March 19, 2004

Vol. LXXXIII No. 28 Omaha, NE

American Jewish Archives Director to Bring Voices of Jewish Past to Life by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Gary Zola, Executive Director of The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and associate professor of the American Jewish Experience, will bring the voices of the Jewish past to life when he pays a visit to Omaha next week. He will lead a discussion on “Great Voices in American Rabbi Gary Zola Reform Judaism” when he joins Adult Study with the Clergy on Thursday, March 25, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel. If you’ve ever wondered what it might have been like to sit in Carnegie Hall listening to renowned Jewish leader Stephen Samuel Wise or to hear the eloquence of Abba Hillel Silver, Joachim Prinz, Nelson Glueck, or Jacob Rader Marcus, then you are welcome to attend this opportunity to hear digitized recordings of these voices of Reform Judaism from the American Jewish Archives collection. Visuals are added. “These are the voices that you may know of by reputation but have never actually heard!” said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. Rabbi Wise, who came to the United States from Budapest as an infant, established the Jewish Institute of Religion, a rabbinical seminary dedicated to liberal ideals. In 1950, it merged with the Hebrew Union College. A gifted orator and administrator, Rabbi Wise gained distinction for his views on social reform and Zionist affairs. Rabbi Zola is originally from Chicago and a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He earned a Master of Arts Degree in counseling psychology from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, as well as a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters in 1981 and a Master of Philosophy from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in 1988. He was ordained at HUC-JIR in 1982. Studying with American Jewish historians Jacob Rader Marcus and Jonathan D. Sarna, Rabbi Zola received his Ph.D. from HUC-JIR in 1991 in American Jewish history. He will introduce Temple Israel’s adult education topic for next year, “Celebrating 350 Years of Jews in America.” On Wednesday, March 24, Rabbi Zola will meet with Temple Israel ninth graders and their parents during class as part of their studies on Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox Judaism. His topic is “Rabbi Wise and his Impact on Reform Judaism and Zionism.” The American Jewish Archives obtained old reels of Rabbi Wise’s speeches and transferred them to a video with pictures and stories. Elyce Azriel, director of Temple’s Middle and High School, has seen Rabbi Zola’s presentation and said he “brings life to a dynamic leader of Reform Judaism.”

YOM HASHOAH Holocaust Remembrance Day will be commemorated on Wednesday, April 21, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel. The evening will include a candlelighting ceremony and a keynote presentation by Julie Kohner, a second generation Holocaust survivor, who will present “Voices of the Generations.” In Lincoln, a statewide commemoration will be held Sunday, April 18, 4 p.m., at the State Capitol.

Inside

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

26 Adar, 5764 March 19, 2004

Morocco: Caught Between Arabia and Allies in the West

Scouts at the DEJJ Jewish youth center in Casablanca, Morocco, greet a visiting American Jewish delegation which travelled there in February 2004. See story on Page 6 Credit: Michael Arnold/JTA

Omahan Wins Prestigious Newspaper Award by JOAN K. MARCUS Former Omahan Brian Joseph has been part of an investigative reporting team that has won one of journalism’s most prestigious awards--The George Polk Award. The award, established in 1949 to memorialize the CBS correspondent who was slain while covering a civil war in Greece, has become one of America’s most coveted journalism honors. At age 23, Joseph is the youngest person to have ever received the award. He is currently a city hall reporter for The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, California. Some of the biggest names in reporting have won the Polk Award, including: Jimmy Breslin, Thomas Friedman, Walter Cronkite, Chet Huntley, Howard K. Smith and Edward R. Murrow. Announcement of the annual George Polk Award winners is publicized around the country and, sometimes the award itself makes news by citing a controversial Brian Joseph story or unusual outlet. Brian grew up in Omaha and lived here until he went away to college at the University of Missouri. His parents, Dr. Les and Sharon Joseph always thought their son would be interested in journalism. However, young Brian thought that he wanted to be a scientist. It wasn’t until his sophomore year at Central High School that he decided to take a journalism class. “It sounds corny,” he admitted, “but during the course of that one class period on the first day of my sophomore year, I had what you might call a moment of clarity. I saw myself becoming a reporter and devoting my life to journalism. “It has been my obsession every day since!” His first journalism lecture was about ethics and how reporters have tremendous responsibility to write the

truth because readers assume what they read in the newspapers is true. “That resonated with me,” he added. Friends say that Joseph has always been “ridiculously outgoing.” He has never known a stranger--despite his parents’ insistence that he not speak to them! Since he was a child, he loved to read and write and was always aware of current events. For his three years at Omaha Central High School, he ate, slept and breathed The Central High Register. Teacher Matt Deabler at Central became one of Joseph’s closest friends. Deabler appointed Brian to be a reporter, but the sophomore was soon promoted to be Executive Editor of the newspaper and became Editor during his senior year. Over the course of his high school career, he won more than 50 local, regional and national awards. Joseph lauds Central High as being the most valuable in his training as a journalist. “I learned the fundamentals of interviewing, reporting and story structure,” he insisted. “Most importantly, I learned how to handle deadline stress and the pressure of a newsroom. “The Register is not a high school newspaper. It’s a professional paper staffed by students in a high school.” After graduation from Central, Brian attended the school of journalism at the University of Missouri at Columbia. In 2002, after only three-and-a-half years, he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism, with an emphasis in newspaper reporting and writing-specifically investigative reporting. While at Mizzou, he worked on The Missourian, a newspaper that covers the city of Columbia, Missouri. While still in college, Joseph had five newspapers internships, two at the Omaha World-Herald, one at The Lima News in Ohio, The Modesto Bee in California and The Seattle Times. As an intern in Seattle, he met lead reporter, Duff Wilson. Since Joseph was interned on the metro desk, he had to cover fires, robberies and other police and fire beat events. However, he began to “bug” Wilson about “Really, really, wanting to work with him!” Continued on page 7

Coming Next Month: Passover Issue Publishes on April 2 and Our Mother’s Day Gift Guide on April 30 Lincoln Center-Harris Center Lecture: Page 4

Morocco: Caught Between Arabia and the West: Page 6

More of Purim Around the Heartland Page 10

Two Views on The Passion: Pages 12-13

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 19, 2004

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by GARY KATZ “Most movies today are nothing, a zeroAssistant Librarian, Kripke Library you forget them by the time you hit the exit The last films slated for the Jewish Film door. This one is a profound, truthful, sensiFestival are two courageous Holocaust docutively made (though not overly sentimental) mentaries on Thursday, March 25, 7 p.m., and miraculous 72-minute celebration of Secret Lives: Hidden Children and their heroism and humanity in a time when there Rescuers During World War II and In Vienna was not enough of either,” he added. They Put You in Jail: The Max Birnbach Story. The second film, In Vienna, They Put You Secret Lives, by Director Aviva Slesin (herself in Jail: The Max Birnbach Story is by direchidden by Lithuanians as a baby), profiles tor Cheryle Blaylock. In 1938 Vienna, antibrave, unique individuals from France, Semitism was at its peak. Hitler’s army was Lithuania, Poland, Belgium and Holland and threatening Austria’s border and Max the children whom they sheltered to explore what com- Birnbach knew that he would have to flee Austria or pelled them to take extraorrisk certain death as a Jew. dinary chances in the servBlaylock investigates this ice of decency. dark time in history, chroniSecret Lives is about noncling the remarkable story Jews who saved Jews dur- by GARY KATZ of Max Birnbach, now a ing the time of the Assistant Librarian Portland resident. Holocaust, which remains a The movie goes deep into Don’t forget to come to the Kid’s Matinee and Crafts source of fascination and Program at the JCC and the Kripke Library this Sunday, Birnbach’s life, including his admiration for many. Why, March 21, 2-4 p.m. The program features two films and fun imprisonment by the Nazis, when so many were apa- movie-themed activities all for only $5, and parents are a dramatic escape to the thetic, while others risked admitted free. The featured children’s activities are: Seder on Swiss border, life in a their lives, and the lives of the Planet Matzah Ball (ages 3-10), Special Feature Mystery refugee camp, the futile others, to rescue their fel- Movie (ages 10 and up), and a crafts program. Seder on the efforts to save his parents low Jewish citizens, includ- Planet Matzah Ball is a clever film with puppets, animation from deportation to the coning thousands of children. and music. This zany story of Passover and its wonderful tra- centration camps, and the The film also explores how ditions is cleverly wrapped around original songs and wacky remarkable meeting that having those children cope characters. made possible his emigrawith being torn from their The film will be shown in the Kripke Library at 2 p.m. The tion to America. parents and to live with movie for older children is a Special Feature Mystery Movie In Vienna reveals the strangers. and centers on the innocent friendship between schoolmates sharp instincts Birnbach Film critic Rex Reed said, during World War II. The girls’ courage grows and their spe- used to survive, the tragedy “For those who feel they cial bond triumphs over discrimination. If you need to know he had to leave behind, and cannot bear one more more about this movie, call the Kripke Library at 334.6462. the life-affirming courage heartbreaking Holocaust This Mystery Movie will be shown in the theater at 2 p.m. and tenacity he still demonfilm of any kind, it’s impor- The Jewish Omaha Film Festival is sponsored by the Jewish strates today, in his nineties. tant to note that Secret Lives Educational and Library Services, the Kripke Library and Tickets are $5 and are is blessed with a mercurial funded in part by The Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Foundation available at the door, or by spirit as restorative as it is by Lindsey Miller-Lerman and the UNOmaha Journal of calling the Film Festival Box courageous. Office at 334.6462. Religion & Film.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JCC Accepting Nominations for Athletic “Wall of Fame”

FRIDAY, MARCH 19 Visions Luncheon Meeting at Venice Inn, 12:30 p.m. Tot Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Bill Cutter, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

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SATURDAY, MARCH 20 Rabbi Cutter, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Men’s Club Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El JELS Jewish Film Festival, 7 p.m. ESP Event, 7 p.m. at Beth El

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SUNDAY, MARCH 21 Rabbi Cutter, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Kids Snack and Learn, 11:30 a.m. at Beth El JYG Event, noon at Temple Israel Boy Scouts Pine Wood Derby, 1 p.m. JELS Jewish Film Festival, 2 p.m. Girl Scout Troop Meeting, 3 p.m. BBG Mr. AZA Program, 3 p.m. OTYG Board Meeting, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel Sunday Funday, 4 p.m., at Beth El

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MONDAY, MARCH 22 YES Program, 10 a.m. BEAM Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El TUESDAY, MARCH 23 Federation Campaign Leadership Team Meeting, 4 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Jr. NCSY Game Night, 6 p.m., at Beth Israel Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24 C Omaha Artists, Inc. 1 p.m. C L L JELS Jewish Film Festival, 7 p.m. I I P P THURSDAY, MARCH 25 Temple Israel Grade 10 Class Trip to NY, March 25-28 & BBYO Spring Regional Convention in Kansas City, March 25-28 & Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. S Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. S A JFS “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent”, 6 p.m. A V Sr. NCSY Game Night, 6 p.m., at Beth Israel V E B & A Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. E LOVE Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m. 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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Holocaust Documentaries Wrap-Up Jewish Film Festival

by LISA SHKOLNICK JCC Assistant Director The “JCC Athletic Wall of Fame” award recognizes the achievements of Omaha’s Jewish athletes who participated in JCC sports programs and later made significant contributions to the Jewish community, the general community and/or the Jewish Community Center. Nominees must meet all four criteria: Must be Jewish; participated in at least one JCC sponsored sports program; lettered and excelled in a varsity sport for a high school or university, and/or won a city or state championship in a particular sport; and devoted at least 3-5 years of service towards the betterment of the community. This service is to be contributed to the JCC and/or the Jewish community by being active on committees, a volunteer leader through a program, acting as chair-

man on committees, or promotion of programs. Nominations will be approved and judged by the JCC Health and Fitness Committee. A plaque will be added to the “Wall of Fame” at the JCC and the recipients will receive a certificate of recognition and will be recognized at the final JCC Board Meeting on June 1, and also in the Jewish Press and the JCC Centerpiece. Nomination forms are available at the Member Services Desk, and must be submitted to Ellen Jackson, Fitness Director by April 30. For more information, please contact Jackson at 334.6580.

Beth El Synagogue Plans Congregational Seder for Second Night of Passover by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator In keeping with the generations-old tradition of joining loved ones to celebrate the festival of Passover, Beth El Synagogue will host its annual congregational Seder on the second night of Pesach, Tuesday, April 6, 6 p.m. The entire community is invited to come together as Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni lead the commemoration of the Exodus and celebrate the Jewish people’s journey from slavery to freedom. “A warm, joyful evening is being planned, filled with singing and meaningful concepts from the haggadah to reflect modern slavery and freedom, Rabbi Levin said. “We look forward to sharing our celebration with the community.” Prior to the holiday, Rabbi Levin will also lead a class, “Uncovering the Deeper Meaning of Pesach and Its Symbols,” on Thursday, April 1, noon. The session will explore the biblical and rabbinical interpretations of the holiday, its various rituals and symbols, and the structure of the seder and haggadah. “In this class, I hope to offer different ways to transform personal study into a meaningful seder experi-

ence, whether as a leader or as a participant,” Rabbi Levin said, adding that “those attending the class will have a fresh understanding of the meaning of Pesach.” There is no charge to attend the April 1 class. Cost of the congregational seder is $22.50 for adults; $18 for seniors; $15 for children five to 12; $5 for children under five. The cost includes a three percent contribution to Mazon, the Jewish Response to Hunger. For reservations or for further information about the seder or the rabbi’s class, please call Harriet Einziger at 492,8550. EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the closing of the Jewish Press office the first two and last two days of Passover, deadlines for articles, photos and ads are at noon as follows: Issue Deadline April 9 Monday, March 29 April 16 Monday, April 5 April 23 Wednesday, April 14 There is no regular news in the April 2 Passover issue. Synagogue schedules are due no later than March 22. For more information, call 334.6448.

March 19, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 19, 2004

Beth El to ‘Raise the Roof’ at Upcoming Cantor’s Concert

LINCOLN CENTER The Origins of the Final Solution: Nazi Anti-Jewish Policy in WWII by MELISSA BROWNING for the Harris Center at UNL Christopher R. Browning, Holocaust expert and professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will speak on the evolution of Nazi policy regarding Jews in World War II Thursday, April 8, 7:30 p.m., at the Great Plains Art Gallery, Hewit Place, 1155 Q St. in Lincoln. The talk is free and open to the public. In his book, The Origins of the Final Solution: The Evolution of Nazi Jewish Policy, September 1939-March 1942, Browning addresses the questions of when, why, and under what circumstances the leaders of Nazi Germany decided to murder millions of European Jews. The book is the inaugural volume of a major new series, The Comprehensive History of the Holocaust, published by the University of Nebraska Press in association with Yad Vashem, the Holocaust commemoration and research authority of the State of Israel. According to Publishers Weekly, Browning’s book, “is sure to become the standard work on the emergence of the Holocaust.” The book is a History Book Club Main selection, Book-of-the-Month Club Selection, and Military Book Club Selection. Books will be available for attendees to purchase. Browning’s lecture will summarize the thesis of his book, placing the origins of the Holocaust in the context of Nazi racism, the German conquest of Eastern Europe, and the development of the

Second World War. Browning is Frank Porter Graham Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is widely regarded as one of the premier historians of the Holocaust. His previous books include Nazi Policy, Jewish Workers, German Killers; The Path to Genocide: Essays on Launching the Final Solution; Fateful Months: Essays on the Emergence of the Final Solution; The Final Solution and the German Foreign Office. His book, Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland, received the National Jewish Book Award and has been translated into five languages. Professor Browning has been a fellow of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, has served as the Shapiro senior visiting scholar at the United States Holocaust Museum, and has delivered the George Macaulay Trevelyan lectures at the University of Cambridge. The lecture is sponsored by the Henry and Gretl Wald Lectureship Fund, the Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies, and the University of Nebraska Press. Publication of the Comprehensive History of the Holocaust by the University of Nebraska Press is made possible by a gift from the Ike and Roz Friedman Family Foundation of Omaha. For more information, contact Alan Steinweis, 402.472.3257 or e-mail asteinweis1@unl.edu.

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES/ COMMUNITY OUTREACH will have the following items available for take out for Pesach Seders on April 5 and April 6. All food for both Seders must be picked up on Monday, April 5, at 5 p.m., at the front desk of the Rose Blumkin Home.

Seder 1

Seder 2

April 5 Matzo Ball Soup Beef Brisket Sweet Potato Tzimmes Broccoli Fruit Compote w/Macaroons

April 6 Matzo Ball Soup Tajine Chicken Matzo Dressing Asparagus Cake/Strawberries

18.00 per person

18.00 per person

Seder Order Form

by JILL BELMONT believe the variety. It was incredible--not Beth El Publicity Coordinator only because we have a cantor who can If music is food for the soul, then Beth El sing all those songs, but because we have is cooking up a veritable feast for the com- the talent in our congregation to make it a munity with its upcoming Cantor’s Youth great show!” Scholarship Concert. Concert creative director Joanie Jacobson Both cast and crew have spent numerous agreed, noting, “‘POP! Goes the Cantor’ is hours perfecting their musical and dance like an amusement park: every ride is difnumbers, and are counting down the days ferent, but every ride is a whole lot of fun. to “POP! Goes the Cantor,” to be held No two numbers are alike, and the supSunday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. The annu- porting cast of Beth El members conal concert serves as a benefit for the syna- tributes incredible flavor, dimension and gogue’s Youth Scholarship Fund, which personality. Factor in a couple of surprises provides young people the opportunity to attend Jewish summer camps, visit Israel or participate in youth-group conventions. This is one show no one will soon forget, and, having the great privilege of playing in the band alongside some of Omaha’s finest professional musicians, I come by this opinion Cantor Bogomolni, in front, rehearses the band for the Cantor’s honestly. Concert Musicians include: Jill Belmont, left, Bob Adler, Brian Quite simply, I Morhardt, Greg Ahl, Steve Gomez, Dan Cerveny (hidden--on keyboard), love this show. Tuffy Epstein, Dave Black, and Noel Johnson. Photo by Ophir Palmon. The musical numbers range from quietly mesmerizing and and the whole thing is irresistible.” lovely, to downright dance-in-the-aisles, She added that, “This concert is a wonfoot-stomping, hand-clapping fun. derful showcase for Cantor Gastón. He Looking for a great time? gets to be so many different people and You want a spirited, uplifting experience? sing so many different kinds of music. His Check out Beth El on the 28th. voice is this magnificent gift that he is so Now, to the man behind the magic, willing to share--he loves what he does Cantor Gastón Bogomolni: in addition to and we love watching him! He and Rabbi being a deeply soulful cantor with a Levin have been so inspirational, and it’s resplendently sonorous singing voice, this been extremely rewarding to work with man is ruach personified--a really nice guy both of them.” who loves to have fun. Tickets are still available to order or at Because of him, preparing for this special the door: cost is $18 (per person) general evening has been a joyful experience; his admission; $36, Patron; $50, Agent; $75, infectious enthusiasm has permeated all Manager; $100, Investor; $500, Executive those participating in this concert, and Producer; $3 for children 13-19; $1 for chilmany have chimed in to sing his praises. dren 12 and under. Contributions include “I love working with Gastón,” said Mark four concert tickets for Executive Producers Sanford, who is singing in the show. “His and two tickets for all other categories. energy and his passion are incredible, and Checks may be mailed to: Beth El I’m having such a blast being part of this Synagogue Cantor’s Concert, P.O. Box performance.” 540430, Omaha NE 68154-0430. He added that “the lively, spirited atmosThere you have it. If we could bottle the phere our new rabbi and cantor have cre- fun contained in this Cantor’s Concert, what ated at Beth El is just remarkable--we’ve a product we’d have! Since that’s not possiushered in a new era, and it’s so exciting.” ble, all we can do is put on one heck of a Cheryl Lerner, the show’s choreogra- show for the community. Come support pher, praised the music selected for the our young people, round up the kids and concert, saying, “the first time I heard the please join us--Beth El will be rockin’ and concert selections on a CD, I couldn’t you won’t want to miss it.

Name ___________________________________ Phone ________________ No.

Total

Seder 1 @ $18.00 ea.

_____

_______

Seder 2 @ $18.00 ea.

_____

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Matzo Ball Soup @ $2.50 ea.

_____

_______

Brisket w/Tzimmes and Broccoli @ $16.00 ea.

_____

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Baked Chicken w/Dressing and Asparagus @ 15.00 ea. _____

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Fruit Compote w/Macaroons @ $3.00 ea.

_____

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Cake w/Strawberries @ $3.00 ea.

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Total Order Amount

$_______

Please make the check payable to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and mail with order prior to March 31. Send to: Pat Morgan, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 323 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154 Questions? Call Pat at 334-6522

2004

Summer Camps Lots of Summer Fun! Deadline for application is April 16th.

The Jewish Community Center is seeking caring, enthusiastic staff for summer camp. Day Camp: June 7th–August 6th Positions Available: • Junior Counselors • Senior Counselors Contact Laura Wine, JCC Youth Service Director at 334-3409.

March 19, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 19, 2004

For Morocco’s Jews, a Mixture of Integration, Vibrancy and Decline by MICHAEL S. ARNOLD CASABLANCA, Morocco, (JTA)--Growing up in Casablanca, Raphael Elmaleh says he never felt fully at ease as a member of a small Jewish minority in a heavily Muslim country. So when he was seven, Elmaleh’s family sent him from Morocco to a Jewish boarding school in England. Elmaleh thought he would feel more comfortable there--but it was in England, already unnerved by the chilly demeanor of the people, that he first encountered anti-Semitism. Elmaleh is like thousands of other Moroccan Jewish youths who have left their homeland for work or study. But a dozen years ago, Elmaleh did something quite unusual: He came back. After two decades away, Elmaleh found Morocco more advanced and developed economically and socially than when he had left. As an adult, Elmaleh says, he also was better able to appreciate the country’s traditional warmth and ethnic tolerance. When Elmaleh, who keeps kosher, goes to the homes of Muslim friends, they prepare vegetarian meals for him--and think nothing of it. “To find that in an Arab country,” Elmaleh said in a recent interview, “is amazing.” Yet Elmaleh returned, too, to a Jewish community that has fallen from a peak of 300,000 souls after World War II to about 5,000 today. Marriageable men and women of Elmaleh’s age are long gone, most to France or Quebec in search of school, work or love. “It’s very hard to find friends of my age in Morocco.” In the Jewish community, Elmaleh said, “my age doesn’t exist anymore.” “And to find a bride? Forget about it. I have to go to France or Israel if I want to find a shidduch.” For now, Elmaleh isn’t looking. Instead, he’s busy going from village to village documenting the country’s Jewish heritage and earning money as a tour guide-“Morocco’s only Jewish tour guide,” as he is quick to tell visitors. Elmaleh’s life illustrates the two poles of experience for the Moroccan Jewish community today--warm, integrated, patriotic and vibrant, on the one hand; small, diminishing and potentially doomed on the other. “In 10 to 15 years I feel there may be no more Jews left in Morocco,” Elmaleh said. “I don’t think most parents would even want their kids to come back.” Serge Berdugo, president of the country’s Jewish community and a former minister of tourism, is more optimistic. “A lot of people said we were going to disappear when we were down to 100,000 people, and then

when we were 20,000 peocommunity that is dwinple,” he said. “We have dling but that is still investnumbers that can never dising so much in its future appear.” that should cause us all to Yet Berdugo is aware rethink,” Hoenlein said. of the incentives drawing At the youth center, the community’s youth inexknown as the DEJJ, Jewish orably away. “How can you scouts arranged themselves ask a Jew to come back around the edges of a courtwhen he can work in France yard to greet a visiting delefor $3,000 and here he’ll gation from the Presidents earn $700?” Berdugo said. Conference. But the reality is never so As the Jewish dignitaries simple. Two of Berdugo’s watched in delight, the three children found success Moroccan youths sang in Paris, yet one returned to “Heiveinu shalom aleMarrakesh and is living a life ichem.” In a nearby classof industry and luxury. room, young girls perSo, too, in the family of formed a choreographed Jacky Kadoch, head of the dance number, while in small community of another room a Jewish Marrakesh. The community youth chorus performed. numbers about 260 people, The American group later most of them over age 60. visited an old-age home run Those who do stay in During a February 2004 visit to Morocco, members of an by the JDC and the local Morocco enjoy community American Jewish delegation visit the Cercle de l’Alliance, a Jewish community, and visinstitutions and services that Jewish social club in Casablanca that was attacked by a sui- ited the local Jewish museCredit: Michael Arnold/JTA um, which houses ritual would be the envy of many cide bomber in 2003. small Jewish communities around the world. objects and photographs of buildings and tombstones Morocco’s “is the jewel in the crown” of Jewish com- that failed to hold the delegation’s interest. munities that the American Jewish Joint Distribution More compelling was another site visit--to the Cercle Committee serves, said Amir Shaviv, the JDC’s Assistant de l’Alliance, a social club that was among four Jewish Executive Vice-president for special operations. “There targets hit in a series of suicide bombings last May 16. is such a rich fabric of Jewish life in the community A fifth target was located near the Spanish consulate. although it’s so small, and it’s a model of peaceful No Jews were killed or hurt in the attacks; the buildcoexistence in an Arab and Muslim country.” ings were empty of Jews because it was the Sabbath. The Casablanca community, which with 3,000 peo- Twenty-nine Muslims were killed. ple is by far the largest in Morocco, has 10 Jewish The bombings were a blow to the Jews’ sense of schools serving some 800 students. The community security in Morocco. Yet many Moroccans saw them also has at least six synagogues, an old-age home, a primarily as a strike against the country’s social and medical clinic and a youth center. political order, so much so that the anti-Jewish nature Until a delegation from the Conference of Presidents of the attacks largely has been obscured. of Major American Jewish Organizations arrived in the That’s just fine with the community, which discourcountry last month, Berdugo said, he never realized aged overseas Jewish groups from visiting after the Moroccan Jewry had something to teach other Jewish bombings to express condolence, outrage or succor-communities. But, he said, as a Jewish community liv- acts of solidarity that might have portrayed the bombing with full rights in a Muslim country--in fact, as the ings as a Jewish affair, or created a sense that the comlast significant Jewish community in the Arab world--he munity was somehow alien to Moroccan society. now realizes that they do. Instead, the Jewish community has been heartened Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice-chairman of the by the outpouring of support from the country's leadPresidents Conference, said the vitality of the commu- ership and the general public. nity, despite its small numbers, is inspiring. “To see a King Mohammed VI visited the Cercle de l’Alliance the day after the attack and urged the Jewish community to rebuild. Reconstruction is still in progress. The regime then organized a huge rally in support of the Jewish community in the streets of Casablanca. Together, the marchers chanted, “Jews are citizens, Wahhabis are assassins,” a reference to the fundamentalist roots of the attackers, who have been linked to AlQaida. “We were thinking we were completely immune,” Berdugo said. “Now we know that’s not the case. We’re in the same situation as everywhere else--but not more. Muslims feel just as targeted as Jews.”

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March 19, 2004

Elie Wiesel to Focus on Passover Theme in Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y by RACHEL BLUM Boston University. JCC Program Director A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Professor Wiesel was In the days leading up to the celebration of Passover, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the author, scholar, teacher and Holocaust survivor Elie United States Congressional Gold Medal. His acclaimed Wiesel will join us once again to publications include Night, Dawn, The explore one of this holiday’s central Testament, Sages and Dreamers and his themes, with a focus on the Passover two-part memoir, All Rivers Run to the Sea Haggadah. On Thursday, April 1, 7 and And the Sea Is Never Full. He recently p.m., Wiesel will be featured in the released After the Darkness: Reflections on upcoming Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y the Holocaust and the novel, The Judges. satellite broadcast. His latest publication is Wise Men and During this broadcast, he will address Their Tales: Portraits of Biblical, Talmudic, the topic of exile and redemption in and Hasidic Masters. the Jewish tradition. The dual obsesThe program will be broadcast live via sion of exile and redemption has satellite from the 92nd Street Y in New York accompanied the Jewish experience City and projected onto the movie theater from the very beginning. Both are as size screen at the JCC. Tickets for the timely now as when Abraham left his broadcast are $5 and can be purchased in Elie Wiesel parents’ home, when his children and advance by calling JCC Member Services at grandchildren left Egypt, Jerusalem and Babylon. The 334.6426. longing for redemption remains a haunting challenge Upcoming broadcasts include Jeff Greenfield and Al to our own generation. Franken (sponsored by Omaha Steaks) on Sunday, Wiesel has devoted himself to the eradication of hate, May 16, speaking about “Compelling Issues Facing the defense of human rights, and the pursuit of peace America Today.” throughout the world. Since 1976 he has been the For additional information, contact me at the JCC, Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at 334.6404.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FROM THE ADL by I. ROBERT WOLFSON Executive Director, Plains States Region Anti-Defamation League Several years ago, Anti-Defamation League published and widely distributed a special back-to-school report on Religion and the Public Schools. With the many significant Supreme Court decisions which have occurred since our earlier report, ADL and its Legal Affairs Department have prepared this list of frequently asked questions about religious activities in the public schools with answers about what is and what is not permissible. The current national debate on religion in public schools highlights the fact that many Americans wrongly believe nearly all religious expression and activities are banned in our nation’s public schools. In fact, private religious student expression in the public schools is almost always protected, while any school endorsement of religious expression is always prohibited. DISTRIBUTION OF RELIGIOUS MATERIALS BY OUTSIDERS Q. May public schools allow outsiders to distribute religious materials on school grounds? A. No. Public schools may not allow

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Omahan Wins Prestigious Newspaper Award Continued from page 1 “After a few phone calls,” Joseph explained, “he finally said, ‘All right kid, we’ll let you do something’ “Duff pulled me aside on my first day and told me he had gotten a tip a few months back about an art gallery-Thesaurus Fine Arts. They sold Asian antiques like ceramic pots, Jade bowls, elephant statues--all purportedly hundreds or thousands of years old.” After purchasing some of the items, the investigative team discovered that the items were less than 100 years old. Brian researched the business and its owners. He uncovered that Steven Ng Sheong Cheung, a former University of Washington professor in Hong Kong, owned the gallery. Cheung was even finalist for the Nobel prize in 2001! Following the publication of the series of articles, “The Art of Deception,” the gallery closed permanently and Cheung was indicted for federal tax evasion. He and his wife have been “on the run” ever since. Brian adds, “I played a small part in winning, but it still feels good!” “Bagels and…”, an informal gathering for newcomers to the Omaha Jewish community, is Sunday, March 28, 11 a.m.1 p.m. in the Kripke Library at the Jewish Community Center. The event is sponsored by the Community Development Department of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information, contact Janie Murow, Community Development Director, at 334.6566 or e-mail, jmurow@jewishomaha.org.

Part III

Religion in our Nation’s Public Schools

outsiders to distribute religious materials, including Bibles, to students on school premises. Q. Do outsiders have an unlimited right to distribute religious materials on public property near a public school? A. No. While outsiders may distribute religious materials to students on public property off school premises, reasonable time, place and manner restrictions may be implemented which prevent distribution of materials from disturbing the work of the school or interfering with the well-being of students. These restrictions must be contentneutral and not treat outsiders distributing religious material differently from outsiders distributing other types of material. DISTRIBUTION OF RELIGIOUS MATERIALS BY STUDENTS Q. Do students have a right to distribute religious materials in public schools? A. Yes. However, this right may be limited if it substantially interferes with the school’s activities or infringes upon the rights of other students. Q. What are school officials’ rights and

responsibilities when students distribute religious materials in the public schools? A. There can be no school endorsement or appearance of endorsement of the religious materials being distributed. SCHOOL VOUCHER PLANS Q. Are school voucher plans for private sectarian schools constitutional? A. No. The Supreme Court has never approved plans that permit voucher redemption in private religious schools, and such plans would probably violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment because they are the equivalent of direct government aid to religious institutions. Government taxes are collected to be used for such public purposes as funding public schools and it is unconstitutional for the government to use this tax money to fund private religious schools. Q. Aside from the Establishment Clause violation, what other problems are raised by voucher plans? A. Voucher plans raise serious questions of equity. Many private schools, which could be eligible for voucher

F e E d D a Bb Cc k Ll Ii Jj K h H g G qR Q p P o Nn O wX W v V Tt Uu 90 8 7 6 5 4 123

money, discriminate on the basis of religion, gender, physical disability, language and socioeconomic status. Voucher plans usually cover only a fraction of private school tuition and therefore will be of little assistance to the poor. Furthermore, voucher plans seriously threaten public school budgets and could therefore jeopardize the quality of public schools. Public education provides many children in this country with the opportunity to acculturate. As our country become increasingly fragmented along racial, ethnic and religious lines, the importance of the public school system as a unifying factor also increases. Furthermore, a viable public school system is essential to an informed citizenry and a healthy democracy. The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. In order to protect the free exercise of religion, ADL has filed amicus briefs in many Supreme Court cases over the years. For more information about any of ADL’s publications, call the Omaha office at 333.1303.

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March 19, 2004

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 19, 2004

More of Purim Around the Heartland Psychedelic ’60s Are Revisited at Beth El’s Purim Bash Chabad and Beth Israel Team Up by JILL BELMONT Bogomolni. Beth El Publicity Coordinator Rabbi Mordechai Levin agreed, adding Purim revelers at Beth El were trans- that he was pleased with the spirit and ported back to the 1960s, for a wild and joyfulness which permeated the evening. groovy “Purim a la Beatles Karaoke” “Our Purim religious service and celeevening, following the traditional bration are but one example of how we Megillah reading. Around 350 attendees, celebrate Jewish life at Beth El.” many dressed for the decade of tie-dyed clothing, headbands and peace signs, filled the social hall to hear a boisterous Cantor Gastón Bogomolni (looking as if he stepped straight off the “Sergeant Pepper” album cover), lead songs such as “Rabbi Pepper’s Only Purim Band”, “Esther Day”, and “We All Pray in a Yellow Synagogue.” During the evening, partygoers were also treated to ice cream bars and were entertained by a children’s costume parade. “It was an exciting, entertaining night for all ages: adults could reminisce about the ’60s; teenagers loved singing the songs of their parents’ generation; and the smaller children Photos from top: Marty Nachman, right, doles out treats got to strut their stuff during the to Eliana Schuller, Sarah Kutler and Brooke Shulewitz. costume parade--we all had a Liatte Dotan mans the lollipop tree as Becca Gordon great time!” said Cantor makes her selection.

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Above: Shushan in the Barn came to life on Erev Purim at Temple Israel as the staff performed the annual Megillah spoof written by Cantor Wendy Shermet and Stephanie Grossman, director of youth and informal education. Rabbi Craig Marantz (standing, left to right) took the part of Vashti Cow, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel was Mordecai Horse, Rosie Zweiback was Esther Sheep, Michelle Shkolnick impersonated a barn dog and the narrator, Joan Cooper was Ahasueras Bull (and received kudos as the costume designer), Cantor Shermet was Haman Pig, and (in front) Grossman, Claudia Sherman, and Elyce Azriel were chorus chickens.

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Above: Designing masks at the dinner, prior to the Megillah reading, were Abby Reiss (left) and Alison Goldstein. Below: Adults like Patrick and Lynne Jensen came in costume, as well as Benjamin Wilczewski, right, who got a better look at everything in his father Chris’s arms.

March 19, 2004

Jewish Senior Services presents the Scarlet and Cream Singers on Wednesday, March 31, 7 p.m., with a Jazz and Blues Review and ’50s Show. The Scarlet and Cream Singers are ambassadors of goodwill for the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the state of Nebraska. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334.6521. It’s “Tuesday Night Live” with the Omaha Municipal Orchestra with Famous First with Anne Nagosky on April 20, 7 p.m. Anne Nagosky is a full-time violinist with the Omaha Symphony Orchestra. Musical Director is Christopher Stanichar. You never knew music could be so soothing with Mendelsshohn: Violin concerto in E minor, op. 64 and Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1 in F minor, op. 10. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 for reservations. All are welcome.

IN THE NEWS Former Omahan Kathy Pollack, daughter of Enid Pollack and Lawrence Pollack, has been appointed as a visiting faculty member at the Union for Reform Judaism’s Kutz Camp/NFTY National Leadership Center. She will be a guest teacher in Temple Youth Group and other leadership classes. She will participate in leading evening programs, teach a one week “chug”, and do a “one shot” session with college-age staff. Louise Abrahamson, who has been at Boys Town for 23 years, was inspired to brighten the lives of children, who “when they come here, all they have is the clothes on their back,” she noted. Abrahamson began “Clothesline”, a store of new to almost-new donated merchandise collected from retailers and provided to Boys Town children free of charge. She also ships items to children at other locations across the country. Savannah Pines will host a free Health Fair on Thursday, March 25, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. at its Lincoln location, 3900 Pine Lake Rd. Health screenings for blood pressure, balance, bone density, blood glucose and mole and skin exams will be available, along with a mini-chair massage and dental screening. Lectures on the hour, start at 11 a.m.

BIRTH Stephanie and Brian Yampolsky of Scottsdale, AZ annouce the Feb. 6 birth of their son, Jack Samuel. He has a sister, Jordan, age 8 and a brother, Jeremy, age 6. Grandparents are Dr. Larry and Judi Yampolsky, and Carol and Barry Warshaw of Scottsdale, AZ. Greatgrandmother is Edith Epstein.

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KING KONG

ORGANIZATIONS Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, join us for ventriloquist Vern Wirka as he entertains. The students from the Child Development Center and Friedel Academy will join us. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272. Call Maggie for reservations for the Spring Party with Michael Walker on March 29 at 334.6521. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to the Bluffs Run Casino on March 25 please meet at the JCC at 8:45 a.m. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334,6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want to have a “Freylichen Tog”? Come to the Lomir Redn Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for information. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

VISIONS Mahoney State Park presents It Runs In The Family on Sunday, April 18. The cost of $25 per person includes deluxe coach transportation, buffet lunch at the Kiewit Lodge, and theater ticket. Depart from the JCC at 11:30 a.m. Arrive back to the JCC by approximately 5 p.m. Deadline for reservations is March 30. Send to Ethel Goldston at 1108 N. 92 Plz. #101, Omaha, NE 68114. Make check payable to Visions. Tour the Nebraska Humane Society (8929 Fort St.) on Wednesday, April 14. Behind the scenes tour--see over 64% more than ordinary visitors! We will begin with lunch at the Golden Corral Restaurant (8990 Boyd St) at 11:30 a.m. The cost of $8.50 per person includes tour with docent, buffet lunch, drink, tax and tip. Deadline for reservations is April 7. Send form to Sandy and Fred Bromley, 13419 Marinda St., Omaha, NE 68144. Make check payable to Visions. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Stu Dornan will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, March 24, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Gary Javitch. Dornan is the Douglas County Prosecutor. Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community. HADASSAH Local Hadassah volunteer leaders will visit Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. May 2-4, seeking change. Its “Day on the Hill” program brings the Voice of Hadassah--the largest Jewish women’s organization--to elected officials-and you can still sign up! Hadassah members from the Upper Midwest Region will meet with members of Congress, the Israeli Embassy, and Jewish and women’s advocacy groups. They will discuss U.S-Israel relations, separation of church and state, and women’s health concerns with top government officials. Contact the Hadassah office at 952.924.4999 to sign up. The cost for the trip is $325 per person (double occupancy) for Hadassah members and their spouses; $350 includes one year’s annual membership dues for new Hadassah members. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING A crash course in Hebrew Reading with Rabbi Hoffman meets Wednesdays at noon in the Federation Conference Room; Advanced Hebrew Comprehension meets at 7 p.m. at the OCTL Beis Midrash. For upcoming classes and programs, call 981.0569.

CDC’s Keshet Kids Donate Food Preschoolers at the JCC’s Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center collected 100 cans of food in celebration of the 100th day of school, for donation to the Omaha Food Bank. The Keshet kids learned the number concept of 100 and toured the Food Bank as part of their mitzvah project. Keshet teachers are Bettie Adams and Janette Morrisey.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 19, 2004

Opinion Pass Over Imagine what it would be like to be a newcomer to Omaha, with no friends and no family and no invitations for a Passover seder. And imagine what our military men and women think when they face a night alone on April 5 and 6 with no one to share matza and four cups of wine. Pretty lonely, we’d say. It doesn’t have to be that way. If you’ve already made a commitment to your friends and family to host this year’s sederim, open your home (and your heart) to just a few more guests. not only will you be fulfilling the mitzvah of “Let all who are hungry, come and eat,” but you will benefit by discovering the diversity of former “out-oftowners” at your seder table. Just think back to the Rosh Hashanah issue of the Jewish Press. Remember all the newcomers we introduced to the Jewish community? There are doctors and architects, retired military personnel and teachers, families, singles and retirees. They’re just a small number of the dozens of newcomers who’ve moved to Omaha and Lincoln in the last few years. We can show them the real warmth of this community by sharing our Passover seders. So here’s how: call your synagogue and ask “Who’s new?” Get phone numbers and start calling. Next call Janie Murow, Community Development Director at the Jewish Federation of Omaha, 334.6566--and do the same. And finally, call Chaplain Kalman Dubov at the Offutt Air Force Base Chapel, at 294.6244 and discover for yourself the joys of hosting someone from the armed services. It’s easy to stay locked into the same group of friends year after year. It’s comfortable and you know what to expect (and from whom to expect the unexpected!).

(Founded in 1920)

This is another tough year for the Jewish community. We’re still living through the Palestinian intifada, now in its third year of terrorism in Israel. We are continually reminded of Sept. 11 when terrorists strike at innocent civilians as they did in Madrid last week. And, Mel Gibson’s film has awakened worries about anti-Semitism, of course, timed right before Easter and Passover. It’s a scary world out there and it makes it scarier when the terrorists succeed in achieving their aims--terrorizing us into submission, keeping us locked in our homes and afraid of venturing outside. It’s even scarier when you’re a “senior” member of our community. Imagine what residents of Livingston Manor or many of our assisted living facilities and nursing homes around Omaha feel when they, too, are alone for Pesach. In addition to newcomers, you can grace your table with an older member of the Jewish community who may not have any family here either. Perhaps their children leave town for “spring break.” Perhaps they’re estranged. It doesn’t matter; they deserve to feel dignified and respected, so don’t leave the elderly out of your invitation list. This is not the year to be alone. This is the year to enlarge your circle of friends and invite new people to join. This is the year to show New Yorkers and Californians that Omaha is the world’s best kept secret--and lucky them--they’ve

been “accepted” into this special club! Please--don’t let Passover pass you over. Editor’s note: our Passover issue will be published on April 2. We apologize in advance to those artists, musicians, designers, patrons of the arts, photographers, sculptors and others whom we could not include due to time constraints, lack of available space and shortage of free-lance writers.

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.

Though They Liked The Passion, Christian Evangelicals Are Our Friends BEHIND THE EADLINES H by ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN NEW YORK (JTA)--The lesson to be learned from recent differences between many American Jews and conservative Christians--on Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ and on equal rights for gays--is not to walk away from relationships with evangelicals. It is not to reject evangelical support for Israel. It is not to view the evangelical community in a simplistic way. It is not the lesson Arlene Stein offers in her JTA Op-Ed piece (see page 13). It is, rather, to reinforce a dual approach: working for and welcoming conservative Christian support for Israel at a particularly difficult time for the Jewish state and, at the same time, never backing off or toning down our principled positions on social issues about which we vehemently disagree with evangelical approaches. One of the fascinating manifestations of the turmoil over Gibson’s film has been to observe many on the left in the Jewish community saying, “We told you how bad evangelicals are,” while many on the Jewish right, in a foolhardy effort to placate the religious right, defend a film with the potential to set back Christian-Jewish relations and to generate anti-Semitism. There is too much at stake--Israel’s security and the well-being of Jewish life in America-to be blinded by narrow ideological approaches.

Israel needs the support of America today more than ever. The threats to the Jewish state from Islamic extremists, the bias of the international community and the poisoning of young people’s minds have never been greater. The role of the United States is critical not only in standing with Israel, but also in influencing others--particularly the Europeans-toward some fairness vis-a-vis Israel. American support for Israel rests on many pillars. Most importantly, it is bipartisan.

...we shouldn’t rush to judgment on the impact of the film on evangelical Christians. There is no doubt, however, that evangelical activity on behalf of Israel is among the most significant elements in that support, not least because of that community’s influence with President Bush. Whether it is in congressional initiatives, administration positions or public-opinion polls, evangelicals matter. It behooves us to act accordingly. On the other hand, for many of us, conservative Christian perspectives on social issues that are critical to a healthy American society and Jewish life within that society are disturbing. Whether it is church-state separation--at the heart of the comfort level that Jews enjoy in this country--or opposition to any religious group imposing its views on society -as seen in the struggles to maintain choice on abortion and equal rights for gays--we are deeply concerned about conservative Christian views and policy initiatives. And we don’t pull any punches in our

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant 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; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. 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 constitional committees of the Jewish Federation. 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.

opposition. We engage fully to prevent those religious-right policies from predominating in legislation, in the courts and in executive decision-making. Moreover, when some evangelical leaders articulate prejudicial views toward any religious group, as several did in anti-Muslim stereotyping, we speak up. During the current controversy about the Gibson movie, we have been unhappy that more evangelical leaders have not acknowledged Jewish pain, the history of antiSemitism associated with the deicide charge and the potential for recurring hatred of Jews. But we shouldn’t rush to judgment on the impact of the film on evangelical Christians. We need to be clear where we stand and encourage sensitivity and education about Jews and Jewish history. The bottom line remains what it has always been: Evangelical Christians have never demanded a quid pro quo from American Jews for their support of Israel. If they were to say that they would only work on Israel’s behalf if American Jews halt their activity in opposition to them on social issues, we, of course, would say, “Sorry, no thanks for your support.” That has not happened. They stand with Israel for theological reasons and because, as Christian activist Gary Bauer has said, the United States and Israel are on the front line together in the current struggle for freedom and democracy. That’s good enough for us. Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, is the author of Never Again? The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism.’

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 19, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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The Passion Showed True Colors of our Christian Evangelical ‘Friends’ BEHIND THE H EADLINES by ARLENE STEIN NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.(JTA)--A few years ago, a few moderate American Jewish leaders tried to allay Jewish fears that the Christian right was a threat. American Jews had it wrong, they said: Former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed, the Rev. Pat Robertson and their ilk really were quite nice, even openminded fellows--and strongly pro-Israel to boot. They were our friends. The Anti-Defamation League publicly praised Reed’s pro-Israel stance and invited Christian conservatives to ADL banquets. Christians, in turn, organized nationwide prayer vigils and lobbying campaigns to support Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s vision of a greater Israel. Basking in the glow of this newfound friendship, Reed proclaimed that the Jewish-Christian alliance for Israel was as important as the black-Jewish coalition for civil rights in the 1960s. Then, a Hollywood film star produced, directed and bankrolled a cinematic portrayal of Jesus’ final hours that depicted Jews as Jesus’ killers, promoting an ageold anti-Semitic theme. Fearing that the film would stoke new anti-Semitism, ADL national director Abraham Foxman pleaded that Gibson alter the film, the Pope disavow it and the Christian evangelicals that had become Foxman’s allies sermonize against it--to no avail. Foxman should have seen it coming. For all their talk of loving Jews and Israel, conservative Christians’ No. 1 priority always has been to expand their influence and numbers at home and abroad. Several years ago, I interviewed dozens of Christian activists for a book I was writing about a campaign against gay rights that bitterly divided many Oregon communities, where I was living at the time. When I disclosed my Jewishness to the evangelicals I met in the course of my research, they responded with boundless curiosity and kindness. A few asked if they could accompany me to synagogue, professing their great affection for the Jewish people. Several spoke excitedly of their trips to Israel or their desire to visit there.

I found it all disarming, and even a little flattering. But then the invitations to attend their churches arrived, along with offers to pray for me. I declined them graciously, and heard little else until my book, a critical but empathetic account of conservative Christian activists, was published. The messages then began to get meaner and were often tinged with antiSemitism. “How could a Jew possibly write an unbiased account?” one asked. Another told me to “go back to New York, where you belong.” Today, some of those activists have gone on to mobilize support for Israel, working to insure that the holy land stays in Jewish hands so that “saved Christians” like themselves can enjoy their final rapture out of harm’s way. Ever since Sept. 11, 2001, these Christians have felt further justified for their alliance with Israel by the conviction that Judeo-Christian culture must protect itself against the followers of Muhammad, in preparation for the coming “clash of civilizations.” My travels in evangelical America tell me that despite the claims of Jewish conservatives, and even moderate leaders like Foxman, conservative Christians are not our “natural allies.” In fact, most American Jews find themselves deeply at odds with the Christian right over a host of issues. Witness the overwhelming support that the American Jewish community has given to the issue of gay marriage. In Massachusetts, a near unanimity of Jewish communal leaders support gay marital rights, and opinion polls nationally show Jews to be the most solidly in favor of gay marriage of any religious group. Christian conservatives, needless to say, are chomping at the bit to make gay marriage the next major battle in the “culture war.” Even when it comes to Israel, evangelicals are out of step with American Jews and Israelis -most of whom would agree to trade land for peace if a viable peace plan were proposed. Evangelicals, by contrast, support the maximalist ideology of the most fundamentalist Jewish settlers, who view territorial concessions as suicidal. The Jewish-Christian alliance was based on the idea that Israel needs as many friends as it can get. But it needs good friends--friends who believe in the importance of a democratic Jewish

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Alumni of the October 1975-March 1976 ulpan at Kibbutz Ramat Yochanan are being sought for a 30th anniversary reunion in Israel. Please contact me by e-mail at: avrum52@aol.com. Allan Gale West Bloomfield, Michigan To the Editor: The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) deplores the announcement by President Bush that he will support a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. NCJW deplores the President’s support of a constitutional amendment that would ban same sex marriage. NCJW supports the right of gay and lesbian Americans to affirm and protect their relationships through marriage and to seek its legal benefits. Although marriage is a religious

rite for many, if not most people, marriage licenses are issued and regulated by the state. The constitutional guarantee of religious liberty and separation between religion and state requires that civil marriage be made available to all on a nondiscriminatory basis. Opponents also claim that the institution of marriage will somehow suffer if gays and lesbians are allowed to marry as well. We do not agree. Gay and lesbian couples in this country are forming partnerships, having children, and creating families and will continue to do so. To deny couples in these committed relationships the same legal benefits accorded spouses in heterosexual marriages is prejudicial, counterproductive, and morally offensive. Marsha Atkind NCJW NAtional President

homeland, not those whose support for Israel is based on inflexible theological explanations for Israel’s right to exist. The rift over The Passion should be a wake-up call to American Jewish leaders: The Jewish-Christian evangelical honeymoon is over.

It may even be time to file for divorce. Arlene Stein is a professor of sociology at Rutgers University and the author of The Stranger Next Door: The Story of a Small Community’s Battle Over Sex, Faith, and Civil Rights.

The Residents of the

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME extend a cordial invitation to family and friends to share the Seders with them the evenings of

April 5 and April 6 at 6 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium

Seder 2 Menu

Seder 1 Menu Seder Plate/Wine Matzo Ball Soup Relish Trays Beef Brisket Sweet Potato Tzimmes Broccoli Fruit Compote w/Macaroons Coffee/Hot Tea

Seder Plate/Wine Matzo Ball Soup Relish Trays Tajine Chicken Matzo Dressing Asparagus Matzo Cake/Strawberries Coffee/Hot Tea

Reservations by March 29. Call 330-2725 or mail coupon below. Name ________________________________________________________ Phone ________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________ Residents you would like to sit with ______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ No. Total Number of guests at Seder 1 @ $18.00 ea.

______

_________

Number of guests at Seder 2 @ $18.00 ea.

______

_________

Total Order Amount

$_________

Please make the check payable to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and mail with order to: Anne Joseph, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 323 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154 Questions? Call Anne at 334-6520

Let’s Make Sense A Community Conference and Lecture With Keynote Speaker

Rabbi Manis Friedman World-renowned author, counselor, lecturer and philosopher, host of critically acclaimed cable television series, “Torah Forum” and author of the Internationally praised book “Doesn’t Anyone Blush Anymore” will be speaking in Omaha.Other participants include Jewish Family Service and Transitions Recovery Program.

Please join us: Monday, March 22 10 a.m.-3 p.m. W.H. Thompson Alumni Center 6705 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68182 Cost $36.00 per person includes a kosher lunch SEATING IS LIMITED Preregistration is recommended. RSVP: 402/330-1800 Sponsored by:

Chabad of Nebraska and Nebhands, a faith-based initiative.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshrun 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

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE... to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.

March 19, 2004

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE with oneg to follow.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat with Patty Nogg leading services, also at 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El. Junior Congregation for grades four to seven, 10 a.m.; K’tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, 6:20 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SITTER SERVICE During Friday Night and Saturday mornings services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 10 a.m. Hebrew Crash Course, taught by Susi Frydman Levin, in the library; 11 a.m. Adult Bible Study Group, with Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, continues with The Book of Samuel, in the library. WEDNESDAY, 7 p.m.: Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni. SPECIAL PROGRAMS THURSDAY, March 25, noon: “A Jewish Perspective on Jesus” with Rabbi Levin. A mini-course open to the entire Jewish community. To reserve a place, please call Harriet Einziger, 492.8550. SUNDAY, March 21, 4 p.m.: Come all for an afternoon of fun and games. To make a reservation or for more information, contact Harriet Einziger, 492.8550. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP A new twist on Pesach’s Four Questions will be the theme on Monday, March 22, 7 p.m. Reservations are required, contact Aveva Shukert at 556.3594, or avevas@aol.com. POP GOES THE CANTOR: Feel like a little flamenco, country, rock ‘n roll, samba, folk, Broadway and American POP Jewish music? Want to help kids at Beth El? If yes, you’re going to love the 2004 Cantor’s Youth Scholarship Concert, Sunday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, contact the synagogue at 492.8550.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:18 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush Lunch is sponsored by Jean and Fishel Paley in honor of their first anniversary. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Evening Service, 6:25 p.m. Weekday Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Weekday Ma’ariv, 6:25 p.m. MONDAY: Passover Workshop led by Rabbi B.P. Simon, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: NCSY Jr’s Game Night at the Simon’s. Play all the fun board games you never have time to play at home--and eat a dairy dinner! WEDNESDAY: Tunes of Tefillah Passover Class, 7:15 p.m. THURSDAY: NCSY Sr’s Game Night at the Simon’s. Enjoy fun board games and a dairy dinner! Services will take place in the new building with additional Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning services at the 52nd St. Chapel Minyan.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SATURDAY: Blumkin Home Shabbat, 9 a.m., for older students and their families. SUNDAY: Religious School, 3:30 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, Morning services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY Halacha Intermediate level, 7 p.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416.2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Family Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi

Stiel, with oneg to follow. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rich Lombardi and Robert Rickover; Game Night, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: No Religious School. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Adult Hebrew is Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m. and continues (except April 6) until April 27. Enroll by calling the Temple secretary at 435.8004. A class on The Passion of Christ, the New Testament, and the Jews (How the movie and the New Testament portray the Jews and a historical understanding of this today), 7-8:30 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific. Join us for relaxation and conversation, 11:45 a.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate; Rabbi William Cutter will speak. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Adam Goldberg, son of Cindy and Bruce Goldberg, celebrates his Bar Mitzvah at Shabbat morning Services. SITTER SERVICE Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar/bat mitzvah, as well as Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Please make a reservation through the office so we may plan accordingly. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, no facilities for infants. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Text study with Rabbi Azriel on The Guide for the Perplexed, the writings of Maimonides, 8:30-10 a.m. WEDNESDAY: History of Israel II, Professor Moshe Gershovich will lead this class on Zionism, the Holocaust and modern state of Israel, 6:45-8:30 p.m.

Candlelighting Friday, March 19, 6:18 p.m. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy with special guest speaker Rabbi Gary Zola, 1011:30 a.m.; Blame and Bloodshed: The Ethics of the Israel-Palestinian Conflict led by Dr. Toby Schonfeld, Assistant Professor of Humanities and Law at UNMC, 7-8:30 p.m. SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE RABBI WILLIAM CUTTER FRIDAY, March 19, 7:30 p.m.: Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi William Cutter will speak on “Apollo, Elvis, and the Rabbis: Israel’s Struggle between Secular Culture and the Culture of Faith.” SATURDAY, March 20, 9 a.m.: “A Poetry and a Language of Their Own: The search for a Modern Hebrew Culture” during Bagels and Sacred Books. SUNDAY, March 21, 10 a.m.: “ The Poetry of War and Peace: The Transforming Power of Art” with Bagel Brunch. ANNUAL NEW YORK TEMPLE DELI NIGHT SUNDAY, 5 p.m.: Please contact Temple office, 556.6536 or delinight@templeisraelomaha.com to make a reservation. Take out orders available. Sponsored by Temple Israel’s Men’s Club and the WRJ-Omaha. PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH THE PANCAKE MAN SUNDAY, March 28, 9 a.m.: The women of Reform JudaismOmaha is sponsoring a pancake breakfast featuring Jim the Pancake Man. Bring the whole family before the children go to Religious School. Cost is $4.25 for adults and $3.50 for children 12 and under. All you can eat breakfast.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Lunch and Learn with Al Weiss, speaking about “Growing up Jewish in Antarctica” after services. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 28: ADL’s Bob Wolfson will work with students and adults from Lincoln synagogues on “Combating AntiSemitism.”

B’NAI MITZVAH Andrea Brooke Holmberg, daughter of Helene Blair and Mark Holmberg will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 27 at Temple Israel. Andrea is a seventhgrade Honor Roll student at Millard North Middle School. She was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program. She enjoys competitive dance team, playing piano, and reading. For her mitzvah project, she is

volunteering her study hall hours to help special needs children with their gym classes. Andrea has a sister, Maria Macoubrie, and two brothers, Benjamin and Ethan. Grandparents are Judy and Herb Kaiman, Bonnie Gardner, and Harry Holmberg, all of Omaha.

Talia Yael Tene, daughter of Mindy and Gady Tene will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 27 at Beth El. Talia is a seventh-grade distinguished student at Westside Middle School. She enjoys music, dancing, art, traveling, animals, watching movies and talking with her friends. For her mitzvah project, she volunteered in the spring/summer of 2003 for Nebraska Wildlife Refuge, caring

for infant rabbits whose nests were destroyed. She released 15 bunnies into the wild and plans to continue her volunteer efforts. Talia has a sister, Shiri. Grandparents are Aliza Tene of Ramat Gan, Israel, and Dr. Eugene and Marilyn Fingerhut of Pasadena, CA.

March 19, 2004

Boring Truths?

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI STANLEY ROSENBAUM Parashat Vayakhel/Pekude The last two sidrot of the Book of Exodus often elicit a big yawn from people who do not look for their deeper meaning. The opening chapters of the book describe the dramatic events of our people’s slavery in Egypt, the rise of Moshe, the confrontation with Pharaoh, the ten plagues, the exodus, our rescue at the Reed Sea, the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, and the various rebellions of the people. But the end of the book describes in enormous detail the building plans of the Mishkan--the portable sanctuary in the wilderness--and the clothing of the Kohanim. And the final sidrot then itemize, in the same exhaustively detailed way, the actual manufacture of the Mishkan and the clothing. Our Tradition insists that nothing in the Torah is superfluous. What would appear to be a compulsive attention to detail must serve some important purpose. And indeed, if we enlist our sensitivity, we will uncover some important truths. First, God commands that the observance of the Sabbath takes precedence over the building of the Temple. As much as we might desire to feel God’s presence by establishing a sacred place, God insists that our relationship lies more so in the way we make use of our time. Six days we are to labor, but Shabbat is the reminder that human beings were created to be free as individuals and collectively. The essence of true religion lies in the values with which we conduct our daily lives. Second, the qualities necessary for building the Sanctuary, as seen in God’s selection of the workers, are indicative of the way we should all approach our own tasks in life. To achieve worthy goals we need chachmah, the native intelligence, sachel/common

Barry Epstein Memorial Lecture to Explore Inner Workings of the Soul by TICO GRADY for Chabad of Nebraska “A Glimpse Behind The Curtain” is the topic of a talk at Chabad House by Rabbi Manis Friedman of St. Paul, Minnesota. The lecture, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Barry Epstein, the late son of Geri and Irv Epstein is an annual event here. “Geri and Irv Epstein are community leaders who constantly give of themselves in a variety of ways to our community,” Rabbi Mendel Katzman said. “Unfortunately, I was not privileged to know Barry personally. I have heard how tenderly he cared for others and brought healing to the world. This lecture is a continuation of his very life, inspiring hope and faith- spiritual healing--a sorely missing component in our busy lives.” The discussion will touch on many fascinating areas of Jewish belief, and will include such topics as the soul, the Jewish view of reincarnation, life and death. “Our son, Barry, was interested in Jewish mysticism and read many books on the Kabbalah,” added Geri Epstein. “We understand that Rabbi Manis Friedman, an expert on these studies will enlighten us.” Rabbi Friedman, is an internationally renowned teacher and scholar, author, host of critically acclaimed television series, and social philosopher. Rabbi Friedman uses ancient wisdom and modern wit as he captivates audiences around the country and the world. “He is down to earth, funny, gentle and sensitive, and has helped countless people make sense of their lives,” Rabbi Katzman added. The Dr. Barry Epstein Memorial Lecture is open to the entire community will take place at on Sunday, March 21, 7 p.m., at Chabad House, located on 120th and Shirley St. It is free of charge, and refreshments will be served. For more information or to reserve, please call me at 330.1800 or go to www.nebraskajudaism.com. In addition, there will be a seminar with Rabbi Friedman as keynote on Monday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the W.H. Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge Street. Cost is $36 per person. The event includes a kosher lunch. Seating is limited: pre-registration is required. Call me at 330.1800 to register.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Pulverente MONUMENT CO. sense, and intuitive wisdom with which God blesses us. Binah is the understanding that enables the practical application of that wisdom. And da’at is knowledge that is acquired through study, education, and experience. To succeed in our endeavors we must engage these three qualities in a dedicated and consistent manner. Bezalel was the person known for his artistic creativity in fulfilling God’s commission to fashion the Mishkan. And yet there is also Oholiav, the usually forgotten man, also designated by God. I have always thought of him as representing all those under-appreciated people without whom organizations could not function--the ones who seldom get the recognition they deserve. They are the ones who do the setup and putting-away, who do the cooking and serving, who see that materials are duplicated and ready for meetings, that officers and chairpersons have their agendas organized and systematized, that there is wine for kiddush and candles for Shabbat in the shul. Without these good-hearted people, our organizations would wither. Finally, when the work of building the Mishkan is completed, Moshe gives a detailed tally of the work. If any “chief executive” is to be trusted, one would certainly trust Moshe. And yet he gives a full accounting. At a time when huge corporations have collapsed because of fraudulent practices and deceptive accounting, with CEOs flagrantly violating ethical standards, our Torah demonstrates that leadership must go beyond mere trust. Above-board accounting shows care and devotion in fulfilling one’s obligations and provides a sensible mechanism for avoiding corruption. And so our seemingly “boring” sidrot have much to teach us about life. If we take these lessons to heart, we may sincerely join in the call we make when finishing a book of the Torah: “Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek!”--“Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen each other!” May the lessons of Torah help us grow and mature and find fulfillment in life!

DEATHS MAURICE S. ROSENBERG Maurice S. Rosenberg died at the age of 55. He is survived by his parents, Rachel and Carl Rosenberg; sister, Annie Tuvman of Minneapolis, MN; brother, Stuart Rosenberg of Los Angeles, CA, three nephews and a niece. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue. GORDON CHERWITZ Dr. Gordon Cherwitz died at the age of 80. Services were held at Mount Sinai Cemetery on March 14. A graduate of Creighton University and its medical school, Dr. Cherwitz practiced medicine for many years in Davenport, IA. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Potash, and son, Dr. David Cherwitz. He is survived by his wife, Edith Cherwitz; brother and sister-in-law Merle and Ruth Potash, sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Jerry Wasserman; daughter and son-in-law, Miriam Cherwitz Newton and Phil Newton of Austin, TX; son, Dr. Rick Cherwitz of Austin, TX; daughter-in-law, Dr. Linda Goldman-Cherwitz, and grandson, Kevin Cherwitz, both of Minneapolis, MN. Memorials to the Habitat for Humanity, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Beth El Synagogue.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 19, 2004

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