Vol. LXXXIV No. 28 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
The “Shiputznicks” Help to Repair the World on Teen Mitzvah Day by URI LEVIN develop leadership abilities, and even find the counJCC Community Shaliach seling they may need. The work at the Boys and Girls Earlier this month, 50 “Shiputznick” teens experi- Club included cleaning the club’s forest area and taking enced first hand the very important Mitzvah of “Tikkun apart different shacks that were left there since Olam”. The young volunteers included representatives Halloween due to the early winter that came this year. from all of the Jewish youth groups in Omaha. After The third group of 13 “Shiputznicks” went to the getting together at the JCC and putting on the Ronald McDonald House and helped clean and organ“Shiputznick” T-shirt, the ize the place for the resivolunteers headed out to dents. Since they opened four different projects. in September of 1994, the Seventeen of the volunOmaha Ronald McDonald teers went straight to House has served families work for the Eastern from 44 states and six Nebraska Office on Aging countries. These families (ENOA). The mission of come to the Omaha area the ENOA is to enable for medical treatment for older Nebraskans to live their children. independently and remain They come to Omaha to for as long as possible in be with their sick child, their own homes. As one and the Ronald McDonald of 670 area agencies on House provides them with aging created by Congress a place to temporarily call under the Older home. The Omaha Ronald Americans Act, the McDonald House is near Eastern Nebraska Office Shiputznick teens take a break from yardwork. Teens raked most area hospitals. The on Aging serves families eight yards through the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. House includes family in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass and Washington coun- rooms, a large kitchen and dining area, a recreation ties. ENOA’s role is to ensure that the older adults with- room, a playroom, a laundry facility, a sun porch and in its region have access to a continuum of services that ample parking. enable them to remain active, independent and in their Last but not least, a group of six singers went to the own homes for as long as possible. The young volun- Rose Blumkin Jewish Home for a wild Karaoke session teers spent their afternoon raking and cleaning the with the residents of the Home. The Rose Blumkin back yards of these older adults. Jewish Home has been regarded as a premier long-term Another 15 volunteers went straight into the woods care facility in Omaha for decades. Continually striving to of the Boys and Girls Club of Carter Lake. Their mis- provide exceptional services and programs, the Home is sion is to help young people of all backgrounds, espe- able to meet the high expectations of the Omaha Jewish cially those coming from disadvantaged circumstances. community. Social activities abound at the Blumkin They believe all kids deserve their chance to develop Home. Daily activities and special events keep the resithe qualities they need to become responsible and pro- dents mentally and physically stimulated, and our teens ductive citizens and leaders. Chartered in 1961, Boys had a great time being a part of these activities. and Girls Clubs of Omaha, Inc. is an affiliate of Boys Tired but satisfied, the teens and chaperones met and Girls Club of America. They provide development together again for dinner and a discussion at the House services to kids, giving them an alternative to the street. of Hunan where we could share our thoughts and tell It’s a safe place for kids to play organized sports, Continued on page 2
7 Adar II, 5765 March 18, 2005
JNF and Caravan for Democracy Call for Investigation of Study Abroad Programs by MARA SUSKAUER Director of College Activists Jewish National Fund New York, NY--Jewish National Fund and Caravan for Democracy have launched a campaign requesting State Department intervention of university policies denying students the right to study abroad in Israel. University students and community members across the country are signing a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the State Department to investigate this issue. “A battle often lost by Jewish students today is the opportunity to study abroad in Israel,” says JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson. “The Israel on Campus Coalition currently is watching over 50 schools that they consider ‘discourage study in Israel.’ We’ve recently heard from frustrated students from the University of California system and the University of Colorado, still trying to find a way to spend their junior year abroad in Israel despite huge roadblocks put in place by their universities. And these are the students who actually are trying. We need a grassroots campaign to galvanize our community and our students about this issue,” he added. In the past few years, universities across the country that have cancelled their study abroad programs to Israel cite the State Department travel advisory warning and/or difficulty with insurance for students traveling in Israel among other reasons. The campaign has two targets: Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice and individual Campus Administration. In a letter signed by thousands of students and community members, Dr. Rice will be asked to reconsider the State Department travel warning to Israel and investigate its effect on university students who choose to study abroad at institutions of higher education. After all of the signatures have been collected, each campus will present their signatures to their Campus Administration with a letter asking them to reinstate and promote their study abroad programs. Continued on page 7 See related story on Birthright Israel on page 12
About to Acknowledge Cover-up, Argentina Begins New Probe of Blast by LARRY LUXNER BUENOS AIRES (JTA)--From their seventh-floor perch in downtown Buenos Aires, prosecutors Alberto Nisman and Marcelo Martinez Burgos have a sweeping view of this city’s most important public square, the bustling Plaza de Mayo. But the two men have had no time to enjoy the panorama. As chief prosecutors investigating the 1994 bombing of the AMIA headquarters only a few miles away, for the last six months Nisman and his chief deputy, Burgos, have been up to their necks in documents associated with the worst terrorist attack in Argentine history. On Thursday, this office will take center stage. That’s when President Nestor Kirchner will hand the two men top-secret files from Argentina’s intelligence agency, SIDE. The files are said to contain evidence never before seen by prosecutors attempting to discover who was behind the AMIA attack. Eighty-five people died in the attack, and some 300 were injured. “This is the first time in the history of Argentina that secret information is being declassified and given to people not associated with the intelligence services,” Burgos told JTA in an exclusive interview. The ceremony where Kirchner will release the files to Nisman and Burgos comes a day before top Argentine
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
officials meeting at the Washington headquarters of the Organization of American States are to assume legal responsibility for past administrations’ mishandling of the investigation.
Argentine President Nestor Kirchner, right, joins mourners during the Buenos Aires ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the AMIA bombing on July 18, 2004. Credit: Argentine National Presidency In so doing, they hope to re-establish Argentina’s credibility with the OAS and defuse a 1999 lawsuit brought before the group’s Inter-American Commission on Human Rights by Memoria Activa, a nonprofit group of AMIA victims’ relatives. Burgos says it’s time to stop deceiving victims and
their families about what really happened. “Unlike previous investigators, we’re going to work absolutely according to the letter of the law, no matter where it takes us,” he vowed. “We’re going to give all our efforts to this work.” Until now, the prosecutors’ office, the nerve center of the AMIA investigation, had been off-limits to journalists. But last week JTA became the first news organization to get past the front door, which is guarded by 24hour security personnel and a bank of closed-circuit TV monitors. The office, which takes up an entire floor in an old building used mainly by the government, was established after the conclusion of a three-year trial last year. After that trial, five policemen accused of complicity in the AMIA attack were released for lack of evidence. When JTA visited, workmen were busy installing telephone cables, laying carpet and welding iron bars on doors. Others were hauling boxes of files into a warehouse-like room fitted with metal shelving. Case documents fill up 658 volumes, each 200 pages long. Another 600 volumes detail each of the 30 or so lines of investigation, according to Burgos. “We are now ordering every one of these volumes,” he said. “It will take us four to five months to read and cross-reference this case.” Continued on page 4
This Week: Foundation Highlights Bess and Sam Rothenberg: Page 3 Coming March 25: Primary Election Issue Hadassah HIES Event Highlights Book Maven: Page 2
Teens “Negotiate” a Peace Settlement: Page 5
Former Omahan to Sign New Book: Page 7
Visions Makes Their Debut in Omaha: Page 12
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 18, 2005
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MARCH 18 Scholastic Book Fair, 8 a.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy SATURDAY, MARCH 19 Ma’agal Ha’rav (Gr. 7-12), 2:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Anniversary Purim Spiel, 7 p.m. at Beth El
C L I P & S A V E
SUNDAY, MARCH 20 Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El C Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Living Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El L Purim Carnival, noon at Temple Israel I Yachad at Purim Carnival, noon at Temple Israel P Israeli Movie Day, 4 p.m. Kripke Library “Sunday Night at the Movies”, 7 p.m. MONDAY, MARCH 21 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. BEAM, 7 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m. TLC “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading”, 7:30 p.m. Youth Commission Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El
& S A V E
TUESDAY, MARCH 22 Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. AZA Elections, 6 p.m. BBG Council Elections, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. TLC “Growth Through Torah”, 7:30 p.m. at private residence WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 Patter, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Hadassah HIES Fundraiser Program, 11:30 a.m. NCJW Board Meeting, noon Social Justice Club (Gr. 7-12), 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
C L I P &
THURSDAY, MARCH 24 Men’s Spirituality Group, 7:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Parenting 101, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Rabbi Levine’s Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. TLC “Meaning of Life” Class, 1 p.m. JSS Concert, 1 p.m. Megillah Reading, 5 p.m. at Beth Israel Purim Family Box Dinner and Service, 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Chabad House “Purimania”, 6 p.m. Megillah Reading & Purim Party, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El L.O.V.E Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
S A V E All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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by LESLI SHRAGO for the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah The start of spring brings the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah’s annual fundraiser to benefit Hadassah Israel Education Services (HIES). This year’s luncheon will be held Wednesday, March 23, 12:15 p.m., at Beth El Synagogue. Literacy and academic and career success are inextricably linked, so it is most appropriate that the HIES luncheon’s keynote speaker will be Omaha’s Jewish (and secular) community’s favorite “book lady”, Nancy Rips. Rips will present “Everything I Learned in Life I Learned from Books and a Few Side Trips to Bloomingdales!”, a look at life cycle events through some of Rips’ favorite books. A longtime bookseller in Omaha, Rips has been an active volunteer, board member and outspoken advocate on behalf of local libraries. Kripke Jewish Federation Library Administrator Gary Katz said, “Nancy is a great pleasure to work with and she personally has taken the library to new heights. She has made the library a place we can all be proud of and I thank her for that.” Rips was on the Omaha Public Library Board from 1993 to 1996 and has been on the Friends of the Omaha Public Library Board since 1997. She chaired the library’s observance of National Library Week in 2000 and developed a book giveaway project for Omaha’s juvenile court system in 2002. In 2004, she was the face and voice of the effort to save the Swanson Library branch at 90th Street and West Dodge Road, which was being threatened with closing due to budget constraints. She assembled volunteers and planned a successful rally and PR campaign. The city took notice and money was appropriated to keep Swanson open and eventually to restore hours at all library branches that had been reduced as a result of the lack of funding. Rivkah Sass, Executive Director of the Omaha Public Library, moved here several years ago from the Pacific Northwest, having lived and worked in both Portland, and Seattle, cities renowned for their well-funded and enthusiastically supported library systems. She said, “Nancy Rips is more than a woman who loves books and reading. She is a force of nature. If we could bottle Nancy’s essence, the literacy rate in this country would be 110%!” On behalf of the planning committee, Bette Kozlen said, “Hadassah invites the community to come and enjoy a fun-filled event.” Assisting Kozlen with luncheon plans are Harriet Marcus, Sally Masnek, Esther Wax
and Phyllis Zabin. The cost to attend is $11.50 per person and free babysitting will be available. Taxdeductible donations will enable young Israeli men and women to receive academic guidance and training for careers in Israel’s competitive, high-tech economy at Hadassah College Jerusalem (formerly Hadassah College of Technology) and Hadassah Career Counseling Institute (HCCI). Hadassah College was founded in 1970, but Hadassah first initiated projects in the field of professional education in 1942 with the establishment of a vocational high school, a center for professional training and a center for career counseling. Today, Hadassah College has both technological and academic departments serving students from all over Israel and from all sectors of the population. The Tachlit Center for Continuing Education is dedicated to professional development and retraining. Hadassah College offers academic and associate degrees in computer science, medical laboratory science, optometry, industrial design, cinema and television production, printing and computer graphics, photography and digital media, software engineering and hotel management. A current fundraising campaign will help to furnish the Esther Gottesman Center for Technology including state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and video conferencing to enhance classroom teaching and students’ hands-on learning. Five students from the HCJ Department of Photography and Digital Media recently were awarded scholarships by the American Israel Cultural Foundation, which supports promising photographers, painters, sculptors, potters, jewelers, graphic artists, stage designers and architects. Two of the five recipients are immigrants from the former Soviet Union. HCCI, Israel’s leader in the field of career guidance and counseling, offers extensive educational and vocational counseling and research facilities. More than 40,000 individuals benefit each year from the Institute’s many programs for olim (new immigrants, particularly those from Ethiopia), women wanting to enter the work force, anyone seeking to switch occupations, Army graduates and young people who desire to find their ideal career. Reservations for the luncheon and/or donations made payable to the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah should be mailed to Sally Masnek, 1314 No. 113 Ct., #4601, Omaha, NE 68154. Please indicate how many people are attending and how many children need the sitter. For more information or to phone in late reservations (payable at the door), contact Sally at 493.9207.
Teen Mitzvah Day Continued from page 1 Abramson, Jaclyn Adelson, Carolyn Barenbaumabout our individual experiences of the day. We fin- Meyers, Emily Giller, Abby Ginsburg, Hamutal ished this wonderful day with a Ginsburg, Allison Levinger, Alyssa great slide show presentation of Morris, Jackie Neesman, Jason pictures from the day that were Rich, Sarah Sherman and Sarah taken by some of the volunteers Spooner. Volunteering for The and put together by Gal Tsabari, Boys and Girls Club of Carter The BBG Omaha Council president. Lake: David Anderson, Eugene The next “Shiputznick” project Ayol, Daniel Canfield, Adi Gill, will be volunteering at this year’s Matan Gill, Henry Ginsburg, Lev Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration Ginsburg, Marty Kaplan, Nick scheduled for Sunday, May 15. We Laudin, Ari Levin, Ben Nachman, hope to see some new faces in Marty Nachman, Adam Simons, addition to our great young volunDavid Trubnikov and Alex Wolf. teers. Volunteers at the Rose Blumkin Our Shiputznick Teen Mitzvah Jewish Home: Naomi Fox, Angela Day volunteers include: Eastern Friedman, Audrey Gerber, Shayna Nebraska Office on Aging: Sam Nathan Fineman and chaperone Mark Kelln Kurland, Rachel Reno and Anderson, Lindsay Belmont, Sean bag leaves at the home of a senior citizen. Chelsea Taxman. Bernstein, Alex Epstein, Nathan Fineman, Nimrod Chaperones included: Leora Azriel, Debbie Friedman, Ginsburg, Yelena Ginsburg, Leslie Graul, Corey Green, Mark Kelln, Caryn Rifkin, Matt Shapiro, Melissa Shapiro, Alex Krutik, Sam Long, Aaron Murow, Daniel Murow, and Toby Schonfeld. For more Information about the Zach Muskin, Alex Raksin, Danny Raznick and Anna “Shiputznick” project, contact me at 334. 6403 or Turetsky. The Ronald McDonald House: Erin ulevin@jccomaha.org.
Beth Israel Offers “Pesach To Go!” by MARY BORT For Beth Israel Synagogue Wondering what to serve during your seder dinner? Wonder no more! Beth Israel will once again offer “Pesach To Go!” Beth Israel’s caterer, Nancy Mattly, and her staff will cook up a delicious assortment of kosher for Passover foods you and your family can enjoy during the holiday. Orders are being accepted through April 6 and will be available for pick up on Friday, April 22. Items for “Pesach To Go” include: Brisket (8 oz. serving) $9; Roasted Chicken (1/2 chicken) $8; One Pan Mushroom-Onion Farfel Kugel (9-12 servings) $20; One Pan Vegetarian Tzimmes, 9-12 servings) $25; One
Pound Ashkenazic-style Charoset, $5; One Pound Moroccan-style Charoset, $6.50; Gefilte fish loaf (8-10 servings) $10; and Matzo Ball Soup (two matzo balls with one cup of soup) $4.50. Thanks to an arrangement with Helene Shrago at Bag ‘n Save, Beth Israel will also take orders through April 6 for Shmurah Matza. The matza will be available in one-pound boxes, packed with about eight whole matzot per box, $16 per pound/box. Orders will be available for pick up in the office the week before Pesach. Please call me at the office, 556.6288, to place your orders. All “Pesach To Go!” orders and Shmurah Matzah orders must be placed by Wednesday, April 6.
March 18, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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A Matter of Giving Back to the Community by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Public Relations Coordinator Their story is typical of the generation born just before and right after the dawn of the twentieth century. Bess Horwich, the daughter of immigrants from Lithuania and Russia who were sponsored by a relative already settled in Omaha, was born in Omaha in 1907. Bess grew up in south Omaha and attended Youngman Elementary School and graduated from South High School. Samuel Rothenberg was born in Romania in 1897 and immigrated to the United States through Galveston, Texas, when he was 13 years old, with his parents and three sisters. They lived at first in “Castle Garden,” an immigrant neighborhood on South 10th Street in Omaha. Samuel graduated from Omaha High School of Commerce. “They both came from medium to large, traditional, English speaking, close families,” explained Naomi Rothenberg Arnold, Bess and Samuel’s daughter. “Neither had the opportunity to attend college,” because they had to work to help support their families. “Bess was a talented pianist and elocutionist.” She worked as a secretary and a hat and glove model for Supercraft Garment Company and for Omaha Hat Factory until she and Samuel were married in 1934. They met at a Hadassah Tea Dance in late 1933, said Naomi, and were married by Rabbi David Goldstein at the home of Bess's sister and brother-in-law, Mollye and Al Wohlner. Samuel, who had had a clothing and dry goods store, Klein and Rothenberg, in Missouri Valley, Iowa, in the 1920s, later worked for Micklin Lumber Company for many years. Eventually, he owned Capital Rag and Metal Company and Service Junk Company. Bess, involved in many organizations, served as president of Hadassah, was a long-time Federation volunteer, and was active as an adult advisor or chaperone at many of her children’s activities. Although Bess and Sam had four children, two of them died at birth. Their surviving children, David and Naomi, attended Washington Elementary School and graduated from Central High School. “Our growing up
was pretty typical for the 50s with Hebrew School, Scouts and Camp Fire Girls, piano and violin lessons, BBG, Rayim, and USY,” said Naomi. “Education was stressed for both children, and holidays were spent with family.” D a v i d attended Omaha University Samuel Rothenberg and served Bess Rothenberg with the U.S. Army in Germany. He worked for Service Junk Company and later for the Omaha World-Herald. He was 55 when he died in 1993. Naomi, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, taught in the St. Paul, Minnesota, school system for several years and was also the membership director of the St. Paul Jewish Community Center. In 1965, she married Neil Arnold, a physician, and they live in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. They have three children and five grandchildren. Bess Rothenberg purchased an annuity, explained her daughter, as an investment for her retirement. Shortly before her 90th birthday, Naomi said, Bess decided to make the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Beth El Synagogue, and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home the beneficiaries of the annuity. “She had lived in Omaha all of her life and had both given to the community and benefited from it,” according to Naomi. For four years, Bess lived at the Blumkin Home where “she enjoyed the activities and was well taken care of,” remarked Naomi. “It was comforting to know that there was a place like family she could go to.” Naomi recalled how she benefited as well from scholarships to attend Herzl Camp, USY Camp and conventions, and a trip to Israel. “We wanted to give something back so others could benefit as we had.” According to the terms of an agreement with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, the Samuel
and Bess Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund was established from the annuity to sponsor or co-sponsor musical and theatrical programs at the Jewish Community Center (JCC). To enable senior citizens in the community to attend music programs and performances, a portion of the endowment can be allocated for transportation assistance by Jewish Senior Services. Bess was still attending music programs at the Blumkin Home and the JCC until days before she died, Naomi noted. “It therefore seemed a fitting way” to use the endowment income for transportation for seniors to attend music events. A second endowment fund generated from the annuity will provide additional funds for the Blumkin Home to use for transporting residents of the Home and individuals residing in the community to medical appointments, on shopping excursions, and for other needs. Remaining distributions from the annuity will be added to the Jewish Federation’s unrestricted endowment and allocated to Beth El Synagogue. “Beth El is very grateful to the Rothenberg family and their daughter Naomi for their generous contribution in setting up an endowment fund for Beth El Synagogue for the enriching opportunities it will provide to the Beth El family,” said Larry DeBruin, executive director of the synagogue. Marty Ricks, Federation Foundation executive director, also emphasized “the importance of receiving this outstanding and very generous gift from the Rothenberg family. Not only will our Jewish cultural arts program have additional funds to provide music and theatrical programs, but also the senior citizens in our community will be encouraged to attend. A provision in the agreement requires the program or event to be held in that part of the ‘J’ that has sufficient access for those using walkers or in wheel chairs. Finally, that portion of the annuity designated for the Federation’s unrestricted endowment fund will provide support each year for all agencies supported by the Federation. So to Naomi, my Central High classmate of ‘a few years ago,’ and to her family,” stated Ricks, “the Foundation and Federation gratefully recognize this outstanding generosity of her parents.”
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 18, 2005
Argentina Begins New Probe of Blast Continued from page 1 his management of the case. “How can it Burgos, 37, is a criminal prosecutor with be that 10 years after the attack, we still 10 years of experience under his belt. He can’t determine the ID number of the chashad expected to be able to start working sis of the vehicle used in the bombing?” on the case as soon as he was appointed Just outside Burgos’ office, an elaborate to his post, but bureaucracy got in the blackboard displays a diagram of the way. investigations being pursued. Among them “For the last four or five months, we’ve are looks at the “Triple Frontier,” where been trying to find resources to train peo- Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet; the ple and set up the office so-called “pista Siria” or so we could do our job,” “Syrian connection”; the local Burgos said. “We have lost Muslim community; and all this time just dealing “Testigo C” or Witness C, an with bureaucracy. You investigation that involves a have to put out three forforeign intelligence service mal bids in order to buy a that Burgos declined to idencomputer. We have to tify. struggle just to get an According to Alejandro Rua, Internet connection.” the top Justice Ministry offiNisman, who is Jewish, cial responsible for the AMIA and Burgos, who isn’t, investigation, the prime susoversee a staff of some 45 pects are now in either people and an annual Lebanon or Iran. budget of slightly more “What we know is that the than $300,000. Burgos says Rescuers sift through the rub- attack was done with a he needs more than twice ble in the aftermath of the July Trafic”--a kind of Renault-1994 AMIA Jewish cultural “and that we have some that amount. center bombing in Buenos sketches of who could have “We’re struggling to Credit: DYN/Archivo been tied to this vehicle,” Rua Aires. increase it,” he said. In the meantime, the two men are over- told the Buenos Aires daily Pagina 12 last worked: They arrive at 8 a.m. and general- Friday. ly don’t leave before 9:30 p.m. “Iranians, Colombians, foreigners who “We’re going to take every action neces- lived in Argentina for several years were sary to determine who made the bomb part of this plan,” he continued. “It appears and where it was made, which groups that Samuel el-Reda,” a Colombian convert entered the country from outside, how to Islam and husband of a secretary of the they entered, and who participated in this former Iranian cultural attache, Moshen act locally,” he said. Rabbani, “and a man from the Triple “The Ministry of Justice owes a debt to Frontier with a mobile telephone under the Argentine society because it didn’t advance name of Andre Marquez coordinated the this investigation for six years while it was operation.” being coordinated” by investigative judge Rua deflected criticism of his agency, Juan Jose Galeano, who was taken off the saying that important evidence exists that case and now faces trial for impropriety in implicates both Rabbani and el-Reda.
Temple Scholar Weaves History of Jewish Struggles and Success in America’s Tapestry by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Borrowing the name of the Library of Congress exhibit, “From Haven to Home,” which opened in September 2004, Pamela S. Nadell, professor of history and director of the Jewish Studies Program at American University, took those who attended her discussions at Temple Israel on a journey of 350 years of Jewish life in America. She was Temple’s scholar-in-residence March 4-6. In her D’var Torah at Friday evening worship services, Professor Nadell spoke of President Theodore Roosevelt’s rule of not writing letters on the occasion of any celebration, because he would then have had to write hundreds of such letters. He made an exception 100 years ago writing just weeks after the 1905 Kishinev pogrom. He spoke of the “terrible suffering” of Jews “in other lands” and expressed his deep sympathy to the community. He also pointed out the “fine qualities of citizenship” displayed by those who came to “our shores within the last 25 years as refugees reduced to the direst straits of penury and misery.” Professor Nadell, who is also chair of the Academic Council of the American Jewish Historical Society, noted that in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower attended the dinner celebrating the 300th anniversary of Jews settling in America. On that occasion, Irving Berlin sang “God Bless America,” which he composed. “I imagine that years from now when historians study this anniversary,” Professor Nadell added, “they will count Temple Israel in a long list of hundreds of organizations, Jewish and not, which paused to celebrate this historic anniversary.” She also participated in Bagels and Sacred Books, Temple’s study group on Saturday mornings that precedes Shabbat services. The topic was “Seeking Haven and Making Lives.” On Sunday morning, Professor Nadell continued her discussion, this time concentrating on Jewish women from the colonial era to the present. Continually reshaping their roles as Jews
and as members of their synagogues and communities, Professor Nadell gave an overview of how women conceptualized their ideas of Jewish womanhood over 350 years at home, in synagogues, as volunteers, and in the public eye.
Silvia Roffman (left) and her mother, Debby Greene right) met Professor Pamela Nadell when she was at Temple Israel as a scholarin-residence earlier this month. “She was fabulous,” according to Debbie Smedlund. Professor Nadell “could talk on a normal person’s level. What a great experience to hear how women paved the way. I’m so glad people like (Professor Nadell) can come through Omaha.” Rosalie Meiches agreed. “I thought she was excellent, extremely interesting.” Meiches has been reading about American Jewish history lately and found the weekend to be “a great follow-up. The early pioneers really intrigued me. My interest is really piqued,” she added intending to study the subject even more. Professor Nadell “really covered a lot of material,” said Gary Marshall, “but she kept everyone engaged. She broke it down so people could digest it.” He was struck by the professor’s description of “the powerful influence” of Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold’s role “in such a critical time.” As the father of a 13-year-old daughter, Marshall admitted that in light of what he had heard throughout the weekend, he was intrigued by the question of what the next generation of Jewish women should ponder. Professor Nadell’s residency was sponsored by Temple Israel’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.
Community Jewish Singles To Host Progressive Dinner by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator A new Jewish singles group geared to adults ages 45 to 65, has scheduled a progressive dinner at 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, at Beth El Synagogue. Beth El’s Program Director Harriet Einziger is coordinating the event, during which attendees will move to different tables with each course of the meal, allowing everyone to become acquainted. “We welcome singles from throughout the entire Jewish community to take part in this event,” Einziger said, emphasizing that the group’s planning committee is
comprised of a diverse group of individuals from every Omaha synagogue. Committee member Ron Gordon of Beth Israel Synagogue expressed enthusiasm with the establishment of CJS, and encouraged others to attend the upcoming dinner. “I think that Community Jewish Singles fills a need in our community,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the April 3 dinner – it will be a great opportunity to see some familiar faces and make new acquaintances.” Cost for the dinner is $12; dinner reservations may be made by contacting Einziger at 492-8550.
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Teens Negotiate Peace Settlement at ADL’s Manhigim Institute by JORDANA GLAZER understood that this very small but important “city” The weather was beautiful outdoors, but ADL’s shares municipal services such as water, electricity and Manhigim Institute Participants spent their Sunday a sewer system. Wherever possible, visual aids and afternoon behind closed doors, literally. Last month, props were displayed throughout the JCC. the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Jewish The tour concluded peacefully with only minor issues Education and Learning Services (JELS) combined such as the Palestinian/Christian Delegation taking over forces to facilitate the first the negotiation headquarters ever Jerusalem Seminar, a of the Israeli/Armenians. model Camp David of sorts The challenge for the deleto provide Jewish youth a gates was to come up with a taste of the complex issues proposal for dividing the city. associated with the Middle Meeting separately, Matalon East peace process. and Levin worked with each The afternoon began with student delegation to develop a sampling of Middle a proposal that would be Eastern food. Following accepted by the other delegafalafel and hummus, Guy tion without compromising Matalon, Director of JELS, their security and “red lines.” presented an overview of Proposals and counterthe central issues surround- Manhigim students in the midst of final negotiations during proposals were exchanged Credit: Amnon Dotan and with a half hour remaining the Middle East peace Jerusalem Seminar. process: borders, Palestinian refugees, settlements and ing, the two delegations met in the JELS conference Jerusalem. room for final negotiation. “We chose to focus the seminar on Jerusalem because But there was more. The students had an additional it is a microcosm of all of these issues,” said Matalon. challenge and incentive to reach a peaceful solution. If Participants were given maps of Israel, notebooks and they could arrive at a reasonable agreement in the last cards identifying them with one of the four quarters of half hour, they would be rewarded. Amazingly, the the Old City: Israeli, Palestinian, Christian or Armenian. prize did not prevent either delegation from standing Prior to the program, many of the students had little their ground on issues critical to security and quality of understanding of the complexities of a city revered by life of their people. In the end, delegates met half-way. three different religions and multiple cultures. Using a Highlights of the agreement included: the Palestinians multi-media presentation, Uri Levin, Omaha’s resident agreed to allow Israelis to maintain security over the shaliach, provided participants with a visual context of canteen (the ramp overlooking the Kotel); joint security Israel and Jerusalem. Uri then introduced a map of the would be provided by the Israelis and Palestinians at JCC which had been divided into sections designed to the Jaffa Gate; the Shuk (market) would be under emulate the four quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. Palestinian authority with security cameras monitored In transforming the JCC, the Friedel Academy served as by the Palestinians and Israelis; and the Palestinians the Temple Mount; the Canteen represented the ramp would pay taxes for municipal services, but the Israelis overlooking the Kotel (Western Wall); the Fitness agreed to keep prices fair and provide assurance that Center, ADL and Federation offices were designated as services would not be denied or interrupted. the Armenian and Christian quarters; and the pool area With one minute remaining under the strict mediation became the Jewish Quarter. of tough independent mediator, ADL Regional Director Given their new identification, student delegates Bob Wolfson, the groups tied up their loose ends and were led on tours of ‘JCC Jerusalem’ by Levin, the there was peace! News coverage was intense: Amnon Israeli leader, and Matalon, the Palestinian leader. Each Dotan filmed the event and is editing a video summary. provided delegates with an insider’s “take” on plans to With pro-Palestinian forces at work on campuses divide Jerusalem. For example, Levin expressed con- across America, the hope is that this program will cerns that if the Palestinians were to have control over inspire students to delve deeper into the issues and the Canteen, the security of Jews at the Kotel would be give them confidence to speak to the issues when concompromised. Matalon, on the other hand, discussed fronted with anti-Semitic or anti-Israel rhetoric. One how the Western Wall tunnels running under the participant commented, “Having mock-negotiations Muslim Quarter, impact the structural integrity of that help me understand how difficult and complex these area. By touring the JCC utility basement, both groups problems are to solve.”
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Purim at Beth El Promises Fun for Everyone! by JILL BELMONT tricks, cheerleading stunts and panBeth El Publicity Coordinator tomiming talents. Everyone attending Purim’s just around the corner, will be invited to show off their Shushan and at Beth El Synagogue, this finery during an all-ages costume year’s festivities are shaping up to parade, and face-painting and caricature be a real three-ring circus, with fun drawing will be offered to attendees. for every age group under the sun! Directly following the festivities, the Kicking off the celebration will be complete Megillah reading will take the synagogue’s first-ever “Pour ‘em place in the chapel, and will also be read Shpiel” (for adults only) on again on Friday, March 25, 6 a.m. Rita Paskowitz Saturday, March 19, 8 p.m. Billed The fun continues on Sunday, March as ‘an evening of mishigas!’ the Shpiel will feature a rock 27, 11:15 a.m.-2 p.m., at the annual BILU/USY Purim ‘n’ roll Megillah: “The Shenanigans of Shushan,” belly Carnival, in the synagogue’s social hall. Games, delidancers, mimes, live music and dancing. In addition, cious lunch fare and fun galore await everyone who guests will be treated to specialty drinks and martinis, attends, as well as a silent auction and fabulous raffle delicious catered appetizers and desserts, door prizes and prizes! Kadima, Beth El’s seventh-and-eighth-grade fun-filled surprises! The community is invited; cost is $25 youth group, is co-sponsoring this fun-filled annual and tickets may be purchased at the door. event, with assistance from the BESTT Youth During the Family Megillah reading on Thursday, Commission, Men’s Club and Sisterhood. March 24, 6:30 p.m., Purim revelers of all ages will Tickets (five for $1 before March 27; four for $1 on join together in the sanctuary to boo Haman, cheer the day of the carnival) and raffle tickets ($1 each; buy Esther, and hear the story of Purim. And as a special 10, get one free) may be purchased through any USY treat, attendees will be entertained by the dynamic tal- or Kadima members. Cost of meal tickets is $6, and ents of renowned storyteller Rita Paskowitz, who cau- combo packages (consisting of one meal ticket and 10 tions the merry-makers to “be prepared to laugh, learn, game tickets) are $7 prior to March 27, and $8.50 the and love the holiday of Purim like never before!” day of the carnival. Proceeds from the carnival will be Following the reading, some serious clowning used in the youth group’s Tikkun Olam Fund, and around will take place during a fun-filled family-friend- will also help to fund scholarships for conventions and ly celebration, “Under the Beth El Big Top!” membership costs. Orchestrated by reigning Purim ringmaster “The For more information about the carnival or to purAmazing Bogomolni (otherwise known as Beth El’s chase meal tickets, contact the synagogue’s youth advicantor), the ‘Greatest Show on California Street’ will star sor, Rachel Katskee, at 492.8550. Beth El youngsters performing gymnastic feats, magic
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March 18, 2005
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TORAH LEARNING CENTER All classes are taught by Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman. Please call him at 981.0569 for more information. Mondays, 7:30 p.m.: “The Siddur: The bestselling book of Kaballah” in the Omaha Room of the JCC. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.: “Growth Through Torah” at a private residence. Thursdays, 1 p.m.: “Meaning of Life & Other Business” based on The Way of G-d by Rabbi Chaim Luzatto, also in the Omaha Room of the JCC.
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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Ronald Simkins will be the guest speaker on Wednesday, March 23, noon at the Park Inn Regency, according to Marty Ricks. Simkins is an Associate Professor of Theology and Classical & Near Eastern Studies, Director of the Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society at Creighton. Cost is $11 for a full lunch and $3 for beverage service only. YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday, for the Northwest High School Swing Choir at the JCC. Lunch will be served at noon. Cost is $6 per person. Join us for bingo with Eileen Remer at 10 a.m.; exercise is at 10:30 a.m., and the discussion group is at 11 a.m. Call Dee Dee for transportation at 330.4272. Call Maggie for reservations at 334.6521. Join us for the Ameristar Casino on Thursday, March 31 (receive $5 in chips and a $5 food voucher). Cost is $5 per person. Make reservations by March 24. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Lomir Redn Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Tour the Hindu Temple and enjoy lunch at Mediterranean Bistro on Monday, April 11. Join Visions at 11 a.m. at the Mediterranean Bistro for lunch. Individual checks will include tax and gratuity. Following lunch, meet at the Hindu Temple (13010 Arbor) for an informative presentation and escorted tour. The wearing of shoes is not permitted within the structure, so wear easily removable footwear. A minimum tax deductible donation, payable to Visions, of $2 each or $3 per couple, is requested. Send to: Sandy and Fred Bromley, 13419 Marinda Street, Omaha, NE 68144. For transportation, contact Maggie Conti at 334.6521 by April 2. Make checks payable to Visions. The Omaha Community Playhouse-Fonda McGuire Series presents Dirty Blonde on Thursday, May 5. Cost is $17.50 per person. Join us for dinner at 5 p.m. at the Olive Garden on your own. Send reservations to: Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plaza #101, Omaha, NE 68114, by Apirl 8. For information, call Jean Elkon at 551.6656. Make check payable to Visions. Tour the Tulip Festival in Orange City on Thursday, May 19. Cost is $53 per person. Depart from the JCC at 7 a.m. and return by approximately 7 p.m. The trip
includes lunch in Orange City, guided tour of the tulips, Orange City Stage/Street Performances, shopping, professional escort. Send reservations to: Anne Skolkin, 1010 Regency Parkway #302, Omaha, NE 68114, by April 20. Make check payable to Visions. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES JSS presents a Mezzo Soprano Concert with Shelley Waite on Thursday, March 24, 1 p.m. at the JCC. The concert is free and open to the public. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334.6521. KRIPKE JEWISH FEDERATION LIBRARY On March 20, 7 p.m., in the JCC Theater, the Kripke Jewish Federation Library is having a free movie night. Clinical Psychologist, Steve Skulsky will host a hot movie discussion with cool snacks afterwards. It’s our way of saying, Hooray for Hollywood!” The “Sunday Night at the Movies” evening is free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the Kripke Library at 334.6462.
BIRTH Debra Somberg and Johannes Koch of Seattle, WA announce the Feb. 15 birth of their son, Joshua Matthias, named for his late great-grandfather, Morton Richards. Joshua has two sisters, Mikaela and Alexandra. Grandparents are Suzanne Richards Singer and Ray and Susie Somberg and Maria-Luise and Gebhard Koch of Hamburg, Germany.
Introduction to Talmud Class Offered by JELS by MARY SUE GROSSMAN JELS Administrator Jewish Educational & Library Services presents an Introduction to Talmud class, led by Guy Matalon, JELS Executive Director. The Talmud consists of thousands of years of Jewish wisdom and its study has been a constant throughout the ages. Utilizing hands-on text study and a special PowerPoint presentation, Matalon will introduce students to rabbinic literature. Sessions will focus on passages to help familiarize participants with the traditional structure used in Talmud study and lead to the analysis and discussion. There are no prerequisites except a commitment to Jewish learning and a desire to enter the realm of the Talmud. The class will meet from on April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The cost is $36. To register or for any questions, please contact the JELS office at 334.6445 or via email at mgrossman@jewishomaha.org or visit the Jewish Educational & Library Services page on the Federation website at www.jewishomaha.org.
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by DUANE J. PIEPER The interactive, hands-on portion of the exhibit was The excursion was billed as the Yachad “Space the most instructive and fun for Yachad. These activiEscape”. Earth’s nearest neighbor was our destination ties included the opportunity to create a dust devil, and we all became more familiar experiment with fog, see the with it after visiting the new Mars effects of wind, compare the size Quest exhibit at the Strategic Air of volcanoes on Earth with those and Space Museum. The 5,000 on Mars and feel the temperature square-foot exhibit was developed difference between the two planby the Space Science Institute in ets. With the wind blowing outColorado and NASA. This is the side as we arrived and the tradifirst time the exhibit has traveled to tional cold winter days here in the Midwest. Nebraska, we could relate to the Mars has been in recent news conditions on Mars. with the launch of two rovers in The group also had the June 2003. Visitors are given an opportunity to see some of those opportunity at controlling a Mars Yachad members observe an exhibit that mim- awesome airplanes in the rover at the exhibit. However, as ics fog on Mars: Jeff Steinberg, left, Josh Museum’s permanent exhibit. For experienced by a couple of the Parsow, Grace and Nancy Isler. a recap on the details and history Yachad members, the rover is not your typical video of these planes speak with Michael Uehling at our next game when you factor in coping with time delay and Yachad event; Michael knows his airplanes. other various space issues. By the end of the space tour, most of our weary travEven though each exhibit was well displayed, Yachad elers were ready to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere had a guide to explain the various aspects of the exhib- near the snack bar. The gravitational pull of sodas and it. She pointed out the differences and similarities snacks was the common denominator for all of us and between our own planet and that of Mars. The more the menu board needed no explanation. we learn about Mars, the better we understand our own Join Yachad at their next event--the Purim Carnival at environment here on Earth. Temple Israel on Sunday, March 20. RSVP at 334.6419.
March 18, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
The Face of the Naked Lady and Omaha Blues, Part One
Federation Celebrates, Educates by MARCIA KUSHNER for the Jewish Federation of Lincoln Earlier this month, 90 members of the Jewish Federation of Lincoln along with other invited guests attended the premiere of King of the Corner at the Ross Theater. After spirited applause when the film ended, the sold-out audience participated in a question and answer session with the director, Peter Riegert, and script writer, and Gerald Shapiro, English professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Peter Riegert and Gerald Shapiro spoke at the premiere of King of the Corner in Lincoln. Credit: Gayle Folda At the reception, the audience had an opportunity to congratulate Riegert and Shapiro on their film, which resonated with both the Jewish and non-Jewish audience. The Harris Center for Judaic Studies, the Jewish Federation of Lincoln, the UNL English Department, and the University of Nebraska Press sponsored the reception. Major donors to the Lincoln Federation also attended a brunch at the home of Alan Tomkins and Vicky Weisz, featuring Riegert and Shapiro. Donors received an autographed copy of Shapiro’s Bad Jews, upon which the film was based. The deli-brunch featured whitefish salad from Zabars of New York City, bialys made by Shapiro and Vicky Weisz’s ruggelach. Network Regional Director Mark Weintraub and Campaign Chairman Sue Schreiber spoke about Federation needs. Gary Hill recently returned from Syria, Lebanon and Ethiopia and reported on immigration to Israel and the costs involved.
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What is special about Jewish Omaha? What provokes two established Jewish authors to publish books two months apart, years after they’ve left our tornado and blizzard prone city. I am talking about The Face of a Naked Lady, An Omaha Family Mystery by Michael Rips and Omaha Blues: A Memory Loop by Joseph Lelyveld, due out in April but excerpted in the March 6 issue of the New York Times Magazine. Both authors are sons of the Omaha Jewish establishment, and not unnaturally their parents left a deep impression. Rips is a fifth generation Omahan. Joseph is the son of Temple Israel’s Rabbi Arthur Lelyveld. Childhood memories blur between no memory, vague memory, incorrectly remembered memory, and fabricated memory. This naturally creates unanswered questions. Is that really me in the baby picture? Was I adopted? How come my older family remembers talks about a house I have no memory of? What fears and anxieties does the home nurture that is baggage for the rest of life? What are the earliest family simchas, vacations, and traumas that leave a lasting, if not clear or accurate impression? This is the rumination of memoir and autobiography. Rip’s first book Pasquale’s Nose: Idle Days in an Italian Town was set in Tuscany. It is a series of
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vignettes, stories and characters picked at an Italian piazza. Typically the author at the beginning of writing a story, fact or fiction, does not know how the story will end. Writing the story changes the writer. Rips takes the reader on a magical mystery tour. The publisher, Houghton Mifflin, describes his new book as “darkly humorous” and a “profoundly moving memoir of identity lost and found.” A mystery is a mystery, not to be revealed here. But I can tell you that in this memory romp you will find things out about the Rips family, Central High School, murder, brothels, bootlegging, slaughterhouses, factories, disappeared hotels, and Omaha race relations. Michael Rips will be signing his book The Face of the Naked Lady in Omaha at the Bookworm in Countryside Village on Thursday, March 24, 6-8 p.m.
Gary Kudym, CLU, has recently completed the requirements for the latest designation offered by the American College, Chartered Advisor of Senior Living, (CASL). This designation is designed to help better understand and meet the unique needs, issues and decisions facing today’s seniors. This program provides insurance agents with the understanding and knowledge that will help them deal with retired clients and clients planning for retirement. Two areas of study of this designation are properly selecting long term care insurance and medicare supplement insurance. He has been a State Farm Agent for 16 years in Omaha and is the first of 16,000 State Farm Agents nationwide to receive the chartered advisor of senior living designation. Currently, he is working towards another designation, Registered Health Underwriter, (RHU). He plans on completing this designation by June of this year. In the fight against cancer, Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., has always had hope. Now, the director of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Eppley Cancer Center, would like to share that hope on the wrist of every Nebraskan. As a result, the Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center are selling Nebraska-red “Hope” bracelets to raise awareness about cancer. “We called it the ‘Hope’ bracelet because of everything that word embodies; hope for a cure, hope for breakthroughs, hope for new treatments, and hope for better lives,” said Jane Rips, a Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center board member. All proceeds from the bracelets, which cost $2 each, support cancer research at UNMC. The bracelets are available online at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center Web site www.unmc.edu/cancercenter, as well as on the UNMC campus at the Cornerstone Gift Shop, UNMC Bookstore, Center for Healthy Living and The Lied Transplant Center, the cancer treatment center on third floor and transplant clinic on second floor.
Investigation of Study Abroad Continued from page 1 Components of the campaign include: • The online petition, found at: www.jnf.org/site/ R?i=lBrYitwzTJYwZEjvEDSKzw, addressing Dr. Rice, to be presented to her at the conclusion of the campaign at the end of April. • Supporters sending an e-mail to their local government representatives through the Caravan website, letting their representatives know they support this campaign and hope that Sec. Rice’s re-examination of the travel warning and its effects on study abroad will lead to increased study abroad for American students. • Student leaders present finished petition to Campus Administration. To view and sign the letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the State Department, visit www.jnf.org/site/R?i=PCbsdT9PsG4wZEjvEDSKzw or www.jnf.org/site/R?i=0b-zDtw0XPIwZEjvEDSKzw. See related Birthright Israel story on page 12
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 18, 2005
Opinion Living in a Kafka-esque World Do you ever feel like the character in Kafka’s Metamorphosis? Gregor Samsar goes to sleep a man and wakes up an insect. Like Gregor’s, it is strange world in which we live-just listen to the newscasts and talk shows-you’ll think you’re a character in a Kafka novel, too. To wit: Charlie Rose’s interview of former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark, the lawyer who defended the notorious Slobodan Milosevic, the butcher of Belgrade, and Mohammed Daoud al Owhali, the truckdriver terrorist whose bombs left hundreds dead and even more injured at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1998. Clark, who is now defending the butcher of Baghdad (only a change of location, not deed), insisted on the Charlie Rose Show Monday night that his role as Saddam Hussein’s attorney of record is “protecting the former president’s rights.” He’s not the only one in his skewed vision of the world. There’s University of Colorado’s Ward Churchill, now famous for asserting that the “9/11 victims” were “not innocent” but were “little Eichmanns” and the hijackers were not terrorists, but “combat teams.” But no one can top the late Edward Said, a Columbia University professor who claimed birth in “British-controlled Palestine” to poor parents, but who was actually born into a wealthy family in Cairo, Egypt. Said, who died in 2003, was actually a gifted musician. Had he confined his commentary to the arts, he might have risen even higher in academia, but instead, his book, Orientalism, changed the field of Middle Eastern studies in universities across North
America--and not in a good way. His thesis is that it is the fault of the West (America, in particular) for the problems of the Arab world. In fact, he compared the Bush administration in its first term to the Taliban. Ronald Radush in a Frontpage.com article on March 8, 2002, goes even further, stating Said asserted that the Bush administration--“the enemy of the world”--“is the United States and our democratically elected leaders.” Now you don’t have to agree with George W. Bush, or his administration. You don’t have to agree with the Republican majority in the House and Senate, but “the enemy of the world”? Of course, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that Ramsey Clark is a great admirer of Edward Said. (Wonder what he thinks of Ward Churchill?) It’s an upside-down world today, where Holocaust revisionists dispute the facts of World War II, where 23-part television programs shown in Egypt, Syria and Iran are based on the notorious Protocols of the Elders of Zion pamphlet forged in Russia more than a century ago. It’s crazy when European countries refuse to admit that organizations like Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah conduct terrorist operations against innocent civilians or that children are legitimate targets for suicide bombers. But, hey--we should be used to this-we’re Jews. And, our history teaches us that a tyrant will rise in every century to attempt to destroy us. So first, we’ll celebrate Purim (Thursday night and Friday next week) and our victory over the evil Haman, and a month later, we’ll celebrate
(Founded in 1920)
our Exodus from Egypt and freedom from the bonds of slavery imposed by a wicked ruler. As for Kafka? Samsar thought he was vermin because his oppressors treated him as such. The question for American Jews in the 21st Century is: Are we Gregor Samsar? Or do we have the courage to refute falsehoods and show the mirror of truth to the world? Happy Purim. (And may Haman’s name be blotted out, along with Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Milosevic, Saddam...and the list, unfortunately, goes on.)
Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
A Neo-Conservative’s Caution
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES I have never quite figured out what views define a neo-conservative, and whether I am one or not, but others long ago decided this matter for me. Journalists use “neo-conservative” to describe me, editors include my writings in a neo-conservative anthology, critics plumb my views for insight into neo-conservative thinking, and hosts invite me to represent the neo-conservative viewpoint. As some of my oldest friends and closest allies are called neo-conservative, I happily accept this appellation. Indeed, it has a certain cachet, given that no more than fifty Americans have been called neo-conservative, yet we allegedly drive U.S. foreign policy. I mention all this because neo-conservative policies in the Middle East have been looking pretty good the past two months, as Max Boot amplifies in a column titled “Neocons May Get the Last Laugh”: • On Jan. 9, Palestinian voters trooped to the polls and chose Mahmoud Abbas, who proclaims his intent to end the armed struggle against Israel. • On Jan. 30, 8 million Iraqi voters braved bombs and bullets to cast their ballots. · On Feb. 10, Saudi Arabia held its first-ever municipal elections, a crack in the royal family’s absolute authority. • On Feb. 26, Egypt’s president Husni Mubarak suddenly announced that the forthcoming presidential election will involve candidates other than himself. • On Feb. 28, tens of thousands of demonstrators in Beirut forced the resignation of the pro-Syrian government of Prime Minister Omar Karami.
• If the Lebanese succeed in winning their independence, it could spell the end of Bashar Assad and the Baathist regime in Damascus. These developments find some neo-conservatives in a state of near-euphoria. Rich Lowry of the National Review calls them “a marvelous thing.” Charles Krauthammer of the Washington Post writes that “We are at the dawn of a glorious, delicate, revolutionary moment in the Middle East.” I too welcome these developments, but more warily. Having been trained in Middle Eastern history makes me perhaps more aware of what can go wrong:
The Middle East today is not alone in its attraction to a totalitarian movement--think Germany in 1933 or Chile in 1970--but it is unique in the extent and persistence of this allure. • Yes, Mahmoud Abbas wishes to end the armed struggle against Israel but his call for a greater jihad against the “Zionist enemy” points to his intending another form of war to destroy Israel. • The Iraqi elections are bringing Ibrahim Jaafari, a pro-Iranian Islamist, to power. • Likewise, the Saudi elections proved a boon for the Islamist candidates. • Mubarak’s promise is purely cosmetic; but should real presidential elections one day come to Egypt, Islamists will probably prevail there too. • Removing Syrian control in Lebanon could well lead to Hezbollah, a terrorist group, becoming the dominant power there. • Eliminating the hideous Assad dynasty could well bring in its wake an Islamist gov-
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitutional committees of the Jewish Federation.
ernment in Damascus. Note a pattern? Other than the sui generis Palestinian case, one main danger threatens to undo the good news: that a too-quick removal of tyranny unleashes Islamist ideologues and opens their way to power. Sadly, Islamists uniquely have what it takes to win elections: the talent to develop a compelling ideology, the energy to found parties, the devotion to win supporters, the money to spend on electoral campaigns, the honesty to appeal to voters, and the will to intimidate rivals. This drive to power is nothing new. Already in 1979, Islamists exploited the shah’s fall to take power in Iran. In 1992, they were on their way to win elections in Algeria. In 2002, they democratically took over in Turkey and Bangladesh. Removing Saddam Hussein, Husni Mubarak, Bashar Assad, and the Saudi princes is easier than convincing Middle Eastern Muslim peoples not to replace them with virulent Islamist ideologues. The Middle East today is not alone in its attraction to a totalitarian movement--think Germany in 1933 or Chile in 1970--but it is unique in the extent and persistence of this allure. I worry that my fellow neo-conservatives are insufficiently focused on its implications. George Bush deserves high praise for his steadfast vision of a free Middle East; but his administration should proceed slowly and very carefully about transferring power from autocrats to democrats. The Middle East’s totalitarian temptation, with its deep questions of history and identity, needs first to be confronted and managed. To skip these steps could leave the region even worse off than during the era of unelected tyrants. Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and author of Miniatures (Transaction Publishers) and can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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March 18, 2005
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: The Omaha Jewish community takes very seriously its obligation to educate our youth about Israel by introducing informative and educational programs about life in Israel. The endeavor of instilling a child from Omaha with an emotional attachment to a far away land is surely a daunting task, but our community continues to host and support many initiatives that work admirably towards this end. The JCC is hosting a screening for high school students of the recent Israeli film HaHesder, the English title, Time for Favor. The film is a fictional story about two friends, Menachem, an alumni of a Hesder yeshiva, and Pini, a current student. After a young woman rejects Pini for Menachem, in a state of emotional distress and with the incitement of the head rabbi of the yeshiva, Pini decides to attempt a suicide mission to destroy the mosque on the Temple mount. The film is a blatant inaccurate portrayal of the Hesder movement. A Hesder yeshiva is simply a program that allows young Israeli men to defer their army service for a year and a half of intense Torah study. There are many Hesder yeshivot all over Israel. The political views of leaders and people associated with these schools ranges from far left to far right, but the commonality between them is that inside the walls of the yeshiva, the focus is purely Torah study. I myself learned in the Hesder yeshiva of Dimona in the spring of 1997 and know hundreds of people who learned and teach at Hesder yeshivot. This movie tries to marginalize and thereby delegitamize the Hesder movement, and by association the religious Zionist movement, in an attempt to paint the people who oppose the withdrawal from Gaza and other negotiations as religious fanatics. In reality, most of those who oppose the current withdrawal plans, a segment of the Israeli population that comprises almost half of the country, actually practice a form of civil disobedience which is an admirable way of opposing a government policy. I am personally offended by this movie--not because I learned in a Hesder yeshiva, but because it is a baseless and inaccurate piece of propaganda engineered to mislead the uninformed. If this was a movie about any other segment of the Jewish or the non-Jewish population, I would be equally outraged. By exposing our youth to this film, we are guilty of either reinforcing, or worse, introducing, stereotypes of fellow Jews. Showing propaganda like this to a group of Omaha teens who are not sensitive to the nuances of Israeli politics and lack the background that would allow them to place the movie in context is unfair and irresponsible and would ultimately serve to engender negative feelings towards Israel and segments of its population. Prior to writing this letter, I discussed my opposition to this film with those responsible for planning this program. If the goal is to educate teens on the Hesder movement, there are countless rabbis and students who would be willing to speak in Omaha. If the goal is to educate teens about the IDF, show a classic movie like Raid on Entebe. By showing this particular movie, what exactly are they trying to teach? Rabbi Jonathan Gross Beth Israel Synagogue To the Editor: Thank you for your editorial last week on the new Home. You mentioned in your editorial that Intergenerational programs are sorely needed for the current Home’s residents and I just wanted to alert you to all the programs already taking place. We have three classes from the JCC’s Child Development Center already participating with our seniors. Two of our residents read children’s books weekly for the preschoolers. The students from Friedel Jewish academy will decorate the Home for Purim this month and make each resident a card; Friedel students will parade through the halls in costumes on Purim. In addition, the Y.E.S. Club (which includes some residents from the Home) has a monthly program with Friedel, called ARTSPAN: Art to Bridge the Generations. BBYO recently staged a karaoke program, jamming with the residents and the CDC’s baby buggy visits regularly. The synagogues, too, engage students with mitzvah programs here, as do the Scouts and several area high schools. Our big project next month is Spring Fling Prom with Westside High School. As you can see, intergenerational programming is very much alive and active at the Home. Maggie Conti Jewish Senior Services Adult Program Director
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Purim, Passover and Easter: Emotions Different, but All Share Hope
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN STAMFORD, CT (JTA)--This year, for the first time since 1910, Purim will coincide with Good Friday: March 25. While it is tempting to toss aside this as a calendrical quirk, this collision of holy days yields fascinating shadings to the meaning of each. The Christian Holy Week is supposed to coincide with Passover, with Easter occurring on the Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. But during Jewish leap years Passover is occasionally pushed more than a month beyond that, leaving Easter and Good Friday to contend with Passover’s little sister, that mischievous demi-festival, that masked “MordyGras,” Purim. Purim is in many ways the anti-Passover. One is noted for its levity while the other is totally unleavened. On Purim Jews let loose, freeing themselves from restrictions and imbibing until all boundaries are dissolved, even those distinguishing good from evil. On Passover, the key to liberation is through tightening those restrictions, exchanging Purim’s anarchy for a severity of structure so complete that its main meal is even called the “Order.” It’s part of the natural order for American Jews and Christians that Passover and Holy Week coincide. That way, the networks can show “The Ten Commandments” and we can have lots of interfaith discussions on the seasonal symbolism of the egg and whether Manischewitz was served at the Last Supper. As far as we know, none of the apostles was asked to pass the hamantaschen. But this year, although the markets have been stocked with matzot since Presidents’ Day, that prankster Purim is showing up instead. So while our Christian neighbors will be commemorating the crucifixion, we’ll be contemplating the passion of the prune. And rather than dwelling on those eternal questions of collective guilt, this year, Jews will proudly proclaim, on Good Friday, “We did it! Yep. We hanged him”-speaking of Haman, of course, and not about Jesus. Although Purim and Good Friday so rarely coincide (strangely, it will happen again in three years, then not until 2113), I am not the first to make the connection between the deaths of Haman and Jesus. The ancient Aramaic translations of the book of Esther in fact use the word “tzalab,” meaning “crucify,” in describing Haman’s fate, a view echoed by the firstcentury historian Josephus, and there is doubt as to
whether hanging using a noose was even known in ancient times. During the fifth century, Byzantine emperors forbade the Jewish practice of burning an effigy of Haman on Purim, suspecting that they were doing it as a parody of Jesus’ death. In the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo also depicts Haman’s death in Christological terms. And there are strong parallels between how both the Passion Play and on a much smaller scale the Purim story have incited mob violence and hatred toward the Other. A year ago many Jews feared that Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ would unleash a torrent of antiSemitism. What ensued was a flood of free publicity, but very little else. As I left the theater after seeing the film, bristling at the stereotypes perpetuated by Gibson, I looked around at the tear-filled eyes of those sitting around me and realized that they had been watching a completely different movie. I can imagine that the inverse would be true if Steven Spielberg were to tackle the Purim story. Non-Jews would sneer at the Jews’ gleeful butchering of their Persian hosts, while I would be cheering the last-second salvation of a buzzer-beating God, reassured by the “happily-ever-after” ending too often denied Jews in the real world. Hitler reportedly banned the celebration of Purim in Poland in 1941 because he understood the power of this story. He sensed that the hanging of Haman could galvanize the faith of Jews in the same way that the crucifixion ignites the passion of Christians. It is telling that when Christians hear their story, they cry in silence. When Jews hear the Megillah, we laugh and make lots of noise. We might surmise that if, as Carol Burnett said, “Comedy is tragedy plus time,” then “Purim is the passion plus a good punch line.” Come to think of it, a risen Messiah is a pretty good punch line too. In any faith, God always gets the last laugh. According to the book of Esther, “These days of Purim will never cease among the Jews.” From this, the midrash deduces that when the Messiah comes, only Purim will continue to be celebrated. Perhaps this year on Purim we’ll become more conscious of the tears being shed around us, while at the same time understanding that the laughter ultimately will prevail, for all peoples, on that sunny spring day when hatred dissolves into love and Haman and Mordechai become one. That will be a very Good Friday indeed. Rabbi Joshua Hammerman is spiritual leader of Temple Beth El in Stamford, CT, and author of thelordismyshepherd.com: Seeking God in Cyberspace.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
March 18, 2005
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. Purim Celebration, Friday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.: Hear an abbreviated version of the story of Purim and help blot our Haman’s name. The community is invited. A potluck will follow services. Call Sandra Kurland at 323.8885 to let her know what you plan to bring.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 jewishnebraska.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
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to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451.
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Traditional Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Alternative Shabbat service, 10 a.m. in the chapel. Explore the story of Purim, performed by a group of congregants who will act out the roles of the Purim characters. Rabbi Levin will also lead a discussion of the parasha. Kiddush will follow.; Evening Service, 6:25 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 10 a.m. Bible Study Class, is on “spring break.” Sessions will resume on Sunday, April 3.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni, 11 a.m.; “Living Hebrew,” a new, intermediatelevel Hebrew cou-rse, 11:10 a.m. WEDNESDAYS: PATTER (Parents & Toddlers, Torah, Exercise, Recreation) with Helen Epstein, 10:45 a.m. THURSDAY, noon: The Most Important People and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible, with Rabbi Levin. POUR ‘EM SHPIEL, Saturday, 8 p.m., the synagogue presents the first-ever “Pour-‘em Shpiel” (for adults only).Walk-ins welcome; cost is $25 per person. Checks to Beth El Pour ‘em Shpiel may be sent to: Nancy Skid, 14964 Farnam Cir., Omaha NE 68154. QUILTING AND CRAFTS CIRCLE: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. at the synagogue. Bring your materials and sewing machines and spend an afternoon working on your project. For information, call Program Director Harriet Einziger at 492.8550. “BRICKS, MORTAR AND FAITH” CLASS: Join us for special Beth El class, “Bricks, Mortar and Faith” on Wednesdays, March 23-May 11, 7-8:45 p.m. (See complete story on page 11.) PURIM FAMILY MEGILLAH READING: Thursday, March 24, 6:30 p.m., featuring storyteller Rita Paskowitz. (See complete story on page 5.) BILY/USY PURIM CARNIVAL: Sunday, March 27, 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Games, lunch fare and fun await everyone who attends. For more information, contact youth advisor, Rachel Katskee, at 492.8550. (See complete story on page 5.) “VOICES OF BETH EL”: A special 75th Anniversary Cantor’s Concert is Monday, April 4, 7 p.m., featuring Cantors Gastón
Bogomolni, Ray Edgar, Emil Berkovits and Wendy Shermet. Tickets prices follow: Single, $18; Patron, $36; Agent, $50; Manager, $75; Investor, $100; Executive Producer, $500; Director, $1,000. Cost for students, $5; children ages 12 and under, $1. For reservations, please mail payment to: Cantor’s Concert, Beth El, 14506 California St., Omaha, NE 68154.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Bonnie Bloch and Lesley, Sierra and Adam Gendelman in honor of Howard Gendelman’s birthday; Mincha, 6:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:18 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Call the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv service time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Call the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv service time. THURSDAY: Tannit Esther: Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.; Megillah Reading, 6:30 p.m., followed by a dairy dinner, Purim spiel and costume parade. Prizes will be awarded for best adult and best child costumes. There is no charge for dinner but reservations are requested. FRIDAY: Purim Day: Shacharit and Megillah Reading, 7 a.m.; Megillah Reading, 9 a.m. Megillah Reading at Remington Heights, 12610 W. Dodge, 10 a.m. Late Megillah reading, 5:30 p.m., followed by a Purim seudah, candlelighting, Kabbalat Shabbat and a Friday night dinner. Dinner is $12 for adults and $6 for kids ages 4-12 (kids under 4 are free). Reservation due by Monday, March 21.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home SUNDAY: Religious School, 3-5 p.m. at the JCC.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.; Aleph Champion and Little Scholars Programs, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: “W.O.W: The Mystery of Marriage,” 9 a.m. “I Am My Beloved’s.” Women only; babysitting available on request; Torah for Teens, 4:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah: The Mitzvah of Love, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Purim Party! Say Boo To Haman. Come in costume and enjoy the Megillah reading. Hamantashen and refreshments following the reading, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY: Megillah, 7:30 a.m. Purim Chagigah for Tots will include age-appropriate Purim fun for moms and their toddlers, ages one to three. Participants will also be able to exchange Mishloach manot, give tzedakah, and have a festive Purim lunch, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Purim feast followed by late Megillah reading, 1 p.m. The celebration will continue at 6:15 p.m. at the Chabad House with Shabbat dinner. Uriel Vigler, a South African born, newly ordained rabbi will lead a “Farbrengen” during the meal, “Mystical Insights on Joy and Unity.” Interactive games for children will be led by Mushka and Rochi Katzman to allow adults to enjoy the talk. Programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800 or visit: www.nebraskajudaism.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month. Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail: dstiel@everestkc.net to set up appointments. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Brian Bornstein, with Oneg following. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.; Purim Spiel Dress Rehearsal (if needed), 1-3 p.m.; Game Night, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: No Religious School; Purim Spiel Dress Rehersal, 3-5 p.m.; The Megillah According to Rock and Roll, 7 p.m presented by The South Street Players with Hamantaschen reception following; Winter Lecture Series, 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, 6300 ‘A’ St. For information, call 483.2213. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL PURIM CARNIVAL: Sunday, March 20, 10 a.m.-noon. There will be no regular Religious School classes. Teachers and families should plan to come to Tifereth Israel at 10 a.m. for breakfast, followed by music, skits, poems, readings. The carnival starts at 11 a.m. Tickets are 25¢ each. Families may bring kosher cakes for a cake walk. Purim Potluck Shabbat Dinner: Join us for the potluck dinner and craft activities Friday, March 25, 6 p.m. Please RSVP so those setting up can provide enough space. ADULT EDUCATION Sunday, March 13, 10-11:15 a.m.: Book discussion led by Rabbi Debbie Stiel on Broken Tablets: Restoring the Ten Commandments and Ourselves, edited by Rachel Mikva.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Sam Edelstein and Rabbi Maximo Shechet.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Early Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and
Candlelighting Friday, March 18, 6:16 p.m.
Jeffrey Taxman will officiate using the Union Prayer Book. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. William James Emmanuel Clark, son of Mindy and Wayne Clark will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, March 22, 7 p.m.: My House Shall Be a House of Prayer for All Peoples: Responding to the Challenges of Outreach. Congregants John Dacey and Todd Hutton will facilitate exploration of perceived barriers Jewsby-choice and interfaith couples entering the Jewish community. THURSDAY, March 24: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Marantz, 10-11:30 a.m. PURIM CARNIVAL, Sunday, noon-2 p.m. Fun for the family with food, games and prizes at Temple’s Purim Carnival. Tickets will be sold at the door, good for both food and games. The Purim Carnival, sponsored by the Temple Israel Youth Group, is open to the entire community. Purim Family Dinner & Megillah Reading, Thursday, March 24, 5:30 p.m: Purim Spiel, Reading of the Megillah, Costume Parade. Purim Family Dinner, 6:30 p.m., and Hamentaschen Oneg sponsored by Women of Reform JudaismOmaha. Activities are planned for children. Adults, $7, children Send check and reservations to the office by March 21. No phone reservations will be accepted.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; followed by Kiddush Luncheon and Mincha, 1:02 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. THURSDAY: Reading of the Megillah and Purim Parade, 7 p.m. Come in costume, GraggerOut Haman and enjoy the Hamentaschen provided by Julie and David Brockman ADULT EDUCATION MONDAYS: Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum, 7:30-9 p.m. SUNDAYS: (during Hebrew School days): Jewish Law through the Ages with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 10-11:45 a.m. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL PURIM CARNIVAL, Sunday, March 20, 10 a.m.-noon. Teachers and families should plan to come to Tifereth Israel at 10 a.m. for breakfast, followed by music, skits, poems, readings. Donate canned or packaged food items and get two free carnival tickets.
March 18, 2005
Israel’s Formal Worship Begins
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat VaYikra As we open the Book of Leviticus, we are immediately aware of the sharp contrasts with Exodus, which we have just completed. Exodus is largely narrative, including such signal narratives as the assembly at Sinai to receive the Ten Utterances. (The Bible does not use the phrase, “The Ten Commandments”.) Another of the famous narratives, of course, is the parting of the waters of the Sea of Reeds so that Israel could pass through on dry land, and the pursuing Egyptians drowned in the receding waters. Pharaoh’s best war horses and best three-man chariots were overcome by the walls of water through which they had sought passage. The story is so brilliantly told that it was chosen to be included in Jewish daily prayer services, so that millions of our daily daveners know the exciting passage by heart. But VaYikra takes us to an entirely different dimension of Jewish sanctities. Not narrative, but formal worship. Here there is no central event of history to which attention is drawn, but the central relationship between the Israelite people and Israel’s God. The contemporary reader is not impressed by the account of ancient Israelite worship. Indeed, he may be put off by it. But he must understand that ancient worship in general, not only Israel’s, was illustrated and dominated by “sacrifice, by the offering of animal life and grain,” the most precious things they had. Not all was burnt on the altar, for some was kept as payment for the priests, who officiated at the ceremonies and then had designated parts for food for themselves and their families. The reader of Leviticus, chapter after chapter, finds himself in an unfamiliar world. He may be helped to understand if he remembers how unusual it was in the ancient world for people to have meat to eat. Our ancestors was generally vegetarians. Thus it was natural for them to eat meat only when it was first offered on an altar to God. Only then were the parts not reduced to smoke available for human consumption. Again and again we must remind ourselves of this as we make our way through Leviticus. It would be well to remember that the sacrifices were thought to “purify” flesh items for humans to eat, and that children’s education traditionally began with Leviticus, so that the pure and sinless might begin with the pure.
“Bricks, Mortar and Faith” Beth El Class Explores Synagogues and Spirituality by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The building of a synagogue relies on a variety of factors, both aesthetic and spiritual. With careful planning, the end result creates a place of worship which exudes feelings of awe and serenity. If you’ve ever wondered about the dynamics which go into designing a synagogue, please join a special Beth El class, “Bricks, Mortar and Faith,” which will explore this thought-provoking topic. The class, presented as part of Beth El’s Hebrew high school, is also open to adults throughout the entire Jewish community, and will be held on Wednesdays from March 23 through May 11, from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. The course, led by architects Marty Shukert and Tamara Say, will investigate how the functionality of the synagogue building combines with art and design to create a house of worship. Attendees will learn about architectural theory, plus the thoughts and feelings of architects who design synagogues. In addition, students will have an opportunity to visit area synagogues and use studio time to design their own synagogue concept. “Bricks, Mortar and Faith” has been made possible by a grant from the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation. For more information or to enroll, please contact Beth El Education Director Judy Rubin at 498.0904.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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DEATH HELEN STERN Helen Stern died at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph. She is survived by her daughter, Elisse Stern; and grandchildren, Andrea Collis and Jonathon Collis. Memorials are requested to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.4.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Survivors shall be listed, including names of surviving spouse, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren and their places of residence; the numbers (but not names) of greatgrandchildren, as well as the name of the spouse or children who preceded the deceased in death. The cause of death may be included, if authorized by the immediate family. In cases where confusion might arise due to people of the same name either being the deceased or a survivor, maiden names or middle initials shall be added, if known. Nieces and nephews shall be listed when there are no surviving children or grandchildren. Friends of the deceased (companions or life partners) shall be listed. Other pertinent biographical information (including honors or the serving as an officer in a Jewish organization) may be included at the Editor’s discretion. Memorial suggestions are acceptable to any bona fide, charitable organization; addresses will be included to out-of-state nonprofit organizations, if provided.
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What a deal--36 words for just $18 Caroline Hadas Juster, daughter of Sara and Sorin Juster, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 26 at Beth El Synagogue and then in Israel. Caroline is a seventh-grade distinguished scholar honor roll student at Westside Middle School and she participates in the Excellence in Youth program. She qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program and was a member of the WMS Seventh grade team that placed third in the 2005 Nebraska Regional Science Bowl. Caroline plays trombone in the Westside Middle School Hot Jazz Band and the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras’ Philharmonic. She also studies French horn, guitar, and piano and swims competitively for Swim Omaha. Caroline attended Herzl Camp and enjoys reading, drawing, snow-skiing and hanging out with her friends. For her mitzvah project, Caroline performed musical recitals for the residents of the Blumkin Home and Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans Home. Caroline has a sister, Samantha, and brother, Ariel. Her grandparents are Clara Juster and the late Ariel Juster of Rosh Ha’Ayin, Israel, Robin Jaffe of Overland Park, KS and Dan Jaffe of Miami Beach, FL. Her greatgrandparents are Sylvia and David Goldstein of Overland Park, KS. Danny Pachman, son of Allison Latenser and Louis Pachman, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 26, at Temple Israel. Danny is a seventh-grade gold honor roll student at McMillan Magnet Center and he qualified to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program. His interests include basketball, roller-blading, and scouting. He plays the trumpet in the 7th grade band and was selected to represent McMillan in the All-City Music Festival. For his mitzvah project, Danny entertained the residents of several area nursing homes and rehabilitation centers with juggling and unicycling performances. Danny has a younger brother, Alex Pachman. His grandparents are Ilene Pachman and the late Gertrude and Bill Pachman, and Dr. John Latenser and the late Katharine Latenser.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 18, 2005
Visions Musicians Balance Studies and Performing KOACH Partners with Birthright by PAM MONSKY and the songs are familiar popular songs,” said Israel to Offer Free Trips to Israel Federation Communications Director Amy about Visions’ music. “It’s really fun and The Omaha Jewish community is in for a treat casual…no one needs to sit up straight and when the pop female vocal trio Visions hits everyone will have a great time!” town Saturday, March 26, at 8 p.m. in the When asked why the group chooses to sing Jewish Community Center Theater. The concert Jewish music, Talia responded, “Judaism is is free and open to the community. important to all of us. We never set out to be a Recently, the young women who make up trio, it just sort of happened!” Visions: Andra Amy went on London, 20, Talia to explain, “We Osteen, 21 and Amy discovered that Turner, 21, took time our voices blendfrom their busy lives ed and it was as performers and great! We also college students to realized that we talk about their could fill an show, their music untapped niche-and how they handle there were no performing while teen Jewish pop attending college. groups and we The girls have been took advantage of singing together that and it’s been since their Bat The young women of Visions: Amy Turner, Andra London, and wonderful ever Mitzvahs and remain Talia Osteen, will perform March 26 since!” best friends. All three are enrolled in demanding This will be the group’s first visit to Omaha courses of study; Andra is a psychology major and they all are looking forward to visiting our with a minor in marketing and advertising at community. Emory University; Talia is a film production “We love traveling to new places because each major in Los Angeles; and Amy is double major- city has its own personality and we can cater our ing in health and psychology at Vanderbilt. In show to the audience,” said Andra. “It’s always addition to their studies, they perform about two about the people and what we have in comconcerts a month. mon,” injected Talia. Added Amy, “I just wish we “We’re all academically oriented,” said Talia, could spend more time in each place and really referring to the difficulties of balancing school get to know the people…to see what the comand performing. “Laptops have made our lives munity is really like.” much easier, but we’ve had to make sacrifices in The Visions community concert is co-sponour social lives and learn how to manage our sored by Jewish Educational and Library Services time,” she explained. and Young Jewish Omaha (a social group spon“We’ve been performing together for over sored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha for eight years now,” said Andra. “We’re best friend- members of the community ages 25-45). For -we’re not just a singing group. Our show is a more information and to hear some of the music blast and we have fun together. Everyone can of Visions, please visit the Federation website at relate to our music,” she added. www.jewishomaha.org, or contact Mary Sue “Our show has lots of audience participation Grossman, JELS Administrator, at 334.6445.
by JILL BELMONT ence with such an incredible Beth El Publicity Coordinator group. Thanks so much to everyBirthright Israel, an incredible one for such an amazing trip.” worldwide program that sends Another young woman wrote, thousands of students to Israel at “I miss the Hebrew being spoken virtually no cost, is accepting everywhere. I miss the men in reservations from March 3 to kipot walking around on the April 14. This program, co-spon- streets. I miss the fast food signs sored by KOACH College in Hebrew and the palm trees Outreach, a project of the United and the white Jerusalem stone Synagogue of Conservative everywhere. I miss the sand and Judaism, and Hillel: The flatness of the Negev and the Foundation for Jewish Campus mountain ranges and green fields Life, is open to any Jewish in the Golan. I miss the mud youths ages 18-26 (post-high from the jeep ride! I miss the school) who have never been to Dead Sea and that stinging from Israel on a peer-group educa- the water...I miss the hike up tional program. Recipients of the Birthright gift are awarded round-trip airfare plus 10 days of educational programming in Israel. The trip is being planned during the end of May. Upon returning home, several Birthright Israel partici- The Menachem Begin Heritage Center recentCredit: ISRANET pants have posted their ly opened in Jerusalem. thoughts about the trip on the Masada and the incredible wind KOACH web site. at the top while we were braveOne young woman wrote, ly trying to hold the Torah down “We’ve been home for four days, so we could daven...I hope that and already I want to go back. I we [fellow travelers] continue to got my pictures developed the stay in touch and that we all other day, and couldn’t help but return to Israel many, many cry as I went through them. I times in the future.” never thought I could have so Birthright Israel is made possimuch fun, and I never thought ble by generous individuals, the that one week could change my Jewish Federation of Omaha, life, but it has. I realized truly and the State of Israel. For more how lucky I was to be able to information, visit: www. share such an amazing experi- koach.org/birthright.htm.