Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
Six students awarded Sokolof Scholarships
April 13, 2012 21 Nisan 5772 Vol. 92 | No. 30
This Week
Following controversy, Texas school group to be more inclusive Page 6
LOVE’s annual Mother’s Day Flower and Balloon sale Page 11
by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation College-bound seniors David Glazer and Lilly Phillips have each been awarded a $10,000 Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarship. These awards are not based on need, but on Mr. Sokolof ’s criteria of personal achievement, scholastic performance, community service and overall good character. According to Suzanne Singer, chairperson of the otherwise anonymous committee, “Lilly and David were selected from a pool of very strong applicants. We were all amazed by the talents and achievements of so many Jewish students – our task was extremely difficult. While our number of applicants is always the largest for our college freshman scholarships,
David Glazer
Lily Phillips
Rick Emas
Samantha Kenik
Caroline Juster
Arthur Masyuk
Temple Israel to break ground for new building on April 15 Singer Regina Spektor stays true to Jewish roots Page 12
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Communications Coordinator A ceremonial groundbreaking for Temple Israel’s new building is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday,
Sterling Ridge development near 132nd and Pacific Streets. At the March 20 meeting of the Board of Trustees, a resolution, presented by the Building Council and
we also had numerous contenders for our other awards.” Following Mr. Sokolof ’s same criteria, $10,000 scholarships were awarded to two Omaha area residents in the field of Health Care. Winners of Health Care scholarships are Samantha Kenik and Rick Emas. To honor his daughter whose talent and appreciation of music and theater arts inspired him, Mr. Sokolof created the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund for students pursuing degrees in music performance, composition or music education. This year’s recipients are Caroline Juster and Arthur Masyuk. The community is invited to a short award ceremony honoring scholarship recipients and the Jewish Teacher of the Year, Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m. in the Jewish Continued on page 2
Victor Mashbein awarded Purple Heart by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press In the April 15, 2011 Jewish Press, almost exactly one year ago, we featured a story about World War II veteran Victor Mashbein. The story was part of our veterans’
erated some of my relatives, including my mother, who was 2 years old at the time. Without heroes like Victor, I wouldn’t be here today. It was nice to be able to say ‘thank you’ in person just once. During that initial landing, he was immediately wounded. His eardrum was
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
8 10 11
Next Month Mother’s Day See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
This rendering of the Community Court in the new Temple Israel will welcome congregants and guests alike into the new synagogue, which is expected to be completed in late 2013. April 15 (rain or shine) at the site for the new synagogue within the
Coordinating Committee, was unanimously passed allowing Temple Israel to engage Vrana Construction Company to obtain final pricing and start work on the new synagogue. Construction will begin shortly after the congregational celebration on Sunday. John Lehr, president of the Temple Israel Board of Trustees, noted that the congregation has been building toward this moment Continued on page 4
Victor Mashbein receiving his Purple Heart and Bronze Star from Senator Mike Johanns. issue; Victor was one of the many heroic Jewish Omahans included in that paper. Victor was just 17 years old when in 1944 he found himself in Normandy. The article was special to me personally, because Victor fought in the Netherlands. Numerous American soldiers just like him lib-
punctured, and he took artillery fire in his leg. That did not mean he went home; instead, he was sent to a hospital in Wales. He was released after two weeks, shrapnel still in his knee, and was back with his comrades before he knew it: “They didn’t even bother to take the bandages off,” he Continued on page 3
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Sokolof Scholarship winners Continued from page 1 Community Center Theater. A 30 minute play, Rachel and Ruthie, written by Karen Sokolof Javitch, will precede the presentation and a dessert reception will follow. The Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund and Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund are both administered by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. David Glazer David is a senior at Westside High School. A National Merit finalist, David has been a 4.0 Honor Roll student while taking many advanced placement courses. He is a member of National Honor Society and participated in Boys State. David received an Active Scholar Award for three years and the Westside Scholar Athlete Award-Highest Distinction. When he was a sophomore, David co-founded the Future Problem Solving (FPS) Club and is the club’s co-president. He helped direct a number of successful FPS Club projects, including establishing an after school club to fight childhood obesity. The volunteer work on this project garnered President Obama’s Gold Volunteer Service Award for over 1,000 hours of service. David served on the Student Advisory Board for four years and joined DECA his junior year. In his senior year, he was promoted to Vice President of Business Partnerships in DECA. He was a founding member of the math club Mu Alpha Theta. Last summer, David worked for Greater Omaha Packing Company as a research associate. He spent time researching the sewer overflow issue in Omaha and provided recommendations based on the findings. His freshman year, he founded Boss Lawns, a company specializing in mowing services and odd jobs. David continues to maintain a loyal customer base. During his freshman year, David was named captain of both the junior varsity basketball team and junior varsity soccer team. He has played soccer for 13 years, including varsity soccer since his sophomore year. He received a leadership award and bronze medal at the Maccabi Games. One letter of recommendation said, “Due to his intelligence and perceptions, David is quickly able to analyze the other team’s strengths, weaknesses and strategy. Similarly, David has been able to translate these skills to ‘off field’ settings in which he can quickly size up a situation, formulate a logical plan, assemble needed resources, gain consensus, motivate others and follow through to completion.” David plans to attend University of Michigan or University of Virginia. He is the son of Jordana and Jim Glazer. Lilly Phillips A senior at Westside High School, Lilly has been an honor roll student every year. “In a senior class filled with talented individuals, there are always a few students who immediately come to mind,” wrote one of her teachers. “Lilly would be at the very top of my list of students who are academically talented, positive thinking and self-directed.” One of only 3,000 high school seniors across the U.S. who was nominated for the United States Presidential Scholars Program, Lilly belongs to the National Honor Society. She received the Active Scholar Award for three years and was awarded two Chapter Laureate Recognitions for the National French Exam. Lilly participates in Hebrew Chai School and United Synagogue Youth (USY), and served as USY Social Action Vice President and Senior Representative. She attended Panim el Panim Jewish Leadership Conference and participated in leadership development and community projects at Nesiya in Israel. Lilly works for Westside’s literary art magazine, Xanadu. Her faculty advisor wrote, “I had such high expectations and trust in her abilities that I chose her as the assistant editor her junior year and the editor-in-chief her senior year. The fact that she is able to do this on top of all of her other leadership commitments is astounding.” She is also editor-inchief of Craze, an online magazine, and a member of Westside’s Ethical Literacy Club. She has performed in numerous Westside theatre productions and belongs to the Theater Club. Lilly is also a member of the cycling club and is working to create a community-wide cycling club for teens. Additionally, she participated in a project with the Urban Justice League and attended Inclusive Communities’ “Inclucity.” Since 2010, Lilly has served as co-coordinator of the Turtle Project, through University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Service Learning Academy. The Turtle Project is an inter-professional service-learning student-run project aimed to engage children and their mothers living at a shelter. She applied for and was awarded a grant from the Omaha Community Foundation to support the program, and helped launch it at the Siena/Francis House. Lilly’s parents are Julie and Eric Phillips. In the fall, Lilly will attend Stanford University.
Rick Emas Rick earned a Bachelor’s degree from University of Alberta in Canada and was certified as a paramedic through Creighton University’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program. He is currently enrolled in the Respiratory Care Program at Metropolitan Community College (MCC). Since he has many years of experience as a paramedic and emergency medical technician (EMT), moving into the field of respiratory therapy was a logical career step. A member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society for two-year colleges, Rick has been on MCC’s Dean’s list four times for academic achievement. One of Rick’s instructors noted how impressed she was with his ability to balance school, family and other activities. “Being a full-time student as an adult is extra challenging,” she wrote in her recommendation. “In addition to student responsibilities, the adult student also has to take care of family and home. Rick works hard in school, loves and supports his family and is active in his synagogue.” As member of Beth El Synagogue, Rick regularly attends morning minyan and serves on the medical and emergency medical care committees. From 2005-2009, he was Scoutmaster of Troop 218, Omaha’s only Jewish Boy Scout Troop. He also was an instructor with the Wood Badge Adult Education Program for Boy Scouts of America. Rick is a Mason and served in a leadership role for his lodge. A fellow Mason wrote, “He has done many charitable deeds through the Masons. I have found his character and integrity above reproach.” One of the reasons Rick wanted to go into the field of respiratory therapy is because he has always enjoyed helping people. During his years as an EMT and paramedic, he delivered babies and assisted sick and injured people. His instructor described him as “...one of the kindest, most accepting people I know.” Another way Rick helps others is by teaching CPR. He has taught in Canada, the U.S. and Israel. Rick and his wife, Leigh, have two sons, Macklin and Hal. Samantha Kenik Samantha graduated from Millard South High School and will earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology this spring from Creighton University. She has been accepted to Creighton’s School of Pharmacy and Health Professions to pursue a doctorate in pharmacy. A member of Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society, Samantha made the Dean’s list every year. She received Creighton’s Founder and Ignatian Awards. Additionally, she belongs to the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and received the Dean’s Service Honor Roll award. Samantha belongs to Theta Phi Alpha, a national women’s fraternity. She held leadership positions and participated in philanthropic activities with the organization. Samantha mentors an elementary school student through a program at Creighton and volunteers twice a month at Siena/Francis House. She was an after-school math tutor at Assumption Guadalupe Elementary School where many children were severely behind in math. In her application, Samantha wrote:”Some of the students were forced to attend, making it frustrating to keep their attention; but many had a real desire to learn. It was a difficult task to make students want to participate...but I have always enjoyed teaching, and feel that it is an essential ability when educating patients on their conditions and treatments.” Since her freshman year, Samantha has worked as a pharmacy technician and was a research assistant at UNMC’s Eppley Cancer Center the past two summers. She was an emergency room volunteer at Creighton University Medical Center and “shadowed” a number of physicians. A Creighton professor described her as an outstanding student with superior intelligence. He wrote, “My appreciation for Samantha’s abilities and accomplishments increased when I learned of her long-time involvement in dressage [horse riding competitions]. The fact that she has pursued this demanding sport along with her studies and other activities is testament to her organization and time management skills as well as to her overall drive and determination.” In addition to her equestrian interests, Samantha played competitive tennis while growing up, was a summer tennis instructor, and now plays tennis in the USTA women’s tennis league. Samantha is the daughter of Suzan and Jay Kenik. Caroline Juster Caroline was the valedictorian at Westside High School in 2010. She plays tenor trombone and is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at Northwestern University, with a doublemajor in history. Her goal is to perform with a professional symphony orchestra. One of Caroline’s professors wrote, “She is a very impressive young person. I can’t say enough positive things about Caroline. She is among the elite class of students that I have Continued on page 3
April 13, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 3
Sokolof Scholarship winners Continued from page 2 ever encountered.” Caroline’s love of music began with piano lessons in first grade. She studied piano and guitar for ten years. In fifth grade, Caroline began playing trombone, performing in the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras and ensembles at school. A music director who worked with her for a number of years wrote, “Caroline Juster is the most impressive combination of skills, performance ability, determination and hard work that I have seen in a brass player.” At Northwestern, she performs in the Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra and Trombone Choir. She founded, manages and performs with Orrington Brass, a brass quintet that performs on campus and in the Chicago area. According to her brass quintet’s music coach, Caroline is a talented musician with a professional attitude. “She consistently displays great technique, musicality, pitch and tone in all styles of music,” he wrote. “She is a person of wonderful character and talent, possessing a very impressive work ethic.” A recipient of a Northwestern University National Merit Scholarship, Caroline is an “A” student. She was recently selected as Second Alternate in a trombone competition sponsored by the International Trombone Association. Caroline works as a student assistant at Northwestern’s Music Library. She participates in community service by playing in many outreach performances with Orrington Brass. Carolyn attends weekly Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera performances. She also exercises six days a week, takes kickboxing and enjoys biking. Caroline is the daughter of Sara Juster and Sorin Juster.
class of 2012 high school seniors
Arthur Masyuk A graduate of Millard West High School, Arthur is working toward a Bachelor of Music degree at Indiana University (IU). Since he first heard a violin when he was young, Arthur knew he wanted to play that instrument. His training began twelve years ago. He performed with Omaha Area Youth Orchestras for ten years, as well as chamber and varsity orchestras during high school. When Arthur is in Omaha, he performs for the residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. A music director who worked with Arthur for ten years described him as “...the most technically advanced musician the Omaha Jewish community has produced” in over a decade. “I am certain he will go on to an impressive career in music.” Arthur formally trains in solo, chamber and orchestral violin playing at IU. He is a member of a chamber music quartet and performs with the university’s Philharmonic Orchestra. He served as assistant concertmaster for IU’s Symphony Orchestra. Arthur received the Ruth E. Thompson Friends of Music Scholarship in January, and received a Music Deans Scholarship. In her recommendation of Arthur, his high school orchestra director wrote, “Arthur is an extraordinary musician and human being. It has been an honor to see him grow from a talented violinist into a mature musical artist.” One of his violin instructors echoed this sentiment when she wrote, “He has excellent intonation and rhythm, a beautiful tone and a genuine, instinctive sense for phrasing.” In addition to his busy music schedule, Arthur is seeking a minor in the French language. He also is fluent in the Russian language, proficient in Spanish and has some
high school seniors and parents We will be publishing our annual high school graduation class pages on June 1, 2012. To be included, we need your graduation photo and the information below. You can also email your information and photo to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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knowledge of Hebrew. Arthur also finds time to serve as a member of IU’s Read Center Judicial Board. The board is a branch program of student government in his dor-
mitory that reviews and adjudicates students’ cases and conduct. Arthur is the son of Karina and Terry Brown.
Victor Mashbein Continued from page 1 left to the historians alone. remembers. “They thought I’d be dead in In Victor’s case, he’s one of very few who two weeks anyway; what’s the difference? are still here to bear witness. Many others They bandaged you up and sent you right are not, and that is why ceremonies like back in, like it was some kind of football these are more valuable than words can game.” Victor was wounded again while fighting in the Belgian Ardennes: “That time, I lay in a field until they picked me up,” he remembers. Eventually, only 19 years old and against all odds, he was discharged and made it back to Council Bluffs, where he married Alice. Since that first interview, we’ve stayed in touch. Last month Victor called to let us know there were others who wanted to thank him for his Victor Mashbein with his son-in-law Steve, left, service: on Tuesday, April 3, a daughter Robbin, and grandson Zachary. diverse audience came to one of the auditoriums at Boys Town’s administrative express. It’s why Victor’s daughter Robbin, headquarters to bear witness as Senator his son-in-law Steve and grandson Mike Johanns pinned a Purple Heart on Zachary traveled all the way from San Victor’s lapel. Then, he added a Bronze Star. Francisco to share this moment with him. In the room were other veterans, representIt’s also why the Jewish Press would like ing those who fought in Vietnam, Iraq, and to continue to tell stories like Victor’s; we Afghanistan. There were WW II survivors, know there are more people in our comfamily members, and other representatives munity to write about, as well as family of both the Jewish community and the members who would like to remember wider Omaha community. It was a moment them. If you have such a family member, if for which Victor had waited almost 70 you have such a story to tell, please give us years. It was also proof that what he did, a call at 402.334.6450 or email avanand the events of which he was such an dekamp@jewishomaha.org. We can’t wait integral part, are much too important to be to hear from you.
4 | The Jewish Press | April 13, 2012
The prayer debate
Temple Israel to break ground Continued from page 1 for approximately nine years. Selecting a contractor has “been a thorough and professional” process adding that he takes “great pride in approving this motion for the next 60 to 70 years.” At the ceremony on April 15, following an opening prayer, John Lehr and Harley Schrager, co-chair of the Capital and Endowment Committee, will welcome the congregation and express their thankfulness for reaching this point in Temple Israel’s history. The clergy will lead everyone in Shehecheyanu followed by an explanation by John Waldbaum and Ted Zetzman, who have been instrumental in the project, of the timeline and process to complete the new building. Members of the New Building Coordinating Committee, Fundraising Chairs, Youth Group Board, and preschoolers will also participate in the groundbreaking. Those attending should enter the Sterling Ridge development from the Pacific Street entrance and follow volunteers who will be directing traffic to parking areas. Shuttles will assist people in getting to the construction site. After the ground breaking, those in attendance will be able to see renderings and plans for the new Temple Israel, look at views from the site, and walk around it. Light refreshments will be served. Please wear appropriate shoes since it is still a dirt surface. Religious School students will have an opportunity to partake in the groundbreaking event. They’ll be transported by school bus from Temple Israel to Sterling Ridge where they can meet their parents. Transportation will not be provided to return to Temple Israel after the ceremony. As Nebraska’s oldest Jewish congregation looks forward to beginning construction on its fourth home, Temple Israel’s Rabbi Aryeh Azriel marveled at the timing of the groundbreaking. “I love the idea that it’s going to happen right after Passover. I love the connection of seeing the land together, as a congregation, which we have been seeking for so long. I feel joy and excitement, and I’m challenging all of us to think about the character of our community, the relationships within our own congregation, our new neighborhood, and the Jewish community that we must nurture as we near the moment of ribbon cutting at our new home.” Rabbi Mordechai Levin of Beth El Synagogue congratu-
lated “Temple Israel’s congregation as they celebrate the historic groundbreaking for their new home. I know that this congregation has long aspired to move into a new building, and that dream will now become a reality. All of our synagogues in Omaha enjoy a special camaraderie, and we at Beth El look forward to continuing that relationship with Temple as we become closer neighbors.” Bev Fellman, president of the Beth El Board of Trustees, said, “Beth El is really a proud sister of Temple Israel. And our blessings and mazel tov go to all of the members of Temple as you create and build your new home. The building of a synagogue is a seminal event. It says to the world that we, the faithful of Judaism, are not only surviving but flourishing. And it announces that we are confident that our children, grandchildren, and the following generations will continue to hold dear our values and religion and will, in their turn, continue to build.” Rabbi Jonathan Gross of Beth Israel Synagogue also welcomes Temple Israel. “This is a very exciting time for our Jewish community,” he said. “The entire Beth Israel congregation looks forward to welcoming our new neighbor.” “We are very excited to have Temple Israel in the neighborhood,” added Guy Matalon, president of the Beth Israel Board of Commissioners. “Having the major institutions of Jewish life close to one another shows the strength of our community and allows for opportunities to share ideas and programs.” Aaron Rosenfeld, executive director of the Jewish Community Center, also welcomed Temple Israel to the neighborhood. “The Omaha Jewish Community is an amazingly interconnected community in so many ways. The JCC has worked closely with Temple Israel as it has with all the synagogues, temples, and community organizations,” he said. “With its new proximity to our campus, there will be even more opportunities to collaborate and more ways for the community to engage in Jewish life in Omaha.” To date, $23,400,000 has been raised in pledges for the project. The goal is participation in the fundraising process by all members of the congregation. Donors who have already made their pledges can accelerate payment which will increase the cash flow necessary during the early stages of construction.
Partners with God JUDY TAWIL ROSENFELD A friend and I were discussing the issue and meaning of our children reciting fixed prayers on a daily basis. What if our kids were bored from the prayer said in synagogues or in religious school? Should we change the prayer to make it more meaningful to them or keep it the way it’s been for many years? My friend believes that there is a value in reciting the formal prayers and continuing the traditions that have been handed down for thousands of years. Children need to learn that prayer is not just for their own immediate needs. Prayer can connect them with the entire Jewish community, past and present. Learning the prayers will prepare them to be comfortable in any synagogue. There is a value in repetition and with patience our children will find meaning in prayer. While I do believe that traditional prayer is beneficial and important I sometimes find it hard to be inspired by the prayer in the siddur (prayer book). I know the value of communal prayer, but if one of the goals of prayer is to connect with God, then we need to teach our kids that there are many ways to pray. Yes, we must pray from the siddur , but we can also pray from the heart, by meditating, by having a conversation with God and by praying outside the box. Our sages had the same dilemma and while they formalized prayer with the creation of the siddur, they always encouraged prayer from the heart and even included opportunities to do so in the formal prayers. Let’s teach our kids to love to pray to God with a community and to have their own personal prayers to God. And when they grow up they can learn that the Hebrew word for prayer is lehitpalel, which means to judge one’s self, a lofty goal for us all. Judy Rosenfeld will be writing for the Jewish Press on a regular basis about family, religion, and Jewish parenting. She can be reached at justjudyjt@ aol.com.
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Out
Free women’s health screenings offered at Beth El Dining
April 13, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 5
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Women’s well-being will be front and center on Sunday, April 22, as Beth El hosts “Health Matters: A Woman’s Health Screening” at the synagogue. The 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. health screenings will be led by Amy Raffel BSN, RN, and Hilary Muhle, BSN, RN; both women are graduate nursing students specializing in women’s health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Services during the morning will include Hilary Muhle and Amy Raffel blood pressure assessments, blood glucose screening and nutrition assessments; in addition, osteoporosis risk factors for women will be explained, and informational pamphlets about heart disease, menopause and osteoporosis will be available. Screenings will be personalized for individuals’ concerns
or needs, Raffel pointed out, saying, “Drop in for a quick check or just to get some information. We are happy to answer any questions and although this is aimed at women, we would like to also encourage men to stop by and grab some information for themselves or the women in their lives, be it a mother, sister, aunt, cousin, or niece.” She added that, “As a Jewish woman and proponent of preventative health care, I wanted to bring health-care screening and awareness to our synagogue. While many of you may be aware that there are a number of genetic diseases that are found in higher incidences in Ashkenazi Jews, routine preventative health care is also vital to all men and women. We need to also focus on general health and wellness. The media promote massive amounts of information and many times this information is conflicting. We want to be able to provide clear, concise recommendations for healthy lifestyles while also promoting preventative medicine. “As we transition through life, there are many changes that women go through. Health care doesn’t end because we feel good. Positive outcomes and healthy lifestyles are the result of well-informed, educated men and women.” All screenings will be done free of charge, and advance reservations are not needed to participate.
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Religious communities in Lincoln connect by DAVID FEINGOLD After dinner, Rabbi Lewis was invited to speak to the Lincoln, NE - Nearly 200 Lincolnites came together for a gathering and humorously suggested that the three faiths Children of Abraham Family Gathering on March 29. The reconcile the scheduling of the Sabbath by having a threeday weekend every week, event was sponsored by the Niagara and said: “Even if we do not Foundation, which encourages and agree on which days are organizes similar events around the holy, we do share the idea country. that one day is set aside. We The Niagara Foundation partnered can embrace these differwith Lincoln’s Congregation B’nai ences. We can learn about Jeshurun, the South Street Temple, St. each other’s various obserPaul United Methodist Church, vances. With mutual respect Westminister Presbyterian Church, and and understanding, we can Afghan Renascent Youth Association. unite in protecting each The event, intended to create lasting other’s right to be different cross-cultural friendships, understand- to be different while we ing and respect, began with the Muslim share a common task.” call to prayer and was followed by the The rabbi’s remarks were sounding of the shofar by Rabbi Craig followed by a keynote Lewis of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Rabbi Lewis speaking at the Children of address from Fr. Thomas Rev. Robert Snell of Westminister Abraham Family Gathering. Michel, a Jesuit priest and Presbyterian Church, which hosted the Senior Fellow at the Center for Muslim-Christian dinner, presented a call to peace. Rabbi Lewis said the invitation for members of the South Understanding at Georgetown University. Gifts of appreciation were given to Rabbi Lewis and Fr. Street Temple to participate in the dinner coincided with a discussion at Temple about connecting with Lincoln’s Michel, who received a scroll inscribed with the “Seven Advice of Mevlana” (Rumi, the 13th century Persian poet). diverse religious communities.
TribeFest inspires more than 1,500 young Jews by BOB GOLDBERG “Convening with other Jews is one of the most important things we can do to keep Judaism alive,” comedian and Saturday Night Live star Rachel Dratch told the audience earlier this week at The Jewish Federations of North America’s TribeFest 2012. Dratch’s comments were met with passionate cheers from more than 1,500 young Jews from around North America, who came to the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas to be part of a groundbreaking event aimed at engaging the next generation of the Jewish community. TribeFest 2012 ended after three days of thought-provoking, inspiring programming on politics, philanthropy, business, entertainment and culture in the Jewish world. Participants heard from headliners like Dratch, best-selling humorist and author A.J. Jacobs and Olympic gold-medal swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg, and listened to stories of people whose lives have been transformed by the collective impact of Jewish Federations and other organizations. “I had an awesome time at Tribefest,” said Omahan Tammy Varkony. “It was a great opportunity to meet all sorts of different Jewish young adults from all over the USA and Canada. I haven’t had that kind of experience since I lived in Israel. The speakers were also excellent, and the entire conference exceeded my expectations. I hope Tribefest will turn into a regular event. I would definitely go again!” Omaha was well represented with a group of nine participants at the conference. TribeFest Co-Chair Jason Rubinoff of Toronto said, “We all came to TribeFest to be a part of the same Jewish tent. We have seen that there are so many ways to become more involved, and strengthen our communities, our connection with Israel and our Jewish identities.” Omaha’s Tribefest Chair, Dusty Friedman, said “The quality and scale of the event this year definitely exceeded all my
expectations. I had such an amazing time last year, which is why I decided to come back this year; however, I did not expect it to be this amazing of an event. At one of the evening events, we noticed the owner of the casino was there. I thought it was great that he was so helpful to the event and also took his time to come down and meet people.” TribeFest also featured unique sessions, created with input from TribeFest participants and the more than 92 partners and sponsors that were a part of the event. TribeFest’s innovative format fostered social interaction and learning. In the “Big Show” exhibit hall, hit Jewish musical acts from Israel and North America like Hatikva 6, Moshav, Diwon and Aya Korem took the stage each evening, while participants danced, networked and visited the booths of partner organizations featuring ideas on everything from Jewish art to Israel experience programs. Rachel Wright of Detroit, TribeFest co-chair, emphasized TribeFest’s goal of encouraging Jewish communal life. “We’re really just getting started at TribeFest,” she said. “This was an opportunity to see what’s out there in the Jewish world, and how you can take advantage of it all. Now we want participants to take some of what they’ve seen here, heard here and experienced here, and apply it to their own lives.” After three days in the desert, JFNA President and CEO Jerry Silverman hoped the event would meet its goals of bringing more voices to the Jewish communal table. “It is not about just being at TribeFest,” he said. “It is about taking the energy, the conversations and the excitement and bringing it home. It is there where the real work begins, and we are counting on you to make it happen.” Omaha’s Tribefest participation was made possible by generous grants from the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation and the Sadie and Harry Kulakofsky Endowment Fund, both of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
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6 | The Jewish Press | April 13, 2012
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by SHIRA SCHOENBERG The denial of membership to Iman Academy SW, The New (JTA) -- Comments by the head of a Texas school associ- York Times reported, came after the school was asked to subation at the center of a controversy over Sabbath accommo- mit an application that asked such questions as, “Does the dations is fueling a drive by its members to be more open to Koran actually state that the Bible is polluted?” The Times the needs of Jewish and Muslim schools. reported that at least two other Islamic schools were given Edd Burleson, the director of the The Texas Association of similar questionnaires but declined to complete them. Private and Parochial Schools, Burleson said the board revived the controversy over denied Iman Academy’s the Robert M. Beren Academy application because the of Houston’s participation in school had no experience in the state boys’ basketball tourathletic competition. nament last month when he But he said that TAPPS has told the Dallas Morning News never made an effort to deterin an interview published mine whether its members Sunday that the predominantwant the organization to ly Christian association include schools of all faiths. It “shouldn’t have accepted is now doing so, holding two (Beren) in the first place.” member meetings and disThe Houston Chronicle tributing a survey asking reported that the TAPPS schools if they want the assoboard could decide next ciation to be all inclusive and month whether to penalize the Beren Academy players huddling during the TAPPS boys’ whether they are willing to Beren Academy for a rules vio- basketball 2A championship game, March 3, 2012. make accommodations. Credit: Beren Academy The New York Times reportlation for failing to withdraw from the tournament last month. Beren had requested a time ed that TAPPS surveyed members in 2010 about whether to change for the 2A tournament’s semifinals and finals, which include Muslim schools. Of the 83 schools that responded, were scheduled for a Friday night and Saturday afternoon, to 63 percent said it was not in TAPPS’ best interest, the paper accommodate Sabbath observance. TAPPS agreed to do so reported. only after several players and their parents filed a lawsuit. “Over the 20 years I’ve been associated with TAPPS, It wasn’t the first religious controversy for TAPPS. In 2010, there’s been no direction from our membership to be all its board denied membership to a Muslim school after ask- inclusive,” Burleson told JTA. ing the Iman Academy SW to complete an application with Bill McGee, the headmaster of Hill Country Christian questions about Islam, The New York Times reported. School in Austin, which faced Beren in the playoffs and In an interview with JTA, Burleson defended both the com- moved its game time to accommodate the Beren communiments about Beren Academy and the decision by TAPPS to ty’s Shabbat observance, spoke at a March 27 TAPPS meetexclude the Muslim school. Burleson said TAPPS was ing in favor of inclusivity. upholding its rules, not engaging in religious discrimination. He said the United States was built on religious tolerance But now TAPPS member schools are pushing the associa- and that his school had no problem accommodating the tion to become more accommodating. Some, including the religious beliefs of Beren students. Texas Catholic Conference, which represents the state’s “The general membership desires to be inclusive, and that Catholic schools, are threatening to withdraw if their con- seems to be at odds with the leadership of the organization,” cerns are not resolved. McGee told JTA. “An organization which is primarily athlet“As an organization of private and parochial schools, we ic or competitive in nature, there’s no reason for those should be open to everyone, allow all students to participate organizations to be exclusive.” and be sensitive to their needs,” said Jeffery Patterson, execLarry Taylor, head of TAPPS member school Prestonwood utive director of the Texas Catholic Conference, which Christian Academy in Plano, believes the association would asked TAPPS to let the member schools review TAPPS’ be strengthened by the involvement of all non-public schools. operations. “If this doesn’t get resolved appropriately, cer“The sheer number strengthens the quality of our competainly it will bring into question whether Catholic schools tition,” Taylor said. And, he added, “The diversity provides will continue our affiliation with TAPPS.” an experience for our students that’s very important for their Rabbi Harry Sinoff, head of school at Beren Academy, preparation for college and for life.” declined to comment on Burleson’s remarks but said the To some members, inclusion is a religious obligation. Connie school would like to remain in TAPPS. Wootton, executive director of the Southwestern Association “They’re at a crossroads now, reflecting on what their mis- of Episcopal Schools, said a major tenet of an Episcopal educasion should be,” Sinoff said. “A broad mission of inclusive- tion is racial, ethnic, economic and religious diversity. ness, bringing together lots of different schools and making “If we expect others to respect our beliefs, we have to accommodations that would be reasonable, or do they want respect theirs, too,” she said. “That’s the Christian model.” to be a more homogeneous, narrowly focused organization? Martin Cominsky, regional director for the Anti... We hope they go for inclusiveness so we can be part of it.” Defamation League’s Southwest Region, said his agency was Sinoff said he did not know the details of the cases involv- disappointed by TAPPS’ attitude toward Muslim and Jewish ing the Muslim school but that he would like to see all the schools. schools included in TAPPS -- Jewish, Muslim, Christian or “I believe TAPPS should use universal admissions criteria others. “There should be objective criteria for admission, that are not discriminatory against any particular religion,” and all schools who meet that criteria should be admitted Cominsky said. “Those politics ought to reflect the everwithout reference to religion or race,” he said. increasing diversity in the state of Texas.” TAPPS, which was created in 1978, has approximately 220 member schools, nearly all Christian, that compete in athletic and arts competitions. Burleson maintains that he does not object to a Jewish B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS school, but said that when Beren Academy joined the league Tom Shatel, Omaha World-Herald sports columnist, who three years ago, school officials said they understood that it is not shy about talking about anything, will discuss the hirwould not be able to participate in the playoffs. ing of the new Nebraska Men's Basketball Coach-Tim “Three years later there was a lot of controversy, a lot of Miles, Bo Pelini and Husker football, and Creighton baskethard feelings, a lot of changes that had to be made to accomball on Wednesday, April 18, noon at the Blumkin Home. modate the school that told us up front they would not An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is request these accommodations,” Burleson said. $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list Nathan Lewin, a prominent Washington attorney who repcall 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. resented the Beren parents and players, said Burleson’s comments confirmed that “he has a very jaundiced, and I can LOMIR REDN YIDDISH only say bigoted, view about people other than his own kind.” How much Yiddish do you know? Probably more than Lewin compared Beren’s agreeing not to dispute the you think. Some English words have made their way into schedule to a civil rights case regarding an unconstitutional Yiddish. Many Yiddish words are commonly used in property deed barring a sale to a black person. English. Every first Thursday of the month, we will be play“You can’t be barred from exercising your constitutional ing Yiddish Bingo. This will give you a chance to show off right because somebody has had a biased and illegal provision the Yiddish you didn’t even know you knew. Everyone is in their bylaws and contract when you’ve come in,” Lewin invited! We meet every Thursday from 1-3 p.m., in the said. (While the school asked TAPPS for an accommodation, Rose Blumkin Home Board Room. For information call it was parents and the players, not the school, who filed suit.) Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.
Organizations
April 13, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 7
Many reasons to celebrate at the JCC by ESTHER KATZ The last week of April offers many reasons to come to the Jewish Community Center. Whether you love performing arts, have a competitive streak, or simply are looking for a great place where you can spend Yom Ha’atzmaut, the J is where you should be. Yom Ha’atzmaut Schedule of Events On Sunday, April 22, at 4 pm, the Hameytarim Band from Akko Israel will perform live at the JCC Theater. The Hameytarim Band is a group of “Ort-Akko” high school graduates. Their performance was created for our Partnership2GETHER Central Area Consortium communities and tells the story of Israel. Appetizers following the event. For more information, contact CJE at 402.334.6445. The event is free. On Monday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. there will be a documentary screening of Israel Inside: How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference at the JCC Theater. This documentary shows Israel beyond the conflict. See the character traits of modern Israel, such as high technology, medicine, agriculture, and tikkun olam, and how they have been a success story for Israel. On Tuesday, April 24, at 7 p.m. the annual B’nai B’rith Trivia Quiz will take place at the JCC Community Room. Form a team and compete for cash prizes; participants get a free dinner! Contact the B’nai B’rith office at 402.334.6443 for more information or to register. On Wednesday, April 25 at 7 pm The JCC Cultural Arts department presents Israeli Food, Wine, & Fashion in the JCC auditorium.. Tickets are $18; 21 and over. Experience the contemporary culture of modern day Israel, with Israeli wine tasting, Mediterranean style hors d’oeuvres and an Israeli inspired fashion showcase! The night will begin at 7 p.m. with a Yom Ha’Zikaron Commemoration in the JCC Lobby. RSVP is required. Please RSVP to Esther Katz at ekatz@jccomaha.org or 402.334.6406. On Thursday, April 26 from 5-7 pm, the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Carnival will be held at the JCC Pavilion. Children of all ages are invited to our carnival! Climb Masada, navigate the Wingate obstacle course, soak up some sun on Tel Aviv Beach, play Gaga and more. Star Catering will have food available for purchase. In addition, there will be face painting, airbrush tattoos and balloons for all. A special thanks to the Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation, the Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Foundation, the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, and the Special Donor Advised Fund for making these events possible.
Saturday, April 21 Saturday 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church Fremont, Nebraska
Hebrew Mamita in Omaha by JESSICA GALL B’rith Youth Organization and is the director/developer of Education Project Director, ADL Plains States Region MONOLOGUES - an evening of solo performances by 15 On Thursday, March 29, the Jewish Community Center, young adults exploring their Jewish identity, inspired by a 10Jewish Federation of Omaha, Anti-Defamation League- day trip through Israel, produced by Birthright Israel NEXT. Community Relations Committee and Young Jewish Omaha During Hidary’s Omaha performance, she read a selection welcomed poet and spokenof her works including one of her most well-known poems, word artist, Vanessa Hidary, Hebrew Mamita, as well as a also known as the Hebrew short story that humorously Mamita to the JCC for a comaddressed dating both in and munity-wide performance. outside of her faith and culHidary, a native New Yorker, ture. Following the performgrew up on Manhattan’s culance, Hidary signed copies of turally diverse Upper West her newest book, The Last Side, graduating from Kaiser Roll in the Bodega. Her LaGuardia High School of the Arts and Hunter College. Her Aaron Rosenfeld, left, Vanessa Hidary, Bob Goldberg, Esther final performance, a presentation at the BBYO Spring experiences as a Sephardic Katz, Jessica Gall and Lizzie Gilbert. Jew with close friends from different ethnic and religious Regional Convention at the Sheraton Hotel on Friday, backgrounds inspired her to write Culture Bandit, the March 30, was an engaging performance met with enthusinationally toured solo show that chronicles Vanessa’s coming asm and excitement by 142 teenagers from Omaha, Kansas of age during the golden age of Hip-Hop and her dedication City and St. Louis. “I was impressed with Vanessa’s ability to to fostering understanding and friendship between all peo- get these young students to identify and share the day-tople. She has aired three times on Russell Simmon’s Presents day Anti-Semitic experiences that they regularly deal with. Def Poetry Jam on HBO, and is featured in the short film, The Teens left her session with a renewed sense of their own Tribe [http://www.tribethefilm. com], which was selected Jewish identity and pride in who they are,” stated Jodi for the Sundance Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival, and Levine, Teen/BBYO Director for the Omaha Council. For the Jewish Motifs International Film Festival in Warsaw, further information about Vanessa Hidary, The Hebrew Poland, where Vanessa attended as the film’s representative. Mamita, please check out her website at www.hebrewShe has conducted poetry and racism workshops with B’nai mamita.com.
Temple Israel honors senior members by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator As the recipients of a rich tradition of building synagogues, creating communities, and esablishing a vibrant Jewish life in America set forth by the generations that came before us, we need to take time to honor them. On Friday, April 20 at the 6 p.m. Shabbat worship service, Temple Israel will take this collective opportunity to thank the living source of this legacy. Within each one of our senior adult members rests the history of our congregation and our community, the neighborhoods in which we have lived and our synagogue has called home. Our senior adults have stories, wisdom, and a perspective that many of us will gain only with time. Without these older generations, none of us would be here to engage in Jewish life and to build the foundation --figuratively and literally -- to ensure a Jewish future. Harry and Doris Alloy, as well as Albert and Joan Rieder, are among those who have enjoyed attending previous Shabbats that honored senior members and look forward to being together for the next one. Senior adults who would like to attend and require trans-
portation assistance can call the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536. After worship services, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will present another episode of “Clergy Unplugged” during which they invite congregants’ questions on just about anything. “I enjoyed the conversation and the interaction with the rabbis and the cantor. We do a lot of laughing as well as some serious discussion,” recalled Dora Goldstrom. “The food was wonderful as well,” she added. “At the end of the evening, you’ve had wonderful (refreshments), great conversation, and learned more about Judaism,” recalled Todd Hutton. It’s “a buffet for the body and soul.” Susie Silverman agreed that the talk was “stimulating,” the atmosphere was “warm and inviting -- a perfect way to spend Shabbat. The rabbis and cantor ‘unplugged’ is a treat not to be missed. Conversation with the clergy leads to a great deal of introspection.” Among the hors d’oeuvres at a deluxe Oneg that night will be sliced roasted turkey breast served on tea rolls, assorted cheese and fruit trays, and an array of sweets.
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Sunday, May 6 | 9:30 a.m. Ride to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut We will meet at the Omaha JCC and travel through the beautiful Loess Hills of Western Iowa For information call or text Howard Kutler at 402.699.5407
8 | The Jewish Press | April 13, 2012
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
Dusting off the cobwebs
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor, Jewish Press During Passover, many of us enjoy a clean home. The process of removing the chametz is accompanied by a good scrubbing of the kitchen, the sorting of toys (lest certain children –not pointing any fingers- hide cookies in awkward places) and a general spring cleaning that leaves us with a refreshed environment and an organized house. Although the act of cleaning isn’t always easy (especially if you have a busy job and a demanding family), the result is a feeling of accomplishment. I’ve always felt that getting rid of clutter is good for one’s mental health: uncluttered surroundings make for an uncluttered mind. Of course, once everything is done, I personally don’t really want to do anything else. Seriously, this was a lot of work, so someone should give me a break already. And yet, I can’t help wondering; now that the kitchen is done and the living room picked up, what else is there to un-clutter? My opinions maybe, my general behavior, or perhaps the way I treat other people, like my colleagues and my family? There could be much more to ‘cleaning house’ than merely scrubbing pots and pans. Maybe I should take advantage of my momentum and tackle a few of those areas. Luckily, my timing is impeccable: this month, we start training every employee on campus in the area of customer service. The concept is simple and straightforward: we should make an effort to be nice to anyone we encounter during the day. That’s not to say we aren’t already, in fact, the customer service here is very good. However, we don’t want to be very good; we want to be absolutely phenomenal. And in order to do so, we have to stay on top of things, keep learning new things, and not simply assume we’ll always be good. The customer service initiative came to our campus, credit to Karen Gustafson, Jewish Family Services’ Executive
Director. It’s a great example of the ‘One Campus’ way of thinking: if Karen at JFS has a great idea, we should all take advantage. There are some areas we are dusting off here at the Press as well. First of all, we are delighted with the addition of Shiri Tene as our newest team member. Shiri will join Jessie Wees in the sales department; she comes to us from Beth El Synagogue and the Center for Jewish Education. We have no doubt she’ll do a great job, and we’re very happy to have her. Please contact her as soon as possible with your advertising leads. Or, you might take out an ad yourself, if you haven’t already. She can be reached at stene@jewishomaha.org. In addition, we are welcoming Judy Rosenfeld as our newest freelancer. She will be writing a parenting column on a regular basis, and adding an interesting voice to the mix. We’re sure you will enjoy her stories. We’ve seen a lot of changes between last Passover and this year’s; there is much more excitement in store. Next month, we’ll start publishing stories about this year’s lay leadership award winners, and it’s a fascinating line up, so stay tuned! Of course, we’re enjoying the fact that our Passover issue was well received, but at the same time we are already thinking about the Rosh HaShana edition later this year. As always, we’d love to hear your ideas. If you think of a great topic, don’t be shy; email us at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org. And if you would like to see a list of topics we’ve done before (nothing is as frustrating as coming up with a great idea, only to hear: “we did that in 1998,” I know, I’ve been there), feel free to give us a call and we’ll send it to you. One more thing: remember the Jewish veterans’ stories we did last year? We’re eager to hear some more. It is our hope that those stories (and any
new ones we can add) will eventually live on the website we’re working on. Wouldn’t it be cool if we ended up with a massive archive dedicated to Jewish heroes? So if you have a hot tip for us about a local Jewish veteran, and he or she was not featured in the Jewish Press before, please give us a call at 402.334.6450; we’d be ever so grateful. And finally, we are looking for Jewish recipes, written by locals. No, you don’t have to bring samples to the Press office (although we’re not opposed to that), you just send us your favorite homegrown recipe, with a photo, and voila. You can use the same email address as mentioned before. Susan Fellman Witkowski, you know I’m counting on you to send us some kosher Indian. I apologize for all the rambling; I know it’s more fun to read an editorial that focuses on one topic. However, those cobwebs needed to be addressed. And let’s face it: everyone likes a clean and organized house.
equating Jewish commitment with political commitment, whether on the right or the left. Though they don’t use the concept of tikkun olam, the Orthodox also lobby for causes they believe in, but they tend to stay more within the realm of advocacy for Judaism or support for Israel. The liberal denominations, however, seem to have taken this politicization to another level. For example, in reviewing the Reform movement’s website, there are 40 resolutions listed that have been passed or proposed at their biennial conferences since 2007. Only four deal directly with improving Jewish study and observance, while the other 36 include such issues as the war in Iraq, climate change, health insurance, immigration reform and, most recently at their 2011 biennial, “Principles of economic justice in a time of fiscal crisis” — all from a decidedly liberal perspective. Likewise, Conservative Judaism’s home, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, lists on its website its positions on such issues as the environment, immigration, “age appropriate sex education” and welfare reform, among others. The dramatic movement of Jews away from non-Orthodox Judaism strongly suggests that a more compelling and purely Judaic focus is needed. At the most recent Reform movement biennial conference, Leonard Saxe, a professor at Brandeis University, presented a report indicating that only half of those raised in the Reform movement now identify as Reform. Most of the other Jews who opt out of the movement, the report said, shift to the fastest-growing group in American Jewry, the group known as “just Jewish” or the unaffiliated. In response to this challenge, some leaders of the Reform movement were reported to have suggested looking for new means of reaching Jews beyond the synagogue walls. To attract and
retain more Jews, however, it might make at least as much sense for the non-Orthodox movements to reconsider the quality and quantity of Judaic content they are delivering. There are so many other places Jews can go to engage in political pursuits, liberal or conservative, and too few places they can go to find meaningful Judaic educational and ritual experiences. Moreover, why is it that Jews who would otherwise join or support a specific synagogue or other Jewish organization might first have to determine whether they can accept the politics promoted by these institutions? It’s hard enough to get Jews through the door as it is. I don’t care which side of the political fence Jews are on nearly as much as whether an intellectually honest read of Judaism at least informs the positions taken. I have to wonder how many Jews who include tikkun olam in their politically oriented programs have consulted the Torah regarding the issues for which they advocate. I also wonder: Why don’t more Jews who take issue with the political bent of the organizations they’re a part of publicly challenge those directions more often? Finally, tikkun olam comes from Judaism’s Aleinu prayer, uttered by ritually observant Jews multiple times a day. In this prayer, Jews ask God “to remove all idols from the Earth, and to completely cut off all false gods; to repair the world in God’s Kingdom.” Ironically and far too frequently, “tikkun olam,” the very part of the Aleinu prayer asking for the elimination of idols and false Gods, has become a false God itself. Joel Alperson is a past national campaign chair for United Jewish Communities, now known as the Jewish Federations of North America. He lives in Omaha. This article previously appeared in The Forward: http://forward.com/articles/153020/abusing-tikkun-olam.
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and space restrictions, but it 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. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a
Abusing Tikkun Olam
Focus on issues JOEL ALPERSON Google “tikkun olam” together with “same-sex marriage,” “global warming” or “abortion,” and you’ll get tens of thousands of hits. Yet in these many, many instances, “tikkun olam” is being invoked by Jewish groups or Jews in two ways that disconnect it from its true meaning. First, the original and entire phrase is “tikkun olam b’malchut shaddai,” to “repair the world in God’s Kingdom.” I suspect that the vast majority of Jews who use the shortened version of the phrase would be surprised to learn that God is a necessary part of the concept — that Jewishly speaking, tikkun olam without God is impossible. Second, “tikkun olam” is almost always heralded in support of left-of-center positions, with the implication being that both Judaism and therefore even God endorse a certain agenda. Is it not possible that “repairing the world” could be interpreted as safeguarding the jobs of American citizens by tightening control over our borders? Could it not mean the protection of unborn life? And could it not have involved supporting a war in Iraq against one of the Jewish people’s greatest enemies? The question isn’t whether every Jew agrees with the statements above, but why left-leaning positions are overwhelmingly the ones considered part of tikkun olam. The more synagogues get into the political advocacy arena, the more they politicize Judaism. And the more that Judaism and politics are mixed, the less distinguishable they become. Given the struggles that the non-Orthodox denominations have encountered in building Jewish commitment among their members, it’s counterproductive for them to be virtually
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April 13, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 9
Keeping Holocaust memory alive -- and sacred
Focus on issues MENACHEM Z. ROSENSAFT NEW YORK (JTA) -- The destruction of Solomon’s Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE was the first great national tragedy in Jewish history. During the subsequent exile, four fast days commemorating the calamitous event were added to the Jewish calendar: the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tevet, when the siege of Jerusalem began; the 17th of Tammuz, when the walls of Jerusalem were breached; the 3rd of Tishri, marking the assassination of the Gedaliah, governor of Jerusalem; and Tisha b’Av, the 9th of Av, when the Temple was destroyed. For more than 2,500 years these fast days have remained on the Jewish religious calendar, and the Book of Lamentations continues to be read on Tisha b’Av. This is as it should be. Even though it is a far more recent horror, the Holocaust was no less a national Jewish catastrophe than the destruction of the first and second Temples. Yom HaShoah, designated as the official Jewish day of remembrance for the millions annihilated by Nazi Germany and its multinational accomplices, is as ritually significant and divinely inspired as Tisha b’Av. This year, Yom HaShoah falls on April 19. The preservation and transmission of our parents’ and grandparents’ memories is the most critical mission to which the children and grandchildren of survivors must dedicate themselves to ensure meaningful and authentic Holocaust remembrance in future generations. As the ranks of those who suffered alongside the murdered victims of the Holocaust steadily dwindle, the task becomes ever more urgent. In his keynote address at the First International Conference of Children of Holocaust Survivors in 1984, Elie Wiesel mandated us to do what the survivors “have tried to do -- and more: to keep our tale alive -- and sacred.” “You have screened Yourself off with a cloud, so that no prayer can pass through,” we read in Lamentations. And yet it is told that Reb Azriel David Fastag, a disciple of the Chasidic rebbe of Modzhitz, spontaneously composed and began to sing what has become the best-known melody to
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Maimonides’ 12th Principle of Jewish Faith while in a cattle car from the Warsaw Ghetto to the Treblinka death camp: “Ani ma’amin be’emuna sh’leima, b’viat hamashiach; v’af al pi she’yismameya, im kol zeh, achakeh lo b’chol yom she’yavo” -- “I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah; and even though he may tarry, nevertheless I will wait every day for him to come.” A young Jew managed to escape from the Treblinkabound train, taking with him the niggun, the melody, of Fastag’s “Ani Ma’amin.” Eventually the melody reached the Modzhitzer rebbe, who is said to have exclaimed, “With this niggun, the Jewish people went to the gas chambers, and with this niggun, the Jews will march to greet Moshiach.” My mother, who had survived Auschwitz and BergenBelsen, died in 1997 hours after the end of Rosh Hashanah. Six months later I took our daughter, Jodi, then a college sophomore, to Poland for the first time. She and my mother had been very close and spent a great deal of time together as Jodi was growing up. We went to Warsaw and Krakow, and then to Auschwitz. On a gray day with a constant drizzle, I showed Jodi Block 11 -- the death block at Auschwitz where my father was tortured for months. Then we went to Birkenau, where we walked in silence past the decaying wooden barracks. After 15 or 20 minutes, Jodi turned to me and said, “You know, it looks exactly the way Dassah [which is what she called my mother, Hadassah] -- it looks exactly the way Dassah described it.” I realized that a transfer of memory had taken place. My daughter, born 33 years after the Holocaust, had recognized Birkenau through my mother’s eyes, through my mother’s memories that Jodi had absorbed into her consciousness. For the past several years, grandchildren of survivors at Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City have described their grandparents’ experiences as a core element of what is evolving as our Yom HaShoah liturgy. Thus deportations, separations from parents and siblings, selections for the gas chambers, desperate escapes, nighttime ambushes of Nazi troops by partisan units, and avoiding death in secret hiding spaces and on forged identity papers cease to be abstract concepts. As family histories merge with haunting songs and melodies that were sung in the ghettos and camps, we are
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reminded that these firsthand, personal accounts that together chronicle the enormity of the Holocaust must enter our theology just as the testimonies of the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel became part of our Scripture. At the Passover seder we recite “B’chol dor vador chayav adam lir’ot et atzmo ke-ilu hu yatza mi-mitzrayim” -- “In each generation it is incumbent on each of us to see ourselves as if we had come out of Egypt.” We have been entrusted with a precious and fragile inheritance that ultimately belongs to the entire Jewish people and to humankind. In the aftermath of the Holocaust, each of us, and our children and our children’s children, must also see ourselves as if we had emerged from Auschwitz, BergenBelsen, and all the other ghettos and camps, the forests and secret hiding places of Nazi Europe. To do so, all of us, and our children and our children’s children, must discover the past by immersing ourselves as best we can in the survivors’ memories until they become a part of us. Menachem Z. Rosensaft is vice president of the American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Their Descendants. He teaches about the law of genocide and World War II war crimes trials at the law schools of Columbia, Cornell and Syracuse universities.
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Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Rachel Rosenberg, Holocaust Survivior. The community is invited. For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, please call 712.323.8885.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Rabbi Steven Abraham and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit with Yizkor, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (2-7), 10 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:55 p.m.; Pesach ends no earlier than 8:45 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Second & Third Grade BESTT families Family Education program, 10:15 a.m.; Jewish Values in Today’s World, with Rabbi Levin, 11 a.m.; Parsha & Pizza, 12:30 p.m. at Bagel Bin, led by Cantor Schlossberg. MONDAY: Wrestling with Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham. WEDNESDAY: Yom Hashoah Commemoration, 7 p.m. at Beth El. THURSDAY: Women’s Book Club, 1 p.m. will discuss Herzog, by Saul Bellow. Let’s Do Lunch, Friday, April 20, noon with Rabbi Levin at the Star Deli. RSVP to rabbilevin@bethel-omaha.org. Tot Shabbat/Say Shalom to Shabbat, Friday, April 20, 6 p.m., followed by dinner. Cost is $5 for Beth El members; $7:50 for non-members. No charge for children ages six and younger. RSVP to Margie in the synagogue office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org. Dinner & Drash, Friday, April 20, 7 p.m., following services. Cost: $8. RSVP to the synagogue office. Simchat Shabbat, Saturday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 7:50 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 6:30 p.m.; Mincha, 7:30 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 8:47 p.m. Chometz should not be used before 10 p.m. SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross. Contact the office for information on how to call-in to the conference call. TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:30 p.m. with Rabbi Mizrahi.
THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross.
CHABAD CENTER An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY, Pesach Day 7: Minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 11 a.m. Mini-Mensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY, Pesach Day 8: Minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Yizkor, 11 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 11 a.m. Mini-Mensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; Annual Moshiach Feast: Bid Farewell to Pesach, 7 p.m. Please reserve at shalom@ ochabad.com. (see full story on page 10.) SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at 9:30 a.m. MONDAY: Mind in Control Workshop with Gill Heart, 6:30 p.m. For more information call Rochi at 402.417.2752. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Lori Raphael. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony, 3 p.m. at the Nebraska State Capitol Rotunda. TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Misty’s, 40th and Old Cheney. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Joint Yom Hashoah Memorial Service, 7 p.m. at Wyuka Cemetery, enter from Vine Street. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Intro to Judaism, Session #14 led by Rabbi Lewis. The cost is $50 to cover course materials. Register by calling the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or email stemple@neb.rr.com. Note: Please contact Rabbi Lewis if the cost for a class creates a financial hardship.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Concluding Days - Passover Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. SATURDAY: Last Day - Passover Services with Yizkor, 9 a.m. led by David Herzog. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Conclusion of Passover: Matza Brei Breakfast,
Pesach to end with a blast by MUSHKA KATZMAN for Chabad Center Pesach recalls Redemptions communal and personal, past and present. Jews everywhere gather to recount days gone by and to create precious memories for the future. The cups of wine attributed to the four Matriarchs symbolize royalty and freedom. We imbibe this freedom and cultivate and nurture liberation within. The Cup of Elijah is offered in anticipation of of a world redeemed to be heralded by Elijah the Prophet. The four sons - different and unique - gather unified regardless of personal quirks - a demonstration of unity and redemption. Embedded into every nuance of our seders is a glimpse into the Ultimate
Redemption- a time of perfection, healing, G-dliness. Chabad Center will host the Annual Moshiach Feast on the final day of Pesach as established by the Baal Shem Tov. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the Moshiach Feast on April 14 at 7 p.m. At the Feast we say L’Chaim on an additional four cups of wine and eat some more Matzah. To RSVP call 402.330.1800 or email RSVP@OChabad.com. In the maze we call life - as a People and as individuals, we constantly strive to remove the shackles of slavery. Emotionally we extricate ourselves from unhealthy relationships. Psychologically we rid ourselves of bad habits and impulses. Join us for the tools to help take your Pesach and redemption to the next level.
Candlelighting Friday, April 13, 7:45 p.m.
9:30 a.m.; Services and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Spencer Arnold, son of Brenda and Barton Arnold, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; MRJ Speaker: Jon Ewing, 10 a.m.; WRJ Meeting, 10 a.m.; Grade 5 Mock Wedding, 11 a.m.; Temple Israel Ground Breaking Ceremony, 12:30 p.m., 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive. (see full story on page 1 & 4.) TUESDAY: Executive Meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; Grades 7-12 Yom HaShoah Dinner, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El; Grades 7-12 Yom HaShoah Community Commemoration, 7 p.m. at Beth El. THURSDAY: God was in this place and I did not know, 1011:30 a.m. with Rabbi Linder. He will be looking at what our tradition says about the normal moments ... Maybe they’re not so normal? Shabbat Service honoring Senior congregants, Saturday, April 20, 6 p.m. followed by Clergy Unplugged (see full story on page 7.)
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY, Pesach Day 7: The synagogue office will be closed today; Mincha, 6:30 p.m. followed by Kabbalat Shabbat/ Ma’ariv. SATURDAY, Pesach Day 8: Passover Shabbat Services with Yizkor, 9:15 a.m. We will NOT be serving a Kiddush lunch. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony, 3 p.m. at the Nebraska State Capitol Rotunda. TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Misty’s, 40th and Old Cheney. Please contact Stephanie Dohner with any questions. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, Music as a Bridge on Friday, April 20, 7:30 a.m. (doors open at 7 a.m.) at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 P Street. Cost is $25 per person, $250 per table of 10 RSVP to the Temple or Synagogue office with your payment by Thursday, April 12. Checks should be made payable to “Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast.” The 2012 Hallah High Rummage Sale is Sunday, May 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at South Street Temple. Please drop-off your donated items at Tifereth Israel.
Personal I wish I could write to all of you individually, but I am not able. I loved all the cards, all the flowers, all the visits and contributions, all the well wishes, and it was your support that helped me recover. I can’t say enough good things about the Blumkin Home and its staff. The physical and occupational therapists were fabulous. The nurses and aids very caring. Everyone was so good to me. Thank you for being there. Jean Duitch
Book sale at Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Thousands of books will be for sale at Women of Reform Judaism’s (WRJ) final book sale, Friday, April 20 through Tuesday, April 24 at Temple Israel. Subjects include Judaica, art, cooking, self help, history, politics, psychology, travel, reference sources, biographies, fiction, and children’s literature. Volunteers have spent the past two years sorting all the donated books into categories. Linda Sadofsky is chairing the Book Sale. Adults and children from the entire Omaha community are welcome to look over the array of gently used, discounted books, VHS tapes, compact discs, DVDs, and books on tape. There’s a $10 fee to attend the Preview Party on April 20 from noon-4 p.m. Regular sale hours (no fee to be charged) will continue from 1-4 p.m. on April 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 23, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 24. Proceeds from the sale support the work of WRJ. Books not sold will be donated to non-profit organizations and schools or be recycled.
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April 13, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 11
In memoriam
What is Kashrut?
JEAN DUTKY MARSHALL
Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Sh’mini I Our Parsha devotes itself to what animal life might be offered on the altar as a sacrifice. All of this is totally alien to the way 21st century Judaism describes its own rules and regulations. We may be missing the whole point here. The point is that food must not be simply grabbed from nature and gobbled up. Our Parsha, instead, insists that only certain animals, and only certain parts of those animals, should be considered appropriate for Jewish diet. Whatever was permissible for the altar of the traveling Sanctuary became the great-grandparent of what we later called “Kosher,” that is to say, proper or permissible food. To be sure, ancient and medieval Rabbis made adjustments and changes according to time and place. Thus the laws of Kashrut may be considered strict or lenient, depending on which time period and which country on the globe we are talking about. Even today, when it is considered strict Rabbinic practice, one finds Kashrut to be somewhat different in one place from another. We should not be surprised at this, for different parts of the world have easier or more difficult access to the kind of food that may be considered “Kasher.” Here is an easy-to-understand example of the influence that time and circumstance exert both on the habits and the description of religious acceptability (Kashrut) of Jews in various ages and places.
Jean Dutky Marshall passed away on March 29 at the age of 88. Services were held on March 30 at Beth Israel Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Vincent Marshall; her parents, Zachary and Helen Dutky; her brothers, Samson and Arthur Dutky; her sisters, Francis Riewerts and Louise Lincoln. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Howard and LeAnne, Jonathan and Diana, and Mark and Amy Marshall; son, David; daughters, Margaret and Joan; grandchildren: Sophia, Benjamin, Zachary, Lauren, Dory, and Jack Marshall; sister Beatrice N. Arons; many nieces and nephews. Jean graduated from Cornell University with a masters degree in teaching. She taught for many years before becoming a full time mother. During WWII, Jean worked in a military airplane factory as a riveter. She received a United Way volunteer of the year award for her work at the J.C.C. teaching English to Russian immigrants. Jean's passion for life and storytelling, her marvelous sense of humor, and her love of family and friends enriched the lives of those who knew her. Memorials may be made to Southern Poverty Law Center or The Open Door Mission.
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(JTA) -- California’s new state laws on toxic chemicals are keeping kosher for Passover Coke out of the state, a company spokesman told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Coke was required to change the way it manufactures caramel due to the high levels of the chemical 4-methylimidazole, or 4-MEI, which California has listed as a carcinogen under its new guidelines. The manufacturing changes in California affected the kosher for Passover status of the cola, according to reports. The company expects to offer the kosher for Passover variety of Coke in California by 2013, the newspaper reported, citing the company spokesman. The Passover version of Coke uses sugar in place of corn syrup, which is not kosher for Passover for Ashkenazi Jews. LARRY supports our U.S. CONSTITUTION whole heartedly. LARRY encourages women to strive for 100% enforcement of our constitutional laws. A RIGHT DELAYED is a RIGHT DENIED. What is the difference between ORGANIZED MAFIA or ORGANIZED SPECIAL INTERESTS? How does INFLATION steal your FINANCIAL FUTURE? Some of us Democrats believe in the trickle up theory of money; and affordability; and all citizens are FIRST CLASS CITIZENS. Get registered and vote DEMOCRATIC for LARRY on May 15th. Yes, for LARRY. You have a RIGHT to attend your county caucus April 14th.
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Judy Brookstein and Lois Wine are selecting flowers for LOVE’s annual Mother’s Day Flower and Balloon Sale. This sale will benefit the Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Deadline for placing orders is April 20. For information call Lois Wine at 402.334.6519.
CORRECTION In our April 6 issue, we published the obituary of Richard R. Rosinksy. In it, the name of his daughter-in-law Carin was inadvertently misspelled. The Jewish Press regrets the error.
TRACTOR TRAILER TECHNICIANS WANTED M Y D R E A M S O U R D R E A M S
Immediateopenings openingsfor forFull-time Full-time Immediate tractor-trailer -trailertechnicians. technicians.Candidate Candidate tractor will perform PM’s on ßeet ßeet vehicles, troubleshoot troubleshoot,, diagnose and repair equipment problems. Positions available day and evening shifts. Related ß ßeet eet experience and/or training preferred. Must have own set of tools. Competitive pay, excellent beneÞ beneÞts ts and a great work environment! Apply in person at Fremont Contract Carriers: S. Bud Blvd, Fremont NE M-F am- pm x Or call Susan at:
Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS PREGNANT? CONSIDERING Adoption? Call us first. Living expenses, housing, medical, continued support afterwards. Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. Adopt Connect, 1-866-743-9212. ADVERTISE STATEWIDE for $210/25 word classified ad. Over 170 newspapers with circulation of more than 365,000. Contact the Jewish Press at 402-334-6449 or call 1800-369-2850. BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 175 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details. SMALL MANUFACTURING Company established 1986. 3 million plus in sales and growing. Call for details, 800-543-1732. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 1-800369-2850 to place your ad on the national Midwest Classic Cars web site for only $25.00. Your ad with photos runs until your vehicle is sold! CONTRACT SALESPERSONS sell aerial photography of farms, commission basis, $7,000-$10,000/ month. Proven product and earnings. Travel required. More info at msphotosd.com or call 605-882-3566. A POSITION for a staff medical laboratory technologist is available at the Cherry County Hospital. Benefit package includes health, disability, dental/vision insurance and pension. Contact the Cherry County Hospital, Box 410, Valentine, NE 69201 or 402-376-2525. TOP PAY for RNs, LPNs/LVNs, CNAs, Med Aides. $2,000 Bonus. Free Gas. AACO Nursing Agency. Call 1-800-656-4414, ext. 8.
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FIREFIGHTER/E.M.T.P. - City of Columbus, NE, immediate opening. Firefighter and Paramedic level skills tests are given on Saturday, 4/21/12, at 8:30 a.m. Go to www.columbusne.us for enrollment information. AFFILIATED FOODS Midwest, 1301 Omaha Ave., Norfolk, NE, now hiring order selectors. Fast-paced, physical job selecting and shipping groceries. Great benefits, regular increases, starting wage $14.49/hr. Must pass physical and strength test. Send resume to: jobs@afmidwest.com or apply in person. www.afmidwest.com. HELP WANTED: Careers available. Grosshans International Inc. of Aurora and Grosshans Inc. of Central City, Nebraska, have full-time positions available for additional shop technicians and sales personnel. Prior experience is preferred. Please send resume to or contact Alan Anderson, Grosshans International, Inc., 1471 West Hwy. 34, Aurora, NE 68818 or call 1-402-694-2121 or 1-800-742-7423. SMALL, AGGRESSIVE company looking for skilled laborers to travel throughout the country. CDL license, welding, mechanical and concrete experience a plus. Should be ambitious with an eye for detail. Valid driver’s license and pre-employment drug screen a must. Call Deb at 402-792-2612. YOU GOT the drive, we have the direction. OTR Drivers, APU equipped pre-pass EZ-pass, pets/passenger policy. Newer equipment. 100% No Touch. 1-800-528-7825.
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12 | The Jewish Press | April 13, 2012
Amid mainstream success, Regina Spektor stays true to Jewish roots by BEN HARRIS Her music has been featured in countless NEW YORK (JTA) -- Regina Spektor has commercials and television shows, including a cold -- or as she calls it, “a nondescript Grey’s Anatomy and How I Met Your Mother, New York disease.” The singer is onstage at and Peter Gabriel recorded a cover of her Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York headlin- song Apres Moi. Her next album, What We ing a benefit concert for the Hebrew Saw From the Cheap Seats, is due May 29. Immigrant Aid Society, or HIAS, which helped resettle her family in New York more than 20 years ago. Though the crowd, which includes Spektor’s parents, calls out words of encouragement, Spektor is struggling. She gulps water between songs, suppresses little coughs and refers more than once to the mysterious Russian health tonic she downed in an effort to ready herself for the performance. “It was one of those things where anyone in their sane mind would have canceled,” Spektor says later. “It was just such an important show for me. Everybody had been working on it for so long, Singer/songwriter Regina Spektor has stayed closer to her all the HIAS people, and Jewish roots even as she’s achieved mainstream success. all the tickets were sold Credit: Shervin Lainez out. It was just a cause that was so important to me.” Spektor says her performance for HIAS A talented pianist and composer known set back her recovery a month, but it’s not for her playful lyrics and dramatic shock of hard to see she why she forged ahead. As a 9curls, Spektor started out performing in East year-old, Spektor emigrated with her family Village cafes before gradually finding main- from the Soviet Union and resettled in New stream success, culminating with the release York with help from HIAS, the immigrant of her critically acclaimed breakthrough relief agency founded in 1881 that has record, Begin to Hope, in 2006. Rolling Stone helped millions of refugees fleeing deprivamagazine named it one of the 50 best tion abroad. albums of the year. “I don’t think any of us would be in
America if it wasn’t for them,” Spektor says. “They did so much. To get to play a benefit show for them was like -- it was just such an amazing like full-circle kind of thing.” Spektor has not been shy about identifying publicly with Jewish causes. In 2008, she performed on the National Mall as part of celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Israel. Two years later she was back in the capital performing at a White House reception before the Obamas to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. She has blown a shofar onstage and performed Hannah Senesh’s Eli, Eli in Hebrew. On the cover of the Begin to Hope CD, she is wearing a visible Star of David pendant. In 2009, in the midst of Israel’s Operation Cast Lead, launched in response to Palestinian rocket fire from Gaza, Spektor penned a post on her MySpace page defending the Jewish state and criticizing what she saw as unfair media coverage of its actions. “Israel has been shelled,” she wrote. “It has been hit with rockets for years... There is no government in the world that would not protect its citizens from attack. That’s unlawful. And it’s not sticks and stones, as many of my friends and relatives who live in Israel know. It’s rockets... Are there different laws and rules for a Jewish government? If you prick us do we not bleed?” Like other Jewish immigrants who have benefited from HIAS assistance, Spektor has remained close to the organization. She describes her family’s move to the United States as part of a promotional video series called myStory produced for the 130th anniversary of the organization’s founding. Writers David Bezmozgis and Gary Shteyngart and the boxer Dmitriy Salita also appear in the series. Google co-founder Sergey Brin, another HIAS beneficiary, gave
the group $1 million in 2009. Born in Moscow to a musically inclined family, Spektor began studying classical piano from an early age. Landing in New York without her beloved piano, Spektor found one in the social hall of a synagogue in her new Bronx neighborhood. “It was really fun to turn on the lights because they had all these stage lights,” Spektor recalls. “It was totally dark, and you make your way in, checking out what lights what. And I practiced there. And it was great because I had nowhere else to practice at all.” Later, on a trip to Israel in 1996, Spektor found her singing voice. A self-described wimp, she struggled on hikes through the desert in blazing sunshine. Humming helped her develop a rhythm and pass the time. “It sort of kept me a little more sane,” Spektor says. “I had some people be like, ‘That was really cool what you sang.’ No one ever said to me in all my years of humming that I had a good voice. And so I was like, really? OK, I’ll try and sing. When I got back to New York from that trip, I sort of had this renewed excitement that maybe I should try singing.” The closeness Spektor feels to the Jewish community was evident in her Lincoln Center show on Feb. 23, which often had the feel of an informal performance in a family living room. Spektor bantered casually with fans who called out to her between songs and offered recollections of the assistance afforded her family by HIAS after their arrival in the United States. “I’m not a politician, and I would never want to be,” she told JTA. “And so I just try to stay true to the causes that I care about without making my songs and my music and my art just be an element of my agenda as well.”
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Yom Ha’Atzmaut Community Events' SUNDAY, APRIL 22nd - Hameytarim Band from Israel 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. / Live Performance in the JCC Theater FREE event for the entire family. Reception to follow. For more information contact the CJE at (402) 334-6445.
MONDAY, APRIL 23rd - Documentary Screening 7:30 p.m. / “Israel Inside” in the JCC Theater FREE event open to teens and adults.
TUESDAY, APRIL 24th - Jewish Trivia Quiz 7:00 p.m. / B’nai Brith Trivia Quiz in the JCC Community Room FREE event with dinner included. Open to teens & adults. Contact the B’nai Brith at (402) 334-6443 to register your team.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25th - Food, Wine, & Fashion 7:00 p.m. / Modern Israel Experience in the JCC Auditorium Tickets: $18. Event is for ages 21 and over. RSVP is required. RSVP to Esther Katz at ekatz@jccomaha.org or (402) 334-6406.
THURSDAY, APRIL 26th - Family Carnival 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. / Yom Ha’Atzmaut Carnival in the JCC Pavilion FREE admission with food available for purchase.
Jewish Community Center 333 S. 132nd St. • 402-334-6426 • www.jccomaha.org