Vol. LXXXIX No. 25 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Beth El teens travel to Washington, D.C. for Panim el Panim Institute by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Politics with a Jewish twist were on the agenda for five Beth El teens during their recent trek to Washington D.C. to attend the Panim el Panim Institute. Panim el Panim (Face to Face) is a national seminar for high school students in grades 10 to 12, which integrates Jewish values with social activism and public policy. During the fourday seminar held in midFebruary, participants from around the country had the opportunity to meet with their congressional representatives or staff, and hear guest speakers discuss public policy and social activism Taking a ride on the Senate tram during their recent Washington D.C. visit are, clockwise from from a Jewish perspective. left, Lilly Phillips, Aaron Priluck, Adeev Potash, Ezra Potash, and Noam Margalit. “I was motivated to go on Panim because I had heard The trip was sponsored by Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah’s High School of Jewish Studies; Omaha’s dele- it was a fabulous, inspiring experience from those who gation included Adeev Potash, Aaron Priluck, Lilly attended last year. Being in D.C. and in the heart of Phillips, Ezra Potash and Noam Margalit. The students America’s federal government opened my eyes to how were accompanied by Beth El Youth Director Jason influential each individual can be. I was motivated to begin working and advocating issues I am passionate Rich. Several factors led Central High School junior about. Learning about public policy and political Continued on page 2 Margalit to make the trip to the nation’s capitol.
26 Adar 5770
March 12, 2010
STAND UP! For Youth, Leadership and Laughs by THERESE VAUGHN-WEINER Anti-Defamation League Plains States The Anti-Defamation League Plains States will present a night of comedy and community in celebration of the Robert B. Sturm Youth Leadership Mission program. Free and open to the public, the event – STAND UP! For Youth, Leadership and Laughs – will be held on Thursday, March 18 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium and will feature critically-acclaimed comedian, author and Aaron Freeman NPR’s All Things Considered commentator Aaron Freeman. Freeman’s hilarious views on being African American and Jewish have made him a world-wide headliner from comedy clubs and colleges to Jewish groups and churches. A frequent performer with Chicago’s Second City Theater, the boundary-busting comedian also leads the internationally-renowned quartet The Israeli/Palestinian Comedy Tour. Last year, Freeman became a certified Maven or Torah interpreter—one of Judaism’s oldest professions—and with his signature comedic flare has quickly become a popular figure at his congregation, Aitz Hayim Center for Jewish Living in Highland Park, and in synagogues throughout the Midwest. One of the first to adopt the “Storahtelling” method, Continued on page 3
The Four Sons: 2010
Part 1: The Wise Son by OZZIE NOGG The Four Sons are familiar characters in the Passover narrative. According to our sages, the questions they ask reflect their different personalities -- knowledgeable, self-absorbed, unsophisticated, unaware -- traits all of us share to some degree. In this, and upcoming editions of the Jewish Press, we will reframe the questions asked by the Four Sons to reflect current issues in our community -- specifically those relating to Jewish Family Service -- as well as our responses to the questions. And just as with the Haggadah, in the telling we will learn. During the Seder, the wise son asks, “What is the meaning of the testimonies, statutes and laws that God has commanded?” According to commentaries on the Haggadah, the wise son already knows the answer, but wants to learn more in order to fully understand what is expected of him. The wise son has an open mind. He is ready to listen and fully prepared to take appropriate action. Now, let’s pretend the wise son represents all of us. And let’s reframe the question in terms closer to home. “Why does our community have a Jewish Family Service? What is its purpose, mission and goal?” Like the wise son in the Haggadah, let’s assume that all of us already know the answer. And that we, too, want to learn more in order to better understand our responsibility to this community and the actions we can take, if we choose. And so, a word to the wise. The mission of Jewish Family Service is to strengthen and preserve life in the Omaha Jewish community and the community at large. Guided by traditional Jewish values of communal responsibility and social justice, JFS is committed to enhancing each individual’s ability to
Inside Opinion Page see page 12
thrive. This goal is accomplished through programs such as these: • Financial Assistance. Temporary aid is provided to individuals and families who find themselves unable to meet their financial needs due to various factors. A job was lost; a home faces foreclosure; the family on a fixed income can’t afford to pay their rising insurance and medication costs; preventive care such as medical and
The Four Sons
dental bills can’t be paid because other living expenses are of primary importance. Today, more and more families are struggling to make ends meet. In all cases, Jewish Family Service aims to promote financial self-sufficiency and independence. Our professional staff provides dignified, effective solutions -- all with confidentiality. • Counseling. At JFS, experienced therapists are available to those who are overwhelmed by life’s challenges. The people served by the agency are as diverse and varied as is our community. They represent all age groups
This Week: Jewish community mulling response to Chile quake - Page 5 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’
Students raise funds for trip and the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial Page 2
and all walks of life. Jewish Family Service helps the breadwinner who fears he won’t be able to continue supporting his family during stressful economic conditions; JFS therapists counsel the child who doesn’t understand why his life has to be affected because of his parents’ choices -- divorce, drug use, gambling; coping strategies are given to the young widow who must now, by herself, provide for her children and make responsible decisions for them. The JFS counseling staff offers a continuum of services to help clients work through their problems and enjoy a more fulfilling life. • Yachad. According to a Midrash, God created just one man, Adam, and one woman, Eve, to remind us that we are all descended from the same ancestors and part of the same human family; so that no person can say to another, “I am better than you, for my ancestors are better than yours.” The Yachad program reflects this philosophy. The Hebrew word, yachad, means togetherness. The program offers those in our community with developmental disabilities a place to belong by providing social, cultural and religious activities to all who choose to participate. Activities include art programs, attendance at sporting events, the celebration of Jewish Holidays at local synagogues, trips to the Zoo and other monthly get-togethers. Through these enhanced life opportunities, Yachad members maintain or improve their independence and social skills, and become better equipped to reach their full potential. • Parenting. Today, families come in all configurations. Single parent households. Blended families. Continued on page 2
Coming March 26: Passover Issue
Pro Israel groups set to counter campus apartheid claims Page 4
Josh Zweiback returning to Temple Israel as a scholar-in-residence Page 11
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 12, 2010
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Students raise funds for trip and the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial by MARY BORT Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund Planning a trip for 26 high school students and their chaperones to visit New York and Washington, DC can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to cost. Lincoln Southwest High School teacher Mark Gudgel is facing this challenge as he makes arrangements to take the group of students to visit, among other places, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Most of the students are from his Literature of the Holocaust class at Lincoln Southwest. When Sam Fried, founder of the Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund (HHEF) and survivor of Auschwitz, learned about the trip, he offered to set up a special donation program for the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial. The memorial is a component of the HHEF. “I think it is important that this trip happens. These students have been learning about the Holocaust in the classroom and will learn so much more from the experiences they are planning in Washington, DC and New York City. The Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC is a place that everyone should visit as it makes the Holocaust much more real than just what you can see in books. Mark’s passion, and the passion of his students, is compelling. They need to make this trip.” The HHEF’s mission is to provide funding for Holocaust and other genocide education courses at the collegiate level. It also was instrumental in the building of the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial located at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. When you visit the Memorial, one feature includes engraved bricks. The bricks list the names of donors and/or those they wish to honor. Survivors of the Holocaust have also placed bricks at the memorial, honoring the memories of family members
who were murdered in the Holocaust. In cooperation with the HHEF, the high school students are currently seeking donations for the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial. For each $100 donation they obtain, a brick will be placed at the memorial, honoring the donor or someone else the donor chooses to honor. Through April 15, 80 percent of the monies raised by the students for the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial will go towards the cost of their trip, with the remainder going to defer the cost of the bricks themselves. The trip is scheduled for April 15 – 17. In addition to visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the students will have the opportunity to see Elie Wiesel speak in New York. Wiesel was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. “I’d been in touch with the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity about a book I’m writing,” explained Gudgel. “They suggested I bring my students to New York to see Elie Wiesel speak and they even provided us with the tickets to his talk. So we decided to try and see if we could actually make the trip. That’s when I contacted Sam to see if he could help us with the costs.” “Hearing Elie Wiesel speak is going to be extremely inspirational and one of the highlights of the trip,” continued Gudgel. “His foundation also has arranged for us to meet him. The idea behind this trip is to take the subject matter that the students have been studying extensively and bring it to life. The trip will be a unique opportunity for our students to expand their understanding.” One of the Lincoln Southwest students who will go on the trip is Haley Christensen. She is in Gudgel’s Literature of the Holocaust class and has found it important to learn about everyone, Jewish and non-Jewish, Continued on page 9
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Beth El teens travel to Washington Continued from page 1 activism by interacting with experts on a wide range of cutting edge issues taught me how important it is to discuss and work for what I believe in.” The trip was also eye-opening for Lilly Phillips, who said the conference “was a great way to educate us on how teens can be involved and be active in changing the world around us. “It also taught us a Jewish perspective on many issues,” the Westside High School sophomore continued. “It re-defined my perspective on what it means to be Jewish in a global sense. Mitzvot have an even greater significance to me now. I think that before Panim, I saw mitzvot as one part of what it is to be Jewish, but now I personally feel that it is the greatest part.” Among the activities the teens participated in were discussions about Congress and civics, presentations about advocacy, political action and service-learning projects, presentations from Rabbi Sid Schwarz, the founder of the Panim Institute for Jewish Leadership & Values and AIPAC’s Suzy Rosenkranz. They also met with the chief of staff of Nebraska Congressman Lee Terry, Margalit said, noting that, “He answered questions about issues we were interested in, discussed Rep. Terry’s agenda, and told us of previous legislation Terry had opposed or worked for.” Attendees also were treated to visits to the Holocaust
Museum, the Capitol Hill Visitors Center, the Smithsonian Mall and the Monument Tour. One program that the Omaha contingent cited as a particularly powerful part of their visit was “Street Torah,” during which Panim participants not only handed out toiletries, gloves and clothing to homeless individuals at MacPherson Square, but also made personal connections with them. “I learned more about myself from working with homeless people than most other experiences,” said Ezra Potash, a Westside High School sophomore. You learn that you don’t need a home to feel at home, but you need to show respect to everyone, poor, rich, young, old, homeless, or if you are fortunate to have a home. Panim is an experience people should be fortunate to go on. You learn not to take things for granted; that’s why I’d like to thank the people who subsidized this trip for everyone.” Margalit added, “We were humbled to speak to some homeless people on the streets of D.C. and pass out donations. I was inspired by their perseverance and optimism.” Panim el Panim was made possible, in part, thanks to grants from the Herbert Goldsten Trust, the Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Supporting Foundation, and the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
The Four Sons: 2010 Part 1: The Wise Son
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Continued from page 1 Interfaith families. Consequently, raising children is often more challenging than it was in the less complicated past. To strengthen families, Jewish Family Service offers classes and consultation to help moms and dads establish healthy relationships with their kids and have fun parenting while, at the same time, teaching their children to be responsible for their actions. Love and Logic sessions remain very popular, and the simple, practical techniques are designed to help parents raise children who are respectful, honest, caring and ethical. Children who are prepared to make positive contributions. And therein lies the answer to the question, “Why does our community have a Jewish Family Service?” To provide assistance -- financial, emotional, psychological -- to our neighbors in need. There’s a temptation to say dayenu -- it would have been sufficient for us -- after each program within JFS is mentioned. But the wise person knows that in the doing of good deeds, there is never enough. It is written that the story of the Four Sons demon-
strates the necessity to emulate the wise son by remembering our obligations to our people and to Judaism. Among those obligations is a responsibility to learn all we can about our past, and not leave the future work to others. In his book, The Kingdom of Memory, Elie Wiesel writes, “To be Jewish is to take up the burden of the past and include it in our concerns, our projects, and our obligations in the present. I love Passover because it remains for me a cry against insensitivity. For me, Passover is an ongoing commitment to others and to compassion.” At our Seder tables, as we tell the story of our liberation from slavery to freedom, let us remember those in our community who remain burdened. As we say, “Let all who are hungry come and eat. Let all who are in need, let them come celebrate Pesach”, let us remember that Jewish Family Service reaches out to everyone in need of compassion. To learn how you can become a Friend of Jewish Family Service and participate in the agency’s work, call 330.2024.
March 12, 2010
STAND UP! For Youth, Leadership and Laughs Continued from page 1 Freeman is famed for bringing to life the stories of biblical Hebrew just as traditional Mavens did through drama, commentary, stagecraft and music. He and his wife, artist Sharon Rosenzweig, also produce The Comic Torah, an online weekly cartoon series. “We are so pleased to have Aaron Freeman performing at our event,” ADL Regional Director Alan Potash said. “He brings home the message of strength in diversity, which is central to our Youth Leadership Mission.” Celebrating its 10th anniversary and Omaha’s last year, the Robert B. Sturm program has taken nearly 200 diverse high school students on a life-shaping journey to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and through one year of rigorous anti-prejudice leadership training. Participants have examined historic and modern issues of social injustice, learned to confront their own biases and resolved to stand strong against bigotry at their schools, in the neighborhood and throughout their wider communities. Representing a spectrum of races, religions, ethnicities and personal stories, the 2009-2010 group also comes from diverse schools along every compass point in town. “It’s incredible to see kids from nearly every district in Omaha bond as they have. We hope that the experiences they’ve shared will forge a lifelong connection to each other and commitment to fighting prejudice,” ADL Education Associate Jessica Gall said. As part of the program, the YLM teens volunteered to prepare and serve a hot meal for more than 300 at First Baptist Church through In Common Community Development this month. “These kids share a generous spirit and are already giving back,” Gall said. “We hope the entire community comes out to celebrate their success and enjoy a night of fun!”
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Eight Omaha teens join BBYO Convention
by AVERY BUDMAN teens in my region. I also learned skills that I can use for WASHINGTON, DC - More than a foot of snow the rest of my life.” couldn’t stop the 8 Omaha teens from joining 750 of the In addition to the Day of Service, IC 2010 highlights world’s leading Jewish communal thinkers – all 18 years include: of age or younger –from gathering in Dallas, TX Feb. • A Day of Learning on Shabbat, with 20+ learning 11-15 for BBYO’s largest International Convention (IC) sessions throughout the day and multiple services to in its 85-year history. BBYO has been hosting choose from, allowing the teen participants to customize International Conventions their own Jewish experience. since 1924, setting the • The presentation of sevcourse for the upcoming eral awards, including AZA year, determining strategies and BBG Alumni of the Year for strengthening BBYO as a awards to Carol Aaron of youth-led movement and Dallas, TX, and Lee Wunsch connecting teens to the of Houston, TX, and the Jewish community at large. David Bittker Unsung Hero This was BBYO’s most Award for outstanding advi“international” convention sors to David Finer of Tulsa, in years, bringing together OK. Jewish teens from North • The presentation of BBYO America, Bulgaria, Serbia, Excellence in Programming France, the United Mid-America Region teens join in a “Think Pink” dinner to awards to the 100 winners of Kingdom, Israel and more. honor and bring awareness to breast cancer survivors. the more than 400 applicants Senior, and Omaha Council President, Colin Belmont from BBYO chapters and individual teens. said, “IC was an incredible experience. Having the • A “Think Pink” dinner to benefit breast cancer opportunity to meet Jewish teens from all over the world awareness, bringing together male and female survivors was something I’m lucky I got to experience, and I made and headlined with a special video keynote address by many friendships that I hope will last a lifetime.” Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. With a convention theme entitled, “Dream Big. Act • A pre-IC “Regional Execs Conference” focused on Bigger,” participants set their focus on making a differ- developing BBYO’s 5-year strategic plan and discussing ence in the world immediately as a movement of 28,000 BBYO’s disaster relief efforts for the devastation in teens. The weekend was originally headlined by the Day Haiti. Participants also prepared a letter to be sent to of Service, in which teen participants would disperse President Obama discussing the prospect of nuclear prothroughout Dallas to more than two dozen service sites, liferation in Iran. but plans changed due to inclement weather. Instead, Finally, the 10 teens who will serve at the helm of the the teens participated in an advocacy simulation, choos- world’s leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement as meming an issue of importance, lobby “Congress”, and then bers of the International Boards were elected at IC too! find out whether they were successful. The Day of Omaha Senior and Council Shlicha Chloe Ginsburg said Service was framed with Jewish serving, learning and of IC,”It was inspiring to see the international strength skill-building sessions on creating social change through of the organization that I am so grateful to have been a community organizing, coalition building, philanthropy part of for the past 4 years.” and community service. Visit www.bbyoicblog.org to see BBYO’s 2009 Megan Bucher, a sophomore who attended IC said, International Convention Live Blog, featuring videos, “IC was the best experience of my life, I got to meet photos and teen-written testimonials that were updated Jewish teens from all over the world and get closer to the each and every day!
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 12, 2010
Pro-Israel groups set to counter campus apartheid claims
NEW YORK (JTA) -- At universities across the globe, the annual springtime ritual known as Israel Apartheid Week has kicked off, and Jewish students and pro-Israel groups have been readying themselves to respond in force. Unlike past years, when intense pro-Palestinian activity in the wake of Israel’s offensives in Gaza and Lebanon caught many Jewish students off guard, this year the pro-Israel community is ready with initiatives of its own. The largest effort, Israel Peace Week, is helping coordinate responses at 28 campuses and counting. StandWithUs, the Los-Angeles based pro-Israel group, is promoting a U.S. speaking tour by Israeli soldiers to counter claims that the Israel Defense Forces engaged in widespread misconduct during 2009 offensive against Hamas in Gaza. The David Project, the AntiDefamation League and CAMERA all have made material available online to counter the apartheid charge and help students disseminate pro-Israel literature. Hasbara Fellowships, a campus Israel group affiliated with the outreach group Aish Hatorah, is promoting a film about anti-Semitism on campus through the Web site Campus Intifada. And in Canada, where Israel Apartheid Week activity is often far more intense than in the United States, a pro-Israel initiative called Size Doesn’t Matter enjoyed a brief spell of notoriety when it released a sexually suggestive video that spoofed Israel’s smallness. Continuing the below-the-belt theme, the pro-Israel PR house BlueStar released a poster with information about how to cure “Anis” -- Anti-Israel Fixation Syndrome. “On the pro-Israel side, I think there’s much more of a focus on this week than I’ve ever seen before,” said Eliot Mathias, the director of Hasbara Fellowships. “So many different organizations and groups. There is more of an awareness of what’s happening.” Now in its sixth year, Israel Apartheid Week is actually two weeks, running March 1-14. Mainly confined to university campuses, the internationally coordinated series of events aims to reinforce the analogy between Israel and Apartheid South Africa and strengthen the activist tools that helped bring that regime to its knees. Events often employ an element of political street theater -- obstructing campus byways, for instance, with mock Israeli checkpoints or an “apartheid wall” -- in addition to more conventional lectures and film screenings. Israel Apartheid Week is closely aligned with the so-called BDS movement -- shorthand for boycott, divestment and sanctions -- and calls for an end to Israel’s “occupation and colonization of all Arab lands”
and the right to return of Palestinian refugees. Given the harsh rhetoric and strident anti-Israel policies encouraged by the events, Israel Apartheid Week has united a broad spectrum of Jewish groups that while often agreeing on few other Middle East questions, have all condemned the Israel-South Africa analogy as illegitimate and anti-peace. Joining StandWithUs, the David Project and Hasbara Fellowships in their condemnation of Israel Apartheid Week is J Street and its campus arm, J Street U, and the liberal Zionist group Ameinu. J Street has taken a slightly different tack than the other groups, largely eschewing on-campus flyers in favor of a campaign it calls Invest Don’t Divest, which aims to promote fund raising for cooperative efforts between Israelis and Palestinians that “help set the context for a sustainable peace.” A spokesperson for J Street told JTA the group did not want its “nuanced pragmatic” approach to get lost in the “shouting match” that some groups engage in during Israel Apartheid Week. And inevitably, the shouting does happen. Israel Apartheid Week reliably brings at least a few speakers each year who shock the campus Jewish community by tiptoeing ever so close to the line separating antZionism with outright anti-Semitism -- and arguably marching right over it. Even so, the wider significance of Israel Apartheid Week is a matter of some dispute in the pro-Israel community. At many, if not most, American schools, little or nothing is done for Israel Apartheid Week, whose official Web site lists events in 45 locations, only about a quarter of them in the United States. Anti-Israel activists at some schools -- like the much-discussed University of California, Irvine -- run apartheid activities other weeks that are not listed on the official site. “In the U.S., I’m aware of some isolated pockets of activity, but in five years that IAW has been running, we haven’t seen it catch on in the mainstream campus community,” said Stephen Kuperberg, the director of the Israel on Campus Coalition, an umbrella group comprising 30 groups. Still, virtually everyone in the pro-Israel campus community agrees that the frequency and intensity of apartheid/BDS activity is growing. And some even link it to a spike in anti-Semitic activity on campuses. At the University of California, Davis last week, a Jewish student found a swastika carved into her dorm door. “I think it’s absolutely a big deal,” said Lawrence Muscant, the acting executive director of the David Project. “The fallacious lie of Israeli apartheid is seeping into the maintream. It’s extremely disturbing.”
Position Available: God’s Assistant One day a man was walking in the streets of his village. He was a kind man, sensitive to the plight of others. As he walked, he saw many people laden with troubles, and his heart grew sad. Raising his eyes to heaven the man cried, “Great and loving God, how is it that You created so many unfortunate people and yet do nothing about them?” And God answered, “I did do something. I made you.”
According to Jewish tradition, each human is created in the image of God, a reflection of the divine and equal to one another. Yet some of us live in comfort while others struggle. Many families and individuals in our own community face poverty, disability, chronic illness, domestic violence and issues of mental health. Jewish Family Service provides assistance to overcome these challenges. Please support our work. Your gift to Jewish Family Service is an act of loving kindness that will make a difference to those in need and help create a more perfect world for all of us.
LOVE’S Birthday Cart by LOIS WINE RBJH Director of Volunteers
Doris and Harry Alloy, co-chairs of The LOVE Birthday Cart program, visit the Blumkin Home once a month. There is nothing better than a birthday and LOVE is hosting a monthly birthday celebration for the Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. This party will take place on the third Tuesday of each month during Tea Time at 2:30 p.m. Part of the festivities includes a cart that has been decorated and is fit for a celebration. The birthday celebrants will be able to choose a gift from the cart. Please keep in mind Love’s Tribute Card program. LOVE offers two types of cards: In Memory and Best Wishes, for $3.00. $5.00, $10.00 & up. Packages of cards may be purchased at a discount; - six cards for the price of five or twelve cards for the price of ten. This enables you to write your own message. Please call Phyllis Aron 334.1059, Sherry Shapiro 330.9825, or Director of Volunteers, Lois Wine 334.6519, who will be happy to mail the cards for you. HIGH HOLIDAY CLOSING & DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, March 30-31 and Monday and Tuesday, April 5-6 for Pasover. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is 9 a.m. as follows. Questions? Call 402.334.6448. Issue Deadline April 2 Monday, March 22 April 9 Monday, March 29
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March 12, 2010
Jewish community mulling response to Chile quake
by JACOB BERKMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- As U.S. Jewish organizations ponder how to respond to the massive quake that rocked Chile, they initially reported little damage to the infrastructure of the country’s Jewish community (see story below). Chile and its capital, Santiago, while badly damaged, experienced less structural damage and significantly fewer deaths in Saturday’s earthquake than did Haiti and its capital, Port-au-Prince, in January, even
one to remain at home if possible,” Marcelo Lewkow, the national director of ORT Chile, wrote in a report the organization circulated through its newsletter. Lewkow added, however, that the Chilean Jewish community “to my knowledge [has] not suffered any losses or casualties. Synagogues and schools are OK, pending a deeper evaluation by professionals, but there is no visible damage to the buildings or hydraulic systems.” The American Jewish World Service,
Class of 2010 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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High School Seniors and Parents We will be publishing our annual Graduation Teen Age on June 11, 2010. To be included, we need your graduation photo and the following information.
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Rescue workers in Santiago cope with the aftermath of the earthquake that rocked Chile, Feb. 27, 2010.Credit: Juan Eduardo Donoso/Creative Commons) though the quake in Chile was much more which has played a prominent role in the powerful. The death toll in Chile reported- relief effort in Haiti, is not planning on ly stands at more than 700, with some setting up operations in Chile. AJWS is coastal towns having been wiped out by directing its supporters to http://www. the earthquake and a subsequent tsunami. alertnet.org and to MercyCorps. Unlike in Haiti, one of the world’s Early reports indicated that the Jewish community in Chile suffered minimal poorest countries -- the AJWS had been damage. Unlike Haiti, Chile has a recog- working there with a dozen development nizable Jewish community of about organizations on the ground prior to the quake -- AJWS was not involved in any 16,000, centered mostly in Santiago. Chabad-Lubavitch, which has an out- work in Chile, which is wealthier and post in Santiago, saw some structural much better developed. “Of the groups we know that are working damage to its building, but the organization wrote on its Web site that the Jewish on the ground, the one we know that has “communities bordering the Pacific network of connections was Mercy Corps,” Ocean emerged largely unscathed after AJWS President Ruth Messinger told JTA. On Monday, it was unclear if the Jewish one of the largest earthquakes on record sent buildings and bridges crashing down Coalition for Disaster Relief was going to to their foundations throughout the set up a mailbox, but it was set to convene soon to discuss the earthquake, a JDC South American country of Chile.” Likewise, the American Jewish Joint official said. The JDC operates the relief Distribution Committee on Monday said it organization. The world also seems to have been a bit had no reports of significant damage to the slower to react in Chile, as the South Jewish communal infrastructure in Chile. The JDC has opened a mailbox to col- American nation has the public infrastruclect money for the relief effort, and says it ture to carry out much of its own rescue will work with the Chilean community to effort. Israel is in contact with its ambassador direct the assistance. “We are waiting,” a JDC spokesman in Chile, Ynet reported, and the governsaid. “In terms of Santiago, there was min- ment sent its condolences in a statement. imal structural damage to institutions. It is Israel was among the first countries to help in Haiti. a very strong, self-sufficient community.” There were no Israelis among the dead in Similarly World ORT, which runs two vocational schools in Chile, reported that Chile, according to the Israeli government. “Israel stands by the Chilean government damage to the Jewish community and people and wishes to send its condoappeared to be minimal. “Lights are still off in 60 percent of the lences to the victims’ families and offer its city, public transportation is suspended, support to the residents at this trying time,” and the government has requested every- the Israeli statement read, according to Ynet.
Chile synagogue destroyed in quake NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Masorti synagogue in Concepcion was destroyed in the earthquake that rocked Chile, the Masorti Olami said. The head of the international Masorti organization, Rabbi Tzvi Graetz, has been circulating an e-mail saying that the walls were cracked and the roof caved in as a result of last weekend’s massive earthquake in the South American country. “‘In Concepcion, close to the epicenter of the earthquake, Rabbi Angel Kreiman told us
that he went to the Synagogue, and ‘it was like the ‘hurban habayit’ [destruction of the Temple], the walls were all cracked and the roof had fallen down. I couldn’t stay there, so I got the sifrei Torah and left,’” Graetz wrote. Initial reports from international Jewish organizations including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and World ORT indicated that little damage was done to the Jewish infrastructure in Chile. News of the synagogue’s destruction started to emerge late Tuesday and was confirmed Wednesday.
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The Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks Lecture “Doubt, Disbelief, and the Meaning of Life” presented by
Jennifer Michael Hecht, Ph.D. New School University
Thursday, 18 March 2010 7:00 p.m. Milo Bail Student Center’s Chancellor’s Room on the UNO Campus
Public Welcome Sponsored by UNO Religious Studies Program, The Natan and Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies, College of Arts and Sciences and Temple Israel The University of Nebraska is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 12, 2010
JTS intermarriage workshop signals change on issue
by JULIE WIENER NEW YORK (New York Jewish Week) -- In a first for the Conservative movement’s flagship institution, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America recently hosted a two-day workshop “sensitizing” students to “issues of intermarriage and changing demographics.” The optional workshop was run by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, a Conservative group that for the past decade has advocated for more inclusiveness in the movement. Approximately 30 rabbinical, cantorial and education students participated. Organizers say the number would have been considerably larger if not for scheduling challenges. “When I was in rabbinical school, we were taught there was only one way to respond” to intermarriage, Rabbi Charles Simon, executive director of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs and a JTS graduate, told the group of students. “And that was not to respond at all, but to walk away and say ‘I’m sorry we’re losing another person.’ “ Speaker after speaker at the workshop urged students not to walk away but to reach out, not only to intermarried Jews and their partners but to longtime congregants whose children have intermarried and who are fearful of being judged. Barry Holtz, dean of the William Davidson School of Education at JTS, called the workshop “a groundbreaking moment at the seminary.” Once considered a bastion of traditionalism JTS, which recently began ordaining openly gay rabbis and which came under new leadership in 2007, like the rest of the Conservative movement is in transition. And facing shrinking membership roles, the once-dominant American Jewish movement appears to be increasingly placing an emphasis on outreach to intermarried couples. To be sure, the Conservative movement is not about to embrace more liberal positions adopted by leaders of Reform Judaism on several key issues. The Conservative movement, which continues to see itself as guided by halachah, or Jewish law, does not recognize patrilineal descent or allow its rabbis to officiate at interfaith weddings, and its approach to interfaith
families varies considerably from synagogue to synagogue and region to region. And intermarriage remains a touchy issue. While Rabbi Daniel Nevins, the dean of the JTS rabbinical school, spoke at the recent workshop, he insisted that all his comments remain off the record. Many JTS faculty members -- such as history professor and former provost Jack Wertheimer, who has published recent opinion pieces in Commentary and other Jewish publications on the topic -- continue to speak out strongly against intermarriage. Plus the recent workshop was allotted only eight hours, and it was relegated to the Thursday and Friday after President’s Day, a time when many students were away, needed to travel to student pulpits or were busy preparing for “interview days” -- the annual Sunday and Monday when employers visit the seminary to interview graduating students. Nonetheless, things have changed dramatically even from four years ago, when the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism issued its “Al Ha-Derekh” paper emphasizing the need to encourage conversion of gentile spouses and detailing what non-Jewish partners can and cannot be allowed to do in the synagogue. That paper was a big change from just a few years earlier, when many Conservative leaders proudly spoke of being “hawkish” on intermarriage and the United Synagogue publicized its opposition to allowing intermarried Jews to serve in leadership roles or as Jewish educators. Today there is talk of allowing rabbis to attend interfaith weddings of friends and family members. The question will come before the Rabbinical Assembly when it meets later this year. And in January the movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards ruled that the non-Jewish spouses of congregants can be buried alongside their Jewish partners in Jewish cemeteries -- provided they are in a section set aside for this purpose; that gentile clergy do not officiate at the funeral; and that no non-Jewish markers appear on the graves. In the ruling, approved by a vote of 10 (three law committee members abstained, and one voted against) is the statement, “Our relations to non-Jews are very dif-
THE RESIDENTS OF THE ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME EXTEND A CORDIAL INVITATION TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO SHARE THE SEDERS WITH THEM IN THE JCC AUDITORIUM
ferent than in the past. Many of us have non-Jews in our families. All of us know non-Jews who are strongly connected to the Jewish community although they have chosen not to convert and retain their status as nonJews. “In regard to the question of interfaith marriages, we must be sensitive to their feelings and make them feel welcome in our communities. In addition, non-Jewish spouses and children who are involved in our synagogues, while not Jewish, are nevertheless part of our community.” Today, a number of Conservative synagogues allow non-Jewish family members on the bimah during b’nai mitzvah and baby-naming ceremonies, although some require them to stand on a separate step or make sure to clarify that they are not saying a blessing over the Torah. Some are also allowing aufrufs, the pre-wedding aliyah, for interfaith couples and are reconsidering longstanding policies barring the mention of interfaith weddings from the synagogue newsletter. The workshop at JTS was a condensed version of the two-day “think tanks” on outreach to interfaith families that the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs has conducted with more than 200 Conservative rabbis since 2001. But it’s only in the past two years that a session at JTS seemed viable, said Simon, the organization’s executive director. “Under the previous chancellor, this could never have happened,” said Simon, referring to Rabbi Ismar Schorsch, who was succeeded as JTS chancellor by Arnold Eisen. “There just wasn’t an understanding of the dimensions of what was going on.” The author of this article took part in a panel discussion at the conference called “Listening to Intermarrieds.”
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March 12, 2010
Passover nutrition Pt 3: Passover, diabetes and all those calories PEOPLE OF THE
BYTE
by MARK MIETKIEWICZ
Here are some figures to chew on until the Seders arrive: • one matzah has 140 calories, equivalent to two pieces of bread • four standard wineglasses of grape juice have 680 calories • that Passover staple, the walnut, has 694 calories per 100 grams • and the average Israeli gains one to three kilograms over Passover. [bit.ly/psch26] Do you think you’re so different on this side of the Atlantic? Whether you’ve decided to cut down on the fat or calories, or are vegetarian or diabetic, there are plenty of Passover dishes you can enjoy while watching what you eat. Nutritionist Fran Berkoff recommends “a good nonstick pan, some chicken broth or vegetable broth for sautéing or as a base for salad dressings. If a recipe calls for a half-cup of oil, try cutting to a third and, if this works, try cutting down even further. Substitute unsaturated oils for chicken fat in traditional recipes and perk up flavors with lemon juice and/or generous amounts of fresh herbs. Instead of piling lots of butter on your matzah, try some jam.” [bit.ly/psch19] You can escape the mega-oil mega-egg fat-laden dishes if you cook creatively. Even Philip Goldwasser’s mother doesn’t buy 20 dozen eggs like she used to when Philip was growing up. How does she do it? “First, use less eggs! Any dish that calls for eggs can usually be lessened by one egg. Not all dishes, but most. Another way to deal with this is to substitute egg white for eggs. Let’s say that you have a recipe that calls for four eggs. You can use 2 whole eggs and 2 egg whites.” [bit.ly/psch41] Over 20 years ago, Nechama Cohen began to exhibit
severe symptoms of diabetes. That change in her life also sparked Cohen to eventually found the Jewish Diabetes Association to raise awareness about the challenges and solutions for Jews living with diabetes. “Our eating requirements are intimately bound up with our religion, culture, and ethnic identity. A Jewish person with diabetes needs to learn how to navigate their way through all these eating opportunities, and stay in control of their blood sugar levels. Go and try to explain to a doctor why you absolutely have to have four cups of wine at one meal and a given amount of matzah. I do not know if anybody knew the carbohydrate content of matzah balls until we came along!” [bit.ly/psch21] The association’s guide, Eating Right for Passover, is spectacular. Information in the bilingual English/ Hebrew booklet includes: using a food scale on Pesach; how to time your taking of insulin to coincide with the Seder meal; sugar substitutes that are kosher for Passover; illustrations of recommended quantities of matzah to be eaten during the Seder; glucose and carbohydrate levels of common Passover wines; and how to water down wine and still fulfill the requirements of the Four Glasses. [bit.ly/psch22] What can someone with diabetes enjoy on Seder nights? Diabetic-Lifestyle.com recommends Spring Vegetable Soup with Scallion and Dill-Flecked Matzo Balls, Beef Brisket with Oranges and Grilled Pineapple with Raspberry Purée. [bit.ly/psch23] And over at Diabetic-Recipes.com, you’ll find a Passover menu consisting of Roasted Leg of Lamb, Fresh Asparagus with Lemon and Fresh Strawberries and Rhubarb. [bit.ly/psch24] For blogger T’Mana, Passover reminds of her diabetes, the bad and the good. When it comes to the Plagues, she sees these parallels: • Blood -- blood work, blood tests • Boils -- OK, not the same thing, but “diabetic ulcers” come to mind. • Darkness. Diabetic retinopathy – what else? [bit.ly/psch25] Continued on page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
OTYG says “grazie” for successful spaghetti dinner
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator You would have thought you were in Italy. There were red and white checkered table cloths, plates covered in spaghetti sauce and pasta, strings of lights hanging from the ceiling. But actually, it was Omaha Temple Youth Group’s “A Night in Italy,” the name of this year’s Spaghetti Dinner on Feb. 21 at Temple Israel.
Among the youth group members who helped at the dinner were (front row) Ben Noodell, left, Ariel Kohll, Hannah Perry, (back row) Isaac Rogers, Sam Burrell, Yaniv Azriel, Noah Grossman, and Sophie Goldberg.
A fundraiser for OTYG as well as Camp Rainbow and Camp CoHoLo, both of which give seriously ill children an opportunity to grow and thrive, a silent and live auction prior and during the dinner were “a huge success thanks to all our volunteers and donors,” said Haley Halsted, OTYG chair of the event. “It’s nice that our Jewish community can come together to raise money for such important causes,” she added. Approximately 30 youth group and Junior Youth Group members, who managed the coat check, waited on tables. Noah Grossman, a freshman working his first shift at the dinner, admitted, “At first, it was confusing, but after awhile, it was obvious that everyone knew what they were doing.” And, he said, “It was fun!”
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 12, 2010
Squabbles dogging U.S. ‘big picture’ in Middle East
by RON KAMPEAS AND MARCY OSTER WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Vice President Joe Biden, President Obama’s big picture guy, is set to draw it for the Israelis this week in a major address: Confront Iran internationally, talk peace regionally. Bold strokes, but already Biden’s initiative is being dogged by scribbly little details -- timing on Iran, building in Jerusalem, restoration in the West Bank, and just how far apart will Israelis and the Palestinians sit. Biden met Tuesday afternoon with pro-Israel leaders and the White House’s top Middle East staffers, evidently in a bid to see how he can smoothe the picture’s corners before heading to Israel. The meeting, at the vice president’s home, was hush-hush -- a sign of how vexing some of the problems have been. Among them: • Plans by Jerusalem’s mayor to level some Palestinian dwellings and move the families elsewhere; • Israeli government earmarks for preserving Jewish holy sites in predominately Palestinian areas in the West Bank; • A Palestinian reluctance to return to direct talks, resulting in awkward “proximityâ€? talks, where the parties communicate only through a U.S. interlocutor; • Israeli anxieties about the Obama administration’s reluctance to go for the jugular ASAP in confronting Iran. The decision causing the greatest waves this week has perhaps the smallest bore: Netanyahu announced plans to include the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron and Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem among 150 heritage sites entitled to about $100 million in renovation funds. Both sites are in heavily Palestinian areas. U.S. officials reportedly have blasted their Israeli counterparts for the decision, and the Palestinian Cabinet held its most recent meeting in Hebron to protest. Palestinian protests in Hebron last week spilled over into Friday afternoon rioting at the ultrasensitive patch of Jerusalem land where two mosques abut the Western Wall. Hamas, the Islamist terrorist group controlling the Gaza Strip, called for the launch of a new intifada, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas fretted that the Israeli decision could lead to religious war. “These sites are in occupied Palestinian territory and are of historical and religious significance not only to Judaism but also to Islam, and to Christianity as well,â€? said Robert Serry, the U.N. special coordinator for the Middle East peace process. True enough, Israeli officials say -- and they have facilitated renovations to the Muslim part of the Patriarchs’ cave in the recent past, undercutting arguments that this is part of an attempt to “Judaizeâ€? the sites. “This is not in any way changing the status quo,â€? Netanyahu spokesman Mark Regev told JTA. “This is about renovating important historical and religious sites of the Jewish people.â€?
Settler leaders said the Palestinian reaction underscored how important it is to remind the world of the Jewish stake in the sites. “The reaction of the Palestinians shows how important it was,� Danny Dayan, chairman of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip told JTA. “They erroneously thought the Jewish people had abandoned� the sites. Netanyahu is not insensitive to the appearances of such initiatives. Last Tuesday, his government talked Jerusalem’s hardnosed mayor, Nir Barkat, into delaying a scheduled rollout of his plan to move out Palestinians living in Silwan, neighboring the Old City, and to raze their homes for a park. The mayor would offer the Palestinians the opportunity to build elsewhere. But the prime minister leads a government that is predominantly right wing, and that includes parties that draw support from West Bank Jewish settlers and their sympathizers. In a bid to simultaneously please the United States, Israel’s best and closest ally, and his hardest-line constituents, he ends up veering both ways. Still, the Obama administration “appreciated� Netanyahu’s intervention into Barkat’s plan, with State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley saying that the U.S. government “welcomed the intervention.� In recent meetings, top Israeli officials dropped their demand for direct talks with the Palestinians and agreed to “proximity� talks, the cumbersome process where every back-and-forth runs through U.S. diplomats. That was a “get� for the Obama administration, but it was followed this by Israel’s announcement of building starts in the eastern Jerusalem neighborhood Pisgat Ze’ev. And that earned a rebuke. “We have relayed our strong concerns to the Government of Israel that this kind of activity, particularly as we try to relaunch meaningful negotiations, is counterproductive and undermines trust between the parties,� Crowley said in a recent statement. The Obama administration advocates a holistic approach to tamping down Middle East tensions. Its officials want to see Israeli-Arab talks moving while rallying international efforts to isolate Iran as long as it fails to make transparent its nuclear plans. Again, the Israelis are happy with any effort to push Iran back from the nuclear brink -- but the devil is in the details. The Obama administration is still operating on assumptions that the Iranians are several years away from weaponization, while the Israelis are convinced that it will happen before 2010 is out. That has led Israel to press the Obama administration to adopt unilateral and punishing sanctions targeting Iran’s energy sector immediately. Such sanctions are written into bills that have passed both chambers of the U.S. Congress and are backed by almost every pro-Israel
group. The Obama administration will not count out the socalled “crippling� sanctions, but prefers for now to focus on getting the U.N. Security Council to adopt more narrow sanctions targeting the Iranian leadership. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak recently made his country’s case in Washington in meetings with top U.S. officials. He emerged confident that the relationship was as sound as ever, but nonetheless noted differences on Iran in an address Feb. 26 to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “There is, of course, a certain difference in perspective and difference in judgment, difference in the internal clocks and difference in capabilities,� he said. “And I don’t think that there is a need to coordinate in this regard. That should be understood; it should be an exchange of views -- we do not need to coordinate every step. We clearly support the attempt to solve it through diplomacy.� Barak, however, could not resist a subtle jab at Americans who do not have the same stake in protecting the region from Iranian hegemony. “We clearly think that in spite of the fact that from America, when you look at a nuclear Iran, you already have, just besides allies like France and UK, you have a nuclear Russia, nuclear China, nuclear India, nuclear Pakistan, North Korea is going toward turning nuclear,� Barak said. “So probably from this corner of the world, it doesn’t change the scene dramatically. From a closer distance, in Israel it looks like a tipping point of the whole regional order with quite assured, quite certain consequences to the wider world, global world order.�
Passover nutrition Continued from page 7 At the same time, T’Mana says there is also the “Dayenuâ€?, much to be grateful for. “Given the state of diabetes care today, we can say that most of us have been ‘delivered’ from a premature death -- or at least, from a much more premature death than we might otherwise have had. All of us have the tools to monitor and treat our condition. Many of us lead ‘normal’ lives, with diabetes being no more an interruption of that routine than daily prayers. ‌ Take a moment tonight, and consider: what still enslaves you? what liberates you? and for what are you grateful? -- both in terms of your diabetes and in terms of your life in general.â€? Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based Internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@rogers.com.
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Human beings, art, and love
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN As Temple Israel’s scholar-in-residence the weekend of March 19-21, Jennifer Michael Hecht will be introduced to the community at the 6 p.m. Shabbat worship service on Friday, March 19. In her d’var Torah, “The Myth of Happiness,” she’ll confront modern assumptions about what it means to be happy and investigate factors that are frequently involved in happiness such as the relationship of money and happiness, the physicality of the body, and the ritual of celebration. Her talks are “usually a lot of laughs, and one leaves feeling good,” assured Hecht. “I know a lot of great stories, and I believe in human beings, in art and love, that death is no big deal, and that people need community, ritual, and meditation.” When writing her book, Doubt: A History, Hecht said, “I was delighted to find that atheists and doubters through history were not just saying, ‘I don’t believe it.’ They also wrote about how to live and what to think of it all, given our real situation. The great doubters have left a legacy of how to be happy and good ...,” she added. “Writing about happiness in Doubt made me aware of a bunch of odd contradictions, and I wrote The Happiness Myth to make sense of them,” explained Hecht. “A lot of what we worry about is just social convention. When you really get to know other time periods, you start to see what kind of cultural trances people fall in to. Women used to wear bustles, a garment that gave the illusion of a tremendous butt. The things we do are as weird as that. We just don’t notice it,” she continued. “...women today want you to see their own bones through their clothes.”
On Saturday morning, March 20, at 9 a.m., Hecht will join Rabbi Aryeh Azriel at Sparks Beneath the Surface Torah study to lead a session about doubt within Judaism and our obligation as Jews to “wrestle with God. “Throughout history some of the greatest Jewish thinkers have expressed great doubt in the supernatural aspects of religion... From (the book of ) Koheleth to Maimonides to Spinoza to the present day, the Jewish contribution to philosophy has included a robust poetic atheism. “Convinced that there is no God with a mind, no being that made us and thinks about us, there have been Jews throughout history who have chosen to call the beauty of the world itself ‘God,’” Hecht said. “...the word is often used to mean a personality in the sky that attends to us, and such an idea seems willfully misleading. The great thinkers of the past shared this worry and came up with brilliant ways of managing it.” She indicated she’ll talk about how “great minds...have conceived of finding great meaning without giving up real truth.” On Sunday, March 21, Dr. Hecht will conclude her residency at a 10 a.m. conversation about “The History of Doubt” focusing on how non-belief, skepticism, and doubt have paralleled and, at times, shaped the world’s great religious and secular belief systems. “All belief is shaped by skepticism,” she stated. “People used to think the soul was a measurable, physical thing. When the scientists couldn’t find one...They kept the word, but the content, the meaning gets swapped out. Now the soul is a non-measurable, non-physical thing.” Sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, Dr. Hecht’s discussions are open to the community.
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Brownville Concert Series 20th Anniversary Season presents Hahn-Bin – Classical Violinist. Following rave reviews for his Carnegie Hall debut, this international award winning Young Concert Artist will debut in Nebraska and will also teach a free master class after each concert. The concert will be in Brownville on March 28, and in Omaha on March 30. Location to be announced. For ticket information and reservations for the concerts please call 402.825.3331 or 402.274.3661. For more information on the Brownville Concert Series or calendar of this season’s performances go to the website at www.brownvilleconcertseries.com. The Brownville Lyceum Café will be open for lunch, dinner and desserts prior to the performances. The Whiskey Run Creek Winery in Brownville is also open.
Jewish leaders to Biden: Reach out to Israelis
by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Jewish leaders who met with Vice President Joe Biden stressed the need to convey the Obama administration’s message to the Israeli public. One week ahead of his visit to Israel, Biden hosted a number of leaders at his residence. Participants said the meeting, which included top White House Middle East staffers Dan Shapiro and Dennis Ross, lasted an hour -- well beyond the 20 minutes allotted. Participants discussed substantive issues such as Middle East peacemaking and Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but the need to make it clear to the Israeli public that the Obama administration was considering its concerns was the overriding topic. “The overarching theme was, as critical as the vice president’s time spent with Israeli government leaders would be, it’s obvious to all what’s critical is what he says to the Israeli public,” a participant said. A broad left-to-right consensus that the Obama administration has failed to make its case to ordinary Israelis has emerged in recent months among pro-Israel groups. Organizations represented at the meeting included the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; the American Israel Public Affairs Committee; the Jewish Federations of North America; the Orthodox Union; the Anti-Defamation League; the American Jewish Committee; and the National Jewish Democratic Council.
who was murdered in the Holocaust. As for the trip, she stated, “I look forward the most to getting a chance to hear Elie Wiesel speak in New York. Being able to listen to him is going to be inspiring and memorable. I’m also looking forward to the Holocaust Museum in DC.” Wiesel’s foundation donated an autographed copy of his well-known book, “Night,” to Gudgel’s group. “We’re going to raise additional funds for the trip by holding a silent auction from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 20 at the South Pointe Pavilion in Lincoln,” said Gudgel. “People can make a bid on the book during that time.” In addition to teaching at Lincoln Southwest High School, Gudgel is a fellow at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Imperial War Museum of Britain. He is a member of the Nebraska Holocaust Education Consortium. To contact the students to make a Nebraska Holocaust Memorial donation in support of their trip, please send your donation by April 15 to the following address: Lincoln Southwest English Department, c/o Mark Gudgel, 7001 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68512. Please make out your check to the Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund. You may also contact Gudgel via email: mgudgel@lps.org. If you would like to learn more about the HHEF and the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial, please call 402.334.6459 or email mbort@holocausteducationfund.org.
IN THE NEWS Greensboro, N.C-Nathaniel Teetzel of Omaha, and former student at Friedel Jewish Academy is one of 50 students nationwide to be inducted into the prestigious American Hebrew Academy Honor Society. The Academy, in Greensboro, NC, is America’s Premier Jewish Pluralistic College-Prep Boarding school. The Honor Society was formed to identify the most outstanding 8th grade Jewish students from around the world. Students selected to participate in the scholars program have exhibited an impressive set of accomplishments, given their age. Nathaniel was chosen by the selection committee because of his work ethic, academic ability and involvement in extra-curricular activities.
HIGH HOLIDAY CLOSING & DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, March 30-31 and Monday and Tuesday, April 5-6 for Passover. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is 9 a.m. as follows. Questions? Call 402.334.6448. Issue Deadline April 2 Monday, March 22 April 9 Monday, March 29
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Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 12, 2010
Confront dating abuse through communication know. But beneath the passwords and preferences, our kids are surrendering their privacy. We are all, by action F OCUS ON ISSUES or permission, forfeiting our power. by LORI WEINSTEIN
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WASHINGTON (JTA) -- A few years ago, during an otherwise innocuous conversation, one of my oldest and dearest friends relayed the following story about her 17year-old daughter: “Sophie [not her real name] and her boyfriend were at a party last weekend, and he got mad about something she said, and he literally picked her up by her shirt and threw her against the wall.” While the incident was shocking, it was Sophie’s reaction -- or lack thereof -- that horrified me. Being bodychecked by a boyfriend should have shaken her to the core, but Sophie didn’t seem to consider it a big deal. That’s when I experienced That Parenting Moment, the one that flings us from the world in which we grew up into the unrecognizable reality where our kids are learning to live -- and to love. We want to believe that everyone who comes to know our children will love and respect them as much as we do. Unfortunately, about one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner. You’re thinking “Not my kid” -- but we’re talking about one in three girls. We’re talking about every race, religion and community. (Even “nice Jewish kids,” like Sophie and her boyfriend.) We’re talking about a punch in the face, or erosion of self-esteem, or silent digital stalking that robs a girl of her peace of mind. The issue is bigger and more pervasive than any of us can fathom -- even those of us who fathom it for a living. Do you honestly believe it will never touch your child? Young love was tough enough before technology took over; today it really is a jungle out there. In a recent Liz Claiborne study, 30 percent of teens in relationships said they are text messaged 10, 20, 30 times an hour by their partners asking where they are, what they’re doing or who they’re with. Nearly a quarter of teens in a relationship communicated with their partner via cellphone or texting HOURLY between midnight and 5 a.m. Consider the “sexting” epidemic and it looks even worse: One in five teen girls has electronically sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos or videos of themselves. Sexually suggestive text, e-mail or instant messages are more prevalent at 37 percent. And here’s where it gets really scary: Nearly one in five “sext” recipients admits sharing the images and messages with someone else -- at least one person, but usually more. Technology’s greatest trick is creating the illusion of control: Teens can choose (and unchoose) their “friends,” decide who accesses which information and magically conceal what they don’t want their parents to
What can we do, besides watch privacy and common courtesy circle the drain? Start with communication: In a 2009 survey of parents, three in four said they had talked with their teens about the meaning of a healthy relationship -- but the majority of the teens (three-quarters of sons and twothirds of daughters) said they had not discussed dating abuse with a parent in the past year. Only 32 percent of teens in abusive relationships confided in their parents about their situations. And it’s worth mentioning that teen dating abuse most often happens in one of the partners’ homes. In a 2009 Kaiser Family Foundation survey, “Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-YearOlds,” only 14 percent of seventh- through 12thgraders said their parents had rules about how many text messages they could send. And while about 25 percent of the report’s tweens and teens had telephone time restrictions, with texting the preferred means of communication, dating abuse really has become more hidden -a reclusive shadow over the lives of our kids. We need to become advocates for mandatory healthy relationship training in our schools, religious institutions and sports teams. It’s at least as important as health or gym class, which are non-academic and required. And we should educate ourselves. Learn to spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship: slipping grades; changes in mood, activities or dress; withdrawal from friends; making light of a boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s violent behavior. These are all possible (but not definite) indicators of an unhealthy relationship. You know your child; if you’re paying attention, you’ll know if something is wrong. Talk openly about abuse; remove the taboo. Encourage your teenager to share thoughts and experiences, and respect his or her point of view. If you suspect your teen is being abused, be sure she or he feels safe and supported, not accused or blamed. February -- Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month -is a perfect opportunity to broach the subject. And keep the dialogue going -- over days, weeks, months, years. An open line of communication is essential. Plenty of free and qualified advice is available to get you started. Try thesafespace.org, loveisrespect.org and jwi. org/parents. And don’t let the lines of communication end at your front door. Talk with other parents in your children’s social circles; create a network of support that flows from parent to parent, parent to teen, and hopefully among the teens themselves.
Lori Weinstein is executive director of Jewish Women International, creators of abuse prevention programs.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman will speak on Wednesday, March 17, noon, in the JCC social hall at 333 S. 132nd St. Everyone in the community is invited. The program is free; an optional lunch is $13; beverage service, $3. RSVP required to gjavitch@cox.net or Jenny at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. For more information or to be placed on the email list, contact Jenny at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
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YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday, March 15 for a spring musical program with Mark T. Nelson and Anna Koltermann. The cost for lunch is $7 per person. Lunch will be served at noon and the program will begin at 12:30 p.m. Come play bingo at 10 a.m. Call Theresa for transportation at 330.4272. For information call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-3 p.m. in the social hall of the JCC. For information call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES The Intergenerational Orchestra of Omaha will perform on Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center auditorium. The Intergenerational Orchestra of Omaha mission is to combine the talents of two diverse generations of musicians for the purpose of
creating beautiful music and then sharing that music. Join us as the orchestra performs a lively repertoire of well-known movie and television themes, along with popular hits that span the generations. In addition, the group performs original compositions written for the Orchestra by Conductor Chuck Pennington, who creates music to complement the unique blend of musicians that comprise the ensemble. For information call Lois Wine, Volunteer Coordinator at 334.6519.
U.S. circulating tougher Iran sanctions at U.N. by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The United States reportedly wants the U.N. Security Council to make existing Iran sanctions airtight and to add sanctions targeting its central bank. The new sanctions would ban transactions with the ousted individuals and entities, The New York Times reported Wednesday. Previous sanctions stopped short of an outright ban. The proposed sanctions also would add Iran’s central bank to the list -- a demand of Israel’s. Such an action would effectively cut off Iranian financial transactions from dealings with the West. According to the Times, the sanctions are likely to be diluted. Diplomats from Russia, which in recent weeks has suggested it favors enhanced sanctions, say these go too far.
March 12, 2010
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Rabbi Josh Zweiback returning to Temple Israel as a scholar-in-residence
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Omahan Rabbi Josh Zweiback will return home this month to reveal what it feels like to be a stranger and “the other” as he serves as a scholar-in-residence March 26 - 28 at Temple Israel. As are so many adult education opportunities at Temple, Rabbi Zweiback’s residency is sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, established by Josh’s father, Dr. Speedy Zweiback, in memory of his late wife Hermene, Josh’s mother. Rabbi Josh Zweiback After graduating from Westside High School, Zweiback attended Princeton University, graduating magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, in 1991. Ordained by Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in New York in 1998, Rabbi Zweiback was trained as a Jewish educator with a master’s in Jewish education from the Rhea Hirsch School of Education. He served Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills for the past 11 years. An adult learning coordinator, he was Reform Judaism’s first full-time adult educator. Later, he was promoted to senior educator and given the overall responsibility for all of Beth Am’s education programs. For the past three
BIRTH Jean and Phillip Paley of Atlanta, GA announce the Feb. 20 birth of their son, Eliyahu Tzvi, named after Arthur Paley. He has a sister, Elisheva Meira. Grandparents are Susan and Dennis Paley and Marilyn and Yale Shure of Atlanta, GA. Great-grandparents are Joan Rips, Dan Shure of Atlanta, and Bob Diskin of Atlanta, and the late Norman Rips, the late Alice Diskin, the late Sydney Rich, the late Annette Shure, and the late Arthur and Evelyn Paley.
A S S O V E GREETINGS
Long wait for Vatican documents on Pius by JTA NEWS STAFF ROME (JTA) -- It could be five years before the Vatican’s secret archives dealing with Pope Pius XII’s reign are fully catalogued and opened to scholars, a Vatican offical said. Bishop Sergio Pagano, prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, made the time estimate when he opened an event in the Canary Islands on the history of the Church, the Catholic news agency Zenit reported. There exist some 16 million documents from Pius’ 1939-58 pontificate, according to Zenit. Jewish and other scholars have called on the Vatican to
open the secret archives from the World War II period to clarify the role Pius played during the Holocaust. Critics accuse him of turning a blind eye to Jewish suffering; the Vatican and other supporters say he worked behind the scenes to save Jews. Last month a group of Catholic scholars wrote to Pope Benedict XVI urging him to slow Pius’ advance toward sainthood until the matter is cleared up. According to Zenit, Pagano said the Vatican would be willing to open the archives immediately, since there was nothing to “fear” from them, but the documents must still be registered, catalogued and put into order.
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him uniquely qualified to play a creative role in the formation of our students as they begin their quest for religious leadership in the Jewish world,” Rabbi Ellenson and Rabbi Michael Marmur, dean of HUC-JIR in Jerusalem declared in a joint statement. “It’s a rabbinic dream to help train cantors, educators and rabbis in Jerusalem and to continue my own studies,” said Rabbi Zweiback who plans to pursue his Ph.D. in Jewish education. Although he’s shifting from 1,500 families at Beth Am to 50 or 60 students in Jerusalem, Rabbi Zweiback pointed out that “the two jobs are absolutely the same” at the core. “My goal is to partner with others in creating a vibrant Jewish life that’s filled with joy, opportunities for engagement, and a deep sense of connection.” When he returns to Temple Israel, Rabbi Zweiback will talk about “Being a Stranger in a Strange Land,” although he said, “We are adjusting well and getting into the rhythm of Israel. The hardest part in many ways is the six-day week! We miss a full weekend terribly but are adjusting.” His wife, Jacqueline Hantgan, and their three daughters, Isa, Ariela, and Naomi, are with Rabbi Zweiback in Israel. Hantgan is a public policy advocate and organizer in the field of stem cell research. She met Zweiback in Jerusalem in 1992. “We’ve long thought about what we’d do if we had the chance to get back to Israel full-time,” he mentioned in an article on jweekly.com. “This opportunity came along, and it was unique -- not the kind that comes along everyday,”
years, Rabbi Zweiback has focused on the pulpit and pastoral components of synagogue life, sharing fully in the preaching and life cycle events of the congregation with his Beth Am colleagues. Last summer, Rabbi Zweiback was named the director of the Year-in-Israel Program at HUC-JIR in Jerusalem by Rabbi David Ellenson, president of HUC-JIR. All HUC-JIR students are required to spend a year in Israel to establish lifelong ties that are vital to sustaining living bonds between North American Jewry and Israeli communities. The year-long study in Israel grounds rabbinical, cantorial, and education students in the millennial heritage of Jewish faith, history, and values as well as the realities facing contemporary Jewish identity around the globe. As the future leaders are imbued with a spirit of partnership and a shared sense of unity that transcends geography, the students are immersed in a curriculum of Hebrew language, foundational textual skills, Israel studies, community building, and professional development. With Israel itself as a classroom, the students explore Israeli culture, the history of Zionism, and Israel’s social and political challenges while participating in community service projects. Rabbi Zweiback’s appointment “inaugurates an exciting new era in rabbinical education at the CollegeInstitute. His intellectual ability, his Jewish knowledge, his religious sensibility, his love of Israel and Hebrew, his musical talents, and his wealth of congregational and educational experience in the American rabbinate make
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 12, 2010
Is Religion Good? GUEST EDITORIAL by RABBI ERIC LINDER Assistant Rabbi of Temple Israel
Last year, Richard Dawkins spoke at the Holland Center. Dr. Dawkins is a scientist, perhaps best known for his book The Selfish Gene, among others. His talk at the Holland Center, entitled “The Purpose of Purpose,” was a polemic against religion. Armed with his acerbic wit and razor-sharp intelligence, Dawkins believes that religion is false. He believes that the god of the monotheistic faiths is misogynistic, warlike, jealous, immature and childish – just to list a few! Furthermore, he thinks it is false. As he would say, there is simply no evidence that a God (let alone a certain ‘kind’ of God) exists. Dawkins says that not only is religion false; it is not good. After hearing his lecture and being at once impressed and disturbed, I quipped to a friend that there were more Jews in the audience listening to his talk espousing atheism than are normally present for a Shabbat evening service. Why was this the case? I teach a class called “Is Religion Good?” during which adults discuss the benefits and pitfalls of religion, Judaism included. We struggle with whether the God we want to believe in actually exists, or if it’s even important if that God exists. We talk about the various hypocrisies of religion, as well as religion’s strivings to create morality, community and harmony. One thing I’ve come to understand is that for many in our community, religion and God are not necessarily related. There are many committed Jews that deny the existence of God, and even more that question God’s existence. There is a quote in the Talmud that is attributed to God: Better they forget about my laws than forget about me.
Most of us grow up being told what God is, and what God isn’t. When life experience seems to contradict Jewish teaching, we play all sorts of theological gymnastics to re-interpret our life experiences. OR, we let go of Judaism. I firmly believe, however, that both our experience and our religion can be core truths within each of us. Often-times, religion is taught from a third person perspective. We teach Bible stories. We pray the Amidah in which we call God HaGadol Hagibor V’HaNorah (“great. mighty, and awesome). These words come from thousands of years ago; they were Moses’ experience of God (Deuteronomy 10:17). We must rely on tradition. We must learn Moses’ words. But that is not enough. We must then use them to fashion our own. Otherwise, we are not being true to our tradition; a tradition that insists that we wrestle with God, crafting our own Jewish identity in the process. Our religion has become too much a third person historical perspective, and not enough a first person experience. It then becomes easy to criticize religion, or even perhaps denounce it, because the God of our childhood no longer works for us. So we throw out the Bible with the bathwater, so to speak. It’s no wonder that holidays like Passover and Purim bring us together – we don’t just learn Judaism; we experience it. We all have our own reasons for “religion.” It educates our children. Judaism provides a caring community. Synagogues are a house of worship. Religion helps us relate to something higher then ourselves. These are all possible reasons for participation in organized religion. In my rabbinate, I don’t want to tell you why Judaism is important; I want you to feel why it’s important.
I certainly think that religion can be good. Like food or alcohol, religion can be abused, and is sometimes a tool for manipulation and power. But, religion has certainly been a powerful force in my life, just as I know it is for many of you. As we continue to immerse ourselves in the blessings (and otherwise) of modern culture, this conversation will continue. We should encourage these conversations, so that we continue to build our own first person experience of Judaism, and not rely on our grandmother’s Judaism, or our rabbi’s Judaism, or even Moses’ Judaism. If we can do this, then yes, religion will be good.
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by STEVEN J. RIEKES
Editor’s note: In our February 19 issue, we ran a JTA story covering the recent British court ruling on “who is a Jew”. This article was written in response. For millennia, Jewish religious law, Halacha, has determined Jewish identity (i.e. “who is a Jew”) by using a matrilineal test. Under traditional Jewish practice, to be considered a Jew, one must be a child of a Jewish mother, unless one becomes a Jew by conversion. However, the British Supreme Court ruled that this Jewish practice constituted unlawful racial discrimination under Britain’s Race Relations Act of 1976. In this case, a young man (identified only by his initial “M”) was denied admission to a very prestigious and popular Jewish high school, known as the Jewish Free School (“JFS”), founded in 1732. The school’s admissions policy is governed by the Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth, Lord Jonathan Sacks. The student’s father was born a Jew. His mother was born an Italian Catholic. She converted to Judaism under the auspices of a Masorti (Conservative) rabbinical court. Since the Chief Rabbi does not recognize a nonOrthodox conversion, the boy’s mother is considered non-Jewish and, therefore, the school refused to admit him. As a result, the boy’s father sued the school and others, arguing that this was unlawful
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Michael Sigmond, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Eric Dunning; Jason Epstein; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: editor@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
Reflections of an American Jewish lawyer racial discrimination, the term “racial” as embracing ethnicity as that term is defined under the Race Relations Act. The initial judicial ruling was in favor of the school. The father appealed, and the Court of Appeals reversed. Further appeal to the newly constituted British Supreme Court (formerly the House of Lords), resulted in a 5 to 4 decision sustaining the ruling in favor of the father and against the school. All nine Law Lords wrote separate opinions. The majority held there was some discrimination based upon ethnic origin. Lord Phillips, President of the Court, reasoned that the student is to be regarded as ethnically Jewish, even if Orthodox Jews would not regard him as religiously Jewish. On the other hand, the Jewish religious test was based upon “genetics,” having nothing to do with religious beliefs. Combining these two points, Lord Phillips held that there was racial discrimination. To hold a Jewish religious school guilty of ethnic discrimination by denying admission to a Jewish student is, by its very proposition, something that sounds like it belongs in an Alice in Wonderland -dimension. Indeed, Lord Phillips was not entirely comfortable with his own holding. He stated that “there may well be a defect in our law of discrimination.” Further, he apologized by saying: “Nothing that I say in this judgment should be read as giving rise to criticism on moral grounds of the admissions policy of JFS in particular or the policies of Jewish faith schools in general, let alone as suggesting that these policies are ‘racist’ as that word is generally understood.” Other justices expressed the same sentiments. Lady Hale, also in the majority, rea-
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soned as follows: “Is the criterion adopted by the Chief Rabbi, and thus without question by the school, based upon the child’s ethnic origins? In my view, it clearly is. M was rejected because of his mother’s ethnic origins, which were Italian and Roman Catholic. The fact that the Office of the Chief Rabbi would have over-looked his mother’s Italian origins, had she converted to Judaism in a procedure which they would recognise, makes no difference to this fundamental fact. M was rejected, not because of who he is, but because of who his mother is.” Lord Rodger, who wrote a dissenting opinion, rejected Lady Hale’s reasoning. He said that the only thing that mattered was that the mother: “had not converted to Judaism under Orthodox auspices. It was her resulting nonJewish religious status in the Chief Rabbi’s eyes, not the fact that her ethnic origins were Italian and Roman Catholic, which meant that M was not considered for admission. The [school] automatically rejected M because he was descended from a woman whose religious status as a Jew was not recognised by the Orthodox Chief Rabbi; [the school] did not reject him because he was descended from a woman whose ethnic origins were Italian and Roman Catholic.” Let us assume, Lord Rodger said, there were two boys, both of whose mothers were Italian and Catholic origin, but one mother converted under Orthodox supervision and the other converted under non-Orthodox supervision: “The question then is: did the governors [of the school] treat M, whose mother was an Italian Catholic who had converted under Continued on page 13
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March 12, 2010
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Court Justice GUEST EDITORIAL by STACEY ROCKMAN Omaha Partnership with Israel Chair
“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.” Sandra Day O’Connor -former U.S. Supreme Court Justice
While my family and the Omaha Jewish Community have always provided me with a strong foundation and Jewish identity, it was Israel that completed me. Up until 2004, I didn’t even recognize that my personal tapestry was incomplete. Going to Israel was a major turning point in my life, and I hope that my story inspires many of you who yearn for meaningful relationships and deeper connections. The trip to Israel was in the spring of 2004. Jan Goldstein phoned me later that summer with the “perfect project” for me. By fall, I had agreed to chair Omaha’s Partnership with Israel program. It was a wonderful idea – Diaspora Jews connecting with the people of Israel, but it lacked roots. Slowly we worked to develop a structure and to recruit committee members. We took many baby steps, and tried to learn from each experience along the way. It was a grassroots effort with few resources, little staff, but lots of passion. It involved many conference calls, Israeli staff visits to Omaha, and steering committee meetings. At those meetings, we met with our Israeli and American partners
and planned the budgets and programs for the coming year. We could feel that we were building something special. Omaha became a more complete community with its sister in Israel. Our tapestry needed this expansion. In my conversations with others in Omaha, it is obvious that Israel is dear to many. Yet, the relationship between American Jews and Israel is intangible and hard to describe. While American Jews are generous supporters of Israel, could our link become weaker and weaker over time without a clearer and more defined relationship? Partnership is all about building strong relationships. Its goal is to strengthen our connection to Israel, and bridge the gap between mere financial support and a true bond that can last. To me, Partnership feels like the genealogy process of building my family tree. From Omaha to our 15 consortium cities (Indianapolis, Dallas and Louisville to name a few), to the Western Galilee in Israel and most recently Hungary, my family continues to grow, and I am a more, fulfilled person because of it. As the Omaha Partnership chair, I’m like the family reunion planner. My vision for Partnership is to enlarge the network of people active in Partnership programs and to continue to bring Israeli culture and society to as many people as possible. I also appreciate that the Jewish Federation of Omaha has a financial responsibility to this community. A critical component of Partnership is that it allows us to maximize our finite dollars, share best practices, and provide the largest possible benefits to the communities. Partnership is not an exclusive club. Caring for Israel and caring about Judaism is all that’s needed for membership. However, just as with any relationship, the more you give, the more you get. My plea is for every member of our community to get involved. We want you and
need you! Partnership offers many ways to get involved, from hosting visiting Israelis in your home, participating in art workshops during the JCC Maccabi games, or biking through the Western Galilee with our Israeli and American partners. Our current Partnership network includes both professional and lay people throughout Omaha. We have members representing our synagogues, clergy and Young Jewish Omaha (YJO) to name a few. We want every generation, every organization, and all agencies of the Federation represented. Whether your interests are social action, art, education, children, or families, you can find a niche where you can make an impact. This last year, we have added Hungary to this relationship. This is a new and exciting adventure for all involved. Many Hungarians do not find out they are Jewish until the passing of a family member. Few Hungarian Jews have experienced what it truly means to be Jewish, because of the Holocaust and Communism. Together, Israelis and Americans are helping to teach our Hungarian partners what living Jewishly means. Experiences with our Hungarian counterparts remind us how much Judaism means to each of us, and how lucky we are that we live in a country where being Jewish is not a daily struggle. You are probably wondering, what’s in it for me? I promise you that the benefits are tremendous on a personal, community, and Jewish Peoplehood level. If you invest in Partnership, you will build life changing relationships with people you would otherwise not know. As we continue to connect our threads to one another, we are ensuring the continuation of our tapestry for generations.
Reflections of an American Jewish lawyer Continued from page 12 non-Orthodox auspices, less favourably than they would have treated a boy whose mother was an Italian Catholic who had converted under Orthodox auspices, on grounds of his ethnic origins? Plainly, the answer is: No.” He continued: “In other words, the only ground for treating M less favourably than the comparator is the difference in their respective mothers’ conversions – a religious, not a racial, ground.” In my opinion, the dissenter, Lord Rodger, more correctly framed the issue and arrived at a more correct result. While some non-Orthodox Jews may feel vindicated by the majority’s opinion in abolishing the matrilineal test, victory may come at a terrible price. If civil courts can intrude in the internal affairs of the Orthodox Jewish community, then those courts may also intrude in the affairs of the non-Orthodox community and the internal affairs of those of other faiths as well. The right of a religious community to define membership for itself is crucial to that community’s religious existence. If a civil court can determine who may or may not attend a religious school, it may also have the right to determine who can belong to a synagogue, whether Orthodox or non-Orthodox, or a church, a community center, a men’s club, or a burial society. This leads me to a renewed appreciation of the First Amendment to our Constitution that provides Congress should make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. In Jefferson’s famous aphorism, the amendment builds “a wall of separation between church and State.” Had these concepts been embedded in the fundamental laws of England, its courts would never have interfered with who may or may not attend a religious school, or attempt to make a determination as to who is and who is not a Jew. The Court of Appeals of North Carolina recognized that: “Membership in a church is a core ecclesiastical matter. The power to control church membership is ultimately the power to control the church. It is an area where the courts of this state should not become involved.” And the Court further recognized that this principle is based on the separation of Church and State: “A church’s criteria for membership...are core ecclesiastical matters protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution. There are those on the right of American politics who deny that there should be a separation between church and State. Indeed, the Republican Party of Texas adopted as part of its platform the notion that we are a Christian nation. While most American Jews would abhor such concepts, there are some who are willing to either tolerate such notions or actually accept them. An Orthodox rabbi told me that Jews were safer with America being a Christian nation because Christians respect Jews.
While many Christians do indeed respect Jews, that’s not the point. The majority of the British Supreme Court did not act out of disrespect for Jews. Rather, they felt empowered to interfere with Jewish religious affairs because there is no legal barrier, such as our First Amendment, in so acting. In addition, as a Jew, I feel safer with the power of the Constitution protecting my rights, than relying on someone else’s good will. The rabbi’s position reminds me of the woman in the play, A Streetcar Named Desire, who must “depend upon the kindness of strangers.” It is only the Constitution that protects the rabbi’s right to determine who may belong to his congregation from interference either by the legislature or the courts or both, not the tolerance of our Christian neighbors. It is bad public policy to have civil courts deciding religious matters because they are not equipped to do so and these are not matters suitable for a public forum. For example, members of the “Jews for Jesus” movement regard themselves as not only being Jews, but “fulfilled” Jews, at that. What if they were to claim that they have every right to use a Jewish community center as much as any other Jewish organization? They would love to make their arguments before a court. On the other hand, most Jews would feel very uncomfortable having a civil court entertain such an argument. It would be a circus, not a lawsuit. While I believe that the majority opinion of the British Supreme Court was wrong and that it is very bad public policy for a civil court to intrude upon Jewish religious affairs, nevertheless, within the Jewish community, we have serious problems regarding who is a Jew. The
British Law Lords noticed what to them appeared to be an anomalous situation. Under the matrilineal test of who is a Jew, the Jewish school could grant admission to students who might have been raised as Lutherans, Muslims, or nothing at all, so long as their mothers were Jewish under the Chief Rabbi’s definition. On the other hand, M, who was raised in a Jewish home and very concerned about his Jewish identity, was denied admission because his mother was converted by Conservative rabbis rather than by Orthodox ones. Such a result also partakes of an Alice in Wonderland dimension. It is odd that a Catholic priest with a Jewish mother can be counted as part of a minyan, but a man converted by Reform, Conservative, or Reconstructionist rabbis, no matter how pious or involved as a Jew, cannot be counted as a member of an Orthodox minyan. A male Jew for Jesus with a Jewish mother could be counted as part of a minyan, but a pious Jewish woman, no matter how Orthodox, can never be counted. Maybe the question is not “Who is a Jew?” but “Who is a Rabbi?” As the Israeli Rabbinate moves ever to the right, even most Orthodox rabbis in the Diaspora have not been recognized by them as authorized to perform conversions. As the standards for conversion by the Orthodox become ever stricter, the result may be to fracture the Jewish people into demographic oblivion. While the definition of who is a Jew should not be one for civil courts, the Jewish people, leaders and rabbis ought to be asking some very serious questions about how we define who we are, and the possible consequences of that definition. How we define who we are will determine what we will become.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Ms. Van De Kamp-Wright, OJP Editor, I write out of a grave concern for the biased and dogmatic way the Omaha Jewish Press (OJP) has been editorializing a contemptuous attitude towards J Street for the past month. Perhaps many do not know that J Street’s sole mission is to promote American leadership to diplomatically and peacefully end the Arab-Israeli and Palestinian-Israeli conflicts. As a resolutely pro-Israel Omahan (always an Omahan), I am appalled at the way the OJP itself and through it’s contracted editorialists has taken this campaign against J Street on with a vengeance. The attempt to discredit and squelch a thoughtful, highly representative pro-Israel American voice in the dialogue about the situation in Israel is unproductive and unwarranted. I know, Ms. Van De Kamp-Wright, that you have recently inherited this new post and I welcome you. I want to fervently encourage you and the OJP Board to
expand the dialogue on Israel. The perspectives on the situation are far from monolithic and it is imperative to allow for a healthy dialogue to proceed on the future of our Jewish State in Israel. J Street believes in the vision for Israel laid out in its Declaration of Independence. To fully realize this requires the necessity for a two-state solution with the Palestinians. Without a two-state solution, Israel will never be able to thrive as a secure Jewish state, a vibrant, just democracy and a country reflecting our highest Jewish values. And without the realistic, winwin, pro-Israel, pro-Peace voice of J Street, American Jewry, America itself, will never be able to help foster these goals and help Israel and the entire Middle East find peace. Thank you for allowing my voice to be heard. Elyza Richmon Halev J Street Member, Devoted Israel Supporter, and always an Omahan
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 12, 2010
Candlelighting Friday, March 12, 6:10 p.m.
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
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 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 Prayer Group 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
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B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Marc Kraft, Politician, speaking on the topic, Starving the Beast. The community is invited.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat/Say Shalom to Shabbat, 6 p.m. For reservations made by March 10, dinner cost is $5 for Beth El members, $7.50, nonmembers; no charge for children six and younger. After March 10, cost doubles. RSVP to the office, or programming@bethel-oma ha.org. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:20 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: 10 a.m., Beginning Hebrew, with Eadie Tsabari, and Bible Study Discussion Group. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH: Monday, March 15, 7:30 p.m. Join us for “Four Wines to Go with the Four Questions” – kosher-wine-tasting at the synagogue. RSVP to Sally Zipursky at 445.0802 or sazipursky@cox.net. THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Understanding and Living Jewish Values, noon. REMINGTON HEIGHTS VISIT: Rabbi Levin and Cantor Schlossberg will present a special Passover program to Remington’s Jewish residents on Thursday, March 18, 1:30 p.m. SHABBAT MORNING LIVE: Saturday, March 20, 10:30 a.m. -noon. Led by Holly Weill, for 48 year olds and their favorite adult(s). Theme: Passover. No charge to attend, but for planning purposes, please RSVP to Margie Gutnik in the office or at programming@bethel-omaha.org. CREATING A LIVELY PASSOVER SEDER: Rabbi Levin will discuss the “logic” of the Seder and explore themes and meanings in the Haggadah. No charge to attend; RSVPs needed by contacting Margie in the office
or at programming@bethel-om aha.org. MINI COURSE: Biblical Wisdom Literature: Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, led by Prof. Guy Matalon, on Thursdays, March 25, and April 1, 7:30 p.m., focuses on a genre of Hebrew literature that challenges our ways of thinking by questioning the basic theology of the Bible. Cost: $36, discounted to $27 for donors to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign. Pre-registration is required. Call Mary Sue Grossman at 334.6445 or email at mgrossman@jewishomaha.org. All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:10 p.m.; Shabbat Dinner follows at 7:15 p.m.; This Shabbat dinner is underwritten anonymously in honor of Miriam Gross. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Understanding the Prayer Book with Rabbi Mizrahi, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Sponsored by Sisterhood’s “Salad Spin-Off” will take place during Kiddush; “Guard Your Tongue,” “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up), one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 6 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 7:11 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels & Beit Midrash begins with breakfast, 9:40 a.m.; Sacred Text Messages (for teens) with Rabbi a.m.; Cooking Gross, 10 Demostration with Miriam Gross, Flourless Desserts, 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Pesach To Go orders are due. TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; Sisterhood Spirits and Spirituality, 7:45 p.m., at Lynne Saltzman’s
B’NAI MITZVAH Jacob Adam Baron, son of Jill and Dr. Bruce Baron, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 13, at T e m p l e Israel. Jacob is a seventh-grade Superior Honor Roll student at Kiewit Middle School. His interests include skiiing, travel, tennis and football. For his mitzvah project, Jacob volunteered and raised funds for Town and Country Humane Society.
He has a sister, Madison. Grandparents are Edythe and Dr. John Baron of Sarasota, FL. Great-grandmother is Sophie Shebeck of Mt. Pleasant, PA. Sara Frances Cohen, daughter of Marla and Robert Cohen, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 20, at T e m p l e Israel. Sara is a seventhg r a d e Continued on page 15
home. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. Follow the Kollel at www. omahakollel.blogspot. com. THURSDAY: Rabbi Gross’s classes are cancelled this week.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.; Parsha Club for the Elderly, 10:30 a.m. at the Blumkin Home. Please contact Shevi@ochabad. com to make sure your parent at the home can become a member, with any questions or for further information. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. Mini-Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush lunch follows sponsored by by the Katzman children in honor of Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman’s 25th wedding anniversary. Join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings Remix, 10:15 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Portraits in Leadership: Timeless Tales for Inspired Living, 7 p.m. Visit www.OChabad.com for more details or to register. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Sarah Kelen and Ken Bloom. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m., all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel, Community Seder; Gan Simcha-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple, Community Seder; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Board of Trustees, 1 p.m. TUESDAY: Women’s Lunch Group, noon at Macaroni Grill. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. TUESDAY, 7:30 p.m. Jewish Ethics, The Enviroment: A Primer on Global Climate Change, presented by Al Weiss at Tifereth Israel.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Visions Members. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Tami Field. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Jacob Baron, son of Jill and Bruce Baron, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Noon. Pizza lunch provided for choir members and younger siblings. TUESDAY: Executive Meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; OTYG at Ronald McDonald House, 5 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10-11:30 a.m.; Social Justice Meeting, noon; Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks Lecture – Doubt: A History, 7 p.m. at UNO with Jennifer Michael Hecht. It is open to the public at no charge. Scholar-in-Residence, Jennifer Michael Hecht, March 19-21. (see full story on page 9.) Deli Night, Sunday, March 28, 5 p.m. Reservations preferred! Carry-out available, please call Temple office, 556.6536. Congregational Seder, Tuesday, March 30, 6 p.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 6:10 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Friday, 8-11 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study. Lunch and Learn with Leo Hill. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel, Community Seder; Gan Simcha-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple, Community Seder; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 7:30 p.m. Jewish Ethics, The Enviroment: A Primer on Global Climate Change, presented by Al Weiss at Tifereth Israel.
March 12, 2010
Teaching Israel to be Israel
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Va’yakhel- Pekude The first of our two Sidrot is called Va’yakhel. The word itself means that Moses assembled the Israelites to see all of the work that Bezalel and his assistants had done in creating the Mishkan, the Sanctuary. For an ancient structure in the wilderness, it was relatively large, complicated, and beautiful. We are not given any answers about how all the gold and silver and bronze and acacia wood were assembled in the wilderness. The assumption is that the Israelites had carried all this with them as they left Egypt, in preparation for the work that was to be done. Notice that the wilderness is not a desert. It is not an expanse of sand. By wilderness is meant only, as one wit put it, a place “where the hand of man had not set foot.” Our second Sidra, Pekude, gives details about how much gold and silver and bronze and special decorative woods were used in creating the Mishkan. Even Moses (!) was required to keep careful accounts and to record the weight of gold and silver and bronze and, as it were, the square footage of the special acacia wood. Thus, the second book of Torah, Shemot, has come to an end. A very large part of it was devoted to describing the mobile Mishkan, which kept a holy place traveling with the children of Israel in the wilderness. According to our traditions there were 40 years spent moving from place to place to travel from Egypt to the land that was to become the Holy Land, the land of Israel. It would have taken less than a fortnight to make the trip on foot from Egypt to the Holy land. The Midrash explains that it took all that time not merely to get the slaves out of Egypt, but (and this is much more difficult) to get the mind-set of slavery out of the Israelites. Thus, when they finally come, after 40 years, to the Holy Land, they are no longer slaves, neither in body nor in spirit, but now are free men, free souls, and free spirits. Thus the slaves have become free men, and they are B’nai Israel, “Israelites”. It is they and their progeny who are to give the world the Ten Commandments and the inspiration for the prophets of Israel, so that humanity might seek a life of meaning and purpose. Israel’s mission, therefore, was not of small moment. Indeed, it is not for nothing that our ancient ancestors are considered to be the teachers of humanity, in terms of righteousness, truth, and freedom; in short, ethical living. We who are Jews must not neglect our mission. It should be before us, as the Shema puts it, day and night, at home and away, waking and sleeping. The Mezuzah on our doorpost and on the gates of our cities is meant to remind us who we are, and that our mission is crucial to the life of humankind.
MORT GREENBERG Mort Greenberg, age 88, passed away Tuesday, March 2 in Scottsdale, AZ. after a long battle with cancer. The former Executive Director of the Omaha Jewish Federation, Greenberg played a key role in the planning and construction of the Jewish Community Center. He served in the U.S. Army European Theatre of War during World War II and was among the liberators of slave labor camps in Germany. It was that personal experience with the Holocaust that motivated him to spend his professional life in service to the world Jewish community. He served as Executive Director of the Jewish Federations and Jewish Community Centers in several American communities and provided support for the State of Israel as well. He is survived by his wife Mickey; former editor of the Omaha Jewish Press; children and stepchildren Sara and Craig Lambert, Alan and Cindy Greenberg, Nancy and Mike McDonald, Howard Gerelick, Jerry and Larraine Gerelick, Marcia and Steve Pitlor; grandchildren Dan and Paige Gerelick, Amy and Jason Kinsey, Lisa and Ian Abramson, David Pitlor, Kym Pitlor, Zach Greenberg, Mari Greenberg, Jordyn Greenberg; great-grandson Max Gerelick and sister Ruth Schwartz. Memorials to Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032. ERNIE WINTROUB Ernie Wintroub died March 1 at the age of 92. Services were March 4 at Beth El Synagogue. He was the son of Joseph and Fanny Wintroub. He graduated from Central High School, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and UNL Law School; he served as a Major in the A rmy quartermaster corps during WWII II. He and his wife owned Omaha Lace Laundry. Ernie deeply believed in the importance of contributing to his community. He served on the Executive Committee of the Mid America Council of the Boy Scouts, was Vice President of the Henry Monsky Lodge of B'nai Brith, Chairman of the Midwest Region AntiDefamation League, on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, and as President of Beth El. Together with his wife, he volunteered often at the Blumkin home and provided it with an endowment. In 1965 Ernie returned to the practice of law, and focused on discrimination law, and the issue of desegregation in Omaha public schools. He retired in 1996. He was admitted for practice before the US Supreme Court. Last year at the age of 92 he was recognized as the oldest active member of the American Bar Association in Omaha. He was preceeded in death by his wife, Janet. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law Bruce and Marya Wintroub, Frank and Marji Wintroub, son, John Wintroub, and daughter and son-in-law, Beth Wintroub and Tim Schabacker; grandchildren Anne, Ben, Molly, Noah, Sam, John Gregory; great grandson Augie. Memorials to Janet Wintroub Sing Along Endowment or Charity of your choice.
To submit obituaries: E-mail to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mail to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. The Press does not “pick up” obituaries from other publications. For more information, call 402.334.6448.
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Arab League supports reopening peace talks by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The Arab League agreed to support the resumption of indirect peace talks with Israel. The Arab foreign ministers at an Arab League meeting Wednesday in Cairo agreed in principle to support four months of indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who was at the meeting, has said he would abide by the decision of the league’s ministerial committee. Abbas has said he will not return to direct negotiations until Israel halts all settlement building in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. Talks have been stalled for more than a year. The league will meet in July to assess the talks’ progress. It may still set conditions on resuming the talks, including a complete halt to building in the settlements while talks go on, according to Ynet.
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B’NAI MITZVAH Continued from page 14 Distinguished Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School. She was invited to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program. She plays cello in the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra. She has a sister, Zoe, and two brothers, Josh and Charlie. Grandparents are Carol and Manny Goldberg, the late Elaine Goldberg, and the late Elberta and Harry Cohen. Great-grandmother is Sophie Shebeck of Mt. Pleasant, PA. Samuel Lieb, son of Lisa Lieb and the late Douglas Lieb, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 20, at Beth El. Sam is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Beveridge Magnet School. He competes on the level seven boys team for Cahoys Gymnastics. Grandparents are Linda and Jerry Gordman, and Jeanie and Don Lieb of Daytona Beach, FL.
AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 177 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details. HOT TUBS $995 to $4,995. Walk-in bathtubs $2,995 up. Floor Model sale in progress. Call 1-800-869-0406 for price list and pictures. goodlifespa.com. RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; new & used restaurant equipment. See www.Chillmasters.biz for more info; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-3692850 to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold! 3 BEDROOM Singlewide, $29,995. 3 Bedroom Doublewide $39,995. Very limited time offer! Call now, 785-862-0321. Out of town? Worth the drive. We’ll pay your gas! TIME HAS run out. Must sell 4-bedroom manufactured home. Must move to your land. 785-841-4887. POLICE OFFICER: The City of Tecumseh has an opening for a certified police officer. Please send resume to: City Hall, PO Box 417, Tecumseh, NE 68450. GRAIN MERCHANDISER Needed. The Farmers Grain Company (not a co-op) in Julesburg, Colorado, is looking for an experienced grain merchandiser. Send resume to Jim Kontny, PO Box 296, Julesburg, CO 80737 or call 970-474-2537. DRIVERS-OTR: Are you looking for a great trucking opportunity? Call 214-819-5680 or e-mail: recruit@ffex.net. Ask about our truck leasing program. BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. IF YOU used Type 2 Diabetes drug Avandia and suffered a stroke or heart attack, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson, 1-800-535-5727. HIGH SPEED Internet. Still waiting for high-speed where you live? Call WildBlue! Available virtually anywhere through satellite! Get Free standard installation & 24/7 customer support. 800-820-0154.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 12, 2010