Vol. LXXXV No. 33 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
30 Nisan, 5766 April 28, 2006
Celebrate 58 Years Since the Birth of the State with Postcards from Israel by: RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director With the help of many Jewish organizations and synagogues in Omaha, this year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut, or Israel Independence Day, celebration will be one to write home about. The theme is Postcards from Israel, and when participants walk through the doors at the JCC Sunday, May 7, 12:30 p.m., they will get a sense that they’ve just gotten off the plane and landed at Ben Gurion Airport. The annual celebration will begin with a short ceremony for Yom HaZikaron, commemorating Israel’s fallen soldiers. During this time, the Yizkor and other prayers will be read in memory of those who gave their lives for Israel’s security. “Celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut in Israel always begins on a sad note, as we remember the people who sacrificed their lives for our nation,” states JCC community shaliach Uri Levin. “As the day progresses, however, the remembrance becomes a celebration for Israel’s Independence. Flags are raised from half staff to top of the mast, and the festivities begin.” Participants will transition from the Yom HaZikaron ceremony into Yom Ha’Atzmaut with the singing of “Hatikvah”, Israel’s national anthem. A kosher Israeli lunch will be served following the ceremony, with some
A squad of Nahal soldiers moves off with all their equipment towards the firing range for a practice session. Contrary to the media image of bumbling haredi (fervently Orthodox) soldiers, Nahal commanders are full of praise for the unit’s fighting capacities and their dedication to the State of Israel (see related story on page 4). Credit: Edgar Asher of Isranet American favorites for the kids as well. Activities such as inflatable games, a rockwall, caricature sketches, Judaic arts and crafts projects, and an archaeological dig will continue throughout the afternoon. Joe Cole, a popular local magician will perform magic tricks, while local syna-
Jewish Refugees in War-torn Region Dream of Two Different Homelands by MICHAEL J. JORDAN TBILISI, Georgia, (JTA)--Marina Gasviani dreams of two homes. One is the Jewish homeland. In a corner of the bedroom she shares with her younger sister, Marina has decorated the white wall around her computer desk with a large Israeli flag, map and photos from her visit to the Jewish state -- a trip last summer courtesy of birthright israel. “This is my small Israel,” she says of her pseudo-shrine in near-perfect English, her green eyes glittering. “I like to feel like I’m there; it’s a place very close to my soul.” Continued on page 2
Marina Gasviani, a Jewish refugee from Sukhumi, the provincial capital of breakaway Abkhazia, in her bedroom in Credit: Michael J. Jordan/JTA Tbilisi, Georgia.
Inside Opinion Page see page 12
gogue gift shops, as well as the gift shop from the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and other local vendors will offer Judaica and other items throughout the afternoon. Roses from Israel will also be available for purchase. Participants will have the opportunity
Author, Storyteller Rabbi Jack Riemer to Share His Wisdom by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Renowned author, storyteller and inspirational speaker Rabbi Jack Riemer will share his wisdom with the Omaha Jewish community from Friday-Sunday, May 5-7, during a special scholar-in-residence weekend at Beth El Synagogue. Rabbi Riemer has written prayers and poems that have been published in prayer Rabbi Jack Riemer books of both the Conservative and Reform movements, and has published articles in most major journals of Jewish thought throughout America and abroad. One of the many prayers he penned was once recited by President Clinton at a White House prayer breakfast, and Elie Wiesel has stated that his words “are songs of hope and faith.” He is the author of numerous books, including So That Your Values Live On, a treasury of ethical wills, the three-volume The World of the High Holy Days, and Jewish Reflections on Death, a classic resource which assists mourners. He has lectured at universities, healing centers, synagogues and churches around the world and has been called “probably the most quoted rabbi in the country” by tzedakah guru Danny Siegel. The former spiritual leader at Congregation Beth Tikvah in Boca Raton, FL, Rabbi Riemer also served congregations in La Jolla, California, and Dayton, Ohio. He was ordained and received his M.H.L. and D.D. from the Jewish Theological Seminary and did his graduate studies at Brandeis University.
This Week: Front Page Stories at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Hadassah to Honor Esther Wax: Page 3
to participate in a variety of art projects, including building a “pocket Kotel,” which will symbolize the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Write a prayer, stick it in the wall, and the 2006 ARTZA teens. who will be traveling to Israel this summer will bring them to the Kotel and put them in the Wall. Kids can also make fabric collages, Israel buttons, Spin Art pictures, and Jerusalem wall plaques. This year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration will also be home to the sixth annual B’nai B’rith Trivia Quiz and the announcement of the Elinor Whitman Book Award contest winners. The Jewish Federation of Omaha will also give out their annual Teen Leadership Awards (to be announced in next week’s Press). Entertainment will be provided by the Nashir Community Choir and a performance by the Omaha International Folk Dancers, whose participation at this year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration is sponsored by Beth El Synagogue and includes congregant Ophir Palmon. “For those of us who cannot be in Israel at this special time,” Levin adds, “it sure will almost feel like we are there.” For more information about this year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut, contact me at 3346404 or rblum@jccomaha.org.
Local Nurse Lends Hand to Gulf Residents: Page 5
During his stay in Omaha, the Jewish community will have several opportunities to hear Rabbi Riemer speak: during Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, May 5, 6 p.m., he will share “My Four Wishes for This Synagogue. At a special Shabbat dinner, he will explore ‘What is the Most Difficult Mitzvah in the Torah to Keep?’ which he described as “a journey through my life, through song and story, showing how the answer to this question changes in every stage.” His Saturday morning D’var Torah will address “Ki Hadam Hu Hanefesh--For the Blood is the Life” during which he will relay “what I learned once after giving platelets.” Following services at a kiddish luncheon, Rabbi Riemer will discuss ‘David, Bathsheba and Woody Allen,’ a presentation during which “we will study how one of my favorite biblical tales changes its meaning as it journeys from Jerusalem to Babylon to Washington to Hollywood,” he explained, adding, “As in the Japanese play, Rashoman, you will see that the villain and the hero keep changing with each retelling.” Finally, at a Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m., get-together in the West Court (with continental breakfast, free of charge), he will address “So that your values live on...”, and will share some of his favorite ethical wills and offer some ideas about how to write one. For those wishing to familiarize themselves with Rabbi Riemer’s work, his treasury of ethical wills, So That Your Values Live On, is available for purchase ($18.95) in the Beth El office. Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin encouraged the entire community to take part in this fascinating weekend, saying, “People will be delighted to hear Rabbi Riemer, one of the best Jewish speakers in the country. He is a brilliant observer of life, a storyteller and preacher who has the ability to describe the human condition and lead the way towards new resolve and worthy living. Continued on page 2
Next Week: Primary Election & Mother’s Day
Monthly Calendar for May: Pages 8-9
Temple Teens Go Where They’re Needed: Page 16
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28, 2006
Jewish Refugees Dream of Two Homelands Tony Kimball P REMIER E NTERTAINER
402/339-3535 800/843-3866 7877 “L”St.• Suite 2 www.cmusic.com
Our DJs Make The Difference! North America’s Most Popular Disc Jockey Service
From a few hours a week to around the clock care, Right at Home’s trained caregivers can assist you with light housework, meal preparation, laundry, medication reminders, shopping, errands and local transportation. Home Health Aides can provide hands on medical care. Skilled Nursing visits are available. To find out how we can help you maintain your lifestyle in your home, please contact Right at Home for Licensed Medical & Non-Medical Home Care
11949 Q St., Ste 100 • Omaha, NE 68137 402/697-7537 • 877/697-7537 www.rightathome.net/omahametro
Maintaining Independence is an Option.
KUKLIN GROUP
Your Omaha Real Estate Team! Please contact us for all your real estate needs.
Gary
Kimberly
402.880.1887 402.214.5955 gary@garykuklin.com kimberly@kimberlykuklin.com
Continued from page 1 Jewish refugees continue to live in limbo. Like many young Jews of the former Soviet Union, Tina Khakhiaschvili had only moved to Tskhinvali, the Marina has mulled making aliyah--joining her older sis- provincial capital of South Ossetia, five years earlier. ter, Ekaterina, who immigrated to Israel five years ago. Tskhinvali is the hometown of her husband, Robert But Marina has a second home that also occupies her Schaptoschvili, and his family had deep Jewish roots in thoughts: her hometown, Sukhumi, the Black Sea city the city. and capital of the Georgian province of Abkhazia. A city of roughly 35,000, Tskhinvali was at one point When the separatist Abkhaz minority rose up in the home to some 1,000 Jewish families and a thriving comearly 1990s, the ensuing warfare in Abkhazia would munity of Jewish businesses, many downtown. claim at least 10,000 lives and drive out an estimated Warfare has since seen the community dwindle to quarter-million Georgians and others from their homes. roughly two dozen Jews--again, mostly elderly. From Sukhumi alone, a once-vibrant Jewish community Before the war, Tina and her husband lived well, she of 3,000 has shriveled to says. She taught German, about 200, most of them while he owned two clothelderly. ing factories, one in In fact, ex-Soviet Georgia Tskhinvali, the other in the has also been torn by a seccity of Gori, about 15 miles ond, albeit far less lethal, to the south, in Georgia ethnic-based separatist proper. movement, from the proThe couple enjoyed a twovince known as South story villa in the city center, Ossetia. with two cars and a garden. From that territory, too, A daughter, Bela, arrived in several hundred Jews were 1990. But in October 1991, on the run. her husband caught wind To be sure, no Jew in that “a big criminal group”Abkhazia or South Ossetia, -allegedly led by local it seems, was expelled “as a Ossetes, with help from Jewish refugee from Abkhazia, from left, Zorbeg, Nelly, Jew.” Georgian rulers, it’s paramilitary forces--was Kristina and Marina Gasviani, talk about their experiences, in said, have been especially “going to start a war” by their Tbilisi, Georgia, home. Credit: Michael J. Jordan/JTA renowned for their hospitalprovoking local Georgians. ity toward Jews; indeed, Jewish roots in ancient Georgia “And three-four days later,” says Tina, “it started.” can be traced back 2,600 years. The couple became alarmed by glimpses of looting of Nevertheless, here they are: Jewish refugees. Which in homes in the suburbs. With a one-year-old to consider, this day and age, is rare. they became one of the first families to flee. While the Jewish existence today has its trials--the They ultimately settled in Gori, but their quality of life threats to Israel, an upsurge of anti-Semitism across the nosedived. With the economy feeble and jobs scarce, Diaspora--Jewish flight is not one of them. Robert hasn’t been able to restart the business. Tina hasIranian Jews face their share of persecution. But per- n’t found work teaching, sometimes earning cash by haps the only recent event comparable also occurred in cleaning offices. the 1990s: interethnic killing that tore apart Yugoslavia So, after relative affluence in Tskhinvali, the family also destabilized the Jewish communities of Croatia, now relies on the 14 lari, or $7.80, per month, per famSerbia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Macedonia. ily member, from the government--plus help from the In 1992, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Gori branch of the JDC-supported Hesed for food and Committee evacuated some 2,000 Bosnian Jews, other assistance. Muslims and Christians, via buses and airlift, from the “Can you imagine pulling up all the roots from your besieged capital, Sarajevo. (Four years later, the Jewish home and life, then go somewhere else and have to start Agency for Israel would airlift several hundred Jews out your life over again?” Tina said recently. “And when you of war-torn Grozny, Chechnya’s capital.) look back, you remember you had a home, job and cars? For a fledgling state like Georgia, the enormous cost It’s hard to imagine.” of housing and feeding a quarter-million refugees--in a After her family’s experience in Tskhinvali, she says, country of only 5.6 million--coupled with the civil war she doesn’t want to return. and economic crisis that followed in the mid-1990s, has “An Ossetian family is now living in our home, and we been catastrophic. Once among the most prosperous ex- couldn’t get it back anyway,” says Tina. “Besides, someSoviet republics, Georgia is now one of its poorest. one else’s feet have been in my home and yard, and I Each refugee receives free housing from the Georgian wouldn’t feel free there anymore. I want to rebuild my government, plus a monthly stipend equal to a mere life here.” handful of dollars. Nora Kalachava is a self-described “Sukhumi girl,” It’s far from adequate. So for Jewish refugees, the JDC nostalgic for her seaside city of sub-tropical weather and helps fill the vacuum. fertile land that produces oranges, lemons, pomegranThe JDC, the leading Jewish welfare agency in the for- ates, tea and tobacco. mer Soviet Union, primarily assists the elderly. There’s Long divorced from her Georgian husband, Nora was no special category for the refugees. living in Sukhumi with her daughter, Zhanna, then five, “But we assist them as we would any other Jew in and her mother, Lida, then 67, when war broke out in need,” says Sergey Vlasov, the Tbilisi-based JDC repre- 1992. The daughter of a deaf-mute father, Nora worked sentative for Georgia and Armenia. as a sign-Georgian translator. And while the city was Yet today, more than a decade later, Georgia’s two divided roughly into Georgian and Abkhaz sections of internal conflicts continue to simmer, with no resolution the city, Nora’s family lived in an ethnically mixed, fivein sight. And two, virtually anonymous communities of Continued on page 3
Author to Share His Wisdom Continued from page 1 His tales go directly to the hearts and souls of his listteners, and his messages are filled with warmth, wit and wisdom.” The entire community is invited to attend this special scholar-in-residence weekend. Saturday’s Kiddush luncheon is free of charge; cost of the Shabbat dinner is
DON ERET for SECRETARY OF STATE
Voter Alert Every voter in Nebraska should request their Congressman (Fortenberry, Terry, or Osborne) or all three to co-sponsor HR 550 to insure accurate counting of votes. www.VoteTrustUSA click HR550 “I Count” DEMOCRATS-Vote for DON ERET-Secretary of Stateon May 9. “I will restore transparency to elections” Paid for by Don Eret for Secretary of State, 712 Lincoln Ave., Dorchester, NE 68343
$12.50 for adults; $8.50 for children ages 6-12, and there is no charge for children ages five and younger. Reservations may be made by calling the synagogue office at 492.8550. Rabbi Riemer’s scholar-in-residence weekend has been generously underwritten by the Ida and Samuel Kaiman Scholar-in-Residence Endowment Fund.
April 28, 2006
Protocols of Zion
Refugees Dream Continued from page 2 story apartment building with Georgians, Abkhaz, Russians, Greeks, Ukrainians and Kazakhs. Warfare, she says, unleashed “indescribable violence and torture.” However, with two dependents and nowhere to go, Nora decided to stay put. Enduring it for a full year, a terrifying thought pos-
Separatist movements in Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions have divided the country. sessed her. “I was waiting for death, dreaming all day the Abkhaz were coming after me, saying ‘We’re going to kill you,’” she says. “At the same time, I was hungry; I was cold.” One day, she contends, an Abkhaz neighbor who coveted her apartment called on some “thugs” to kick her out. Neighbors knew she was Jewish, not Georgian, she says, but there was nothing anti-Jewish about the expulsion. After arriving in Tbilisi, she said, she couldn’t rid herself of either the morbid thoughts, or the cold and hunger. She entered herself into a Tbilisi psychiatric institution, and lived there with Zhanna for more than two years. Better today, Nora says, she and Zhanna, now 18, again live with her mother, now 80, with other refugee families in a former sanatorium, on the eastern outskirts of the capital, overlooking the modest Sea of Tbilisi. It’s a grim place, despite the cacophony of competing music and cooking, and shouts of glee from teens kicking a soccer ball in an adjacent recreation center. Her mother's pension is the equivalent of $15 per month. But Nora, who says she hasn't been able to find translation work, is three years away from the pension age of 60. So, the three of them receive assistance from the JDCfunded Hesed, mostly in the form of hot Meals on Wheels--like grilled meat, fish, soup, salads and fruits-and monthly packages of food staples like butter, flour, oil, salt, milk, sugar, tea, soap and toothpaste. Hesed has been a “great help for us,” she says. But living off assistance “has been very hard. But what can we do? How else can we live from month to month?”
FILM REVIEW by DR. GUY MATALON Executive Director, The Center for Jewish Education At the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, Dr. Bill Blizek and I viewed the film, Protocols of Zion. Immediately at the movie’s end, Bill turned to me and said “We have to show this film in Omaha.” Since that time, we have been awaiting the film’s release and just a few weeks ago, we were notified of its availability. The Center for Jewish Education staff immediately found a date, booked the Jewish Community Center Theater, and undertook the publicity process. This film explores the various manifestations of antiJewish sentiments and beliefs. Mark Levin, the director of The Protocols of Zion, uses the infamous book, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, as a launching pad to understand Jew-hatred in America. Following the film a panel discussion will take place with panel members, Dr. Blizek, Dr. Moshe Gershovich, and me. Attendees will be given the opportunity to talk about the unsettling feelings the film will create. The Protocols of Zion will be shown this Sunday, April 30, 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Tickets are $5 per person. The text, which is a forgery from the 19th century, proclaims that there is a Jewish plot to control the world by manipulating the media and the economy in addition to the political systems and ideologies of the world. Conversing with various proponents of anti-Semitism, the audience learns about Black, Arab, Christian and Aryan forms of Jew-hatred. The film touches the major pieces of the contemporary anti-Semitism, such as the conspiracy that Israel caused the World Trade Center bombing, Jewish control of the media, Holocaust denial, anti-Zionism, and Jewish control over the foreign policy of the United States which led to the U.S. going to war in Iraq. David Elliott, from the San Diego Union-Tribune, described Protocols as “a seriously disturbing film.” Liz Braun with the Toronto Sun said, “‘Protocols Of Zion’ is upsetting but, sadly, not all that surprising; genrewise, it’s what you might call documentary “lite.” And Ty Burr from the Boston Globe wrote “‘Protocols’...is simultaneously enraging, depressing, necessary, and frustrating. Levin pokes his camera into the dark corners of modern anti-Semitism and finds it alive and ugly, but the film is far too unfocused to do more than simply say, ‘This exists.’ That’s enough and yet not enough.” This event, open to the community, is sponsored in part by the Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Endowment Fund. For more information, please call the Center for Jewish Education office at 334.6445.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Esther Wax to Receive Leadership Award at Hadassah Event Featuring Rabbis’ Wives by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES Hadassah Publicity Coordinator Esther Wax, Treasurer of Omaha Chapter Hadassah, has been named as this year’s recipient of the 20th annual Hadassah National Leadership Award, to be presented by Chapter President, Georgia Ann Steinberg, May 2, 7:30 p.m., at Hadassah’s “Let’s Talk About Love” event at the Jewish Community Center. This prestigious award pays tribute to members with outstanding leadership accomplishments within Hadassah and other civic, educational and cultural organizations, which reflect Hadassah’s dedication to the principles of volunteer ethics. Those who receive it are selected by their peers and represent a wide range of achievements. Throughout the years, Wax has been involved in fund raising, organizing and planning events, community outreach, meetings with board members, and tireless hours spent preparing documents and addressing envelopes for mailing, just to Esther Wax name a few of her many contributions both to the local Chapter and National Hadassah. In addition, she was formerly treasurer of the Bargain Box, a Hadassah subsidiary, for many years before becoming the Omaha Chapter treasurer; was past board member and treasurer of JWI, and also served on the Friends Board of Children’s Hospital. She is currently a board member of L.O.V.E. Wax is also well-known for her many years as a piano accompanist for singers and other musicians, at both community and Jewish social events, and for ballet classes at the Jewish Community Center and the Omaha Academy of Ballet. A severe hand injury last fall kept her away from the piano for several months while she healed. June Walker, National President of Hadassah, stated: “Leadership often means taking risks, being able to face criticism, developing vision and carrying through a project despite all complications. Anyone who has dared to be a leader understands the challenges.” Wax is married to Dr. James Wax, an Omaha pediatrician, and President of Hazak, a Beth El organization. They have four children and 15 grandchildren. According to Steinberg, “Esther’s past achievements have led to this well-deserved honor, and we look forward to sharing in her future accomplishments.”
There is Still Time! Call today for an individual approach to your personal needs and questions concerning:
Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D Prescription Plans
Lorrie Katelman
334-4770
info@ltcbenefitsgroup.net
Summer Online Courses Art * Business * PE * Education History * Music * General Studies and more . . .
Lexus Of Of Omaha Omaha Would Would Like Like To To Say Say “Thank “Thank You” You” To To Our Our Clients Clients Who Lexus Who Have Have Helped Helped Us Us In In Winning Winning The The “Elite “Elite Of Of Lexus” Award Award For For Customer Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction 15 Lexus” 14 Years Years In In A A Row. Row. Lexus Lexus Of Of Omaha Omaha Is Is 11 Of Of 43 Dealerships Dealerships In In The The Country, Out Out Of Of 213 213 That That Have Have Won Won This This Prestigious Prestigious Award Country, Award Every Every Year Year It It Has Has Been Been Available. Available. You In The The “Best “Best Of Of Omaha” Omaha” Poll. Poll. You Have Have Also Also Voted Voted Us Us Best Best New New Auto Auto And And Best Best Used Used Car Car Dealer Dealer In
Once Again, Thank You You! Omaha! Once Again, Thank
To view these offerings, go to
http://elearn.unk.edu
or call 1-800-865-6388 for a schedule. The University of Nebraska is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.
14-Time “Elite of Lexus” Winner For Customer Satisfaction 13025 W. Dodge Road • 333-6400 • 1-800-632-5398 VISIT US AT OUR WEB SITE: www.lexusofomaha.com
2004
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28, 2006
Observant Soldiers Put Religious Beliefs in Practice by Defending the State by EDGAR ASHER Among many secular Israelis, as well as a large number of religious Zionists, there has always been a resentment directed towards the ultra-Orthodox community for their lack of participation in the active defense of Israel. Most members of the Haredi community receive an exemption from regular army service on request. This exemption has its origins dating back to the very foundation of the State, when the haredim (fervenly Orthodox Jews) was very small in population and therefore had little effect on manpower requirements. Almost six years ago a commission was set up under the chairmanship of the then retired Supreme Court Justice Tzvi Tal. The commission tried to find a way to allow haredim to become more integrated into society without having to compromise on their religious principles. At the time of the commission nearly ten percent of young men reaching army age were receiving exemption from service The ultra-Orthodox also had an eloquent spokesman in the Knesset, Avraham Ravitz, from the United Torah Judaism party. He was on record as saying, “The draft should not touch those Talmudic scholars who devote themselves to Torah study. They should be cultivated and encouraged as they are the crown of the Jewish people.” Ravitz, like many of the ultra-Orthodox community preferred to see the status quo maintained. At the extreme end of the haredi community, there were a small number who, apart from not serving in the army or doing community service, did
not even acknowledge the existence of the State of Israel. The commission felt that to impose the draft on a sector of the religious public that w o u l d never agree to serve in the IDF, Religious Nahal Haredi soldiers fill their water flasks before moving off for an Credit: ISRANET would be exercise. counter productive and also impossible to lished. Religious Zionists would enter the administer. They did however feel that army in the same way as their secular their proposals would allow ultra- counterparts, but would remain for a Orthodox men to play some part in the longer overall period, spending longer IDF and still maintain their religious prac- breaks in their service to study at a yeshiva. Most Hesder army programs were for tices if they wished. A former IDF brigadier general, the formation of fighting units and many Yehuda Duvdevani, was very concerned graduates of the Hesder program formed about the polarization of Israeli society. tank units which excelled in time of war, He set about the task of learning about as well as during the recent intifada. “Nahal”, already in existence, comthe community. Many young men from haredi families do not always attend bined military service with the establishyeshivot (religious seminaries) and instead ment of agricultural settlements. The of “hanging around” they could become Hebrew acronym for “Fighting Pioneer part of the community by doing some Youth” already attracted all kinds of kind of military service, even if it was young idealistic Jewish men and women from all over the world. shorter than usual. It was from these ideas that a new There was already a precedent for Duvdevani’s ideas. The Hesder program exclusively religious unit was formulated. for religious youth was already well estab- The “Netzah Yehuda”--The Strength of
Yehuda Battalion was established in the Jordan Valley. It was so named in honor of Yehuda Duvdevani, recognizing his single minded quest to help unite Israeli society. Over a few years the unit enlarged until today it is a usual company of about 100 soldiers divided into three squads. Today the unit is known by many as Nahal Haredi. However only a very small percentage of the company is truly Haredi. They are, in fact, a very eclectic group of individuals and comprise of Israelis from all backgrounds, as well as young volunteers from North America, Europe and Australia. Some have made aliyah, while others have not yet decided what they will do. Some are newly religious and see the unit as a way of identifying with Israel and the Jewish people. The unit has undoubtedly been a success; not an unqualified success, because criticism still comes from both within and outside the unit that some individuals just do not pull their weight. Also the Israeli media has not always been too kind to the soldiers. Stereotypes about the haredi community color all the articles and the mainly cynical Israeli secular press finds it difficult to give praise where praise is really due. In fact the Netzah Yehuda Battalion plays an important role in maintaining tranquility in its part of the Jordan Valley, having conducted house to house searches in the northern Shomron and capturing many wanted terrorists. Contrary to the media image of bumbling Haredi soldiers, Nahal commanders are full of praise for the unit’s fighting capacities and their dedication to the State of Israel.
Mother’s Day Brunch This Mother’s Day, share the gift of live music and exquisite cuisine with your loved ones while experiencing the beautiful surroundings of the Holland Performing Arts Center.
Sunday, May 14, 2006 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Holland Performing Arts Center
Enjoy a delectable buffet-style brunch featuring fresh fruits, baked pastries, Belgian waffles, chef-prepared crepes, home-made biscuits and gravy, and a succulent carving station, prepared by Guckenheimer, the exclusive food service provider of the Holland Center.
$30 per person $12 per child (ages 6-12) No charge for children 5 and under attending with a paid adult Reservations required. For more information or to make a reservation, call (402) 661-8471 or email dining@omahaperformingarts.org
Legislature District 4 Trusted, Experienced Leadership - Making Nebraska more tax friendly - Assuring more of our education dollars go directly to teachers and classroom instruction - Improving Nebraska's business climate
www.KerryWinterer.com The Holland Center and Orpheum Theater welcome patrons with disabilities.
On May 9th…Vote for Winterer Paid for by the Committee to Elect Kerry Winterer; 12388 Rose Lane; Omaha NE 68154
April 28, 2006
Local Nurse Accompanies Hurricane Relief Crew in Mississippi Gulf Areas a war zone.” Prior to the trip, participants were required to attend two meetings in order to build team dynamics, become eductaed about the region and plan trip logistics. The cost of the trip, approximately $200 per person, included bus transportation, lodging and most meals. Participants were also encouraged to have enough cash on their person to cover approximately four meals while traveling, and any miscellaneous expenses that might have occurred. The group worked with the United Methodist Church Volunteers in Mission program, a “grassroots” program which provides social outreach throughout the world. Although sponsored by a Christian ministry, the group is non-sectarian, consisting of volunteers of all faiths helping others in need, who are also of every religion and creed. The area in East Biloxi where the group worked was one of the poorer areas of town. “However, we saw the same amount of destruction in the wealthy part of town. Most homes were uninhabitable due to black mold,” Lainof said. Some of the surges from the storm were 20-30 feet high and caused the most damage. “People were basically unprepared for this one (Katrina),” she said. “They were judging this hurricane by Camille, a previous devastating storm, but Camille did not come as far inland and was not accompanied by such a large storm surge. So this one took them by surprise.” During the rescue and recovery missions of National Guard units following the hurricane, a large “X” was painted on the side of every abandoned home that was searched. The four sections of the “X” contained information on which unit searched the home, the date of the search, the numAbove: Two of the Nebraska Medical College nurses on Carole Lainof’s mission stand in front ber of occupants still in the of the debris that was the Grand Casino in Biloxi, MS. Below: Lanof, left, and Ginger--a vol- home, and the number of unteer from Helping Hands, work in the Salvation Army warehouse in East Biloxi. persons who had perished. Homeowners painted their The group also assisted in own information on their the re-packaging and distrihomes so their insurance bution of supplies in a warehouse. “It took a whole day adjusters could locate them. just to load the packages One of the pictures Lainof onto a truck for distribushowed me depicted writing tion,” Lainof said. on the left side of the porch, Another day of labor was giving the name of the insurspent cleaning an abanance company, policy numdoned stadium the Salvation ber and telephone number Army had purchased to where the homeowner could house volunteers. After the be reached. On the property NMC group spent the day of damaged homes where cleaning the floor under the debris had been cleared, stadium seating, a group of FEMA provided temporary Amish volunteers built walls. trailer housing. The final task presented to Lainof says, “I had no idea the NMC group was to help of the incredible destructhe AME Church collect sigtion. Seeing it on TV and in natures to apply for a comthe papers is nothing at all munity development grant to like actually witnessing it aid in the reconstruction of first-hand. It’s still in the East Biloxi. The volunteers recovery stage.” walked many miles in their door-to-door canvassing. And experts agree, theorizing it will probably take at “I found the atmosphere surreal, “ Lainof indicated. least five more years of volunteer and community aid “There was electricity, but no cars, many empty houses before restoration of all the storm-ravaged areas is comand no businesses open. The entire gulf area looked like pleted.
by GLORIA SHUKERT-JONES Carole Lainof boarded a coach bus to Wiggins, Mississippi, a few months ago to participate in clean-up and a variety of other relief efforts to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Along with 26 other faculty members and students of the Nebraska Methodist College where she teaches nursing, they paid their own expenses and traveled approximately 18 hours to reach their destination. This mission was anything but luxurious, Lainof reported. When they arrived, they found their accommodations sparse, and not too comfortable. “We slept on the floor of a local church,” Lainof said, “and there were only two showers available. Our meals were prepared daily by church members or other volunteer groups.” Every day for the week-long mission, the relief team traveled about 30 miles to East Biloxi, a working class, blue-collar area, and one of the hardest hit, to perform such tasks as clearing debris, cleaning, and unskilled construction. In the evening, they returned to Wiggins and pitched in keeping their living quarters clean, listening to speakers and volunteering for the various work sites for the next day.
A NEW LEADER, A NEW VISION A NEW NEBRASKA
Find. Buy. Sell. Start!
www.bizfind.org Ph: 308-865-8429
Page 5
PRINTING, COPYING and DIGITAL NETWORK
3706 South 132nd Street • 402/330-5050
Letterhead • Brochures • Newsletters Business Cards • Mailers • Postcards
The Shops of Legacy 16950 Wright Plaza, Suite 115 | Omaha, NE 68130
402/201-1879 Jeni Turner
Molly Kisielewski
Matrix Specialist/Educator
Redken Specialist
Jewelry • Handbags • Clothes • Gifts • Lunch
4655 Leavenworth St. • 991-4958
New Orlean’s Tea Room Now Open For Fun! Lunch Served Tues-Fri 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Southern High Tea by Reservation Tuesdays-Fridays after 1 p.m. Saturdays 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
w wwww.plantationgeraniums.com w. p l a n t a t i o n g e r a n i u m s . c o m Visit images of of the the 2004 2006 varieties! varieties! Visitour our website website for for full-color full-color images
Large Fancy GERANIUMS ONE Plant Fills a 14" Planter We Compromise Compromise Nothing We Nothing -- Guaranteed Guaranteedtotobebethe the Best Geraniums Geraniums You Best You Can CanFind! Find! 35 32 Varieties! Varieties!(15 (15New) New) Reserve Your Favorite Colors Now & Pick Them Up at Planting Time! (Order Early! Many varieties sell out quickly.) Jumbo Transplants and Large Hanging Baskets also Available. FREE 888-310-7187 402-466-3332 • TOLL
PHONE ORDERS WELCOME! 5201 Bluff Rd., Lincoln NE • Mon.-Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-4 From I-80 exit 405; 1 mile north to the yellow flashing light, turn left 1/4 mile on Bluff Road.
Saturday, August 12, 2006 Northridge Country Club - Tekamah, Nebr. • Gates Open at 3 p.m. - Show Starts at 4 p.m.
PHIL VASSAR • JOSH TURNER WESTERN UNDERGROUND - CHRIS LEDOUX MEMORY TOUR DANNI O’NEILL • CATCH 22 OMAHA Tickets go on sale April 26. VIP Tickets (includes tax)—$75 • General Seating Tickets (includes tax)—$30 Online Tickets Sales: www.tekamahchamberofcommerce.net Allow 5-7 working days for delivery. Shipping and handling charge is $5 per order. No phone orders.
Art Show and Sale May 7 through June 15
Jewelry and Garden Sculpture Featuring the work of Richard L. Austin, Metalsmith
Artist Reception
Sunday, May 7, 2006 - 1PM to 4PM
Find An Opportunity. Start A Business. TM
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
www.DAVENABITY.com
Paid for by Nabity for Governor 9140 W. Dodge Rd., Ste. 100, Omaha, NE 68114
NEBRASKA NEEDS NABITY NOW!
Please join us at the
White Crane Gallery 1032 Howard Street - Omaha, NE 68102
402/345-1066
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28, 2006
D.A. the DJ
Music & Entertainment for All Occasions Weddings | Parties | Benefits Big Band to Top 40 Performed at the July 4th JCC Pool Party for the last two years Reasonably Priced | www.dathedj.com | Ask for Denny
341-1270
EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITIES Franchise opportunities available for senior and middle level executives who require bigger opportunities. Call for free consultation.
402-330-7306
DIABETICS!
IF YOU HAVE MEDICARE OR PRIVATE INSURANCE, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE YOUR DIABETIC SUPPLIES AT
LITTLE or NO COST!
We also carry Impotence & Arthritis Supplies FOR INFORMATION CALL EASY ACCESS MEDICAL SUPPLY
1-800-679-1623 Certain Restrictions May Apply • No HMO’s, please
The First Unitarian Church of Omaha’s Holland Lecture Series talks about
sex... The Reverend Debra W. Haffner
WITH
Director of the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice and Healing
Rev. Haffner calls for: • A sexual ethic that applies to all without regard to gender, color, age, bodily condition, marital status or sexual orientation • The full ordination of women and sexual minorities and the blessing of same-sex unions • Lifelong, age-appropriate sexuality education • A faith-based commitment to sexual and reproductive rights, including access to voluntary contraception, abortion, and HIV/STD prevention and treatment And as Omaha debates residency restrictions on sex offenders, Rev. Haffner, the author of a manual on sex offenders and faith-based communities entitled Balancing Acts: Keeping Children Safe in Congregations, will offer useful insight into this difficult problem.
Beth Israel Board Votes New Beth El Adult Singles to Continue Friedel Subsidy Group To Connect Those for Members Over Age 45 by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue One of the paramount decisions made by parents is in regard to their children’s education. The Omaha area has good public and private elementary schools. It is fortunate to have Friedel Jewish Academy, an accredited elementary school for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, as an educational option. However, it can be a difficult decision if your school of choice, such as Friedel, happens to be one requiring tuition. In order to make it easier for member families to choose to send their children to a Jewish day school, Beth Israel Board of Commissioners recently voted to continue to provide tuition subsidies to members who send their children to attend Friedel for the 2006-07 school year. Families whose primary membership is at Beth Israel are eligible to receive the subsidy, providing one-half of a family’s tuition at Friedel. “This will be the fourth year that Beth Israel provides Friedel tuition subsides to our members,” noted President, Bonnie Bloch. “And, we hope to continue offering the subsidy in future years.” There are a number of reasons why a Jewish child would benefit from attending a day school, such as Friedel. According to the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education, there is a strong sense of “neighborhood” in day schools. Jewish values and concepts are fostered in a setting that has the capacity to represent a diverse Jewish community while providing children with strong connections to the Hebrew language and Jewish history. “Beth Israel, recognizes that Friedel is the best option for any parent wanting their grade-school child to receive the most comprehensive Jewish education available,” stated Bloch. “It is a terrific way to foster what is already learned at home and at synagogue. And while Beth Israel certainly offers an excellent Hebrew school program for our member children, a true ‘day school’ is the ideal choice. An ‘immersion’ education such as the one offered at Friedel is unmatched when compared to a synagogue’s supplemental Hebrew program.” For more information, please call the office at 556.6288 or e-mail BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha. org.
MARRIAGE COTTLE / BROOKSTEIN Nikki Cottle was married to Joel Brookstein on Dec. 4, 2005, at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. Cantor Bernie Zahn of Phoenix performed the ceremony. The bride, daughter of Dan and Wilma Cottle of Lexington, KY, and the late Terry Sarten, is an Administrative Assistant at the Camelback Desert School. Her grandparents are Leonard and Charlotte Sarten of Prescott, AZ and Dan and Mexie Cottle of Lexington, KY. The groom, son of Larry and Judy Brookstein, is a graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, and is a Chef Instructor at the Institute. He is the grandson of the late Rubin and Dorothy Ratner and the late Irv and Faye Brookstein. Following a wedding trip to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, the couple resides in Phoenix, AZ.
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El is offering a new social group for adult Jewish singles over the age of 45, and all interested individuals are invited to attend to its kick-off event on Sunday, May 7, 5 p.m., at Hiro Sushi, 3655 No. 129 St. The group’s planning committee includes Howard Bohm, Patty Chorney, Sheri Linsky and Sandi Cole. “We want to provide opportunities for single people to get together, have fun, explore mutual interests and get to know new people,” said Howard, who noted that the fare during the upcoming event will include vegetarian and kosher fish entrees. He added that future activities proposed by the committee include picnics, dinners, trips to museums and the zoo, bowling and boating, among others. “New ideas are certainly welcome, and we look forward to a rewarding year,” Bohm said. This group is open to all Jewish singles in the metro area; to join, contact Margie Gutnik at 492.8550 or programming@bethel-omaha.org. For more information or to join the planning committee, contact Bohm at 933.4833 or atalef@cox.net.
ORGANIZATIONS THE YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC for sassy Robyn Lensch as she performs all the favorite oldies. Lunch is served at noon for $6 per person. Try your luck with bingo at 10 a.m. Exercise will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. Call Dee Dee for transportation at 330.4272. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 for reservations for the day trip to the Riverside Grille in Council Bluffs on May 11 and Ameristar Casino on May 25. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Reminder: Board Meeting is n the Blumkin Home conference room on Friday, May 5, 9:30 a.m. Luncheon meeting is May 19, 12:30 p.m., at the Venice Inn. Entertainers from the Omaha Community Playhouse will perform highlights from the musical Ragtime! Cost is $9.50 per person. Send reservation form to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114 by May 12. Bellevue Little Theater presents Crossing Delancey on Sunday, May 28 with dinner at the Golden Corral following the show. The cost of $28.50 includes transportation, admission to the show, dinner, tax and gratuities. Depart from the JCC at 12:45 p.m. and return to the JCC by 7 p.m. Send reservations with full payment to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plaza #101, Omaha, NE 86114 by May 16. Make check payable to Visions. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES JSS presents the Omaha Men’s Chorus--The Sarpy Serenaders--on Wednesday, May 3, 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. This concert is open to the public. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 for information. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Father Steven Boes will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, May 3, noon, at the Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. Father Boes, Executive Director of Girls and Boys Town, will reflect on the challenge of fulfilling the legacy of Father Flannigan. Cost is $11 for lunch and $3 for beverage service only.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WEDNESAY, MAY 10 • 7:30 PM SCOTT CONFERENCE CENTER • 6450 PINE ST. (South UNO campus, former Ak-Sar-Ben field area)
FREE ADMISSION
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF OMAHA more on Rev. Haffner at: firstuuomaha.org
IOpera Omaha will present an original new production of Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio. This charming and popular opera offers a satirical and timely twist on cultural differences between Europeans and Middle Easterners, especially timely during this 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth. Performances are May 3 and 5, 7:30 p.m., and May 7, 2 p.m. at the Orpheum. Tickets are $11 to $91 and are available at 402-34OPERA or online at www.operaomaha.org.
Featuring an experienced ensemble of veteran actors and a well-honed script, Modern German cinema finally gets its first all-out Jewish comedy in Go for Zucker, a fast paced, politically incorrect, but good-natured entertainment that was a big hit in Germany. Go for Zucker opens tonight at Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center and runs through June 11. Show times are available at www.TheRoss.org, by consulting your newspaper, or by calling the MRRMAC film information line at 402.472.5353.
April 28, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
IN THE NEWS NP Dodge Real Estate announced the opening of the largest residential sales office in South Omaha at 2424 Oak St., as well as its new condo sales division. This new division will serve the condo market by listing and selling existing condos, helping buyers find condos, marketing new condo developments and providing a team of trained condo specialists. The condo division has a website at www.npdodgecondo.com. Bloomfield Forum offers independent living for residents who choose to freely come and go, mingle in the common areas or enjoy privacy in their living unit. The elderly often fear losing their independence and privacy when they move from their homes. New residents moving into Bloomfield Forum continue their active lifestyle, but in a different setting, minus the burden of home maintenance, snow removal, and yard work. The community is designed to provide a comfortable,
WHY NOT DO IT THE EASY WAY?
NORM’S
DOOR SERVICE GARAGE DOOR SPECIALISTS SALES AND SERVICE COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL
6200 South 90TH St. at 90th & Washington
Omaha, Nebraska
402/331-8920
SAVE TIME & MONEY When You Advertise with One of Our Statewide Programs! Nebraska 2x2 $825* Display Ad For over 170 newspapers Network NEBRASKA
$195*
For over 170 newspapers
We can also place your advertising message in other states statewide programs. Call for more pricing.
Call your local newspaper for more information* or 800-369-2850 www.nebpress.com
secure lifestyle in individual, private living units. Featured are one and two-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 700 square feet to 1,500 square feet. Each living unit has a full kitchen, so residents can prepare their own meals and/or enjoy the optional dining program that is offered in the evening. The spacious living units have walk-in closets and additional private storage in the secure, under-building parking area. Please call Michael at 390.9991 for a personal tour or more information about Bloomfield Forum. New York Times bestselling author Rosalind Wiseman says even the most well-adjusted moms and dads can experience peer pressure and conflicts with other adults that make them act like they’re back in seventh grade.
Her how-to book for parents to manage conflicts with other children, their parents or teachers and coaches Queen Bee Moms & Kingpin Dads, will be the subject of a special presentation on Monday, May 8, 7 p.m. at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass. Wiseman will share practical methods for parents to handle their child’s risky behavior, sports or academic performance. The book also explores the fierce social competition among parents and offers tools to meet it head on. Pre-paid admission is $10. Tickets at the door are $15 and for $35 attendees will receive preferred seating and a signed copy of Queen Bee Moms & Kingpin Dads. Tickets are being sold at the Camp Fire office, 3801 Harney St., Suite 120, 397.5809. All proceeds benefit the after-school programs for the Camp Fire Midlands Council.
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28, 2006
April 28, 2006
CELEBRATIONS ARE OUR BUSINESS
Your Look... Your Lifestyle The pharmacy that specializes in home delivery! Hairstyling Manicuring Pedicuring Waxing
A Full Service Salon for Men+Women
• North Omaha • South Omaha • Council Bluffs • • City-wide Delivery • Discount Prices •
“Pst. Have you heard? There’s a new dentist in town.”
Kirk J. Davis D.D.S., P.C. 15615 W. Dodge Rd. • Omaha, NE
Quality Water ®
for RELIABLE & RESPONSIBLE FABRICARE
TM
• Discount prices, both charged and delivered • Medicines, Herbals and Natural Vitamins • Accepting HMO & Insurance Cards BRUCE GOLDBERG, Pharmacist
5213 Leavenworth
2301 Lincoln Rd.
4963 So. 155th St.
214 N. 114th St.
8728 Pacific
4028 N. 132nd St.
- Water Softeners
- Whole-House Filtration
10910 ‘Q’ St.
2214 N. 90th St.
1810 N. 144th St.
- Bottleless Coolers
- Reverse Osmosis
108th & Center
5624 Ames
2541 S. 174th Plz.
- Chlorine Removal Systems
- Service All Makes and Models
14430 W. Center Rd.
5102 N. 156th St.
• 12,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space accommodates up to 250 guests • On-site planning and catering professionals For information, Call the sales department at 402/496-0850 ext. 143
Metro area: 733-3216 • www.phexpress.com
www.martinizing.com/omaha
Crowne Plaza Omaha Old Mill
Call Dave at 991-1414 or 440-1074 www.HagueWaterNE.com
655 North 108th Avenue Omaha, NE 68154
May
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.
402/614-WEST (9378) FRIDAY, APRIL 28 Tot Shabbat & Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El
THURSDAY, MAY 4 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El OTYG Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Temple Israel Family Shabbaton, 10 a.m.
Panini Salads • Soups Pepperwood Village 156 th & Dodge
445-4460 FOR A LIMITED TIME!
tional
a s n e S CD Rates Ask an Enterprise Banker about our latest CD Special and let us help put your money to work for you!
Commercial Sales & Leasing Retail • Office • Medical • Industrial
Landlord or Tenant Representation Investment Real Estate
Nancy Klauschie 11717 Burt St. Omaha, NE Cell: 402/578-2463 email: nklauschie@rebcomaha.com • www.rebcomaha.com
Adult Day Center
(Southwest Corner of West Dodge Road)
Artisan Italian Ice Cream European Desserts
Our Resources Give You Access to All Properties on the Market
402/333-3333 ®
For Home Delivery, call
Page 9
MOVING OR EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS?
• Weddings • Anniversaries • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Serving Our Community
Countryside Village Pacific at 87th | 392-2039
We believe that special occasions deserve special attention. Count on us for memorable events that exceed expectations
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
FRIDAY, MAY 5 Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Jack Reimer, 6 p.m. at Beth El Third and Fourth Grade Class Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El
SUNDAY, APRIL 30 Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Annual Meeting, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel BESTT Primary Promotion Day, 11 a.m. at Beth El Yachad, 1 p.m. at VSP Club Adult Education, 1 p.m. at Temple Israel JCC Spring Dance Experience, 2 p.m. Protocols of Zion film and discussion, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 6 Scholar-in-Residence, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El BBYO AZA #1 Rush, 7 p.m. BBYO MZ YOSHANAH Rush Program, 7 p.m.
MONDAY, MAY 1 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Beth El Rosh Hodesh Group Meeting, 7 p.m. Yom HaZikaron Ceremony, 7 p.m. Derech Torah Class, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 2 Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. at Chabad The Guy & Bob Show, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Hadassah Community Event, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 3 HAZAK Meeting, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Center for Jewish Education Class, 11 a.m. JFS Yachad Social Skills Class, 6 p.m. The Architecture of the Synagogue taught by Marty Shukert, 7 p.m. at Beth El Federation Israel/Prague Mission Recruitment, 7 p.m. Cooking with NCJW Event for New Members, 7 p.m. at Williams Sonoma/Regency
12800 West Center Road
330-0200 210 Regency Parkway
THURSDAY, MAY 11 Thursday Story Time, 10 a.m. at Kripke Library Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Duties of the Heart, 10:30 a.m. at Kripke Library Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Friends of the Library, 6 p.m. Live from the 92nd Street Y featuring Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, MAY 12 Confirmation/Graduation Dinner & Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
SUNDAY, MAY 7 Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El WRJ-O Board Meeting, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Yom Ha’ atzmaut Celebration, 12:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 13 BESTT Graduation & Teacher Appreciation Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Tot Shabbat & Lunch, 11 a.m. at Beth El
MONDAY, MAY 8 NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m. Derech Torah Class, 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 14 Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Fourth Grade Mock Wedding, 11 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Chaverim Activity, 12:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, MAY 9 Election Day, 7 a.m. Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. at Chabad The Guy & Bob Show, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 10 AIPAC Annual Event, 7 a.m. Spice and Spirit Cooking Club, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Center for Jewish Education Class, 11 a.m. 52nd Annual B’ nai B’ rith Banquet, 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Central The Architecture of the Synagogue 7 p.m. at Beth El Last Session BESTT High School, 7 p.m. at Beth El Beth Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY, MAY 15 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Cardozo Society Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. BEAM, 7 p.m. at Beth El Derech Torah Class, 7:30 p.m. Youth Commission Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El TUESDAY, MAY 16 Lag B’ Omer JCC OPEN Chabad Lag B’ Omer Picnic, 9 a.m. NCSY and Beth Israel BBQ, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. ARTZA Parent/Teen Cook-Out, 7 p.m. Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Center for Jewish Education Class, 11 a.m. Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, 11:30 a.m. Jewish Women International Donor Luncheon, noon Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Meeting, 4 p.m. JFS Yachad Social Skills Class, 6 p.m. Cantor’s Concert, 7 p.m. at Beth El
TUESDAY, MAY 23 BBYO Chaim Weizmann Rush Program, 5 p.m. BBYO EDIAR Rush Program, 5 p.m. Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Center for Jewish Education Class, 11 a.m. The Architecture of the Synagogue, 7 p.m. at Beth El NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Friedel Jewish Academy Graduation, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, MAY 18 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Shavout Flower Arranging and Ruth, 7 p.m. AIPAC Nebraska Annual Event, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, MAY 25 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Duties of the Heart, 10:30 a.m. at Kripke Library Beth Israel Sr. NCSY Regional Convention at Camp CHI, May 25-29 Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 19 CDC Four Year Old Graduation, 10 a.m. Visions Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn Temple Israel “Shabbat Comes to You,” 4 p.m. SUNDAY, MAY 21 Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Last day of BESTT Classes, 10 a.m. Beth Israel Flower Sale & Planting Day, 10 a.m. Allen Lieberman to appear at BESTT, 11 a.m. at Beth El LOVE PAN Tournament, noon Yachad, 1 p.m. at VSP Club: Day Camp Planning Book Discussion Group, 2 p.m. at Temple Israel Beth Israel Travelin’ Toddlers, 4 p.m. Jews & Popular Culture Lecture, 7 p.m. MONDAY, MAY 22 NCSY Latte and Learn, 7 p.m. at Scooters Coffee Derech Torah Class, 7:30 p.m.
392-0400
Trust your loved one with our experienced care team in a nurturing, home-like environment 3615 North 129th Street • Omaha,NE 68164 Eagle Run Square Monday - Friday,7 am to 6 pm
402-496-3379
EL ALAMO
“Best Mexican Food”
Nachos • Guacamole • Tacos • Fajitas Burritos • Shrimp • Enchiladas Combination Dinners Carnitas • Tostadas Tamales • Arroz Con Pollo • Machaca MEXICAN BEER Corona • XX • Bohemia • Tecate • Carta Blanca Open for Lunch and Dinner 11 a.m.-9 p.m. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
4917 South 24th St. • 731-8969
FRIDAY, MAY 26 Tot Shabbat & Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MAY 28 Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Visions at Bellevue Little Theatre & Dinner, noon MONDAY, MAY 29 JCC & FED OFFICES CLOSED/H & PE OPEN 9-5 Beth El Rosh Chodesh Group, 7 p.m.
Sandra R.Nogg,Inc. Personal Bookkeeping Service
TUESDAY, MAY 30 BBYO Pledge Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 Center for Jewish Education Class, 11 a.m. JFS Yachad Social Skills Class, 6 p.m. The Architecture of the Synagogue, 7 p.m. at Beth El FJA Anniversary Celebration, time tba
392-0645 Caring, Confidential, Committed
N.A., MEMBER F.D.I.C.
MXcgXb ;\c`m\ij :ljkfd\ij%
This spot could have your name on it. Call Allan Handleman to see how easy it can be.
FOR A
Dundeal Call
100 Off First Mailer $
8Zk`m\ Zfejld\ij i\cp fe k_\ ]Xd`c`Xi Ycl\ MXcgXb \em\cfg\ ]fi mXcl\j k_Xk dXb\ c`]\ \Xj`\i Æ Xe[ dfi\ ]le
334-6451
Stationery B’nai Mitzvah & Weddings Anniversaries & Special Occasions 12039 Blondo • Omaha, NE • 402/498-9770
:Xcc MXcgXb Xk +') **'$',.. ]fi [`i\Zk dXib\k`e^ jfclk`fej
HONEYMAN RENT-ALL
• Purchase Loans
The Party Place
• Interest Rate • Reduction Loans
Brent Rasmussen 402-991-5153 | 800-519-1870 831 N. 98th St. Omaha, NE 68114 brent@mtg-specialists.com
FIRST CLASS WITH
• Debt Consolidation
invitations collectibles and gifts unique gift baskets
ENTERTAIN
Dundee Realty Co.
SALES • RENTALS • MANAGEMENT Listing and Selling–Omaha and surrounding areas
Residential and Commercial Real Estate
Howard Weiner Dik Weiner 4645 Dodge • 553-2121
FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE US? • Tables • Chairs • Linens • Skirting • China • Glassware • Champaign Fountains • Chafing Dishes • Party Canopies • Wedding & Church Displays • Dance Floors • BBQ Grills • Coat Racks • Candelabras • Margarita Machines • Chocolate Fountains
Our Visit room w o h S
11226 Wright Circle (1 Block South of 114th & Center)
333-2882
Wed Di ding & S splays upp lies
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28, 2006
Spielberg Foundation Helps Produce Holocaust Film Shooting in Ukraine to the Jewish community in his native Dnepropetrovsk. by YULIANNA VILKOS KIEV, Ukraine (JTA) -- There’s a lot of Holocaust Budget figures have not been disclosed. Greenberg says Spielberg and Pinchuk were introdocumentaries, but not many that have been filmed in duced to each other by a mutual friend a year and a half Ukraine. ago. Add one to the list. “We’ve always wanted to make a documentary film A new documentary, co-produced by the Los Angelesbased Shoah Foundation, is shooting in Ukraine. The about the Holocaust in Ukraine, because it’s such an film should be completed by September, in time for the important chapter” in the overall history of the Holocaust, Greenberg said. “And there was Mr. 65th anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre. The 70-minute documentary will focus on Babi Yar, Pinchuk, who was also interested in the subject.” Pinchuk’s spokesman, Thomas Eymond-Laritaz, the infamous ravine just outside Kiev where some 33,000 Jews were slaughtered in the last few days of described his boss’s participation in the project as “a tribute to the Jewish community he was brought up in” September 1941. It also will deal with the larger history of the as well as his “desire to participate in something that Holocaust in Ukraine, according to the Shoah would eventually benefit the wider world community.” Film director Sergey Bukovsky, a 20-year veteran of Foundation’s president and chief executive officer, the local film industry, said that the subject matter doesDouglas Greenberg. Greenberg told Ukrainian reporters last week that the n’t lend itself to much “creative directing,” but said he would try to make it as bulk of the film’s material engaging as possible. will come from the video “We looked for other soluarchives of the USC Shoah tions to avoid having just Foundation Institute for ‘talking heads,’ “ Bukovsky Visual History and said. “There will be Jewish Education, created by filmartifacts and scenes from the maker Steven Spielberg after old Jewish towns in western he finished his 1994 Oscar Ukraine in the film.” award-winning “Schindler’s Bukovsky, who is not List.” Jewish, said he had to resist The foundation has so far the temptation to editorialcollected 52,000 video testiize. “The biggest challenge monies of Holocaust surfor me has been finding a vivors in 56 countries, speaking in 32 languages, Soviet investigators view one of the opened mass graves at balance between educating including 3,200 interviews Babi Yar near Kiev, Ukraine, in 1944. Credit: USHMM and moralizing in the film,” he said. from Ukrainian survivors. One thing that makes the Ukrainian project stand out Both Greenberg and Spielberg have family roots in from similar documentaries produced by the Shoah Ukraine. According to Greenberg, the foundation’s mission Foundation in other countries, Greenberg said, is that it now is to bring these testimonies back to the countries will include the testimony of Ukrainians who helped they were collected in order to educate the local popu- Jews during World War II. Distribution plans have yet to be finalized, but lations about the Holocaust. Greenberg said he hopes the film will eventually be Greenberg said he expects the film will be shown on distributed in Ukrainian schools. Work is under way to Ukrainian television, and he hopes for a theatrical release create a teacher’s guide so Ukrainian teachers can use in Ukraine as well. The film will be released in both Ukrainian and the film in their Holocaust lessons. Approximately one-fifth of the film will be new mate- Russian, and will be subtitled in English for the United rial shot in Ukraine this past year, Greenberg said. States, Europe and Israel. “This is a story that isn’t Ukrainian or American, Interviews with Ukrainian Jews remembering the country’s prewar Jewish community will make up much of Polish or German,” Greenberg said. “It’s a human story, and from this point of view, the this material. The documentary is co-produced by Ukrainian Jewish fact that it’s going to be told about Ukrainians and in oligarch Viktor Pinchuk, a son-in-law of former the languages that Ukrainians speak makes it very Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and a major donor important.’’
An Investment Opportunity From OPPD
Tax-Exempt Bonds Up to $200,000,000 in new issue Omaha Public Power District Electric System Revenue Bonds Available up to 40-year maturities For more information, call your broker or any of the following underwriters: Merrill Lynch & Co. Ameritas Investment Corp. Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Citigroup D.A. Davidson & Co. Goldman, Sachs & Co. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated Piper Jaffray & Co. RBC Dain Rauscher UBS Financial Services Inc. Wells Fargo Investments
1-800-937-0892 1-800-965-4146 1-800-335-6637 1-800-944-2609 1-888-299-7553 1-800-228-3309 1-866-392-8320 1-800-323-5678 ext. 26640 1-888-556-3708 1-800-755-1557 1-800-444-0598 1-800-950-3246 1-800-666-0632 1-402-384-5607
Joseph and His Dreamcoat Take Yachad on a Journey by DUANE J. PIEPER Nestled in the ambiance of the Bellevue Little Theater the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat musical production, presented to a packed house last month, brought joy and laughter to the hearts of the Yachad members. Director Bridget Robbins splendid choreography and delightful dance numbers captured the essence and spirit of the “Joseph” story and held everyone’s attention throughout with its creativity, energy and enthusiasm.
Yachad members at the “Joseph” musical production: director, Bridget Robbins are (front left), Ron Giventer, Jeff Steinberg (middle left), Kyle Avery, Cast Member Joseph, Allan Friedman, Avi Wolfson, (back left), Lisa Soloman, Grace Isler, Jill Salomon and Nancy Isler. Drawn into this familiar story with its irresistible music the members traveled down the road of Joseph’s trials and eventual triumph. The members left the theater with a bright patchwork of images and captivating tunes etched into their memories. It was an “amazing dreamcoat” experience and biblical journey. On the fifteenth day of Nisan (April 13) members of the Yachad group gathered at Beth El to celebrate the Second seder of Passover. The retelling of the Pesach story, led by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gaston Bogomolni, brought the Biblical narrative alive and reminded everyone of the past and current significance of these historic events. The importance of the Exodus story, with its symbols, rituals, special foods, prayers, singing and familial comraderie, was a most special and anticipated time for them. The Yachad members understand the significance of struggle and perseverance, all that it teaches, and the importance of celebrating victories, large and small. Yachad’s next event will also take place at Beth El on Sunday, April 30. Cantor Bogomolni will teach some of his favorite Jewish songs, which will be beginning of a Yachad song book. Please call Jewish Family Service at 334.6491 for further details.
Be a role model; the person you want your kid to be. What stronger anti-drug message is there? For more information call: 1-800-648-4444 http://www.prevlink.org
PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE
STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers.
MOVING? Please give us the following information: Name ________________________________________________ Old Address __________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________ (Or attach your mailing label)
Name ________________________________________________ New Address __________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________ New Phone ___________________________________________ Effective Date _________________________________________ If moving out of town, please check one: ❏ Discontinue Press ❏ Bill Me ❏ Full-time College Student ❏ “Snowbird” date of return _____________ Mail this coupon 3 weeks in advance to:
www.oppd.com This is an ad announcing the offer. This is not an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the securities. The only way to purchase these Bonds is by obtaining an Official Statement from an appropriately licensed broker.
The Jewish Press 333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 or see page 12 for email address and Fax number
Out
Dining
April 28, 2006
Temple Students Prepare for Life of “Jewishness� by Participating in Shabbatot by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator All students in Temple Israel’s Religious School have numerous opportunities to prepare themselves for the important days in their lives when they will be standing on the bimah as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. From the time the children begin first grade until they reach seventh grade, most of them have participated in six grade level Shabbatot. “First and foremost,� believes Katherine Finnegan, chair of Temple’s Religious School Steering Committee, “I think that students are able to apply what they are
“There’s a lot of participating, a lot of singing and reading along in these family oriented services.� Rita Paskowitz, a Religious School teacher and resident storyteller, read It Couldn’t Be Worse, which she described as “an old Jewish story,� at a third grade Shabbatot. She was able to involve members of the congregation who she asked to come up to the bimah. “It was funny and engaging, one of those rich, heartwarming nights when everyone felt involved.� Doris Parker, third grade Hebrew teacher, thinks that the children not only learn the Shabbat prayers. They also “learn that they should attend Shabbat services.�
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.
MENTION THIS AD FOR A FREE APPETIZER WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN ENTREE.*
1207 HARNEY ST. • OMAHA, NE Left: Molly Gilinsky, left, Grace Hack, and Rachel Saferstein helped pack some of the bags that Temple clergy take when
they visit hospital patients. Right: Alex Wolpa was one of the students who helped Lisa Epstein prepare food for those in need.
learning in the classroom to the worship service at grade level Shabbatot. So they help the children reinforce and retain that information. �Second,� she continued, “I think the Shabbatot help the students put in perspective the order of the service which can be a cumbersome task for an adult to do. When you are on the bimah conducting the service, you really have to pay attention. Slowly, I believe the students are developing more meaningful Shabbat worship time during services, because they understand it and feel a part of it. We are giving them lots of opportunities so that they will ultimately feel comfortable one day leading the congregation on the day of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah.� First and second graders participate by singing at the worship service and sharing a meal, explained Elyce Azriel, who has been involved in Temple’s education system for 18 years. Third and fourth graders read some of the prayers as they participate in a Friday night worship service using a siddur created and written by Cantor Wendy Shermet. “Specifically for family Shabbatot, the siddur “has more prayers and good family English readings plus bright, cheerful artwork that’s fun to look at,� she pointed out. Families enjoy a Shabbat dinner after services. By the time the students are in fifth and sixth grades, they read all the prayers during morning Shabbat services using another siddur by Cantor Shermet. After lunch, the clergy convey an instructional message to the students. Families have been participating in grade level Shabbatot for “at least 20 years,� said Azriel. “They’ve become more participatory, because the students have learned more Hebrew in class. The purpose is to become familiar and feel comfortable with the Shabbat service,� she explained.
“The kids really look forward to it,� according to Rini Gonsher, fourth grade Hebrew teacher. “They look forward to practicing, they look forward to learning the prayers, reading out loud, to being part of the community and dressing up. They get to sit with their friends at a special Shabbat dinner and really feel a part of the community. “They see their friends in a social atmosphere, have dinner together, and there’s a big sense of pride sitting in chairs like a grown up on the bimah and being able to read and participate in a prayer service all together. “And then there’s the Oneg Shabbat afterwards. It’s sort of like a mazel tov for a job well done,� Gonsher mentioned. “And the teachers love it as well,� she continued. “It makes us feel proud of what the children were able to accomplish and hopefully, all this hard work and studying prepares them for their life of Jewishness as well as other significant occasions like their Bar and Bat Mitzvah and their weddings!� “Every family brings dessert,� said Jordana Glazer, who along with Louri Sullivan developed a cadre of parent volunteers. “They make sure that meals are ordered, follow-up calls are made to families reminding them to attend, and tables are set. Parents might lead prayers with the clergy during dinner. It’s parents taking part in the school.� Mother of a first grader, Sharon Comisar-Langdon confirmed the teachers’ goals and expectations. “I thought it was a great opportunity to share the evening with family and friends,� she said. Her daughter, “Mickayla, loved it. She had a great time and enjoyed being part of the service.�
BIRTHS Jay and Allison Gordman announce the March 27 birth of their son, Preston Michael. He has a brother, Spencer. Grandparents are Elly and Bob Gordman, Nancy Skid and the late Stephen Skid. Yosef and Shanny Katzman of Baltimore, MD, announce the April 17 birth of their daughter, Kochava
Vote
Tim Schram Public Service Commission paid for by Nebraskans for Schram • 14602 S. 234th St, Gretna NE 68028
Meira, named for her great aunt. She has a sister, Rena Bracha, 17-months-old. Grandparents are Levana Kovo of San Antonio, TX, and Michael and Carol Katzman. Great-grandparents are Janie Levin of Miami, FL, and the late Marvin Levin, and Madeline Katzman and the late Maury Katzman.
Urgent news for people who took
SER O Q U E L
ÂŽ
SeroquelÂŽ, an antipsychotic drug, has been linked to diabetes, pancreatitis, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and even death. If you or a loved one have experienced any of these health problems, call us now toll free at 1-800-THE-EAGLE for a free consultation. We practice law only in Arizona, but associate with lawyers throughout the U.S.
GOLDBERG & OSBORNE 1-800-THE-EAGLE ÂŽ
Offices in Phoenix and Tucson
(1-800-843-3245)
www.1800theeagle.com
ys da 7 ek en we Op a
342-4010 FREE PARKING RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET. *ONE PER TABLE.
ZZZ 9LVLW6SHDUILVK FRP )RU <RXU )UHH 6RXWK 'DNRWD 9DFDWLRQ *XLGH
OR WWW BEYONDALLEXPECTATIONS TRAVEL
)Va :WWU )Va ,Ia 8ZQKM *I[ML WV I^IQTIJQTQ\a -`XQZM[
! TWLOM([XNKIVaWV KWU
Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! Facilitator The Center for Jewish Education is seeking an enthusiastic and creative group leader to facilitate a new monthly program Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! for girls in grades 6-9. The program provides a supportive and meaningful Jewish experience through which girls can explore the issues they face as they become women. Training, ongoing consultation and supervision will be provided. The position is a part-time position (6 hours per month). One time, expense paid, out of state travel for training is required. Qualifications: • Three years of experience in formal or informal Jewish education or • youth programs • Ability to facilitate groups through discussions, craft projects and • experiential exercises. • Must be friendly, organized, motivated and a good role model. • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology or Judaic Studies or any • other related field preferred. Please submit resume to Dr. Guy Matalon, Executive Director, The Center for Jewish Education, 333 S. 132 Street, Omaha NE 68154-2198. Resumes may also be faxed to 334-1330 or emailed to mgrossman@jewishomaha.org. Equal Opportunity Employer; background check required.
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28, 2006
What Happens in Poland 60 Years After the Holocaust? Just last weekend, awards for the annual Better Newspaper Contest were announced at the Nebraska Press Association Convention. Again, the Jewish Press won--this time in the Feature Series category for our coverage of last year’s 18th anniversary of the March of the Living in Poland. How appropriate that the awards were announced right before Yom HaShoah. Though we are unable to include coverage of Wednesday night’s commemoration in this week’s issue because the paper was already transmitted electronically to our printer, let’s take a look at that series of what are now “award-winning” articles. The series started with Gary Javitch’s coverage of last year’s Yom HaShoah commemoration in Omaha and Marcia Kushner’s coverage in Lincoln--and a photo of Bea Karp and two of her daughters--Nancy Kutler and Jeanne Soshnik--lighting yahrzeit candles at Auschwitz. The photo was, indeed, a powerful image and a reminder that despite the enormous pain caused by the murder of six million of our mishpocha (family), life goes on. For four weeks, the Press published stories by JTA writers Carolyn Slutzky and Chanan Tigay (whose trip was sponsored by the AntiDefamation League), Press Editor Carol Katzman, and Beth Seldin Dotan, Director of the ADL’s Institute for Holocaust Education, as well as photos by Howard and Gloria Kaslow and Danny Krantz. We remember; we retell the story--as Bea Karp and Sam Fried and countless other survivors do--and we live. Even in Poland, those of us fortunate enough to participate in last year’s March of the Living learned that there, too, life--Jewish life--is thriving. A Shabbat morning visit last year to the
Nozyk Synagogue was such a discovery. Members of the Omaha group encountered a young Jewish woman from Canada, married to a Polish Jew. They had recently returned to Warsaw to help “grow” the Jewish community there. Their two sons wore kippot and tzitzit to school and were not subject to any antiSemitic remarks or incidents. The young couple were part of a growing “Chavurah”-group of friends--in the shul, some of whom only recently aware of their Jewish roots. Some Jews--survivors and others--are not happy about attempts to revive Polish Jewry. Once the home to more than three million Jews, Poland only has about 5000 today, and the vast majority are elderly. But Rabbi Michael Schudrich of New York now leads the community, raising funds to bring in kosher food, siddurim and other books, and teachers Israel. from Chabad also serves the community, helping to get a Jewish message out to Polish and yiddish speakers. While growing Jewish life does seem like a contradiction--espesince cially Poland’s largest tourist attraction is the large number of concentration camps-Poland is also one of Israel’s (and America’s)
best friends. The country has strong diplomatic ties to both nations--and in a speech last year to Holocaust educators, Yehuda Bauer, a pre-eminent Holocaust scholar himself--noted that after the United States, Poland sends more rescue and relief missions around the world than even Great Britain. Poland’s school system has an active Holocaust curicullum; last year thousands of Polish high school and college students joined the March of the Living. Jews should be free to live anywhere (tell that to the Palestinians and to neighboring Arab governments). Poland should be an option for those who want it and we should help them. Polish citizens are hungry for economic opportunity and though relics of its horrific past are abundant, that should not be held against the country today.
wasted and lives extinguished--the possibility of war persists. One might expect this agony to follow on a crushing battlefield loss, but since 1945 that has usually not been the case. Planes shot down, tanks destroyed, munitions exhausted, soldiers deserting, and land lost are rarely decisive. Consider the multiple Arab losses to Israel during 1948-82, North Korea’s loss in 1953, Saddam Hussein’s in 1991, and that of Iraqi Sunnis in 2003. In all these cases, battlefield
Palestinians that they have lost, to influence their psychology. • An aggressive step like “transferring” Palestinians out of the West Bank would be counterproductive for Israel, prompting greater outrage, increasing the number of enemies, and perpetuating the conflict. • Contrarily, perceptions of Israel’s weakness lessen the possibility of Palestinian defeat; thus did Israeli missteps during the Oslo years (1993-2000) and the Gaza withdrawal inspire Palestinian exhilaration and more war. • Israel needs only to defeat the Palestinians, not the whole Arab or Muslim populations, who eventually will follow the Palestinian lead. I refrain from suggesting specific steps Israel should take in part because I am not Israeli, and in part because discussing tactics to win is premature before victory is the policy. Suffice to say that the Palestinians derive immense succor and strength from a worldwide network of support from NGOs, editorialists, academics, and politicians; that the manufactured Palestinian “refugee” problem stands at the dank heart of the conflict; and that lack of international recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital festers. These three issues are clearly priorities. Ironically, Israeli success in crushing the Palestinian war morale would be the best thing that ever happened to the Palestinians. It would mean their finally giving up their foul dream of eliminating their neighbor and would offer a chance instead to focus on their own polity, economy, society, and culture. To become a normal people, one whose parents do not encourage their children to become suicide terrorists, Palestinians need to undergo the crucible of defeat. Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and author of Miniatures (Transaction Publishers). He can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.
Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
How Israel Can Win
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES Can Israel win? Since I argued in a column that Israel can and must defeat the Palestinians, a barrage of responses have contested this thesis. Some were trivial (Ha’aretz published an article challenging my right to opine on such matters because I do not live in Israel), but most raised serious issues that deserve an answer. The ancient Chinese strategist Sun Tzu observed that in war, “let your great object be victory” and he was echoed by the seventeenth-century Austrian war thinker, Raimondo Montecuccoli . Their Prussian successor Clausewitz added that “War is an act of violence to compel the enemy to fulfill our will.” These insights remain valid today: Victory consists of imposing one’s will on the enemy, which typically means compelling him to give up his war goals. Conflicts usually end with one side’s will being crushed. In theory, that need not be the case. Belligerents can compromise, they can mutually exhaust each other, or they can resolve their differences under the shadow of a greater enemy (as when Britain and France, long seen as “natural and necessary enemies,” in 1904 signed the Entente Cordiale , because of their shared worries about Germany). Such “no victor, no loser” resolutions are the exception in modern times, however. For example, although Iraq and Iran ended their 1980-88 war in a state of mutual exhaustion, this tie did not resolve their differences. Generally speaking, so long as neither side experiences the agony of defeat--having its hopes dashed, realizing the futility of treasury
Ironically, Israeli success in crushing the Palestinian war morale would be the best thing that ever happened to the Palestinians. It would mean their finally giving up their foul dream of eliminating their neighbor and would offer a chance instead to focus on their own polity, economy, society, and culture. defeat did not translate into despair. In the ideological environment of recent decades, morale and will matter more. The French gave up in Algeria in 1962, despite out-manning and out-gunning their foes. The same applies to the Americans in Vietnam in 1975 and the Soviets in Afghanistan in 1989. The Cold War ended without a fatality. Applying these insights to Israel’s war with the Palestinians points to several conclusions: • Israel hardly enjoys freedom of action to pursue victory; in particular, it is hemmed in by the wishes of its primary ally, the U.S. government. That is why I, an American analyst, address this issue with the intention of influencing policy in the United States and other Western countries. • Israel should be urged to convince the
(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 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 or e-mail to: 68154-2198 jpress@jewishomaha. org.
Nebraska Press Association
National Newspaper Association
April 28, 2006
Shutting Up Won’t Quiet Critics; Payoff for ‘Lobby’ Conspiracy Theorists Would Be Jewish Silence on Iran Threat
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by JONATHAN S. TOBIN The controversy over two leading academics who published a scurrilous essay claiming that Israel and its American “Lobby” control American foreign policy may be starting to die down. The pair, John Mearsheimer of the University of Chicago and Stephen Walt, academic dean of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, have been roundly criticized by figures spanning the political spectrum for pawning off garden variety anti-Semitic canards as scholarly work. Predictably, the two have painted themselves as martyrs to the cause of stopping the pro-Israel cabal they fear so much, with Mearsheimer even whining to friendly media (such as the education section of The New York Times) that he and Walt had committed “career suicide.” But Mearsheimer’s prediction of a gloomy life with fewer invitations to conferences in the future (cancel his reservation at the sushi bar!) is a crock. Intellectual poseurs such as these two have made a good living (from both federal grants and funding from the Arab world) bashing Israel and the Jews at the expense of elite institutions for decades. By contrast, it is still those few scholars of genuine merit who speak up for Israel --such as the Middle East Forum’s Daniel Pipes--who will continue to be shut out of consideration at the top schools. But while Mearsheimer and Walt can get down from their cross, the payoff for their cause may not be far off. After all, the goal of “The Lobby” thesis and its fans living in the fever swamps of the far right and far left is to effectively silence Americans who support Israel. And, as implausible as that may sound, their chances are better than you think. Can ‘The Lobby’ Be Licked? Given the fact that their definition of “The Lobby” included everyone from the president of the United States to the president of your local Chamber of Commerce--not to mention the mass media--how can the vast array of forces that have created a wall-to-wall bipartisan pro-Israel majority be licked? The outcome of the coming debate over how to restrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions may provide an answer. The threat of a nuclear Iran is getting harder to ignore. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s vows to pursue Iran’s nuclear program to fruition has sent shivers down the spines of policy-makers. Ahmadinejad’s quotes taunting the United States, promising to annihilate Israel and denying the Holocaust are often put down as mere rhetoric aimed more at shoring up the Islamic regime’s internal power base. But Ahmadinejad is probably scarier than you think. As an article in the April 24 issue of The New Republic reports, the Iranian leader’s statements are part and parcel of the ideology of the Basiji, the most extremist element of the Iranian ayatollah’s Revolutionary Guards. The Basiji were used in suicidal attacks during the Iran-Iraq war, in which tens of thousands of teenage “volunteers” were sacrificed. Add in the fact that suicidal sacrifice is at the core of Shiite Islam and the notion that concepts like the “mutually assured deterrence” that kept the
peace during the Cold War will work against a nuclear Iran seem forlorn hopes. For now, the Bush administration is committed to a policy of diplomacy to deal with Tehran. But the idea that this will work or that our European allies will stick with us to impose sanctions against Iran is ridiculous. The only question is whether or not the United States is prepared to risk military action to halt Iran’s program. If not, our only option will be to shrug and stand by as Ahmadinejad’s scientists present him with nukes by the end of the decade or even sooner. That stark dilemma has aroused many in Washington to begin speaking seriously of doing something about Iran. According to writer Seymour Hersh, who made a splash with allegations about plans to attack Iran in the April 17 New Yorker, “Bush and others in the White House view [Ahmadinejad] as a potential Adolf Hitler, a former senior intelligence official said. ‘That’’s the name they’re using. They say, ‘Will Iran get a strategic weapon and threaten another world war?’” Since President Bush himself has stated he will “use military might to protect our ally Israel,” from Iran the question of the pro-Israel community’s stance is likely to loom large in the debate over what, if anything, America will do. But given the fact that the last thing the pro-Israel community wants right now is to give extremists another reason to claim the Israeli tail is wagging the American dog, it may well be that some voices that might otherwise be loudly declaiming the danger from Iran will be silent. Indeed, the not-so-subtle message coming from the increasingly vocal anti-war crowd right now is that if “The Lobby” knows what’s good for it, it will pipe down and, by its silence, help quash any support for decisive action on Iran. Given the fact that some extremists still falsely claim that the Iraq war is being fought for Israel’s sake that might seem like good advice. Whatever your opinion of the potential threats that Saddam’s Iraq posed in 2003, there is very little doubt that a nuclear Iran poses a mortal threat to the peace of the world. If the United States were to act to keep Ahmadinejad’s finger off the nuclear button, it would not be so much to save Israel as to save the world from his Basiji notion of purification and sacrifice. That said, there should be no reason for us to be afraid of also pointing out that a nuclear Iran could set off a nuclear war with an Israel that it says it wants to exterminate. What good would a prudent silence on the issue do us if a few years from now--or sooner--we wake up to learn that Iran has a bomb ready to drop on Tel Aviv and create a new Holocaust? None of the options facing Bush on Iran are good, but supporting a do-nothing policy is as bad for America as it is for Israel. Israel-haters such as “The Lobby” authors and their extremist fans want us to be silent because they don’t want such a deadly Islamic threat to millions of Jewish and non-Jewish lives to be forestalled. Still, that is no reason for the majority of Americans who are members of a democratic pro-Israel consensus to be shy about pointing that out. Jonathan S. Tobin is Executive Editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia. He can be reached via e-mail at: jtobin@jewishepxonent.com.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
%
& (
!
$
))*+ ,
$
"
Page 13
'% )
-
# $ !!" #"$%
Michael’s Buy Trux Truck Sales 63rd & Cornhusker Hwy Lincoln, NE
Michael Knopp 1-402-466-8388
Now Nationwide
Michael Geller 1-701-238-7825
All Kinds
All Sizes 1-800-869-0384 If We Don’t Have It, We Will Find It!
The Jewish Federation of Tulsa Executive Director The Jewish Federation of Tulsa is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader who has exemplary skills in creating and executing a community vision. The Executive Director is the Chief Professional Officer of the JFT, accountable to the Board of Directors for providing leadership, management and strategic direction toward the fulfillment of the mission, vision, goals and programs of the Federation. The ED has ultimate responsibility for: (a) the staffing of the Federation with quality personnel; (b) the securing of the financial resources necessary to operate the Federation and to continue its cherished role as a significant contributor to the needs of Jews in Israel, the FSU and elsewhere; (c) the effective administration and operation of the day-to-day activities and programs of the Federation; and (d) representing the Federation to its constituents, to its partners and to the Tulsa community at large. Qualifications: • Practical experience with a record of achievement as a senior executive in • managing an organization or agency comparable or greater than the JFT in • either size or complexity. • A passion about issues affecting Jewish communities and Israel and the • ability to engage and inspire others regarding these issues. • Understanding of and successful professional experience in all areas of • programming, strategic planning and implementation. • Demonstrated success in all areas of the planning and implementation of a • successful financial resource development program, as well as a proven • track record, willingness and desire to be personally involved with these • efforts. Experience with the cultivation and solicitation of major donors is • critical. • Excellent interpersonal, political and diplomatic skills are needed. • Ability to identify, attract and inspire potential leaders and professionals • and facilitate their development and deeper involvement. • Excellent communication skills and a proven ability to use and manage • information technology systems. • Bachelor’s degree required; Masters preferred. For more information or to apply, please contact UJC: carin.maher@ujc.org.
Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28, 2006
Candlelighting Friday, April 28, 8:00 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 nebraskajudaism.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
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...
to reserve space, call
Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. Steve and Toni Goodman from Ft. Meyers, FL, will sponsor the Oneg. The community is invited.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m., in the chapel; Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. Cost: $5; children 6 years and under are free. Reservations required for dinner; contact Margie Gutnik, 492.8550 or programming@bethel-omaha.org. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Jeanne and Rick Gilinsky, in honor of their son, Cameron, becoming a Bar Mitzvah; Evening Service, 8:10 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, Living Hebrew, and Nashir Choir, 10 a.m.; Jewish Pot Pourri Class, and Adult Torah Trope Class, 11 a.m. PATTER: Wednesdays, 10:30 -11:45 a.m., for parents and toddlers, 18 months to age three. THURSDAYS, noon: Rabbi Levin leads Discovering the Talmud. ORAL HISTORY OF THE ELDERS Sunday, April 30, 12:30 pm. Lunch ‘n’ Learn sponsored by Hazak, featuring Dr. Ben Nachman. Cost is $6; reservations are needed and may be made by sending a check to Natalie Rubin, 2004 So. 138 Ave. Cir., Omaha NE 68144. For information, call Gloria Goodman at 333.3351. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH MEETING Monday, May 1, 7 p.m. in the lobby of the JCC. For reservations, contact Helen Epstein at 391.9187, or at: aepstein1@cox. net, or Dottie Rosenblum at 397.4805, or drosenblum@jewishomaha.org. SCHOLAR-IN RESIDENCE WEEKEND May 5-7, with Rabbi Jack Riemer. Open to the community. For more information, contact the office, 492.8550. BESTT FIFTH GRADE PLAY: “Celebrate Shabbat for
Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Max and Leo Kohll in honor of the spring birthdays of David, Janet, Anna, Sam and Jack Henry Kohll; Mincha, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:05 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/ Ma’ariv time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. TUESDAY: Book Club discussion on Member of the Tribe, 7:30 p.m. Advanced THURSDAY: Parshah class, 9 p.m.
Emanuel, with oneg provided by Linda Emery. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: LJCS Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration; Rally for Darfur hosted by Omaha’s Temple Israel contact Stephanie Dohner at dohners@mindspring.com if you would like to go to Omaha. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at the Cornhusker Marriott with Rabbi Emanuel participating. Contact Stephanie Dohner for tickets. Temple Outdoor Clean-up Day, Sunday, May 7, 9 a.m.-noon. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. THURSDAY, 7 p.m. Jewish Music, led by Mark Miller, Holly Hefflebower, and Elaine Monnier (first and third Thursdays of the month).
BEYT SHALOM
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
the Rest of Your Life,” Sunday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. BESTT families welcome.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
ROSE BLUMKIN Services conducted by Rabbi JEWISH HOME
CHABAD HOUSE
Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champ, 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; Torah Tots (ages 35), 4:15 p.m. All events and programs are open to the entire community. For more information or to register call 330.1800 or visit our website www.Ochabad.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi
BAR MITZVAH Cameron Gilinsky, son of Jeannie and Rick Gilinsky will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, April 29, at Beth El Synagogue. Cameron is a seventh grade Honor Roll student at Beveridge Middle School. He is a member of the Beveridge Jazz Band and Orchestra. His interests include playing classical piano and guitar, basket-
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ball, track, and hanging out with friends. Also, he has won several piano competitions. Cameron has a sister, Sari, and three brothers, Eryk, Cory, and Devon. Grandparents are Rose and Sam Cohen of Des Moines, IA, and Beverly Gilinsky and the late Marvin Gilinsky.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m.; Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead this service along with Rabbi Dan Fink. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Pancake Man, 9 a.m.; Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K,2,4,6), 10 a.m.-noon.; Religious School (3), at the Rose Blumkin Home. TUESDAY, May 2: Family School and Dinner, 5:30 p.m. May 3: WEDNESDAY, Religious School (3-6), 4 p.m.; Middle/High School Teacher Meeting, 5:15 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Middle/High School (7-12), 6:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, April 30: Film Series with Moshe Gershovich (Chapel) Memory, Image and Meanings: The Holocaust in Films, 12:15 p.m–3:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY, May 3: Jewish Journey Group, 7-8:30 p.m. Look at how some of these new models of thinking can reveal fresh insights that have otherwise been hidden in Torah and Judaism, with the help from the paperback, Lifting the Veil--Hidden Judaism Revealed, by Steven Evans. THURSDAY, May 4: Adult Study with the Clergy with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m. PANCAKE MAN: Sunday, April 30, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., Social Hall. Cost is $4 per person, Children three-years and younger
are free. CRADLE ROLL Sunday, April 30, 10:30 a.m. in Milder Center. Parents (and grandparents, too!) are invited, along with their children (infant to pre-kindergarten age) to play and learn together with other families. In order to make sure there are supplies and snacks RSVP to Ann Osborne, 933.4954 or annoz13@cox.net. PRAYER ASSEMBLY FOR DARFUR Sunday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. at Temple Israel; At noon, walk to Rally for Darfur in Memorial Park. BLOOD DRIVE, Thursday, May 4, 3–7 p.m. in Friedman Social Hall. Sign up for a time to donate by calling the Temple Israel Office at 556.6536 or email mkube@templeisraelomaha.com. FAITHFUL SECURITY: OUR LAST BEST CHANCE Tuesday, May 9, 6 p.m. in the Friedman Social Hall. Join U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel, General Eugene Habiger, Rabbi Azriel, and Elden F. Curtiss, the Archbishop of Omaha and hear what you and your faith community can do to help end the nuclear weapons danger.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with a Shabbat dinner following. USY Special Fundraiser. Make reservations by calling the office at 423.8569 or sending a check for $10 per person. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. SUNDAY: LJCS Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at the Cornhusker Marriott with Rabbi Emanuel participating. Call the synagogue 423.8569 for $15 tickets and details. ADULT EDUCATION Monday and Thursday evenings, 7-9 p.m, and Thursdays, noon-2 p.m.
PERSONAL The auf ruf to celebrate the upcoming wedding of Daphna Pollak and Joel Alperson will be Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m., at Beth Israel Synagogue. A luncheon will follow. We look forward to having friends and relatives attend. No invitations have been issued. Margie Alperson
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
April 28, 2006
Humanism Includes Feminism
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashiyot Tazria-Mezora One does not have to read many verses into our Sidra to realize the Bible’s total belittlement of the role of women in society. Indeed, when you recognize that our Sidra connects women (or childbirth) with mezora, a disease that we cannot fully recognize, we can understand the sign once seen somewhere in Israel by a doctor who proclaimed that he treated “women and other diseases.� But we have had enough of that. Without embracing feminism completely, or making a crusade of it, we must understand that feminism is not what some people have said, that it is the crazy notion that women are people. It would not quite be true that I am living on the royalties of the books my wife wrote, but I have to recognize that she was much more of a literary figure than I ever was or will be. Indeed, she is to be recognized tomorrow evening (i.e., April 26) at a Jewish Book Council annual meeting in New York. Men who are willing to admit it recognize that women are often the real power in a family and that their notions and view on life dominate the family’s point of view. Naturally so! For it is women who produce, nurture, and determine the direction of the next generation. All of this would have sounded immensely strange to the Bible writer(s). Rabbinic Judaism was much more progressive and democratic than Biblical Judaism; nonetheless, rabbinic Judaism could not detach itself from the idea of masculine superiority which permeates the attitude of the Humash to the question we are addressing. By this time, I have made myself clear and need not beat the drum any longer.
JFS Director to Lead Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press For seven years, Becki Brenner held positions in Planned Parenthood--Vice President in Kansas and Missouri and CEO at Planned Parenthood of Omaha and Council Bluffs before returning to Omaha in 2004. Now, after two years as Executive Director of Jewish Family Service, she will return to Planned Parenthood, this time heading an even larger agency in Becki Brenner Cincinnati, OH. “I have been fortunate to be able to be a part of such a wonderful and giving community,� Brenner said. “I will look back on my time at JFS with tremendous pride in the growth of the agency with such a wonderful and professional staff. My support of reproductive rights, comprehensive sexuality education and freedom of choice has led me back to the Planned Parenthood world.� She added, “I will miss you all, but consider you all lasting friends.� JFS President David Goldberg has formed a search committee to replace Brenner, who will leave at the end of May for Ohio. “Becki has shown outstanding leadership for JFS and the Federation over the past two years and will be missed,� said Jan Goldstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. “We congratulate Becki and wish her great success in her new position.�
CORRECTION In the Passover issue, Brianna Greenspan’s name was misspelled under the photo caption on page 56. The Press regrets the error.
DEATHS ROBERT LIVINGSTONE Former Omahan Robert Livingstone died April 6 in Los Angeles, CA. Services were at Hillside Memorial Park on April 9. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Livingstone. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Nancy Livingstone of Los Angeles and daughter and son-in-law, Patti and Todd Finkle of Akron, OH; grandchild, Joseph Ritzo of Santa Clara, CA; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Ted Asnis of Narberth, PA. He lived in Omaha from 1966 to 1978 and was a member of Temple Israel. Memorials to the Phyllis and Bob Livingstone Scholarship Fund at the University of Nebraska Medical School Foundation. SUE FERER Sue Ferer died on April 15 at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City after a long illness. She lived in New York and was a free lance travel writer for many years. A former resident of Omaha, she was preceded in death by parents Rose and Harry Ferer and a brother, Lee Ferer. HAZEL TURCHEN Hazel Turchen died at the age of 92. Services were held April 24 at the Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by husband, Max J. Turchen; sister, Lottie Abramson; and brother, Hymie Zavett. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, /(*$/ 127,&( 23(1 5$1*( &20081,&$7,216 ,1& :H DUH D SURVSHFWLYH
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ÂśV ZHEVLWH DW ZZZ XVGD JRY UXV WHOHFRP
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
Page 15
1439 So. 13th 341-2452
Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.
Train To Be A Specialist Are You Interested In A Career Opportunity With Excellent Income And Aren’t Afraid Of Hard Work?
WE WANT YOU!! We Offer Great Products, Extensive Sales Training, Top Commissions, Unlimited Free Leads, All Expense Paid Hawaiian Convention Vacation (Must Qualify) And Much More.
Call 1-888-271-6310 or 402-423-3326 American Republic Insurance Company APRIL IS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH
Learn how to
Become A Donor
ORGANANDTISSUE DONATION: It’s all about Life.
(800) 718-LIFE
www.nedonation.org
Statewide Classified CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in over 170 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $195/25 word ad. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850. BANKRUPTCY: FAST relief from creditors. Statewide filing. Affordable rates. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. DEMOCRATS: VOTE for Don Eret on May 9, for Election Integrity. Paid for by Don Eret for Secretary of State, 712 Lincoln Ave., Dorchester, NE 68343.
Phyllis and Harvey Aronson of Omaha and Palm Beach, FL, Virginia and Marshall Becker; son and daughter-inlaw, Drs. Michael and Lesta Turchen of Hill City, SD; grandchildren, Lisa Jo Brunkhorst, Jody and Gino Vinci, Nancy and Stephen Richter, Susan Rudy; and seven great-grandchildren. Memorials to the Juvenile Diabetes Association. ESTHER CANAR Esther Stein Canar died April 22 at the age of 89, just a few weeks after the death of her daughter, Ellen Canar Joseph. Services were held April 25 at Beth El Cemetery. Canar was an active member of the Jewish community and served as chairman of the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Campaign , as well as on the boards of the Federation and Jewish Community Center. She also was preceded in death by her husband, R. Max Canar. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Linda Canar of Sacramento., CA; granddaughter, Rachel Beth Canar and her mother, Deanne S. Franus. Memorials to charity of choice.
To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site, as well as other pertinent information to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Obituaries--as well as engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies, and births--also can be submitted at the Federation’s website. Just go to: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press and click on “Submit Announcements.�
HOMEOWNERS - CONSOLIDATE now. Credit card or other debt getting out of hand. Lower monthly payments. No equity required. Nationwide Mortgage. Direct lender. Call 1-800-665-1320. ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-888-755-1356. $$CASH$$ IMMEDIATE cash for structured settlements, annuities, lawsuit, mortgage notes & cash flows. J.G. Wentworth - #1 1-800-794-7310. SELL YOUR business. Buy a business. Expand your business. Search for communities. Search for available space. Find an opportunity. Get a loan. www.BIZFIND.org or Ph: 308-865-8429. HOT TUB buyers, buy direct from manufacturer, save $1,000 to $1,500. 20 models, $2,495 to $4,995. We deliver. For sale prices and specifications call 1-800-869-0406, Town Center Showcase, 27th & "O" Street, Lincoln. www.goodlifespa.com. WHOLESALEJERKY.JERKYDIRECT.COM FREE shipping. The best jerky that you will ever eat. High in protein/low in fat. Purchase by the bag/case. Wholesale distributors needed. WOLFF TANNING beds. Buy direct and save! Full body units from $22 a month! Free color catalog. Call today! 1-800-842-1305, www.np.etstan.com. FEED DEALER wanted: Loomix(r) feed supplements is seeking dealers. Motivated individuals with cattle knowledge and community ties. Flexible hours and supplemental income. Contact Terri @ 800-870-0356; or e-mail ttonso@loomix.com to find out if there is a dealership opportunity in your area. NOW HIRING for 2006 postal jobs $18/hour starting. Avg. pay $57K/year. Federal benefits, paid training and vacations. No experience needed! 1-800-584-1775 Ref #P1011. AMBULANCE DISTRICT #33 is accepting applications for a Fulltime Paramedic/Assistant Director with experience. We offer sign on bonus, uniform allowance, paid holidays, competitive wage and benefit package. For information on how to apply call 1-888-325-0911. RAILROAD JOBS: Train in four to eight weeks to become a Conductor, Welder, Mechanical Locomotive, or Carmen. Average salaries $63,000.00. Tuition loans available. 913-319-2603. www.RailroadTraining.com. CONSTRUCTION HELP needed ASAP. Millwrights, welders, ironworkers, insulators, electricians, concrete. Midwest locations, competitive wages, per diem-mileage. Must travel. 401K, holidays, vacations medical-dental-vision. EOE. Call Steve 1-800-844-8436. HELP WANTED: Cement plant operator in Valentine, NE. Send resume to Heart City Lock & Key, 158 N. Main St., Valentine, NE 69201 or call 402-376-1313. COMPANY DRIVERS & O/Ops: Pay, choices, benefits, Grand Island offers the best: Competitive pay, outstanding benefits. 96% of our fleet is from Lexington-Omaha. CDLA/clean MVR required, 6 months experience. 866-472-6347, www.giexpress.com. O/Os & COMPANY Drivers Wanted! Flatbeds & Van. 48 States. Home weekly. Invest 5 minutes, call 1-800-228-9842 "for drivers with high standards", Fremont Contract Carriers Since 1966 www.fcc-inc.com. NOW HIRING: Transportation Dispatcher/Load Finder for flatbeds and reefers in North Central Nebraska. Must have at least 2 years experience. Call Doug at 402-336-5320. CONTRACT SALESPERSONS to sell aerial photography of farms on commission basis, $60-100k yearly, with proven product in earnings. Call Toll Free 1-877-882-3566.
Page 16
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
April 28, 2006
Temple Teens Go Here, There, and Where They're Needed by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Museum and being able to see “a cool set of art experience made God’s presence clear. It really was a fun Temple Israel Communications Coordinator movies.” He particularly liked one entitled, “Dance.” trip. I enjoyed my classmates and the chaperones and Temple teens have been traveling east. Twelfth graders “The trip was great,” despite missing a connecting everything we did!” journeyed to “L’Taken: A Teen Social Justice Program,” flight in Detroit on the way home. “The four-day trip “I think it was totally fabulous,” described Sarah in Washington, D.C. at Sadofsky, also a tenth the end of March. Every grader at Temple. The year, Temple’s senior class trip was her first to New attends the four-day York City and for her, it kallah which focuses on was “a trip to remember.” Jewish values and social Speaking “honestly,” she justice. admitted that she “was Drawing upon experts, kind of skeptical in the including lobbyists, beginning. I wasn’t too national and special intersure, but I’m really really est group leaders, from glad I went! Without within and beyond the Rabbi Azriel, I wouldn’t Jewish community, have been able to go to as “L’Taken” has covered many Jewish sights.” issues such as AIDS, Two of Sarah’s favorite women’s rights, Israel, stops were at Ellis Island the environment, ecoand Liberty Island. “It nomic justice, immigrawas a piece of history, and tion, and homelessness. I felt like I was experiencSeminars help students ing history,” she said. learn more about the “Everything on this trip complexities of public was moving,” added policy issues, how the Left: Temple Israel 12th graders who attended L’Taken in Sarah Bleicher, Jaclyn Adelson, actor Keanu Reeves, center, Rabbi Azriel, “especially American democratic sys- Washington, D.C. include: Sam Anderson, left, Elyce Azriel, who the teens happened to meet on the sidewalk of New York, the exhibit of children of tem functions, and how chaperon, Caroline Terry; Sean Bernstein, and Sam Long. Matthew Heyman, and Robert Friedman. David Anderson and the Holocaust at the to become more active Right: Tenth graders who visited the “Jewish Big Apple” includ- Joe Goldberg were also on the trip. Jewish Museum.” and informed citizens. ed: Ashley Bernstein, left, LaShanna Bernstein, Sarah Sadofsky, Temple teens have also “L’Taken” is an opportunity to stimulate a serious com- turned into five days,” Sam reported. “Elyce Azriel, been participating in Caring Committee projects includmitment to Jewish values while wrestling with political (director of Temple’s Middle/High School) made it a ing preparing “goodie” bags for the clergy to take with questions for the high school students who attend. good trip going beyond any of our expectations,” Sam them when making hospital calls. The bags are divided In addition, the students get to visit the U.S. added. between male and female sacks and contain a large print Holocaust Museum, Washington monuments, the Temple’s tenth graders, on the other hand, spent three crossword puzzle book along with note pads and book National Mall, and go to Capitol Hill. days in March with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel in the “Jewish marks, soaps, and stickers. The bags “are being warmly Sam Anderson, a Temple twelfth grader, spoke about Big Apple.” received,” according to Rabbi Azriel. visits to the offices of Senator Chuck Hagel and Ben Joe Goldberg has been to New York City “multiple Students have also been preparing food with Caring Nelson. “We talked to Hagel’s legislative assistants” and times, but I did more Jewish things than before” this Committee Chair Lisa Epstein for people who are in to Nelson who “was very responsive.” Topics discussed time. His favorite part of the trip was attending Shabbat need. These “Karing Kids,” a new club which will offiincluded immigration reform. worship services at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. “I felt cially get underway next fall, also created greeting cards Sam especially enjoyed going to the Hirshhorn the music and dancing and spirituality of the whole which the Caring Committee will distribute.
Drive the BEST, for the price of an ordinary car! 2006 Mercedes-Benz
2006 Mercedes-Benz
C280 4MATIC
MSRP $38,415 You Pay Only
ML350
Offer Expires 4/30/06!!!
MSRP $45,190
14,769
$
Stk #6F756861. 27 month prepaid lease, total due at signing 14,769, no security deposit required, WAC. 10K miles per year. Plus tax, license and title.
27 MONTH PREPAID LEASE You Pay Only
15,995
#2075 Only 52K Miles, Must See This One..................................$
‘97 Mercedes-Benz E320 Sedan
Offer Expires 4/30/06!!!
17,442
$
Stk #6A083334. 27 month prepaid lease, total due at signing 17,442, no security deposit required, WAC. 10K miles per year. Plus tax, license and title.
2.9% APR Available ‘99 Mercedes-Benz C280 Sedan
2006 E350
MSRP $53,445 27 MONTH PREPAID LEASE
Offer Expires 4/30/06!!!
18,765
$
You Pay Only
Stk #6A0874140. 27 month prepaid lease, total due at signing 18,765, no security deposit required, WAC. 10K miles per year. Plus tax, license and title.
For C, E and M-Class EVERY PRE-OWNED VEHICLE COMES WITH A WARRANTY! See dealer for details. WAC.
‘01-‘06 Mercedes-Benz ML Series 6 To Choose From! CERTIFIED.........................Starting at
‘00 Volvo S40
‘02 Lexus IS300 Sport Sedan
‘03 Jeep Liberty Limited
‘04 Mini Cooper
‘04 Volvo S40
‘02 BMW X5 4.4 Sport
‘02 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
‘03 BMW 330Ci Coupe
‘02 Audi A4 Quattro
‘04 Lexus RX330
‘03 Cadillac Seville
COME SEE OUR ENTIRE STOCK!
#2040 All The Options, Great Graduation Car...$10,995 #2021 The Right Car & The Right Price...$21,995
$20,995
‘97 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Roadster #2075 One Owner, Great Value....................................................$16,995 #2059 Convertible, Low Miles, Immaculate..................................$29,995 ‘00 Mercedes-Benz C280 Sedan ‘02 Mercedes-Benz E320 4MATIC AWD #2057 Sunroof, Leather, Low Miles CERTIFIED........................$17,995 #2037 Fully Loaded With All Options CERTIFIED.......................$29,995 ‘03 Mercedes-Benz S430 4MATIC AWD ‘03 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 #7607 Only 20K Miles, Big Sedan CERTIFIED....................................SOLD #7611 Two Seater, Hard Top Convertible, Only 14K Miles CERTIFIED...$36,995
#2082 This One Is A Must See..................$17,995 #7602 Harley Davidson Trim......................$22,995 #2020 Every Option, Low Miles, Must See..$18,995 #2049 This One Won’t Last.......................$28,995 #2083 V8, One Owner, Must See..............$18,995 #2030 Perfect, Only 22K Miles.................$29,995 #2069 Only 27K Miles................................$19,995 #2079 Priced To Sell...............................$29,995 #2041 On Owner, Low Miles...................$20,995
Photos for illustration puposes only. Prices plus tax, license and title. Ad unts subject to prior sale. Expires 4/30/06. See dealer for limited warranty details.
(402) 384-9999 or 888-384-9998
STORE HOURS: Mon-Fri 8am-7pm Sat 9am-6pm Sun 12pm-5pm
Hillsdale Ave S 144th St
27 MONTH PREPAID LEASE
2006 Mercedes-Benz
N