Vol. LXXXIX No. 26 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Remembering a great friend: Truman Clare
Opinion Page see page 12
by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s attempt to reassure Israel of American steadfastness survived a steadfast Middle East tradition of selfsabotage. Biden’s intended message in a much ballyhooed speech Thursday -- that the United States would stand by Israel in thick and thin -- was unequivocal. Yet it was clear that he and his speechwriters tweaked the text to encompass references to the Israeli settlement building and Palestinian incitement that almost marred his trip. Biden started by reaffirming the “unbreakable bond” between Israel and the United States, as he had following his arrival earlier this week. The bond was “impervious to any shifts in either country and in either country’s partisan politics,” he said to applause.
Caption: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden in Jerusalem, March 9, 2010. Credit: Avi Ohayon/Flash 90/JTA
Judy Meisel to speak at Yom HaShoah Commemoration
Inside
to the child’s death at the hands of the guard. Every day, along with the other female prisoners, Judy was awoken and forced to stand at attention for hours. During the long and tiring roll call, people were selected for work or for death. Judy feared that no one would survive the harrowing conditions and that no one would be left as a witness. Miraculously, at the last moment, Mrs. Meisel was saved from entering a Nazi gas chamber with her mother. After the shock of her mother’s death and escaping her own demise, she searched for her sister in the camp infirmary. Through numerous grueling events, including a death march, Judy and her sister were saved and taken to Denmark. They were certain that they were the only Jews left in Europe until the day a large boat returned to Copenhagen from Sweden where 90% of the Danish Jewish population had residing after an unprecedented rescue by the Danish people and the support of the Swedish people. Today, Judy lives as a witness to the events of the Holocaust. She will share her experiences as a Holocaust Survivor and Civil Rights Activist with the Omaha community at the Yom HaShoah Commemoration on Wednesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at Temple Israel. She will also address the Lincoln community at the State Capitol Holocaust Commemoration on Sunday, April 11. “We are honored to have Mrs. Meisel come to Omaha and to Lincoln as our guest speaker for Yom HaShoah,” stated Beth Seldin Dotan, Executive Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education. Chairman of the committee, Bob Cohen remarked that “the Yom HaShoah Committee came to a unanimous decision to Continued on page 2
He added that it was critical for the international community to understand the bond. “Every time progress is made, it’s been made when the rest of the world knows there’s no space between the United States and Israel when it comes to Israel’s security, none -- no space,” the vice president said. Biden’s speech was an opening salvo in rolling back Israeli and Jewish insecurities stoked by President Obama’s speech last summer to the Muslim world. Jewish community leaders in the United States and some Israeli leaders were unsettled by Obama’s sharp parallels in that speech between Israeli and Palestinian suffering. And some objected to how Obama emphasized the sequence of the Holocaust and the establishment of Israel. The concerns were exacerbated a few weeks later when Obama met with the Jewish leadership and said he would make public disagreements with Israel. The White House, which insisted Obama had emphasized the Holocaust to scold the Arab world for allowing its denial to flourish, was frustrated by Jewish unhappiness with a speech that was supposed to have been about outreach to Arabs and Muslims -- a point that Biden made in his remarks Thursday. “We’re absolutely convinced this approach will improve not only our security but, as a result, your security,” Biden said of outreach to the Muslim world. Nonetheless, it was clear that Biden took care to hit all the marks that Obama missed in his Cairo speech. “Incitement against Israel continues, as do the attacks on the legitimacy of Jewish ties to this ancient land,” he said, a deliberate nod to Israeli anger that Obama had not referred to the Holy Land’s Jewish religious roots in his Cairo address. Earlier in the speech, Biden recalled his working-class Irish-Catholic dad “who often spoke passionately about Continued on page 2
This Week: Community Calendar Page 11 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’
Teen shows how to make a difference through philanthtopy Page 3
March 19, 2010
Breaking down the Biden speech
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Over the years. Clare was active in the Knights of Editor of the Jewish Press Columbus, Creighton University, and the Jewish Truman Clare, a devout Catholic and a longtime sup- Community Center, which he and Rosemary joined in porter of the Omaha Jewish Community, passed away 1960. Truman was a member of several committees, and on March 1, 2010 in St. worked for years on the Petersburg Beach, Fl. Both Israel Bond campaign. In Truman Clare and his wife 1982, he was awarded the Rosemary grew up in City of Peace Award by the Lincoln, Nebraska, and were tate of Israel for the work he married in1944. During the had done within both the same year, Clare earned his Jewish community, and the business administration community at large. In degree from UNL, and 1984, Clare and his wife eventually his Master’s in went to Israel to attend the 1948. In between those two international Bond conferaccomplishments, he manence. aged to squeeze a third: Clare was also active in the active duty in France and annual Federation camGermany, with the 70th paign, and served as tax Infantry Division, from advisor and legal counsel to December 1944 to May of the Jewish Federation of 1946. By the end of World Omaha Foundation. In War II, he had been promot1985, the Federation named ed to Captain. him Humanitarian of the Clare then enrolled at Year, “for being a friend, an Creighton Law School. associate, and a supporter of Followng his graduation, he the Jewish community of was invited by Aphraim Omaha.” Truman Clare Marks, a prominet Jewish There are many within the trial attorney, to become a partner in anew firm. Clare Jewish community who remember Truman Clare as a was a member of the Bar Associations of Omaha, generous and dedicated friend and supporter. One such Nebraska, and Iowa, as well as the American Bar person is Marty Ricks, current Executive Director of the Association. He belonged to the Nebraska Society and Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Continued on page 15
by BETH SELDIN DOTAN Institute for Holocaust Education Director, ADL Plains States Office She was born in Josvainai, Lithuania on Feb. 7, 1929 and was the youngest of three children. In July 1941, at the age of 12, her entire family was taken to the Kovno ghetto. Conditions in the ghetto included overcrowding, very little food, fear and sickness. Hunger was overwhelming for everyone. Young Judy was blond, blue-eyed, and spoke Lithuanian, and she soon took on the role of smuggling food to her family. At night she would creep through a hole in the barbed wire fence which surrounded the ghetto to risk her life by smuggling bread in Judy Meisel her underclothing and under her arm. During the day she worked as a slave laborer at a factory which produced rubber boots for the German Army. In June of 1944, along with her mother and sister, Judy was transported to the Stutthof concentration camp. Judy’s brother was sent to Dachau. When they arrived at Stutthof, they were told to undress, change into a striped uniform and wear wooden clogs. One of the first things Judy witnessed at the Stutthof camp was a guard harassing a woman who was attempting to hide her infant under her dress. The mother was forced to give up her child, and Judy was unfortunately eyewitness
4 Nisan 5770
Coming Next Week: Passover Issue The Four Sons Part II: The Wicked Son Page 4
Weiss backs away from ‘rabba’ title for women Page 16
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 19, 2010
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the incident “an insult to the United States.� Her statement last Friday came after she scolded Netanyahu in a 43-minute telephone conversation that morning for the housing announcement incident. Clinton told CNN later in the day that U.S.-Israeli relations were not at risk over the incident. Also Friday, the U.S. State Department summoned Israel’s U.S. Ambassador Michael Oren for a meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, who reprimanded Oren and criticized Israel’s actions. Steinberg called on Israel to take steps to gain the Palestinians’ trust so that U.S. special Mideast envoy George Mitchell could begin indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Netanyahu had apologized to Biden for the incident on Thursday, and the vice president accepted the apology. The Palestinian Authority reportedly has said that it will not resume any kind of talks with Israel, including the agreed-upon proximity talks, unless Mitchell brings a promise that Israel will cancel the housing plan for eastern Jerusalem. Continued on page 6
Breaking down the Biden speech Continued from page 1 the special connection between the Jewish people and this land.� Biden also mentioned Israel’s high-tech sector, a point of national pride, and recognized those in the universityaudience who had “made aliyah.� He underscored increased military cooperation between Israel and the United States under Obama, particularly in the area of missile testing. U.S. officials have wondered why the improving military relations have not made as many headlines as the heated rhetorical exchanges over settlements. The Netanyahu government has done its part in citing the closeness -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned it Tuesday after his meeting with Biden, and U.S. Ambassador Michael Oren brings it up repeatedly. Stephen P. Cohen, a former Princeton University scholar who is close to the Obama administration and helped draft the Cairo speech, said Biden’s speech was not the last word on U.S. closeness to Israel. “The parallel to the Cairo speech will eventually come from the president himself at the right time,� said Cohen, who has just authored “Beyond America’s Grasp: A Century of Failed Diplomacy in the Middle East.� “There has been a good deal of talk that Obama has put a lot of emphasis on the Holocaust as a predisposing element in the creation of the State of Israel. I think this is an important addition to that thinking,� he said, referring to the Biden speech, “a correction to that thinking.� Most pronouncedly, Biden earned applause when he said that Iran must not achieve nuclear weapons capability. “The United States is determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, period,� he said. “I know that for Israel, there is no greater existential strategic threat. Trust me, we get that.� Notably, however, Biden only spoke of Iran’s isolation and did not include the “all options on the table� euphemism for the possibility of military engagement. Obama and his predecessor, George W. Bush, have used the phrase, and Israel still favors it, most recently in a New York speech by Lt. Gen. Gaby Ashkenazi, the Israeli military chief of staff. Biden was forced into detours from his prepared remarks by Israel’s announcement this week that it had authorized 1,600 housing starts in disputed eastern Jerusalem.
“That decision undermined the trust required for negotiations,� he said, and under instructions from President Obama, “I condemned it immediately and unequivocally.� He added, to applause: “Sometimes only a friend can deliver the hardest truth.� Biden seemed galled, especially that Israel made the announcement while he was meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad -- Palestinian leaders deemed moderate both by Israel and the United States. “Israeli leaders finally have willing partners who share the goal of peace between two states and have the competence to establish a nation,� he said. “Their commitment to peace is an opportunity that must be seized. It must be seized. Who has there been better to date, to have the prospect of settling this with? But instead, two days ago the Israeli government announced it would advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem.� Biden accepted Netanyahu’s explanation that he also had been blindsided by the announcement by his Interior Ministry. The minister, Eli Yishai, has apologized both for the timing and for not giving Netanyahu a heads-up; speculation was rife on both sides of the Atlantic as to what had happened. The committee making the announcement is jointly run by the Jerusalem municipality and Yishai’s ministry. Both Yishai’s haredi Shas Party and the Jerusalem mayor, Nir Barkat, have been known for their attempts to make political inroads into Netanyahu’s right flank. In any case, the gaffe had U.S. officials and some in the pro-Israel community wondering whether Netanyahu was fully in control of his government. The Palestinian Authority also barely averted a PR disaster: It canceled a ceremony to honor a woman who led the 1978 hijacking of a bus in which 35 Israelis were killed. A traffic circle in Ramallah was supposed to be named for Dalal Mughrabi and a memorial plaque unveiled Thursday, according to reports. The event was canceled Wednesday to avoid antagonizing Biden, according to reports. Cohen wondered whether such events were instigated by hard-liners who thrived on isolation. In Israel, he said, there has been a view among some right-wingers that Jews and Israelis “are too vulnerable to our need to be loved.�
Judy Meisel to speak at Yom HaShoah Commemoration
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by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the Israeli public to “not get carried away� following harsh words from the U.S. secretary of state over plans to build new housing in eastern Jerusalem. “We look at this morning’s newspapers and read all kinds of comments and analyses,� Netanyahu said at the start of Sunday’s Cabinet meeting. “First of all, I suggest that we not get carried away -- and that we calm down. “We know how to deal with these situations -- with equanimity, responsibly and seriously. There was a regrettable incident that was done in all innocence and was hurtful, and which certainly should not have occurred.� Netanyahu also appointed a committee to study the chain of events leading up to last week’s announcement of the approval of 1,6000 housing units in the ultraOrthodox Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo during a visit by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. The committee also will establish guidelines for ministries and municipalities to prevent similar occurrences in the future. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called
C F U U F S
Continued from page 1 bring in a Holocaust Survivor as this year’s speaker. Their interest was to host someone who would be able to provide a compelling first-hand survivor account. I don’t think we could have found anyone more equipped to do this than Mrs. Meisel.� Mrs. Meisel will also lead a candid discussion with the community’s Jewish teens immediately preceding the community-wide commemoration at 5:30 p.m. During the teen event, Mrs. Meisel will share a powerful story with the teens and leave them with a dilemma to discuss in smaller groups with Omaha clergy members. Mrs. Meisel is no stranger to Omaha. In 2002, the Institute for Holocaust Education participated in writing a curriculum to accompany the documentary film titled Tak for Alt: Survival of a Human Spirit about Judy Meisel. Film makers Laura Bialis, Broderick Fox and Sarah Levy traveled to Europe with Meisel to trace her steps. She was ultimately saved in Denmark, thus provid-
ing the title of the film which means “Thanks for All� in Danish. The documentary and curriculum provide not only a powerful history of Judy’s experiences during the Holocaust, but also a teaching vehicle for educators to explore standard-based responses to this story; to grapple with ethical decision-making; engage in research and make cultural connections. Scores of teachers in Omaha and Lincoln were trained to use the film and educational materials and have heard Judy’s testimony. She has also spent time at Dana College and at the Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn, Iowa. During her visit this year, she will speak in numerous schools both in Omaha and Lincoln. The Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration is hosted by the Institute for Holocaust Education and sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue and Temple Israel. For more information, please contact the IHE at 334.6576.
March 19, 2010
Interfaith Architecture Tour to focus on North Omaha churches by BETH KATZ Founder and Executive Director of Project Interfaith Project Interfaith will host its annual Interfaith Architecture Tour on Saturday, March 27 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The afternoon program will take attendees on guided tours of two North Omaha churches: St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The group will spend time exploring the important role that places of worship have played in North Omaha, an area of historic and cultural richness that has become the traditional center of Omaha’s African American community. The tour begins at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2402 N. 22nd St., at 1:30 p.m. (check-in starts at 1 p.m.). St. John AME Church is the oldest African-American congregation in Nebraska and the building is considered a fine example of the Prairie School style of architecture. The tour then moves to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2207 Wirt Street, to take in its Late Gothic Revival architecture. A community reception will follow. Online registration is encouraged at http://interfaitharchitecturetour2010.eventbrite.com. Attendees are asked to donate $10 for adults and $5 for high school and college students with a valid ID. St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the American Institute of Architects–Omaha chapter have co-sponsored the event. Project Interfaith grows understanding, respect and relationships among people of all faiths, beliefs and cultures. We provide educational and communitybuilding programs that engage audiences on issues of faith, religion, identity, interfaith relations and religious and cultural diversity. For more information contact me at beth@projectinterfaithusa.org or 402.933.4647; or visit www. projectinterfaithusa.org.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Teen shows how one person can make a difference through philanthropy
there would be a request to make a donation to his teen fund in lieu of gifts. I had heard from colleagues around the country that some teens make this request, but this was the first time I was aware of it happening in Omaha. I was thrilled! Who is this young man? Max is a 7th grade honors student who loves music, plays guitar, keyboard and saxophone, and is a member of his school’s jazz band. He will play baseball this spring until he leaves for summer camp. His eyes lit up when we talked about Olin Sang Ruby summer camp, and he cannot wait to go back. Max and his parents decided together to suggest donations instead of gifts. Max said, “I know I did the right thing,” and he is happy with the choice he made. Thirteen-year-olds usually are not quick to give up the cash and the gift cards. Max’s parents knew that he was hoping to get a new bass guitar with his gifts and told their son they would help him with that purchase if he decided to request donations instead of gifts. This did not replace Max’s mitzvah project by any means. He spent hours doing community service work at an organization that he and his family have Max and friend Ari playing a WII game with a Quality Living Institute resident at volunteered at over the years and he will a recent program. continue to do so. enroll in the program. These dollars have been matched The family told me they were overcome with emotion with $375 by the Foundation to establish individual when they saw how generous their friends and family funds for the teens. The hope is to teach them the were with their donations to Max’s philanthropic fund. importance of performing mitzvot through tzedakah What this means for Max is that his efforts can make a and philanthropy. As part of the program, the students tremendous impact for years to come. He can also take will visit various non-profit organizations and discuss a leadership role amongst his peers, encouraging them to causes and issues important to them. At the end of every get involved in performing mitzvot through philanthroschool year the teens will choose where to allocate dol- py. lars from their funds. Get involved, take action, and make a difference! Several months ago I was contacted by the father of a Contact me at 334.6566 or jmurow@jewishomaha.org Bar Mitzvah boy who told me that in his son’s invitation to learn more about teen philanthropy in Omaha. by JANIE MUROW Community Development Director The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation started the B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program just over a year ago. An incredible 35 Bar and Bat Mitzvah age students have signed up so far and each donated $125 to
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 19, 2010
Just in time for Passover: ‘Being a stranger in a strange land’
have about a somewhat trivial matter. It’s an important by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator lesson for us all when it comes to how we relate to oth“One of the things I want to talk about is how each of ers,� Rabbi Zweiback said. During the weekly Torah study session, entitled “Warm us in some way, no matter where we are -- in Israel or America or Europe or wherever -- are estranged and Up to Others: The Lessons of the Oven of Akhnai,� paralienated and ‘other’,� remarked Rabbi Josh Zweiback. ticipants will discuss with Rabbi Zweiback what the story He’ll be serving as a scholar-in-residence at Temple teaches us about being a stranger, being the other, being estranged from our community, and about the conseIsrael throughout the weekend of March 26 - 28. Having made aliyah in July 2009, Rabbi Zweiback is quences and implications of it all for us today. “The point the newly appointed director of the Year-in-Israel isn’t that we’re unsafe or particularly vulnerable,� said Program at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Rabbi Zweiback. “It’s about the existential condition of the Jewish people. We were Religion in Jerusalem. He’ll strangers in Egypt. We have talk about being “A Stranger wandered from place to in a Strange Land,� when he place. We are at home in leads Shabbat worship servicAmerica and yet, in some es that begin at 6 p.m. on ways, still “other,� still Friday, March 26. Sponstrangers. Why is this? What sored by the Hermene does this mean for us as Jews? Zweiback Center for LifeWhat is the result of this long Jewish Learning, estabestrangement? That is, what lished by Rabbi Zweiback’s do we ‘do’ with this reality?� father, Dr. Speedy Zweiback, Winding up his residency, all of Rabbi Zweiback’s learnRabbi Zweiback will speak ing opportunities thro-ughabout “The Philosophy of out the weekend are open to Otherness� at 10 a.m. on the entire Jewish community. In addition to prayer and Rabbi Josh Zweiback and his wife Jacqueline Hantgan with Sunday, March 28. He’ll learning, Rabbi Zweiback, a their daughters Ariela, eight, left, Isa, ten, and Naomi, six, get explore the teachings of the guitarist with his own Jewish to know a “strange� new land on a hike in the Judean desert. French Jewish philosopher rock band Mah Tovu, will present original, contempo- Emanuel Levinas whose “core philosophy focuses on the other (the one who is most vulnerable) and our responrary Jewish music during the March 26 service. As he connects the Passover story to his personal sibilities to him or her,� explained Rabbi Zweiback. experience as a new immigrant in Israel, Rabbi Levinas “understands these responsibilities in ethical Zweiback acknowledges that “in many ways we are terms. It is at the core of his theology. As he puts it,� rooted and at home. But on an existential level, we are points out Rabbi Zweiback, “‘To know God is to know forever gerim -- aliens, strangers. Again and again in our what must be done.’ We’ll explore how Levinas underTorah and throughout our tradition, we are reminded stands our fundamental obligation as Jews and as human that we are gerim heyitem -- strangers in Egypt, and beings to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable therefore we know what it is to be outsiders. This whether they be Jewish or not.� applies to all Jews wherever we may be.� “It’s a tremendous honor to be able to teach and learn At 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, March 27, Rabbi with colleagues like Rabbis (Aryeh) Azriel and (Eric) Zweiback will explore a text that describes a moment of Linder and Cantor (Wendy) Shermet,� added Rabbi alienation and displacement -- the story of Rabbi Zweiback, who grew up as a student at Temple Israel. Eliezer’s excommunication at the end of the story of the “And of course, it’s a special treat to be reunited with Oven of Akhnai. “I’ll be focusing mainly on Rabbi dear friends and family. I also look forward to making Eliezer’s relationships with his colleagues, and the pro- new connections and forming new relationships in the found estrangement that is a result of an argument they community that will always be home for me.�
ORGANIZATIONS
WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to the Ameristar Casino on Thursday, March 25, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. For information call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-3 p.m. in the social hall of the JCC. For information call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICE Reminder: The Intergenerational Orchestra of Omaha will perform on Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center auditorium. The Intergenerational Orchestra of Omaha’s mission is to combine the talents of two diverse generations of musicians for the
purpose of creating beautiful music and then sharing that music. Join us as the orchestra performs a lively repertoire of well-known movie and television themes, along with popular hits that span the generations. In addition, the group performs original compositions written for the Orchestra by Conductor Chuck Pennington, who creates music to complement the unique blend of musicians that comprise the ensemble. For information call Lois Wine, Volunteer Coordinator at 334.6519.
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Omaha Royals co-owner Alan Stein will tell us about their new plans in Sarpy County and answer questions about what happened to the Omaha city deal on Wednesday, March 24, noon, in the JCC social hall. Everyone in the community is invited. The program is free; an optional lunch is $13; beverage service, $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list, contact Jenny at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha. org. Because of the Passover holiday, there will be no Breadbreakers session held on March 31.
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March 19, 2010
A new documentary discusses the legacy of a Nazi filmmaker with his heirs
by ALLISON HOFFMAN guilt. NEW YORK (Tablet) -- In 1939, Born in 1929 to Harlan and his first Joseph Goebbels commissioned his wife, Hilde Korber, Thomas joined the favorite film director, Veit Harlan, to Hitler Youth as a teenager. As an adult, make an entertainment suitable for though, he publicly repudiated his father wartime. The result was “Jew Süss,” a his- and worked for a time researching Nazi torical drama about the Jewish banker war crimes in Poland. Joseph Süss Oppenheimer, who was Still, his inability to convince his father hanged in 1738 on charges of treason to recant continues to haunt him. against a German duchy. “I was prepared to take responsibility,” The choice of subject matter was a Thomas says. “It was self-evident to me retort to a British anti-Nazi movie based that I was answerable along with him … on a novel by the German-Jewish writer but I don’t know how he saw it. I think Lion Feuchtwanger in which he really took me as an enemy.” Oppenheimer is depicted as a martyr -Thomas’ two younger sisters, Maria both with the same title. Harlan warped and Susanne, were only old enough to the historical figure into a predator who rapes both the public trust and a helpless Aryan girl, played by Harlan’s own wife, the Swedish ingenue Kristina Soderbaum, then Germany’s topearning actress. When the movie premiered in the fall of 1940, 20 million Germans packed cinemas to see it. Audiences jeered lustily at scenes of bedraggled Jews -- actual residents of the Prague ghetto compelled to serve as extras -- carting Filmmaker Veit Harlan was acquitted of being an their possessions away after they accessory to crimes against humanity, but wrote in a are banished in response to draft of his autobiography that “the shadow of ‘Jew Süss’ will not vanish.” Oppenheimer’s perfidy. Goebbels, who wrote in his diaries that know they needed to look smart when “Jew Süss” was “the anti-Semitic film,” their father’s Nazi patrons came to visit. ordered screenings for all SS units during Yet both, for different reasons, chose to the winter lull in fighting. But after the marry men with Jewish blood. war, the victorious Allied forces proved Maria, who at one point in the film less impressed. Harlan found himself angrily recounts how her father and stepcharged with being an accessory to crimes mother were asked to leave a theater after against humanity. the war because the leading lady refused In court, Harlan claimed he had no to perform for them, nonetheless says she choice but to do Goebbels’s bidding. He felt impelled to become involved with a was acquitted, but as he wrote in a draft man whose Jewish father had been killed of his autobiography, “the shadow of ‘Jew by the Nazis because she felt sorry for Süss’ will not vanish.” him. But the film did; it was removed from “I said, ‘He has suffered, and we have public circulation under postwar de-nazi- to help him,’ “ she explains. “I thought I fication laws. Harlan returned to film- was doing a good deed.” making in the 1950s, but as a New York Susanne, who committed suicide in Times correspondent wrote in 1951, “the 1989, had other motives. reek of the gas ovens is inseparably associ“My mother wanted away, away, away ated with his name.” from this history, from her father, from Harlan died in Capri in 1964 without everything it meant to her,” Susanne’s ever acknowledging the impact of his daughter, Jessica Jacoby, says in the film. work, despite the fact that he was once Susanne threw herself headlong into married to a Jewish actress, Dora Judaism after meeting Claude Jacoby, Gershon, who was killed at Auschwitz. who managed to flee from Germany to The task of grappling with Veit Harlan’s New Orleans in 1938 but returned to his legacy has fallen to his children, their chil- native country as a journalist with the dren and their close relatives, the subjects American Army after the war. Claude of “Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Süss,” Jacoby died in 1964 of a heart attack. a documentary by the German filmmaker Susanne left for Israel but ultimately Felix Moeller at the Film Forum in New returned to Berlin, where Jessica Jacoby is York. now a writer for the city’s Jewish newspaHarlan’s heirs represent an astounding- per, the Judische Allgemeine. ly broad range of opinion: from border“I belong to a family that the Nazi periline revisionism to a full embrace of Jews od divided into perpetrators and victims,” and Judaism. Not surprisingly, they dis- Jacoby says in the film. “You could say agree about whether their father was that insofar as ‘Jew Süss’ was a call to permotivated by a commitment to Nazism or secute and annihilate not just the Jews of simple opportunism. Germany but of Europe, it cost my other “War games and films are now spon- grandfather and grandmother their lives.” sored by the American military,” argues Reprinted from Tabletmag.com, a new Kristian Harlan, one of the director’s two read on Jewish life. sons with Soderbaum. “Not much has changed.” And while his brother Caspar describes HIGH HOLIDAY CLOSING & Veit as a “despotic” husband to their DEADLINE NOTICE mother, he nonetheless insists that his The Jewish Press will be closed Tuesday father was coerced to make “Jew Süss” and Wednesday, March 30-31 and Monday and did not believe in Nazi principles. and Tuesday, April 5-6 for Pasover. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is 9 But for Moeller, what Veit Harlan actua.m. as follows. Questions? Call ally believed doesn’t much matter: The 402.334.6448. point is, Harlan made a film, and its conIssue Deadline sequences have been real. April 2 Monday, March 22 Only Harlan’s eldest son, Thomas, is Monday, March 29 April 9 old enough to carry any real personal
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 19, 2010
Temple Deli Night offers last chance to indulge until after Passover
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Where can you go on a Sunday night in Omaha for an authentic deli dinner featuring matzo balls, kreplach soup, chopped liver, corned beef, pastrami, and tongue sandwiches topped off with New York style cheesecake for dessert? There’s only one place: Temple Israel’s annual Deli Night from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 28. The menu describes a variety of classic deli delicacies, named appropriately after Temple Israel personalities such as the Aryeh Azriel corned beef, pastrami, and tongue sandwich piled high on marble bread. Then there’s the jazzy Eric Linder corned beef and turkey topped with coleslaw, all stacked on marble bread. Not to be outdone, the Wendy Shermet vegetarian delight is a cool tangy tuna, lettuce, and tomato sand-
wich on marble “wry” which will leave diners suitably saucy. There are also menu selections named after Religious School Coordinator Lori Bennett, Executive Director Dennis DePorte, Board of Trustees President John Lehr, and Lonnie Williams, Temple’s custodian and longest serving employee. Besides marble bread, challah will be available, and meals will be served with coleslaw and pickles. Temple wishes to thank Bag ‘N Save, Omaha Compound Company, Omaha Steaks, and Rotella’s for their contributions to Deli Night. All proceeds and tips will benefit Temple Israel. So please tip the wait staff even if they don’t deserve it! Carry out orders can be called into the Temple office at 556.6536. There’s no telling when you’ll get another opportunity to consume a meal like this -- certainly not until after Passover! Please make reservations by calling Temple at 556.6536.
Beth El sixth graders, parents share special family program
by JILL BELMONT Jerusalem, one of Tomer's favorite places to visit time Beth El Publicity Coordinator after time. In past visits to Israel and Jerusalem, Tomer Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah’s sixth grade stu- walked the streets of the Old City, peered at the dents and their parents spent a recent Sunday morning Montefiore Windmill, viewed the city skyline from at the synagogue creating personalized tallitot, to be Mount Olives, and stood in solace at the Western Wall. worn at their upcoming B’nai Mitzvah and future Jewish These places will now bear his shoulders, as he wraps celebrations. The special Tallit Project was made possible himself in his handmade tallit, and becomes Bar by a grant from the Riekes Mitzvah.” Family Foundation, said Said Sharon Kirshenbaum, Judy Rubin, BESTT educawho participated with her tion director. Rubin also daughter, Lauren, “It is so expressed gratitude to conrewarding to be able to work one-on-one with your child gregant Kelli Sadofsky for on a project such as the Tallit creating the tallitot for the Project; it’s nice to know students to decorate. that she’ll have her handiThis sixth-grade project work for a long time. has been a favorite since its “The kids love this project inception five years ago; sevbecause they gain a huge eral parents shared some sense of accomplishment, thoughts about the significance of creating the prayer Led by teacher Daniel Christensen, at right, BESTT parents beginning when they start shawls with their children. recently helped their sixth graders transfer their artistic tracing their patterns onto “Making Tomer’s tallit designs to the material; they will also lend a hand when the the fabric to coloring their together was very special to tzitzit are ready to be tied to the corners of the tallitot. designs and ending with both of us, as it wasn’t just another fun creativity to share, but a significantly important part of preparing for Tomer’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah,” said dad Ophir Palmon, a native of Israel. “Tomer chose the drawing for his tallit, and we sat across from each other, tracing the lines of the design bearing the outline of the Old City of
tying the tzitzit and completing the tallis,” Kirshenbaum continued. “It’s so great to be able to work with your child and see all of this unfold before their eyes. The Tallit Project is a wonderful gift that Beth El gives to the 6th graders before their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.”
Germany challenging request to open Eichmann files
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by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Germany is challenging a journalist’s request to declassify files pertaining to the 15 years Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann spent as a fugitive. German journalist Gabriele Weber filed a claim with the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig requesting the 4,500 pages of secret documents on Eichmann to be released. A Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig is currently examining the Eichmann documents. The court is expected to rule soon on whether the German foreign intelligence agency, the BND, is justified in continuing to keep the files classified. Eichmann was a leading architect of Hitler’s plans to murder Europe’s Jews. The BND has argued that it must keep the documents secret in order to protect an unnamed foreign intelligence service; the service is believed to be Israel’s Mossad, Der Spiegel reported. The BND is concerned that if the information is released it will cause other
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nations to stop sharing intelligence with Germany. The Mossad captured Eichmann in Buenos Aires in 1960. He was brought to Israel, where he was tried for committing crimes against humanity. He was found guilty and hanged.
Bibi calms Israelis Continued from page 5 Jerusalem is not part of the 10-month West Bank building freeze set by Netanyahu at the end of November. Netanyahu has decried the timing of the announcement of the Ramat Shlomo approval, but has not said that they should be canceled. Final approval reportedly will take another year and building will not commence for several years, according to reports.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
The Four Sons: 2010
Part 2: The Wicked Son by OZZIE NOGG The Four Sons are familiar characters in the Passover narrative. According to our sages, the questions they ask reflect their different personalities -- knowledgeable, self-absorbed, unsophisticated, unaware -- traits all of us share to some degree. In this, and upcoming editions of the Jewish Press, we will reframe the questions asked by the Four Sons to reflect current issues in our community -- specifically those relating to Jewish Family Service -- as well as our responses to the questions. And just as with the Haggadah, in the telling we will learn. Last week we spoke of the Wise Son and his question: “Why does our community have a Jewish Family Service? What is its purpose, mission and goal?” The answer, simply put: to strengthen and preserve life in the Jewish community and the community at large through financial assistance, counseling and other vital human services. This week we address the Wicked Son. For purposes of our discussion, let’s call him overindulged. Selfabsorbed. A child (or an adult, for that matter ...) with little concern for others. In the Haggadah, the Wicked Son asks, “What is this service to you?” Or put another way, “What does any of this have to do with me?” He sees no connection between himself and the Exodus from Egypt. He wants no part of the Passover traditions and feels the holiday rituals should be observed by other Jews, not by him. The Wicked Son would rather stand by and watch, not participate in the continuation of Judaism or its practices. Switching scenarios from the Haggadah to the work of Jewish Family Service, the self-absorbed son asks the same question. “What is this service to you? What does any of this have to do with me?” This son, living in ease and comfort, sees no connection between himself and others -- in this case, to others in our community less fortunate than he. To those who question the necessity of Jewish Family Service, the answer echoes the Haggadah text. “Always remember that we were slaves in Egypt. Therefore, you
shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in Egypt.” The Haggadah teaches that each of us must feel the personal impact of the Exodus, even though we were not there. Similarly, we must feel the burdens of
The Four Sons
At our Seder tables, as we tell the story of our liberation from slavery to freedom, let us remember those in our community who remain burdened. Let us remember the words of Deuteronomy: ‘If there is a needy person among you, open your hand and lend him sufficient resources for whatever he needs.’ those with limited resources who live among us today. Individuals or families who call Jewish Family Service for assistance have questions, too. They need help, but don’t know what to ask for, or what kind of help the agency is prepared to offer. Example. Mrs. A lives alone after losing her husband. When she also lost her job, it came to light that she’d been living above her means for years. Because Mrs. A. wanted to keep up appearances, the minimum payments due on her credit cards were off the charts. Her home was at risk of foreclosure and
she was near bankruptcy. When Mrs. A. approached Jewish Family Service for help, the agency did a thorough assessment of the case to determine the best way to put the brakes on her out-of-control spending. First, the staff offered basic budgeting and money management strategies that would help Mrs. A. become -- and stay -- debt free. Next, thanks to community donor gifts, Jewish Family Service was able to give her sufficient funds to cover her current bills. In return, Mrs. A. agreed to dispose of her credit cards and give up her financially irresponsible behavior. Today, Mrs. A. understands the distinction between what she wants versus what she can afford. Her self-esteem is no longer tied to material possessions, and she’s on the way to building a financially stable future. When discussing a case like this, it’s easy to ask, “Why didn’t she make better financial decisions in the first place?” We could also ask, “Why should I feel sympathetic or help bail people out who brought the situation on themselves by being irresponsible with their money?” Then again, if we were in a desperate situation, how would we want others to treat us? The answer to these questions is found in Jewish tradition which emphasizes our responsibility to one another and to the world. In Judaism, each of us is supposed to think of ourselves as having more than we need. Giving to others is a way to acknowledge the blessings of abundance and to express gratitude for what we have. Furthermore, Judaism teaches that it is not what we have, but what we do that makes for a meaningful life. At our Seder tables, as we tell the story of our liberation from slavery to freedom, let us remember those in our community who remain burdened. Let us remember the words of Deuteronomy: ‘If there is a needy person among you, open your hand and lend him sufficient resources for whatever he needs.’ Let us also remember that Jewish Family Service reaches out to everyone in need of compassion. To learn how you can become a Friend of Jewish Family Service and participate in the agency’s work, call 330.2024.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 19, 2010
Tillie Olsen, One Woman, Many Riddles by Panthea Reid; New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 2010
history. This is not unusual. In 1973, I wrote Doris Lessing, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, received in great part for her 1960 break-through novel of the female condition, The Golden Notebook. I was concerned that Lessing’s “jourby OLIVER B. POLLAK nalistic” account of late 1940s events in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) differed from the findings of my archival research. She replied with the dictum: Tillie Olsen is in the Pantheon of “Accurate enough for a novelist but not for scholarNebraska writers that includes Willa Cather, Mari ship.” Sandoz, and Bess Streeter Aldrich. She drew on her Herein lies the rub of writer’s block, or Nebraska childhood her entire life. ultimate lack of ideas and organizational Panthea Reid’s, emeritus professor for skill to make something out of little. Tillie Louisiana State University, prior biograreceived Ford, Guggenheim, NEA and phies include Art and Affection: A Life of NEH grants and publishers’ advances on Virginia Woolf and William Faulkner: the promise of producing stories, but she The Abstract and the Actual. Reid’s brilproduced much less, and at a snail’s pace, liant biography of Tillie Olsen will appeal thus testing the relationship between writer, to a wide audience interested in the granting agency, literary agent and editor. American Left, women’s literature, and Tillie’s life has some hallmarks of a Greek the creative struggle. tragedy. She alienated her parents, siblings, Let me confess that both Tillie Olsen and husbands. She wanted to be a proud and Panthea Reid are my friends; Spartan, but aspired to be an Athenian. Like Professor Reid has cited me as a source Demosthenes, she struggled to speak. Her in this outstandingly researched and problems with stuttering are mentioned in abundantly footnoted book. Normally Reid’s biography again and again. this might disqualify me as an objective Perhaps worst, writers block deprived Tillie reviewer. However, these associations and her reading audience of what many eminently qualify me as a perceptive critexpected to be the great American class ic of both. novel. She wrote little, but what she wrote In 1991 my wife and I hosted Tillie at incited the growing voice of the feminist the Omaha Jewish Community Center movement. “Tell Me a Riddle” and “I Stand for a 50 minute presentation that ran for Here Ironing” were adapted for film and more than 2 hours. Tillie and her shadvideo in 1980 and 2005. owing film maker, Annie Hirsch, stayed at our house in 2001. Because of Tillie’s Oliver Pollak, clockwise, from left, Ralph Seligman, Aaron Pollak, Tillie Olsen, Karen Pollak, Did Tillie live up to her promise? Well yes and no. Reid provides ample evidence for failing health we called 911 twice and the Noah Pollak, Katherine Walter, and Donna Seligman. emergency squad took her to the hospital. The second reveal that I succumbed to her charisma. Tillie was a the reader to enter Tillie’s oh-so-conflicted ambiguitime she spent several days at UNMC recovering from praise seeker, demanding, and perhaps deceptive. But ties. Professor Reid, a literary scholar, sympathetically was she deceiving the public, herself, or both? and critically, describes the strengths and foibles of the a life threatening ailment. Tillie observed history, participated in history, and iconic Olsen. Her intimate revelations are pertinent to Tillie’s parents came to America in 1905 in the wake of political turmoil in Russia. Tillie was born in Omaha made history. But as a fiction writer she also contrived Tillie’s complex character. in 1912, attended Central High School, and dropped history, adding and subtracting facts from her personal
THE HISTORIAN’S FOOTPRINT
out three times before getting her (honorary) diploma in the school’s 2001 centennial. Ida and Sam Lerner were Socialists and Workmen’s Circle activists. From the 1930s through the 1950s Tillie was a Communist. Her Jewish identity was subsumed under the umbrella of Yiddishkeit (social consciousness). By the time I met her she had condensed her ideology into vehement support for the United Nations Charter of Human Rights. My experiences with Tillie, seen through Reid’s lens,
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March 19, 2010
Pesach Cooking A return to simplicity that. It is the simplest and humblest Freshly ground wheat FOOD OBSESSIONS ofandbreads. water. Heat and speed. That’s
Class of 2010 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
it. I think there is something to that. Pesach is a time when we stop eating out at restaurants, we buy all new foods, we clean the pantry and if we do it right--we can cleanse our bodies and minds. How often do we think before we put a cracker or cookie to our lips? Matzah in the days of the Talmud (and in some Sephardic homes today) was soft and could develop mold easily, so it was made fresh each morning. If we have to organize each meal before we sit down to eat, more thought inevitably goes into it. Why is this night different from all others? Because it is about remembering what really matters. Going back to the basics. The humble bread, the humble and delicious fare of simplicity. The one time of year that we all loved my mother’s cooking! Here is a spectacular Seder menu with some delicious simple recipes. I have shared one recipe here; the rest can be found online. The theme is fresh, simple, pure and tasty(try connecting that to the four sons!) Don't forget to add your own dash of love! And remember a little family squabbling the day of Pesach never hurt anyone. In fact, I think it help us appreciate each other more once the big night begins! Menu: Mixed green salad w/red onions, apples, and walnuts Chicken soup with stuffed matzah balls Asparagus with lemon zest and olive oil Chicken Marbella Roasted fingerling potatoes with rosemary and garlic Flourless Mexican chocolate cake GEFILLTE FISH DUMPLINGS SIMMERED IN TOMATO SAUCE WITH LEMON AND HERBS Saute one chopped onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, 3 tablespoons chopped dill (optional) in some olive oil. Add one jar of tomato sauce, two cans of chopped tomatoes or 4 cups of fresh chopped tomatoes. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Unwrap a loaf of preseasoned gefilte fish -- shape into medium sized balls and carefully drop into the simmering tomato sauce. If it becomes too crowded, you can add some water or more tomato sauce. Simmer for about one half hour.
BIRTHS Becca and Derek Groothuis of Chicago, IL, announce the February 19 birth of their daughter, Zoe Ann. She has a brother, David, age 3. Grandparents are Ann and Donald Goldstein, and Jessie Groothuis and Steven Lustig of Gaithersburg, MD, and Dennis and Judy Groothuis of Evanston, IL, and Jim Lustig and Joan Shepard Lustig of Kenosha, WI. Great-grandparents are Shirley and Leonard Goldstein and Natalie Lustig of Kenosha, WI, and Nancy Greenebaum of Highland Park, IL. Debra and Trey Schillie of Golden, CO announce the Feb. 16 birth of their daughter, Grace Stella. She has a brother, Sam, age 2
Grandparents are Donna Givner, Nat Givner of Scottsdale, AZ and Frank and Charlene Schillie of Huntsville, MO. Great-grandparents are Beverly and Gene Eisenberg of Carlsbad, CA. Sarah Raful Whinston and Rabbi Josh Whinston of New York City announce the Feb. 26 birth of their daughter Mollie Helen, named for her maternal great-great-grandmother Mollie Raful, and for her paternal great-grandmother Helen Whinston. Grandparents are Dinah and Larry Raful of Long Island, NY, and Robin and Eric Whinston of San Diego, CA. Great-Grandparents are Susy and Bob Raful of San Rafael, CA, and Roz Maurer of Orange County, CA.
Page 9
High School Seniors and Parents We will be publishing our annual Graduation Teen Age on June 11, 2010. To be included, we need your graduation photo and the following information.
by MIRIAM GROSS
Growing up, there were friends of mine who had Pesach kitchens in their basements. Their mothers would spend long mysterious nights down there cooking and baking up a storm weeks before the holiday. They made all kinds of Pesach cakes, mandelbrot, kugels, sandwich rolls, briskets, and breaded chicken cutlets. For weeks everyone was frazzled; but then, the food was all made. All frozen, and all waiting for that big night and the week of leftovers to follow. Peace was in the home the day and night of the coming Seder. This was not so in the Shamberg home. First of all we did not eat Gebrochts. That means nothing with Matzah meal and no wet Matzah. No Matzah brie, Matzah balls… nothing like that. The other difference was that on the day of the Seder itself we were kashering the oven, pots and pans right up to lunch time, and that's when we would start cooking. It was hectic and there was yelling; the hot water was also running out just about every 4th shower and fuses both human and electric were blowing at regular intervals. (hair dryers, four vain girls in one bathroom) The food was simple and always so delicious. We didn’t always appreciate my mother’s Tofu and Tempeh style cooking, but somehow her Pesach food always tasted so good. Potatoes, onions, eggs, carrots, meat, fish, chicken romaine lettuce, olive oil, garlic, lemons, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, sugar, chocolate and lots of fruit- fresh and dried, nuts, Swiss cheese, cream cheese and butter. That was the shopping list for Pesach in our home. Pure simplicity. Each meal was prepared right before it was served, and everything tasted fresh and delicious. Nowadays, when I walk down the Pesach aisle, I am always shocked at the variety. Every year there is a new cardboard tasting version of Cheerios, and a new cookie that will never taste as good as a simple Oreo. There is a Pesach substitute for everything. To me it is overwhelming; overwhelming and numbing. These days I admit: I love making Gebrochts. I serve Matzah balls for Seder night and Matzah brie for breakfast the next morning. Nevertheless, there is an idea that has stayed with me from my childhood. Pesach food is about simplicity. The Matzah actually tells us all about
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
High School Senior Information Name ____________________________________ Parent(s)’ Name(s) _____________________________ Current High School _____________________________ College you plan to attend __________________________ Send by May 14 to: The Jewish Press | 333 So. 132 St. | Omaha, NE 68154
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Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 19, 2010
Beth El joins community-supported agriculture movement by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator With summer just around the corner, Beth El’s congregation is entering the world of community-supported agriculture. CSA programs connect farmers and consumers by allowing consumers to purchase a ‘share’ of a farm’s harvest at the beginning of the season. The farmer then delivers periodic boxes or “shares” containing the best of what the growing season has to offer. CSA farms are usually small enterprises -- often family farms -- growing food sustainably and committed to high-quality products. For this venture, Beth El is partnering with Blooms Organic Farm from Crescent, IA, which grows organic berries, vegetables and herbs. According to Susan Fellman Witkowski, who is chairing the project for Beth El, the season’s offerings will include the following: May-June, lettuce, radish, greens, kale, peas, chard, green onion and herbs; July-July, summer squash, fennel, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, garlic, onion, shallots and raspberries; July-August, some of the items above, plus cabbage, kohlrabi, zucchini; and Aug-September, greens, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, winter squashes, and cut flowers. Witkowski said she decided to chair the CSA program because, “I didn't want to lose the opportunity for Beth El to participate in such a great program. There is nothing better than farm-fresh seasonal fresh vegetables and herbs -- there is no comparison with grocery store produce, even at the organic markets. I also happen to know the farmers pretty well (the Blooms are relatives), and
know the stuff that comes from their farm is fantastic.” CSA supports communities because money is spent locally and goes directly to the farmer who grows the food, she explained. “They’re able to reinvest in equipment, seed for the next year, and do other things to help them improve their farm business.” Witkowski added that, “CSA is an easy way to get the freshest organic produce possible -- directly from the farmer and often on the same day it is picked. It's great for families to know who grew their food, and wonderful for kids to take a trip out to the farm to see how food grows from the earth.” As a special treat, she noted, all shareholders and their families will be invited to a special pre-Shavuot “Day at the Farm” on Sunday, May 16. Ten shares have been reserved for Beth El members, to be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. From June 3 through Sept. 30, each shareholder will receive one box of produce each Thursday, with pick-up at the synagogue between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Any food not picked up will be donated.) Members will also receive email newsletters with information about the harvest, recipes and educational materials. One share costs $525 (people may find partners to split the cost); the deadline to sign up and purchase a share is Friday, April 30. For more information about the CSA program, contact Witkowski at susiecat@cox.net, or Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550 or programming@bethel-omaha.org.
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IN THE NEWS
Hannah Budwig, Eden Ginsberg, Hannah Miller and Eva Phillips have been selected for the Rotary Honor Roll at Westside Middle School. Twenty five students, out of a class of 485, were given this honor. Students were chosen based on four criteria: leadership, character, scholarship and presence. The Rotary Honor Roll recognizes and honors outstanding achievement in these four categories. The students will be guests at a luncheon at the Qwest Center in April.
city of Omaha. With the outpouring of enthusiasm we’ve seen from the community and potential business investors, we look forward to what Karen can bring to the table.” “I am excited to be a part of a project where I can make a positive impact on people’s lives,” Mavropoulos said. “I look forward to understanding the needs of South Omaha, and working with committed people to develop the right initiatives that will help improve the quality of life of the community living, working, and doing business in the area.”
The South Omaha Development Project announced the appointment of Karen Mavropoulos as project coordinator. In this capacity, Mavropoulos will work with the SODP advisory board and funding council to oversee the implementation of the organization’s master plan. David G. Brown, president and CEO of the Chamber, said: “ The implementation of this project is vital to the community, and a priority for the Chamber, as well as the
Please join ACLU Nebraska Staff and Board for a FREE evening of wine and desserts featuring a keynote address by Professor Sam Walker, “Presidents and Civil Liberties: After Wilson, Roosevelt, Nixon & Bush. How is Obama Doing?” on Friday, March 19, 7:30-9 p.m. with the speaker at 8 p.m. at Happy Hollow Club, 1701 South 105th Street, Omaha, NE. Please RSVP to 402.476.8091 or mmoslander@aclunebraska.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
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April FRIDAY, MARCH 19 Minister’s Institute, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel USY Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El Scholar in Residence, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
SATURDAY, APRIL 3 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Bible Contest, 6:15 p.m. at Beth Israel
SATURDAY, MARCH 20 Scholar in Residence, and Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Morning LIVE!, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Jr. Congregation Family Shabbat, 11 a.m. at Beth El YJO Speaker Event, 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, APRIL 4 Adult Education classes, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Men’s Club Matza Brei Breakfast, 10 a.m. at Beth El
SUNDAY, MARCH 21 Adult Education classes begin, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Scholar in Residence, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education classes, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Chaverim Olympics, 2 p.m. at Beth El Concert Green Room, 2 p.m. RBJH Concert “Intergenerational Orchestra,” 2 p.m. Deli Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, MARCH 22 Minchah/Ma’ariv & Mishnah, 5:15 p.m. Federation Executive Board Meeting, 6 p.m. CJE Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 23 Parsha Prayer and Prophets, 9 a.m. at Chabad Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 3:45 p.m. BBYO Night and Council Elections, 6 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel JCC Board Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24 Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MARCH 25 BBYO Spring Regional Convention in St. Louis Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel CDC 4’s Model Seders, 11 a.m. Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. JFS “Love & Logic” Class, 6 p.m. LOVE Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Wisdom Literature, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Gross’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, MARCH 26 Reflections on Aliyah Perspectives, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, MARCH 27 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El USY Scavenger Hunt, 2 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MARCH 28 Adult Education classes begin, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel No BESTT classes at Beth El - Pesach/ Spring Break WRJ Board Meeting, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education classes, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El MONDAY, MARCH 29 FJA No School Passover Break RBJH Seders, 5:30 p.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 30 JCC Closed for Passover RBJH Seder, 5:30 p.m. Community Second Seder, 6 p.m. at Beth El Congregational Seder, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31 No BESTT classes at Beth El - Pesah/ Spring Break THURSDAY, APRIL 1 Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El JFS “Love & Logic” Class, 6 p.m. Wisdom Literature, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, APRIL 6 Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 3:45 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7 March of the Living Trip Parasha & Pizza Adult Ed Class, 7 p.m. Beth El Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, APRIL 8 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El Rabbi Gross’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, APRIL 9 FJA Yom Ha’Shoah Activities Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights Say ‘Shalom!’ to Shabbat!, Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, APRIL 10 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Hazak Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, APRIL 11 Adult Education classes begin, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel BESTT classes resume, 10 a.m. at Beth El Jewish Cooking, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education classes, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Club 56 Cooking Israeli, noon at Temple Israel Community Movie Co-sponsored by ADL, CJE & JCC, A Case for Israel, 5:30 p.m. MONDAY, APRIL 12 CJE Meeting, 6 p.m. Teen Community Movie Co-sponsored by ADL, the Schwalb Center & JCC, A Case for Israel, 7 p.m. Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m. TUESDAY, APRIL 13 Parsha Prayer and Prophets, 9 a.m. at Chabad Eye on Israel, noon ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 3:45 p.m. Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at FJA BBYO Night and Advisor Appreciation Night, 6 p.m. Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at FJA Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Eye on Israel Evening Edition, 7:30 p.m.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 17 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Jr. Congregation Family Shabbat, 11 a.m. at Beth El Shabbat Tunes and Tales, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El Javitch Music Fund, Omaha Conservatory of Music Concert Nebraska Viola Concert, 7 p.m.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 18 Adult Education classes begin, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education classes, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El JYG Boys Day Out, noon at Temple Israel NCJW Fashion Show, 4 p.m. at Beth El Sunday Night Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 OTYG Lounge Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Biblical Hebrew, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Parasha & Pizza Adult Ed Class, 7 p.m. Beth El Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, APRIL 22 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El WRJ Luncheon: Menopause and Beyond, noon at Temple Israel Beth El USY’s Spring Kallah, 4 p.m. in Nebraska City JFS “Love & Logic” Class, 6 p.m. LOVE Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Rabbi Gross’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel SATURDAY, APRIL 24 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, APRIL 25 Adult Education classes begin, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education classes, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El WRJ Board Meeting, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel 3rd Grade Consecration, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El JSS/RBJH Volunteer Recognition Program, 1:45 p.m. MONDAY, APRIL 26 Maccabi Games Spring Delegation Head Meeting, 8 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 Women’s Book Group, 3:30 p.m. at Beth El OTYG Lounge Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Biblical Hebrew, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Community Yom HaShoah Comm. Service, 7 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
TUESDAY, APRIL 27 Parsha Prayer and Prophets, 9 a.m. at Chabad Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 3:45 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
THURSDAY, APRIL 15 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Book Discussion Group, noon at Kripke Library Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El School Directors’ Committee Meeting, noon JFS “Love & Logic” Class, 6 p.m. Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m. at Beth El JOLT Session, 7 p.m. Rabbi Gross’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28 OTYG Lounge Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Biblical Hebrew, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Parasha & Pizza Adult Ed Class, 7 p.m. Beth El Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, APRIL 29 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El Rabbi Gross’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, APRIL 30 Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. R. Freund, 6 p.m. at Beth El
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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
For advertising opportunities in the Jewish Press, call Allan Handleman at 402.334.6451 or email: ahandleman@jewishomaha.org
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 19, 2010
Too much information, or not enough?
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT (JTA) -- The alleged victim took the stand as the sexual molestation case against a Rabbi began in a New York courtroom. He is accused of sexually molesting a Jewish teenager in 2004 and 2005. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of a criminal sexual act in the second degree. The alleged victim, now 22, testified Wednesday in Brooklyn Supreme Court that the Rabbi assaulted him in his car several times over a 10-month period, luring him into the vehicle with promises that he could drive, the New York Daily News reported. Every once in a while we open a paper, click on a link, or glance at a headline (always in the supermarket, of course) when we really shouldn’t. Then, rather than walk away, we read the entire article. Now we know everything about Celebrity A’s latest plastic surgery, Celebrity B’s new and exciting drug addiction, and how the politician we so enthusiastically voted for fathered an illegitimate child. I read the above article on my email, and made an almost instant decision not to run it. It was a knee-jerk reaction, and ever since, I have been asking myself why. Is it a ‘noble’ decision, made because I think the piece is sensationalist, and in bad taste? Or is something else about it making me uncomfortable? When confronted with screaming headlines it’s difficult to turn away. We all have our ‘rubberneck’ moments, when we see something written about another person, and we simply have to know how it ends. It’s why I read five different articles about Corey Haim last night, when all I wanted to do was check the CNN homepage for the latest news on Biden’s Israel trip. There are two types of people we are interested in. The first category consists of those we admire; the ones that are richer, prettier, and more successful than us. They have nicer clothes, bigger houses, and they never shop the sales. Whether they actually are and own all of the above doesn’t matter; we have a picture in our minds of how these people live, and we’re sticking to it. Then, there is the second category: the people we love to hate. The aforementioned
Rabbi belongs in that category, because even though we weren’t present at the crime scene, or at the courthouse, we’ve watched enough CSI episodes to know: where there’s smoke, there’s fire. The fact that in this case the alleged perpetrator is a Rabbi may complicate things a little bit; after all, Rabbis are supposed to be, well, Rabbis. That means: smarter than the average person, better, holier, with a divine purpose, and setting a clear example for the rest of us. While we may –on occasion- admit that Rabbis are ‘only human’, when it appears they actually did something wrong, we respond differently. When a favorite baseball player is caught with his hand in the cookie jar, we are shocked. When it is a presidential candidate who shows his true colors, we can’t stop talking about it. But when a Rabbi, somewhere, somehow, has his day in court, we are often silent. Lashon hara, we claim, all of a sudden. We shouldn’t talk about people behind their back. It’s bad, and mean, and why does the media pay so much attention? It’s nothing more than sensationalism, and it may not even be true! Better to talk about something else, like the weather. The big question is, do we, as Jews, make the same claim when the accused wears a Priestly collar? Is it Lashon hara when Bishop so-and-so f i n d s himself u n d e r investigation, or is t h a t merely news? I n order to answer that question, we need to first ask what we r eally m e a n when we s a y
‘Lashon hara’. Technically, the term is used when news is spread for the wrong purpose. This news doesn’t necessarily need to be untrue, but if it is spread for entertainment’s sake, for instance, it becomes Lashon hara. Calling all discussion about Rabbis (because, no, the one in Brooklyn isn’t the only one) abusing minors ‘Lashon hara’ is therefore a dangerous thing. It opens the door to ignoring the victims, simply because it is uncomfortable. There are, after all, some things that very much need to be discussed. Of course, I am not suggesting there are hundreds of Rabbis out there with skeletons in their closets. I just think that sometimes it can be easy to hide behind customs, habits, and yes, even mitzvot, when we want to avoid something that is unpleasant. And discussing sexual abuse is very unpleasant, no argument there. However, it is also necessary. There are still countless children out there who are afraid to tell, afraid to share, and not at all certain there is anybody who will understand them. Let’s hope the people who are in a position to help victims everywhere are brave enough to address, assist, and ultimately prevent. And maybe then, and only then, the rest of us can stop talking about it.
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN
On some level, it couldn’t have been worse. We have a situation where the most trusted member of the U.S. administration, Vice President Joe Biden, is in Israel seeking to win over the hearts and minds of the Israeli public which, according to the polls, is highly suspicious of the Obama government. And in his opening public remarks, the vice president shows he’s cognizant of the need by the administration to state more clearly and vociferously than it had heretofore that the American-Israeli special relationship is as strong as ever. Included in his comments was the important statement that when it comes to matters affecting Israel’s security, there is no space whatsoever between the American and Israeli positions. In sum, the administration was paying attention to those of us who have been saying for some time that it was imperative for the president and vice president to use their bully pulpits to make clear that the outreach to the Muslim world did not in the least mean any erosion in the U.S.-Israel relationship. This was important for at least three reasons: to
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Michael Sigmond, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Eric Dunning; Jason Epstein; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: editor@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
After Biden’s Israel contretemps, stepping back keep the trust of the Israeli people; to prevent illusions about a weakening American support among the Palestinians which could lead them to conclude that peace is not necessary; and to make clear to anti-Israel forces around the world, who are feeling their oats these days, that America is not a ripe target for their campaigns against Israel. The stage was set therefore for the most successful effort for strengthening U.S.-Israel relations since the new administration entered office. And then came the announcement of plans for building 1,200 new apartments in East Jerusalem. One doesn’t have to accept the most cynical interpretation of that announcement, and I surely don’t, that the prime minister knew about it, to recognize what a disaster it was. Whatever the motivation and whoever the responsible party, it is the government of Israel that justifiably is held accountable for converting an optimal moment in U.S.-Israel relations into a moment of crisis. The crucial point is that the government had an obligation to anticipate what might go wrong during the vice president’s visit and to give firm instruction to all cabinet members about avoiding such pitfalls, particularly on the subjects of settlements and East Jerusalem. That the administration was angry was not surprising. First was the sense of personal
(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper
embarrassment to Mr. Biden, especially since part of his mission was to enhance the relationship. Second was the need to separate itself from the Israeli actions, lest it be perceived that the coincidence of the Biden presence and the building announcement be linked in the minds of the Palestinians and Arab world. And third, with the proximity talks in the works, the administration undoubtedly saw a vociferous reaction as necessary to mitigate Palestinian anger so that the talks would proceed. While much of this is understandable, there needs to be some stepping back so that there are no long-term deleterious results from this contretemps. The vice president’s comments in his Tel Aviv University address softening the U.S. response was helpful. Less helpful were his comments that Israel’s announcement on building in East Jerusalem was endangering American troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is the kind of rhetoric that does exactly what Mr. Biden has studiously avoided doing, linking the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to America’s larger Middle East challenges, and it unnecessarily calls into question Israel’s role as an ally and the impact on American interests. The Mearsheimer and Walts of this world will delight in this kind of criticism of Israel. It is also in America’s interest not to let this unfortunate incident give the Palestinians another excuse not to do what is right, to Continued on page 13
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March 19, 2010
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Manny, you would have made a great Tevye FOCUS ON ISSUES by AMI EDEN
One of the silliest controversies I’ve ever accounted in my Jewish journalism career: Whether having a goy (Alfred Molina) play Tevye was a shanda -- and whether said production of Fiddler on The Roof had somehow been de-Judaisized. I say silly (sorry Thane) ... because about 30 seconds into the show the cast was dancing around with tzitzit and Torahs, and because the only problem with Molina’s performance and director David Leveaux’s production was that they did not satisfy some critics’ nostalgia fix: The problem, however, is not Molina’s Spanish-Italian roots or Leveaux’s refreshing creative choices, but the critics themselves, or more precisely, their misguided definitions of Jewish authenticity and lack of imagination when it comes to Fiddler. “I don’t remember any fuss when Antonio Banderas, a Spaniard, played Guido, an Italian, in Nine,� wrote
Heilpern in the March 4 New York Observer. “Actors act, and Mr. Molina is a very fine actor. He isn’t Zero Mostel or Topol; nor is he trying to be. But where is it written that only a Jew can play a Jew? If that were the case, Laurence Olivier, the son of a priest, wouldn’t have given us his memorable Shylock, and Nathan Lane, a Catholic, wouldn’t have been able to play Max Bialystock.� Critics are also standing on shaky ground when they take aim at Leveaux’s set — as if the original production supplied an accurate portrait of shtetl life. As several critics of the critics have pointed out, the decades-long romance between American Jews and Fiddler has always been fueled by nostalgia not for an actual place but a mythical past, the virtual memory of which brought comfort to a people cut off from their roots by immigration, the Holocaust and assimilation. Leveaux’s real crime, then, is robbing an aging Jewish crowd of the comfort that its derives from a Fiddler performed just like Mostel would have done it four decades ago, replete with Yiddishy shmaltz. The only problem is that such a performance would work for younger audi-
ences about as well as Henny Youngman taking Jerry’s place in an episode of Seinfeld. As Heilpern put it in his review for the New York Observer: “If you’re going to revive Fiddler for what seems like the hundredth time, you either stage it as a museum piece to pander to the traditionalists, or you upset the milk cart by trying to breathe new life into it, as Mr. Leveaux has boldly done here.� A key change -- and probably the most difficult for critics to accept -- is that Molina plays a more subdued Tevye than his predecessors. But that hardly makes the show less Jewish, unless you define Jewishness as scenestealing Mostellian shtick. OK, OK. I’ll get to the point. Thursday night I rewound the opening moments of Modern Family several times to enjoy this priceless line from Manny, a delightful and rotund Colombian kid, who is depressed over the results of the audition for the school play. Take it away Manny: That part was mine. I was born to play Tevye. Instead they give it to Rod Jackson? What does he know from suffering?
Presbyterian Church USA report “Offensive attack on Judaism and Israel�
BEHIND THE HEADLINES ADL Press Release
(New York) The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called a new report from the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict “a toxic mix of bad history, politically motivated distortions and offensive attacks on Judaism and Israel.� The 172-page report, titled “Breaking Down the Walls,� was produced by PCUSA’s Middle East Study Committee. The document will be offered for adoption as church policy at the Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly meeting in July. “The Presbyterian Church USA, despite their resolution two years ago to take an even-handed approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has gone back on its word with this offensive and biased report,� said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “Rather than take a neutral or balanced approach, the Presbyterian Church committee has offered up a toxic mix of bad history, politically motivated distortions and offensive attacks on Judaism and Israel.� The League noted that in preparing their report, the Presbyterian study committee failed to meet with mainstream American Jewish organizations, limiting its contact to a handful of small Jewish and Israeli left-of-center activist groups and a retired Israeli rabbi, among
others. Among its most troubling sections, the “Breaking Down the Wallsâ€? report: • Legitimizes doubts about Israel’s right to exist; • Calls on the United States government to consider withholding military aid to Israel; • Endorses the recent Kairos Palestine document, called “A Moment of Truthâ€? which excuses Palestinian terrorism and fully blames Israel for any and all Palestinian violence; • Calls on the U.S. government to repent of its “sinful behaviorâ€? vis-Ă -vis the Middle East; • Misrepresents both the history of Israel and Jewish religious faith, in particular by attacking fundamental aspects of Jewish religious identity, such as God’s covenant with the Jewish people and the promise of the land; • Argues that Iranian and Israeli nuclear weapons would pose a similar threat to the region. “Two years ago we publicly welcomed PCUSA’s adoption of a resolution calling for an even-handed approach toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,â€? said Mr. Foxman. “We said then that we looked forward to working with the church to enhance our dialogue. But this Presbyterian committee ignored our outstretched hand of friendship, as well as the church’s mandate for balance and fairness. It is an affront to Americans, the Jewish people, Israel, and raises serious questions about PCUSA’s credibility as a partner in interfaith dialogue with the Jewish community.â€?
ADL called on Presbyterians of good conscience to reject the unfair, unbalanced, and wrong assertions made in the report and vote against “Breaking Down the Walls� when it is presented for adoption at the PCUSA’s 219th General Assembly in July in Minneapolis.
After Biden’s Israel contretemps, stepping back Continued from page 12 finally negotiate a compromise peace with Israel and to stop the preaching of hatred. I’d like to see some of the kind of passion and emotion just exhibited in criticism of Israel be employed to condemn the continuous teaching of hatred of Israel in Palestinian schools and television and in the ongoing honoring and martyrdom of Palestinian terrorists who murder Israeli civilians. Ultimately, Palestinian unwillingness to compromise for peace and to stop the hate are the real obstacles to peace. The administration should not let its temporary unhappiness with Israel divert it from these essential truths. Abraham H. Foxman is National Director of the Anti-Defamation League and the author of “The Deadliest Lies: The Israel Lobby and the Myth of Jewish Control.�
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 19, 2010
Candlelighting Friday, March 19, 7:18 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Prayer Group 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush given by Lisa Lieb, in honor of son, Samuel’s Bar Mitzvah; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:25 p.m. SHABBAT MORNING LIVE: Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Led by Holly Weill, for 4-8 year olds and an adult. Free, but RSVP requested to Margie Gutnik in the office or at programming@ bethel-omaha.org. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Beginning Hebrew, with Eadie Tsabari, and Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 11 a.m. with Frydman-Levin. MEN’S CLUB: Will kasher the synagogue kitchen on Sunday, 8 a.m. All help is appreciated. BESTT: Third Grade Siddur Program, Sunday, 10 a.m. Parents and students will engage in learning activities. BESTT class photos will be taken Sunday morning; copies available for $10. Contact Judy Rubin, 498.0904 or eddir@bethel-oma ha.org, for more information. CREATING A LIVELY PASSOVER SEDER: Sunday, 10 a.m., Rabbi Levin will discuss the “logic” of the Seder. No charge to attend; RSVPs needed by contacting Margie in the office or at programming@bethelomaha.org. THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Understanding and Living Jewish Values, noon. MINI COURSE: Biblical Wisdom Literature: Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, led by Prof. Guy Matalon, on Thursdays, March 25, April 1, 7:30 p.m., focuses on a genre of Hebrew literature.
Cost: $36, discounted to $27 for donors to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign. Pre-registration is required. Call Mary Sue Grossman at 334.6445 or email at mgrossman@jewishomaha.org. LEARNER’S SERVICE: Saturday, March 27, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Shabbat morning services geared to teach the basics of our Shabbat morning service. COMMUNITY SEDER: On Tuesday, March 30, 6 p.m. For more information including prices, seating requests and payment/RSVP’s contact Margie in the office, or programming@ bethel-omaha.org. All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:18 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; “Guard Your Tongue,” “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up), one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 7 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 8:18 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels & Beit Midrash begins with breakfast, 9:40 a.m.; Sacred Text Messages (for teens) with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. Follow the Kollel at www.omahakollel.blog spot.com. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s Gross’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. Mini-Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush lunch follows. Join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings Remix, 10:15 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Bake Your own Matzah, 2:30 p.m. at the Blumkin Home. RSVP to rsvp@ochabad.com or call 330.1800. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Stephanie and Dennis Dohner. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m., all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes. WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Hebrew classes. Community Second Night Passover Seder: On March 30, 6 pm. led Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. The Community is invited to attend. Contact the office for information and pricing at 402.435.8004 or stemple@neb. rr.com.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Chef’s Demo, 1 p.m. led by Howard Shandell. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by David Herzog and Jim Polack. THURSDAY: LOVE Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Linder, and and Cantor Shermet. Jennifer Hecht will present The Myth of Happiness. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9 a.m. with Jennifer Hecht discussing Jewish Text & Doubt; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Sara Cohen, daughter of Marla and Bob Cohen will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Confirmation Class Alternative, 10 a.m.; Jennifer Hecht: The History of Doubt, 10 a.m.; Grade 4 meets at Blumkin Home, 10:15 a.m. to share an activity with the residents concluding at 11:45 a.m. TUESDAY: WRJ Meeting, 7 p.m. at the home of Wendy Goldberg. WEDNESDAY: No Religious, Family or Middle/High School. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10-11:30 a.m. Tot Shabbat and Dinner on Friday, March 26, 6 p.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 7:18 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Friday, 8-11 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes. WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Heb-
B’NAI MITZVAH
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Sara Frances Cohen, daughter of Marla and Robert Cohen, will become a Bat Mitzvah on S a t u r d a y, March 20, at T e m p l e Israel. Sara is a seventh-grade Distinguished Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School. She participated in the Duke University Talent Identification Program. She plays cello in the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra. For her tzedakah project, Sara researched and wrote a paper about Nathen Schulkind, a 12year-old Polish boy who perished during the Holocaust and never
had a Bar Mitzvah. She has a sister, Zoe, and two brothers, Josh and Charlie. Grandparents are Carol and Manny Goldberg, the late Elaine Goldberg, and the late Elberta and Harry Cohen. Rebekah Aryn Poscover, daughter of Randi and Michael Poscover, will become a Bat Mitzvah on S a t u r d a y, March 27, at U n i t e d H e b r e w Congregation in St. Louis. Rebekah is a seventhgrade student at Parkway West Middle School in Chesterfield,
MO. Her interests include cooking, scrapbooking, reading, shopping and sports. For her mitzvah project, Rebekah baked for the Missouri Baptist Cancer Center and provided sweets for the chemo room. She has two brothers, Jacob and Zachary. Grandparents are Mel Epstein and the late Lois Epstein, and Lorrie and Maury Poscover. Great-grandparents are David Dvorkin and the late Jeanne Dvorkin, the late Harry and Sophie Epstein. Max Barron Slosburg, son of Martha and David Slosburg, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 27, at Temple
Israel. Max is a seventh-grade Distinguished Honor Roll student at Westside M i d d l e School. He was chosen to participate in the Duke University T a l e n t Identification Program. His interests include soccer, snowskiing, tennis, summer camp and traveling. For his mitzvah project, Max volunteered teaching tennis at Westside’s summer camp program. Continued on page 15
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
March 19, 2010
Sacrifices and Food
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Va’yikrah The average reader of the third book of Torah, Leviticus, is puzzled by the many sacrifices of animals and birds on the altar. There are sacrifices of different kinds, like peace offerings and sin offerings. The one thing that escapes notice of the average reader is, that what is offered on the altar and burned, largely includes parts of the animal that would not be eaten by human beings in any case. What remains is given to Aaron and his sons, who are the officiates at the altar. Thus the Priests (Aaron and his sons) were destined to become wealthy with all of the meat products that were their share of the sacrifices. There was no way that they consumed all of this. There were no refrigeration or freezer facilities available.
DEATH TRUMAN CLARE Continued from page 1 “When Truman retired in 2001,” Ricks said, “it was obvious we had to do something to honor and recognize his service to Omaha’s Jewish Community. Using contributions made by his former law firm, Marks, Clare, and Richards, along with member contributions, as well as those from Truman and Rosemary, an endowment fund was created in their name. Truman and Rosemary asked that the annual income from the fund be used for scholarships for Jewish children in Omaha, so they could attend leadership programs, or attend Friedel Jewish Academy. Every year when the scholarships are granted, Truman and Rosemary’s names will be publicized and acknowledged for their dedication and commitment to the Jewish Community of Omaha.” “The Omaha community, the law profession, and many of us in a more personal sense, have lost a good friend, and a good man,” said Norm Veitzer, current member and former Chairman of the Foundation. “He touched many lives, in many ways; he will be missed.” Steve Riekes, Clare’s former law partner, added, “Truman Clare was a mensch in every sense of the word. He loved, served, and honored the Jewish people, and was loved and honored by them. I served on a number of committees to benefit Jewish causes, and frequently, Truman was also a participant. Our friendship, nourished at the JCC, led to the merger of our two law firms. Because of Truman’s charitable efforts, as well as other firm members, Marks, Clare and Richards received the Nebraska Bar Association’s first ‘pro bono’ award for public service. Accepting the award for the firm, Truman commented on doing a lot of pro bono work, ‘not all of it planned’.” “In combination with his love for Yiddish,” Riekes continued, “he had a great sense of humor. He would work out at the JCC, wearing his “100% Irish Catholic” t-shirt, and then leave to attend Mass. On his way, he would announce he was going to daven. I have been proud to be Truman’s friend, and law partner. His memory will long endure.” Services for Truman Clare were held at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, FL. Clare is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and his children Jeanne Nolan, Marianna Clare, Denise Clare, and John J. Clare, grandchildren, and many other family members.
Chairs thrown at Women of the Wall JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Two haredi men were arrested after allegedly throwing chairs at women preparing to pray at the Western Wall. The women, from the Women of the Wall organization, had gathered Tuesday to mark the first day of the month of Nisan. The women had not yet put on tefillin, which in the past has upset ultra-Orthodox visitors to the wall. About 10 chairs were thrown, according to reports. The police reportedly sent about 40 officers to protect the women.
Consequently they sold to willing Israelites whatever they could not or would not consume by themselves. Thus we have made clear an important point often overlooked by the usual reader. The parts of the animal sacrifices that were burned on the altar as an offering to God, were generally those portions of the animal that were not used for human consumption. The edible portions, which were given to the Priests, were in amounts that Priests could not use all by themselves. Presumably, they sold much of this to other Israelites for their food. The only point that we might consider not good is that the Priests thus became wealthy, and the average Israelite, in order to eat, became an economic supporter of the Priesthood. Thus, reading the opening chapters of Leviticus, the central book of Torah, if our eyes are open, we see that the sacrificial system, all of which is really foreign to us in later centuries, was really a gesture of support for the ancient Israelite (Jewish!) emphasis of the priority of life against everything else. We do not lightly take life, even animal life, except, as it were, with the permission of God and by His blessing.
It isn’t Passover without a well attended Seder, and...Twitter? by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Guests of Temple Israel are invited to experience the deliverance from slavery to freedom at its annual congregational Passover Seder at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30. Led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Rabbi Eric Linder, families will begin the order of 14 prescribed steps by blessing the first cup of wine through each phase of the journey. Rabbi Linder said he plans to introduce some new ways to observe the rituals of the seder. Dr. Tamara Field will fill in for Cantor Wendy Shermet in leading the seder guests in song; she’ll be accompanied on piano by Jerry Brabec, music minister at St. Paul United Methodist Church, who has shared many musical moments at Temple with Cantor Shermet and the congregation. A traditional seder meal will follow the reading of the haggadah. Adult meals are $23; children’s meals for five to 12-year-olds are $10. To make reservations, checks should be sent to Temple Israel by Friday, March 26. College students are invited to attend for no charge and can sit together. For twitter fans, Rabbi Linder is participating in ‘Tweet the Exodus’, “an immersive, multimedia way of experiencing the Israelite exodus and the story of Passover.” By collaborating with rabbis and Jewish professionals around the country, all of whom are playing the role of one of the Exodus’s major characters, ‘Tweet the Exodus’ allows followers to reenact the story in “totally new ways.” Follow along at www.twitter.com/ tweettheexodus, and you can experience the crossing of the Red Sea just before the first seder. A concluding service and yizkor at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 5, will be preceded by a matzah brei breakfast at no charge at 9:30 a.m. If you would like to have your loved ones’ names read, please call the Temple office by Thursday, April 1.
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B’NAI MITZVAH Continued from page 14 He has three older sisters, Ali, Libby, and Kate, and an older brother, Joe. Grandparents are Stanley Slosburg and the late Eleanor Slosburg, and Ed Gorelick and the late Barbara Gorelick.
LOOKING FOR the classic car, truck or motorcycle of your dreams? Go to www.midwestclassiccars.com. It’s your Midwest connection to classic vehicles for sale. Need to sell a classic vehicle? For only $25, your ad with photos will run until sold! Call this newspaper today for more information or call 800-369-2850. SUPER SATURDAY Blow Out Hot Tub Sale, March 20. Lowest prices in Midwest, extra $500 to $1,000 off. Town Center Showcase, Lincoln, Nebraska, 1-800-869-0406, goodlifespa.com. 40 ACRES, two bath home, two car garage, new well, two storage buildings, new within last 6 months. Three miles east of Kilgore. 402-966-3451, 402-389-1108. TIME HAS run out. Must sell 3-bedroom manufactured home. Must move to your land. 785-841-4887. FULL-TIME FILLMORE County Emergency Manager position available. Contact County Clerk, Amy Nelson, for more information by March 31, 2010, at 402-759-4931 or amy.nelson@fillmore.nacone.org. BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. IF YOU used Type 2 Diabetes drug Avandia and suffered a stroke or heart attack, you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson, 1-800-535-5727. HIGH SPEED Internet. Still waiting for high-speed where you live? Call WildBlue! Available virtually anywhere through satellite! Get Free standard installation & 24/7 customer support. 800-820-0154.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 19, 2010
Amid furor, Weiss backs away from ‘rabba’ title for women
by BEN HARRIS NEW YORK (JTA) -- On the eve of a conference marking the expansion of leadership roles for women within Orthodoxy, the trend’s most prominent rabbinic proponent has backtracked from his near-ordination of female rabbis amid intense criticism. Rabbi Avi Weiss promised he would not ordain any more women with the title “rabba,” a feminized version of “rabbi” that had drawn widespread condemnation when it was conferred in January on Sara Hurwitz, a longtime member of the clerical staff at Weiss’ synagogue, the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale in New York City. The announcement, made in a letter to the president of the Rabbinical Council of America and distributed by the council March 5, followed weeks of buzz in Orthodox circles as well as rumors that the association of Orthodox rabbis was preparing to rescind Weiss’ membership. In an accompanying statement, the RCA expressed satisfaction at the controversy’s resolution and support for “appropriate” leadership roles for women. “We are encouraged by the RCA’s recent statement asserting its ‘commitment to women’s Torah education and scholarship at the highest levels, and to the assumption of appropriate leadership roles within the Jewish community,” said the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA), whose conference this Sunday in New York will prominently feature Hurwitz in several sessions. “At the same time, we are saddened that so many leaders remain unsupportive of a title commensurate with the critical roles that women perform in the synagogue and greater Orthodox community.” With the announcement, Weiss, an activist rabbi known for not backing down from a confrontation, has privileged intra-communal harmony over his commitment to pushing the envelope on women’s religious leadership. Sources close to Weiss say the rabbi misjudged the extent of opposition to calling Hurwitz rabba; it’s not hard to see why. For more than a year, Weiss has been calling Hurwitz a rabbi in everything but name. Last March, Weiss ordained her as a “maharat” -- an acronym meaning Torah, spiritual and halachic leader -- and subsequently established a seminary known as Yeshivat Maharat to
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train others. But in January, Weiss announced that the title maharat had failed to catch on and he was replacing it with rabba. As he has before, Weiss stressed that regardless of title, Hurwitz was the functional equivalent of a rabbi and a
Sara Hurwitz speaks March 1, 2009 at a women's prayer Credit: Ben Harris conference in New York City. full member of the synagogue clergy. And yet, only when he moved to call Hurwitz by a title that so closely resembled rabbi did the maelstrom ensue. The governing religious council of the haredi organization Agudath Israel of America, known as the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of America, said the move “represents a radical and dangerous departure from Jewish tradition” and that Weiss’ congregation could no longer be considered Orthodox. On his blog, Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, a vice president of the RCA, said the notion of female clergy is “a throwback to pagan ideologies and a perennial challenge to religious establishments.” The RCA’s president, Rabbi Moshe Kletenik, denied a news report claiming that the council was considering ousting Weiss. “My humble opinion is the reason there was such a fuss about it is the so-called Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah attack,” said Rabbi Marc Angel, one of the few Orthodox rabbis who has publicly supported Weiss. “The RCA got a little nervous. If the Agudah attacks, the RCA gets defensive.” The one thing all parties to the controversy agree on,
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however, is that Hurwitz’s title, which she will keep, is not the central issue; it’s the role she performs that matters, both to Weiss’ supporters and detractors. “If she’s functionally a rabbi, regardless of the title, that’s a problem,” Kletenik said. As if to underscore the point, Agudath Israel said Tuesday that the arrangement with the RCA was “superficial” and did not change the group’s belief that “placing women in traditional rabbinic positions departs from the Jewish mesorah.” The only problem is, there’s little clarity on what constitutes a traditional rabbinic position. Agudah spokesman Rabbi Avi Shafran said the problem is one of modesty and Judaism’s view of the proper roles for women. Angel, Weiss and others counter that with the exception of certain ritual functions, nothing prevents women from performing the overwhelming majority of functions traditionally associated with the rabbinate. Kletenik declined to specify where the boundaries of women’s leadership should be drawn, saying it would be a matter of discussion at the RCA’s conference in April. Yeshiva University, which has strong ties to the RCA, runs an advanced Talmud program for women and has helped place several graduates in positions at prominent Modern Orthodox synagogues -- but without conferring a specific title on them. The issue will be discussed Sunday when Hurwitz takes part in the JOFA conference’s opening plenary on women’s leadership. That will be followed by several sessions on related topics, including one titled “Why the Rambam was Wrong: Women in Leadership,” led by Rabbi Daniel Sperber, whose name appears alongside Weiss’ on Hurwitz’s ordination certificate. Audrey Trachtman, JOFA’s vice president for advocacy, declined to say whether the organization could declare victory on women’s leadership without securing the rabbi title. “What we’d be satisfied with is having women in rabbinic responsibility,” Trachtman said. “What that means is serving pastorally, answering questions of halachah when asked, teaching and learning Torah and Talmud with their congregants -- in other words, performing all the responsibilties that rabbis do.”
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