Vol. LXXXIII No. 32 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
One Woman’s Passion for Genetic Testing
Former Brandeis-Bardin Institute President to be Kaiman Scholar at Temple
by LYNDA MIRVISH for Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing Jean Duitch has a passion, a passion to spare other families the heartache that she and her family have suffered since her grandson, Gershie, the son of daughter Debby and her husband Avi Brickner, was diagnosed with Canavan Disease. That is why she has fought to put together a partnership that includes the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Boys Town National Research Hospital, and a group of concerned women whose aim is to make available free genetic testing to 100 adults over the age of 19. “No one else should ever have to go through what our family has gone through the past nine years,” says Duitch. “We want to give families the information they need to make what ever personal and private decisions are right for them.” Canavan is only one of the inherited or genetic diseases which occurs more frequently in Jews of Above: Gershon, son of Dr. Debby Duitch and Avi Brickner, Eastern European (Ashkenazi) descent than in the is nine-years-old. He was diagnosed with Canavan Disease general population. In fact, about one in 40 when he was only five-months-old. Below: Jean Duitch Ashkenazi Jews is a carrier for the recessive gene for INFORMATIONAL MEETING Canavan. May 17, 7:30 p.m., at the JCC Neither Debby nor Avi ever dreamed they were carJean Duitch and Dr. Edward Cohn, riers. Soon after Gershie was born, Debby, a child psyDr. William Kimberling, Dr. Patrick chiatrist, who had taken courses in pediatric neurology, Brookhauser, Toba Cohen-Dunning noted that his muscle tone didn’t seem to be all it and Krystal Platt, all of Boys Town should; she was convinced there was something seriNational Research Hospital, will be ously wrong with her precious baby. However, their on hand to answer questions about pediatrician told them on several visits their son was genetic diseases and upcoming testnormal, thus raising their hopes. ing on July 11 and Sept. 1. Later, his parents thought Gershie might have Participants can register on May 17. Continued on page 6
Community to Stand Together April 21 to Remember the Holocaust by CLAUDIA SHERMAN They were married Temple Israel and settled in Los Communications Angeles. They had one Coordinator child, Julie, who now On a rainy October carries on her parents’ morning in 1938, 19legacy by telling her year-old Hanna Block parents’ story at schools stood on the sidewalk and to community crying softly as a bus groups throughout the departed Prague and country. She will presdisappeared from view. ent the story, “Voices of Her sweetheart, Walter the Generations,” at the Kohner, was a passenOmaha Yom HaShoah ger on the bus. He had community observance an American visa and on Wednesday, April planned to go to Julie Kohner, center, with photos of her parents, Hanna and Walter. 21, 7 p.m., at Temple Hollywood to become an actor and arrange for Hanna Israel. As part of her presentation, Julie will show a to join him. video about her parents that originally aired on televiIt couldn’t happen too quickly as swastikas had sion in 1953. There will also be a candle lighting cerealready been appearing in their town in mony, and Temple’s adult choir, Kol Rina, will sing. Czechoslovakia. Although they wrote to one another “This year’s observance is especially important,” said frequently during the first two years, they eventually Guy Matalon, executive director of Jewish Educational lost track of each other. Hanna was taken prisoner by and Library Services (JELS). “We, as a community, have the Nazis in 1943 and hauled around in cattle trains decided to take the responsibility of remembrance, to between concentrations camps. Eventually, she found share the burden of never again by teaching it to our herself in Auschwitz. children, to become educated and involved in Shoah Walter was drafted into the U.S. Army. As his unit education. It is one evening when we have the oppormade its way from the beaches of Normandy in France tunity to stand together and show the survivors that we to Luxembourg, he learned about the gas chambers-- are committed to never forget and never again.” and thought of Hanna. Then, Walter received a letter Julie and her husband, an aerospace engineer, live in from an American soldier who had helped liberate the same Bel-Air home where her parents raised her. Hanna. Walter received permission to travel throughout She has a son, Danny, who will become a Bar Mitzvah Europe to search for her and finally found her in later this year. Amsterdam. Continued on page 2
Inside
This Week: Teen Age Features AZA on Page 7 B’nai Jeshurun to Support Israel’s Reform Rabbis: Page 2
Jewish Perspective on Jesus Class Offers Reading List: Page 3
18 Nisan, 5764 April 9, 2004
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Lee T. Bycel, former president of The BrandeisBardin Institute, a national conference and retreat center for Jewish learning and culture in Southern California, will be the Samuel and Ida Kaiman Memorial Fund Scholar-in-Residence at Temple Israel during the weekend of April 30-May 2. He will speak on the topic, “Living as a Jew in the Modern World: Challenges and Opportunities.” The community is invited to attend. Rabbi Bycel said he “will address the complexity and challenges of living a Jewish life in America in the 21st century. America has provided the Jew with great opportunities, and Jews have been outstanding contributors to this country.” Currently on sabbatical Rabbi Lee T. Bycel studying, teaching, and traveling, Rabbi Bycel served as senior rabbi of Fairmount Temple in Cleveland, Ohio, a congregation of approximately 1,800 families from 1998 to 2000. From 1987 to 1997, he was the dean of Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Los Angeles where he also served as senior academic and administrative officer of the campus. In addition, he was the Smither Visiting Professor of World Religions at the Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California. “Rabbi Bycel has shown by example his contribution to making this world a better place,” said Donna Kaiman Gilbert, daughter of the late Samuel and Ida Kaiman. “As dean of Hebrew Union College, Rabbi Bycel was responsible for training hundreds of Reform rabbis over a 15-year period of time. At the BrandeisBardin Institute, he greatly influenced the lives of many youth who attended. I am certain that the community will enjoy his dynamic and meaningful presentations.” Born in Los Angeles, Dr. Bycel graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1971 with a degree in philosophy. He was ordained as a rabbi at HUC in New York in 1979 and completed his doctoral studies in applied theology in 1995 at the school in Claremont. Serving as a moderator for executive leadership seminars at the Aspen Institute, Rabbi Byel is also a member of the board of Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger. He is on the advisory board of The Skirball Institute on American Values, dedicated to exploring the connections between 4,000 years of Jewish heritage and the vitality of American democratic ideals. The Skirball Institute welcomes and seeks to inspire people of every ethnic and cultural identity in American life. Rabbi Bycel has facilitated leadership retreats and programs and has lectured and consulted on leadership and ethics throughout the United States. In 2001, 2002, and 2003, he addressed the U.S. presidential scholars in Washington, D.C., on the subject of leadership and ethics. Each year, 141 graduating high school seniors are named by the president of the United States as presidential scholars who demonstrate leadership, scholarship, contribution to school and community, and accomplishments in the arts, sciences, and other fields. Actively involved in a variety of interfaith, social justice, and educational organizations and activities, Rabbi Bycel served as president of the County of Los Angeles Commission on Human Relations. He has met with Jewish leaders in the former Soviet Union, Italy, Spain, and Israel. Rabbi Bycel has a number of publications to his credit and was the recipient of several awards including the National Conference of Community and Justice (NCCJ) Humanitarian Award in 1999. Married to Judy Pam Bycel, former director of the NCCJ in Santa Monica, the couple are the parents of Micah and Moti.
Coming This Month: Mother’s Day Gift Guide on April 30 Crossword Puzzle-Jewish Poets: Page 6
Public Library Gets Isaac Bashevis Singer Grant: Page 12
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 9, 2004
Friedel Hosts Kindergarten Roundup AUTO BODY INC.
by JORDANA L. KURTZMAN the book Sammy the Spider’s Passover and singing a for Friedel Jewish Academy Hebrew song with Mrs. Matalon, the Judaic studies Friedel Jewish Academy welcomed parents and chil- teacher. Zeman and Matalon helped enthusiastic visidren for its annual Kindergarten roundup last month. tors make seder plates and paint Star of David t-shirts While Principal Cookie Katskee hosted a parents’ meet- to take home. “The kids were so excited about being ing in the school library, kindergarten teachers Diana here. They had a wonderful experience and got a taste Zeman and Elinor Matalon introduced the children to of both of us,” said Zeman, referring to Matalon as well. the colorful and exciting kindergarten classrooms. Although she had Katskee discussed the progression of both the only given birth to her secular and Judaic curriculums with the parents, daughter, Elianna, less noting that this year’s kindergartners were already than a week before, Eve working on first grade materials. When asked why Randone attended the she believed Friedel was so academically successroundup with her husful, Katskee told the parents that “the children band, Jarred. Their son, receive individual attention, continued enrichment, Zev, begins kindergarten extra help, and love” at Friedel Jewish Academy. in the fall. Other parents Katskee described many of the new programs who attended the the school hopes to implement, including an Artistroundup were: Debbie in-Residence series. The new art programs will Kricsfeld, Marc Brodkey, feature local and regional Jewish artists and possiYaffa Schuller, Shayna bly artists from Israel as well. Speaking about the and Matt Ray, and Jim children's reaction to having artists come to Friedel, Polack. art teacher Julie Phillips said that it was “so good For more information for their self-esteem and it validates their own cre- Entering kindergartner Josh Polack, about Friedel for entering left, hugs older brother, Max, who’s kindergartners or older ativity.” The visiting children enjoyed hearing Zeman read currently in first grade at Friedel. students, call 334.0517.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SATURDAY, APRIL 10 JYG Event, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, APRIL 11 Beth El BEAM Group Switch Day at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 7 a.m. Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El C MONDAY, APRIL 12 L JCC OPEN/FEDERATION OFFICES CLOSED I FOR PASSOVER P & TUESDAY, APRIL 13 S JCC OPEN/FEDERATION OFFICES CLOSED FOR PASSOVER A V BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel E BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BBYO Advisory Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El
C L I P & S A V E
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 HAZAK Meeting, 9 a.m. at Beth El “PATTER” Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Visions Tour of the Nebraska Humane Society, 11:30 a.m. Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon OTYG Rehearsal, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Program Lecture and Film, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes, 7 p.m. at Beth El C L I P & S A V E
THURSDAY, APRIL 15 Temple Israel OTYG Spring Chavurah (April 15-18) Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. JFS “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent”, 6 p.m. B & A Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Israeli Dancing, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING,VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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Community to Remember the Holocaust Continued from page 1 “As he was growing up,” said Julie, “I would tell him stories about his grandparents and great grandparents. Danny had to write a book report this year on an autobiography. He read Hanna and Walter: A Love Story, the book by Hanna Kohner that chronicles their lives. In addition to the Yom HaShoah observance at Temple which is co-sponsored by JELS, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, and Temple Israel, Julie Kohner will present “Voices of the Generations” at Omaha North High School and Plattview High School. These visits were arranged by Beth Dotan, Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education of the Anti-Defamation League. In addition, Dotan wrote a curriculum which has been distributed to religious school teachers at the three sponsoring synagogues and the Beyt Shalom congregation. The lesson plans for fourth through twelfth graders include selections from Hanna Kohner’s book, a geography lesson, and depending on the age group, a more intense historical study. Julie Kohner will also speak at Temple Israel’s Family School. Copies of Hanna and Walter: A Love Story are for sale at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library for $7 each.
Beth El Rosh Hodesh Group to Address “What Defines Each of Us as a Woman?” by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The women of Beth El Synagogue will come together for Rosh Hodesh Iyar, on Thursday, April 22, at the home of Sylvia Wagner, 1349 So. 101st St., #106, in the One Pacific Place Apartments. The evening’s theme, selected by Wagner and her cohost, Phyllis Hoffman, will be “What Defines Each of Us as a Woman, and How Does That Help Us to Grow?” Topics within the theme will touch on a variety of motivating factors in people’s lives, taking risks and welcoming change, Hoffman said. “For this Rosh Hodesh, we encourage those who attend to bring a poem, magazine article or special writing that has served as a particular influence in their lives,” Hoffman said. “We’ll be discussing why we do what we do, and hopefully we’ll be able to learn enough from each other to make healthy changes in our lives,” she added. Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m.; the program will begin at 7:30 p.m. Reservations may be made by contacting Hoffman at 391.7795, or via e-mail, at ezbubbe@cox.net.
B’nai Jeshurun Adopts New Project to Support Reform Rabbis in Israel by AMY ZLOTSKY for South Street Temple Congregation B’nai Jeshurun is joining a grassroots project to strengthen Reform Judaism in Israel by raising scholarship money to support Israeli Reform Rabbinical students. In voting to support the “Hineini: Embracing Our People, Building Our Future” project, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun is joining Reform congregations from across North America that will also raise $18 from member households for each of the next two years. The scholarships, given to Israeli rabbinical students studying at Hebrew Union College (the Reform seminary) in Jerusalem, will finance the last two years of the students’ tuition and provide the rabbis with seed money to create new Reform Judaism projects once they are ordained. Rabbi Debbie Stiel, of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, said “This project allows our congregants to gain an increased awareness of the religious situation in Israel and to personally help strengthen liberal Judaism there. Today many Israelis long for a non-Orthodox way of expressing their Judaism. We look forward to helping them nurture a liberal alternative.” As part of the project, the congregation will receive regular communications from the students they are sponsoring. Members will also have the opportunity to
communicate with the students through online chats and video pen pal programs. The project is part of a Reform Movement initiative adopted by the General Assembly of the Union for Reform Judaism at its Biennial convention in November 2003. The initiative was proposed by Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President of the Union, in recognition of the importance of maintaining the Movement’s connection to Reform Jewish peoplehood and the State of Israel. “In concert with the grassroots nature of the Hineini program, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun is asking each of our members to contribute at least $18 a year for two years to support the sponsorship of these rabbinical students,” urged Rabbi Stiel. “We hope that through our efforts and those of other Reform synagogues, they will create innovative Reform Jewish programs that meet the spiritual needs of today’s Israelis and enrich religious life in Israel for years to come.” Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, a Reform Jewish congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, is located at 2061 So. 20 St. in Lincoln. For more information about the congregation, please call 402.435.8004 or see our website www.southstreettemple.org. For more information about the Hineini project and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun’s involvement, visit the Hineini website at: www.urj.org/hineini.
April 9, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Beth El’s “Jewish Perspective on Jesus” Class Draws Widespread Community Interest by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Around 75 adults spent their Thursday lunch hours at Beth El Synagogue last month, attending a four-week minicourse exploring the life of Jesus from a Jewish point of view. Led by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, the “Jewish Perspective of Jesus” class studied parallels between the historical Jesus and Judaism of the Second Temple period, as well as Jesus’ life, practices, and the events surrounding his trial and crucifixion. “With the advent of the film The Passion of the Christ, people have become curious about Jesus, and how we, as Jews, should respond to information we’ve heard about his life and his relationship with the Jewish community of his time,” Rabbi Levin said. “Different Jews describe Jesus in different ways: as a preacher, a teacher, a rabbi or a rebel who founded another religion,” he added. “Through this course, I wanted to answer those questions and fill in the blanks from a Jewish historical perspective.” Rabbi Levin said he has been interested in the relationship between Jesus and Judaism for 25 years, and noted that during his rabbinical studies in Jerusalem, he was able to study the topic with Hebrew University Professor David Flusser, one of the world’s leading
experts on the subject. Utilizing Jewish literature, including the Hebrew Bible, the Apocrypha, the Mishnah and a selection of Jewish prayers, Rabbi Levin emphasized to the class that Jesus lived as a Jew, worshiped as a Jew, observed Jewish rituals and taught Jewish ideas. Throughout time, many have mistakenly believed that Jesus was the founder of Christianity; however, Rabbi Levin noted that “the religion of Jesus was Judaism; the religion about Jesus was Christianity. Christianity was established in his name several decades after his death by Paul, who never knew Jesus,” he said. “Jesus was a Jewish preacher, as were many others of his time. He was killed by the Romans--as were many other Jews--because they considered him to be a potential danger to the Roman occupation of Israel.” During the class, participants studied excerpts from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, and compared various Christian translations from different denominations. The comparisons were fascinating to class participants, including Ken Weiner, who said he learned through the different variations that “what you see isn’t necessarily what is.” He also expressed great interest in the history of the “Our
asked for his opinion about The Passion of the Christ. “I Jesus by David Flusser, Magnes Press; 1997 didn’t have a grip of what the Jewish Sources in Early Christianity Jewish perspective was,” he by David Flusser and Yeshaiah Leibowitz, said. “I had no framework Jewish Lights Pub; 1996 from which to answer quesJudaism and the Origins of Christianity tions.” by David Flusser, Magnes Press; 1988 Cindy Morris echoed that thought, saying that when Jesus the Jew by Geza Vermes , Scm Press; 2001 controversy arose surrounding The Changing Faces of Jesus the movie, “I realized how by Geza Vermes, Penguin Books; 2001 ignorant I was about the Jesus the Jew: A Historian's Reading of the Gospels Jewish perspective on Jesus. by Geza Vermes, Fortress Press; 2003 “The rabbi put so much in Jesus in His Jewish Context context--I found the class to be by Geza Vermes, Fortress Press; 2003 very interesting, worthwhile The Religion of Jesus the Jew and valuable; it helped me to by Geza Vermes, Fortress Press; 2003 understand what I believe, and A Rabbi Talks with Jesus by Jacob Neusner helped me to know how to McGill-Queens University Press, 2000 talk to my kids and to my nonChildren of the Flesh, Children of the Promise: Jewish friends about the subA Rabbi Talks with Paul ject.” by Jacob Neusner, Pilgrim Press, 1995 Rabbi Levin expressed hope The Trial and Death of Jesus that attendees left his class by Haim Cohn, Ktav Publishing; 1980 with a new level of underOn the Trial of Jesus standing about Jesus as a Jew. by Paul Winter, Walter de Gruyter, Inc.; 1974 He suggested that those interFather,” prayer, which, although based ested in additional information about on Jewish prayers and verses of the Jesus and Judaism study the writings of Hebrew Bible, is now recognized as a Jewish scholars David Flusser and Geza Christian prayer. Vermes; for more information regarding Weiner said his decision to attend the the trial and death of Jesus, he recomclass was based on both curiosity and his mended books by Israeli judge Haim inability to provide an answer when Cohn and historian Paul Winter.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 9, 2004
Temple Deli Night Draws Big Crowd …from Near and Far
“Liberating Perspectives” Exhibit Opens in Pennie Z. Davis Gallery at ADL by BETH SELDIN DOTAN Director, Institute for Holocaust Education “Liberating Perspectives”, an exhibition featuring a series of photos taken during the liberation at Dachau Concentration Camp, will open in the Pennie Z. Davis Gallery of Holocaust Education on April 18, Holocaust Memorial Day. A formal opening will take place between 2-3:30 p.m. This exhibit will be open through May 31. The exhibit focuses on a repeating image, caught by numerous cameras of American service men who entered the camp between April 28-30, 1945. The photograph is of one car of a train branded “the Death Train.” This boxcar train, packed with people, ran between Weimar, Germany from April 5, 1945 and finally stopped at Dachau on April 27, 1945--two days before the Allies moved into enemy territory and the Nazis fled, leaving human destruction in their wake. Painful, yet personal, the scene was captured from various individual perspectives as different units came through the camp. In some cases, soldiers must have been standing in nearly the same location, clicking their shutter in disbe-
lief as they documented the historical evidence of Nazi brutality and a war against individuals. It is this legacy captured by those who never planned to be in that place at that time, that has motivated us to tell the story. Who saw this train? Why would people take pictures of this state of affairs? Were there survivors? How many soldiers took pictures in that place, during those few days? How did those few moments of discovering the horrors caused by the Nazis affect the people snapping the picture? This exhibit is to be the beginning of a series that will tell the story of the first few days of the Liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. It will focus specifically on the numerous photos taken at a variety of perspectives of the same “Death Train” scene; the history of Dachau concentration from its inception in 1933 through the first two days of Liberation; and first hand accounts of individuals who participated in the liberation. Due to the difficult images of this exhibit, it is recommended to use discretion when bringing children. For information, call me at 334.6575.
Cantor and Cast Leave Crowd Wanting More by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator A record crowd of nearly 400 people from the entire Jewish community savored New York style deli sandwiches, soup, chopped liver, and cheesecake at Temple Israel’s annual Deli Night on March 21. Photos from left: Kevin Finkel, far right, who lives in Philadelphia, joined his sister Marti, left, and their parents Joel and Lois for Deli Night.
Jeff Schweid was one of the hard working volunteers serving in the social hall and in the kitchen who helped chief chef Dennis DePorte. Others enjoying the fare were Judy Feigin, left, Gilda Pieck, and Jeff Laudin. Proceeds from Deli Night will help Temple continue to offer a wide array of lifelong meaningful opportunities to worship, learn, and serve the community.
Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, left, and congregant Mark Sanford, wowed the crowd at Beth El Synagogue’s Cantor’s Concert last month, with their parody of Simon and Garfunkel’s well known song, “Mrs. Robinson” (re-titled “Mrs. Rosenthal” for the evening). The concert, a benefit for the Youth Scholarship Fund, netted Beth El more than $12,000, according to Cantor Bogomolni. More than 600 people enjoyed the one-hour concert.
Coming in April 333 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE | 68154-2198 | Fax 402/334-5422
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Call Allan Handleman, 402/334-6451, or Ray Pred, 402/334-6559, to be included in this special edition.
High School Class of 2004 Seniors...! We need your graduation photo and the following information for our annual Graduation Teen Age to be published on June 4, 2004: Name: ___________________________________________________________ Parent(s)’ Name(s) _________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Current High School ________________________________________________ Plans after graduation ______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Send by May 1 to: The Jewish Press | 333 So. 132 St. | Omaha, NE 68154
ORGANIZATIONS NJHS The community is invited to the showing of the award winning film, The Lost Wooden Synagogues of Eastern Europe. The film will be presented on Wednesday, April 14, 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. The film’s producer, Albert Barry, will be in town and there is no charge for the event, sponsored by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Hebrew classes and other programs are suspended during the Passover holiday. For information about upcoming events, call Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman at 981.0569. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Terry Moore will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, April 14, noon, at the Park Inn Regency Lodge, according to Nate Schwalb, April CoChairman. Moore, is the Executive Director of the Federation of Labor, and his topic will be “Have Labor Unions Outlived Their Usefulness?” Cost is $9. for lunch and $2 for beverage service. Breadbreakers is open to the community. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want to have a “Freylichen Tog”? Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343-1638 for information VISIONS The Omaha Community Playhouse will present Stepping Out in the Howard
Drew Theater on Thursday, May 6, 7:30 p.m. Cost is $13 per person. Dinner is on your own before the show at the Olive Garden. Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plz., #101, Omaha, NE 68114. Make check payable to Visions. Deadline is April 19. WALK-IN, DROP-IN: Members will meet on Thursday, April 15. Exercise and bingo will begin at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:30 a.m The movie Something’s Gotta Give will begin at noon in the Blumkin Home auditorium. Y.E.S. There will be no meeting Monday due to Passover. Call Maggie for all reservations at 334.6521 for The Omaha Theater Company presentation of Broadway Town, starring Sue Booton and Earl Bates on Monday, April 19; The movie Something’s Gotta Give on April 15; Mystery Trip on April 22 and Bluffs Run Casino on April 29. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES It’s Tuesday Night Live on Tuesday, April 20, 7 p.m., in the JCC auditorium. The Omaha Municipal Orchestra presents “Mazel Tov”--a Celebration of Music by Jewish Composers, featuring Anne Nagosky a violinist with the Omaha Symphony Orchestra. Musical Director is Christopher Stanichar. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 for reservations. This program is sponsored by the Noddle Family in memory of Edith Noddle.
April 9, 2004
Chabad Conference Pushes ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT for Faith-Based Grants
Cold Sassy Tree composer Carlisle Floyd will speak at two free open forums for the public on April 13, noon, in the Eppley Auditorium on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and April 14, 7 p.m., at the Creighton Unviersity Lied Center. The opera will be presented by Opera Omaha on April 28, 30 and May 2 at the Orpheum Theater. Cold Sassy Tree offers the sounds and images of life in a small Southern town, a favorite setting of many of Carlisle’s operas. For tickets to the performance, call 346.4398 or visit www.operaomaha.org. From Generation to Generation, a musical by Karen Sokolof Javitch and Elaine Jabenis, will return to the stage of the Jewish Community Center, June 24-27 and July 8-11. Auditions will be held April 10, 2-5 p.m. and April 12, 7 p.m. For more information, call JMR Productions, 393-3893 or e-mail JMRP@cox.net.
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The Culinary Arts and Management degree program at Metropolitan Community College has created the “Institute for the Culinary Arts”. Metro’s culinary program was the first community college program to be accredited by both the American Culinary Federation Accrediting Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Hospitality Management Programs. The Institute is located at Metro’s Fort Omaha Campus,. For information, contact Jim Trebbien at 457.2510, jtrebbien@mccneb.edu.
Eve and Jarred Rabinovitz-Randone announce the March 12 birth of their daughter, Elianna Chaya Lee, named after her maternal great-great grandmother and maternal aunt. She has a brother, Zev. Grandparents are Haym Rabinovitz of Carbondale, IL and Doris Rabinovitz, Peace Corps Volunteer in the West Indies, and Roberta and Peter Vana and Charlie Randone, all of Omaha.
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The family of baby Hillel David Schwab, seven-months-old, and his father, Yoni Schwab, right, of Riverdale, NY, visited Omaha with grandmother Aviva Schwab of Middletown, NY, to see great-grandmother, Annette Sherman Fettman, left, and Fannie Sherman Chunovic, great-great-grandmother, a resident of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. (Not pictured is Hillel’s mother, Jessica Rezak Schwab of Photo by Howard K. Marcus. Riverdale, NY.)
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Melissa and Gary Steiner announce the March 12 birth of their son, Luke David. He has a sister, Julia. Grandparents are Nancy and David Friedland, Vern Steiner and the late Phyllis Steiner.
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For Holocaust Remembrance Day, PBS will broadcast Defiant Requiem, April 18, 1 p.m. (check local listings). Winner of the Gold World Medal in the 2004 New York Festivals Television Programming and Promotion Awards and the Bronze Plaque for the 51st Columbus International Film and Video Festival, Defiant Requiem is a powerful production that celebrates the human spirit. The Oregon Symphony and Portland Opera Chorus re-create the circumstances of the performance of Verdi’s “Requiem” as it was sung by prisoners in the Nazi concentration camp at Terezin.
by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press The White House wants more Jewish organizations to apply for federal “faith-based” grants, according to several speakers at Monday’s conference, “Let’s Make Sense,” sponsored by Chabad and Nebhands, a faith-based and community initiative. “President Bush created this office because he saw the imporSheli Menachem, left, and Shani tance of partnerKatzman listen attentively to Jennifer ing with churchSullivan of the White House’s office on es, synagogues, Faith Based and Community Initiatives. and mosques,” said Jennifer Sullivan, Deputy Associate Director of Outreach for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at the White House. “We see that these groups have been very effective and we want to encourage that. We want to fund the best programs--whether they’re faith-based or secular.” The grants are not difficult to write, according to James Wright, district aide at Rep. Lee Terry’s Omaha office. In fact, visitors to www.fbci.gov or www.grants.gov, will find instructions that lead to other federal agencies and specific guidelines for obtaining grants. “The key is to be prepared,” Wright said, “Agencies should start by developing their own proposals, understanding what the agency is asking for, and knowing what the agency is responsible for in accepting the grant from the government. Two resources Wright recommends are: Lou Meyers of Omaha’s United Way; she hosts a one-hour session each Thursday--and Nebhands, which offers technical assistance to agencies needing grantwriting help. About 65 people, including pulpit rabbis and Chabad rabbis from communities in Kansas and Minnesota, attended the conference, aimed at mental-health professionals and staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations. Chabad of Nebraska has already obtained one federally-funded grant, said conference organizer Dinah Abrahamson, to be used for outreach to the mentally ill in the Jewish community. Also featured at the conference was author Rabbi Manis Friedman of St. Paul, MN, who spoke on “Healing the Past, Healing the Future: Improving Tomorrow by Understanding Yesterday.”
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 9, 2004
Jewish Poets, Playwrights & Composers by BERNARD MANN, Legacy Crosswords, © 2003, Sponsored by TANNERS
Beth El Teens Excited about ‘Roots’ Course; Looking Forward to New York Trip By Diane Baum For Beth El Synagogue BESTT’s high school students are exploring the reasons Jews needed to come to America years ago and how they arrived here, in an exciting course titled “Roots: The Jewish Immigration Experience.” The curriculum, based largely on historical themes of European and Russian anti-Semitism, was prepared by teachers Francee Altman and Margo Riekes, with input from course teacher Eadie Tsabari. One goal of the course is to recreate the hardships, hopes, failures and triumphs experienced by many of our ancestors. Toward this end, guest speakers will offer insights on what our ancestors brought to the New World and what they left behind; how they coped with learning a new language, earning a living and maintaining their religious beliefs and customs. The first featured speakers were Sylvia Wagner and Ozzie Nogg; upcoming presenters include
Anna Mosenkis and Rachel Rosenberg. To enhance classroom learning, 10 students will take a fabulous trip to New York, the city most symbolic of the immigrant experience in the U.S. From June 4-6, the teens and their adult chaperones will visit significant places such as Ellis Island and the Tenement Museum; and they will experience a range of enrichment, including a Broadway show, lunch at a kosher deli and services at two renowned synagogues. Planning to make the trip are Brian Altman, Brad Abramson, Nathan Fineman, Josh Sweet, Abby Ginsburg, Shiri Tene, Gal Tsabari, Aliya Katskee, Jody Levine and Laura Shkolnick. Beth El Synagogue and all of the program’s participants are grateful to the Murray H. & Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, the Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, and an anonymous donor for providing funds to subsidize expenses.
Genetic Testing ACROSS 1. PLAYWRIGHT DAVID 6. ____ One, equal to speed of sound 10. Cape, or head, in Italian 14. Spider starter, in taxonomy 15. Arthur of the courts 16. You, plural, in Hebrew 17. Birch-bark or dugout 18. Garrison Keillor's alter ego Guy ___ 19. Ile de la ____, the heart of Paris 20. Singer-songwriter, once of the Police 21. COMPOSER OF LIED VON DER ERDE, as his buddies might call him 23. Sci. of habitat relationships 25. Mountain ridge 26. POET EMMA 30. Phone giant 31. “_____ of humor is part of the art of leadership” - Dwight D. Eisenhower 32. Scholars of Tanach interpretation 37. River, cave, and you have one 38. Present tense of to be 39. Dutch island near Venezuela 40. “_____ class”, noting where one is who’s learning to stitch and baste 42. Large shipping boxes 43. NYC subway line or Midwest state
44. WHAT MIGHT BE SAID ABOUT 22 DOWN IF HIS NOTES WERE SOUR 45. Statistical movement 48. THEO BIKEL, WE MIGHT SAY, WAS A JEWISH ____-BADOUR 49. SINGER-SONGWRITER, SINGS WITH 22 DOWN 51. Musical or penciled 56. Pos starter, fittingly 57. Walking or sugar 58. Whale’s dinner 59. Harvest 60. Sea eagle 61. Deadly African virus 62. ___ of Capri 63. Tournament pre-ranking 64. Bowling alley between L and N DOWN 1. Apples 2. Mount Ar____ 3. Ac's crazy starter 4. College subj. 5. GEORGE AND IRA 6. Tropical fruits 7. “Promise not to tell____!” 8. ___holm Trail 9. In Tarzan, Jane met _____ 10. Computer data storage site 11. The Tower of Pisa stands ____ 12. Martinique’s Mount ____ 13. Hebrew counting unit, a wheat sheaf 22. SINGER, 49 ACROSS’
PARTNER 24. Starting directive or signal 26. ____na, a thin plate or micelle 27. “I’ve long wanted ____”, said the father of four daughters, when the new child was born 28. Cronus’ son 29. Poker kitty 30. Bunyan's tool 32. Unit of energy or work 33. What the “E” in Q.E.D. stands for 34. Ballet wear 35. ___ezer, from the Hebrew name meaning “stone of help” 36. What one encloses with a submitted manuscript 38. Conjunction 41. Measuring sticks 42. High corp. money man 44. “That's as much wealth as I would ever want ____” 45. Option to cassettes, LPs, and CDs 46. Urban’s antipode 47. Run off to a justice of the peace 48. Ton in Toulon 49. Combining form meaning equal 50. Stallion’s love 52. Kazantzakis’ hero, Z____ 53. Noun ending 54. French fashion magazine 55. Poetry or grand
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Continued from page 1 a hearing problem, and took him to Massachusetts EYE and EAR Infirmary for a very specialized hearing test which was normal. Again their pediatrician tried to persuade them that everything was fine, but Debby was not convinced. When he was about four-months-old, the baby was found to be far-sighted and legally blind, and was given glasses in the hopes it would solve what seemed to be a vision problem. At five months, Gershie was taken to the Pediatric Neurology Dept of Massachusetts General Hospital where he was diagnosed with Canavan Disease. They were shocked; no one in either family had ever heard of Canavan Disease, let alone had a child with it. Debby found out everything she could about this disease which was inexorably destroying her baby. “She learned that Gershie would never crawl, never walk, never talk. He would lose the use of his muscles, develop seizures and eventually die,” Jean related. In fact, Debby and Avi were told Gershie would not live beyond age four or five, but at nine years he has already outlived the original expectancy. However, for the past three years, Gershie has not been able to chew his food and has to be tube fed. “But he is a very happy child,” Jean added. “He loves to smile and laugh much to the delight of his twin sisters, Nechama and Yehudit who are now seven-years-old.” Gershie lives at home and goes everywhere with the family. “The girls accept him as a natural part of their lives,” Jean added. “They were quite amazed when they saw a man in a wheel chair who could propel himself and who could speak. Immediately they went to their brother in his wheel chair and said to him excitedly, ‘Come on Gershie, talk to us.’ They had just assumed that every disabled person would be like their brother.” As they learned more about Canavan, Avi and Debby discovered through a simple genetic test, that they were both carriers for the disease. Nechama and Yehudit, while unaffected by the disease, are both carriers of the altered gene. But back to Jean’s efforts to bring her personal experience to others. Aware that tests were available to detect mutations for a number of Jewish genetic diseases, Jean set about searching to find a laboratory that could help her arrange to conduct tests in the Omaha area. Despite several setbacks, when she spoke to Dr.
William Kimberling at the Boys Town National Research Hospital, she met with “tremendous enthusiasm” as his group had recently reported a genetic change causing a common hearing loss problem in Ashkenazi Jews, and were also working on Usher Syndrome. “At that moment, a partnership was born,” Jean exclaimed. “Dr. Kimberling and his team were eager to help us, and we had found a partner that could help us with the nuts and bolts of setting up the genetic testing here in Omaha.” “I looked around to find individuals who could best help raise the $50,000 to enable the 100 tests to be offered at no cost,” Jean explained. She put together the Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing which includes: Joanie Jacobson, Carol Katzman, Lynda Mirvish, Suzanne Singer, Carol Parsow and Toba Cohen-Dunning, representing Boys Town National Research Hospital. “We have planned how best to get word to residents in Omaha and surrounding communities that this was something they could do for themselves,” Jean continued. Testing for these diseases can be expensive, but for the first time in Omaha, the tests will be offered free of charge for the first 100 individuals who register. The testing which involves a simple blood draw has been scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and again on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 3-8 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. The program will test for the following Jewish genetic diseases: Tay-Sachs, Canavan, Nieman-Pick, Gaucher, Familial Dysautonomia, Bloom Syndrome, Fanconi Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Usher Syndrome and a specific hearing loss. In addition, Boys Town National Research Hospital will examine common mutations in the GJB2 gene which causes DFNB1, mutations in the Usher 111 gene and Usher 1F gene, thought to be more common in Ashkenazi Jews. “The only time that there was any genetic testing here,” Duitch remembers, “was over 30 years ago when tests to determine carriers of Tay-Sachs were offered. Today carrier testing for these other diseases is available, and there is an accuracy rate of more than 97%. Nevertheless, a small percentage of those tested and found negative, may prove to be carriers.” The committee is still in the process of raising money so they can offer free testing. To learn more, call Duitch at 393.1141.
April 9, 2004
TeenAge
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
underwritten by THE MURRAY H. & SHAREE C. NEWMAN SUPPORTING FOUNDATION
Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features the teens of the AZA Chapters of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. Special thanks goes to Director Rachel Blum.
The Flight of Heroes by STEPHEN LERCHER Jeremy Glick is the 31year-old husband, and father of twelve-week-old daughter, Emerson (Emmy) Glick. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and five siblings, yet his memory lives on forever. What did this “ordinary man” do to be remembered so vividly? Exactly what he said he would. “We’re going to do it,” they said. And they did. The “comrades of Flight 93” forced their way into the cockpit of the United Airlines flight and forced the plane down. In doing so, they sacrificed their lives to save the lives of others. But more importantly, they acted on their moral beliefs and literally “fought” for what they believed in. Why would Jeremy Glick, a man whom I have never met, be such a role model for me? Not only was he a national Judo Champion, but also he was Jewish. The rarity of finding such a combination physically connects me to him, but emotionally, his morals as described by all who knew him are one in the same as my own. I was unaware of Jeremy Glick’s existence until I recently read his story in the USA Today Article cited in my sources. I was immediately saddened by his loss. While reading his story, I began to ask myself the same questions that passed through his mind before his final competition. Was I going to stand by while the terrorists plotted mass destruction while I had the training to possibly stop them? In Judo, the first rule you learn to live by is to never use your training unless you have to. You do the least necessary to stop a fight. Did Jeremy and his fellow passengers have a choice? Absolutely not! They knew they were going to die and they decided that they would rather die trying to save the lives of others than die knowing they could have possibly stopped such an atrocity. Jeremy and a number of others rushed the cockpit and attempted to subdue the terrorists. They may have not completely retaken the plane, but the cockpit recordings reveal that a struggle existed and in that instance the plane was forced down. Not only did Jeremy partake in the cockpit rush, but all who knew him agree he was the leader of the ordeal. “He wasn’t just going to be fighting them, he was going to be a leader of it” said Josh Denbeaux, a close family friend. The result of the rush was the crash of the plane in a rural cornfield of Pennsylvania. But where was the plane headed? “The White House? Air Force One? The Capitol? Somehow, the darkest day in American history could’ve been worse, officials insist, without the daring courage of Glick, and the people promising to storm the cockpit with him. They saved lives even as they lost their own.” (Wojnarowski <http://www.bstkd.com/ JeremyGlick.htm>) Not only did Glick exemplify courage, but he
exemplified moral courage as well. He must have believed in Edmund Burkes’ words, “The only thing necessary for the triumph [of evil] is for good men to do nothing.” Glick could have been a passenger and a pacifist on the plane but his morals would not let him stand by and let evil prevail; he was compelled by his conscience to action. “He was … a protector a warrior-very, very unique.” (Gitell www.nationalreview.com/comment/commentgitell091701.shtml) He led the attack and foiled the terrorists’ plan. Although deeply saddened by his loss, Elizabeth still carries her belief “that things happen for a reason.” She believes that Jeremy’s purpose in life was to be on that plane. Not available for interview for the two months after the attack, Elizabeth finally found the words while speaking at the small middle school where they first met. “To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition. To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.” The country and the world sleep better at night because of heroes such as Jeremy. His impact on the world and the people he knew is only for the better. His actions on Sept. 11 corrupted a plan that could have lead to tremendous fatalities especially of important government officials. No one knows the predetermined destination of United Flight 93 but it flew directly into the heart of America. A non-profit organization called Jeremy’s Heroes has been established by family members to build character and confidence in America’s youth through sports. The foundation is just another way for Glick’s legacy to touch the world for the better, by instilling his morals in what he gave his life for, the youth of today.” All of this because a young man would not stay seated during flight; Jeremy Glick took a strong stance and would not sit down, no matter what the cost. How does this apply to our lives today as Jews in the United States? With recent outbreaks of possible anti-Semitic tools such as The Passion, being Jewish takes on a whole new meaning. What is our role? Is it our place to intervene as Jeremy did or should we stand by and let fate play its predetermined role? Anti-Semitism is rapidly on the rise in Europe and when the time comes for us or for anyone else, are we going to share our voice? These are all questions we have to decide? That time could be now. Are we willing to act as Jeremy did and fight evil in the world? Isn’t it a part of our religion to help the stranger in need? All these questions we must ask ourselves because as Jews, we must practice the virtues of Judaism everyday, or else we fail to be no different than anyone else. As we become less caring and less Jewish, the Judaic religion and population suffer and eventually die out. By practicing the traditions of our past everyday of our lives, we ensure that Jewish life lives on.
New Member Intake is Coming! All eighth through 12th graders are invited to join us for programming during our RUSH Season! Be sure to save the following dates on your calendars... April 27: Council Rush and Parent Information Night May 15: Chaim Weizmann AZA and Ediar BBG May 22: Mother Chapter AZA B’nai B’rith and MZ Yoshanah BBG Youth Organization June 8: Council Pledge Night
Watch your mail for more information, or contact BBYO Director Rachel Blum at 334.6404!
BBYO Honors Advisors at Appreciation Dinner
Top Ten Reasons to Join AZA by Mother Chapter AZA #1 10. We have the most of what really counts. 9. It’s a great way to make Jewish friends. 8. Full of quality programming. 7. A close-knit group of young men to with which to spend evenings and weekends. 6. Will get you active and keep you involved in Jewish Omaha! 5. Create unbreakable bonds. 4. Network with Jews from around the country (and world) through conventions 4. and summer programs. 3. Leadership opportunities. 2. B’nai B’rith Girls. 1. An experience of a lifetime!
The Chaime Bear by LEV GINSBURG Vice President of Chaim Weizmann AZA #1510 Chaim Weizmann (CW) AZA #1510 is a very distinct chapter. Its rituals and customs are different from any other AZA chapter out there. From our chapter cheer to nicknames like “Marius” or “Jonzzle”, these men are the some of the most interesting people I have ever met. From the time I joined, I knew there was going to be something strange about it, and there was. CW isn’t a great big chapter--20 paid members, 12-15 regularly attending. But these small numbers
give us a chance to become strongly interconnected. These are some of the greatest friends I have ever had. The reason I joined CW was because of my cousin, who is now away at college. He was a past president, and tried to convince me that it was tons of fun. My first few meetings were awkward for me, because I only knew one or two people. But after a few weeks, I got to know everyone, and they become my close friends. Without these guys, I don’t even want to think about where I’d be in life; probably even closer to nowhere. For any eighth graders, or high school students that are not in BBYO, consider joining CW. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.
BBYO Chapter Advisors Wanted An advisor’s role in the chapter is to represent the highest ideals and goals of BBYO while bringing to the group his or her own personal values and ideals. Everything the Advisor does in the group helps to mold the character of the young people. Each chapter currently has an active advisor, but due to the high level of chapter programming, we are actively searching for co-advisors. Advisor training is available!
We are looking for people who are: • 21 or over • Available on Tuesday evenings and some weekends • Enthusiastic and willing to learn • Willing to maintain on-going, regular contacts with each member
Picture yourself here
If you or someone you know would like the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our Jewish teens, please contact Rachel Blum at 334-6404.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 9, 2004
Opinion First Comes Love, Then Comes...Genetic Testing It’s been more than 30 years since the Jewish community of Omaha sponsored genetic testing--and then, it was only for one disease--the cruel, fatal Tay Sachs. Because of the rapid development in the Humane Genome Project and the advances in developing blood tests for genetic diseases, 100 men and women will have the opportunity to discover if they’re carries for nine genetic diseases prevalent in the Jewish community. For that, we can thank Jean Duitch. Since she learned that her grandson had been diagnosed with the debilitating Canavan Disease, Duitch has been on a crusade of sorts. Her first goal has always been to educate people about these genetic diseases. But now her second goal--sponsoring an actual test site--is finally coming to fruition. There are three dates readers should mark on their calendars. The first is Monday, May 17, 7:30 p.m., at the JCC, when National Research Hospital will speak at a community forum about the various diseases in the simple blood test. The other two dates to mark are Sunday, July 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Wednesday, Sept. 1, 3-8 p.m., when the actual blood will be drawn for DNA testing. So what are “today’s” genetic diseases? Found in a higher-than-average incidence in the Ashkenazi Jewish community, the diseases include: Tay-Sachs, Canavan, NiemanPick, Gaucher, Familial Dysautonomia, Bloom Syndrome, Fanconi Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Usher Syndrome and a specific hearing loss. But that doesn’t mean these diseases are limited to Jews from Eastern Europe; on the
contrary, all of them are found in the general population as well. For example, it’s a common myth that Cystic Fibrosis is found more often among those of Northern European descent (Swedes, Norwegians and the like). Who knew--until recently--that it’s also found in higher percentages among Ashkenazi Jews? Interfaith couples are not off the hook here. In addition to information imparted at the May 17 forum--on the diseases themselves, symptoms, treatments and the like--the Boys Town staff wants to emphasize several other points: • participants who want to be tested may register that evening at the community forum; • all test results will be held in the strictest confidence; and • information about the results will be given to test participants by a genetic counselor, regardless of the outcome. So why be tested? One obvious reason is that a carrier might also turn out to be afflicted with the disease and not know it. Gaucher, for example, may not make itself known until the late teen years. The other reason is that if a young couple knows they are carriers for one of these diseases prior to pregnancy, they could then meet with a genetic counselor to determine options, like adoption, egg or sperm donation, or abortion. Someone who knows he or
(Founded in 1920)
she is a carrier may choose to avoid marrying another carrier of the same disease, thereby eliminating the risk altogether of having a child with a potentially fatal disease. Thirty years ago we didn’t have these choices. Today we do. On May 17, get the information you need to make that choice.
My Family’s Moment of Fame JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER “Family Affair” is our favorite feature of the weekend magazine of Ha’aretz newspaper. Each week the husband-wife team of Reli (short for Ariela) and Avner Avrahami interview and photograph a different family from a different part of Israel Beginning a few months ago, the column started soliciting volunteers, and so I signed us up. I had thought that my family would just be tickled pink to appear in Ha’aretz. They were not. Sarah’s basic fear was that the house would be a mess. I had tried to head off this concern by speaking about it with Reli, who told me that from her perspective a messy house was more interesting. Needless to say, when I told this to Sarah she was not won over to the cause. What did the trick was my claim that I was proud of the equal division of labor in our family and proud of the way we ran our family and I wanted the country to know about us. The kids were not as easily sold. Elie, my nine-year-old, assuming (correctly) that the whole experience was somehow going to find its way into my own column said, “What, you don’t have enough to write about? Write about taking a haircut, write about going to the eye doctor. Why did you have to invite Ha’aretz?” The older kids were mainly concerned that their friends would learn of my left-leaning political views. With Sarah’s help, I managed to convince them that we would ask Avner to basically exclude politics from the piece. When I threw in a promise of dinner at a restaurant the next night (a promise I kept by the way) the deal was closed. Friday arrived, though Elie still resisted his fate, saying at breakfast, “Why, Abba, why?
Can’t you write about flossing your teeth instead?” Sarah had begun her cleaning Thursday night and by Friday afternoon the house was in tip-top shape. I set the olfactory mood with roasted chicken cooling on the kitchen counter and my home-made challah still in the oven when Reli and Avner knocked punctually at 2 p.m. Sarah and I took to the Avrahamis immediately. For some reason, I had expected them to be cool Tel Aviv types in their early 30s, but it turned out that they are down-to-earth contemporaries of ours. Reli did her work first, shooting three rolls of 12 pictures each. The hardest part for Sarah and I was not smiling during the serious shots (Reli said she actually prefers these) since we were having fun. Reli kept begging Rebecca to show off her bright-orange painted fingernails, and by the later shots Becca relented.
I was proud of the equal division of labor in our family and of the way we ran our family... I wanted the country to know about us. I wanted to make a good impression upon the Avrahamis (and thus the country) and so in the interview that followed I served them homemade chocolate cake and home-made ice cream, plus I later sent them home with a challah and a jar of my granola. Avner had his draft by Sunday afternoon and called me then to review it with him. The Hebrew edition came out on Friday, Feb. 27 and the English one a week later. The aftermath of publication was fairly lowkey (perhaps because the liberal Ha’aretz is not the newspaper of choice in the “occupied territory” of Givat Ze’ev). Thankfully, the kids were all happy with the picture and they were treated as minor celebrities rather than made fun of in school, which is why I have been allowed to continue living at home. A
number of my friends wondered why I voluntarily exposed my personal affairs to the general public. Answer: It seems okay (and fun) to me. The English version, is on the web at: www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/ 401212.html. Just one thing about the translation: My son Nathan has an earring and not a nose ring-there are limits, you know.
LETTER
TO THE EDITOR
To the Editor: I am writing in response to the March 26th letter from Wendy Weiner Runge regarding Purim celebrations at Beth Israel Synagogue. The halacha (Jewish Law) is that the megillah should be heard twice, once in the evening and once in the day time. Beth Israel held two big events that included festive meals and megillah readings, one the evening of Purim on March 6, and the other on the afternoon of Purim on March 7. In addition, because of the importance of hearing the megillah and the halacha of hearing it twice, Beth Israel always includes a megillah reading at morning services on Purim day. I was among the 13 attendees at the Sunday morning reading. I also attended the two other readings. The first, on Saturday evening, had an attendance of about 60 people. The second megillah reading was held in conjunction with Chabad House at a festive Purim seudah (meal) that had 200 community members attending. As Co-chairman of the New Building project for Beth Israel, I appreciate Wendy’s encouragement of the Omaha community to become more active participants in synagogue life. But, in all fairness, her letter gave a skewed account of the total picture of Purim activities at Beth Israel. Paul Shyken
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
Nebraska Press Association
National Newspaper Association
April 9, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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California vs. Academic Freedom
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES
a book that, “in light of feminist, gay, and transgender criticism,” challenges the staid old notion of male and female genders? Positive studies, in contrast, celebrate leftist and insurgent institutions: • Bringing the War Home: The Weather Underground, the Red Army Faction, and Revolutionary Violence in the Sixties and Seventies, by Jeremy Varon, “reconstructs the motivation and ideology of violent organizations” by conveying “the intense passions of the era--the heat of moral purpose, the depth of Utopian longing, the sense of danger and despair, and the exhilaration over temporary triumphs.” • Taking Back the Streets: Women, Youth, and Direct Democracy, by Temma Kaplan, exalts street demonstrations, finding they “bore witness to human rights violations, resisted the efforts of regimes to shame and silence young idealists, and created a vibrant public life that remains a vital part of ongoing struggles for democracy and justice.” One subset of California books honors left-wing culture, such as beat poet Allen Ginsberg, leftist printmakers in New York of the 1930s, and Ant Farm, a “radical architectural collective.” Another subset hails left-wing politics, such as U.S. labor unions, an American consumer revolt, and the founder of the Tibetan
Critiques of the global academic march to the left tend to focus on classroom antics, silly statements to the press, articles with incomprehensible titles, and efforts to punish students who have the temerity to disagree with their radical professors. But books are more important than all of this. Books make up the heart of the scholarly enterprise. Articles disappear, media analyses vaporize, and classroom lectures effervesce; books endure. They build the edifice of knowledge and potentially acquire an influence across the generations. What sorts of books, then, are being written by today’s top scholars? For a representative sample, I looked at the Spring 2004 catalogue of one of the largest and most prestigious university publishers in the United States, the University of California Press. The catalogue is a substantial affair, 116 pages long, lavishly designed, boasting full color illustrations and a striking cover. The books being published by California, however, leave much to be desired. Yes, there are apolitical inquiries into mammal evolution and Mark Twain’s final years, but a uniform leftist tone of hostility toward established institutions and an embrace of the radical fringe characterize the list. The first category includes many assaults on the U.S. government (quotes here and throughout draw on catalogue copy and blurbs): • American Gulag: Inside U.S. Immigration Prisons, by Mark Dow, “tells the horrifying story of men, women and children detained indefinitely by U.S. immigration officials” and explicitly compares their circumstances to those in “Stalin’s U.S.S.R.” • There’s Something Happening Here: The New Left, the Klan, and FBI Counterintelligence, by David Cunningham, “examines the bureau’s massive campaign of repression” in the 1960s. • The Children of NAFTA: Labor Wars on the U.S./Mexico Border, by David Bacon, “paints a powerful portrait of poverty, repression, and struggle.” Other anti-government AIPAC members and non-members welcome books expose the Three-
Communist Party. Squinting as hard as I could at California’s spring list of 140 titles, however, I found not one single conservative book. And the same pattern generally holds true of other major academic publishers, if not always so consistently. This finding of wisdom in only one part of the political spectrum and publishing only its views is deeply consequential: it betrays the concept of academic freedom, a concept that assumes no one outlook has a monopoly on truth, but that truth emerges from debate. To reinstate academic freedom requires a reassertion of principles, something most effectively done through the widespread adoption of the “Academic Bill of Rights,” David Horowitz’s initiative that has already reached 130 U.S. campuses and eight state legislatures. (See its text and some press coverage at www.studentsforacademicfreedom.org/.) Anyone interested in helping American universities, including their presses, regain balance should actively support this important effort. Daniel Pipes is Director of the Middle East Forum and author of Miniatures (Transaction Publishers). He can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.
Learn How Israel is Responding to the Palestinian Conflict 2004 AIPAC Nebraska Dessert Reception
Mile-Island “nuclear crisis” in 1979 (it was just a partial meltdown) and the first Bush administration’s alleged “assault on the constitutional freedoms of the American media.” Business gets its comeuppance in a “gripping exposé” claiming that systematic overcharging by the pharmaceutical industry makes drug costs “so needlessly high.” The Catholic Church is mauled in two studies, one denigrating the Roman Curia, another comparing Jesuit and Nazi art. And these days what selfrespecting academic press could go a season without
Wednesday, April 28, 2004, 7:30 p.m. at the home of Nancy & Harlan Noddle 8415 Loveland Drive, Omaha Featuring Mark Regev Spokesman at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C., who will discuss “How Israel Responds to the Palestinian Conflict.” To RSVP for the event or learn more about the 2004 AIPAC Policy Conference, please contact Melanie Pearlman at (303) 864-9464 or email mpearlman@aipac.org.
This year we are saving a seat for you. AIPAC ANNUAL POLICY CONFERENCE 2004 at the new Washington, D.C. Convention Center, May 16-18.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshrun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 jewishnebraska.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
PERSONALS Family and friends are invited to an open house when Richard H. Spiegal will celebrate his 95th birthday, tomorrow April 10, 1:30.-3 p.m., at Remington Heights. BJ Hines In honoring the passing of our son and brother, Morris Rosenberg, we wish to add our thanks to Rabbi Mendel Katzman and Rabbi Gideon Menachem of Chabad for their support. Rachel & Carl Rosenberg Annie Rosenberg Tuvman
Stuart Rosenberg
April 9, 2004
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. with Passover Potluck Oneg to follow. For more information please call 323.8885.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m.; Alternative Shabbat Service, 10 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El. Junior Congregation for grades four to seven, 10 a.m.; K’tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, 7:50 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SITTER SERVICE During Friday Night and Saturday mornings services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. LAST DAYS OF PASSOVER MONDAY, April 12: Shaharit, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. TUESDAY, April 13: Shaharit (including Yizkor), 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:55 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 10 a.m. Hebrew Crash Course, taught by Susi Frydman Levin, in the library; 11 a.m. Adult Bible Study Group, with Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, continues with The Book of Samuel, in the library. WEDNESDAY, 7 p.m.: Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni. SPECIAL PROGRAMS THURSDAYS, noon: “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” with Rabbi Levin. For more information, call the synagogue, 492.8550. SUNDAY, April 11: Join BEAM for Switch Day at the Blumkin Home. Workers are needed for three shifts. For more information please Contact Toby Schonfeld at 861.1811, or via e-mail at: tschonfeld@unmc.edu. TUESDAY, April 13, 7 p.m.: Join SYNERGY (ages 22-35) to “break Passover”. Enjoy an evening of dining and socializing. For reservations, contact Anna Besser, 898.5505. WEDNESDAY, April 14, 9 a.m.: Join HAZAK for a book discussion about Postville by Stephen Bloom. Tot Shabbat on Friday, April 16, 6 p.m.
Our “seasoned ‘n spicy” citizens will host Beth El’s first HAZAK Shabbat on April 17, followed by a special Lunch ‘n’ Learn program: “The Death Penalty: Do Religious and Legal Views Conflict.” The topic will be discussed by a panel, including: Creighton University Law Professor Larry Raful, Creighton Theology Professor Thomas Kelly, and Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning. The luncheon is open to the community. For reservations, please call Natalie Rubin, 334.5893. To receive Rabbi Levin’s weekly “Thought for Shabbat” message, please send your email address to exec@bethelomaha.org.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.mnoon. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. Those who accept Shabbos early by davening, may start Shabbos at 7 p.m., candles should be lit by 7:25 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos Chol Hamoed Shacharit, followed by Pesach Kiddush, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Mincha, 7:35 p.m. and Havdalah, 8:42 p.m. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Erev Yom Tov, candlelighting, 7:42 p.m.; Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. MONDAY, Seventh Day of Pesach: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 11 a.m.; Mincha, 7:45 p.m.; Candlelighting no earlier than 8:45 p.m. TUESDAY, Last Day of Pesach: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 11 a.m.; Mincha, 7:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:46 p.m.; Chametz should not be used before 9:20 p.m. Weekday Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Weekday Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SUNDAY: No Religious School due to Passover holiday.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, Morning services, 7 a.m.
Candlelighting Friday, April 9, 7:40 p.m. Sunday, April 11, 7:42 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shacharis, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Shacharis, 8:30 a.m. MONDAY: Shacharis, 10 a.m. TUESDAY: Shacharis, 10 a.m. Yiskor, 11 a.m.; The traditional feast that marks the last day of Pesach, known as Seudat Moshiach, was established by the Ba’al Shem Tov and will be at 6:30 p.m.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416.2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Nosh, 6 p.m. Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Alicia Chapelle and Marc Shkolnick, with oneg to follow. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: No Religious School. TUESDAY, April 13: Hebrew Class, 5:45 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:15 p.m. THURSDAY, April 15: Midrash Group, 7:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAYS: Adult Hebrew, 5:45-6:45 p.m. continues until April 27.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Andrew Greenberg. MONDAY, April 12: Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet. TUESDAY, April 13: Services with Yizkor, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet. Note: Passover Services will be held in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Goldsten Chapel.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You: Rabbi Marantz and members of Temple Youth Group will lead a Shabbat Service at Remington Heights, at 4 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will officiate along with guest soloist Dr. Tamara Field; Rabbi Azriel will give the sermon, “The Jewish Messiah,” the last sermon in the “Christianity Through Jewish
Eyes” sermon series. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. MONDAY, April 12, Conclusion of Passover: Moments of Remembrance, 9:45 a.m., Marla Cohen, M.S., N.C.C., will lead this special time; Pesach Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar/bat mitzvah, as well as Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Please make a reservation through the office so we may plan accordingly. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, no facilities for infants. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel, 1011:30 a.m. BAT MITZVAH Julianna Scheet, daughter of Lisa Scheet and Gordon Scheet, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at the Shabbat Morning Service on Saturday, April 17.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat Chol HaMoed Pesach. Kabbalat/ Ma’ariv, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY, April 11: Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 7:45 p.m. MONDAY, April 12, Seventh Day of Passover: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:45 p.m.; Light candles no earlier than, 8:48 p.m. TUESDAY, April 13, Eighth Day of Passover: Shacharit, Yizkor, 9:15 a.m. End of Pesach, 9 p.m. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.; “Women in the Bible”, a sixweek course for women-only is conducted by Nancy Coren on Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.; this week’s session is on Deborah. The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is showing the award winning film, The Lost Wooden Synagogues of Eastern Europe, narrated by Theodore Bikel, on Wednesday, April 14, 7:30 p.m. at the Omaha JCC. For transportation arrangements, contact Betty Mellen, 423.0261.
Beautification Project Underway at Beth Israel Cemeteries by BETH COHEN Executive Director The Cemetery Committee of Beth Israel Synagogue has contracted with Lanoha Nurseries to complete a major beautification project this year at both the Golden Hill Cemetery and the Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol/Fisher Farms Cemetery. The project includes removing sedum plantings at both of the cemeteries. Sedum has proven over the years to be slow growing and not so hardy in our climate. In addition, sedum will not tolerate pre-emergent weed
sprays thus making weed control at the cemeteries difficult. The Cemetery Committee reviewed bids from five landscapers and considered a number of options for replacing the sedum including sod, hardier ground covering plants, flowering perennials and rock beds. By the beginning of May, each of the two cemeteries will have about 50 graves with some sample plantings and rock bed samples. The Cemetery Committee will evaluate over the summer which option is best for our cemetery conditions, and hope to complete
the project of replacing the sedum in each of the cemeteries in September, after the heat of the summer. In preparation for the May plantings, the graves that will be receiving the sample plantings will have the sedum removed and soil amendment work complete during April. Questions or comments regarding this major beautification project can be directed to the Beth Israel office at BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org or by calling 556.6288.
April 9, 2004
Chol HaMoed Pesach The warmth and love of parent and child is expressed between G-d and the Jewish people on Passover, as the Talmud states, “When Jews perform the will of G-d, they are called ‘children.’” The statement in the Talmud, however, continues, “And when Jews do not do the will of G-d, they are called ‘slaves.’” But what does this mean? A “slave” is someone who does the will of his master, albeit, not by their own will. If the Jews are not doing the will of G-d they certainly cannot be called “slaves.” Rather, they should be called AWOL! Let us take a step back and try to understand the first part of the statement that says we are called “children” when we do the will of G-d. If we are considered G-d’s children, G-d, of course, would be considered “Our Father.” When a child is careful to give his parents pleasure, parents are free to respond in kind. For example, a child who has maintained a warm relationship with his parents, even when an adult has the ability to ask his parents for financial help when in need. Similarly, when a person has complete faith in G-d, G-d responds in kind as “Our Father.” G-d has pleasure in bestowing goodness on His children according to the greatest ability possible. In such a case, man lacks nothing, and when he makes a request from G-d, his request can be fulfilled.
DEATHS RHEA M. POLSKY Former Omahan Rhea M. Polsky died March 24 in St. Joseph, MO, at the age of 83. She was a volunteer for the Heartland Cancer Treatment Center, and member of B’nai Sholem Temple, B’nai Brith Women, and Hadassah. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Polsky; brother, Robert Schneider; and sister, Dory Gerber. She is survived by daughters and son-in-law, Linda and Steve Rosenthal of Columbus, OH and Sandy and Robert Hallowell of St. Joseph, MO; and grandsons Michael Rosenthal of Chicago, IL, and Matthew Rosenthal of St. Louis, MO.
Israel Bonds Introduces New Mazel Tov Bond
WILLIAM DIAMOND William Diamond died at the age of 48. Services were held April 2 at BHH/Fisher Farms Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar. He is survived by his mother, Theresa Diamond; and his brother, Richard Diamond, both of Omaha. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
by BOB AISENFELD for State of Israel Bonds NEW YORK--State of Israel Bonds will begin, issuing its new $100 Mazel Tov Bond this winter. The bond is intended to be used as a gift for simchas such as Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, birthdays, Hanukkah, graduation, and other celebrations. “The Diaspora is rightly concerned about Israel right now, but no matter the crisis, it is a mitzvah to celebrate the happy times in our lives,” said Joshua Matza, Israel Bonds President & CEO. “The Mazel Tov Bond is an ideal way to commemorate a joyous milestone in life and help build Israel’s future at the same time. We designed it to be affordable to give as a gift for almost any occasion, not just the big celebrations.” The Mazel Tov Bond will be issued in $100 denominations and multiples of$100. The initial interest rate, is 3.7% and will pay $120 at maturity, five years from issue date. The interest rate will be set every six months, two business days before January 1 and July 1. The Bonds are non-transferable and not eligible for early redemption. Registered owners will receive beautiful and original artwork from Israel. The bond will replace the Chai Bond, which is being phased out in favor of the lower denominated Mazel Tov Bond. To receive a prospectus on the Mazel Tov Bond or other securities offered by State of Israel Bonds call the St. Louis regional office at 800.989.2663, locally at 432.1172, or visit www.Israelbonds.com. State of Israel Bonds/Development Corporation for Israel is an international organization offering securities issued by the government of Israel. Since the first bond was sold in 1951, Israel Bonds has secured close to $25 billion in investment capital for the development of every aspect of Israel’s economy, including agriculture, commerce and industry. Israel Bonds proceeds also play a major role in absorbing Jews from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and elsewhere. Throughout its history, Israel has maintained a perfect record for the payment of principal and interest on the securities it has issued. (This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read it carefully before investing.)
CORRECTION The caption under the Warmer Winter photo in the March 26 Jewish Press inadvertantly omitted information that Lois Epstein, Doris Shukert and Bette Kozlen were among the volunteers from the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah who donated hand-knitted scarves to Jewish Family Service.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the closing of the Jewish Press office the last two days of Passover (April 12-13), the deadline for articles, photos and ads is Wednesday, April 14, noon, for the April 23 issue. Photos used in the Passover issue may be picked up at the Jewish Press during regular business hours.
SOPHIE ROSENSTEIN FREEMAN Former Omahan Sophie Rosenstein Freeman died March 22 in Denver at the age of 94. She taught elementary grades in the Omaha Public Schools for many years. Following World War II, she tutored European refugees in English. She returned to teaching while still volunteering in community organizations including PTA, Planned Parenthood and Hadassah and also served on the National Board of the United Jewish Appeal. She was preceded in death by her husband, Myer Freeman ,who died in 1981. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Lorie Freeman and Robert Severson of Denver, CO; daughter, Sally Danielle Freeman of Durango, CO; sister, Ruth Goodman of Denver, CO; and grandsons, Michael Lavine of New York, NY, Marty Lavine, Jeffrey Severson, and Daniel Severson, all of Denver, CO; and four great-granddaughters. Memorials to the Hospice of Metro Denver, Planned Parenthood, End-of Life Choices (www.endoflifechoices.org), or a charity of choice.
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SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI TUVIA HOFFMAN
However, when the Jews do not do the will of G-d, G-d cannot respond in the way that He originally would have desired (which is to give the greatest goodness). This can be likened to the immature child who after insulting his parents asks for their financial help for money he squandered. In such a case, a parent can only help out his child a set number of times before the parent states, “I’m sorry, but I can’t help you out every time; you’ll have to learn the hard way.” As much love as the parent has for the child, the parent realizes that helping the child financially will not make the child more responsible. The best way to show love for this child, unfortunately, will have to be through punishment. In context of the Pesach seder, we show this symbolically. The middle matzah is broken and the larger part of it is stowed away as the afikomen, leaving one small broken piece. It is lacking. We do not have a complete matzah here--only a broken piece, representative of our relationship with G-d, broken, not complete. Passover, however is where we can correct this lacking. Passover is when we demonstrate our faith; commemorating the fact that 3,000 years ago we left Egypt to follow G-d into the desert where there was no food or water to sustain us--only G-d. Similarly today, we leave the comfort foods of our normal life and eat Matzah and Marror for no other reason than because G-d has asked us to do so, and like loving children, we oblige. This Passover, give your Father a little Yiddishe Nachas--make a prayer, tell G-d you love Him, and tell Him you hope to make your relationship with Him stronger than ever.
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April 9, 2004
Omaha Public Library Selected to Receive Isaac Bashevis Singer Centennial Grant by CYNTHIA VANA OPL Project Assistant Library grant program for Becoming an American Writer: The Life and Works of Isaac Bashevis Singer, formed by partnership of National Endowment for the Humanities, The Library of America, and the American Library Association. Omaha Public Library is pleased to announce that it is among 60 U.S. libraries selected to receive a grant to fund free program events celebrating the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning writer Isaac Bashevis Singer. The library is planning a series of programs, including a Klezmer Music concert at the Jewish Community Center on June 8, a family storytelling event featuring Jewish storytellers Ozzie Nogg and Marcy Cotton, and several children's story time activities beginning in the fall. Program schedules and details will be announced in mid-April. “Omaha is alive with different cultures,” says Rivkah Sass, Director of Omaha Public Library, “and the centennial celebration of Singer's birth and his great storytelling is a wonderful opportunity to bring our diverse community together to share both literature and culture.”
The American Library Association describes Singer as the most famous Yiddish writer of the twentieth century, an immigrant writer who made himself an American writer, in the process transforming American culture and being transformed himself. Winning libraries will also receive the three-volume hardcover authoritative collection Isaac Bashevis Singer: Collected Stories to be published by The Library of America in July 2004. The American Library Association, the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 64,000 members, offers programming guidelines and practical support to the winning libraries. The Library of America is a non-profit publisher and cultural institution created to preserve our nation’s literary heritage by publishing America’s best and most significant writings. All Omaha Public Library programs are free and open to everyone. Visit www.omaha.lib.ne.us or call 444-4800 for details. Established in 1877, Omaha Public Library is dedicated to building a culturally rich community.
CDC Kids Bring Pennies, Nickels and More for JFS Passover Tzedakah Project
When Moses said to Pharaoh,
“Let my people go,”
who
knew
?
they’d go sofar Today Israel is considered one of the most advanced nations in the world, a leader in science and technology.
State of Israel Bonds wishes you and your family a Happy Passover.
Your State of Israel Bonds investment will help Israel to continue to go farther than Moses ever dreamed.
8th Zero Coupon Bond
5.80%
Effective yield to maturity and current purchase price of $3,414 per unit for bonds purchased through April 23, 2004. Matures at $6,000 10 years from issue date (first day of the month following the month in which subscription is accepted by Fiscal Agent).
4th LIBOR Floating Rate
1.9375%
Issue (LFRI) Bond
Initial Interest rate for bonds purchased through April 2004. Based on 75 basis points (fixed at time of purchase) plus the 6 month LIBOR rate in effect on issue date, and recalculated thereafter on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1. Minimum subscription: $5,000 and multiples of $2,500 ($3,000 or $3,500 for IRAs only). Matures: 10 years from issue date.
3rd Jubilee (Series A) Issue Bond
3.90%
Fixed annual interest rate for bonds purchased through April 23, 2004. Matures 5 years from issue date. Minimum Subscription $25,000.
3rd Jubilee (Series B) Issue Bond For almost a century, Jewish Family Service of Omaha has provided aid and support to those in need in our community. Project Tzedakah is designed to provide low income or isolated individuals and families with essential food and sundries to enjoy tradi-
tional Jewish holidays. Food boxes are packed and delivered by volunteers to recipients’ homes three times a year. Prior to Passover the Child Development Center contributes tzedakah money, brought weekly by the children, to JFS for these projects.
B’nai B’rith Offers $250 for First Prize in Trivia Quiz by GARY JAVITCH In the 1966 movie, this actor Cast a Giant Shadow as Col. David Marcus in the story of Israel’s difficult struggle for statehood. He plays an American military officer who defied orders and led a faction of the Israeli Army in defense of its newly formed borders. Who was he? Even if you do not know that Kirk Douglas starred in that role, you can still have a lot of fun at the Fourth Annual B’nai B’rith Jewish Trivia Quiz. The 25question contest covers such diverse topics as Jewish personalities, literature, popular culture, Israel, the movies, the bible and more. What makes this event grow larger and larger each year, according to Steve Riekes, the founder of the competition, is that “You can compete individually or on a team of up to six (friends or family) members.” The fun event, sponsored by Henry Monsky Lodge #3306 has been held each year in conjunction with the Israel Independence Day celebrations at the JCC. The quiz will be held in the at the Jewish Community Center, Sunday April 25, 1:30 p.m.
Any member of the Jewish Community 13 or older can participate. The only restriction is that team members may not include members of the clergy or full time professional religious educators. To add a little excitement, there are prizes, also. The prize for first place is $250; second place, $100; third place prize is $50. Half of each prize will go to the team and the other half will go to a local Omaha Jewish charity or institution of the winning team's choosing. New this year is the addition of a minimum prize of $50 for the top-scoring high school team. According to Stan Mitchell, a member of the planning committee, that prize was added to encourage more teenagers to participate. Others involved in coordinating the event are Leonard Greenspoon, Gloria Kaslow, and Lois Epstein. The program is open to the community without charge. Both participants and spectators are welcome. Advanced registration is encouraged. Entry forms are available at the synagogues or the “J” or you can just show up. For additional information, call Lois at the B’nai B’rith office: 334-6443.
5.10%
Fixed annual interest rate for bonds purchased through April 23, 2004. Matures 10 years from issue date. Minimum Subscription $25,000
Mazel Tov Bond Purchase Price: $100 per unit. Matures 5 years from issue date at $120, representing an interest rate of 3.7%. This interest rate is effective through June 30, 2004. Owner receives an attractive certificate suitable for framing. Must be registered in the name of an individual (custodian for a minor), or jointly in the names of no more than two individuals. Nontransferrable. Not eligible for early redemption.
7th Development Issue (DI) Bond Current Income Bond: Annual interest rate is 4.00% per year, payable by check once a year on May 1. Savings Bond: Matures at 180% of issue amount, resulting in an effective yield to maturity of approximately 4.00%. Matures: 15 years from issue date. Denominations: $500 and multiples of $500. Additional Feature: Bonds at least 1 year old may be cashed in Israel, up to $2,500 a month per person, for Israeli currency, to defray tourist expenses. MATURED BONDS: After maturity, bonds no longer earn interest. ISSUES SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read it carefully before investing. Member NASD, SIPC
Development Corporation for Israel/State of Israel Bonds 9666 Olive Blvd., Suite 344 · St. Louis, MO 63132
314-432-1172 · 800-989-2663 www.israelbonds.com