March 21, 2014

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Say hello to Bye Bye Birdie

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Rehearsal Director Jessica Reed, left, Director Fran Sillau, and Choreographer Courtney Stein “Are like family.” Bye Bye Birdie is the tenth JCC Community Theater production directed by Fran Sillau, who has been enchanting us with quality entertainment at the Omaha JCC since 2009. His debut in our community came after he was approached by then Director of The Institute for Holocaust Education, Beth Dotan, to direct Hana’s Suitcase, a play documenting the life of a Jewish 13-year-old during the Shoah. Fran, a native of the Omaha-Council Bluffs area, has been involved in theater since age ten and

Aviva Segall celebrates 15 years of music in Omaha

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Point of view Synagogues In memorium

by GABBY BLAIR Pull out those poodle skirts! Dust off the old saddle shoes! The JCC Community Theater Group is taking you back to 1958 Sweet Apple, Ohio, to join in the fun and frivolity of the acclaimed classic musical comedy, Bye Bye Birdie, on Thursday, May 29 and Sunday, June 1. All-American rock-n-roll star and heart throb of the nation, Conrad Birdie (Danny Denenberg), has been drafted. His agent and hopeful songwriter, Albert (Jeremy Wright), and his longtime girlfriend/secretary Rosie (Leanne Hill Carson), are scheming on ways to cash in on one last publicity stunt before Birdie, their only hope to make it big, is sent off to war. An adoring fan base of teenaged girls is clamoring to win a televised farewell kiss from the iconic (a lá Elvis Presley) star. The quiet, little town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, is beset by chaos and hijinks after local teen, Kim MacAfee (Laura Kirshenbaum), is announced as the contest winner, much to the chagrin of her steady beau Hugo Peabody (Ben Brodkey). Audiences young and old are sure to enjoy the nostalgic charm and hilarity of this much loved musical satire.

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by RANA SCARLETT-JOHNSON Managing Director, Omaha Area Youth Orchestra Aviva Segall stood out the very first time she set foot in Omaha back in 1999. The Southern California native came here back then to audition for her “dream job” -- the position of music director of Omaha Area Youth Orchestras (OAYO). At the time, she was one of three young conductors chosen from a pool of more than 40 qualified audition tapes to come here for a “finalist” interview, which included working with the young OAYO musicians in a rehearsal. It wasn’t long before Segall rose to the top of that “finalist” list. She was vivacious, full of energy and charm, and clear with the young musicians about what she wanted from them. Plus, “her goal was to be a conductor of young musicians,” rather than use youth orchestra experience as a stepping-stone to professional orchestras, said Ann Williamson, an Omaha Symphony Guild member and former OAYO board member.

has been dedicated to the big stage as a teacher, writer, producer and director for over a decade. He has worked in Iowa, Nebraska, Kentucky, North Dakota, Tennessee, New York, Washington, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. facilitating theater workshops and productions for a wide range of professionals in arts education. After working in such big name places, he says there is no community he’d rather be a part of. “Omaha provides me with the best of both worlds. There is strong support

and appreciation of the Arts here and the cost of living makes it possible for an artist to be an artist.” Sillau loves directing community theater at the JCC and it shows when he describes the Arts Department. “So rarely do you have a team that is truly like family” he says of Producer Esther Katz, Rehearsal Director Jessica Reed, former Rehearsal Director Tiffany Gray, Musical Director Bernadette Smith and Choreographer Courtney Stein. He acknowledges that especially in the arts, the market can be tight and the competition cutthroat, but the team really strives to maintain a fun, learning experience that keeps people coming back as both actors and as audiences. “It’s more than just teaching kids to be on a stage,” says Sillau. “In this electric world we live in, it’s about remembering to teach the importance of face-to-face communication. Its about learning to think in the bigger picture, and in a role outside of your self. Especially with youth, it’s about learning important skills such as commitment, sacrifice, accountability, respect and the ability to be part of a community. Theater should be a place where community comes together as family.” Continued on page 3

A fitting memorial

“That, to me, was impressive.” Needless to say, Segall was hired to serve in the top artistic position for OAYO 15 years ago. And today, Segall continues to serve the organization as

Aviva Segall a beacon of excellence in music education for Omaha and the region. “When Aviva Segall arrived in Omaha in 1999 as a young, energetic catalyst for excellence in youth orchestras, she began a fruitful and joyful tenure as a strong advocate for healthy, heroic musical growth,” said Patty Ritchie, director of Millard West Orchestras. Segall began working in Omaha after several years of prestigious training. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Wellesley College and subsequently attended the University of Southern California School of Music. She then received her master of music degree in orchestral conducting from Northwestern University, where she studied with Victor Yampolsky, music director Continued on page 2

Randy Endelman’s grandchildren, Ainsley, Audrey and Aiden Meyerson try out “Papa’s bench.” by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPbench look like? Where should it WRIGHT come from, where should it end Editor of the Jewish Press up? This, after all, could not be just During the summer of 2013, any bench; it had to be special and Penny Endelman and Jewish Com- meaningful.” Cue Renee Corcoran, Director of munity Center Executive Director Mark Martin began talking about the Nebraska Jewish Historical Sohow to honor the memory of ciety. When Martin realized there Penny’s husband Randy. Randy had was a cobweb-covered old bench in passed away in February of that the JCC basement, she was able to year, and, Penny wanted to know, tell him where it came from. “When the Riekes shul was would it be possible to place a bench by the front entrance of the moved to the front of the JCC, one Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Devel- bench didn’t fit,” she said. “We are delighted it now has a new puropment Center? Martin agreed to look into it; the pose.” “I had walked by it probably hunfamily gave it some more thought, and decided the bench in question dreds of times,” Martin said, “but I should be inside the Rose Blumkin had no idea it had this much historical significance. I am so grateful to Jewish Home instead. “At the time,” Martin said, “it the NJHS, and Renee, for knowing seemed like a simple task, but it its history, and for agreeing to let us took several months to get it ac- use it.” complished. What should the Continued on page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | March 21, 2014

Beth El’s Cantor’s Concert

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by LINDA SALTZMAN for Beth El Synagogue Sunday’s Cantor’s Youth Scholarship Fund Concert at Beth El Synagogue is more than just an evening of lively family entertainment. It’s also an investment. Proceeds from the concert, with headliner Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, will fund the Beth El Service Grant Program, which helps young congregants attend Jewish camps or travel to Israel. Many parents believe such positive Jewish experiences help kids form a stronger Jewish identity, maintain their faith throughout their lifetimes and ultimately perpetuate the Jewish religion. “Children learn best in an environChaeli Spivack at camp ment that is fun,” said Marcie Spivack, who sends three kids to Herzl Camp in Webster, WI. “Camp is the epitome of ‘fun.’ It is the best avenue for children to learn what Judaism is and how to make it their own.” Hazzan Michael Krausman agrees. “Jewish summer camp is an invaluable part of the development of a young Jewish man or woman,” he said. “Participants absorb Jewish culture, Hebrew language and learn in an immersive environment that is unique to camp.” But participation in such programs comes at a price. Tuition to Jewish camps can be hefty. For example, for the summer of 2014, four weeks at Camp Ramah in Conover, WI, costs $4,550 for incoming sixth graders. Three weeks at Herzl Camp for incoming sixth graders can cost as much as $2,850. Karla Cohen said the scholarships made a difference when

sending her daughter to Herzl Camp. “The Beth El scholarship had a major role in our decision to send our youngest daughter to camp and it was extremely helpful.” The investment paid off. “Both of our daughters definitely have a stronger Jewish identity because of camp.” For Ophir Palmon, the scholarships helped send his two kids to Camp Sabra. “It definitely helped with the overall financial commitment,” he said. In 2013, Beth El awarded $25,000 in non-need-based grants to 16 BESTT (Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah) students. More students are expected to apply for grants this year. The grant recipients fulfill service hours at Beth El within a year after receiving the grant. The Cantor’s Concert program, Ta’am Latino LIVE!, will feature Cantor Bogomolni and the Live Latin Band, along with Beth El’s Hazzan Michael Krausman and adult choir. The program will feature rhythms indigenous to Cantor Gastón’s native Argentina to melodies from Mexico and other Latin countries. The music will include well-known songs arranged with a Latin flair to songs written by Jewish Latin composers from Israel and around the world. Israeli and American Jewish music will also be featured. Attendees should expect an evening of high energy and humor. Cantor Bogomolni served as Beth El’s cantor from 2002 to 2008, and is currently the cantor at Temple Aliyah in Needham, MA. He presides as president of the New England Board of Cantors and the Cantor’s Assembly liaison to the National Ramah Commission. Beth El’s Cantor’s Concert is open to the community. Ticket prices vary depending on donation category. A general admission ticket is $18 for adults, $8 for kids. The donation categories include: Counselor-in-Training, $50-$99 (includes up to two admission tickets); Counselor, $100 $349 (four admission tickets); Song Leader - $350 - $499 (six admission tickets); Waterfront Director, $500 - $900 (eight admission tickets); Unit Head, $1,000 - $2,499 (10 admission tickets); Assistant Camp Director, $2,500 - $4,999 (10 admission tickets); Camp Director, $5,000+ (includes 10 admission tickets). To purchase tickets, visit www.bethel-omaha.org.

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Continued from page 1 Youth Conservatory Orchestra, an orchestral ensemble for emeritus of the Omaha Symphony. students in grades 5 through 12, as well as the Percussion Yampolsky was the first one to tout Omaha to her. “Victor Ensemble, a small group designed to provide young perwas always talking about how Omaha was such a great cussion students with an opportunity to hone their skills. place,” Segall said. Then, during a conducting workshop at What has made Segall so successful in her endeavors over Northwestern, she met Christine Myers, who was OAYO’s the years are the same personal attributes and musical talmusic director at the time. “I remember thinking, ‘If her job ents that helped her land the music director post years ago. ever opened up, I would so love that job,” Segall said. Anyone who has worked with Segall can attest to her A couple of years later, it excellent musical knowledge did. Segall’s time in Omaha and skills. has been everything she “Her experiences help originally expected it to be inform her teaching, I’m and much more. sure, but her knowledge in “Once we moved here, and of itself speaks voleverybody was just so welumes,” said John Orduna, a coming,” Segall said. former student who played The very first Friday after bass under Segall for ten she moved to Omaha, she years and now works as a was invited to a Shabbat dinprofessional baritone. ner. She has since grown to be She pours everything she Aviva Segall conducting the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra greatly involved in the Jewish has--her experiences, skills community, serving on the Board of Directors of Beth Israel and knowledge-- into her passion, which is educating young Synagogue and participating in countless activities offered people. She knows how to program music that will be chalthrough the Jewish Federation of Omaha. She has appreciat- lenging but achievable for all of the ensembles she conducts. ed the opportunity to send her two girls, now ten and 12, to And she has an approachable yet stern demeanor that effecthe Friedel Jewish Academy, giving them a quality of educa- tively and respectfully engages the young musicians. tion that would not be accessible in many other cities. “I’ve worked in many different types of ensembles with a lot “In most larger communities, it’s a lot more financially of conductors and often times the rehearsal process is a very challenging to send your kids to a school like Friedel,” she crippling experience,” Orduna said. “Never once did I feel that said. “The community here has made it possible for people way with her. I always felt empowered, and any performer will to actually do it. The school has been just like a family, and agree that this is the best way to get good stuff out of people.” the girls have loved it.” And despite her accomplishments, Segall never stops Omaha’s reputation as a welcoming, encouraging commu- trying to improve herself. nity has helped Segall accomplish several major initiatives “It’s not uncommon to see her attend Omaha Symphony for OAYO, an organization that provides orchestral educa- rehearsals, listening, watching and studying scores to learn tion opportunities to more than 500 students annually. In in a ‘live’ environment,” Ritchie said. “Her enthusiasm has 2002, the Youth Symphony, the organization’s most advanced not diminished.” ensemble, performed at the National Youth Orchestra Looking to the future, Segall is excited about what might Festival in Sarasota, FL. Segall has also forged connections be next for OAYO. She would like to build even more with several major contemporary composers, Joan Tower, ensembles for the organization and expand the introductChen Yi, Joseph Schwantner and William Bolcom, providing ory Prelude Strings program to reach even more students. opportunities for the young musicians to not only perform She would like to plan tours for the student musicians, and new music but work with the composers themselves. engage even more guest conductors and guest composers Under Segall’s baton, OAYO has also grown and expand- to work with them. In short, she would like to continue ed, adjusting to the needs of students and the community. what she began 15 years ago. She helped expand the organization’s Prelude Strings pro“You know how some things in your life end up working gram, an introductory strings program for elementary out perfectly? How you couldn’t have planned things betschool-aged musicians. She also helped originate OAYO’s ter?” she said. “That is how this job has been for me.”

March 21, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 3

Bye Bye Birdie Continued from page 1 for persons with disabilities should go to Sillau, while too humble to use such a term Jean Kennedy Smith of the JFK Center for to describe himself, is indeed a pioneer of The Performing Arts, of which he has been a “using theater as a tool” in the Omaha area. grant recipient, and mentor Susan D. Loesl, Inspired by his supportive family who an Adaptive Art Specialist in Milwaukee, encouraged him from a young age to not let Wisconsin. Loesl is also a national consulta physical disability get in the way of his ant recognized for her international work in dreams, Sillau has brought the art of theater to a cutting new edge for those children and adults who are physically or developmentally disabled. In addition to his work at the JCC, Fran, who is currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts at Goddard University, also teaches and performs in conjunction with The Rose Theater, The Omaha Theater Company, Omaha Public Schools, and The Omaha Playhouse. He also Some of the cast: Emerson Bostrom, Steve spoke about work he has been a part Denenberg, Ben Brodkey, Josh Stein, Danny of at the Dr. J.P. Lord School. This Denenberg and David Finkelstein very special OPS school is housed on the UNMC campus for our community’s using adaptive and low technology art most medically delicate children ages 5-21. strategies as tools in learning institutions. He is honored to have been able to bring a Sillau was excited to help choose Bye Bye taste of the performing arts to these children Birdie as the spring show. “This is such a fun to whom it wouldn’t otherwise be available. musical, a real 360 from our last production, Sillau is also an artist with WhyArts!?, a local Fiddler On The Roof Jr. It makes a nice trannon-profit that brings the visual and per- sition from darkness to light and we have an forming arts to students of all demographics, amazing group for this play,” which he abilities and ages. Fran credits WhyArts!? describes as a “love letter to our perception Director Carolyn Owen Anderson along of the 1950’s.” Rehearsals have been coming with Executive Director of The Omaha along wonderfully according to Sillau, and Public Schools Foundation, Toba Cohen- he is happy to again have the support of Dunning, with his foray into teaching the Rehearsal Director Jessica Reed to help keep tools of theater to the disabled, which he has things running smoothly. found amazingly satisfying. “It’s important “It is nice to see the playfulness that Bye when starting out to have people who Bye Birdie is already having in the rehearsal believe in you, to give you confidence to process,” says Reed. “Everyone seems to start something new,” Sillau explains of arrive excited and leaves with smiles on their Anderson and Cohen-Dunning. He says the faces. I know every time I see a new scene or real title of “pioneer” in using art as therapy song being worked on, I am eager to see the

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Tot Shabbat at Temple Israel Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m. Families with children ages five and under are invited to celebrate Shabbat in a child-friendly service. Bagels, juice and coffee provided. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families with young children, connect with our clergy, and add that wonderful Shabbat spice to the life of your family. Save the date for future sessions: April 26 and May 31.

final product during our performances. It is a little hard for some of our younger cast members to understand the lingo or customs of the 1950s, but everyone is continuing to learn and work together.” She goes on to say: “Fran is a great director to work with during this process. He has a passion for theater and it shows in his work. When he directs a particular scene, he is a little more hands-off with the actors because he wants to find movement and blocking that feels good to them, but will also look good from the audience’s point of view. He is also a good collaborator, as is all of our artistic staff. We all work well together to make this process as smooth as possible and to come out with a great production in the end.” Sillau personally loves the big dance productions in Bye Bye Birdie and gives all the credit to Smith and Stein whose talents in music and choreography “make my work beautiful. I am so lucky to even be in the room with them!” He goes on to say, “The team is really taking advantage of the fact that not everyone is in the same scenes, thus allowing us to work ahead and more intently in small groups, even individually.” He is also very appreciative of Katz, who approached him with the vision of recreating and rejuvenating inclusive community theater at the JCC. “My goal,” says Sillau, “is to one day run a theater organization. That is why I am going back to school. That’s why I am soaking up as much real world experience as I can. Until then, it’s important to do good work, follow through, and make opportunities for oneself, because no one else can do that for you,” he explains. “As with any passion that you want to be your life’s work, it’s not for sissies, it’s about sacrifice. Now. Of time. Of social life. Because in the end, I

think it will be worth it, to pursue a passion!” Bye Bye Birdie, which is generously sponsored by The Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund and the JCC Theater Program Endowment Fund, both of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, is sure to be another sold out performance, so be ready to get those $5 general admission tickets right when they go on sale! Tickets are available beginning May 12 by contacting JCC Registrar Laura Wine at 402.334.6419, or by visiting our ticket table which will be set up at the JCC main entrance 9 -10 a.m. that morning only. We look forward to seeing YOU in Sweet Apple!

Randy Endelman Continued from page 1 Martin went back to Penny, and told her there was a bench that was big enough for the entire family, and could be painted in any design she wanted. The family agreed, and with the help of the maintenance staff it was fully restored. Next, professional artist Kelli Zaug painted it; images suggested by Penny came to life, and the bench was ready to be installed. Randy Endelman was an Omaha native, a Central High graduate and a successful attorney. He left behind a loving family and many, many friends. Randy’s bench was unveiled on Friday, Feb. 28, almost to the day a year after his death, and everyone will be able to enjoy it. It’s located between the front desk and the Husker wall, so next time you’re at the Home, stop by and sit a while. It’s a conversation piece, it’s beautiful, it’s inviting, and it’s a fitting way to remember a man who was “a friend to everyone.”

4 | The Jewish Press | March 21, 2014

Friday Learning Series bridges celestial promises with today’s Israel by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Life As the next presenter in the Center for Jewish Life’s Friday Learning Series, Dr. Anat Gilboa turned toward Genesis 28, verse 14 for the inspiration of her class “The Celestial Promise to Jacob: Exploring Four Sites in Israel.” The verse describes G-d’s promise to Jacob that “...thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed” and provides a fourcompass point basis for a refreshing look at Israel. Anat Gilboa Dr. Gilboa, visiting scholar with the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, further explained the class: “While inspired by this biblical passage, my mini-class will be more of a celebration of the variety that is Israel.” The three-part series will meet on April 4, 11, 18 from 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Gilboa’s classes will be part travelogue, part history, and part sociology, all sprinkled with personal observation and first-hand appreciation of the diversity that is Israel. “Israel is like so many things. We may first see it as one thing, but as we come to know it and appreciate it better, we see that there are so many aspects and differences that make this country what it is,” said Gilboa. For the class, Gilboa has chosen to look at Tel Aviv in the west, Jerusalem in the east, Akko in the North, and the Negev in the south. Each of these cities/regions has its own special history, has developed in its own unique ways, and embraces its own aspect of the culture. Tel Aviv is second in size to Jerusalem, home to over 410,000 residents. Tel Aviv is an economic hub, the country’s financial capital, and a major performing arts center. It is the fifth most-visited city in the Middle East and is known as “the city that never sleeps.” “Tel Aviv is sort of the New York of Israel,” Gilboa shared. “Class participants who have never visited there may be surprised to see such a metropolitan area. I enjoy making comparisons between Tel Aviv and Western cities.”

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“Akko is often described as a ‘microcosm’ of Israel. Perhaps more than any other region it sustains itself with the blend of Arab and Israeli people. It may just stand as an example of what could be,” explained Gilboa. Perhaps out of necessity, this region has found ways not only to tolerate, but to become richly enhanced by the variety of people living there. The Omaha Jewish community has become familiar with this region over the years through its Partnership2GETHER relationship with Akko and Matte Asher. Omaha’s Community Shaliach, Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan, is from Akko. Gilboa’s class will provide added insight into the region. The focus of the eastern compass point is the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem has been the holiest city in Judaism and the ancestral and spiritual homeland of the Jewish people since the 10th century BCE. The city is given special status in Jewish religious law. So important is the city that Jews outside Jerusalem pray facing its direction. For Christians, Jerusalem’s place in the life of Jesus gives it great importance, beginning with his being “presented” at the Temple as a child. Jerusalem is considered a sacred site in Sunni Islamic tradition, along with Mecca and Medina. Islamic tradition holds that previous prophets were associated with the city, and that Islamic prophet Muhammad visited the city on a nocturnal journey. Jerusalem served as the first direction of prayer for Muslims. “With these religions and their traditions focusing on this city, Jerusalem has both a rich and turbulent history with incredibly diverse cultures in the same

area,” explained Gilboa. “It makes for a fascinating study.” The Negev Desert in the south is the final region of focus for the class. “While at first glance this might appear to be a mere barren area, there is much more to the region than that,” said Gilboa. In support of that conclusion is the fact that the Negev is home to the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and to many major bases of the Israel Defense Forces. As of 2010 the Negev was home to 630,000 people and it comprises over 55% of the country’s landmass. 470,000 Negev residents are Jews while 160,000 are Bedouin. In October 2012, global travel guide publisher Lonely Planet rated the Negev second on a list of the world’s top ten regional travel destinations for 2013, noting its current transformation through development. “I look forward to exploring this region with class participants,” said Gilboa. “There is so much history, culture, art, and modern living to be seen throughout Israel, many class periods could be spent studying it all.” “The Celestial Promise to Jacob: Exploring Four Sites in Israel,” provides the perfect opportunity to observe how Israel has developed in many different ways throughout the entire country. Tuition is $26, reduced to $21 for contributors to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. To register, call 402.334.6463 or email mkirchhoff @jewishomaha.org. This series of classes is presented by the Center for Jewish Life whose mission it is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

Klutznick Learning: Shabbat and coveting by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Life Just two sessions remain in the popular Klutznick Learning Series, “What is it About the Ten Commandments?” presented by the Center for Jewish Life. Session five, taking place on March 24, will include discussions on “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy” and “Thou shalt not covet anything that belongs to thy neighbor.” The session will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. in the JCC Social Hall. The first half of the evening featuring Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Dr. Michael Cohen, who will discuss the importance of Shabbat. Rabbi Gross is senior rabbi for Beth Israel Synagogue and Dr. Cohen is a pediatrician in West Omaha specializing in the care of children from infancy to early adulthood. He will talk about the importance of Shabbat in today’s world, focusing on how time as a family is so critical to both our physical and mental health, particularly for families with young children. In the second part of the evening, Rabbi Mendel Katzman and C. David Kotok will talk about “Thou shalt

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not covet anything that belongs to thy neighbor.” Rabbi Katzman is the Executive Director of Chabad of Nebraska. David Kotok is a retired journalist whose 40 plus years included lead political reporter at three regional newspapers, urban affairs reporter and managing editor at The Omaha World-Herald. His talk will focus on the idea that “in the world of politics, thou covets.” The final Klutznick Learning Series session will meet Monday evening March 31, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the JCC Social Hall. The session will feature Rabbi Steven Abraham and Ellie Greenspoon looking at “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me” followed by concluding remarks on the series by Marty Shukert. The series is open to the community, free of charge and is sponsored by the fund of the Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. For more information, call 402.334.6463 or email mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org. The series is presented by the Center for Jewish Life whose mission it is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

Snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

Career Opportunity The Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines Is Accepting Applications For Preschool Director Do you love working with young children? Are you interested in influencing & growing young minds? Have you always dreamed of a position where you can combine your creativity with your organizational skills to support young Jewish children and their families? Gan Shalom: The Jewish Center for Early Childhood Development is seeking a new year-round Preschool Director, an individual with enthusiasm for education who can answer a resounding “yes” to all of these questions. If your interest is piqued, check out the full job description under “Job Openings” at http://www.jewishdesmoines.org/ and send your cover letter with resume to ganshalom@dmjfed.org. This position is open until filled.

March 21, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 5

Temple Israel youth at AIPAC by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer The American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) recently held its annual conference during the first week in March in Washington, D.C., and a contingent of Temple Israel youth were in attendance. Led by Rabbi Josh Brown, a handful of high school students got their first real taste of international politics as they heard speeches from politicians - Senators John McCain and Chuck Schumer, and diplomats, Secretary of State John Kerry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also in attendance and gave a speech on the conference’s final day. “Our kids got to be on the front lines of Jewish politics in America,” Rabbi Brown said. “They heard from the prime minister, they heard from Secretary of State Kerry, who weren’t just giving stump speeches. There was real news happening and I think the kids sensed that.” High school sophomore Abby Hack and senior Hannah Budwig both went to the conference without much knowledge of AIPAC or American/Israeli politics, but they came away with not only a greater understanding, but a desire to become more informed. “I knew nothing about AIPAC, I knew nothing about the U.S.’s stance with Israel, I knew nothing about the politics of it,” Abby said, “so it was hard for me to form an educated opinion. It made me feel like I’m missing a lot of information and I should probably do more research. It definitely opened my eyes to the issues.” Like Abby, Hannah didn’t know much “other than that America is one of Israel’s strongest supporters.” “The weekend really reinforced that America is such a strong supporter of Israel and will do almost anything to keep it safe,” Hannah said. “Many of the speakers talked

about Iran a lot and how America is going to do everything it can to make sure Iran not only doesn’t have nuclear weapons, but they don’t have access to the equipment and material to make nuclear weapons.” Aside from the politics, the conference also featured a number of guests who spoke about Israel’s innovation boom, all the science and technology that is quickly putting Israel on the high-tech map. “They were more relatable than the political speakers,” Hannah said. “Just because I understood more about what they were talking about, like this one speaker who talked about medical technology that can map the connections in the brain and can tell you if there’s been a disruption, like a concussion.” Abby also enjoyed the entrepreneurial speakers more than the politics, like the father of one of the founders of AOL, who invested $45,000 in his son’s Internet startup, which, obviously, paid dividends. At the end of the day, however, AIPAC is “the most powerful pro-Israel lobbying group” and it was difficult for Rabbi Brown to divest himself of the politics of the conference. “AIPAC’s mission is to ensure there is a good, strong relationship between America and Israel, and beyond that I don’t think they want to take too many stances on things, because they want to stay close to that mission,” Rabbi Brown said. “AIPAC is striving to be a broad tent and I was surprised by the number of speakers who offered progressive and even liberal opinions when it comes to Israel. AIPAC often gets portrayed as a right-wing organization, and I think there was good proof that they’re able to broaden their perspective.” The trip to Washington, D.C. was sponsored by Temple Israel member Tom Fellman, an AIPAC supporter, who wanted the congregation’s youth to experience a point of view to which they perhaps had not been previously exposed.

Karen and Friends light up JCC stage by OZZIE NOGG You’ll want to be in the front row when Karen Sokolof Javitch and some of her friends present selections from Karen’s musical repertoire on Sunday, March 30. The performance runs from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium and features thirteen original Javitch songs, including favorites from From Generation to Generation and other Javitch musicals. The show is free and open to the community. “My uncle, Jerry Rosinsky, is a resident of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home,” Javitch said, “and he loves the entertainment the Home provides. About six months ago, Uncle Jerry and I watched a show for the residents put on by Chuck Penington and his Intergenerational Orchestra. The residents loved it so much, I thought that I should do a show for them also.” Karen and Friends is the result of that light-bulb moment. “I asked some very talented people who have sung in my shows before to combine forces with me,” Javitch said. “Pegi Georgeson, Gene Klosner, Joyce Torchia and three young performers -Grace Bydalek, Danny Denenberg and Hannah Goodman -- and they are all so

great. We’ve been rehearsing with Chuck – who is Mannheim Steamroller’s musical conductor -- and he will play the keyboard

for the show. So bring your happy faces and join these magical, musical moments on March 30 because we guarantee an hour of toe-tappin’ fun, including surprise gifts for everyone!” Javitch has written hundreds of songs, penned four musicals, and released thirteen CDs, singing on many of them. She created From Generation to Generation with Elaine Jabenis, whom she calls her “dear friend and greatest mentor.” From Generation to Generation has played three times in Omaha, and enjoyed runs in Chicago, St. Louis and Los Angeles. “I dedicate this show to my parents, Ruth and Phil Sokolof, and my brother Steve Sokolof, who were very supportive of me and my music.” Karen and Friends is presented by Jewish Social Services.

Birth Heather and Meyer Schwartz of Augusta, GA, announce the Feb. 21 birth of their daughter, Ruth Maura. She has three sisters, Eva Claire, Isabelle and Madelyn.

Grandparents are Phyllis and the late Maurice Schwartz of Omaha, and Jerry and Lynette James of Red Bay, AL. Great-grandparents are Lula Abston and Houston James both of Red Bay, AL.

Temple Israel Program Director Responsible for planning and implementing programs and special events, overseeing all written and electronic communication and serving as the liaison with volunteer committees. Previous experience a plus. Send a personal statement and resumes including salary requirements to templeisrael@templeisraelomaha.com by Thursday, April 17. Your personal statement (500 -750 words) should include how your past experience has prepared you for this position and why you are interested in joining the professional staff at Temple Israel.

6 | The Jewish Press | March 21, 2014

The Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund future to the Listen

Congratulations Aviva Segall On 15 years as the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras. Thank you from the OAYO staff, musicians, alumni and the community. For more information on concerts or auditions: visit www.oayo.org or call 402.238.2044

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by MARY BORT Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and elsewhere on the campus.” Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Each year, the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Backyard Countless books and articles have been written about the Music Series receives some of its support from the fund. power of music. Studies are finding that humans are hard- “We’re pleased to provide funding for this series that prowired to respond to music, vides free outdoor concerts to and that our brains are our community,” said Rothholz. stimulated by music. Music Thanks to the support provided has been said to “touch the by the fund, the community has soul” and many of us listen experienced many wonderful to music every day as we performances. For example, in work or socialize. As the 2010, the fund sponsored a free composer Leonard piano concert performed by Bernstein (1918-1990) Omaha native Karen Kushner. said, “Music can name the Kushner has a B.M. from unnamable and communiNorthwestern and a M.M. from cate the unknowable.” Julliard. “She has played at There is a group of dediCarnegie Hall, and toured Europe cated people who work to and China,” noted Rothholz. “And ensure that Omaha’s we were able to bring this world Karen Sokolof Javitch Jewish community has class musician to Omaha.” opportunities to experience many types of music. The Karen The fund also sponsored a performance of songs comSokolof Javitch Music Fund of the Jewish Federation of posed by Leonard Bernstein at the JCC in 2011 by The Omaha Foundation was established by the late Phil Sokolof MasterSingers, a secular Omaha choral ensemble. The in honor of his daughter, Karen, whose talent and apprecia- entertaining concert included music from Bernstein’s tion of music and theater inspired him. Chichester Psalms, West Side Story, and more. “Music was a big part of my life growing up,” said Karen The Sokolof Javitch Music Fund has supported performJavitch. “My dad, Phil Sokolof, was a great singer and my ances by the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra and Orchestra mom, Ruth Sokolof, played the piano. I was inspired by their Omaha, and a concert featuring original compositions by musical talents.” Karen Javitch. The fund has also co-supported JCC musicals One of the purposes of the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund is and an orchestral concert performed for the Institute for to provide financial support for musical performances. A Holocaust Education’s Remembrance, Creativity & committee considers applications to grant funding for per- Transformation program. formances that include music. Jewish and secular musicians The committee reviews grant requests each year and votes and music groups may apply for funding. The only stipula- to select grant recipients. According to Rothholz, “We will tion is that the performance is held somewhere on the consider applications from Jewish organizations and secular Jewish Community Center (JCC) campus. organizations. Our goal is to present as varied a music For example, last month the Omaha Chamber Music schedule as possible, from bluegrass to opera; we’re interestSociety presented a concert of expressive chamber works ed in hearing a variety of musical genres. We’ll consider supshaped by Jewish musical traditions, at the Jewish porting high school groups and professional musicians. The Community Center Theater. “It was fabulous,” stated Susan committee hopes to sponsor different musical ensembles Rothholz, committee chair. “The Omaha Chamber Music and soloists, including singers and instrumentalists. concert was absolutely amazing, and they played to a full “I would like to thank Susan Rothholz for her dedication house. The audience truly enjoyed the concert; it was some- to this committee,” said Javitch. thing not to miss.” “I love what we do,” said Rothholz. “I enjoy music and parFollowing the concert, there was a dessert reception. The ticipating on this committee. It has opened up the world of entire event was underwritten by the fund. music for me and for others. It’s wonderful to help bring Rothholz pointed out that the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund music to our community.” also supports college scholarships in music. “A separate comFor information about applying for a grant from the mittee reviews the scholarship applications,” she explained. Sokolof Javitch Music Fund in order to support a musical “Our committee provides grants to musicians and musical performance on the Jewish Community Center campus, groups that are interested in performing a concert on the JCC please contact Rothholz at spredwood2@cox.net. campus. The JCC’s theater provides a great venue for musiTo learn more about establishing a charitable endowment cians and many wonderful performances have been held there. that will support the performing arts, please contact However, performances aren’t limited to the theater. For exam- Howard Epstein, Foundation Executive Director, at ple, we’ve also funded concerts that were held outdoors, at the 402.334.6466 or hepstein@jewishomaha.org.

Couture rendezvous by CASSANDRA ZYWIEC Douglas County Historical Society’s fourth Annual Costume Collection Runway Show and Luncheon, Couture Rendezvous, will take place on Thursday, April 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Swanson Conference Center on Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha Campus. Pieces for the show will include Douglas County Historical Society’s costume collection and clothing off the racks of Younkers 2014 Elaine Jabenis Spring Collection to show how the on-trend fashion of today borrows from fashion trends of the past. Fashion expert Sue McClain, Omaha fashion icon Elaine Jabenis, Younkers Department Store and DCHS staff have

been collaborating on this much anticipated event. This year’s honoree is none other than the fashion diva of Omaha, Elaine Jabenis. Journalism, broadcasting and acting led Elaine to her formative career as a local fashion expert. As the Fashion Coordinator and later Fashion Director for Brandeis Department Store, Jabenis traveled the world to catch the latest trends and bring them back to Omaha. In conjunction with this year’s show and in collaboration with the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, our featured exhibit in the lower level of the General Crook House Museum will be Meet Me Under the Clock: The Culture of Brandeis. This new exhibit, opening March 30th, 2014, will showcase the history of the Brandeis family and culturechanging department store in Downtown Omaha. Join us for an opening reception on March 30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for the fashion show are $50 for members and $55 for non-members. The event includes the runway show, lunch, and admission to the General Crook House Museum the day of the event. Elaine Jabenis will also be selling and signing copies of her latest novel, Georgia’s Secret at the event. For tickets, please call 402.455.9990, email admin@ douglascohistory.org or visit www.DouglasCoHistory.org.

Jewish Senior Outreach How Can We Help You? Please contact Shelly Fox | 402-334-6532

March 21, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 7

7K relay race to raise funds for Friedel and promote family fun by CLAUDIA SHERMAN for Friedel Jewish Academy Alan Kohll is a USA Triathlon certified coach and a triathlete himself. He has completed two Ironman events, a swim-bike-run competition, and raced in numerous marathons and Olympic distance triathlons in states from Hawaii to New York. Now he’s bringing his triathlon experience and expertise home to Omaha to benefit Friedel Jewish Academy specifically and Jewish education in general. Abby Kohll, a fifth grader at On Sunday, April 6, the first Friedel Jewish Academy, 7K Relay Race benefiting takes a break after running Jewish Day School education last June in the Omaha and wellness initiatives will Splash and Dash, a swim begin at 8 a.m. at Beth El and run event for children. Synagogue. Runners will Her family will join in the fun wind through Boys Town next month by participating during the seven-kilometer in the Sababa Sheva relay (about four-mile) race on race, which her father Alan their way to the Jewish is organizing. Community Center and Beth Israel Synagogue to the finish line at Temple Israel. The race will be USA Track & Field sanctioned, confirmed Kohll. “Sababa Sheva means Awesome Seven in Hebrew,” explained Kohll. One of the Awesome 7K Relay Run goals is “to engage and connect the Jewish community by participating in a fun event that anyone can do,” Kohll said. “The focus is making physical activity fun and social. No matter your age, ability, size, shape, this is an event that anyone can do.” “It’s more than a fundraiser,” added Friedel Principal Pam

All for the match by PAMELA SNOW The Nebraska Cultural Endowment is the private partner in a public-private partnership with the State of Nebraska created to support the statewide educational programs and projects of the Nebraska Arts Council and Humanities Nebraska. In 1998, Sen. LaVon Crosby sponsored a bill to set aside $5 million dollars from the State of Nebraska to provide a livelihood for the arts and humanities in our state. In 2008, Sen. John Nelson sponsored a bill that added $5 million dollars to the public fund. Through the public-private partnership, a contribution to the Nebraska Cultural Endowment is matched by the income from the public fund. While the public match provides immediate support of programs in the arts and humanities, the contribution that generates the public match is endowed for future programs. Owing to the generosity of its donors, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment has distributed over $7 million dollars statewide in support of educational opportunities in arts and humanities. Today, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment is conducting the “All for the Match” campaign designed to raise the $2 million dollar private match necessary to increase the public fund from $8 million to $10 million dollars. A contribution to the Nebraska Cultural Endowment and the match it generates multiplies the impact of a donor’s gift by broadening the reach of programs in the arts and humanities that enhance our children’s education and strengthen our Nebraska communities. For more information on the “All for the Match” campaign, contact Pamela Snow at phsnow@nebraska culture.org or 402.595.2722. Find us on our blog www. nebraskaculture.wordpress.com, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

future to the Listen

Omaha Area Youth Orchestra Upcoming Concerts and Events May 2014 5/4 Youth Symphony Concert with the Omaha Symphony Chamber Orchestra Auditions for the 2014-2015 season begin in April. Register through the OAYO website, www.oayo.org. For more information on concerts or auditions: visit www.oayo.org or call 402.238.2044

Cohn. “This race is also an activity to promote family health and wellness by participating in a fun physical activity.” However, “If you can’t participate for some reason or just want to volunteer, we need help for various duties before and during the event,” Kohll said. Please send an email message to alan@omahatriathlon.com if you’re interested in participating as a volunteer. “We’d like to see 1,000 people participate in the race,” Kohll indicated. “That’s about 335 relay teams.” Father of a daughter who has been attending Friedel Jewish Academy since she was in kindergarten and is now in fifth grade, Kohll has served on the board of the school for about five years. He is also a member of the Board of USA Triathlon and the Wellness Council of the Midlands. “We’re professionally timing the event using timing chips and mats. We’ll be able to report team results for those who wish to see how they stand. From a competitive point of view, I’d like each Jewish organization to get as many teams as pos-

sible” to be involved in the race, urged Kohll. “This is a race for everyone. Most people aren’t doing it as a competitive race, but some will, of course, be competitive. The format of the event, which involves short distances for each person to cover, is very popular now,” according to Kohll. “The format allows a person to have a good time and still participate.” Kohll has been involved in the Market to Market Relay between Omaha and Lincoln with distances per person averaging ten to 15 miles. Sababa Sheva covers a much shorter distance per person but creates a great opportunity to participate as a team, a family, with friends and as individuals, Kohll explained. Register at http://www.active.com/omaha-ne/running/dist ance-running-races/sababa-relay-run-2014 by Friday, April 4. Cost per team is $40. Individual entries are also available. With each step taken, Sababa Sheva participants will be making a difference for Jewish children in the Omaha community.

YJO Purim Party by JUSTIN ZACHARY SPOONER Development Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha Grab your acid-washed jeans and neon exercise apparel to get ready for Young Jewish Omaha’s 2014 Purim party. YJO will host its annual Purim event on Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m. at the Wyndham Hill Apartments Clubhouse, located at 9226 Burt St. This year, the theme is to dress like it’s the ‘80s. Sporting any creative ‘80s-related apparel is encouraged. There will be a kosher dinner from the Bagel Bin and beverages will be supplied. Rabbi Jonathan Gross

will read the Megillah. Door prizes will be awarded, as well as prizes for different categories such as best costume. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Purim party! YJO’s mission is to offer young Jewish singles, couples, and families in their 20s and 30s a broad range of social, educational, volunteer, philanthropic and leadership development opportunities. For more information, contact Justin Spooner at zspooner@jewish omaha.org.

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A bright future for Omaha’s Jewish Community by JUSTIN ZACHARY SPOONER Development Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha I want to thank Tom Fellman and his family, Rabbi Jon and Miriam Gross and Beth Israel Synagogue for the chance to attend AIPAC’s 2014 Policy Conference. Thanks to those mentioned above, I traveled to Washington D.C. with a group of 19 Jewish high school and college students from the Omaha area. I went to AIPAC’s 2014 Policy Conference not knowing what to expect. On one hand, I truly believe in and support a strong American-Israeli partnership. On the other hand, I wasn’t too sure if what I wanted and what AIPAC wanted were the same thing. AIPAC is a public affairs committee that lobbies Congress for a strong, sturdy and unwavering stance in support of the American-Israeli partnership. The policy conference, although heavily political, was more than just lobbying. AIPAC was able to bring in brilliant minds from all over the world to present on the latest technological advancements, to teach us about the perpetually evolving world, and to enlighten us on hardships people are still faced with every day. I didn’t know what to expect at the beginning of Policy Conference, but by the end of it, I now understand why 15,000 people from all over come together to stand strong for the American-Israeli partnership. One topic that was well received at PC was the amount of students attending. Of the 15,000 attendees there were 2,300 students. This means that roughly 15% of those at the 2014 PC were young. Before my time at PC and while there, I constantly am reminded about how the younger generation in our Jewish community is apathetic towards traditional Jewish values, that we won’t be as active or involved in Jewish life. From what I saw at PC, that couldn’t be more wrong. From how BBYO attracts thousands of teens to their International Convention and summer programs, or how the Jewish Federations of North America hosts “TribeFest”, a gathering of 2,000 young Jewish adults (Omaha will send a delegation of 9 people to TribeFest 2014), all the way to the thousands of students at AIPAC’s Policy Conference -- this could not be more wrong. The future of the Jewish community looks bright -- and with the technological and societal advancements witnessed at PC 2014 -- there are endless opportunities. I wholeheartedly believe that the best days of the Jewish people are not behind us, they are ahead of us. Our young people, myself included, have opportunities that our parents and grandparents couldn’t even have dreamed of at our age. What I see at events like AIPAC’s Policy Conference or BBYO’s International Convention is not indicative of an apathetic or self-entitled generation. These events are indicative of a generation that is willing to work to make not only life better for the Jewish people, but the entire world.

Our youth have the energy, the motivation, and the resources to make our world a better place. Although we may not be as active in daily Jewish life as our parents and grandparents are, we believe in remaining connected to our Judaism, and through that Judaism, improving the life of everyone.

I went to AIPAC’s 2014 Policy Conference not knowing what to expect. I left the conference with a new-found confidence in our Jewish community. We in Omaha have recognized the importance of educating and providing opportunities for our youth. Through these opportunities our youth today have gained an understanding of what it means to be helpful, caring and compassionate. Perhaps the most important thing I learned was from the students I was asked to chaperone and watch over. I never thought I would learn from them at the same time. These students are some of the most intelligent and hardworking people I have ever met. These kids are active in their synagogues and Jewish youth groups, their schools and their community. They show no signs of slowing down or giving up. I believe in our youth and I believe in our future. The Jewish community isn’t weakening. We are becoming stronger. The Jewish community isn’t shrinking. We are growing larger. Rabbi Gross and Mr. Fellman understand this. They also believe in the power of our youth. We need to follow in these men’s footsteps and show our youth that we are not apathetic towards them -- we stand with them. AIPAC’s Policy Conference is a great place to strengthen your bond with Israel or to gain a better understanding of the American-Israeli partnership. I learned about how Israel is a world leader in farming, technology, business and medicine. I learned about the conflicts going on between Israel and the rest of the Middle East. There were talks on Iran and the Palestinian people. Almost everything you can imagine was talked about. Our group from Omaha had a fantastic time. I am honored to have helped to take this group of outstanding students to PC. I implore our community to seek out a member of our Jewish youth and talk with them. These kids won’t disappoint you, they will inspire you.

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An invitation to all Temple Israel seniors by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer Temple Israel’s graduating seniors are invited to share an informal coffee with their rabbis and cantor before heading off for college. “We want to spend some time with our kids before they graduate,” Rabbi Josh Brown said. “This isn’t a ‘goodbye’ coffee, but rather the beginning of a new chapter, for both them and for us as their mentors and teachers.” “Now that they’re not going to be in our classes every week, we want to build a new relationship with them,” Rabbi Brown continued. “We want them to know that when they return to Omaha from college, or if they’re staying here for school, we always look forward to seeing them and talking with them. They will always be welcome at Temple Israel.” Even though it’s still a few months away, senior Hannah Budwig, who will be attending Indiana University next fall, has already been thinking about what life away from Omaha and Temple Israel will be like. “It’s going to be weird not having such a large support system constantly around me,” she said. “That will be the biggest change and one of the harder parts of the transition from Omaha to Bloomington.” The coffee with the clergy will be held on Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m. at the Starbucks on 114th and Dodge streets. Any questions should be directed to Director of Lifelong Learning Debbie Massarano, dmassarano@ templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Tim Burke, V.P. of OPPD will discuss the nuclear power plant, its problems and prospects on Wednesday, March 26, noon, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnai brith@jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH The Lomir Redn Yiddush group will be on hiatus from Dec. 20 through April 2. For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

March 21, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 9

Point of view

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Ukraine, part II

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press On Sunday, March 16, 97% of voters in Crimea voted to part ways with Ukraine and join Russia. Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama spoke over the phone afterwards, with the Kremlin and the White House releasing very different accounts of the conversation. The Kremlin stated both men agreed to seek a way to stabilize Ukraine; President Putin stressed that the Kiev government had failed to curb “rampant violence by ultra-nationalists.” The White House’s statement read a little differently: President Obama called the referendum illegal and said it would never be accepted. He also called for Moscow to support an international monitoring mission in eastern Ukraine. Why this referendum was disputed: The European Union as well as the United States condemned it as illegal, because, according the United Nations Ambassador Mark Lyann Grant, it violates international law, and disregards the UN charter and its bilateral treaties. Crimea’s split from Ukraine also violates Ukraine’s constitution; the United Nations are committed to Ukraine's "sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity." Samantha Power, the United States’ UN ambassador, accused Russia of violating the UN Charter's key principles that prohibit the use of force to acquire territory and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Russia disagrees, and continues to state they only want “what the people in Crimea want.” However, in spite of the jubilant flag waving, this referendum was held at gunpoint. What would you vote for if you had 20,000 Russian troops supervising the referendum? Why not all Crimeans voted: Many of those loyal to Kiev boycotted the referendum and stayed home. While 58% of

its population is ethnically Russian, the remainder is mostly Ukrainian and Tatar. Especially the Tatars, expecting much worse treatment from the Kremlin, did not show up to vote. Tatars are of Turkic descent, and predominantly Muslim, although mostly secular. They account for about 12 % of the population; once upon a time, they were the vast majority in the region. Their history with Russia is not good: in the 18th century, Catherina the Great conquered Crimea, and things went downhill from there. Joseph Stalin deported hundreds of thousands of them to Central Asia (mostly Uzbekistan) for collaborating with the Nazis, a fact that was never proven. As a result, many Tatars live in a diaspora. Tatars still consider Crimea their homeland, and they don’t want it to be in Russian hands. At the same time, Catherina the Great’s conquest did not come out of nowhere, as the Tatars had a habit of raiding Ukraine and Russia, and operated a flourishing slave trade. It is estimated that over 3 million Russians and Ukrainians were sold into slavery until the early 18th century. That may seem like a long time ago, but if you think it’s not all that relevant in today’s political climate, you’d be wrong. Why those who did, voted to secede: Sergei Aksyonov, the leader of Crimea (installed after Russian troops invaded the peninsula) told supporters they were “going home.” Ethnicity runs deep, and many Russian Crimeans feel Moscow will protect them. Against what and who, that’s an interesting question. Those “Nazis” in Kiev, as one voter stated? Has Putin’s p.r. campaign really been that successful? There is one other reason some Crimeans voted to rejoin Russia: they think playing along now might help them avoid civil war. Why Vladimir Putin wants Crimea: Control of Crimea

means control of the Black Sea. It also has beautiful scenery, fantastic resorts and important military bases. But no, that’s not it. Equally unimportant (to Putin and his government) is the fact that so many Crimeans are ethnically Russian. Putin isn’t doing this to “rescue his people.” And as far as “fighting the Nazis in Kiev,” forget about it. So what’s the real reason? “I think Mr. Putin’s goals are far beyond the Crimean peninsula,” writes Moscow-based professor of International Relations Andrey Zubov. He continues: “First, Moscow’s rulers are terrified that Ukraine’s Maidan protest movement could replicate itself in Russia. The fate of Viktor Yanukovich, the ousted Ukrainian president, frightens them. They are also frightened by the tough anti-communist spirit of the Maidan. The revolution is taking place amid collapsing monuments to Soviet leaders: Lenin, Kirov, Dzerzhinsky. But in neighbouring Russia, 25 years after the ban of the Communist party, Grandpa Lenin is still resting in his mausoleum on Red Square, his monuments still stand. In Russia, we have a metamorphosis of the Communist order; in Ukraine, a decisive parting from it.” I’ve been reading an unhealthy number of newspapers over the past weeks. If there is a better argument than Zubov’s, I haven’t yet found it. What comes next: First, there will be sanctions from both the United States and the European Union. The threat of those sanctions have so far not really made a dent in Putin’s resolve, and they will probably hurt all around—not just Russia. Putin knows that he can match the West sanction for sanction, and is therefore not impressed. The Ukrainian government has announced it will not remove its troops from Crimea; referendum or not. If that doesn’t change, there could be more fighting soon—and not only in Crimea itself. Ukraine has requested NATO assistance in case that happens; as of this writing, NATO had not made a decision yet. Sources: BBCnews, CTVnews.com, CNN, International Business Times, Slate.com, Financial Times, Times of India, Washington Post, De Volkskrant, The Independent, Reuters.

JFNA and Omaha Help Ukrainian Jews by SHERRIE SAAG JFO Communications Amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s (JFO) overseas partner, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) continues its work caring for the country's most vulnerable Jews, like 74-year-old Felix of Sevastopol, a city of about 340,000 on the Crimean peninsula. The pensioner lives alone and relies on JDC and its Hesed Shahar social welfare center to ease his feelings of isolation and help meet his critical needs. With fear and tension gripping the city, Sevastopol’s Hesed provides security and support to Felix and a thousand other vulnerable elderly and at-risk children. While it continues its regular programs, Hesed has activated an emergency response and caregivers are ensuring the continued distribution of food and medication. Just one week ago, Leah Lipszyc left Simferopol, the Crimean city where she and her husband have been the Chabad emissaries for the past 22 years, conducting Shabbat services and providing spiritual sustenance for 13,000 Jews. First-hand accounts have affirmed the need for North American Jewry support, both financial and spiritual. “The Russians blocked the roads, the buses weren’t running and the planes were grounded,” Lipszyc said. Somehow she found herself on the last train out of the city. Operating now from Brooklyn, she reports, “All winter, as protests seized Kiev, I wasn’t afraid. We figured, Kiev is the other end of Ukraine, it’s like saying something’s going on in Maine and you’re in Florida. But after the fall of Viktor Yanukovych in late February,

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she started to feel less secure. “When we first realized that an upheaval was coming to Crimea, I remember feeling similar to people in World War II in Belgium, how one day they woke up and soldiers were there. And I thought, one day I could wake up and there could be foreign soldiers in our city. And then it happened.”

“We took down the sign on the shul, locked it up and moved services elsewhere.” They also retrieved the Sifrei Torah and prayer books from the synagogue and moved them to a place of safety. Today, peaceful resolution to the political crisis in Ukraine remains precarious but the Omaha Jewish community is responding through our national Federation system. On March 6, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) announced the Ukrainian Assistance Fund as a first response to the escalating situation. The Jewish Federation of Omaha Executive Committee decided soon after to make a $5,000 contribution to the Fund. The JFO’s overseas partners are on the ground working tirelessly to assist Ukraine’s 300,000 Jews. Though Ukrainian Jews have not been directly targeted to date, they are anxious and fearful that the current hostility could result in new outbreaks of anti-Semitism. ha.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: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content

Ukraine is already home to some of the world's poorest Jews. It is critical that North American Jewry maintain their assistance to the most vulnerable in our community and ensure our Jewish institutions overseas are secure. The Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has activated its emergency response network to ensure continued home deliveries of food, medicine, heating and cooking fuel to the elderly. It has increased security at Hesed social welfare centers to provide necessary security for Crimea's estimated 17,000 Jews. The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) has tapped its Emergency Assistance Fund, started in 2012, to bolster security at Ukraine's many Jewish institutions, including synagogues, yeshivas and community centers. World ORT is committing $200,000 to fund increased security at four of its schools in Ukraine. Each school has several hundred students, many of whom must travel through now-dangerous areas. Consider joining the Federation and our partner agencies as the Federation supports and helps our fellow Jews in their time of need. Follow this link for more information: jewish federations.org/page/contribute/ukraine-assistance. Author note: There are 7 Hesed centers in Southern Ukraine: Odessa, Nikolayev, Kherson, Kirovograd as well as in Crimea in Simferopol, Sevastopol, and Feodosia. The region has a Jewish population of about 70,000 and JDC serves 13,700 vulnerable elderly and 1,800 at-risk children. In Crimea alone, the Jewish population is about 17,000, with about 4,000 vulnerable elderly and 1,000 at-risk children. and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the

professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

10 | The Jewish Press | March 21, 2014

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, please call 712.323.8885. FRIDAY, April 4: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by an oneg with guest speaker, Milton Kleinberg, author, will discuss his book, Memories of my Childhood: During and After the Holocaust 1937-1951. The community is invited. Miles Remer will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services.

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 7:19 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit (Barchu), 9 a.m.; Mincha, 7 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 8:19 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m. THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Chef ’s Demo, 1:30 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Home; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Our Shabbat Tables, dinner at participants’ homes. For more information or to sign up, contact Caryn Scheer at carynscheer@yahoo.com or Wendy Berenson as a contact munch765@aol.com. (Financial assistance available for participants.) SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m. Beth El Choir will present a ‘sneak preview’ of the upcoming Cantor’s Concert Youth Scholarship fundraiser; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:15 p.m.; USY Havdalah, 8 p.m. SUNDAY: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Sunday Scholar Series, 11 a.m., with attorney and Emeritus Professor of History at UNO, Oliver Pollak on Adventures in Nebraska Jewish History. No charge to attend; Cantor’s Youth Scholarship Fund Concert, Ta’am Latino LIVE! featuring Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, Hazzan Krausman and the Beth El Choir, 7 p.m. Buy tickets online at www.bethelomaha.org. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Wrestling with Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham. WEDNESDAY: On the Road, a lunch and learn with Rabbi Abraham at Noddle Companies, noon. RSVP to the rabbi at rabbiabraham@bethel-omaha.org; BESTT Classes (grades 2-7), 4:15 p.m. BESTT Hebrew High Classes, 6:45 p.m. THURSDAY: Jews and Brews, 7 p.m. sponsored by Men’s Club. All Beth El men are invited. Serving lunch at Nebraska AIDS Project, Friday, March 28, 11:30 a.m. Men’s Club Shabbat, Saturday, March 29, 9:30 a.m.; members of Men’s Club will help to lead morning services. Sunday Scholar Series, Sunday, March 30, 11 a.m., with Professor Leonard Greenspoon, Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Professor in Jewish Civilization and Professor of Classical & Near Eastern Studies and of Theology at Creighton University on Adventures in Nebraska Jewish History. No charge to attend. Social Action Committee, Cooking/Serving Dinner, Sunday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. at the Stephen Center, 5301 S. 36th St. To volunteer, contact M’Lee Hasslinger at mlee011@gmail.com. Passover University, Tuesday, April 1, 7 p.m., led by Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Krausman. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak. THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu. All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Linda and Don Glaser. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Shemini; Cantillation Class, noon; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: Board of Trustees Retreat, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Ferguson House; LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Family Education Program, 10 a.mnoon for Hallah High Families. TUESDAY: Cantillation Class, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Intro to Judaism led by Rabbi Lewis. THURSDAYS, Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m. The Interfaith Peacemaking Coalition, March 27-30. For more information visit the First-Plymouth Church’s website, www.firstplymouth.org and click on speakers. Tot Shabbat with Ms. Jennfer, Friday, March 28, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

Bar Mitzvah Jack Harrison Simons, son of Tonya and Rob Simons, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 29, at Temple Israel. Jack is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Kiewit Middle School. He was invited to participate in Duke University Program. His interests include playing soccer, football and basketball, hanging out with friends, playing paintball and drawing. For his mitzvah project, Jack served and dished meals at the Siena Francis House. He has a sister, Ava. Grandparents are Linda Redler of Omaha, Ron Simons of Lincoln, and Charles Pluty of Bartlesville, OK. Great-grandmother is Sylvia Davis of Omaha.

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Chef ’s Demo, 1:30 p.m. with Beth El. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet.

Candlelighting Friday, March 21, 7:19 p.m.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Grade 3 Field Trip to the Zoo, 10 a.m.; Non-Jewish Parents Raising Jewish Children, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel; Adult Hebrew, 11 a.m. with Elyce Azriel; Temple TED Talk: Dan Ariely: Our Buggy Moral Code, 11 a.m. TUESDAY: Mah Jongg Lessons and Practice, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. $45 per person and includes 2014 Mah Jongg card. Contact the Temple office to RSVP; Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Hebrew Study wtih Na’ama, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; The Symbiotic Relationship of Science and Religion, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Brown. THURSDAY: Music in Transition, 10 a.m. with Cantor Shermet; Grade 12 Coffee with the Clergy, 7 p.m. at Starbucks on 114th & Dodge. (see full story on page 8.) Tot Shabbat, Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m. Please contact the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536, to let us know you are coming. Experience Shabbat, Saturday, March 29, 4-6 p.m. for grades K-6. This is a Religious School day – instead of Sunday, March 30. April First Friday with Kindergarten and Grade 1: Teacher Appreciation Service, Dinner and Shabbat Lounge, 6 p.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon in honor of Max Neiden’s birthday sponsored by Max. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Family Education Program, 10 a.m-noon for Hallah High Families. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Tot Shabbat with Ms. Jennfer, Friday, March 28, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Communtiy Adult Education Session, Sunday, March 30, 10 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel. Join us for our Communal Passover Seders: Monday evening, April 14 experience a Seder geared towards extended families with children ages 2-12. Tuesday evening, April 15 experience a Passover Seder for ages 13-113. Both nights doors will open at 6 p.m. with Seders to begin at 6:30 p.m. There is NO CHARGE to attend these events. Reserve you place by calling Nava at the office no later than April 1.

Kosher Star Catering Star Catering’s goal is to provide the highest quality glatt Kosher food in the Midwest. Our experienced culinary staff can dish up matzah ball soup that will remind you of sitting in Bubbe’s kitchen. Our homemade hummus, with its authentic mid-East flavor, will transport you to a café in Israel. And wait until you get a taste of our entrees, salads and home-baked desserts. All are melt-inyour-mouth delicious. Star Catering menus are perfect for Brit Milah and baby namings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, birthday and anniversary celebrations as well as other family and community events. We’ve also created a special menu for Shiva meals. Star Catering is sensitive to families at their time of loss, and understands that providing food during Shiva can be a great comfort to you, your family and friends. We offer our catering services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and the Jewish Community Center, and happily travel within the Omaha area to provide food and fun at local synagogues. Star Catering can also provide nutritious, high quality Kosher meals for hospital patients and residents of care facilities. Please inform the dietary staff at the hospital or care facility that you require Kosher meals so they can contact Star Catering about your needs while you are in their care. For more information on how Star Deli can add spice to your meetings, parties and life cycle events, please contact Chef Mike Aparo at 402.334.6522.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

March 21, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 11

In memoriam

Kashrut

PHYLLIS NEUSWANGER Phyllis Neuswanger passed away peacefully on Feb. 23 at age 91 at Hospice of the Valley in Tempe, AZ. There will be cremation; her ashes will be scattered off Maui near the former family home. She is survived by daughters, Linda Novak of Omaha, Nancy Weller of Apache Junction, AZ; son and daughter-inlaw, Chris and Debra Neuswanger of Edwards, CO; grandchildren: Shana Novak of New York City, and Andrew Novak of Golden, CO. She was born in Marion, IN, the daughter of Floyd and Ada Giltner, and graduated from Washington University, St. Louis, MO, where she met her future husband, Gene, on a blind date. She also was a member of the PEO Sisterhood for 60 Years, and was the founding President of the GC PEO Chapter in Alliance, NE. Over the years she and Gene also resided in Estes Park, CO; Lahaina, HI; La Jolla, CA; and Mesa, AZ, before settling into the Friendship Village Retirement Community in Tempe for their final years. Memorials may be made to Carnegie Arts Center Endowment Fund, 204 W. 4th St., Alliance, NE 69301.

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Shemini Our Sidrah gives us the basic food laws of the Pentateuch: which animals, birds, and fish are ritually acceptable for food, and which are not. It is at once apparent that the criteria are arbitrary. Various interpretations have tried to find the principles --assuming there are any--behind the prohibitions for certain foods. The extension of kashrut laws to include insistence on eating meat only if it is fresh and on washing hands before eating did result in practices that were hygienic. Non-Jews, who scorned Jewish eating habits, did indeed endanger their lives by unhygienic practices. Ironically, kashrut helped bring on massacres of Jews in the 14th century. Christian Europe was in panic when the Plague struck, and responded with massacres when it was noticed it did not affect Jewish communities with as much devastation. In general, however, there is no evidence of the promotion of health through observance of kashrut. Jewish tradition sees kashrut laws simply as divine decrees, with no reason for giving them. We are to obey them because God has so directed us. The Bible itself suggests that the purpose of dietary laws is to render life holy. It is spiritual health kashrut promotes, not physical health. Many modern Jewish teachers continue this approach: the dietary laws help us sanctify life. Even the act of eating is consciously surrounded by regulations that help us sanctify the commonplace and to recognize the dimensions of the sacred life.

Pinwheels for prevention On Sunday April 6, Jewish Family Service will be planting a Pinwheel Garden in conjunction with National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month in April. JFS is just one of several organizations around the O m a h a C om mu n it y participating in this event. Pinwheels for Prevention began as a grassroots campaign in Georgia, Florida and Ohio. The success and the desire to create a national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention grew into a nationwide effort in 2008. The community is invited to join us on the JCC grounds on Sunday, April 6, at 1 p.m. Anyone who would like to participate is welcome! For more information about this event, please call Jewish Family Service at 402 330-2024.

The Kripke Jewish Federation Library houses one of the largest collections of Judaica material in the Midwest. The collection contains over 40,000 volumes and includes books, film, music, journals and magazines. The library is the site of one of the largest collections of Russian material outside the East Coast. And, new books arrive every week! For instance, in Jerusalem, Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi explore the vibrant cuisine of their home city. Both men were born in Jerusalem in the same year, Tamimi on the Arab east side, and Ottolenghi in the Jewish west. The Jerusalem book offers 120 recipes from a unique cross-cultural perespective, from sweet potatoes with figs to Tabbouleh, from Sabih to latkes, and from mograbieh soup to saffron chicken. In addition, the book is filled with gorgeous photographs as well as background stories about the city both authors call home. Wonder of Wonders, a cultural history of Fiddler on the Roof, by Alissa Solomon, the authro explores the massive cultural impact Sholem Aleichem has had. Solomon, an awradwinning drama critic, traces how and why the story of Tevye the milkman was reborn as blockbuster entertainment and a social touchstone, not only for Jews, and not only in America. Solomon follows Tevye from his first humble appearance on the New York Yiddish stage to his Broadway debut and his starring role in a major Hollywood picture. Rich, entertaining and original, Wonder of Wonders reveals the surprising and enduring legacy of a show that became a tradition. The Kripke Jewish Federation Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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CORRECTION The visit of speaker Daniel Smith, author of Monkey Mind, is a Jewish Family Service program. It is co-sponsored by Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Temple Israel and National Council of Jewish Women and underwritten by the Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office is closed Tuesday, April 15, for Passover; the deadline for the April 18 issue is Wednesday, April 9, 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

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CRASH VICTIM? Free easy to read consumer handbook “7 Strategies for a Successful Nebraska Motor Vehicle Injury Claim.” Know your rights! www.steffensinjurylaw.com or call 308-872-8327 for more details. AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 173 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details. VINTAGE VILLAGE Antique Mall, 2425 O Street, Lincoln. 402-742-0063. Open daily 10 a.m.7 p.m. 60+ Dealers. Storewide Sale, March 1-31. New items arriving daily! Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, records. LOOKING FOR the classic car, truck or motorcycle of your dreams? 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. FEEDMILL/GRAIN HANDLING System Operator position open, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center. Competitive salary. Excellent benefits: health/life/dental/vision insurance, retirement, 12 holidays, tuition remission, more. To apply visit https://employment.unl.edu (search requisition S_140134). Questions call 402-762-4117. HELP WANTED in western North Dakota. Great Northern Ag is a pulse processing/seed facility in need of staff. Full details at www.greatnorthernag.com or call 701-497-3082.

At Valmont we recognize that our employees are the NOW HIRING cornerstone of our accomplishments. We pride ourselves on being people of passion and integrity who excel and deliver results. Ê

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FITTER : Primarily forÊ evening Ê Ê WELDERS Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê shift, Ê Ê Ê Ê graveyard Ê Ê Ê Ê available Ê Ê $1 shift limited shift differential.

PLUMBER: TECUMSEH State Correctional Institution #04661010, $15.53/hr. + benefits! Apply at: www.corrections.nebraska.gov or call 402-335-5998. For ADA accommodations call 402-432-5182. Must complete a NE State Application, EOE/Vet TCW CONSTRUCTION is hiring! Immediate opening for experienced heavy equipment operators and concrete finishers/form setters - ACI cert a plus. Must be reliable, valid license and transportation. Wage dependent on experience. Also hiring experienced concrete superintendent to manage crew on variety of concrete projects. Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include: Health, dental, life, disability insurance, 401(k), profit-sharing, vacation. Apply online or in person: 141 M Street Lincoln, NE, www.tcwconstruction.com. Equal opportunity employer/affirmative action. GANA EXCAVATING is accepting applications for experienced heavy equipment operators. Contact us for more information or for an application, 402-794-5000, www.ganatrucking.com, brandong@ganatrucking.com. Ê

Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Company Match on 401(k).

Apply online at www.valmont.com No computer? See us at 1600 E 29th Ave., Columbus, NE or Workforce Development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

GANA TRUCKING is accepting applications for night shift mechanics, all skill levels will be considered. Contact us for more information or for an application, 402-794-5000, www.ganatrucking.com, brandong@ganatrucking.com. SERVICE TECHNICIANS wanted at Platte Valley Equipment John Deere dealership, Clarkson, NE. Competitive wage and excellent benefits. Apply at 1093 Road W, Clarkson, 402892-3444. HELP WANTED: Class A OTR/CDL driver. Two years minimum experience required. Caudy Trucking Inc., 402-768-6134. “PARTNERS IN Excellence” OTR Drivers APU equipped Pre-Pass EZ-pass passenger policy. 2012 & newer equipment. 100% No touch. Butler Transport, 1-800-528-7825, www.butlertransport.com. GANA TRUCKING is currently accepting applications for Class A & B CDL drivers. Local driving, home nightly. Contact Brandon at Gana for more information, brandong@ganatruck ing.com, 402-794-5000, www.ganatrucking.com.

12 | The Jewish Press | March 21, 2014

There is still time to Get in the Game with JCC Summer Camp! by GABBY BLAIR Its hard to believe, but summer is just around the corner and the JCC Summer Camp is again serving up a season of fun for your campers! Accredited by the American Camp Association with programs voted “Best Of Omaha” three years running, the JCC camp offers something for everyone PK-8! This year’s exciting lineup includes full and half day camp options in addition to specialty camps such as travel camp, sports camp, art camp, theater camp and dance camp. For kids K-3, these specialties can be combined with an afternoon of day camp for a full day of fun! “This year our theme is games,” said Leora Werner, Assistant JCC Camp Director. “I am so excited about the lineup of field trips and special guests we have in store for campers this year! So far registration has been strong, and I would encourage folks to sign up soon to ensure they get into the camps they want.” In sticking with this year’s theme, age groups are divided into gaming levels with Level 1 catering to our youngest campers aged 2-5. All Level 1 camps are held at the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center and run 9 a.m.-noon with a MWF schedule for twoyear-olds and M-F for 3-5 year olds beginning on June 9. Designed to strengthen motor and social skills, children will enjoy a mix of art, music, dance and swimming. Have your little one join us for a Hide and Seek week scavenger hunt, special water play during Go Fish week or a sensory symphony during Pat-a-Cake week! If you are searching for earlier options, Early Summer Adventures for our littlest campers are available beginning May 27. Contact Carole Greenberg, CDC Assistant Director with questions at 402.334.6414 or via email at cgreenberg@jccomaha.org. For Level 2 Campers (entering grades K-3) and Level 3 Campers (entering grades 4-7), full day camp sessions run 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekly beginning June 9. As usual, before and after care is also available for kids K-7 in our new and improved JCC Youth Lounge. Level 2 campers will love the Omaha Children’s Museum’s Lego Travel Adventure and a camp-wide carnival during Minecraft week. They are sure to have the time of their lives during Life week when special guests include police officers,

musicians, dancers, a veterinarian and some firemen who will be arriving on their truck! For those budding foodies, a culinary themed Hungry Hungry Hippo week should not be missed! Campers entering K-1 can expect swim lessons

every day in addition to joining their friends for afternoon free swim. All Level 2 campers enrolled in weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will get to go on exciting field trips while those attending weeks 2,6,8 can participate in an optional JCC Camp sleepover just for K-3 campers! All swim lessons, field trips, optional overnights (and breakfast/ lunch the following day) are fully included in your registration fee! Level 3 campers better get their game faces on! As the oldest group of campers, they will be thrilled with “big kid” trips to Mahoney State Park for an adrenaline pumping overnight during Risk week, a day trip to Adventureland in Des Moines for an I Spy adventure, and waterlogged week of soggy fun during Battleship week, just to name a few! Parents should note that due to the field trip schedule of these older campers, a half day option is not available. “After such positive feedback last summer, we are pleased to again offer Adaptive Day Camp Programming for those campers at the high end of the Autism Spectrum or for children who just need a little help adjusting to social situations” says Werner. “We are so excited to have Rachel Wilson back

as Director of Adaptive Day Camp, and I would urge parents who are considering camp for their child to contact her directly with any questions or concerns they might have.” The Camp runs during weeks 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7. “Adaptive Day Campers are fully part of regular day camp and enjoy all the same activities as their friends do. Extra personnel who are specially trained are on hand to help provide a meaningful and positive camp experience. Parents receive weekly reports, and Rachel and I are always available for parents to contact.” Rachel Wilson can be reached at 402.334.6408 or rwilson@jccomaha.org and Leora Werner can be reached at 402.334.6404 or lwerner@jccomaha.org. Our Great Northern Adventure travel camp June 15-20 is a great option for our oldest campers (grades 5-8). They will spend five adventurous nights exploring everything The Wisconsin Dells and Minnesota has to offer, including The Mall of America, many amusement parks, water parks, and even a professional baseball game! Questions should be directed to Assistant Youth Director Chris Persigehl at 402.334.6408 or cpersigehl@jccomaha.org. Also available for kids up through 8th grade are a wide range of award-winning sports camps, theatre and dance camps and our popular Omaha Kid’s Triathlon camp. Looking for options when camp is not in session? Check out the JCC Camp lineup of Summer Fun Days June 2,3,5,6,30 and July 1,2,3, which include field trips to the area’s favorite kid destinations: The Children’s Museum, Family Fun Center, BounceU and SkateDaze to name a few! Don’t forget, JCC Members, the whole family is invited to a 4th of July pool party 12-3 p.m. Come for free games and music and enjoy refreshments, for purchase, from our snack shack. As usual, all camps include swimming and snacks and are staffed by carefully selected CPR and First Aid trained counselors who have passed both background checks and drug screening. All medical and registration forms MUST be submitted by each camper’s first session in order for campers to participate. Registration can be done online at www.jccomaha.org or by calling the Camp Registrar, Laura Wine, at 402.334.6419. Don’t delay! Call today!

Sports Coming in April

+ Recreation

Publishing Date | 04.18.14 Space Reservation | 04.09.14 Camera Ready Deadline | 04.11.14 Promote your sports organization in this special issue with an ad and short article. Contact our advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org