and average of about 25 days each. So far, for the 12-month period that began July 1, admissions are on track to exceed 2003-04 by one-third or more. According to Mike Silverman, Executive Director of the Home and Jewish Senior Services, the demand for shortterm services has moved beyond what can be met within the existing building. A separate unit focused entirely on the needs of short-term stays is part of a proposed major remodeling for the Home to be funded by an upcoming Esther Mazvinsky, left, spent a few capital campaign. The remodeled days recently at the Blumkin Home area would include where she received physical therapy a greatly expanded from Emily Moody. A proposed capiand updated suite tal campaign for the Home would for physical, occu- help fund an expanded, updated pational and speech facility a portion of which will be therapy services. specifically designed for the needs of The suite also short-term residents. would include a homelike bedroom, kitchen and bathroom in which to practice the activities of daily living that will be needed upon returning home. The expanded space also would provide more privacy for residents receiving these services. “Our goal is always to help a person to his or her highest level of function, or return them to the level of function they had before they were in the hospital,” Emily Moody, physical therapist at the Blumkin Home, said. “For most people, that means going home. With added space, we will be able to provide additional services.” The Omaha Jewish community’s superior commitment to its seniors is evident in all aspects of the existing Home, Silverman said. “We have a lot to be proud of,” he added. “But our thinking has evolved. Today we know that with appropriate therapy and community support, many people in their 80s and 90s are able to continue living safely and independently. There’s no doubt that this investment in short-term care will yield long-term benefits.”
Beth El Offers New Quilting and Crafts Circle by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El Synagogue has announced the establishment of a Quilting and Crafts Circle, a new creative outlet for the Jewish community. The group’s first get-together will take place Sunday, March 20, 1:30 p.m. at the synagogue, and all artistic folks are invited to join in the fun: experienced and novice quilters, those who enjoy knitting, crocheting, tatting, etc. Bring your works-in-progress or start a new one! Participants are welcome to bring sewing machines, and may work on personal projects or help make matzoh covers for Beth El’s community Passover seder. For more information, please call Program Director Harriet Einziger at 492.8550.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
See Dick Schmooze; See Book Give Publisher a Bissel Tzuris by CHANAN TIGAY U.S. District Court in January, seeking to prevent NEW YORK (JTA)--Ellis Little, Brown from selling the book. Weiner and Barbara Little, Brown, for its part, insists the book is a parDavilman had an hour to ody, “entitled to the full protection of the First kill in Laguna, CA, slightly Amendment and related laws permitting expression more than a year ago, waitof social commentary.” ing to see a play written by “The decision by Pearson to bring suit against a a friend. What to do? legitimate parodic work such as Yiddish with Dick “Well, we could shmy and Jane is deeply saddening,” the company said around Laguna,” Weiner in a statement. recalls suggesting, using a A Pearson spokeswoman says the company offers Yiddish word for meander“no comment on pending litigation.” ing. Weiner, though, says Pearson is just being oppor“Or . . . “ his fiancee tunistic. Before the book was published, the comresponded, prodding him to pany asked that Little, Brown stamp the word use the Yiddishism her “Parody” on the cover; include a short disclaimer; mother had favored to and explain why the Dick and Jane characters had describe an aimless walk. Yiddish with Dick and Jane, by Ellis to be used. “Or,” Weiner said, “we Weiner and Barbara Davilman. “We happily complied,” Weiner says. could shpatzir around Credit: Courtesy of Little, Brown When Pearson filed the suit, its outside counsel Laguna.” and Company wrote to Little, Brown offering to discuss a settleThat’s the one Davilman ment. Attorney Stephen Feingold wrote that was looking for. Pearson initially decided “not to pursue costly litigation And what followed, in addition to an aimless stroll over a title it thought would not be commercially sucaround the chic beach town, was a witty back-and- cessful.” forth where the couple meshed the mamalushen with Feingold did not immediately offer comment on the two of American pop culture’s least Jewish characters. case. “We started combining Yiddish with Dick and Jane The suit will go into mediation in early March, Weiner you know, ‘See Jane run,’ “ Weiner says. “And I said: says. ‘This is a book.’” As for the book’s humor, Weiner says it has more to He was right. After rejections from 10 publishers, do with the juxtaposition of Yiddish with the original Little, Brown and Company last year published Yiddish “Dick and Jane” style than it does with the prototypiwith Dick and Jane, a diminutive, 104-page laugher in cally non-Jewish characters using such Jewish expreswhich readers watch the iconic duo struggle with mod- sions. ern living--work, kids, aging parents--while learning “It wasn’t so much their WASPiness that made it some of the choicest words the expressive Jewish funny as the simple prose style and the fact that it’s tongue has to offer. instructional,” he says. “Jane works in real estate. Today is Sunday. Jane has “We use the Yiddish like a series of flares, little bursts an Open House. She must schlep the Open House of irony, worldliness and savvy to illuminate the dopey signs to the car,” reads the text over a picture of Jane, innocence of Dick and Jane’s world,” Weiner says in in powder-blue housedress, heels and a classic matron- the author’s note at the book’s end. ly hair-do straight out of the McCarthy era. “See Jane Weiner is a longtime humorist and Davilman a former schlep. Schlep, Jane. Schlep. Schlep, schlep, schlep.” sitcom writer. They now are considering other characThere are now 142,500 copies of the book in print. A ters for a sequel to the Dick-and-Jane book, including short, animated version of book excerpts, available at the gang from Archie Comics along with Winnie-thewww.VidLit.com, has received over a million hits. Pooh and his friends. “It was great fun to write,” Weiner says. “We went The pair is also at work on another new book, How through 16 drafts. After 16 drafts it wrote itself.” to Raise a Jewish Dog: By the Rabbis of the Boca Raton But it appears all this is just a shtikl too much success Theological Seminary. for the original Dick-and-Jane owners to bear. Perhaps this one will prove a touch less litigious than Pearson Education, publisher of the well-known the last. primer series, filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in Kina-hora.
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Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 4, 2005
Beth El Luncheon Speaker Takes a Stroll Through History of Jewish Omaha by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator In a fascinating presentation which offered a glimpse into the past, historian Carol Gendler led attendees through the beginnings of Jewish Omaha during a recent Beth El Lunch ‘n’ Learn event at the synagogue. A Beth El congregant, Gendler holds a master’s degree in history from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and wrote her thesis on “The Jews of Omaha: The First 60 Years.” She has contributed articles to publications including the Western States Jewish Historical Quarterly and Nebraska History Quarterly. In an overview of the community’s beginnings, Gendler noted four waves of Jewish immigration to the United States after the middle of the 18th century, all which were reflected in the settlement of Jews in Omaha. The first wave occurred in the 1860s, when Jews came from Germany, inspired to leave by the revo-
lutions which took place throughout Europe after 1848; then, in the 1880’s, following pogroms and oppressive restrictions placed on Jewish activity in Russia, many Jews left and came to this country, she said. Next came the Poles, Lithuanians, Romanians and more Russians in the 1890s, followed by Ukrainian immigrants after 1900, and the Jews who fled the ghettos of Europe prior to World War II. Jews were part of the general westward migration as the United States was settled, Gendler remarked. “They were pioneers who happened to be Jewish. They didn’t come in covered wagons; they came basically by river from points in the East, often from Cincinnati, which had the largest western-most Jewish community in the 1820s. “They came on the Ohio River and the Mississippi and up the Missouri. Some got off at St. Joe, a few got off at Nebraska City, and in 1856, just after the city was founded, the first Jews came to Omaha.”
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During that year, the first Jew to arrive in Omaha was Leopold May, who opened an outfitting store in Kanesville (now Council Bluffs) Iowa; the first perm a n e n t Carol Gendler J e w i s h Omahans were brothers-in-law Aaron Cahn and Meyer Hellman who opened a store, M. Hellman and Company. Another early Jewish resident, Edward Rosewater, came to Omaha to manage the Pacific Telegraph; he also worked for the Associated Press, and eventually founded the Omaha Bee newspaper. Omaha’s first Jewish congregation, established in 1867, was named the Congregation of Israel, now known as Temple Israel, Gendler said. In the 1880s, that congregation became affiliated with the Reform movement, and Jewish newcomers from Russia began to establish their own Orthodox minyanim. She noted that often, these small congregations were formed based on the members’ country of origin, so it not unusual to have six or more small congregations at any one time. Two of those Orthodox groups merged in 1952 to create Beth Israel Synagogue. In 1929, a movement began to form a “Modern Orthodox” (later called Conservative) congregation; within two years around 300 families were members, and in 1936, the group adopted the name “Beth El.” During the early years, the Jewish community resided along the Dodge Street corridor, later moving to South Omaha and then to North 24th St., Gendler said. The North Omaha neigh-
borhood was “a true Jewish community, she added, with butcher shops, bakeries and commercial development. Unfortunately, a huge tornado swept through No. 24 St. on Easter Sunday, 1913, devastating the businesses and necessitating the Jewish community to initiate its own relief efforts. Remarking that “even then, Jews took care of each other,” Gendler listed the many Jewish charitable organizations that formed early on, including the Hebrew Benevolent Society, the Omaha Hebrew Club, the Jewish Ladies Relief Society, and Associated Jewish Charities, which was established in 1903 and served as the precursor of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. “It was one of the earliest federations in the country, which is pretty amazing,” she said. “People would donate $1, $2, $3, and they’d pay someone’s rent or buy medicine for a child. It was the most humane, amazing process, because people knew where they could go for help, and knew they’d get it.” Gendler also spoke about a Jewish-run medical facility, the Wise Memorial Hospital, established for several reasons: because Jewish doctors sometimes weren’t accepted at the staffs of other hospitals; to make available Jewish food for Jewish patients; and because not all hospitals accepted indigent patients. One of the hospital’s policies--unique for its time--guaranteed the medical care of anyone, regardless of religion or ability to pay, she said. After awhile it became unnecessary and financially unfeasible to maintain the facility, Gendler said, but for a community this size to even offer a Jewish hospital was remarkable. “There are many things that are unique about this community in that respect, where Jews have always taken care of each other, always stood up and identified themselves as Jews and really played an important part in the community at large.”
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by DUANE J. PIEPER encourageYachad Program Director ment. In the This is more than a story end, they of a Creighton basketball gave the game. It’s also about the team a standYachad members, who were ing ovation guests of the team. for their After a long escalator trip effort and the and short elevator ride, the 69-64 victory. members found themselves After the in the upper bowl of the game Yachad Quest Center. And this was Ron Giventer, left, Alan Friedman, and Jeff had the privionly the beginning of the Steinberg meet Jays Coach Dan Altman lege of being excitement. They had a escorted to great view of the court and became part the area outside of the Jays’ locker of the sea of spectators, cheering, clap- rooms. They were given programs and ping and munching on snacks. team posters. But even more special was The excitement of the game, the roar of meeting the players and getting their the crowd, the three pointers and break- autographs. A few members even had away dunks were all appreciated by both their picture taken with Coach Altman in veteran and novice alike. The second the hustle of post game activities. half was more of a challenge for the Jays. On the way out of the Quest Center However, the Yachad group joined in one member captured the spirit of the with the crowd in their “sixth man” effort event when he asked how to get tickets to encourage the team onto victory. for the next game. For more information It was a real team effort! In their own on becoming involved with Yachad or lives they know about the power of future events, call 330.2024.
BIRTH Debbie and Greg Greenberg of Overland Park, KS. announce the Jan. 20 birth of their daughter Alexandra Shae is named after paternal grandfather Alexander Weinstock. Grandparents are Carole and Andrew Greenberg, and Sandi and Frank Baron of Souix City, IA.
IN THE NEWS Executive Woman’s Golf Association Chapter Omaha is holding a Season Kick Off Event and Trunk Show at the Player’s Club on Thursday, March 10, 6-8 p.m. Callaway, Polo and Nike will be represented. For more information, please call 231-9482 or visit the website www.ewgaomaha.com.
March 4, 2005
Beth El Rosh Hodesh Group to Discuss Roth’s Bestseller by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The upcoming meeting of the Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group will take a fascinating literary twist, as participants examine author Philip Roth’s most recent book, The Plot Against America, which offers a fictional account of life for American Jews had Charles Lindbergh--a known anti-Semite--won the 1940 presidential election. The meeting, planned for Monday, March 14 at Beth El, is being hosted by Margie Gutnik and Carole Greenberg. Social hour will take place from 7-7:30 p.m., and the book discussion will run from 7:30-9 p.m. According to Gutnik, this month’s theme was selected because “our Rosh Hodesh group has not yet read or discussed a book at any of our meetings. In addition to the format being a bit of a change from the typical presentation, Carole and I felt there was particular significance in examining the messages of this book as we
begin Adar II, the month when we recall Purim and Haman’s plot against the Jews.” She noted that “As Lindbergh as a social force was distinguished not solely by his isolationism but by his racist attitude toward Jews, Roth shows the pressure America’s Jews felt of a genuine anti-Semitic threat.” By presenting the book’s controversial and thought-provoking subject matter, both co-hosts hope to pique the interest and attention of the meeting’s attendees. “I hope we will inspire people to think and examine the messages of this book in light of the world of today,” Gutnik said, adding that “Roth himself says, “History claims everybody, whether they know it or not and whether they like it or not. Are our lives our lives as Americans and as Jews as precarious as anyone else’s? Are all the assurances of freedom provisional, even here in a 200-year-old democracy?’” Reservations for the meeting may be made by contacting Gutnik at mgutnik@cox.net or 493.8168, or Greenberg, at cgreenberg@jccomaha.org.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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there’s nothing like it in Omaha! by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Photos from left: Nate Joseph took reservations for Omaha Temple Youth Group’s (OTYG) spaghetti dinner in February and sold Camp Rainbow bracelets. Camp Rainbow is one of the recipients along with Camp CoHoLo and all Temple’s youth groups including Club 56, Junior Youth Group, and
OTYG, of about $19,000 the youth group raised. In addition to the spaghetti dinner, professionally prepared by Patrick Jensen (pictured), Len Burrell (in background), and John Terry, Jeremiah Bleicher, John Bleicher, and Rick Fox, a daylong auction helped boost the profit margin. Jaclyn Adelson and Nick Laudin (not pictured), along with dozens of other teens, served approximately 200 people.
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BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS
Frequently, I meet people who say “I’ve read about your family so often I feel I know them”. I can believe it, because I’ve used this space many times to talk about my kids, my parents, various members of my mishpocha. I’ve written about many of the life cycle events we’ve observed, as well as assorted simchas. And I’ve also shared some of the sadness experienced with the inevitable loss of a loved one. That’s what my family is currently dealing with - loss. My only brother, Harvey Wine, died on January 29 after a long illness, leaving a very large hole in the fabric of his family. It’s not my intention to tell you sad stories here....rather let me tell you what this man was all about. First of all, he wasn’t about long faces and sad tales. Far from it, because nobody ever loved a funny story more or enjoyed the punch line of a great joke more or got a bigger kick out of a well placed one-liner. He was an extremely gregarious person, who loved the company of others and who found it easier to smile than to frown. He was often accused of telling ancient and/or corny jokes, but he always noted that “you laughed didn’t you?” He had, as both a child and an adult, a happy disposition and I really believe was liked by everyone with whom he had contact. Heart attacks and other problems were responsible for his failing health, but he soldiered on and made a great effort to maintain his usual “smiley face” demeanor. No matter what the problem was, he didn’t air it for public inspection, but instead would say things were okay. In fact one of his favorite answers when I’d ask him how he felt would be a Yiddish expression he borrowed from our Zada--he’d say, in Yiddish, “thank God, I’m still living”. He’s say it in a deliberately weak voice, trying to sound very old and frail. It was his idea
of a joke. He and I enjoyed together the Yiddish we learned in childhood, expecially in the last years when he wasn’t in such great health. He loved the shmoozing that made up our visits together, and started more than one sentence with “do you remember?” Then he’d dig up some fond story for us to talk and laugh about. We talked about everything from the family cat to the old crystal radio set our Zada let him listen to, as well as the way he’d run from the house if our Mom was making marinated herring. We remembered the big chunk of baked liver which he would slice, salt liberally and call the best nosh in the world. He had buddies all over Omaha and later all over parts of Arizona. It seemed like anyone he met was a potential pal. He was hard to forget because somehow he’d say or do something easily remembered. He was a devoted son and brother, a loving husband and father and a doting grandfather. He was what we used to call “a family man”, and his family meant the world to him. His daughter and son were his pride and joy and the grandkids who called him “Garvey (or Garv”) held an indescribable place in his heart. And speaking of names, he had a funny play on words with his Yiddish name, which was Chaim.I would sometimes greet him, using that name and he loved to say “Please! The name is Chaym” in his own anglicized version. I guess he could make a joke out of just about anything. The last example of that was demonstrating how skillfully he could manipulate the wheelchair he used sometimes. He’d say “watch this” and then back up, go around corners and generally prove he could still drive as well as ever. There are volumes I could still write about him. After all, in 83 years a fella can turn into a subject for that “most interesting character I’ve ever met” magazine feature. But this will have to suffice. If you knew Harv, you know I haven’t exaggerated in my recollections about him. If you didn’t, well, that was your loss, because he really was a great guy. I’ll miss him terribly. Bert Lewis can be reached at: Bertlewis39@aol.com.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 4, 2005
JFS Opens New Food Pantry
Turning Head Over Heels to Help Tsunami Victims
ORGANIZATIONS BREADBREAKERS Robert Fuller, the GM and Head coach of the Omaha Beef will speak on Wednesday, March 9, noon at the Park Inn Regency Lodge according to Gary Javitch. He will talk about indoor professional football. Cost is $11 for a full lunch and $3 for beverage service only. The community is invited to attend. YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us for an encore event on Monday at the JCC. Jon Rathsam will serenade us with his beautiful baritone. Accompanist will be Esther Wax. Lunch begins at noon; the cost is $6 per person. Eileen Remer is back calling bingo at 10 a.m.; exercise is at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group is at 11 a.m. For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330.4272. Call Maggie for reservations at 334.6521. Hear the Northwest High School Swing Choir on Monday, March 21. Make reservations by March 14. Ameristar Casino is Thursday, March 31 (receive $5 in chips and a $5 food voucher). Cost is $5 per person; make reservations by March 24. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the meeting at the JCC on Thursdays 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Reminder: “Silent Spectators of the Sacred” is Wednesday, March 9, 11:30 a.m. Meet at China Road (132 and Dodge) for lunch (on your own). Following lunch, we will carpool to UNO and view the exhibit with the curator as our guide. Suggested donation of $2 single or $3 for couple. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES JSS presents a Mezzo Soprano Concert with Shelley Waite on Thursday, March 24, 1 p.m. at the JCC. The concert is open to the public with no admission charge. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334.6521. TORAH LEARNING CENTER All classes are taught by Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman. Please call him at 981.0569 for more information. Mondays, 7:30 p.m.: “The Siddur: The bestselling book of Kaballah” in the Omaha Room of the JCC. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.: “Growth Through Torah” at a private residence. Thursdays, 1 p.m.: “Meaning of Life & Other Business” based on The Way of G-d by Rabbi Chaim Luzatto, also in the Omaha Room of the JCC.
Artist Returns to JCC Gallery Joan Fetter’s latest onewoman show--Realism vs. Abstractionism--has opened in the Gallery of the JCC. Fetter’s whose works have been exhibited at the JCC, is a 1991 graduate of the University of Nebraska, with a BFA in studio art.
In less than 10 minutes, seven youngsters raised just over $1200 by doing cartwheels to help the victims of the December tsunami. Sarah Potash, eight (at left in photo), and Ariel Kohll (fourth from left), nine, both gymnasts who organized Cartwheels for Compassion, had hoped to raise $1,000. They were joined by Michelle Davidson (next to Sarah, left to right), Sarah Berger, (Ariel), Kylie Kirshenbaum, Alexis Slutzky, and Jordan Slutzky at the Jewish Federation’s new members brunch on Feb. 13 at the Jewish Community Center. The money was given to the Jewish Federation of Omaha and sent to the Joint Distribution Committee to be forwarded to the tsunami-devastated area.
Lights! Camera! Discussion! by GARY KATZ Kripke Library Administrator Never judge a book by its movie. Get the “reel” truth from movie maven and clinical psychologist, Steve Skulsky, when he hosts “Sunday Night at the Movies” on March 20, 7 p.m., at the JCC Theater. The program is sponsored by the Kripke Library Committee. “Due to copyright laws, we can’t reveal the title of this film or the Academy Award winning performers in a newspaper article,” said Suzanne Singer, Co-Chairman of the Library Committee, “but we can tell you it’s a movie from the magical world of I.B. Singer --one of his best known fables--filled with desire, deception, and passion. A little something for everyone.” According to Dr. Skulsky, “Movies evoke enduring nostalgic memories and unresolved traumas and longed for wishes, and the movie we’re going to screen is about a person who’s able to escape everything but himself. He loves too many women and his dream of flying is symbolic of his striving to be free of all limitations in life.” Kripke Library Co-Chairman Susan Rothholz added, “We’ve been wanting to do a film and discussion night with Steve for a long time. He’s the pro on movies, plus relationships, and it should be an exciting, stimulating evening. We plan to have a hot discussion with cool snacks afterwards. It’s our way of saying ‘Hooray for Hollywood’!” The “Sunday Night at the Movies” evening is free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the Kripke Library at 334.6461.
Dining
Out
Eldercare Support Group Meeting Scheduled by RITA SHELLEY Jewish Senior Services will host a caregiver support group meeting Thursday, March 10, 3:30 p.m., in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home conference room. Anyone caring for or concerned about an elderly relative, whether or not that relative lives at home, in assisted living, a long-term care facility, or out of town, is welcome to attend, according to Shane Kotok, JSS director of community outreach. Guest speaker will be Aveva Shukert, Ph.D., whose 25 years in private practice includes extensive work with seniors and their families. “There are many important issues to consider, including the emotional needs of the person providing care,” Shukert said. “Unfortunately the needs of the caregiver too often are overlooked in the midst of the emotional stress of a long-term illness.” Reservations can be made by calling Kotok at 334.6529.
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by JENNIFER MEYERSON for Jewish Family Service Each month Jewish Family Service assists approximately 20 individuals and families with financial needs, including food vouchers. Because of this increased need, JFS has expanded its food pantry. Clients can now come through a separate confidential entrance and get some of their necessary groceries. JFS have kosher and non-kosher food items as well as personal care items, such as toilet paper, toothpaste and shampoo. The food pantry will be open Mondays, 1011:30 a.m. No appointment is necessary. This expanded food pantry will not only serve clients in a more efficient manner, but will also give the community ability to participate in its maint e n a n c e . Individuals can bring food and personal items directly to JFS during the hours of the pantry’s operation. Items Tanya Seina, left, shows JFS Director needed include: Becki Brenner JFS’ expanded new pantry. toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, canned fruit, cereal, peanut butter, gefilte fish, laundry and dishwashing soap. JFS Director Becki Brenner added, “We are excited about this new opportunity; both for clients and donors. The expanded pantry allows us to store more food than before and gives people in our community the privacy and dignity they deserve in feeding their families.” For more information about the pantry, call the JFS office: 330.2024.
42nd
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March 4, 2005
TeenAge
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
underwritten by A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION FROM AN ANONYMOUS DONOR
Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features the teens of the B’nai Jeshurun youth group. Special thanks goes to Stefani Singer for collecting the material.
Not Part of the Crowd
Havdalah by STEFANI SINGER Three stars in the evening sky mark the beginning of Havdalah. The quietest moments are between the celebration of Shabbat and the start of the new week, and are those during which we could, if we were outside, experience with anticipation, the appearance of each star, one by one. It is a mere few moments of reflection. The stillness, the peacefulness, the slow darkening of the Saturday evening sky. We share our memories of the ending week as well as look forward to the new week ahead. As with the ending of the week, so comes the end of the year in just a few weeks, and the start of a new one, in many exciting ways. Havdalah is the separation of the old week from the new. We celebrate with the lighting of a special candle, four wicks woven into one bright light, the blessing over the wine, and enjoying the aroma of the spice box as we pass it from one to another. For some, there are no moments more precious or more spiritual than these during Havdalah. The candlelight and the spices surround and delight. The sweetness of the wine promises the sweetness of a new week. Smile. Try to think of one good deed or one great accomplishment
from the last seven days and put together a plan for another in the coming week. Remember a mistake you made, forgive yourself, and make your best attempt at being a better person in the week ahead. Challenge yourself, your family and friends to get along better, to be more considerate of one another and to cherish this time you have with each other. Call upon yourself to do acts of kindness and tzedaka. Call upon yourself to be more tolerant and accepting of those with differences. Call upon yourself to be giving and loving. Call upon yourself to be the best person you can be. Let all who have come here this evening, take a moment for silent meditation, as we remember the week behind and consider the week yet to come. Let this be a beginning for all to share in the joy of Havdalah and to create a new tradition of a weekly Saturday celebration here or at home, just as so many of us already do on Friday nights. Shavuah Tov, everyone. Have a good week, a week of peace. May your gladness reign and your joy increase. Stefani Singer is the Youth Adviser for the combined B’nai Jeshurun/Tifereth Israel Youth Group, along with Naomi Solomon.
What I Like About Theater by EMILY STANFIELD In the past year, I discovered that I liked being in plays. I like performing and working on the sets-painting, getting props together, writing programs, making costume and prop lists. It’s fun be to on stage, be with friends, entertain people, and create something out of nothing. I like getting the chance to be someone else for a few hours when I’m in character. “Leave your baggage at the door,” my friend says. I’ve acted in seven plays, and am currently in Anything Goes, the spring musical at my school, Lincoln High. In Anything Goes, I’m one of the nightclub tap dancers on a cruise ship. There have been lots of rehearsals, and it’s taken a lot of time, but it’s really been fun. At South Street Temple, I am rehearsing for the annual Purim Spiel, “The Megillah According to Rock and Roll” on March 20. Our Temple puts on a Purim spiel every year, and this is the third time I’ll be in it, this time playing the director. At the beginning of every scene, I come out and tell the audience what it’s about and introduce the characters. My dad is in it too, as a musician. He plays the guitar. It’s fun to act with the kids and adults at Temple and I hope to be in it every year. Emily is a ninth grader at Lincoln High School.
Three Stars in the Sky How do we know when Havdalah is here? Week after week after week through the year? First comes Shabbat, that’s on Friday night With challah and wine and two candles to light. Prayers and song for the service each week The Kiddush, the Kaddish, the President will speak. Long, lazy Saturday for prayer or play Study the Torah, that’s the Jewish way. Finally, depends upon which you would rather At Temple or home, friends and family can gather-No special dessert or particular meal Makes the end of the Sabbath any less real. We must start Havdalah just when each eye Gazes upward and spots three stars in the sky. The first is for wishes and wishes come true The second is hope deep within me and you. The third star is peace for Israel and all From the North, South and East and the old Western Wall. A blue and white candle that’s tall and real thick, Four small woven candles blend into one wick, A Kiddush cup cast out of silver or gold, The sweet wine is tasted by young and by old. The next thing we do is lean forward and hover Over a box filled with spices and holes in the cover. Then, after prayers and the singing of song Douse the candle in the wine, to Shabbat, say so long. We see what we have and decide what we seek Together we welcome the start of the week. On Saturday evenings, no more wonder why We Jews scan the heavens for Three Stars in the Sky.
Stefani Singer, 2004
Shwayder Camp: A Summer to Build by CALLIE FEINGOLD My experience at camp definitely lived up to its name. The time I spent at the small Jewish camp outside of Denver were two of the most amazing two weeks of my life. Not only did I make lifelong friends, I also created a stronger bond to my religion. Starting out in an environment not knowing anyone is, to say the least, terrifying. Boarding the bus at the synagogue in Denver, leaving all securities (parents and Nebraska) behind, I headed out for an unforgettable adventure. The only way to survive my expedition? Forget all sense of pride and dignity, and just start talking. I immediately felt a connection to the girls in my cabin and my fantastic counselors--something unexpected for the short bus ride that we talked. We took off from there. For the next week, my schedule was full of one meaningful event after another. From backpacking to boys, song sessions to Shabbat dinners, outdoor morning prayers to obstacle courses, the entire session was unforgettable. Other activities included roller-skating, Israeli dancing, and several community service projects. Although the weather wasn’t always perfect, everything (including snow) was well worth it. For me, Saturday night Havdalah was the most significant.
Singing wordless melodies in the candlelight, serenaded by guitars, it was the time where I really felt connected to my Jewish community and heritage. Leaving was probably the worst. Leaving the gorgeous forest, leaving the song, worst of all leaving the people that had become like family to me. Although the session was over, the experience has lasted for the last eight months. I am still in contact via phone, e-mail, and instant messaging with the majority of my friends. Only four more months until I return, and I can hardly wait! I also have long term plans to return in two years as an SIT (staff-in-training), and possibly eventually become a counselor. I never thought that the weeks I spent in rain, fog, sleet, and freezing temperatures would be two of the best weeks of my life. Shwayder Camp proved that the warmth of a Jewish camp community can make up for the lack of warmth in temperature. I made and maintained friendships with people that are as meaningful and awesome as the friendships with people I have known my whole life. This is experience has given me a new sense of Jewish identity, and a new sense of direction and guidance I will use for many years to come. Callie is a ninth grader at Lincoln East High School.
by CLARISSA SIEGEL-CAUSEY I have lived in Lincoln since I was two-and-a-halfyears old. I can remember starting Sunday school at the South Street Temple. I had the time of my life being with other kids around my age. It wasn’t until later that I realized that Lincoln had a very small Jewish population. I now attend a middle school in Lincoln. Among the thousand kids that attend my school, maybe there are three Jewish kids. In Lincoln that is a pretty good number of Jewish kids. Some middle schools don’t have any. When I compare this number to the amount of Jews in highly populated Jewish areas like New York and Chicago, I am appalled. I always thought it was normal to only have a few Jews in one school. Along with having a small Jewish population comes a slight burden. Most of my friends--who happen to be Christian or Catholic--know nothing about Judaism. When my friends have a question about another religion, even if it is not Judaism, they come to me expecting to know the answer. Even the teachers at my school do that. At my school we are learning a Holocaust unit that is part of the eighth grade curriculum. I have been bombarded with questions like: were any of your family members part of the Holocaust? How do you feel about the Holocaust? My teachers often put me on the spot by asking me questions to which I do not know the answer. Last year in seventh grade, we learned a little bit of each religion. When we studied Judaism, my teacher asked me to do a little presentation. So each period for a whole day, I presented for 20 minutes. From that day on I was labeled as Jewish. Most of my friends already knew I was Jewish, but these presentations put a label in front of me that read “Jew”. I don’t mind being different and sometimes it is even fun to get to leave school because I have to celebrate a holiday. It also gets annoying. Somewhere in conversation, it comes up that I am Jewish when I am introduced. People now know me by my religion as well as by my name. I don’t go around calling people by their religion, but I guess I have to live with it since I am one of the few Jews at my school. I did forget to mention the great place I get to go each Sunday. Each Sunday for half of the year I go to South Street Temple and then the other half I go to Tiffereth Israel to participate in a group called Hallah High. There are about 20 teens in Hallah High. This may not seem like a lot, but to me, it is great to know even that small number of Jewish teens my age. The South Street Temple and Tiffereth Israel in Lincoln joined their teen programs together. Through this experience I have met many new friends that I did not know before. At Hallah High, we talk about our experiences and learn about Jewish history while having fun. Most people would think it would be boring to learn about Jewish history and current issues, but I have the time of my life each Sunday. Although we have a small Jewish community here in Lincoln I feel at home with the Jewish friends I do have.
Letter from a Temple Seventh Grader by RACHEL LUNDHOLM I am in my final three weeks of preparation for my Bat Mitzvah on March 12. It has been a lot of work for me, especially with my Torah and Haftorah portions. My family is very active at South Street Temple. My mom works hard to make sure my brother and I get to Sunday School and Hebrew School. I am a member of the Jewish Youth of Lincoln, the new combined Youth Group with our Temple and Tifereth Israel, the Conservative synagogue here in Lincoln. My brother, Nick also joined the new Kadima Grade School youth group. I think that becoming a Bat Mitzvah is really important because it will only happen once. I am really excited, and I am going to save for a needy cause with some of the gift money I receive. Rachel is a seventh grader at Goodrich Middle School.
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 4, 2005
Opinion A Page of Text a Day Sadly, March 1 passed by uneventfully in Omaha, but in the rest of the Jewish world it was noted in a very dramatic way. March 1, you see, was the 11th Siyyum HaShas--the celebration of the completion of learning the entire Talmud--one page of text a day. More than 50,000 Jews gathered in Madison Square Garden in New York City to hear d’vrei Torah--words of Torah--from some of the brightest and most articulate Torah scholars of the day. Another 30,000 saw the Siyyum HaShas via satellite broadcast in the Continental Arena in New Jersey, while 40,000 around the world enjoyed the same in smaller events from London to Los Angeles, from Minneapolis to Tel Aviv. Started by Rabbi Meir Shapiro in 1923, the Daf Yomi project--a page a day--aims to bring Jews together to learn 2711 pages of Talmud over a period of seven-and-a-half years--the length of time it takes to complete the 38 volumes contained in this compilation of major commentaries on the Torah. Rabbi Shapiro, who came to America to urge Jews all over the country to take on this project, was the Chief Rabbi of Plotrkow, a Jewish community that no longer exists. Rabbi Shapiro was a Talmudic genius and revered in Jewish circles, but he was also a statesman and member of the Polish Parliament as well. His idea was radical at the time. Though Europe was filled with yeshivot, schools of Jewish learning, Rabbi Shapiro was the first to dream up a project of this magnitude. It meant a Jew from Krakow could travel to Vilna, drop in on a yeshiva there and study the same page of Talmud as his fellow students were learning back home. It has even more relevance today. Think about it. Any any given moment any-
(Founded in 1920)
where in the world, Jews can be learning the same text. That means a Jew from Omaha can vacation in LaJolla, CA, and join a Daf Yomi group there to continue studying. Or a Jew travelling overseas, stuck in Newark Airport, can turn on her laptop and learn the “Daf” online. Rabbi David Fine, spiritual leader of BIAV Congregation in Overland Park, KS, has already announced that his congregation will join the Daf Yomi which began its 12th cycle on Wednesday, March 2. He joins hundreds of rabbis and educational directors throughout the country who have been energized by the this unique project started by a Polish rabbi 82 years ago. Shouldn’t we do the same in Omaha? Jews, coming together regardless of background, level of knowledge, affiliation or politics, could meet at a central, non-threatening location--like the Jewish Community Center--to learn one page of text a day. Let the rabbis of our community take turns leading the sessions, using the material provided online or their own, to teach us all this magnificent book. Think of the positive role models we’ll become for our children when they see Reform, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Lubavitch and unaffiliated Jews sitting down together, in the same room, learning a sacred text. Think of the relationships that will develop when Jews delve into ancient Jewish writings together and find meaning for contemporary situations. Think of the insights we’ll gain from learning an obscure portion about
animal sacrifices in the Temple and applying those lessons to our complicated lives today. Think of the joy the participants will have in accomplishing a project of this importance. A page of text a day is not so difficult when you’re learning with friends. It’s not too late to form a Daf Yomi group here--we’re only a few days behind. Don’t you want to say 2708 days from now in the fall of 2012, that you participated in a Siyyum HaShas in Omaha, the first celebration of its kind in the history of this Jewish community? A page of text a day--now that’s unity!
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.
Tackling U.S. Domestic Policies: Jews Grapple with Best Approach
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by MATTHEW E. BERGER by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--The Bush administration’s plan to slash the budget and transform major institutions such as Social Security, Medicaid and the tax code has sharpened a debate already under way about the role of the organized Jewish community in tackling domestic policy issues. On one side are longtime liberal activists who believe that Jews must maintain their historic role in promoting domestic programs that provide a safety net for those in need. On the other is a growing chorus of Jewish communal leaders and donors who suggest that it is time to abandon the longtime Jewish advocacy for social welfare programs, and focus exclusively on Jewish needs. The Jewish Federation system, in particular, is especially concerned about sustaining current levels of state and federal support-between $5 billion and $7 billion--that is funneled annually into the federation system. In unveiling his budget last month, Bush called for a 1 percent cut on domestic spending not related to security, and proposed that 150 programs be greatly reduced or cut entirely next year. The $2.57 trillion budget proposal also called for additional belt-tightening for many Jewish programs that aid the community’s poor and elderly. Morton Plant, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the United Jewish Communities, the umbrella body for North American Federations, questioned whether lobbying manpower should be spent on
issues that don’t specifically concern the Jewish community, like health care, senior issues and immigration care. “I think we try to do too much,” said Plant of Baltimore. “We are servicing such a mixed group and their interests are not the same. My personal feeling is we ought to concentrate on several things and really do a great job on it.” Others believe that while the Federation system should be fighting for the Jewish piece of the budget pie, other policy organizations should continue to focus on issues that affect others as well. Martin Raffel, the associate executive director of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said, “We need to harmonize our two Jewish impulses--to take care of the tribe and to take care of the broader world.”
“...as the Jewish community becomes smaller, it is important for it to use its resources more strategically.” How the top umbrella bodies involved in domestic policy face these challenges will become clearer as both the UJC and the JCPA seek new professional leaders. Charles Konigsberg was fired last month as UJC’s vice president for public policy, and Hannah Rosenthal announced she is leaving her position as executive director of the JCPA to head the Chicago Foundation for Women. One line of thinking is that the Jewish community should rethink some of its priorities, if only to avoid being marginalized by an administration that has different priorities. There is always concern when Jewish
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitutional committees of the Jewish Federation.
groups take positions opposing White House policies. That can hurt access, especially in an administration known for sidestepping opposing viewpoints, and could hamper efforts to lobby for other priorities, including Israel. Jack Wertheimer, provost and professor of American Jewish history at the Jewish Theological Seminary, said as the Jewish community becomes smaller, it is important for it to use its resources more strategically. “You have to think about the consequences of taking certain positions,” he said. “You have to think about the political enemies you are making and think about the impact on the critical Jewish interests of taking on these issues.” There are already signs that some groups are tamping down their positions on issues. Instead of staking out an explicit position on Bush’s planned Social Security reforms, both the UJC and the JCPA are reissuing resolutions from the late 1990s that call for continued universal access to the program with minimal administrative costs. Those resolutions, although at least five years old, align the groups with critics of the reforms, who say Bush’s plan to privatizate Social Security could substantially hike administrative costs and could create unequal payouts. But the decision not to add any current commentary underscores the degree to which the community is eager to sit out this fight. The reluctance to engage stems in part from a diversity of opinions within the community. While many Jewish professionals who deal with the elderly and the poor oppose Bush’s proposed reforms to Social Security and Medicaid, some lay leaders and donors share some of Bush’s economic policy perspectives. Continued on page 9
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Tackling U.S. Domestic Policies Continued from page 8 policies that further Jewish values, rather As Jewish demographics shift, look for than Jewish institutions. more such “diversity of opinion,” say But it must find consensus among the community leaders. community relations councils across the “I think you’ll find UJC may illuminate country and national organizations it some of the potential impact from differ- represents, and some, including UJC, ent proposals without saying which way which is its primary funder, have been to go,” said Stephen Hoffman, the for- questioning the broad scope. mer President and CEO of the UJC, who Rosenthal made combating poverty a has returned to his previous post as top priority for the JCPA in recent years president of the Jewish Federation of and was criticized by the UJC’s former Cleveland, OH. chairman, James Tisch, who suggested “A smart organization knows where it social welfare concerns were outside the has a consensus of values realm of Jewish priorities. ...supporting issues and where it doesn’t.” “I believe that many of Michael Kotzin, outside the scope of the our donors would not be Executive Vice-president pleased to see our Jewish community helps too of the Jewish Federation communal dollars being of Metropolitan Chicago, build coalitions -- and spent advocating either says there is a growing garners support for for or against tax proposdialectic between what he Jewish issues. als,” Tisch wrote in an edubs “particularism” and mail to Rosenthal last “universalism” in the Jewish community. year, which was quoted in The New York “A smart organization knows where it Times. has a consensus of values and where it Not everyone sees a radical shift doesn’t.” immediately in the offing. Jews still care about broader issues Michael Bohnen, JCPA’s immediate such as battling poverty, he said, but past chairman, who will lead the search some prefer to channel those energies for Rosenthal’s replacement, said he did into general, non-Jewish organizations. not envision the organization dropping a Those voices want the UJC and other broad social agenda. Jewish groups to stick with issues that “There’s always debate over what is a are crucial to the Jewish demographics Jewish issue,” he said. “When someone and interests: care for the elderly, care disagrees with a particular position we’re for recent immigrants and providing taking, they couch their opposition by homeland security assistance to Jewish saying it’s ‘not a Jewish issue.’ “ sites post-Sept. 11. A longtime proponent of social justice Reflecting that shift, the UJC is increas- issues, Rabbi David Saperstein, the ingly focused on cuts to Medicaid, which Director of the Religious Action Center is the largest funding source for Jewish for Reform Judaism, said, “There is an nursing homes and hospitals, providing overwhelming consensus in the Jewish more than $2 billion a year. community that Jewish values require us The UJC began a push last year to gar- to take positions on broad and specific ner homeland security money for the concerns.” protection of high-risk Jewish sites. It “We have a religious obligation as a helped secure $25 million for high-risk moral community to be a light of moralnonprofit institutions in general and ity and apply moral values to the issues wants the program broadened this year. of the day.” UJC officials say they were pleased In addition, he said, supporting issues with the organization’s focus on securing outside the immediate scope of the dollars for the Federation system under Jewish community helps build coalitions Konigsberg, and will seek someone with --and garners support for Jewish issues. experience in lobbying for appropria“We can’t expect non-Jewish groups to tions. speak to our particular concerns if we The JCPA has traditionally taken a turn a blind eye and silent voice to their broader approach, seeking to support concerns which we agree on,’’ he said.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: I commend the Jewish Press for its brave editorial, “Abortion and the Holocaust” in the Jan. 28 issue. The article posed some long overdue questions in noting the closeness of the anniversary of six million Jews dying in the Holocaust (souls the Jewish community still has not “replaced”) and the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. With Jewish women’s groups leading the charge in the fight for women’s “reproductive rights,” the Press asked: “Is there something wrong here?” I say, resoundingly: “YES!” I’m perplexed as to why there is so much energy expended by many Jewish women’s groups to keep the abortion law as is, rather than putting those efforts elsewhere. Judaism, whose sects of Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox, mirrors the political landscape of this country could be a light unto the nation if we truly did some good for women and children. We could put our political energies into making it just as easy for an unmarried woman to give up her child to a loving, two-parent home through adoption as it is to abort that child; that is, without the father’s consent. This could
turn a difficult situation into a blessing with so many families, Jewish ones included, wanting to adopt. With so much talk about the psychological toll an unplanned pregnancy takes on a woman, where is our support for women who go through anguish after having an abortion? And who are we to say which will be more of a mental hardship -- abortion or delivery of the baby? If we are not sure, why not “error” on the side of life for both mother and child? Our political efforts should not be in supporting a broad-based abortion law as was handed down with Roe vs. Wade but one that is in line with Torah, which should guide us more than the likes of Planned Parenthood (not a branch of Judaism last time I checked). And finally, with the Jewish population declining, we should make having and raising Jewish children more financially feasible with lower preschool costs, parttime reasonable child care available for moms who want to be with their children as much as possible but need to still work to make ends meet. Shouldn’t these be our priorities? Shouldn’t this be our legacy? Janet Kohll
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Lebanon’s Liberation Approaches
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES The fate of Syria was in good measure determined on Jan. 21, 1994. That’s when, driving at a too-high speed to the Damascus airport for a skiing trip abroad, Basil al-Assad crashed the Mercedes he was driving, killing himself and his passengers. The accident had great consequence because Basil, then 31, was being groomed to succeed his father, Hafez alAssad, as dictator of Syria. All indications pointed to the equestrian, martial, and charismatic Basil making for a formidable ruler. After the car crash, his younger brother Bashar got yanked back from his ophthalmologic studies in London and enrolled in a rapid course to prepare as Syria’s next strongman. He perfunctorily ascended the military ranks and on his father’s demise in June 2000 he, sure enough, succeeded to the presidential throne. (This made Bashar the second dynastic dictator, with Kim Jong Il of North Korea having been the first in 1994. The third one, being Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, emerged last month. Others sons waiting in the wings include Gamal Mubarak of Egypt, Saifuddin Qadhafi of Libya, and Ahmed Salih of Yemen. Saddam Hussein’s pair never made it.) The possibility existed that Bashar, due to his brief Western sojourn and scientific orientation, would dismantle his father’s totalitarian contraption; Bashar’s early steps suggested he might do just that, but then he quickly reverted to his father’s autocratic methods--either because of his own inclinations or because he remained under the sway of his father’s grandees. His father’s methods, yes, but not his skills. The elder Assad was a tactical genius, even if his rule ultimate failed (he never regained the Golan Heights, never came close to destroying Israel, and rode Syria’s economy and culture into the ground). The younger Assad combines strategic blindness with tactical ineptitude. Within months of Bashar’s accession, questions arose about his ability to retain control over Lebanon; not long after, his ability to hold on to power in Syria itself came under doubt. The Syrian government’s rush to the side of Saddam Hussein just as he was ousted made eyebrows rise with wonder. Bashar’s pattern of promising one thing to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, then instantly
breaking his word caused general bafflement. These mistakes prompted passage of two landmark anti-regime measures. In December 2003, the U.S. government passed the Syrian Accountability Act that punished Damascus for its malfeasance. In September 2004, the U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 1559 that called on all “foreign forces” to withdraw their troops from Lebanon, a clear reference to the Syrian troops that arrived in 1976. These steps encouraged leading Lebanese politicians to demand the withdrawal of Syrian forces. Most notably, Druze leader Walid Junblatt and Sunni leader Rafik Hariri took this fateful step, thereby threatening to deprive Damascus of both its sense of territorial achievement and its golden Lebanese economic goose. There can be little doubt that Assad was behind the massive (probably underground) blast on Feb. 14 that gouged a 20-yard wide crater, killing Hariri and 16 others. With his flair for incompetence, Assad presumably decided that the former prime minister had to die for this betrayal. But, quite contrary to Assad’s presumed expectations, far from reducing pressures on Syria to leave Lebanon, the atrocity magnified and intensified them. Assad’s response--pretend denouncing the murder, putting a relative in charge of the intelligence services, purchasing SA-18 anti-aircraft missiles from Russia, and announcing a mutual defense pact with Tehran--points to his cluelessness about the trouble he has stirred up for himself. For the first time in three decades, Lebanon now seems within reach of regaining its independence. “I don’t see how Syria can stay now,” observes Lebanon’s former president, Amin Gemayel. The reassertion of Lebanon’s independence will fittingly reward an unsung steadfastness. The Lebanese may have once squandered their sovereignty, starting with the Syrian invasion of 1976 and culminating in the nearly complete occupation of 1990, but they showed dignity and bravery under occupation. Against the odds, they asserted a civil society, kept alive the hope of freedom, and retained a sense of patriotism. Lebanon’s independence will also serve as a large nail in the coffin of the brutal, failed, and unloved Assad dynasty. If things go right, Syria’s liberation should follow on Lebanon’s. Thus can a mere traffic accident influence history.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 jewishnebraska.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
CARD OF THANKS A special thank you to all my friends and family for all the cards, contributions, flowers and phone callls during my recent surgery. You have all been so caring. Adele Hornstein
March 4, 2005
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Jack & Bette Kozlen in honor of their wedding anniversary; Mincha, 6 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:02 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Call the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv service time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Call the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv service time. WEDNESDAY: Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: The Whole Megillah: A Scholarly Look into the Book We Read on Purim, led by Rabbi Gross, 7 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Third and fourth grade classes will participate in the service, followed by a Shabbat dinner for the students and their families. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. Join us for New Members Shabbat, when we will honor our newest congregants. New members will help lead services; Kiddush luncheon will follow.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Evening Service, 6:10 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 10 a.m. Bible Study Class, 11 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni, 11 a.m.; “Living Hebrew,” a new, intermediate-level Hebrew course, 11:10 a.m. HAZAK: “Movie and a Nosh” this Sunday, 2 p.m. for members. FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM: Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon our third graders and their parents are invited to participate. BESTT CHAVERIM: Beth El’s newest youth group invites all Jewish children in grades four through six to attend a fun-filled swimming party at the JCC this Sunday, 2-4 p.m. WEDNESDAYS: PATTER (Parents & Toddlers, Torah, Exercise, Recreation) with Helen Epstein, 10:45 a.m. THURSDAY, noon: The Most Important People and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible, with Rabbi Levin. JEWISH PARENTING 101: Thursday, March 10, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., guest speaker is Alan Parsow, who will speak about “Financial Planning and your Child’s Future.” Babysitting will be available upon request. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP, Monday, March 14, at the synagogue, to discuss Philip Roth’s book, The Plot Against America. Social hour is at 7 p.m.; the program will run from 7:30-9 p.m. Margie Gutnik and Carole Greenberg will serve as hosts and accept reservations at mgutnik@cox.net or 493.8168, or cgreenberg@jccomaha.org. POUR ‘EM SHPIEL: Beth El will be the place to be on Saturday, March 19, as the synagogue’s first-ever “Pour-‘em Shpiel” (for adults only) will entertain Purim revelers with “one wacko night of mishegas!” The festivities will commence at 8 p.m., complete with cocktails/mocktails and a variety of nosherai. Reservations are needed by March 11; cost is $25 per person. Checks to Beth El Pour ‘em Shpiel may be sent to Nancy Skid, 14964 Farnam Cir., Omaha NE 68154.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Religious School, 3-5 p.m. at the JCC.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.; Aleph Champion and Little Scholars Programs. Innovative, interactive learning for kids, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: “W.O.W: The Mystery of Marriage,” 9 a.m. The class explores in our January bridal pageant “I Am My Beloved’s…” and will focus on martial relationships, as reflected in the relationship of G-d and the Jewish people. Married or not, this class offers much for every one. Women only; babysitting available on request; Torah for Teens, 4:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah: The Mitzvah of Love, 7 p.m. Programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800 or visit our website: http://www.nebraskajudaism.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month. Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail: dstiel@everestkc.net to set up appointments. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Amy Zlotsky, with oneg to follow. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rich Lombardi and Robert Rickover; the film King of the Corner, is at 7:30 p.m. at the Ross Film Theatre. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.-noon; Purim Spiel Practice, 1-3 p.m.; Winter Lecture Series, 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Church,
6300 ‘A’ St. The topic is Recent conflicts in and around Israel from 1948 with Moshe Gershovich. For information, call 483.2213. ADULT EDUCATION Tuesday, March 8, 7:30-9 p.m.: "The Messianic Era and the World to Come," led by Robert Friedman. We have heard these phrases, as well as the term “Messiah.” What does it all mean? We will discuss various ideas about these concepts. Sunday, March 13, 10-11:15 a.m.: Book discussion led by Rabbi Debbie Stiel on Broken Tablets: Restoring the Ten Commandments and Ourselves, Edited by Rachel Mikva.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Welcome Shabbat at 7 p.m. with evening services led by Nancy Rips. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. Join Rabbi Craig Marantz and friends for songs and a story; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Scholar-in-Residence Pamela Nadell will speak on “Remembering the Celebrations of the Past.” Prof. Nadell is the director of the Jewish Studies Program at American University in Washington, D.C. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism, Omaha. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Scholar-in-Residence Pamela Nadell will join this discussion: “Seeking Haven and Making Lives.”; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, MARCH 6: Bagel Brunch with the Scholar. Wind up a fascinating weekend of American Jewry history with our Scholar-in-residence. Join Prof. Pamela Nadell for a bagel and a
Candlelighting Friday, March 4, 6:01 p.m.
discussion of "America's Jewish Women," 10 a.m. TUESDAY, March 8, noon: It All Begins in Genesis. Congregant Katherine Finnegan will lead this Jewish Journey Group through an understanding of the stories in the first book of the Bible. WEDNESDAY, March 9, 6:308 p.m.: Lost Tribe: Jewish Fiction from the Edge, with UNL Professor Gerald Shapiro, who will lead a three-part discussion on the short story collection. THURSDAY, March 10: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m. SHABBAT COMES TO YOU: Rabbi Marantz and the Temple Youth Group will lead Shabbat Services, Friday, March 11, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights. SHABBAT UNPLUGGED: Acoustic Guitar Service, Friday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. Sing, pray and sway to Jewish tunes strummed by Temple congregants Tom Friedman and Mike Walts.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; followed by Kiddush Luncheon and Mincha, 1:04 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. THURSDAY, 7:30-9 p.m.: Mindstretcher Series, “Ethics, Morals, and Behavior--“Did your Grandma teach you that?” with Sandra K. Stockall, UNL West Central Research and Extension Center 4-H and Youth Specialist ADULT EDUCATION MONDAYS: Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum, 7:30-9 p.m. SUNDAYS: (during Hebrew School days): Jewish Law through the Ages with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 10-11:45 a.m.
Tons of Shabbat Fun, Toddler-style by JILL BELMONT service, which features welcomBeth El Publicity Director ing prayers, Torah time, family Beth El’s Tot Shabbat leader time and story time, will be held Patty Nogg and some of her reg- next Friday, March 11, 6 p.m., ular attendees gather together to in the synagogue’s West Court. show off some fun Shabbat items used during the monthly service. Every child attending Tot Shabbat is given a special job to do during the interactive service, Nogg said, adding that all Jewish From left, Samuel Bogomolni carries a plush Torah, families through- Sara Schop shows her favorite mascot--a Shabbat out the communi- dinosaur, Gabby Witkowski holds the challah and ty are welcome to Natalie Pichik wears the Shabbat Queen veil and attend. The next carries a kiddush cup.
March 4, 2005
The Construction of the Tabernacle
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Vayakhel The very first word of our Sidra ought to be noted for two reasons. In the first place, notice that Moses assembles the people. He is not a dictator, but only a teacher. The people are to be involved directly in the work that is being done. He reminds them that all the work that is now to be done to construct the Tabernacle is to be done with a careful observance of Shabbat determining the days on which work could be done. Now Moses asks that the people participate directly in making the Tabernacle effective and beautiful. He asks them for a gift, a gift to the Lord. We are not to question where all this material came from in the midst of the wilderness. We are expected to understand that everything needed was on hand. What was needed? Only gold, silver, copper, multicolored fine fabrics, skins, oil, spices, and semi-precious stones. All of this was needed to build the Tabernacle, which was essentially a large tent. But it had a table and bars and poles and a lampstead and incense. Now, all the people, both male and female, who had skills were invited to come forward to do the work. The Text has a wonderful phrase here about people who had skills. They were to come forward if their hearts lifted them up and if their spirit donated them, as it were, to do the work. In the end, the Text calls them everyone with a generous heart. I once jested about how a certain foreign female got her name into our holy Text. But here are two master craftsmen whose names comes into the Text, Bezalel and Oholiab. They are said to have to have wisdom, prudence and knowledge, in a careful translation of the three requirements for them. The fourth requirement was that they must know how to teach. Isn’t this important? Important and instructive? At their disposal were all the necessary materials: gold and silver and brass and many fabrics and wood and much else. Moses asked for all these things and the people willingly brought them. Indeed (Federation Chairmen, please note.) Moses had to ask the people to stop their contributions: “You are bringing more than we need.” We ought to note here that we are surprised by none of the things constructed in the Tabernacle and its appurtenances, since exactly these have been described and requested before. All that we have here is a repetition of all the things that were now made according to the instructions beforehand. Now they are all completed. If this seems a little unnecessary, to repeat all the things that were instructed before and now pronouncing them done, it is to be noted that this kind of writing was not confined to our Sacred Text alone. Experts in ancient documents have assured us that this kind of instruction in advance and pronouncing the work done was commonplace in ancient literature.
South Street Temple Presents Musical Spoof for Purim by MARIA CADWALLADER for B’nai Jeshurun Save Sunday evening, March 20, 7 p.m., for this year’s celebration of Purim at Lincoln’s South street Temple. Wear a costume for an updated production of Norman Roth’s musical spoof, “The Megillah According to Rock ’n Roll.” Everyone is invited to attend this free show, which retells the story of Esther. Be prepared to hiss, boo, and cheer in the true melodrama fashion. You’ll love the jokes, slapstick and chance to sing along with the stars. You’ll also love the toasts and hamantashen at the reception. This year’s cast includes: Josh Calidona, Josh Griffen, Kitty, Molly Ivy, Jack Fynbu, Susan and Becky and Louis Ledder, Elaine and Kitra Monnier, Michelle and Louis and Ben and Shoshana Schreiber, June Segal, Jerry and Zoe Watch, David and Jen and John and Ben Williss; guitarist Scott Stanfield, music director Glenn Ledder and director and keyboardist, Maria Cadwallader.
DEATHS LOIS STERN Lois Stern died last week. At her request, no service was held. She is survived by her husband, Donald Stern; son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Polly Stern; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Alan Kohll; sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Irving Veitzer; grandchildren, Zachary and Samantha Stern and Abby Kohll. Memorials to the Make-a-Wish Foundation or charity of choice. PHILLIP EISENSTATT Former Omahan Phillip Eisenstatt died Feb. 21 in New Orleans at the age of 82. Services were held Feb. 23 at Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation. A retired geologist with the Shell Oil Company, Eisenstatt graduated from the University of NebraskaLincoln and was a fellow of the Geological Society of America. He is survived by his wife, Joan Solomon Eisenstatt of New Orleans; sons, Larry of Irwin, PA, and Gerald of Memphis, TN; daughter, Kay Eisenstatt Pollack of Ridgeland, MS; brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Aileen Eisenstatt; sister, Ann German of Seattle, WA; and seven grandchildren. BEN MILLER Ben Miller died Feb. 27 at the age of 82. Services were held March 1 at Beth El Cemetery. A World War II veteran, he operated Miller’s Woodturning House for three decades as a skilled woodturner. He later managed the Chef’s Warehouse Division of Hockenbuerg’s Equipment and Supply. He was also a founder of B’nai B’rith Cornhusker Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marian Miller; sons and daughter-in-law, Mike and Gail Miller of Bellevue, and Keith and Bonnie Miller of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Howard Epstein; grandchildren, Jason and Laurie Epstein, Jennifer and Jon Benowitz, Emily Epstein, Matthew Miller and Jacob Miller; sisters, Ruth Brand and Fanny Alpert. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue or charity of choice.
Beth El Youth Group Party Promises Swimmingly Good Time by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah’s newest youth group, BESTT Chaverim, will sponsor a pool party at the JCC, this Sunday, 2-4 p.m. All Jewish children in fourth through sixth grades are invited to join old and new friends for a fun-filled good time and some tasty snacks. There is no charge, but courtesy reservations are requested by calling the BESTT office at 498.0904. If your child has not yet joined Chaverim, you’re not too late; the $18 membership fee has been prorated to $9 for the rest of the school year.
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Guitars to Strum at Shabbat Service Next Week at Temple by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator They’re not exactly the Beach Boys, but on Friday night, March 11, 7:30 p.m., at Shabbat worship services at Temple Israel, Rabbi Craig Marantz, Mike Walts, and Tom Friedman will spread some good vibrations. They’ll play some familiar Shabbat melodies as well as some Debbie Friedman tunes at the service. “We hope the congregation will enjoy this nostalgic guitaroriented service and join in singing with us,” said Rabbi Marantz who took up playing guitar after he was ordained as a rabbi about six years ago. He took lessons for about four years. Walts started playing guitar when he was a youth group member in St. Louis. “Singing was the best part of youth group,” according to Walts. “I learned by ear and taught myself to play.” While he was serving in the U.S. Air Force, Walts used his guitar during Shabbat services when he was a lay leader. He has also filled in for Cantor Wendy Shermet at Temple Israel when she’s been out of town. In February, Friedman was in Winter Park, CO, for an annual reunion with about eight longtime friends known as “the bagel boys” who have been singing and playing their guitars and keyboards together since they were in high school. He also sings in Temple’s choir, Kol Rina.
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March 4, 2005
APRIL 22-24 • ORPHEUM THEATER Tickets are available at at the Orpheum Theater, call 402-345-0606, or Ticketmaster.com and outlets, call 402-422-1212 (Omaha) or 402-475-1212 (Lincoln)