April 25, 2008

Vol. LXXXVII No. 33 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 87 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

20 Nisan, 5768

April 25, 2008

Federation of Jewish Men’s Working tirelessly for survivors’ rights, Clubs’ names Beth El’s Fineman ‘Man of the Year’ by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The Midwest Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs recently honored Beth El congregant Glen Fineman as its Man of the Year, an award which recognizes a member for his contribution to the organization. The Midwest Region includes Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri, and provides training, guidance and information about FJMC programs. Fineman was honored for his years of dedication to FJMC; he is the first Beth El congregant to receive this recognition. His involvement over the years has included serving as the Beth El Men’s Club president, as a consultant to the FJMC, and as a Midwest Region representative on the FJMC Board of Directors. The award was presented in Omaha last month by Sandy Victor, President of the Midwest Region FJMC. Continued on page 6

During his recent visit to Omaha, Sandy Victor, right, president of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs' Midwest Region, presented Beth El’s Glen Fineman with FJMC’s ‘Man of the Year’ award.

Omaha’s Yom HaShoah speaker recalls Righteous Gentiles

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator Center for Jewish Education Roman Kent grew up in Lodz, Poland, the son of a textile factory owner, with two older sisters and a younger brother. His family spent summers in a village called Podebie. Located in a beautiful forest dotted with lakes and meadows, Podebie was an idyllic place. On Sept. 1, Roman Kent 1938, the idyllic surroundings were shattered with the start of World War II. A few days later, the Germans arrived and the summer populace made a mad rush to return to Lodz. Life was, of course, never the same again. On Wednesday, April 30, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel, Kent will be the featured speaker at the community-wide Yom HaShoah Commemoration Service. He will share his story and talk about the work he continues to do today for survivors and Righteous Gentiles. From 1939-45, Kent lived first in the Lodz Ghetto and later was sent to Auschwitz, Mertzbachtal, Dornau, and Flossenburg concentration camps. He and his younger brother, Leon, survived and arrived in the United States under the auspices of the children’s quota of the U.S. government’s “Displaced Persons Act.” The brothers settled in Atlanta, and began their new lives. After graduating from Emory University, Kent started an international trade company and ran the business for nearly 45 years. He is president of Namor International Corporation in New York City. Kent married Hannah Continued on page 2

Lincoln Jewish community hosts statewide observance of Holocaust Memorial Day by GARY HILL Holocaust Remembrance Day was created by an act of Congress in 1980 to remember the victims of the Holocaust and to remind Americans of what can happen to civilized people when bigotry, hatred, and indifference reign. The statewide commemoration of Yom HaShoah will be held in the Rotunda of the State Capitol on Sunday, May 4. 3:30-4:30 p.m. The Holocaust took the lives of more than 11 million individuals; slightly more than half that number were Jewish. To commemorate the deaths of all who perished, it is particularly important that government takes a leadership role because those targeted for death and enslavement were people whom the government in power believed either inferior or in opposition to their philosophy. Though nothing in the last half century has matched the organized and officially sanctioned extermination, the world has continued to allow genocides, ethnic cleansings and politically motivated incarcerations to continue. Professor Karen Becker of the University of Nebraska, a distinguished cellist will perform during the commemoration, and a student from Southeast High School, will read from the work of the renowned poet Paul Celan. Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy will be among those recognizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust. Survivors from Lincoln and Omaha will light candles for those who perished, and Hugh Morris, former State Continued on page 2

Lvov camp survivor an angel of mercy to Jews in native city by SUE FISHKOFF LVOV, Ukraine (JTA) -- Dr. Aleksander Schwarz stands outside the locked gates of what once was the infamous Janowska forced labor camp, on the outskirts of this largest city in western Ukraine. Schwarz kicks a stone awkwardly with one foot and looks up at the rooftops of the ruined barracks inside the wall still topped with barbed wire. Today those gates keep him out. More than 60 years ago, they kept him locked in. “I built those barracks with my father,” he says softly. “I was just a boy.” Now 83, Schwarz is a retired cybernetics scientist living in Munich, Germany. But as a teenager he spent two hellish years in Janowska, the largest death camp in Ukraine. Between 1941 and 1943, more than 200,000 Jews were murdered there, approximately one-third of Ukrainian Jewry. His father was shot before his eyes. Schwarz jumped naked into a pit to escape execution. He starved and shivered, eating grass to stay alive. He shared a tent with the young Simon Wiesenthal, part of a work brigade forced to bury the corpses of tens of thousands of Jews machine-gunned to death in a ravine called the Valley of

Inside

Death. “We buried them in those hills,” Schwarz says, pointing a shaking finger to a nearby mound now dotted with wooden houses. “The Ukrainians built beautiful homes on our bones.” Schwarz never forgot the horrors and in 1992, soon after Ukrainian independence, he came back to his native city to take care of its Jews. Today the man who believes he is the last living survivor of the Janowska camp devotes his life to feeding, clothing and providing medical care to thousands of Jews in the Lvov region, working through the Munich B’nai B’rith lodge of which he is an Aleksander Schwarz, survivor of the Janowska concentration active member. He raises 250,000 euros a camp in Lvov, Ukraine, returns to the site of his audacious Credit: Sue Fishkoff year from Jews and non- escape 65 years ago. fellow lodge member Joseph Domberger, Jewish supporters in Europe, and he a native of the Lvov region and one of his makes several trips a year to Lvov to major donors, enable 120 elderly Jews to ensure the money is spent properly. His eat a hot meal five days a week and 350 efforts, along with those of his friend and

This Week: Monthly calendar for May: Pages 10-11

See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 16

Gala draws largest crowd in Chabad’s 20 years in Omaha: Page 4

receive free medicine. Hundreds more get dental care, have their laundry done and their shoes repaired. Sixty children go to a Jewish kindergarten. In total, 1,200 needy Jews in Lvov -about half the city’s Jewish population -have a better life because Aleksander Schwarz did not forget them. Schwarz has been honored both by B’nai Brith International and the German government, and his story is recorded at Yad Vashem, Jerusalem’s Holocaust museum and research center. “I don’t know how Jewish life in Lvov would survive without people like him,” says Danny Gechtman, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee representative for Kiev and western Ukraine. Before World War II, Lvov’s 150,000 Jews comprised one of the most vibrant, sophisticated Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. But when the Nazis marched into town in late June 1941, the killing began. Two days of pogroms left 2,500 Jews dead, most killed by their neighbors. “I was a small boy, but I remember the streets running with blood,” Schwarz relates. Continued on page 2

Coming Next Week: Mother’s Day issue Women sing, dance and enjoy one another at seder: Page 5

Federation Foundation to move into new digs, thanks to Blumkin Home: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 25, 2008

Lvov camp survivor

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Continued from page 1 cybernetics, until 1968 when he and Schwarz and his father his family fled to Germany to escape were rounded up with the Poland’s growing anti-Semitism. first group of Jewish men In 1992 he made his first trip back to and forced to build the what was now independent Ukraine. In Janowska camp. Then they Lvov he was shocked to see so many were taken to the Jewish poor, needy Jews, many of them cemetery and ordered to Holocaust survivors like himself. Most break up the tombstones to were immigrants from the east -- only pave roads. They hacked ice several hundred of Lvov’s prewar from frozen ponds to chill Jewish population survived the Nazi their guards’ beer. occupation. When his father, a sickly Energized, Schwarz began raising man of 42, was shot in front money for Lvov all over Europe. First of him after returning from a he set up a food program, then the free work detail, Schwarz was medical clinic, the children’s project barely 15. and a Holocaust education center. His chance to escape came All the work, from picking up and in July 1943. washing clients’ laundry to doling out Schwarz and three other the hot meals in the soup kitchen, is boys were in a work brigade Hesed clients Lyuba and Yosef Yakhnovich live in done on a volunteer basis by the 63 that marched every day from the village of Mikolayev, Ukraine, with no running members of Lvov’s newly revived B’nai Credit: Sue Fishkoff B’rith lodge, most of them elderly the camp to the railway sta- water or inside toilet. tion to cut up old railway cars into metal for the German retirees themselves. There is no overhead, say members war effort. The railway station was a selection center for of the Lvov lodge. Jews arriving from all over Ukraine. Schwarz has one dream left: building a monument to “Ninety percent went to the left, to Majdanek and the Jews killed in Janowska. Belzec,” he says, naming two death camps. “The other Unfortunately, he says, bureaucratic obstacles have 10 percent were sent to Janowska.” stalled the project for 15 years. One day he and his friends were carrying two heavy Meanwhile, he quietly put up a granite marker at the oxygen tanks, guarded by a lone SS guard. As they entrance to the Valley of Death, but it is regularly rounded a corner, they threw the tanks at the guard, defaced. On this trip, as Schwarz stops by to say overpowered him, and Schwarz and another boy stran- Kaddish, the inscription honoring the Holocaust victims gled him with their bare hands. is obscured by white paint thrown by vandals. Schwarz donned the guard’s uniform, shouldered the “This is the only place in the world where Jews were dead man’s gun and, in an incredible show of audacity, killed and there’s no monument,” he says. marched out of the station with his friends as if he were It’s not just to honor the dead but to remind the living escorting three Jewish prisoners. of what happened in their town. Even today, 15 years Eventually the young men reached the Carpathians, after independence, very few locals know this history. where they formed a partisan brigade of about 150 men As Lvov expanded over the years the Janowska camp, and women that skirmished repeatedly with the pro- used as a prison since Soviet times, has become absorbed German Ukrainian Rebel Army headed by Stefan into the city limits. People walk outside its walls without Bandera. The women would stay in underground knowing what it once was. bunkers while the men fought. “I was born here, and I didn’t know anything about While he and his comrades were out fighting, Schwarz this,” murmurs Tatiana Kotova, a young Jewish translarecalls, Bandera’s men discovered the bunker, threw a tor working with Schwarz’s entourage, as she gazes out grenade inside and killed all the women. upon the Valley of Death. Schwarz stayed in the forest until Ukraine was liberat“I’m 83,” Schwarz repeats. “If my generation doesn’t ed by Soviet troops in late 1944. He had tuberculosis do this, no one will.” and was sent to a sanitorium in Poland. He remained in For information on the B’nai B'rith Lvov welfare that country, marrying and earning his doctorate in project, contact leopolis@dpi.de.

Yom HaShoah speaker recalls Righteous Gentiles Continued from page 1 Starkman in 1957 and they have two children and three grandchildren.. A successful business life, a happy personal life -- some people would have been satisfied with the status quo but not Roman Kent. He wanted to find a way to make a difference to those fellow survivors. He wanted to find a way to fight for their rights, for their property, for that which was stolen. He also wanted to remember the gentiles who risked their lives to help the Jews during the Shoah. He found a way to do both. Kent is the treasurer and member of the Board of Directors of the Conference of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany and a member of the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims. He received a Presidential Appointment as a member of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Holocaust Assets in the United States. Kent has testified at the United Nations, in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the United States Senate. Each time, his passion and strength make a true impression on those who hear him. Kent is also president of the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous. The Foundation was established to fulfill the traditional Jewish commitment to hakarat hatov, the searching out and recognition of goodness. Since 1986, the organization has provided financial assistance to aged and needy non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. The group also educates teachers and students about the history of the Holocaust and rescue. Today, the organization is supporting more than 1,200 rescuers. “Righteous Gentiles: their deeds proved to the world that the answer to oppression and indifference is involvement; they were a moral torch in the time of tyranny and darkness. An example of what could have been done and an indictment of what was not done,”

stated Kent in the January 2008 issue of American Gathering. “As a survivor, I desperately long to forget what our lives were like during the Holocaust,” he says. “Yet, I must resist forgetting, otherwise Hitler would be victorious in killing us twice -- once physically during the Holocaust, and now spiritually by killing the memory and existence of the innocent victims and the heroism of their rescuers.” The commemoration is presented by the Center for Jewish Education and the Institute for Holocaust Education and sponsored by Beth El, Beth Israel, and Temple Israel. Prior to the community event, an educational program for Jewish teens will be held at Beth Israel, with dinner at 5:45-6:45 p.m. For more information, or sitter service reservations please call the CJE office at 334.6445. Kent will also present the awards for the winners of the “Tribute to the Rescuers” essay contest on Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m., at the Legislative Chambers in the City Council Building, 1819 Farnam. For more information, contact the ADL at 333.1303.

Statewide observance of Holocaust Memorial Day Continued from page 1 Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will light a candle to honor the liberators. Larry Williams, Director of the City of Lincoln Commission on Human Rights, will light a candle on behalf of righteous rescuers everywhere. The public is invited. For information, contact Jean Cahan, Director, Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies, at 402.472.9561 or e-mail: ckruid2@unlnotes.unl.edu.

April 25, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Businessman positions himself for Senate run AMERICA DECIDES 2008 by JOAN K. MARCUS Columbus businessman Tony Raimondo believes that government needs a fresh approach and he wants to represent all Nebraskans in Washington. That is why he is running for the nomination to be the state’s next senator. He has the verbal financial support of the Democratic National Committee -- if he wins the May 13th primary. Raimondo faces fellow Democrat Scott Kleeb (who is speaking at the May 7th Breadbreakers, too late to cover in the Press prior to the May 13th primary). If he wins, he will be challenging the presumptive winner of the Republican primary -- Mike Johannes -- in November. Raimondo, who used to be a Republican, registered as a Democrat because he believes that will help bring about change and fiscal discipline. In a speech to the B’nai Brith Breadbreakers earlier this month, he began by telling a story about his background. “I grew up in Buffalo, New York, in a family of steelworkers. My father and uncle worked at Bethlehem Steel with 20,000 employees.” In reference to his switching parties, he added, “Democrats are pursuing change, but the Republicans left me. I was a Republican all my life; this is a very disappointing time for Republicans.” In 1976, he came to Omaha to run Vickers, manufacturers of steel parts. Four years later, he was fired because he supported union workers in a strike issue.

“In my view, management did not keep their word so I helped organize workers,” he said. He moved on to work at Behlen Manufacturing Company, which began in 1936 and was sold in 1969 to Wicks Corporation. Until 1984, the company, according to Raimondo, “was not a positive experience for its people or for Columbus.” He explained, “They bought everything that moved and ended up in Chapter 11. When I purchased Behlen, the company had major losses. Today, my sons are now running it. In 2007, annual revenues hit $220 million with 1,100 ‘partners-in-progress’ (employees), who share in monthly productivity bonuses and get annual profit sharing.” He added, “It will be fascinating for me as a candidate to understand how voters feel about what we need in Washington. We’ve got a lifetime politician who has never created jobs and a guy like me who has created jobs for 40 years.” Raimondo claims to understand what happens in Washington when regulations and controls are put on businesses. “I am very close to working families. I threw away time clocks in 1984 and got rid of the rules. The people who are employed at Behlen are ‘engaged’ because they understand that if they make the company better, they will automatically share with their families.” He doesn’t feel government understands that valuing working families is the key to quality of life. Since 1996, he has been traveling to Washington to represent Nebraska manufacturers. “I’ve tracked congressional voting

records,” he said. “The right thing is an environment that creates jobs. If we don’t create jobs and help small and medium-sized businesses, we don’t help Middle America and working families. I believe the kinds of experiences I’ve had are really key to bipartisan solutions.” The senatorial hopeful said he assumes he will disappoint people on the far left and the far right, noting, “We get great ideas from all sides of the political spectrum. But many of these ideas are political rhetoric. Where is the solution? Is it in the middle of the Senate, where you have to move to have 60 votes?” he asked the group at Breadbreakers. “I’ve watched and I say we need to work together and not strive for political points.” On the subject of health insurance, Raimondo said, “Health care is killing business, putting a squeeze on companies and making them globally non-competitive. It is taking away opportunities from Americans for improved quality of life. I think we need more people in Congress who have created jobs and understand this marketing economy. In my opinion, we have to find the type of people who will ‘cross the aisle’ in order to look for solutions. I think that moderates will make the difference.” He names the recent “Stimulus Growth Project” as a by-partisan solution. He thinks it may help, but more has to be done to create jobs. “We need to develop infrastructure programs and create these jobs by continually focusing on and strengthening renewable energy and green collar jobs,” he explained. “So, there is a big role for government.” He added, “Another thing that we need to do is get ourselves off of major dependence on foreign oil.”

If elected, Raimondo says he won’t care if he is labeled “a renegade” for “crossing the aisle.” He says, “I think that 110 percent of my focus is on bipartisan solutions.” However, Raimondo doesn’t agree with getting out of the war in Iraq t o m o r r o w. “We should support our troops and Tony Raimondo exit soon. In my mind, it would be one to three years before we can exit honorably. We’ve given our word to the Iraqis that we will continue to help them. We have to turn things over to them so that they can control and stabilize their country.” He added, “All of our allies are watching us. We have to find ways to rebuild our relationships. We need to design a way to exit honorably and keep protecting our troops.” One final and important question was about the candidate’s views on reproductive rights and stem cell research. He noted that he is “a pro-lifer.” However, he added, “I am also a researcher, so I’m probably a little more interested in stem cell research inching forward.” At the recent Omaha Press Club Show, a Raimondo “look alike” sang the following lines: “I am a token, a sacrificial lamb. I am the Democrat that is running ‘gainst Johanns. I haven’t got a snowball’s chance in heaven or hell so I shout and yell! I don’t have a prayer in this senate race!” Voters will make that decision on Election Day: Tuesday, May 13.

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Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 25, 2008

Gala dazzles as Chabad draws largest crowd in its 20 years here by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Only a week before Passover, more than 350 people attended Chabad’s 20th anniversary gala, honoring Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum, and Gail and Mike Yanney at the new KANEKO creativity center at 11th and Jones. The gala, which began with cocktails among Jun Kaneko’s huge ceramic sculptures, was already brimming with people before the official event opening. By six, a full house was noshing on Hap Abraham’s kosher hors d’oeuvres. A shofar signaled the move to the fabulous new Bow Truss room, where a sea of candles glowed amidst the table decorations. At the head of the event sat a colorfully lit stage, ready with two giant simcha challahs prepared by Susan Witkowski. A concert grand piano was on loan from the Joslyn Art Museum and Hal France serenaded the guests as they entered. The perimeter of the room held four flat screen televisions, playing a slide show showing pictures of two decades of Chabad’s involvement in Nebraska. Honoree Maxine Kirshenbaum praised the committee for their dedication. “The evening was as professional as you can get. The venue was new and wonderful, it had a gala quality, and it was truly fun. The table, the centerpieces, and the flowers were beautiful. And the musicians were spectacular as promised,� she said. “On a scale of one to 10, I give this one a 12.� Joe Kirshenbaum added, “It was a fabulous evening, and it was done so professionally. Chabad has been very special to this community. They respect me and I respect them. They don’t approach people demanding drastic change. They just inspire you to become one step better than you were before. They contribute many mitzvahs to this community, and I’ve always admired them.� The evening’s theme, Mitzvah’s and Music, set the stage. Bruce Simon recognized the honorees and Master of Ceremonies Debbie Denenberg wove stories about Chabad throughout the program. “Tonight we’ve assembled people from very diverse places and backgrounds. An underlying theme for our evening is that there’s hope for the world, and it begins in Omaha,� she said. “We must all stand together as one family of humankind.� At one point, Denenberg feigned the beginning of a long speech only to be cut off by the grand entrance of William Shakespeare, in full period dress, played by area actor Michal Simpson. “I’m here for my festival! Where is it?� he demanded, referring to Mike and Gail Yanney’s

role as CoChairmen of the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival.

Above: Rabbi Brett Oxman blows the shofar to call attendees to dinner; Honorees Mike and Gail Yanney and Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum; right: Shani and Rabbi Mendel Katzman; below left: Shani’s mother -- Leah Lipsker, left, emcee Debby Denenberg, Shani Katzman and Sarah Katzman, Rabbi’s mother; below right: Rochie, left, Shevi and Estie Katzman with Zak Helm.

With that , the program cut straight to the music. Uzbeki pianist Stanislov Ioudenitch played pieces by Franz Liszt, demonstrating the technique and artistry that won him the prestigious 2001 Van Cliburn Piano Competition. Next, Uruguay’s Marcelo Guzzo’s striking stage presence backed a rich baritone. He began with an Italian aria, and two Broadway pleasers, “To Dream the Impossible Dream� and “Some Enchanted Evening.� Both received standing ovations. Chairman Tippi Denenberg said the

Left: Ree Schonlau, center, owner of KANEKO (with her husband Jun), greets Buddy and Shirley Goldstein; above: Larry Kavich, right, congratulates Lisa and Bill Roskens (the Yanney’s daughter and son-in law); below left: Program chairman Tippi Denenberg surveys the reuslts of months of hard work with her husband Steve. Photos by: Ophir Palmon/Artistic VIsions, Lynne Saltzman and Metro Monthly. day after the gala, “We are so grateful for every one who supported or attended. The energy was electric. I was thrilled to see how universally accepted the event was and was very excited that so many people value and support Omaha’s Chabad House� She added, “The program was better than world-class because it was grounded by the spirituality of Chabad and their mission to tilt the

world toward goodness. My email in-box is overflowing with raves. My hats off to the people who started it all: Chabad, the Kirshenbaums, the Yanneys, and to the people who made it actually happen -our extraordinary gala committee.� Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman thanked the community for a 20-year adventure. They moved here not knowing what to expect, but firm in their commitment to be shlichim or emissaries of the teachings of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson. “I am so grateful to the remarkable honorees,� Shani Katzman said. “They are outstanding leaders; their warm friendship and staunch support of Chabad is heartwarming and sincerely appreciated and valued. What a fitting tribute to these stellar individuals who serve as role models in our midst!� She added, “The Rebbe always encouraged us to take stock, celebrate, and then move forward with greater strength, determination, and focus. We hope this event will serve as the impetus for the expansion and growth of Chabad.� She closed by saying, “We hope more people will take advantage of our services and the myriad educational opportunities we provide. We pray that we will continue to inspire and teach, that people will take to heart the message of the ‘one Mitzvah that makes a world of difference.’�

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April 25, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Women sing, dance and simply enjoy one another at seder

More than 200 women from across the spectrum in the Jewish community attended a Women’s Seder on the Monday evening before Passover; members of the planning committee included Ann Goldstein, Margie Gutnik, Phyllis Hoffman, Debbi Josephson, Shani Katzman, Kelli Kirk, Bette Kozlen, Cheryl Lerner, Patty Nogg, Vicki Perlmeter, Andi Willensky and Rozie Zweiback. Photos from top left: Zweiback and her daughter Grace, Yachad: the Traveling Tefillah Band of Kansas City; right: Nancy Rips, author of the new book, Seder Stories, from which portions were read during the program; below: Yachad gets the crowd up from their seats, dancing around the Jewish Community Center’s crowded auditorium.

Photos from top left: Daughters Shevi, left, and Estie, right, join their mother Shani Katzman, Helen and Joanna Kay, and Jenni

Schlossman and her daughter Lila Ferber; Debbie Friedman was one of the raffle prize winners.

More mothers and daughters from top left: Rebecca and Ann Moshman, Kelli Kirk and Marty Tichauer, Jamie and Patty Nogg, Susi

Frydman Levin and her daughter Talia, Pam Friedlander and Andi Scioli, and Melissa and Sherry Shapiro.

Above: The huge crowd sang along to the Yachad band’s melodious left: sounds; impressario Joanie Jacobson organized the storytelling.

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 25, 2008

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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Christian clergy and teachers from Omaha, Gretna, Stanton, Bellevue, DeWitt, Nebraska; and Wahoo, Manning, Macksburg, Orient, Griswold, Walnut, and Glenwood, Iowa, spent a day at Temple Israel’s Institute on Judaism for Christian Clergy earlier in April. The theme, “What Can We Learn from Kabbalah?” was presented by guest lecturer Dr. Guy Matalon, executive director of the Center for Jewish Education, at the annual Rabbi Sidney H. and Jane Brooks lecture. Dr. Matalon is also the Jewish Federation of Omaha Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “Thank you for having this day to share your faith with us and grow together to recover the divine light within us all! Shalom,” said Colleen Leise from Christ the King Church in Omaha. Shane Fagan, from St. Patricks Church of Gretna, described the institute as “very informative, an interesting topic, a dynamic speaker. I’m glad I came.”

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Jane Holcombe (left), Kountze Memorial Church; Pat Knudsen, First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo; and Burt Knudsen, a retired minister; were among the guests at Temple Israel’s annual Rabbi Sidney and Jane Brooks Ministers Institute. Revealing the overall mood of those in attendance, Bob Livingston, from Omaha’s Christ Community Church, said, “We deeply appreciated the fun, food, and fellowship.” Another pastor mentioned the poem he read on the cover of the prayer book. It “was so beautiful...,” he said. “It spoke of the Temple doors being wide enough to admit all who were burdened, lonely, seeking faith but narrow enough to bar pettiness, complacency, and other negativity. This poem touched me deeply. Thank you for sharing your faith and your literature and for touching my heart.” DEADLINE NOTICE Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. Questions? Call 334.6448.

To order a gift subscription to the Press... Send a check for $30, made out to the Jewish Press and prorated for the year, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 334.6448.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Dennis Glick, the Chairman of the Executive of B’nai B’rith International will come to Omaha on Wednesday, April 30, noon, at Regency Lodge, to present Henry Monsky Lodge with a special award for its Breadbreakers speaker series. All men and women in the community are invited to attend Breadbreakers. Cost is $13 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the bunch to lunch day trip to the Mama’s Pizza on Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 10:45 a.m. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Lomir Redn Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Visions Luncheon Meeting is Friday, May 16, 12:30 p.m. at the Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Members will be entertained by a preview of South Pacific by the Omaha Community Playhouse performers, along with the Musical Director, Jim Boggess. Send reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St. Omaha, NE 68114, by May 9. For information, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709. For transportation, call Florence Hauss (Mitzvah Chair) at 571.4583. Visions invites you to tour the Omaha Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank (2201 Farnam Street) on Wednesday, May 21, 10:45 a.m., followed by Lunch at Katie’s Greek Restaurant. Cost is $12.50 per person. Visit the Bank’s main operating area and cash services, see a short film explaining the Federal Reserve system, a view of the high-speed sorter that counts, sorts, and destroys up to 100,00 notes per hour, a look inside the coin and currency vaults. Leave with a sample of the facility’s product! Adult visitors must present a photo ID. Hand-carried items are not permitted. Send reservations to Sissy Silber, 311 Oakridge Ct., Bellevue, NE 68005 by May 14. Questions: call Doris Alloy at 697.8709 or Sissy at 292.8062. For transportation, call Florence Hauss at 571.4583. Make all checks payable to Visions.

Visions Magical Mystery Trip Visionaires members, including Sol Schwartz and Tootie Simon, enjoyed a fun-filled day on the Annual Mystery Trip recently. Members enjoyed a scenic drive on a beautiful spring day to Mahoney State Park and dined at the Peter Kiewit Lodge with the scenic Platte River as a backdrop. Following lunch members laughed out loud at the show Flaming Idiots by Tom Rooney at the Kountze Memorial Theatre. Flaming Idiots is a contemporary farce that won the New American Comedy Festival Award. For information on Visions programs, please call Jim Wax at 393.4442 or Harry Alloy at 697.8709.

Fineman named ‘Man of the Year’ Continued from page 1 “The ‘Man of the Year’ award was a very special to me in that it is always wonderful when a person gets recognized for his efforts, commitment and passion, and people express their appreciation,” Fineman said. “I was really touched by this award, and it was an especially emotional moment in that my friends, Sandy Victor (Midwest Region president), and Gerry Brin (President-elect, Midwest Region), presented it to me personally.” Fineman became involved with Beth El’s Men’s Club 10 years ago, after being asked to help reorganize the organization. Through his involvement, he became more active with FJMC, which showed him ways to connect men with synagogue life. “I have felt personal growth through the relationships that I have developed with other Jewish men throughout the country due to my involvement in FJMC,” he commented. “The mission of FJMC, ‘Involving Jewish Men in Jewish Life,’ typifies why I feel passionate about Men’s Club. I believe Jewish men need a place to go to feel comfortable about being men, be able to talk about difficult

issues, some of which can be sensitive, to feel a connection to each other, and to have an opportunity to do these things and have fun in a Jewish setting.” Beth El Rabbi Mordechai Levin praised Fineman for his commitment to Men’s Club, and applauded the recognition he recently received. “This is a welldeserved honor,” Rabbi Levin remarked. “Glen has always believed in the importance of having a strong Men’s Club with rich programming for its members and a commitment to help the synagogue. As president, he stressed the importance of participating in FJMC’s national and regional conventions as a way of connecting with others and enriching our own local chapter.” In addition, the rabbi lauded Fineman for being a regular Shabbat service attendee and “one of the most beloved and popular teachers at our high school.” Fineman’s support of and dedication to Beth El is second-nature for the longtime congregant. “I feel very strongly about our synagogue, synagogue life and the importance of family, and believe that through Men’s Club activities, all these things can be strengthened, and therefore our synagogue will become stronger.”

April 25, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Keeping hopes and dreams alive, Matt’s Dream to be featured in next drug prevention program by ANDREA BARTMAN for Jewish Family Service Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Community Center have a dream -- that every member of the Omaha Jewish community be educated and informed about the real-life outcome of the choice to drink and drive. On Tuesday, April 29, 7-8 p.m. at the JCC, Matt’s Dream will be featured as the second part of a three-part drug prevention program. This program is offered at no charge and any family, especially those with middle and high-school aged children is encouraged to attend. April is alcohol awareness month, and possibly no other program reaches people the way Matt’s Dream can. Bob Schmill, whose son Matt was struck and killed by a hit-and-run, drunk driver on his 23rd birthday, is the creator and presenter of the program. Schmill begins by describing the night his son died; what series of events took place and he and his wife’s experiences, emotions and reactions to a life-changing, unexpected and unimaginable loss. He continues through the program with a method of audience interaction that leaves its mark on every attendee, whether adult or youth. The outcome of the experience is to make each person rethink his or her choice to drive while under the influence or to ride as a passenger with someone who is under the influence. The program’s title, Matt’s Dream, was decided upon to drive home the point that our hopes and dreams and goals for the future represent the very best of us and what we have to offer in this world.

The decision by anyone to drink and get behind the wheel can end not only our own dreams, but the hopes and dreams of so many others; a victim, their family, their friends and community. “It’s getting out the message that our dreams are sacred to us; they’re our future and we need to make sure that those dreams survive,” Schmill says. On the program’s website (www.mattsdream.org), some of Matt Schmill’s dreams are outlined; those he completed, those he was working on achieving, and those he never got to see come true. A letter from Matt to himself (written in class with the intent that the teacher would mail the letters back to the students after five years time) is featured on the site as well. The letter outlines some of the things, in Matt’s own words, that he envisioned for himself. A small excerpt of the letter reads: “Right now I love myself and love what I am doing with my life. I am having fun and enjoy waking up to a new day everyday. I do not take drugs; I will drink every so often. I am very good looking and get all the ladies.” Matt was walking home the night he died. Schmill’s focus, and that of the Matt’s Dream Foundation, is on reaching everyone about drinking and driving. Not just kids, but parents as well and how any of us, with one poor decision to get behind the wheel, could permanently alter the lives of so many others in a family; just as he, his wife, their daughter and their son Matt’s lives were.

U.S. Holocaust Museum exhibit on homosexuals on view at Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN sexual men lived in Germany. Nazi policy Temple Israel Communications Coordinator asserted that homosexual men carried a Thousands of homosexuals, primarily “degeneracy” that threatened the “discigay men, perished at the hands of the plined masculinity” of Germany. As Nazis in concentration camps along with homosexuals were believed to form selfmillions of Jews and other victims includ- serving groups, the emergence of a stateing Roma (gypsies), Poles, Soviet prison- within-the-state that could disrupt social ers of war, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the harmony was also feared. Additionally, handicapped during World War II and the Nazis charged that homosexuals’ failthe Holocaust. ure to father children was a factor in The story of what happened to homo- Germany’s declining birth rate which sexuals in Nazi Germany is the subject of robbed the nation of future sons and an exhibition organized and circulated by daughters who could fight for and work the United States Holocaust Memorial toward a greater Reich. Museum. “Nazi Persecution of Homo“The exhibition explores why homosexsexuals 1933-1945” is being shown in ual behavior was identified as a danger to cities across the country, including Nazi society and how the Nazi regime Omaha, where it is on display through attempted to eliminate it,” explained June 9 in the foyer at exhibition Curator Temple Israel. More Edward Phillips. “The than two years in develNazis believed it was posopment, the exhibisible to ‘cure’ homosexual tion, which draws from behavior through labor more than 40 archives and re-education. As their and other repositories efforts to eradicate homoin eight countries, is sexuality grew more drathe first major display conian, gay men became on the Nazis’ treat- On loan from the U.S. Holocaust subject to castration, instiment of homosexuals Memorial Museum, 32 panels depict tutionalization, and for English speaking the Nazi persecution of homosexuals deportation to concentraduring World War II. The exhibit is on tion camps. audiences. “This exhibition view at Temple Israel until June 9. Between 1933 and reflects the Museum’s commitment to 1945, an estimated 100,000 men were recognizing all the victims of Nazism,” arrested for homosexuality and, of these, said Fred S. Zeidman, chairman of the approximately 50,000 were sentenced for U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, the the crime. Most of these men spent time Museum’s governing body. In addition in prisons. An estimated 5,000 to 15,000 to six million Jews, five million others were sent to concentration camps where were murdered between 1933 and 1945. an unknown number perished. “We created this as a traveling exhibition Free and open to the public, the exhibto tell this important story in communi- it can be booked for group tours; contact ties throughout the U.S.” Program Director Rosie Zweiback at In 1933, the year Adolf Hitler assumed 556.6536 or at rzweiback@ templeispower, an estimated one million homo- raelomaha.com.

Schmill works full time in addition to his Matt’s Dream work. He also performs in a 50s and 60s rock and roll band. He spends a great deal of his time working on legislation pertaining to drinking and driving. As the result of an aggressive campaign by Schmill, in July of 2006, Matt’s Law was passed in Nebraska, making it a felony to leave the scene of an injury accident. Similar laws have also since been passed in Iowa and Kansas. Matt’s Dream was awarded the 2006 Community Advocate Award of Excellence from Project Extra Mile and in 2007 received the Iowa Governor’s Award for Volunteer Program of Excellence. Following the main presentation at the JCC, Joan Friedman, of the Safe Homes Parent Network, will speak briefly about the opportunity for parents to become involved in a “parent network pledge program”. Friedman serves as the Tobacco Prevention Coordinator for Cass County and is also the Safe Homes Coordinator for Pride Omaha. “Pride” stands for Parent Resources and Information on Drug Education. Pride Omaha, Inc., which has now been around for over 30 years, is one of the few original grassroots parent/community drug prevention organizations in the United States that remains dedicated to preventing the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by children. They provide a loaning library that includes resources for parents, schools and faithbased organizations to utilize. As part of Pride Omaha, Safe Homes aids parents in establishing their own net-

work of households that have an interest in meeting the program’s objectives, including: parents and guardians who will supervise all youth gatherings in their home or on their property, who will not allow the possession of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by youths in their home or on their property and who will make an effort to know where their children are and who they’re with. Friedman presents the Safe Homes program to PTO’s, community groups and faith-based organizations with these goals in mind. Once a network is established, she provides all of the support and materials to help connect people and maintain the program. She discusses the positive outcomes of effectively communicating with other parents your wishes and expectations for your own children’s wellbeing. “It’s like everything else,” she says. “What you put into it is what you get out of it. The more that parents communicate with one another, the more chances are that they will be keeping their kids safe and drug free.” Friedman will be available at the event to answer questions. She can provide more information on Pride Omaha and Safe Homes, including their MIP Patrol Line, an anonymous place to call-in and report underage drinking, and how to sign up for the Safe Homes Network online at www.safehomes.org. Make the choice to become closer as a family by sharing your hopes and dreams and working together to keep those dreams safe. This event is co-sponsored by the JCC, Jewish Family Service and Safe Homes. For more information, please contact JFS at 330.2024.

COMMUNITY YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION SERVICE IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE HOLOCAUST Wednesday, April 30, 2008 • 7 p.m. Beth Israel Synagogue 12604 Pacific Street Featured Speaker

MR. ROMAN KENT

Presented by the Center for Jewish Education and the Institute for Holocaust Education. Funding provided by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue and Temple Israel. For more information, please call 334-6445. Sitter service available by reservation only.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 25, 2008

Breadbreakers to receive programming award from B’nai B’rith International by LOIS EPSTEIN B’nai B’rith staff On the last Wednesday of this month, the Monsky Lodge will hold its regular session of Breadbreakers. But this meeting will not be focused on “the prominent or the preeminent, the interesting or the influential,� as Lodge president Gary Javitch likes to describe the speakers who make presentations. According to Javitch, “Monsky Lodge will be the focus of the hour-long session.� B’nai B’rith International announced earlier in the year that the Lodge would receive a special programming award for its speaker series. “Also,� Javitch added, “Mayor Fahey will declare April 30 as ‘B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge #3306 Day’ in Omaha.� The International organization will recognize the lodge on Wednesday, April 30, noon at Regency Lodge, as one of the most active units in the nation. Every week for almost six decades the Lodge has provided its members and the public an opportunity to speak to newsmakers, community leaders and educators. In addition, governors, senators, congressmen, attorneys general, mayors and other public officials have stood to address the group and take questions in a minipress conference format over a buffet meal. Over the last few years noted speakers have included

the former Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, Norman Krivosha, and Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch. World-renowned UNMC researchers Drs. Howard Gendelman and Kenneth Cowan have also spoken. So did World-Herald columnists Tom Shatel and Mike Kelly and University leaders Harvey Perlman (UNL Chancellor), Harold Mauer (UNMC Chancellor) and Fr. John Schlegel, SJ (Creighton University President). Academicians participating also included scholars (Drs. Richard Shugrue, Terry Clark, and Leonard Greenspoon) from Creighton University and UNO (Drs. Guy Matalon and Moshe Gershovich), among many other outstanding area colleges. The Breadbreakers began circa 1950, when Earl Siegel, Marvin Treller, Isadore Bogdanoff and Eddie Rosen sat around a table at the Leavenworth Grill at 39th Street to create a program that still continues each Wednesday, now at its current home at the Regency Lodge on Pacific at 107th Streets. The sessions are open to the public. An optional lunch is $13. Anyone interested in joining the email list or the Lodge should call Lois at 334.6443. Marty Ricks and Gary Javitch co-chair Breadbreakers with frequent speaker suggestions from Mort Zuber, Murray Newman, Alan Goodman and Steve Riekes, to name just a few members.

Enjoy lunch and a movie hosted by Hadassah by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES Hadassah Publicity Coordinator The Omaha Chapter of Hadassah invites the community on Thursday, May 8, 11:30 a.m., at the JCC auditorium for lunch, followed by a movie in the theater. This comedy film, provides non-stop laughs in the tradition of My Big Fat Italian Wedding. Committee members who have planned the event, include Doris Alloy, Patty Adler, Bette Kozlen, Julie Stein, Esther Wax and Nancy Wolf. Cost of $5 covers lunch and the movie. However, reservations are required, and must be received by May 2. Donations also are beign accepted to Hadassah College Jerusalem and Career Counseling Institute. The college was established 35 years ago, to enable students to pursue academic and associate degrees in various subjects, such as information technology, design, digital arts and film, hotel management, medical laboratory science, optometry and industrial design. With skills and credentials, young Israeli men and women can build promising careers in science, medicine, industry and communications. Hadassah Career Counseling Institute provides its services to any individual facing economic and social

challenges; for instance, immigrants, retirees, soldiers who have completed service and homemakers returning to the workforce. Your support will continue the exceptional educational and counseling processes needed in Israel’s ever-changing economy. Donations may be given at the door, or mailed to Nancy Wolf at 16620 Vinton Circle, Omaha, NE 68130, along with reservations. Make checks payable to Omaha Chapter of Hadassah. If you have any questions, call Nancy Wolf at 330.6736.

BIRTH Shannon and Russell Bennett announce the March 26 birth of their son, Jameson Wayne. Grandparents are Sandy and Bruce Gordon-Omaha, and Debby Perkins, and Terry and Ione Perkins of Council Bluffs, and Norm Bennett of Benson, AZ. Great-grandparents are Wauneta Bennett of Lincoln, and Annette Gordon of Santa Monica, CA.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Omaha Area Youth Symphony will present its annual Side-by-Side concert with the Omaha Symphony Chamber Orchestra on Sunday, May 4, 7 p.m. in the Peter Kiewit Concert Hall at the Holland Performing Arts Center at 13th and Douglas. The performance will bring together members of the two orchestras under the direction of Thomas Wilkins, Omaha Symphony Music Director, Ernest Richardson, Resident Conductor of the Omaha Symphony and Aviva Segall, Music Director for the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras. Segall characterizes this unique orchestral opportunity, noting that, “The combination of the experience and mastery of the Omaha Symphony musicians and the skill and enthusiasm of the OAYO musicians makes the Sideby-Side concert an exciting performance.� The 18 senior Youth Symphony members, along with three additional seniors from other OAYO ensembles, will be honored in a brief ceremony preceding the concert. Free tickets are made available to area music teachers through a grant. Tickets for all regular season concerts are available at the door, $13 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. Single tickets are also available before the concert through TicketOmaha 402.345.0606; www.ticketomaha.org. For more information call 402.238.2044 or visit www.oayo.org. The Phillip Schrager Collection of Contemporary Art announces its second annual public opportunity to view galleries devoted to this highly regarded collection of international contemporary painting and sculpture on Sunday, May 4, noon–4 p.m. at 4405 So. 96 St. in the AmeriFirst Finance building. There is no charge for admission. Since the inauguration in May of 2006, the galleries have been open by invitation only to arts and academic groups. “Although our emphasis is on access for educational purposes, this open house is a terrific occasion to share our space with individual art lovers in the community,� Schrager said. “There was so much enthusiasm generated by last year’s event that we are pleased to make this an annual addition to Omaha’s arts calendar.� Schrager’s collection is distinguished for its depth and exceptional quality, as well as for the monumental scale of many of its works. It is recognized as one of the finest private collections in the Midwest. Featured artists include Georg Baselitz, Jim Dine, Carroll Dunham, Antony Gormley, Mary Heilmann, Elizabeth Murray, and Julian Schnabel. Please visit www.schragercollection.org or send inquiries to info@schragercollection.org. Omaha Film Streams will screen the Academy Award nominated Israeli film Beaufort on Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m., followed by a discussion with Jewish and Muslim leaders.

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IN THE NEWS An unknown and dramatic story of one man’s challenge to Adolf Hitler’s Holocaust is scheduled for publication in mid-April. That man was David Kaufmann, a business and community leader in Grand Island, Nebraska from 1904 until his death in 1969. The book, Doorway to Freedom: The Story of David Kaufmann-Merchant-Benefactor-Rescuer, has been nearly four years in the planning, writing and publication. The co-authors are Omahans William E. Ramsey and Betty Dineen Shrier. Dr. Benjamin Nachman, a retired Omaha dentist and Jewish historian, discovered Kaufmann while filming oral histories for the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Shoah Foundation. Please join the authors at the Jewish Community Center on Thursday, June 5, 7 p.m., for a celebration of the book’s release, sponsored by the Kripke Library and the NJHS. Ramsey and Shrier traced Kaufmann’s Jewish roots in Germany beginning with his birth in 1875, education, training and retail experience in Berlin, Bonn and Cologne. At age 28, he arrived in America in 1903, readily learned English and worked at A&S Department Store in Brooklyn. When Grand Island merchant, S.N. Wolbach, on a buying trip to New York, saw Kaufmann at A&S, he invited him to work in his store in Grand Island, Nebraska. Kaufmann’s decision to accept Wolbach’s offer changed the lives of hundreds of family members and others in the decades that followed. A story detailing the research which preceded the book was written for the Jewish Press by freelance writer Leo Adam Biga for the New Year’s issue on Sept. 30, 2005: “The Path to Judaism.� The book’s second division provides “reader-friendly� accounts of the rise of the Nazi regime and the subsequent gradual and deliberate anti-Semitic actions that created ghettos, concentration/death camps and inhumane treatment of prisoners. The last division presents profiles of 15 to 20 families Kaufmann saved and what happened to them after they arrived in America. Kaufmann’s signature on the required Affidavit of Support guaranteed that they would not be a burden on the country, state or county—he would be financially responsible for their employment, housing and education. Recalling those times, these families relate their gratitude in this book. Following his example, they now help many others. The authors have collaborated on two earlier works, A Gentle Shepherd: The Life and Times of Archbishop Daniel E. Sheehan and Silent Hills Speak: A History of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mosaic Press, Oakville, Ontario, Canada, an imprint of Judaica Press in Brooklyn, NY, has scheduled publication this month. Co-publishers are the Ted and Sarah Seldin Family Fund and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Mosaic Press intends to market the book nationally and internationally. A portion of the funds from the sale of the book will be directed to Holocaust education. The KaufmannCummings Foundation, partially funded by the David and Madeline Kaufmann estate, has made a grant to purchase books for schools and libraries in Grand Island and surrounding Hall County. Several other grants have also been made for purchase of books for educational use. The authors, both of the Catholic faith, have done extensive research in Nebraska and nationally to bring this unusual story to a wider audience. They have interviewed dozens of families who were rescued through Kaufmnn’s sponsorship as well as business associates, employees and friends of Kaufmann. The book will be

available in local bookstores and at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Absolute Serenity Day Spa & Rejuvenation Center announces the grand opening of the “The Boutique Barn�, a fashion, health and beauty cooperative run by Robyn Freeman, that will feature different weekly trunk shows of fine apparel and accessories, yoga classes and more, located on the grounds of Absolute Serenity at 1000 No. 72 St. Absolute Serenity offers a full array of European-style spa services for women and men. Open since 2000, the Spa received the “2007 Best of the Big O� award and Conde Nast magazine called it the spa to visit during the annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting. For more information and rental rates contact the Spa’s Client Coordinator, Becky Bro at 402.393.4219 or www.dayspaomaha.com. One Drake Place and the Ribbon Foundation announce “A Night of Royal Delights� on Monday, April 28, 6-9 p.m., at the salon, 12100 West center Rd. The mini-treatment of spa services from One Drake Place, along with cocktails, wine and hors d’oeuvres provided by Blue Sushi Sake Grill and Biance, will benefit the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Formed in 2000 by Troy Crawford, the foundation assists women fighting breast cancer by providing personal care. In addition, participants will have a chance to purchase raffle tickets and bid on items during a silent auction. Tickets range from $75-$200 and are available by sending a tax-deductible check made out to the Ribbon Foundation to Jenny Meyerson, 9976 Hascall, Omaha, NE 68124. The Omaha City Council is renaming a street in South Omaha in memory of the late Sam Greenberg, a prominent member of the Jewish community and a businessman in South Omaha. The naming will be Friday, April 25, 1:30 p.m., on South 24th St. between N and O Sts. The public is welcome to attend. Omaha Children’s Museum Rainbow Connector’s Guild has kicked off planning for the 2008 “For the Kids� Benefit. “An Evening on the Cape� will be the theme for the museum’s largest annual fundraiser on Saturday, May 3 at the museum, 500 So. 20th St. Tickets for the event are $175 and $125. A cocktail hour and sneak peek auction viewing will begin at 5:30 p.m. with auction flights officially opening at 6 p.m. Dinner and an oral auction will follow at 8 p.m. Funds raised from the event will be used to sustain the museum’s new permanent exhibits that were renovated in 2007 as well as its ongoing programs. For more information, contact Kathy Aultz at 402.930.2358. A free open house for alumni, parents and families will be held at Central High School on Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.4 p.m. This will be the kickoff for Central’s 150 year anniversary in 2009. There will be an ethnic food court for lunch, musical performances, a Road Show Retrospective, building tours, a magic show, art display, wellness activities, a poetry slam, chess tournament and a basketball game during the open house. Later that evening, at the Kaneko Center at 11th and Jones, there is a fundraiser for the school. There will be free parking, food from Famous Dave’s Restaurant, a silent auction and entertainment by Rhythm Collective. Tickets for the “Rock the Nest� adult celebration must be reserved in advance by calling 556.1996.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 25, 2008

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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the below events.

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MONDAY, MARCH 31 BESTT Pesach Activities, 4:30 p.m. CJE Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Iran, Jews & Israel with Dr. Moshe Gershovich, 7 p.m. Beginning Hebrew, 7 p.m. THURSDAY, MAY 1 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights and Values from the Torah, noon at Beth El Foundation Meeting, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El JFS Love & Logic Classes, 6 p.m. ADL Tribute to the Rescuers Award Ceremony, 7 p.m. at Mayor Fahey’s office Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, MAY 2 Friedel Yom Hashoah Student Remembrance Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El BESTT 3rd Grade Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MAY 4 Reading the Rambam Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Walk the Land Breakfast and Registration, 9:45 a.m. Bible Study Group, and Lessons for the Jewish Soul, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Walk the Land walk begins, 11 a.m. Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration, 11-5 p.m., at the JCC Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC MONDAY, MAY 5 JSS Senior Luncheon, 9:30 a.m. BBYO Parent/Teen Information Night, 6:30 p.m. Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m. Beginning Hebrew, 7 p.m. Israel@60 Mission Recruitment Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 6 W.O.W Parsha, Prayer and Prophets, 9 a.m. at Chabad Eye on Israel, noon Hebrew Lunch ‘n Learn, 12:15 p.m. at Temple Israel Goldstein Supporting Foundation Meeting, 4 p.m. Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Annual Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel From Generation to Generation, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel 20s & 30s Mission Recruitment Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 Friedel Yom Hazikaron Student Remembrance CDC Omaha Symphony: Mission Imagination, 9:30 a.m. Foundation Investment Committee, 10:30 a.m. WRJ Donor Tea, noon at Temple Israel Know Thyself, Know Thy Christian Neighbors, noon at Temple Israel Parsha for Kids, 3:45 p.m. at Chabad B’nai B’rith Charity Sports Banquet, 5:45 p.m. at Qwest Center Omaha Parsha Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad THURSDAY, MAY 8 Friedel Yom Haatzma’ut Student Remembrance Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Center for Jewish Education Board Meeting, noon Insights and Values from the Torah, noon at Beth El Hadassah Meeting & Luncheon, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Hadassah Movie, 1 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El USY Yoga and Yogurt, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Israeli Society Through Film, 7 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, MAY 9 Confirmation/Graduation, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Mother’s Day Shabbat dinner, 8 p.m. at Chabad

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SUNDAY, MAY 11 Reading the Rambam Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth E Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC BESTT Chaverim program, 2 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, MAY 12 Sisterhood Mah Jongg, 1 p.m. at Beth Israel CJE Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. Beginning Hebrew, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 13 W.O.W Parsha, Prayer and Prophets, 9 a.m. at Chabad Eye on Israel, noon Hebrew Lunch ‘n Learn, 12:15 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. From Generation to Generation, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 Know Thyself, Know Thy Christian Neighbors, 7:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Board, 3:30 p.m. Parsha for Kids, 3:45 p.m. at Chabad NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Parsha Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad THURSDAY, MAY 15 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Friedel Annual Plant Sale, 10 a.m. Insights and Values from the Torah, noon at Beth El Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. at Kripke Library Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El JCC Executive Committee Meeting, 4 p.m. Israeli Society Through Film, 7 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

FRIDAY, MAY 16 CDC Graduation, 10 a.m. Friedel Annual Plant Sale, 10 a.m. Visions Luncheon Meeting, noon Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights Beth El BBQ & Barchu, 5:30 p.m. at Zorinsky Lake SATURDAY, MAY 17 BESTT 7th and 12th Grade Graduation, 9:30 a.m. Out of Sight Saturday Night, 6:30 p.m. BBYO BEAU Dance, 6:30 p.m. Yachad Camp Overnight SUNDAY, MAY 18 Reading the Rambam Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Celebrate Freedom Shabbat, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 1 p.m. Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC Dance Recital, 2 p.m. Jewish Literature Identity and Imagination, 2 p.m. Lag B’Omer Family Activity, 4:30 p.m. at Friedel Summer Swim Team Parents Meeting, 6 p.m. MONDAY, MAY 19 JSS Senior Luncheon, 9:30 a.m. Jewish Book Club Meeting, 2 p.m. Beginning Hebrew, 7 p.m. Cantor’s Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 20 W.O.W Parsha, Prayer and Prophets, 9 a.m. at Chabad Eye on Israel, noon Hebrew Lunch ‘n Learn, 12:15 p.m. at Temple Israel Dance Recital Dress Rehearsal, 4 p.m. BBYO Rush, 5 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. ADL 2008 Youth Leadership Mission Meeting, 6 p.m. Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Beth El Kadima goes to Premier Gym, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 Visions tour of the Federal Reserve, 10:30 a.m. Know Thyself, Know Thy Christian Neighbors, noon at Temple Israel Parsha for Kids, 3:45 p.m. at Chabad USY Elections, 6 p.m. at Beth El Dance Recital, 7 p.m. Parsha Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad THURSDAY, MAY 22 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights and Values from the Torah, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Lag Baomer BBQ, 6 p.m. at Chabad Dance Recital, 7 p.m. LOVE Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Israeli Society Through Film, 7 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, MAY 23 Friedel Yom Yerushalyim Jewish Motorcycle Alliance Breakfast & Lecture, 9 a.m. Beth El Shabbat comes to the RBJH, 2:30 p.m.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 25, 2008

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Blumkin Home Phase II gives Federation Foundation first class office space by OZZIE NOGG For the past fifteen years the Omaha Jewish Federation Foundation has been located in a cramped, 750 square foot office in the lower level of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home north wing. During that time, the Foundation assets grew from $25 million to $80 million, including almost $38 million in new money. Now, with its upcoming move into an 1800 square foot space in Phase II of the Blumkin Home’s New Beginning, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Marty Ricks, anticipates an increase in the bottom line, as well. “Only Cleveland, Greensboro and San Francisco currently boast a larger per capita Federation Foundation,” Ricks said. “Omaha’s Foundation has grown. We plan to keep growing, and for that we need extra space for added staff.” Today, the operation is run by four employees -- three full-time and one part-time.

JCC campus by the Federation Budget and Allocations Committee. Donors may also set up Restrictive Funds and earmark their gift for specific scholarships or Federation agencies, such as the Blumkin Home or Jewish Family Service,” he explained. “The Foundation is an extension of the Federation,” Ricks explained. “I lend my expertise to any agency on campus but my major goal, and what I was hired to do, is to provide a safety net in the event the Annual Campaign falls below what we’re accustomed to raising over the last quarter century.” Rick’s route to his job as Foundation Executive Director was circuitous. An Omaha area native, he moved to Los Angeles in 1969 after receiving his law degree. While in California Ricks became a CPA for Price/Waterhouse. From 1989 to 1991, he served as president of his congregation in Thousand Oaks and

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Tom Lindstrom, left, and Marty Ricks Laurie Peatrowsky, left, Janet Henthorn and Marty Ricks Ricks credits David Friedland with much of the expan- proved to be a successful fundraiser, obtaining more sion details. “David has been a wonderful mentor on than 60 pledges for the new building. this project. He has always been a ‘hands on’ member of In 1992 Ricks brought his wife, Iris, to Omaha where our Foundation Board of Directors and worked closely he worked for two years with his sister and brother-inwith me on office layout, furnishings, budget and over- law, Jan and Les Schneiderman, at KB Foods. “Iris realall direction.” ly liked it here. We made a lot of good friends during For Tom Lindstrom, Hawkins construction superin- our stay.” In 1994, the couple moved back to California. tendent, this part of the project is the toughest, due to Then, in 1998, through a series of coincidences, Ricks the amount of construction and structural details that heard that the Foundation was seeking a new Executive will eventually incorporate Main Street tiptoeing into Director. “Iris and I were on the plane, flying to Omaha the building. “For now,” Lindstrom said, “this part of for an interview, and I said, ‘This is probably a mistake. Phase 2 involves the new resident suites upstairs, the Changing professions at 56 might be a risk.’” Clearly, new laundry and the Foundation. My immediate focus the move was no mistake for the Foundation or for is getting Marty into his new space.” Ricks. In June, he will celebrate 10 years on the job. The weeks between the demolition of the old According to Foundation President, Steve Bloch, Foundation office and its relocation to remodeled quar- “Marty Ricks is a wonder. He has reached out to former ters found Ricks and his staff camped out in various Omahans all over the country. As a result, several very parts of the Jewish Community Center. “The meaningful endowments or donor-advised funds were Federation, the Kripke Library and ADL generously established this year by former Omahans. Marty’s prooffered us temporary space, but we’re really anxious to fessionalism and energy are at the heart of our success.” settle into our own home.” The Foundation’s Annual Report for the last fiscal Janet Henthorn and Laurie Peatrowsky, Endowment year ending June 30, 2007, shows shows that the Associates, are equally anxious for the move. “My old Foundation disbursed $3.6 million from donor-advised office was the size of a postage stamp,” Henthorn said. funds, of which $2.2 million was distributed to the “Now, I’m thrilled to have a Omaha Jewish Federation and window.” Peatrowsky admitits agencies, Omaha synagogues ted to having a dream that and other local Jewish organiza“Janet had the best office, with tions. The balance of the disan ocean view.” Both women bursements benefited local and look forward to working in a national secular organizations spacious, visually appealing or national Jewish organization. environment that includes a More importantly, $3.5 milreception area, staff offices, lion was spent from its endowbathrooms, break room, copy ment and custodial funds for room and conference room. the Omaha Jewish community. “We’ll no longer need to In total, the Foundation dissearch for space to meet in tributed over $7 million princiother places in the building,” pally within or benefitting our Ricks added. “And since we’re Janet Henthorn, left, and Laurie Peatrowsky survey local Jewish community. a bit off the beaten path, what will be the new Foundation office “The Blumkin Home has a donors will know their visits to us will be totally confi- wonderful relationship with the Foundation,” said dential.” RBJH Executive Director Mike Silverman. “We appreciAccording to Ricks, “The basic mission of the ate how smart they’ve been with our dollars. They are a Foundation is to secure permanent assets to insure the great steward of our funds. I feel a sense of partnership future of the Omaha Jewish Community. During the with Marty, so it seemed natural to add office space for history of the Federation Annual Campaign, we typical- the Foundation in our project. It will help them sell ly lose between two and three of our top donors from their product -- the Omaha Jewish community -- and year to year. That impacts allocation of dollars to all their success helps every agency and every person who Federation agencies that benefit from the Campaign. benefits from those agencies.” It’s incumbent upon us to make up for that loss of rev“Mike and I support one another.” Ricks said. “I was enue by encouraging people to put the Federation in a major fundraiser for the Blumkin Home Capital their wills in order to perpetuate annual Endowment Campaign. I volunteered to do it even though it’s not funds through the Foundation.” exactly what I do, which is raise money for endowments. The process used by Ricks to secure Foundation But with my contacts I thought I could help. Howard monies is straightforward. “I sit with donors and explain Kooper, New Beginning Building Chairman, and Bob that raising money for Federation becomes more diffi- Belgrade, President of the Board of the Rose Blumkin cult each year. I express our appreciation for their past Jewish Home/Jewish Senior Services and Jewish Family gifts and encourage them to consider endowing their Services, appreciated my getting involved.” annual gift -- whatever the amount -- so their support Ricks added, “After all, the secret of our success truly of the Omaha Jewish community will last forever.” is collaboration amongst all the agencies on our campus, These gifts, if unrestricted, are directed for use on the and I am proud to be part of the team.”

April 25, 2008

Kosher for Passover in Israel JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER We were at Sachne one day last Passover. Sachne, also known as “The Park of the Three Pools,” is located near Beit Shean in the Lower Galilee. It was a beautiful day, and the place was packed with both Jews and Arabs, religious people and non-religious. The kids had a lot of fun going in and out of the waterfalls in the park, and we spent most of the day there. We ate a picnic lunch, and for a treat we walked over to the park’s snack-bar and got the kids some ice cream. Not such an earth-shaking moment ordinarily, but on Passover it was. For such a thing does not occur outside of Israel. To begin with, it is difficult to find “Kosher for Passover” ice cream of any kind in most places in the States. And I have never seen “Kosher for Passover” ice cream bars -- and if and when these do come into existence, they certainly will not be for sale at the concession stand of your nearest National Park. My kids have a picture book called Matzah Ball: A Passover Story. The book tells the story of Aaron, who is invited by his friend’s family to join them at a Baltimore Orioles game. It turns out that the baseball game is during Passover, and so Aaron’s mom reminds him that he can’t eat any of the stadium’s junk food. Aaron complains, “It’s not easy being Jewish, and sometimes it feels downright weird.” (Aaron is rewarded for his sacrifice, though, because while his friends are off at the concession stand, he manages to snag a home-run ball thanks to the resiliency of the matza he is holding in his hands.) In Israel it’s easy being Jewish and it’s easy keeping kosher for Passover (though perhaps it’s more difficult for a Jew here to be humane -- but that’s a topic for another column). Most of your regular grocery items that you use year-round suddenly sprout “Kosher for Passover” labels two weeks before the holiday. Even Elie’s penicillin for his ear infection was stamped

“Kosher for Passover” (though I did not request such a stamp). The only complicating food factor in Israel on Passover, if you are Ashkenazic, is that there are two “Kosher for Passover” food labels: the all-encompassing “Kosher for Passover” and the “Kosher for Passover for those who eat kitniyot (legumes).” A kosher for Passover buffet at a hotel or restaurant will often include rice, corn, beans, and other legumes, and it’s not always easy to steer your kids or yourself away from these items. Yet now that I am in Israel, this Ashkenazic stringency against eating legumes seems quite extreme. There are just too many religious Jews here who eat kitniyot for me to think that there is anything pious in abstaining from these foods. If anything is weird about Passover in Israel it’s the lengths that secular Israelis go to cleaning for Passover. The days leading up to Passover constitute a national spring-cleaning period both for religious and less traditional Jews. A frequent radio advertisement this prePassover season urged women to forego Passover cleaning and vacation in Cyprus, where they would find beautiful beaches and hotels, and wonderful restaurants. Yes, apparently there are many women in Israel who both clean exhaustingly for Passover and who would entertain the possibility of vacationing at a non-kosher Cypriot Hotel for the holiday. Passover in Israel feels normal because it seems like almost everyone is celebrating. I’m not exactly sure what the payoff is going to be, but it would certainly stand to reason that there are incredible psychic benefits for a Jewish kid who grows up on Israeli Passovers.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Passover by Design by Susie Fishbein (Artscroll/Shaar, $34.99)

READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN In the fifth of the “by Design” series, Fishbein creates more than 130 kosher recipes, many of them collected from her other cookbooks. They have been “completely reformulated and adjusted to the more rigorous standards of Passover preparations”, are glutenfree, and marked meat, dairy, pareve, gebrokts and non-gebrokts (a Yiddish word meaning “broken”... referring to using broken matza or matza meal mixed with liquid). Create family Passover memories with everyone helping with some part of the preparations by drawing a task written on a colorful piece of paper from a “Mrs. Balabusta” fishbowl ... everyone can pitch in and help or trade for a favorite detail. The symbolic significance of the items on the seder plate is explained and the warning to choose carefully among the products kosher for Passover ... companies add and pull products from their lines during the year (check the Orthodox Union website at www.ou.org and/or your rabbinic authority). The chapters include: Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Poultry, Meat, Fish/Dairy, Side Dishes and Desserts. The recipe format is one-to-a page with detailed instructions, headnotes and many color

photographs. Pistachio Chicken Skewers with Blackberry Sauce, Tri-color Gefilte Fish, New Millennium Waldorf Salad (using whipped heavy whipping cream instead of mayonnaise), Carrot-Coconut Vichyssoise, Grandma Mollie’s Compote and a dish called Meichel. Some of the recipes are longer with lots of ingredients and several steps, but not this recipe, which you can make in minutes! ZESTY CHICKEN 8 chicken parts, with bone and skin 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup ketchup 4 teaspoons dry onion soup mix Preheat oven to 350º. Place the chicken, in a single layer, into a baking dish. In a small mixing bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, and onion soup mix. Stir to combine. Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken and spread it over each piece. Place the baking dish into the oven and bake, uncovered, for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, or a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 180º. Transfer to a bowl or platter. Meat, Makes 8 servings, non-gebrokts. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com.

Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children, three of whom are now serving in the Israel Defense Force. In addition to be a freelance columnist for Jewish newspapers across North America, he works in the education department at the Jewish Agency for Israel and may be reached at: weinross@netvision.net.il.

B’nai B’rith offers $250 for first prize in trivia quiz at Yom Ha’Atzmaut by STEVE RIEKES In the 1966 movie, this actor Cast a Giant Shadow as Col. David Marcus in the story of Israel’s difficult struggle for statehood. He plays an American military officer who defied orders and led a faction of the Israeli Army in defense of its newly formed borders. Who was he? Even if you do not know that Kirk Douglas starred in that role, you can still have a lot of fun at the eighth annual B’nai B’rith Jewish Trivia Quiz. This fun event, sponsored by Henry Monsky Lodge #3306, has been held each year in conjunction with Yom Ha’Atzmaut -- Israel Independence Day. This year will be a special celebration as it will be 60 years since Israel was founded as a modern state. All l 25 trivia questions for the quiz will be about Israel from Biblical to Modern times. The celebration will be held Sunday, May 4, 1 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Any member of the Jewish community, 13 or older, can participate. The only restriction is that team members may not include

members of the clergy or full time professional religious educators. To add extra excitement, there will be cash prizes: first place is $250; second place, $100; third place prize is $50. Half of each prize will go to the team and the other half will go to a local Omaha Jewish charity or institution of the winning team’s choosing. There is also a minimum prize of $50 for the top-scoring high school team. According to Stan Mitchell, a member of the planning committee, that prize was added to encourage more teenagers to participate. Others involved in coordinating the event are Leonard Greenspoon, Gary Javitch, Gloria Kaslow, and Lois Epstein. The program is open to the community without charge. Both participants and spectators are welcome. Advance registration is encouraged. Entry forms are available at the synagogues or the JCC or you can just show up. For more information, call the B’nai B’’rith office at 334.6443

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 25, 2008

RBJH residents and Friedel students collaborate on mask-making project

Yachad prepares for Yom HaAtzmaut

by ANDREA BARTMAN into the exploration of papermaking techfor JSS/RBJH nique. She’s spent nearly 15 years experiFourteen Residents of the Rose menting with texture, color and shape in Blumkin Jewish Home, along with regard to paper. Friedel fourth, fifth and sixth graders, “Art is my passion,” her artist resume recently completed a month-long project describes. “I’m always looking to express creating their own decorative masks. myself in a variety of ways.” Seymour is Artist-in-residence Dottie Seymour led an active member in the Old Market an opening discussion and subsequently, the mask-making process with the participants in this workshop sponsored through Jewish Senior Services and the Blumkin Home activity department. To inspire the group and start them on their way, Seymour began with a discussion about expressing their story. “I tried to get across that everyone has their own story to tell. We may not all be verbal people, but we can show it visually and we can let the mask show who we are.” Friedel students gather and collaborate on With this, Seymour paired up residents which materials best suit their needs. of the Home with Friedel students and set them on a journey of exploration and discovery about one another. She made it the students’ job to ask their elder companions a series of questions about likes, dislikes, hobbies and interests. And then she encouraged them to discuss the answers with their companions and use that information to begin their works of art. Residents and students shared equally in the creative expression that went into each unique project. “I did not want each Friedel students Sam Kricsfeld, left, and individual to make their own mask, Naomi Teetzel show off their project with because there wouldn’t be the same level partner and Blumkin Home resident Bernie Meyers. of interaction,” Seymour comments. Seymour lives in Woodbine, Iowa, with Artists’ Cooperative Gallery and the her husband and works in her at-home Woman’s Caucus for the Arts. She also studio. From a background in doing pen teaches and presents her work at the and ink drawings, as well as both oil and Town and Country Arts and Exhibit. acrylic painting, she eventually moved For her teaching, Seymour offers sever-

by ANDREA BARTMAN for Jewish Family Service The most recent Yachad event was in preparation for Israel’s 60th birthday celebration on May 4. The group’s initial task involved preparing sale items for Yom Ha’Atzmaut and creating a banner for their booth chronicling the history of the State of Israel. They were assisted by volunteers Nathan Wolf, Karen Lepp, Joanna Kay, Mark Kazor and Kathie Pieper. Upon completion of the banner, the members viewed a DVD of the “Wings” program for special needs young adults in Israel, to which the Yachad members contributed their profits last year. “It’s a powerful and encouraging presentation that the members could relate to in light of their own goals and dreams,” says Duane Pieper, Yachad Program Coordinator. The event came to a close with a rousing rendition of happy birthday for Israel and a large slice of cake. According to Pieper, one attendee later commented “It was a fast, fun-filled, fantastic event!”

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al types of workshops to educate and inspire others in her craft. “This is the first time I’ve done an intergenerational program,” she comments. “I’ve worked with both children and older adults, but never the two together. To see them merging, bonding and sharing ideas worked perfectly.” She goes on to describe how well the Friedel students worked together for the best outcome on each piece. Seymour was impressed with how invested they were in the project, how they truly cared about the outcome and their ability to negotiate among themselves to reach decisions. Enter another integral person to the success of the mask project: Friedel Art Teacher Julie Phillips. She has been at Friedel for nine years and has encouraged intergenerational programs with the Blumkin Home throughout that time. “We love the unique opportunity we have to do intergenerational projects with the residents,” she says. “I think it enriches the education of our students. The experiences create such wonderful opportunities for developing sensitivity, patience, communication skills, and self esteem. The seniors are loving and so complimentary and appreciative of our students that they leave each interaction feeling that unconditional love that only a grandparent can give!” Upon completion of the program, students and their adult companions were encouraged to share their work, and the inspiration behind it, with the entire group at a reception. Refreshments were served and everyone was given the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the completed works of art together.

Yachad members Ben Friedman, front row left, Lisa and Jill Salomon, Nancy Isler, Elaine Marcus and Grace Isler; and back row: Alan Friedman, Jeff Steinberg, Marilyn Zevitz, Eric Friedberg, and Josh Parsow prepare for Yom Ha’Atzmaut on May 4.

April 25, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Omaha Performing Arts Presents

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 25, 2008

Memo to President Carter While Jews all over the world have been preparing for Passover, former United States President Jimmy Carter has been meeting with America’s enemies. When he announced that he would travel to the Middle East, even members of his own Democratic party were incredulous! Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign affairs Committee, and Gary Ackerman, chairman of the subcommittee which oversees issues pertaining to Israel and the Middle East, both urged Carter not to go. In a letter to Carter, Berman of California and Ackerman of NY, wrote, “With all due respect, we believe this visit will undermine the Middle East peace process and damage the credibility of Palestinian moderates, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.” That didn’t stop him. Neither did President George Bush, advisers to former president Bill Clinton, nor Israeli officials, nor any of a dozen other highly placed politicos who told Carter his visit was ill-timed, his judgment impaired, and his wishes for peace with Hamas naive. What’s with Jimmy? Is he trying so desperately to create a lasting legacy, one that eluded him after he failed to recapture the White House in 1980? Sure he had the requisite photo op on the front lawn with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat shaking hands. But that had more to do with the courage of Sadat (who was later assassinated for his brave stance) than any attempts by Carter to get the two sides together. So here he is, meeting not once, but twice with officials from Hamas, a group that not

only the United States, but the European Union, has labeled as terrorists. Carter travelled to Ramallah to lay a wreath at Yasser Arafat’s grave (but not at Yad Vashem) and then met with Hamas. From there he crossed through Rafah with Mahmud Zahar and Said Siam to Egypt to meet in an undisclosed location with Egyptian officials and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (who, by the way, aims to take over the West Bank from current Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas). And Friday, he met the Hamas enfant terrible, Khaled Meshaal in Damascus. All we can say is, “OY!” Of course we understand that you don’t make peace with your friends, but with your enemies. But Carter doesn’t represent anyone but himself. He can’t speak for either the American government or the Israelis. He can’t offer any carrots or threaten with any sticks. In short, he’s impotent. This is an exercise in something we can’t say in polite company. And while Carter did condemn Hamas’ continual barrage of Kassam rocket attacks on Israeli towns such as Sderot and Ashkelon, his slightly insincere words have little meaning when he then meets with the heads of a group that openly calls for the death of Jews and the destruction of the State of Israel.

And it’s a little hard to remain sympathetic to a man who condemns the Israeli “blockade” of Gaza and the “suffering of Palestinians” (never mind the hundreds of tons of food, medicine and supplies that the Israelis truck into Gaza on a daily basis), but doesn’t have it in his heart to feel sympathy for the Israeli civilians (Jews and Arabs alike) who have been killed, maimed or psychologically damaged by rocket attacks, suicide bombs and drive-by shootings. Jimmy Carter is on a fool’s errand. Does he really think in his heart of hearts (where it appears that he only has lust, not love), that any Israeli will ever take him seriously? Seriously, Jimmy, even if you come to Ehud Olmert with a written declaration of peace from Hamas, he and his government will know it’s as reliable as that book you wrote.

hope to Sderot’s residents and residents of all Israeli communities living under fire. In turn, their courage and endurance gives us hope. Since the inception of this effort, Sderot has been under almost daily rocket attack from terrorists in Gaza for whom Israel’s mere existence is an anathema.

allow the grieving, fear and terror to defeat them. This embodies hope for the future, literally and physically. While many have stepped in to provide for the emotional and psychological welfare of Sderot’s residents, we are humbled at being the only ones actually building a new building. This is different from repairing homes and adding bomb shelters, mobile and permanent. The new Magen David Adom EMS Station is literally the cornerstone of Sderot’s future. Knowing that people care is critical, but actually seeing new construction is worth more than its weight in gold. What greater affirmation of the vision of the hope than to build something so central to any community, certainly to Sderot. Together, we are proud to be partners with Magen David Adom and the people of Sderot, to realize the eternal vision of being a free people in our own land. In Sderot and the surrounding western Negev region, MDA remains on high alert, racing to the scene of every Kassam rocket and mortar attack to protect and care for Israel’s people.

The meaning of hope

BEHIND THE HEADLINES by DANIEL ALLEN CEO, American Friends of Magen David Adom One hundred and 30 years ago, the words of what would become Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah (The Hope)” were penned. “Our hope is as yet not lost The hope that is 2000 years old To be a free nation, in our own country The land of Zion and Jerusalem” Last month, American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) dedicated the new Sderot MDA Emergency Medical Station. In building this new, state-of-the-art for the people of the city, the supporters of AFMDA not only provided an essential service to the community but we also affirmed our solidarity with Sderot and the western Negev as well as our belief that our people should live as “a free nation in our own country.” Perhaps even more important, by building a brand new facility in a city that is being targeted by rockets and mortars every day, American Friends of Magen David Adom has expressed our hope and faith for a better tomorrow. Challenges still face Israel, but the hope for Israel’s future still thrives. In 2003, American Friends of Magen David Adom committed to build a new Emergency Medical Station in Sderot, a community of some 25,000, sitting less than a mile from the border with the Gaza Strip. Thanks to the generosity of many donors from New York, Cleveland, Kansas City, Los Angeles and everywhere in between, last week AFMDA delivered to the people of Sderot a new EMS Station that suits their needs and builds for the future. In literally building for their future, we give

... the resilience of Sderot and its residents both inspires hope and breeds it. Going about ones’ daily existence -going to school, work, the bank, grocery shopping and even taking a shower have become acts of bravery and defiance. Nearly 2,500 rockets have been fired at Sderot since 2001 and more than 800 have been fired at the city in 2008 alone. In addition, 2,600 mortar rounds have also pounded Sderot and the western Negev. Sderot’s residents are literally living under fire. Indeed many have left the city, moving elsewhere, out of range of terrorists’ rockets. But the resilience of Sderot and its residents both inspires hope and breeds it. Going about ones’ daily existence -- going to school, work, the bank, grocery shopping and even taking a shower have become acts of bravery and defiance. More than 700 homes have been damaged by these rockets, but have been, and are being, rebuilt. Ten people, including nine Sderot residents, have been killed in these attacks. Magen David Adom personnel have stabilized and transported 433 injured people to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon and treated 1,000 who have suffered shock. Still, the people of Sderot, Shaar HaNegev and the western Negev go about their lives building for the future. Even the families of those killed and maimed are going about living so as not to

American Friends of Magen David Adom -- ARMDI is the authorized organization supporting the life saving efforts of MDA in Israel and representing Magen David Adom in the US. Magen David Adom (MDA) is Israel’s only government-mandated ambulance and emergency medical responders, serving as the nation’s second line of defense with medical, disaster, ambulance and blood services. Thanks to AFMDA/ARMDI supporters, more than 700 MDA ambulances and Mobile Intensive Care Units are on call 24/7, operating from over 100 Emergency Medical Stations and 11 dispatch stations throughout Israel, logging more than 6.75 million miles and taking care of more than 700,000 patients annually. Acclaimed for their heroic role in rescuing the wounded, coordinating activities with the IDF and Home Front Command and raising morale in Israel’s north during the Second Lebanon War, MDA also provides 97% of Israel’s blood needs and has launched the MDA Israel Cord Blood Bank. Former Nebraskan Daniel Allen is ARMDI’s CEO.

(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Robyn Belgrade Sales Associate Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern Jewish Press Board Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Eve Randone, Melissa Schop; Michael Siegel, Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $33 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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April 25, 2008

The power of exile at Passover

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

In Israel, make it pay to study Judaism

metaphorical hunger (for freedom, compassion and meaning) that enables us, with new eyes, to recognize actual hunger the suffering experienced on a by H. ERIC SCHOCKMAN, PH.D. daily basis by so many in this country and President of MAZON beyond. And it thrusts upon us an acute awareness of the many ways in which our Every Passover, an acquaintance whom I physical and social environment despersee once a year at seder makes the same ately crave our attention. joke. Nu, he says, Why is it I only see you It is appropriate that Passover comes when we’re wandering? Next time, come during springtime, a season of growth over and stay awhile. Our ritual is always and new beginnings. Its arrival augurs a the same: He shakes my hand and throws fresh awakening of our self-identification out the line; we both laugh, partially out as exiles, people alienated from the best of a mutual awareness that ours is just a life has to offer. The holiday alerts us to once-a-year relationship, but also out of a our real potential and life’s infinite possishared understanding that, in a larger bilities, but reveals a path that takes us sense, we will always be wandering. After through challenging terrain. all, this is a central point of the holiday and Through the course of my own wana key aspect of our cultural derings, I have occasionally ... when we’re and religious heritage: lost my way. As the head of We are wanderers, comfortable and an agency working to end strangers looking for a settled, content and hunger in this country and home. This suggests another maintaining a comsecure in our place beyond, theme repeated during mitment to communal jusPassover and throughout in the world, it tice in the face of discouragthe Jewish holiday calendar: becomes easy to ing odds is, simply put, a difIt is in exile that we lead the ignore the people ficult task. And sustaining an search for justice. outsider’s perspective lookaround us ... Judaism does not soft-pedal ing at society as imperfect this link. Exodus clearly instructs us: You and in need of repair can be unsettling shall not mistreat a stranger, nor shall you and even painful. oppress him, for you were strangers in the Yet, my experience has also given me land of Egypt. In other words, having had cause for optimism. The people I the experience of being other, we cannot encounter routinely overwhelm me with help but champion the others among us. the strength of their caring and the fervor Seen in this context, my seder friend’s of their desire to foster a culture in which joke is actually quite profound. Quite success is defined both as doing well and apart from my annual Pesach get-togeth- doing good. They reassure me that what er, it is Judaism’s particular insight that we seek is within our reach: a global comall of us only truly see each other when munity that defines itself by the principles we’re wandering. Indeed, when we’re of inclusion. This is exile’s ultimate lescomfortable and settled, content and son: transforming us from outsiders to secure in our place in the world, it insiders by uniting us in common purbecomes easy to ignore the people pose. around us, to overlook society’s ills and This Passover, we once again embark turn a blind eye to the things that need to on a journey that makes each of us a change. desert wanderer. As in years past, the trip Exile a sense that all is not as it should will not be without struggle. But at the be, that we are strangers in our own lives end of the road, we are sure to find a and community forces us to see through promised land, one that speaks to the a different lens. It fills us with a exile in all of us.

FOCUS ON ISSUES

BEHIND THE HEADLINES by RABBI ANDREW SACKS JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Issues of conversion have been covered on the front pages of Israeli newspapers on a frequent basis -- and for good reason, since most sociologists accept that as many as 350,000 Israeli citizens living in Israel from the former Soviet Union are not Jewish. These people made aliyah under the Law of Return that allows Israeli citizenship with one Jewish grandfather, even though traditional rabbinic law recognizes as Jewish only someone who has a Jewish mother or who has converted to Judaism. This situation has created what some in Israel view as a ticking demographic time bomb. These Israelis live as Jews. They study side by side with their Jewish peers in Jewish schools and join Jewish youth groups. They serve in the army and are an integral part of Israel. However, since personal status matters in Israel are handled by religious authorities, they cannot get married in their new home country and their offspring are not considered Jewish. The consensus in Israel is that it would be wonderful for most of these people to convert to Judaism, thus becoming Jewish Israelis. But previous efforts to meet the conversion challenge have met with failure. Long gone are the days when the Chief Rabbinate -- the days of Rabbis Shlomo Goren and Ovadia Yosef -- would provide the means for a reasonable path to join the Jewish people. With the increasing influence of the fervently Orthodox, or haredim, the process of conversion to Judaism is often long, arduous and humiliating. In the end, the doors remain closed to most who apply. Not surprisingly, surveys show that few from the former Soviet Union have any interest in conversion. The process is unattractive, cumbersome, long and dis-

tasteful. The inability to marry in Israel aside, one can live just fine as a nonJewish citizen. So how do we get the masses to take an interest in becoming Jewish? Israel should create an incentive system. Pay to convert? Not exactly. Such an approach would be immoral and illegal. But let us consider payment, or tax credits, for those who take the basic Judaism courses that can serve as preparation for conversion. Why do a relatively high number of soldiers agree to convert? It’s because studying Judaism for three months while living on a kibbutz sure beats guard duty on the cold front lines along the Lebanon border. In other words, they have an incentive. Thousands of dollars already are being spent to prepare each convert, if one takes the budget and divides it by the numbers who actually complete the process. So why not help the person who gives up 350 hours to study? Israel subsidizes some 75 percent of the actual cost of study for university students. The government makes generous grants available to those who wish to learn in yeshivot. Why not make similar money available to non-Jewish Israelis who wish to study Judaism? I believe we would see a huge increase in the numbers of people registering for these preparatory courses. Yes, they would still face the obstacle of an unfriendly rabbinic judicial system. But as thousands more Israeli citizens decide they want to convert, public pressure will mount for a serious restructuring of the system. In the meantime, their connection to Judaism and the Jewish people will be stronger. Ultimately, however, if Israel fails to take creative and aggressive steps to address the issue, then it might continue to be a state of its citizens -- but will no longer be a truly Jewish state. Rabbi Andrew Sacks is the director of the Rabbinical Assembly in Israel and director of the Masorti Bureau of Religious Affairs.

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Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 25, 2008

Candlelighting Friday, April 25, 7:57 p.m. Saturday, April 26, no earlier than 9 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org

The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. FRIDAY: Shaharit, 6:45 a.m.; Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Shabbat Morning LIVE!, 10:30 a.m.-noon. led by Esther Katz, for 4-8 year olds and their favorite adult(s). Program includes music, puppet theater, dance, Shabbat-appropriate games and crafts. No charge, but RSVP to Margie by calling the synagogue. This session will focus on Yom Ha’Aztmaut, Israel’s Independence Day; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Minha/ Ma’ariv, 8:10 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Eighth day of Passover: Morning service and Yizkor, 9:30 a.m.; Minha/Ma’ ariv, 8:10 p.m.; Passover ends no earlier than 8:37 p.m. BESTT: Classes resume Monday, April 28. TOT SHABBAT: Friday, May 2, 6 p.m. Led by “Miss Patty” Nogg. Dinner will follow. Cost is $5 for adults, free for children ages six and younger. Open to families in the community. To RSVP for dinner, call the synagogue. MEN’S CLUB BREAKFAST: Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m., “Hearing Men’s Voices,” a series of programs featuring speakers who address topics important to men. This program will feature therapist Glen Fineman, MSW, LIMHP, who will address “Work & Worth: Balancing Family and Work.” All adults in the Jewish community are welcome to attend at no charge. Breakfast will be served. (See full story on page 1.) WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Join Sisterhood for a joint meeting on Monday, May 5, 7 p.m., at the home of Ann Goldstein, 9856 Devonshire Dr. Share in a Jewish book exchange: all books of Jewish content are

welcome. To RSVP, contact Goldstein at 397.1050, or e-mail: akgoldstein@gmail.com; or cohost Caryn Rifkin at 334.7216, or crgr6175@aol.com. ISRAEL AT 60: Beth El will hold a special celebratory service on Saturday, May 10, 9:30 a.m.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Chol Hamoed Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY, Seventh Day: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; by Kiddush is sponsored Sisterhood; Mincha, 8 p.m. Eighth Day: SUNDAY, Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Gary, Liat, Shmuel Aaron, Aviva Chana, Batsheva, Beth, Jeff, and Bubbe Shyken in honor of Zayde’s birthday; Mincha, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:30 p.m.; Chametz should not be used before 10 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Yom HaShoah Community Commemoration Service, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m. ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTIONS Sunday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. The slate for the 2008-09 Board of Commissioners, to be announced in the May Bulletin, will be agenda for the meeting. All members are invited; a light breakfast will be served.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SUNDAY: Religious School, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the JCC.

CHABAD HOUSE

SATURDAY: Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush lunch, noon; Mincha/Maa’riv, 8:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush lunch, noon; Moshiach Feast, 7 p.m. at the Katzman’s. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Parsha class for pre-schoolers, 12:30 p.m.; Halacha class, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Parsha class for first graders, 3:45 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Peaceful Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with Sara and Robert Friedman. SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah service, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at Embassy Suites, 1040 P Street. Hosted by Interchurch Ministries of Nebraksa. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Jabenis, and the late Pearl Jabenis.

is spending time/planning special after school projects with a fellow seventh grader with down syndrome. Grandparents are Carol and Manny Goldberg, and Nancy and Don Greenberg.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m., led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet.

African-American soloists will join Temple’s Kol Rina choir and St. Paul United Methodist Church’s choir in an annual interfaith service. SATURDAY: Conclusion of Passover: Shabbat Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9:30 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Grade 2 Parent Learning Coffee: Making a successful transistion in Third grade, 10:15 a.m. TUESDAY: Hebrew Lunch & Learn, 12:15 p.m.; From Generation to Generation, 7 p.m. Fee for this class is $18 for Temple members and $25 for others. To register, call Program Director Rosie Zweiback in the office. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; No Family School; Confirmation/Graduation Rehearsal, 5 p.m.; Community Youth Dinner and Program for Yom HaShoah (Grades 7-12), 5:45 p.m. at Beth Israel; Yom HaShaoah, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel. THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy,” 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel. TOT SHABBAT, Friday, May 2, 6 p.m. Cost for the dinner is $5 for adults and no charge for children. RSVP to the Temple office or mkube@tem pleisraelomaha.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. There will be no serices held during Passover.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. Contact the office to arrange for a minyan. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY-Seventh Day: Morning service, 9:30 a.m., followed by kiddush lunch and Talmud study. SUNDAY-Eighth Day: Morning service with Yizkor, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

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

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B’NAI MITZVAH Connor Louis Dietrich, son of Sheri and Gregory Dietrich, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 3, at Beth El. Connor is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Elkhorn Ridge Middle School. He is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. His interests include playing tennis and football. Connor has a sister, Lauren, and a brother, Benny. Grandparents are Maxine and Allen Passer, and Lu and Ben Dietrich. Great-grandparents are Eli

Sophia Rose Goldberg, daughter of Wendy and David Goldberg, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 3, at Temple Israel. Sophia is a seventh-grade Distinguished Honor Roll student at Westside M i d d l e School. Her interests include music, singing, dancing, and computers. Sophia has a sister, Molly, and a brother, Joe. For her mitzvah project, Sophia

Aaron Zlotsky Hoagland, son of Amy Zlotsky and Kyle Hoagland, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 3, at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Aaron is a seventhgrade Honor Roll student at Scott Middle School. He is a member of the Lincoln Youth Ensemble for Strings.

His interests include math, science, the outdoors, soccer, and violin. Aaron has a sister, Sarah. For his mitzvah project, Aaron toured the Center for People in Need and met with Director Beatty Brasch to learn about poverty in Lincoln. He has been participating in the Center’s Neighborhood Food, Operations, and Outreach Delivery at Elliot, Saratoga and Clinton schools. Grandparents are Judy and Norm Zlotsky of Lincoln, and Eileene Hoagland of Humboldt, NE.

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April 25, 2008

Values founded on freedom

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Pesah In our liturgy, Pesah is known as z’man herutaynu -the time of our freedom. Jews have had their experiences with many different cultures in many different lands. They’ve experienced calumnies, persecutions and downright expulsions. The wonderful thing about all this is that they carried with them the Torah and their love for freedom, which was so often denied them. I have a t-shirt which reminds me and everyone who looks at it that “Freedom isn’t free.” When I have said that Jews carried the Torah with them wherever fate took them, it means that they carried freedom with them, too. Not necessarily political freedom or physical freedom, but intellectual and moral freedom. It is not only this kind of freedom that Pesah implies. Whether or not the Exodus from Egypt is historical or not is not important! What is important is that the People of Israel have carried the idea of freedom wherever they went. It may be odd to say it, but the myth is more important than the fact. Archealogists have not been able to verify the Exodus or the so-called wandering for 40 years in the wilderness. But the myth, the idea, the remembrance is more important than the actual fact. I think that historians will say that this is accurate, that people are motivated not so much by what has actually happened, but rather by the way their memories have experienced it. Thus, the Exodus looms very large in the Jewish mind, even for example, in the Sabbath kiddush. We are told that this is in memory of the Exodus from Egypt. Egypt no longer has a Pharaoh, although the present president acts as though he’d like to be totally in command of all that happens there and whatever influence it has in the world. This is why Pesah is so important in the Jewish mind; it reminds Jews always and forever that all social values are founded on the idea of freedom -- or the hope for it. Happy Pesah!

Remembering Darfur

DEATHS BERNICE (TRICKLE) MILDER Bernice (Trickle) Milder died April 10 at the age of 86. Services were held April 13 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Milder. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Terri and Dick Zacharia, and Debbie and Morris Lippert of Phoenix, AZ; son, Jim Milder; son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Patti Milder of Phoenix; grandchildren, Jamie and Ted Friedland, Brent and Alyssa Zacharia, Kylie Zacharia, Max, Nikki, Sam and Ben Milder; two great-grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Reiss; sister-in-law, Phyllis Weinberg; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Pete and Rhoda Milder; and companion, Herman Goldstein. Memorials to Make-a-Wish, United Cerebal Palsy of Nebraska, or charity of choice. DEBORAH GREENE Deborah Greene died April 11. Services were held April 14 at Temple Israel Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Arthur M. Greene. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Silvia and Larry Roffman; son and daughter-in-law, Larry Greene and Jillian Hopkins of Friday Harbor, WA; grandchildren, Susie and Mike Norton, Julie and Thor Rosenquist, Elana Greene of Maui, HA, Jonathan Greene of Saratoga Springs, NY, and Zach Milkis of Friday Harbor, WA; and six great-grandsons. Memorials to Temple Israel or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

To submit obituaries: E-mail to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mail to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.

CORRECTION In the story about Jeffrey Steinberg in last week’s Passover issue, incorrect information indicated that Steinberg spoke at Beth El; he spoke at Beth Israel Synagogue.

UNVEILING A stone setting for the grave of Ruben Lippett will be on Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m., at Golden Hill Cemetery.

Temple Israel to offer opportunity to know Christian neighbors Several hundred Sudanese refugee and supporters held a march in Tel Aviv as part of the Global Day for Darfur, marking the fifth year of the conflict which has forced over two million people to leave their homes and left well over 200,000 dead. A spokesman for the Sudan Liberation Movement in Israel (SLMI) said that the Sudanese enjoy freedom in Israel, unlike in Egypt or Libya. The SLMI is also requesting that the government speed up their negotiations regarding the refugee status Credit: ISRANET of the Sudanese in Israel.

To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “It’s important for us to know about other religions, recognizing that there are misconceptions we all have of each other,” pointed out Rabbi Eric Linder who will teach a three-session class on Christianity at noon on Thursday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 21 at Temple Israel and at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14 at a nohost breakfast at Village Inn, 7837 Dodge Street. “Know Thyself, Know Thy Christian Neighbors” is in step with this year’s adult education theme, “Know Thyself, Know Thy Neighbor,” sponsored by Temple’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. Rabbi Linder will invite guest speakers to distinguish between Christianity’s various denominations. There will be a modest focus on Episcopalianism due to that denomination’s participation in the Tri-Faith Initiative with Temple and the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture. One of the sessions will focus on Orthodox Christianity and its similarities (and dissimilarities) to Orthodox Judaism. At that session, two Orthodox Christians will be teaching together with Rabbi Linder. Dr. Nicolae Roddy is a theology professor at Creighton University, specializing in the Hebrew Bible. Robert Spaliatsos, a close friend of Rabbi Linder, is planning to become a Greek Orthodox priest. Lunch at the two sessions at Temple can be purchased for $6 per person. Register in advance for the dates you plan to attend by contacting Temple Program Director Rosie Zweiback at 556.6536 or at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com. “Know Thyself, Know Thy Christian Neighbor” is open to the community.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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April 25, 2008

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