May 6, 2005

Vol. LXXXIV No. 35 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

27 Nisan, 5765 May 6, 2005

Only in Israel: Annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration Is Community Event for All Ages by RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director The entire Jewish community is excited about this year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) Celebration, and members of a variety of Jewish organizations in Omaha have come together to plan what truly has become a collaborative project. This year marks the 57th year of Independence for Israel, and the community wide celebration is scheduled for Sunday, May 15, 12:30-4:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. The theme of the day is, “Only in Israel,” and we hope to bring a true Israeli experience to all who participate. The afternoon will begin at 12:30 p.m. with a Yom HaZikaron ceremony commemorating Israel’s fallen soldiers. Boy Scout Troop #218 will present our nation’s colors as they raise the American and Israeli flags. The flags will be brought to half mast, and the ceremony, which includes our very own synagogue youth, will begin.

The remembrance ceremony will transition into a celebration for Israel’s Independence, as flags will be raised to the top of the mast, and the Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration will begin with Israeli food service provided by Services Culinary Catering by Nancy Mattley. Falafel lunches cost $6; hotdog lunches are $4. Upon entering the facility, kids will be encouraged to pick up a passport and visit all of the Israeli cities around the JCC. Some of these include a visit to the Galilee for an archaeological dig, making craft projects in Sefad, taking a picture with a camel in the Negev, and building the model city of Jerusalem out of LEGO blocks.

Inflatable games will be a major attraction to this year’s event, as kids of all ages are encouraged to visit Tel Aviv’s Luna Park! Here children will find a moonwalk and a superslide, and just a few steps away, they’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Dead Sea and climb the rock wall at Masada. In addition to all of the activities for kids, this year’s celebration will also feature programs for adult participants, including the B’nai B’rith Trivia Quiz, and Israeli Wine Tasting from Spirit World. There will also be plenty of vendors on Ben Yehuda Street, as Beth Israel’s gift shop and the LOVE gift shop will have booths, along with Shir Tal Jewelry and tie-dye t-shirt sales that say “Omaha” in Hebrew.

Temple Israel Sisterhood will sell Roses from Israel, and two representatives from the Israeli Traveling Gallery will display their works in the auditorium. The Israeli Traveling Gallery travels throughout the United States and sells arts and crafts from Jerusalem, Old Jaffa, Safed, Megiddo and other cities throughout Israel. Some of their pieces include the sculptures of Frank Meisel, the water color, oil and mixed media art of Victor Shrem and the beautiful works of Gabrieli hand weaving, to name a few. At 2:30 p.m., winners of the Elinor A. Whitman Memorial Book Appreciation Contest and the Lieutenant Irving Cohen “Profiles in Jewish Courage” Essay Contest will be announced in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The Elinor A. Whitman Memorial Book Appreciation Contest is divided into two categories: Book Jackets (kindergarten through sixth grade) and Book Reports (grades one through six). Continued on page 3

Author, Storyteller Rabbi Jack Riemer Jewish Veterans of World War II to Share Magic During Beth El’s Swell with Pride, if not with Money by SUE FISHKOFF Scholar-in-Residence Weekend ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia, (JTA)-ing his inspiring career. He by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator was ordained and received He is a renowned author, a his M.H.L. and D.D. from storyteller, an inspirational the Jewish Theological speaker. One of the many Seminary, and did his graduprayers he has penned was ate studies at Brandeis once recited at a White University. House prayer breakfast by During his stay at Beth El, President Clinton, and Elie Rabbi Riemer will speak Wiesel has stated that his during 6 p.m. Kabbalat words “are songs of hope Shabbat services about the and faith.” And now, our real reason we eat dairy; he entire Omaha Jewish comwill also discuss “Ruth, the Rabbi Jack Riemer munity will have the opporFirst Modern Woman,” at a tunity to experience first-hand the magic special Shabbat dinner afterward. On of Rabbi Jack Riemer, during a special Saturday morning, his D’var Torah will scholar-in-residence weekend at Beth El focus on “Boaz, the Single in our Midst”, Synagogue during the weekend of June then at a special Sunday morning break3-5. fast at 10 a.m., he will explore how a perRabbi Riemer is the author of numer- son heals, and will discuss Naomi. (There ous books, including So That Your Values is no charge to attend the breakfast.) Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin Live On, a treasury of ethical wills; the three-volume The World of the High Holy encouraged the entire community to take Days, and Jewish Reflections on Death, a part in this fascinating weekend, saying, classic resource which assists mourners. “People will be delighted to hear Rabbi He has lectured at universities, healing Riemer, one of the best Jewish speakers centers, synagogues and churches around in the country. He is a brilliant observer the world and has been called “probably of life, a storyteller and preacher who has the most quoted rabbi in the country” by the ability to describe the human conditzedakah guru Danny Siegel. tion and lead the way towards new In addition Rabbi Riemer has written resolve and worthy living. His tales go prayers and poems that have been pub- directly to the hearts and souls of his lislished in prayer books of both the teners, and his messages are filled with Conservative and Reform movements, warmth, wit and wisdom.” Cost of the Shabbat dinner is $12.50; and has published articles in most major journals of Jewish thought throughout reservations may be made by calling the synagogue office at 492.8550. America and abroad. Rabbi Riemer’s scholar-in-residence Recently retired from Congregation Beth Tikvah in Boca Raton, FL, Rabbi weekend has been underwritten by the Riemer also served congregations in La Ida and Samuel Kaiman Scholar-inJolla, California, and Dayton, Ohio, dur- Residence Endowment Fund.

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

Sunday, May 9 marks the 60th anniversary of V-Day, the date in 1945 when Nazi Germany capitulated. Nowhere has it been as resolutely commemorated each year as in the former Soviet Union, which lost a staggering 25 million citizens during what is still called the Great Patriotic War. Of approximately 11,000 World War II veterans still alive in the southern Russian capital of Rostov-on- Don today, 211 are Jewish. Three of those Jewish soldiers marched in the great Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square on June 24, 1945. One was 90-year-old Leonid Abelich Klevitsky, a tall, white-haired man of erect bearing who heads the city’s Jewish war veterans association. “It was the day before my 20th birthday,” he told JTA in an interview conducted during last year’s Victory Day celebration. “I’d been celebrating all night, and almost fell flat on my face The Omaha Jewish com- Omahan Alex Kulik (now stain Red Square.” tioned in Falluja, Iraq, with the When Germany munity will commemorate U.S. Army Rangers), was a attacked the Soviet Union the 60th anniversary of V- four-year-old at this May 9 in June 1941, Klevitsky Day at the Livingston parade in Minsk, Belarus, in was a student in a presti- Plaza, on Sunday, May 1985. He is the son of Rita and gious military academy. Gregory Kulik. 9, noon. He graduated in time to fight on the Ukrainian front and took moved back to Rostov. He became head of the city’s Jewish war veterans association part in the bombing of Berlin. “I never understood my Judaism,” he when it was founded six years ago. Rostov-on-Don lies just over the border says of his upbringing. “I had a MarxistLeninist education in the military academy. from Ukraine, right in the path of the 1941 And only because I was Jewish, I got a ‘D’ Nazi onslaught. Few of the city’s 20,000 instead of an ‘A’ because I corrected the Jews fled the advancing German forces. Rostov’s Jews were urbanized, and many teacher when he quoted Stalin wrong.” After a 25-year career in the army, in had studied in German universities. 1967 Klevitsky retired, and he and his wife Continued on page 2

This Week: Omaha Election Guide on Pages 4-5 Omaha Site for National ADL Holocaust Curriculum: Page 3

NCJW to Host Spring Gala Next Month: Page 4

Coming May 20: Senior Living Special Issue Teen Age Features Young Women of BBG: Page 7

After Key Departures, Who Will Guide AIPAC?: Page 9

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 6, 2005

Jewish Veterans of World War II Swell with Pride

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MAY 6 Tri-Faith Dialogue, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel JELS Talmud Class with Guy Matalon, noon

C L I P & S A V E

C L I P & S A V E

SUNDAY, MAY 8 Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, Bible Study Class, and Living Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El TUESDAY, MAY 10 “The Guy and Bob Show”, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. ADL/CRC Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m. TLC Growth Through Torah, 7:30 p.m. at private residence WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon 51st Annual B’nai B’rith Charity Sports Banquet, 6 p.m. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MAY 12 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s class, noon at Beth El “People of the Bible”, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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Continued from page 1 Union through its Hesed welfare agencies, more than Their diplomas didn’t help them. On Aug. 11, 1942, half of southern Russia’s 66,000 Jews are older than 50. the city’s Jewish men were marched to a ravine outside Twenty-five percent live below the poverty line. At the the city and shot; the women, children and elderly were end of last year’s Victory Day feast, some of those eldergassed in trucks, and their bodies buried in the same ly poor were wrapping up cookies and bread rolls to take ravine, called Zmiyovskaya Balka, or the ravine of the home to their empty cupboards. snakes. Communists and Red Army soldiers also were The feast was basically paid for by the dozen local killed and buried there, along with their families. businessmen who make up the board of the city’s Hesed Altogether, some 27,000 bodies lie in the grass-cov- and Chabad organizaered ravine, which has become the site of annual memo- tions. rial ceremonies. Ilya Gorensteyn, a local Some of Rostov’s Jews, both men and women, bigwig who made his escaped the massacre because they were serving in the money in construction, Soviet Army. was one of them. “I The biggest day of the year for these veterans is the donated the bottled festive luncheon the city’s Jewish community hosts for water, a guy who owns a them every May. Last year's event, held May 7 in fish plant gave the fish, Rostov’s historic synagogue, drew more than 100 aging the owner of a vodka veterans, all wearing their medals with pride. plant gave the vodka,” he “Everyone who can walk is here today,” Klevitsky said. said, pointing down the One of those who could not attend was his own wife, line of business leaders bedridden for three years. seated at the head table. Leonid Abelich Klevitsky, head “I love her so,” he said. Gorensteyn said he of the Rostov-on-Don, Russia, The couple was married 53 years earlier in a civil cere- knows of many other Jewish war veterans associamony. Now that Rostov has a Chabad rabbi, Klevitsky newly wealthy Jewish men tion, marched in the V-Day and his wife want to have a Jewish ceremony. But the in Rostov, but “unfortu- parade in Red Square in June rabbi told them they’d have to go to the mikvah, or rit- nately, not many of them 1945. Credit: Sue Fishkoff/JTA ual bath, Klevitsky said, adding defiantly, “I won’t go.” are willing to give.” He was in a buoyant mood all afternoon, displaying his veteran’s ID card to anyone who showed the least interest. The feast was a typical Russian affair, with lengthy speeches by the heads of every relevant organization, as well as the requisite appearance by the city’s deputy mayor. The vodka and champagne flowed, toasts were made, and there was cheek-to-cheek dancing to 1940sera tunes. But the lavish spread stood in ironic contrast to these honored war veterans’ stark financial situation. Like elsewhere in the former Soviet Union, these men and women who labored all their lives for the Soviet state, expecting to be taken care of in their old age, are now penniless, scraping by on meager pensions, unable to pay for medical care, clothing or food. According to figures from the American Elderly Jewish war veterans are feted by the Jewish community of Rostov-onJewish Joint Distribution Committee, which Don, Russia, at last year's Victory Day commemorative feast, May 7, 2004. Credit: Sue Fishkoff/JTA helps elderly Jews in the former Soviet

Father’s Gift Brings Composer Solace and Life of Achievement in American Jewish Music by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator In 1957, when Louis Isaacson realized he was losing his battle with cancer, “he began to prepare for the inevitable by preoccupying himself in a nesting ritual of sorts,” recalled his son Dr. Michael Isaacson who will conduct one of the Shabbat services he composed “Nishmat Chayim, The Breath of Life,” at Temple Israel’s service on Friday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. He will also join Temple’s Bagels and Sacred Books study group on Saturday, May 14, 9:30 a.m. Shabbat services follow at 10:30 a.m. After inspecting such household devices as the light fixtures and the electrical plugs, Louis decided “this house needs a piano,” said Michael Isaacson. After purchasing a honey-colored Kranich and Bach spinet-console, Blanche Isaacson hired a teacher for her son, and “for the two years my father was dying, I took lessons,” Michael remarked. By the time his father died, Michael “had learned enough to be able to take refuge in that piano, playing it for hours at a time. It comforted me. It could accept my rage and despair, my anger and confusion,” according to a chapter from Debra Darvick’s book, The Jewish Life: Stories of Connection, Discovery, and Joy. “Each time I played,” continued Isaacson, “ I was able to imagine that my father was still in the room, listening and appreciating my music as he had done not so long ago. Pounding those notes, attacking the arpeggios, banging out full-voiced chords, I dealt with my grief in a primal and cathartic way,” Isaacson reminisced. Isaacson went on to become one of the most productive and “gifted American Jewish composers of our time,” said Cantor Wendy Shermet who, along with Tamara Field, Jonathan Rathsam, Kol Rina (Temple’s adult choir), a woodwind quintet, and Temple’s fifth

and sixth grade students, will participate in the May 13 service, a celebration of American Jewish music to which the community is invited. Dr. Isaacson has composed and published more than 450 works, conducted and produced more than 40 CDs and albums, is the founding music director of the Israel Pops Orchestra, and is currently visiting professor of music at Hebrew Union College. Among his compositions, Dr. Isaacson has written five Sabbath services, several cantatas, High Holiday liturgical music, life cycle settings, and created, taught and recorded a ten-lesson syllabus for teaching Jewish music composition. He composed and conducted all the symphonic music for The Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City. His children’s millennial service “L’Maaseih V’reisheet: To Recreate the World,” made musical history when it was co-commissioned by 40 congregations across America and Canada and simultaneously premiered. “There are times when in the process of making music I am in a zone where time and space cease to exist,” explained Dr. Isaacson whose trip to Omaha is sponsored by a Special Donor-Advised Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. “During that timeless brain shift,” Dr. Isaacson explained, “I have often felt my father’s spirit hovering around me. I recall his voice, what he said, how his eyes shone, and his smile. And sometimes, even today, 40 years later, I sit alone in my studio and say, “Daddy, here we are together--you in your projection booth, me in my studio. We are alone.” Dr. Isaacson wonders what he would have become if his mother had yielded to frugality instead of love for her husband to buy the piano which cost $775, the balance of their life’s savings. “Ultimately,” Dr. Isaacson believes, “God’s plan for us triumphs.”

May 6, 2005

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Omaha ADL and Institute for Holocaust Education Yom Ha’Atzmaut from page 1 Focus Site for National ADL Holocaust Curriculum Continued This annual contest, which first started in 1991, has by BETH SELDIN DOTAN from the Omaha ADL office. Director, Institute for Holocaust Education Each educator was compensated with a generous A group of 29 educators gathered with staff from the donation from the National ADL and asked to critique, Omaha ADL and the Institute for Holocaust Education advise and comment on the rational and objectives of on April 12 at the request of the National ADL office the curriculum. Two of the 10 lessons were reviewed by to review a new Holocaust watching clips from surcurriculum to be released vival testimony, evaluating in the Fall 2005. This curthe main objectives of the riculum, being developed lesson and assessing the for the past five years, has accompanying classroom become a joint effort of the activities. Anti-Defamation League, The national leaders were the Survivors of the Shoah pleased with the construcVisual History Foundation tive criticism offered by the and Yad Vashem Holocaust educators from the Omaha Museum in Israel. area. They were quick to The purpose of the curexpress their satisfaction riculum is to bring togethwith their level of backer survival testimony, hisground knowledge of torical content and provide Holocaust, but also that teachers with tools to teach the educators were students that discriminastraight-forward with contion left unchecked can cerns about items, like: lead to acts of violence. It’s providing closed-caption a unit of 10 lessons, with Omaha area educators gave feedback to the national educator film clips, age-appropriate the intent for teachers to from ADL who wrote its new Holocaust curriculum. lessons, and educational use the content that best fits their time in their larger standards-based activities. curriculum. Jim Fried, ADL board member and active supporter of Helping students understand the relevance of the the Institute for Holocaust Education participated in Holocaust to contemporary society is also a key element. part of the morning program. Survivor testimony brings a face to the historical back“I was blown away that these national organizations ground of the Shoah; the lessons provide an array of were willing to hold a focus group in Omaha,” he noted. educational standards opportunities for journaling, on- “More than this, I appreciated hearing the great insight line research with primary resources, as well as other of educators from so many different schools. It made me inter-active learning activities. proud of what we do, and made me realize how many Principals were asked to identify teachers who have students we can help learn about this topic. I look fortaught Holocaust studies in their classrooms. ward to seeing the final product.” A final draft of the curriculum is to be completed for Participants were from Omaha Public Schools (teachers and administration), Millard, Westside, Lincoln Public the summer of 2005 and should be available to schools Schools, Catholic Schools-Archdiocese of Omaha, in the fall. For more information about the new curricuElkhorn, Bellevue, Fremont, Ralston, and lay/educators lum, please call me at: 333.1303.

been made possible by the Elinor A. Whitman Book Appreciation Fund created by Norman Whitman, the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, and Jewish Educational and Library Services. The contest was created to perpetuate goals that Mrs. Whitman had during her lifetime of devoted service to the youth of the Omaha community. She served for many years as a member of the Kripke Library Board and on the faculty of both Beth El and Temple Israel Religious Schools. This contest furthers her goal in promoting Jewish literature for children. The Lieutenant Irving Cohen “Profiles in Jewish Courage” Essay Contest is for seventh-12th graders, who have submitted essays which identify a Jewish person who has shown courage in his or her life. Irving Cohen was born in Council Bluffs in 1921, graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs and attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He left the university early in 1942 to enlist in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II. He died when, after 14 bombing missions, his plane was shot down over Germany. The afternoon will culminate with the presentation of the Jewish Federation’s Teen Leadership Award at 3:30 p.m. and a concert from Danni’s Band, a teenage band from our Partnership with Israel. The band includes five singers, a cellist and a pianist. The students are 10th and 11th graders, ages 15-17, and attend the Manor Cabri High School, located at Kibbutz Cabri in the Western Galilee. The school has developed an array of study courses in the arts such as film and television, theater, music and arts. The Manor Cabri arts are among the leading courses in their fields in Israel, and this is sure to be the perfect ending to our Israeli celebration. This year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration is funded in part by the Carl L. Frohm Foundation, the Morton A. Richards Endowment Fund, and a Special DonorAdvised Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. For more information about the Yom Ha’Atzmaut activities, contact me at: at 334.6404.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 6, 2005

Hope--and Faith--Spring Eternal as NCJW Fahey Loves Being Mayor Hosts Upcoming Gala, “A Faith in the Future� by LINDA SALTZMAN and SHARON BARGAS for National Council of Jewish Women Omaha Section NCJW-Omaha Section is hosting the upcoming Spring Gala and fundraising event, titled “A Faith in the Future,� with hopes of initiating new friendships and enjoying the festivities with NCJW members. The gala is scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 7:30 p.m., at the Livestock Exchange Building. The black and white attire event will include dinner, cocktails, entertainment, an awards presentation, and a raffle. The theme of the Gala, “A Faith in the Future,� reflects on the importance of starting anew and making positive changes in the lives of the community at large. “I’m hoping that this event will be one of many that will stimulate the Omaha Section and get people excited about what we do now and in the future,� says Mimi Silverman, Gala Chairman. More than a dozen prizes will be raffled off throughout the evening. Some of the prizes include an Alan Friedman diamond necklace, a new Dell 30� LCD TV and gift certificates to local restaurants. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 each, three for $25 or a book of 12 for $100 and will be sold above Member Services at the Jewish Community Services on Sunday, May 22, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., and on Tuesday, May 31 and Wednesday, June 1, 7-10 a.m. as well as 4-7 p.m. Board

members will also have tickets available. “Our goal is to raise a substantial amount to help fund our projects,� says Silverman. “Several prestigious local companies have generously donated fantastic gift packages.� three outstanding Additionally, Omahans will be recognized at the Gala for their contributions to the section. Sandy Epstein will receive the Hannah G. Award, a Solomon national award given to an individual who has changed the lives of others through leadership efforts and service. The Emerging Leader Award will be presented to Tina Meyers, past and incoming co-Vice-president of fundraising. The award honors members who show potential for future leadership and have served as a board member or committee chairperson for less than five years. Kim Noddle, immediate past President, will receive the Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes outstanding years of service to and/or impact on NCJW Omaha Section. Jan Schneiderman and Carol Bloch are honorary chairwomen for the Gala, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the Livestock Exchange Building, 4920 So. 30 St. For more information or to make a reservation, call Roxanne Kahn at 493.4551. Reservations are $50 per person, with checks payable to National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section.

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in a budget of 200 million is hard to make up in six months. We really had to ‘put the brakes on everything’ and then, you all know what happened on Sept. 11. That caused us to refocus on the priorities of (Editor’s note: Both mayoral candidates spoke to Breadbreakers within the last the city, particularly in light of the downfew weeks; the statements from the District turn in the country.� His administration chose to prioritize One City Council races are the only ones that were received from all candidates solicited. public safety. “I thought that it was the right decision then, but, we had to really The election is this Tuesday, May 10.) focus on getting our hands by JOAN K. MARCUS around the budget and makMike Fahey, mayor of ing sure we’re not spending Omaha, addressed the B’nai money we can’t afford to B’rith Breadbreakers as a canspend.� didate last Wednesday. He has According to Fahey, during thoroughly enjoyed being the four years prior to his Omaha’s mayor for the past term as mayor, spending went four years and reviewed his 6.4% each year. Under his work by asking that the audiadministration, it has gone up ence look back to see if he has only 1.4% each year. When he accomplished the goals that came into office, there were he set for himself in 2001. 1493 civilian employees. “Four years ago we talked Mike Fahey There are 1190 left. about spending, crime going “I take my hat off to the in the wrong direction, returning civility to city hall and focusing city government on civilian employees who are still with us and our neighborhoods,� he noted, reminding doing an outstanding job!� he added. Fahey said that when he took office, the group that immediately upon taking office, he instituted a Friday meeting with crime statistics were going in the wrong the president of the city council. “All I do direction. “Crime was actually going up in is make sure that the council has all the 2000 and 2001,� he recalled. “When we information they need--particularly from look around at peer cities around the counthe department heads. Because, on try, their crime statistics were going down. Tuesday, they need to make decisions and I They had all adopted a community policwant to make sure they make the best ones ing philosophy and strategy. “We had what they called ‘a zero tolerthat they can. “I think they’ve appreciated that meeting ance strategy.’ So, I decided that we would and it has gone a long way to make sure adopt what had been working across that the city council and the mayor’s office America. We have done that and crime has started to go down. Overall, it’s 14% and are working as a team.� The other thing that Fahey did was to violent crime is down 3.7%. We have 37 reinstitute the “brown bag� lunch. “It more officers on the payroll now.� A Riverfront Patrol was initiated with a doesn’t sound like much, but once a month we get together with the whole new horse barn located on the ConAgra council to talk about what they want to dis- Campus. “This was a million dollar plus cuss and sometimes, we have a presenta- gift from ConAgra Foods. This 15-horse tion or two. It’s awfully hard to argue stall is the envy of the country right now,� when you have a mouthful of food!� he he laughed. “We have the Quest Center, the Convention and Visitors Center, the laughed. Mayor Fahey said civility is no longer a Gallup Campus and all of the hotels. We problem between him and the members of certainly want to extend a big ‘thank you’ the council. Fears, animosity and personal to the folks at ConAgra and the people at All Makes Office Equipment for the new agendas have disappeared. On the issue of controlling spending, horse barn.� Even though much time has been spent Fahey added, “Little did I know that the day after I was sworn in, we would have a on the riverfront, the mayor says he is anx15 million-dollar hole in the general budg- ious to focus on our neighborhoods. His et. As you know, the economy took a turn neighborhood grant program allows people to apply for grants up to $5000 that can for the worse right after 2001 began. “I drew upon my business experience to be used to clean up neighborhoods. A total make some pretty touch choices. Right of 79 grants have been given which equal away,� he added, “we issued a hiring freeze $270,000. “What we’re trying to achieve here is a that’s really still in place today. We stopped spending immediately because $15 million cleaner, safer city!�

OMAHA DECIDES 2005

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PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

by JOAN K. MARCUS At a recent meeting of the B’nai B'rith Breadbreakers, Omaha mayoral candidate Dave Friend spoke about three of the issues he hopes to address if he is elected mayor of Omaha, noting: “Although Mayor Mike Fahey is a nice guy and truly a gentleman, I think that Omaha can do better and needs more energy in the mayor’s office.” Friend, a lifelong resident of Omaha, is the son of former Omaha police chief, Joe Friend, now deceased, and Jenny Friend. A graduate of Roncalli Catholic High School, he has a bachelor’s degree from Bellevue College. He was elected to the Metropolitan Utilities board in 2000, served as chairman of the construction and operations committee and was elected chairman of the board in 2005. Like his father before him, Friend was himself an Omaha policeman for 26 years and served as command officer from 1991 to 2004. He chaired the PRIDE Omaha board from 1996-97 and was an executive board member of the International Union of Police Associations Dave Friend from 1996 to 2003. He has been married to Patricia for 22 years.; they have three children: Jennifer, David Jr., and Kelsey. Economic development is at the top of Friend’s list. “The city of Omaha has missed many opportunities to drive economic development,” he insisted. “This is so important because almost 50% of the city’s general fund revenue is built on sales tax. So, before we come back to property owners and ask for more money, the city needs to do a better job of identifying retail developments. Then we can assist the Chamber of Commerce and other groups to create that revenue.” Friend added that “in the last five years, in the downtown area, there has been about two billion dollars worth of new construction. Both populations--people who live there and those who work there--have increased. However, they don’t have any place to shop unless they are going to a bar or the Old Market. “They’ve told me that if they’re pressed for time, they don’t shop in Omaha,” he added. “They go across the bridge to Council Bluffs, so,we’re losing retail tax dol-

lars. If this represents 50% of our revenue, we need to do a better job of driving that economic development.” If elected, Friend would first re-establish the Economic Development Director at a cabinet level position to work hand-in-hand with the Nebraska Legislature and the Chamber. An economic development director has worked in every single administration, but the current mayor has chosen to do without it. “Some 50% of the taxes collected in Nebraska come from the Omaha metropolitan area and I don’t think that Omaha really gets its fair share back,” he said, suggesting that maybe LB 775 needs to be reevaluated. Iowa has created a “Venture Capital Fund” of half a billion dollars for small businesses. “In the last 90 days, we’ve lost over 200 jobs from Omaha to Iowa because of this fund. This is an enticement for businesses.” The second issue Friend addressed was policing. Since it is an area he knows thoroughly, he says he wouldn’t have to spend a lot of time on. He commented that in cities of 75,000 or larger, Omaha is the 227th safest city! “However, Omaha is in dire need of an accurate measure of response time for police,” he said. “We do not currently measure police response time. The WorldHerald did a study that showed that west of I-680, it takes at least 121/2 minutes in the most dire emergency, for a police officer to get to your house. The problem was that they use 911 data that is skewed. If you call 911 for a police emergency, typically they send two officers. And, typically, those officers are in cars by themselves. The minute that the operator has enough information to dispatch the officer, the clock starts to tick. He continued: “Officers are sent from different locations in different cars. If the first officer is two minutes away, they send a code that they are in the area and waiting for backup. They don’t go to the door or take any action--but the clock stops. In the intervening minutes, the first officer hasn’t done a thing but the city has stopped the clock. “As we look at this action, how do we know what’s accurate? If you ran a business and your boss or one of your subordinates were to provide a report that stated, ‘I think that this is kinda, sorta, where we are’, how long would you keep that employee?” According to Friend, Omaha needs an accurate measure of police response time to provide boundaries for uniformed patrol that make sense. “We haven’t significantly changed these boundaries since John F. Kennedy was in the White House!” The last issue Friend addressed is road construction. “Mayor Fahey ran on the platform he was going to shorten the time for construction. He appointed a task force report that completed its report on Sept. 8, 2004,” he noted. “It’s now spring of 2005 and two or maybe three of the recommendations have been implemented. The mayor hasn’t demonstrated we’re changing policy.”

MARC KRAFT City Council Representative District One I am a member of Temple Israel, married, with four children and one grandchild and I am proud to have served you for the past eight years. Public service is a way to give back to the community and a family tradition. My father, Leo Kraft, who served on the City Council in 1977, told me the secret of being a good public servant: “Accessibility. “The people may not always agree with you and it’s difficult to face someone with whom you disagree, but be open to everybody.” For the past eight years, I have put that advice to the test and met with thousands of people, attended countless neighborhood association meetings, attended hundreds of public forums and returned thousands of emails and phone calls. I know my father was right. To be able to represent the people you need to know where the people are on the issues. Every Tuesday members of the City Council debate issues and make decisions. We are put to the test of public opinion and public scrutiny. We cannot hide behind half truths, cute sayings and platitudes. I have taken strong stances on issues, but only after countless hours of research. I know the value of public safety. I also know the importance of providing good libraries. With the help of the public and my fellow council members we were able to keep our libraries open. One of the things many people do not like about politicians is their unwillingness to be open and honest about what they feel, about how they are planning to vote. That is not my style. I have always been honest and open with my opinion, giving people who may disagree an opportunity to show me where I may be wrong. I then re-analyze the issues and make an informed decision.

JIM SUTTLE City Council Representative District One City Council Candidate Jim Suttle earned first place among three candidates in the April 5 primary. “I contribute my strong showing in the primary to the effectiveness of my Listening Tour of the district,” said Suttle. “Filling the vacant storefronts with businesses throughout District One has truly caught the attention of the voters. It means jobs. It means small businesses going into many of our commercial areas. It means shopping areas close to our neighborhoods.” Suttle has already been working with community leaders and main street merchants to explore avenues for filling the empty storefronts in Benson, Florence, on north 72nd Street and Saddle Creek. “The closing of Target on Saddle Creek is a huge disappointment. However, it gives us a new opportunity to find something equal or better. “I believe Omaha is poised for greatness! This will continue to be my theme for the campaign. However, putting taxpayers first will give me a new way to explain my philosophies on how to give Omaha investors (taxpayers) a true return on their investment (taxes).” Suttle, Executive Vice-president of HDR, has put his experience to work for Omaha in the past. He served six years as the City Public Works Director, and currently serves on the Governing Members of the Omaha Symphony, Board of Directors for the Salvation Army, and the University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council. He has previously served on the governing boards of Methodist Hospital, the YMCA, Safety and Health Council of Greater Omaha, and Minorities in Engineering/MESA. He chaired the Chancellor’s Special Task Force that led to the creation of the Kiewit Institute for Science, Technology and Engineering at UNO.

OMAHA DECIDES 2005

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 6, 2005

ORGANIZATIONS LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for more information.

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VISIONS Visions Membership Luncheon is Friday, May 20, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Cost is $9.50 per person. Talented entertainers from the Omaha Community Playhouse will perform highlights from the musical Annie. Send reservations with payment to Harry Alloy, 11317 Harney Plaza Circle, Omaha, NE 68154, by May 13. Join us for a cooking demonstration at That’s Amoré in Bellevue on June 7, 1 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes cooking demonstration, tour of facility, and a buffet lunch. Meet at the JCC at 12:15 for carpooling. The group will leave at 12:30 p.m. Send check with reservations to Sandy and Fred Bromley, 13419 Marinda St., Omaha, NE 68144 by June 1. Make checks payable to Visions. The Branson Show Extravaganza is Sept.19-23. Cost is $454. For information call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Celebrate Israel on Sunday, May 15, 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. This year marks the 57th year of Independence for Israel. Join us for a community wide celebration with ethnic and traditional foods, music, wine tasting, Israeli Traveling Gallery, shopping and concert. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 by May 9; cost is $5 round trip.

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BREADBREAKERS Dr. Henry Lynch will be the guest speaker at B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, May 11, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Marty Ricks, Chairman. Dr. Lynch is professor and chairman of Preventative Medicine and Public Health, and director of the Hereditary Cancer Institute at Creighton Medical Center. He will discuss the cancer genes and Jews. Cost is $11 for a full lunch and $2 for beverage service only.

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IN THE NEWS Known for their generosity of funds, time and selves within the Omaha community, Jerry and Cookie Hoberman are the honorees and award recipients of this year’s People of Vision Award. It will be presented at the on Wednesday May 18, 7 p.m., at the Happy Hollow Country Club. Dr. Dan Bohi will be the master of ceremonies, while Barbara Kushner, Richard Holland, Tom Bernstein and Russell Daub will speak about the couple and their extraordinary accomplishments. Benefiting Prevent Blindness Nebraska, the People of Vision Dinner is an annual award honoring prominent Omaha residents who have shared their talents and demonstrated leadership in a variety of civic organizations to significantly enrich their community’s quality of life. A proud member of Community Health Charities (formerly CHAD), Prevent Blindness Nebraska has been committed to preventing blindness and preserving sight at its maximum since 1970. To that end, we offer community services, education and support for sightsaving research. Karen Sokolof Javitch planned a trip to London last month to promote her CD, Princess Diana: the Musical, but she was detained at Heathrow Airport for three hours by security personnel. “It was a little unnerving,” she said. “The female customs officer asked me what my purpose was for coming to England. I told her I was meeting friends and we were going to pay tribute to Princess Diana at Kensington Palace, her former residence. “I could tell she didn’t like my answer,” Javitch added, “as she kept asking me questions.” Javitch was interrogated by additional security staff, including a policeman, and her luggage was thoroughly searched. “Maybe they thought I was going to send Prince Charles a copy of the CD!” she quipped. The last person to whom Javitch spoke was a policeman who had seen Princess Diana many times. He was interested in how Americans viewed her, and after a lengthy conversation with Javitch, he agreed to let her enter the country.

BIRTH Jennifer and Charles McKeag of Highland Park, IL announce the March 24 birth of their daughter, Katherine Isabel (Yael Hannah Shira) named for her maternal great-grandmother’s sister, Shirley Gorelick. She has a sister, Rachel. Grandparents are former Omahans Barbara and Allen Chandler, Phoenix, AZ, and Karren and Charles McKeag. Great-grandparents are former Omahans Zena and Bennett Fishbain, Las Vegas, NV, and Stazie Bartholomew.

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KRIGSTEN/SAYLAN Marcy Beth Krigsten and Kevin Aaron Saylan were married Sept. 5, 2004, at Congregation Beth Shalom in Sioux City, IA. The 5:30 p.m. ceremony was followed by a reception at the Sioux City Country Club. The bride is the daughter of Barbara and Ray Krigsten of Sioux City and the granddaughter of the late Ida and Leonard Hall and Molly and Joe Krigsten. She graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in criminal justice and is employed at U.S. Bank in Kansas City. The groom, son of Jacki and Steve Saylan, is the grandson of Edythe Friedman of St. Louis, MO, and the late Arthur Friedman, and Rosalie and Milton Saylan. He earned a degree in marketing and management from Indiana University and is employed by Toyota Motor Sales in Kansas City. The wedding party included Lisa Krigsten as maid of honor, and bridesmaids Amy Saylan and Andrea Saylan, along with David Saylan as best man and groomsmen Scott Saylan and Marc Pechter. Ushers were Michael Cooper and David Kricsfeld. Following a honeymoon in Maui, the couple has made their home in Lenexa, KS.

Dinner Planned for Gay and Lesbian Jews by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews in the metropolitan area will get an opportunity to meet each other at an informal dinner on Sunday, May 15, 6 p.m., at the home of Hollis Glaser, 1709 No. 50 St. Their families, including children, are also welcome. “In bigger cities, there are all kinds of programs for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews,” pointed out Glaser. “We know there are quite a few around this area, but we haven’t all met one another. We just figured it would be nice to see who we are in a relaxed setting,” she said. Temple Israel is paying for “Jewish Food for the Queer Brood,” but the dinner party is open to the community. “The Temple Israel staff and rabbis simply want us to know that if we want to go to services or programs there, we’ll be comfortable and welcome,” Glaser explained. “I think it’s really nice for Temple to do this.” The rabbis and staff are not invited, she noted. Incidentally, she said, a lot of people who are straight or are not Jewish want to come. However, “you have to be both queer and Jewish or married to someone who is to get the invitation. It should be lots of fun,” she added. Glaser said that if those who attend want to have more get-togethers, she expects they will plan more of them. To attend, RSVP to the Temple Israel office at 556.6536.

May 6, 2005

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

underwritten by A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION FROM AN ANONYMOUS DONOR Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features the BBG teens of the BBYO youth group. Special thanks goes to Rachel Blum for collecting the material. The Senior Graduation issue will be published on June 10.

Ediar Freshman Wins MIT of the Year Award

Spring Regional Convention a Great Experience

by SARAH SPOONER Emily always puts BBYO first. Her hard work and dedication has truly made and AMY DURMASKIN Ediar is proud to present our MIT “Ediar Best By Far.” She is currently our new MIT mom and is deter(Member in Training) of the mined to make our chapter Year, Emily Giller! She won the most popular and active this award at the BBYO chapter in the Cornbelt 2005 Spring Regional Council, as she is already Convention in Ashland, NE. working hard to recruit our Emily has participated in new members. BBYO since rush season last Emily has gone to every year. She is one of our most convention and program. devoted, enthusiastic, cheerShe volunteers for both the ful and active MITs in the chapter and the Jewish comMid-America Region and munity. She is a leader, role that is why she won this model, and a perfect examaward. She comes to every Emily Giller ple of how a BBG member single meeting and has been on board from the very beginning. She should be. Sarah Spooner is a sophomore at Burke helps organize events and has a positive attitude that makes everyone want to be High School, and Amy Durmaskin is a freshman at Burke. involved.

by ABBY GINSBURG planned, with innovative ideas for programming that truly got the kids thinking and NATHAN FINEMAN SRC Coordinators about their Jewish heritage and their It was the time of year that most Mid- responsibilities as Jewish teens to continAmerica Region BBYOers had been wait- ue their involvement within their own ing for: Spring Regional Convention communities.” 2005 in Omaha, NE. The coordinators and some steering members were welcomed to the Carol Joy Holling campsite with perfect weather conditions--not a cloud in the sky. It seemed to be the setting for the best convention the region had seen in years, and according to teens who attended, it was. “It was the best convention I have ever been to; the brotherhood was superb. This by far has been one of SRC Coordinators Nathan Fineman and Abby Ginsburg my best experiences in There are certain programs that are BBYO. I will never forget those four days,” said Zach Handler, a senior and outgoing unique to Spring Regional Convention. Council Godol from St. Louis, MO. SRC is the graduating seniors’ final “There was a plethora of programming, BBYO convention, therefore council ranging from Judaic to recreational, as well presidents present their BBYO “life” to as socializing with Jewish teens from other juniors and seniors of the region. This is a time for the present leaders of Kansas City, St. Louis, and Omaha.” BBYO to share their experiences and give advice to the underclassmen. This program is referred to as Lives and is a favorite of most BBYOers. Another highlight of the weekend was the band performance of Grasshopper Takeover at an outdoor concert Saturday night. This tied directly in with the theme of this Spring Convention, MARstock (Mid-America Region). This theme is a play off of Woodstock, and just as the theme suggested, everyone present had a Local band Grasshopper Takeover performed. weekend filled with peace, love, and The programming highlights included BBYO. interesting discussion groups about issues Looking around on Sunday morning facing Jewish teens today, making before everyone was to depart the campPassover baskets for less fortunate Jewish site, there was not a dry eye in sight. We families, and a terrific Jewish immigration could tell this had been a meaningful game exceptionally led by members of convention to many, and for the seniors, Omaha’s Jewish community. an excellent way to leave BBYO on a pos“It was great to see the teens really get itive note. into the programming,” said Omaha Abby Ginsburg is a Junior at Burke High BBYO Director, Rachel Blum. She added School, and Nathan Fineman is a Senior that “the convention was really well at Millard North High School.

Sweet Dreams…Willy Wonka Style by THE 2005 BEAU DANCE COMMITTEE The Omaha Council of B’nai B’rith Girls is holding its annual beau dance titled, “Sweet Dreams” on Saturday, May 21, 8 p.m. The dance, which will be held at Ironwood Country Club, has a candy theme and is based on the movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Everything about the evening will be sweet in some way! The evening will begin with a Havdallah service, dinner and dancing. The entire Jewish community is invited to come at 11 p.m. for our annual procession, where the new beaus for the BBG chapters, Ediar and MZ Yoshanah, will be named. Beau candidates are chosen based on their dedication to BBYO and their relationship with chapter members. They are typically sophomores and juniors who have had experi-

ence within the youth group and have demonstrated active participation within their chapter and/or council. Honorary candidates are typically seniors who have not yet been honored as beau for any of the chapters. The intention is to recognize someone who has been a dedicated member of BBYO who has not yet been honored in this way. The beau candidates for Ediar are: Jeff Malashock, Danny Raznick, and David Sukiennik, and honorary candidate is Nathan Fineman. MZ’s candidates are: Alex Krutik, Ari Levin, and Marty Nachman; honorary candidates are: Eugene Ayol and Douglas BarenbaumMeyers. The Beau Dance is open to all Jewish teens in ninth-12th grades. For more information about Beau Dance or BBYO, contact Rachel Blum at 334.6404.

MZ Members Shine by SAMANTHA LONG This year in MZ has been amazing so far! Our girls have gone above and beyond what anyone could have ever imagined in all aspects. For those of you who know me, I am extremely involved in BBYO, almost to the point of being too involved. They say that a President shouldn’t serve on a Dance Committee and Convention Steering Committee at the same time, and now I understand why. Though they are amazing and fun, I have been swamped. In fact, when convention started getting closer I sadly realized I could no longer do all the stuff for my chapter on my own. At first I was fearful about this, but it actually turned out to be one of the best things that happened to MZ. As soon as I mentioned to the chapter that I didn’t have the time or energy to do it all, they jumped into action. I had more than a dozen girls sign up to help with whatever they could. Some MZers came up with ideas for outfits; others filled out awards

for the awards packet; and then there were those who went even farther to help make sure everything was put together just right. At first I felt extremely bad for not doing all of these things for my chapter myself, but then I realized that’s not the President’s job. The President has to be able to step back and delegate responsibility in order to hook everyone else into the chapter’s goals. If you don’t throw out that hook, they’ll never be able to be reeled into what the chapter is about. I am so lucky to be President during this time, because I was able to see what the girls of MZ are truly capable of accomplishing. They are so helpful and friendly, they could do just about anything if they put their minds to it. None of the classes in our chapter seemed to have disappeared this year. All of them, from the freshman to the seniors, shined all the way through when this task came along. And I know that they will keep shining throughout the years to come. Thank you for everything you’ve given me, MZ Yoshanah! I don’t think God could give me better girls! Samantha Long is a junior at Millard North High School.

Tuesday, May 10th at 6:30 pm All You Want to Know about BBYO (for teens and parents) – Pizza will be served

Saturday, May 14th Chaim Weizmann AZA (for boys)

Tuesday, May 17th Ediar BBG (for girls)

Save these dates for BBYO Rush Programming! Be sure to watch your mail for more detailed RUSH information!

Saturday, May 28th AZA #1 (for boys)

Saturday, May 28th MZ Yoshanah BBG (for girls)

Tuesday, May 31st Pledge Night JCC Pavilion 6:00 pm All new members who pledge this year will be treated to a FREE trip to Worlds of Fun on August 28th!

For more information contact Rachel Blum at 334-6404.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 6, 2005

Remembering Our Losses We’ve suffered a number of deaths in the Jewish community already this year--not just here, but worldwide. Among them are the author Saul Bellow, Milton Green--the Harvard athlete who boycotted the 1936 Olympics, and, just last week, Ezer Weizman, the seventh President of the State of Israel. In Omaha, we’ve lost two lovely roses: Rose Gross and Rose Frankel. Both were remarkable. Strong-willed and direct, these two women shared a love of life and a positive outlook. They were funny, outspoken and loved beautiful surroundings. Nationally, recent deaths have included the dean of American Jewish politics and a former President of the national board of the United Jewish Appeal (now United Jewish Communities), Max Fisher, and Edwin Sidman, a former Omahan who was serving as Boston’s Chairman of its Combined Jewish Philanthropies at the time of his early death. There’s a big hole now in the Jewish communal world and others will have to step in quickly to fill the spaces these two committed larger-than-life leaders held. But there’s another loss, already known to a few in the Midwest, especially to women: Paulette Fink of Minneapolis, MN. Those who were active in Women’s Campaign in 1994 will remember the heartfelt stories she told at a snowy December campaign event. Born into

an upper middle-class family in France, Paulette was married and had two small children when the Nazis invaded Paris. She and her husband were active with the French Resistance; he was on a dangerous life-threatening mission when he was killed. Paulette and the children hid during the war years and she often left them in the care of others to rescue other children and Jewish families. After the war, Paulette was bereft at the number of small Jewish children left orphaned and was determined to help them survive. With assistance from the Joint Distribution Committee, she founded three orphanages, helping more than 1500 Jewish children start new lives. But she needed additional funds and JDC--or “the Joint” as it was affectionally known in those days--sent her to the United States to raise money. “I thought they were sending me to Alaska,” she told the Women’s Campaign group. “Alaska, Nebraska, what did a French Jew know?” When she arrived at Union Station, the Jewish welcoming committee began applauding, and then stopped

Yoduha: “They Will Praise You”

JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER I had gone into the music store Amir intending to purchase Benayun’s new CD. As the guy at the store was ringing me up, he tried to drum up some business and suggested I get Etty Ankri’s latest. Though I didn’t own any of Etty’s previous work, I had heard her name, and, wanting to make the salesman happy, I said: “Okay, throw it in.” When I got around to listening to “Milyonim,” I was captivated by what I heard. Etty has a wonderful voice: clean, exposed, and penetrating. And, while Israeli pop stars occasionally incorporate Biblical verses and phrases from Jewish tradition in their work, “Milyonim” is jam-packed with such allusions. Consider: The second song is entitled “Malhuyot,” a word that ordinarily refers to a key portion of the Rosh Hashanah liturgy (when God is crowned King), except in this song, love is what is above us “wrapping us like a majestic crown of light.” The next two songs also quote from Jewish tradition. “Mayim Hayim” is a Jewish legal term for rainwater (a minimum of which must be present in a ritual bath), and the “Yearnings” described in the fourth song are for God’s love and for the Temple. Etty’s liberal quoting from Hebrew scriptures and Jewish tradition in “Milyonim” contribute to positive identification with things Jewish that one expects to happen upon in a Jewish state. It is the CD’s last song, however, that broke new ground; in a way it represents why I made aliyah. The song “Yoduha” (“They will praise You”) opens with some brash electric guitar chords, and then, in

(Founded in 1920)

sharp contrast, Etty begins to sing “lamnatzeah bin’ginot mizmor in her shir” poignant, fragile voice. Hey, I thought this also sounds like a psalm. Then Etty goes on with two more psalmsounding lines, and I thought to myself: “Wow that’s wonderful: she seems to be quoting this psalm’s entire first verse.” Then Etty sings what functions as the chorus to this song (from which she takes the title): “Yoduha Amim Elokim.” At this point, I realized that “Yoduha” is not quoting a psalm, but is a marvelous and complete rendering of one particular psalm (and indeed the rest of the song consists of the remaining words of this Psalm 67). Put another way, Etty is not just using tradition for her song, but remaking contemporary Jewish tradition. Why, any synagogue could take Etty’s musical setting of this psalm and use it any time the liturgy calls for the recitation of Psalm 67 (traditionally: before the evening service on Saturday nights, and in services sanctifying the new moon and counting the omer). In Etty Ankri’s “Milyonim,” religious culture and popular culture merge. Here is a popular recording artist giving me a song through which I can enhance my religious life. “Yoduha” is an exceptional example of this merging of Judaism and pop-culture, but it happens regularly in Israel: in popular literature, film, art, and music. In such a culture, especially with a song like “Yoduha,” it becomes possible to think what was unthinkable for me in America: that a person who is serious about Jewish religious life might just be, yes, dare I say it, yes: cool.

when they realized it wasn’t Eleanor Roosevelt, who was also due in Omaha that day in 1947! Paulette chaired not only the Women’s Campaign in Minneapolis, but the national Women’s Campaign board--as did her daughter, Francelyne Lurie. Their Omaha visit was the first time the mother-daughter duo spoke together about their life stories. Paulette died last month, but the legacy of her life and the goals she achieved will be long remembered. The lives of all these Jews are like books-memorable and eminently readable. May their lives--and ours--be for a blessing.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: All of us in the community from the former Soviet Union would like to express our sincere gratitude to World War II veterans as Victory Day approaches on May 9. Sixty years ago, you carried on your shoulders the horrors of the most awful war in history--fighting in the front lines, participating in a partisan war, working days and nights on the machines at factories and sweating in farm fields. We are proud of all the heroes who sacrificed their lives during the harsh years of World War II and grateful to those who are still here with us. We wish all of you good health, prosperity and happiness. Rita Kulik To the Editor: I have many fond memories of going to the public library as a child, reading books of poetry or checking out the same Nancy Drew mysteries as my friends, so we could read them together. In high school and college, I worked as a pate in the local library; it was always a place where I felt welcome. However, it wasn’t until I worked at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, after having my own family, that I decided to pursue a master’s degree in library science. Working at the Kripke Library was a wonderful experience. I was given the opportunity to learn all the different pieces of how a library works: collection development, cataloging, reference, and even how

to take a physical catalog and transform it into an online catalog. I loved being next door to the Child Development Center and watching the children traipse by our window, knowing that they would visit the library sometime during the week to get books of their own. I looked forward each month to the Book Club meeting, listening to the members discuss the intricacies of each book and what it meant to them. To me, the library was everything a library should be: open, warm, welcoming--and a place where people are able to learn and grow. Dorothy Kaplan and Edie Wolf were wonderful mentors who inspired me to learn and grow as well. They were involved in my decision to return to school. They encouraged me to take the next step and to expand upon what I learned from working with them. And so, in 2002, I proudly received an MS in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois and started on my professional career as a librarian. I am pleased that the work I now do at Creighton University’s Health Sciences Library has earned recognition in the Library Journal “2005 Movers and Shakers” edition. I also know I would not have this moment in my life were it not for the inspiration and warmth of the people on the campus of the Jewish Community Center and those staffing the Kripke Library in particular. Siobhan Champ-Blackwell

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; 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, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitutional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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Page 9

After Departure of Key AIPAC Man, Some Ask Who Will Guide Group Now? Israel’s loan guarantees and continue to grow, and that 5,000 people Weissman have not violated any U.S. law attaching strict oversight guide- have attended AIPAC events across the or AIPAC policy. Contrary to press BEHIND lines to $200 million in assistance country in the past five weeks. accounts, they have never solicited, to the Palestinian Authority. Off the Hill--especially at the State received or passed on any classified docuTHE HEADLINES The Senate also unanimously Department and the Pentagon--Rosen’s ments. They carried out their job responby MATTHEW E. BERGER and RON KAMPEAS

WASHINGTON (JTA)--Not so long ago, the word on Steve Rosen, policy director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, was that he was so knowledgeable that he trained the group’s board members in the ways of Washington. In his 23 years with the pro-Israel lobbying powerhouse, Rosen's encyclopedic knowledge of Middle East geopolitics and Beltway power politics nurtured AIPAC’s lay leadership and guided its policies. Now that the same leadership has fired Rosen because, AIPAC says, of information arising out of an FBI investigation into alleged mishandling of classified Pentagon documents, the question is raised: Who will guide AIPAC now? Rosen’s imprint remains in substantial ways: Iran’s threat to Israel, his top priority in recent years, is to be the centerpiece of this year’s AIPAC’s policy conference, which begins May 22. The conference will feature a walk-through exhibit on how close Iran is to developing a nuclear weapon. Yet tactically Rosen’s departure already is being felt as AIPAC returns to its roots, working Capitol Hill and moving away from the executive branch lobbying that was emblematic of Rosen’s approach. Significantly, the only on-the-record statement proffered by AIPAC since JTA revealed last week that AIPAC had fired Rosen and Keith Weissman, its senior Iran analyst, who also has been targeted by the FBI, emphasizes congressional lobbying. “With growing membership, record attendance at events around the country, and continued successes on Capitol Hill, AIPAC is energized and focused on the future,” spokesman Josh Block said. Some of the group’s recent successes on the Hill include backing Congress’ approval of $2.6 billion in foreign aid for this year, extending the duration of

passed a bill expanding homeland security cooperation between Israel and the United States. The House of Representatives passed a resolution urging the European Union to put Hezbollah on the E.U. terrorist list and overwhelmingly passed two resolutions condemning Syria for its occupation of Lebanon and continued human-rights violations. A key House panel has approved the Iran Freedom and Support Act, which has garnered more than 155 co-sponsors in less than three months since its introduction. AIPAC’s grass-roots supporters have sought assurances that the FBI investigation won't impinge on the lobby’s effectiveness. AIPAC hosted a conference call last week for Jewish leaders to address the revelation that Rosen and Weissman had been fired. The key message: AIPAC as an organization was not the target of the FBI probe. A measure of AIPAC’s determination to reassure its base is its recent willingness to go on the record about its Capitol Hill successes, a sharp reversal of a longstanding policy to play down AIPAC’s influence. AIPAC officials say the grass roots are solidly on board. AIPAC expects 5,000 people at the policy conference, which culminates with a day of show-of-strength lobbying on the Hill. The number is commensurate with previous conferences, AIPAC officials said. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon are slated to address the conference, a show of support from both governments. A wide list of congressional leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), also will be featured. Officials say that financial contributions

departure is expected to diminish AIPAC’s Washington visibility. “Steve Rosen is not a politically known Hill quantity,” one former AIPAC staffer said. “But he was very well known in the State Department, Pentagon and Israeli Embassy.” Still, lower visibility in those areas might not be a bad thing for now. It was precisely the relationship between Rosen and Weissman and a Pentagon Iran analyst, Larry Franklin, that precipitated the FBI’s investigation. Sources say the FBI moved against AIPAC after FBI agents observed Franklin exchanging information with Rosen and Weissman at a restaurant in Arlington, VA, in 2003. It’s not clear whether the agents were targeting Franklin or the AIPAC staffers. However, several reports subsequently said that the FBI threatened Franklin with prosecution unless he mounted a sting against the two AIPAC staffers, giving them false information about an imminent threat to alleged Israeli agents in Kurdistan. Once Rosen and Weissman relayed that information to Israel, according to those accounts, the FBI moved in, confiscating files from their offices in August and December. Franklin since has returned to work for the Defense Department, albeit in a nonsensitive post. After the August raid, and again in December, AIPAC stood squarely behind the two men. A rift began to show around January, about the time several top staffers were testifying before a federal grand jury convened by Paul McNulty, the U.S. attorney for eastern Virginia. That was when AIPAC placed Rosen and Weissman on paid leave. The rift was revealed to be final last week. After prodding by JTA, lawyers for Rosen and Weissman issued the following statement: “Steve Rosen and Keith

sibilities solely to serve AIPAC’s goal of strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship.” It was the first on-the-record statement to come from the pair’s lawyers, Abbe Lowell and John Nassikas; in the past, all such statements have come from AIPAC and its lawyers. It also was the first statement to suggest that Weissman and Rosen had been accused of violating AIPAC policy. Within hours, AIPAC countered with its own statement. “The statement made by Rosen and Weissman represents solely their view of the facts. The action that AIPAC has taken was done in consultation with counsel after careful consideration of recently learned information and the conduct AIPAC expects of its employees,” an AIPAC statement said. AIPAC would not detail the new information. Nothing in the statements from either side suggested that action by McNulty was imminent. Steve Grossman, a former AIPAC president, said Rosen had a “virtually encyclopedic knowledge of the issues” But he believes the organization has many other professionals who can pick up the mantle. He said Howard Kohr, AIPAC’s Executive Director, “has made sure there were a considerable number of people with lots of credibility who are able to step in and do it without losing a beat.” Former staffers, many of whom did not get along with Rosen, suggested last week that he could try to sabotage AIPAC or the pro-Israel agenda if he is unhappy with his severance settlement from AIPAC. Grossman said he did not believe that was possible. “Steve’s committed to and personally dedicated to the cause of U.S.-Israeli relations,” Grossman said. “It is such a critical part of his life that I have no concerns at all.”

Congratulate Your Graduate! The annual Graduation/Father’s Day Issue publishes June 10. Senior photos will run in that issue and we know you’ll want to highlight the achievements of your high school graduate! Congratulatory ads are available in two sizes.

Mazal Tov, Naomi! We are so proud of your achievements– membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from the Band.

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We are so proud of your achievements– membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from B.E.S.T.T. Love, Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 6, 2005

Candlelighting Friday, May 6, 8:09 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 jewishnebraska.org

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

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

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

The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397

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.

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY, May 13: Join us when former Omahans Toni and Steve Goodman visit from Ft. Meyers, FL. They will sponsor the Oneg after services.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Daniel Fox, in honor of his son, Seth, becoming a Bar Mitzvah; Evening Service, 8:20 p.m. SUNDAY: Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 10 a.m. Bible Study Class, 11 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni, 11 a.m.; “Living Hebrew,” a new, intermediate-level Hebrew course, 11:10 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. WEDNESDAYS: PATTER (Parents & Toddlers, Torah, Exercise, Recreation) with Helen Epstein, 10:45 a.m. THURSDAY, noon: The Most Important People and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible, with Rabbi Levin. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Meet at the synagogue on Tuesday, May 10, 7 p.m., to celebrate Israel’s 57th anniversary. Hosts are Gilda Pieck and Marcy Noodell. Reservations contact Pieck at 556.5592, or at ggpieck@cox.net; or Noodell at 697.1262, or fanofthejayhawks@hotmail.com. BESTT FOURTH-GRADE MOCK WEDDING: Sunday, May 15, 11 a.m., the entire community is invited to attend. MEN’S CLUB: Sunday, May 15, 10 a.m. breakfast featuring Dr. Benjamin Nachman, interviewer for the Shoah Project. TOT SHABBAT, Friday, May 20, 6 p.m.: Bring the whole family for this kid-friendly service, followed by an Oneg Shabbat. BESTT GRADUATION: The community is invited to Shabbat services on May 21, as our Seventh and 12th graders celebrate

their graduation from Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah. COMMUNITY JEWISH SINGLES: All single Jewish adults (ages 45-65) are invited to Beth El on Sunday, May 22, 3:30 p.m. to enjoy the romantic comedy “Keeping the Faith.” Call the synagogue for reservations or information.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 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 is sponsored by Alex and Mary Sue Grossman in honor of the first anniversary of Daniel’s Bar Mitzvah.; Mincha, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:15 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv service time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Contact the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv service time. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Make plans to attend the Beth Israel Annual Meeting and Elections on Sunday, May 15, 9:30 a.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Learner’s Minyan, 7 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.; Aleph Champion and Little Scholars Programs, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Torah for Teens, 4:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah: Passover: A New Freedom Within, 7 p.m. Programs are open to the community. For information or to

register, call the office or visit: www.nebraskajudaism.com.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month. Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail: dstiel@everestkc.net to set up appointments. FRIDAY-YOM HASHOAH: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Stiel, celebrating the Bat Mitzvah of Nancy Ganz, daughter of Pam and Doug Ganz. The Oneg following the service is hosted by the Ganz family. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Stiel; Alexander Technique Class, 2:30 p.m. taught by Robert Rickover. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.-noon. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, May 8: Adult Hebrew Class, 9 a.m.

“Mentors for Jews-by-Choice: Finding a Jewish Mother When You Really Need One.” Those who have chosen Judaism or are in the process of converting are invited to attend. Sunday, May 15, 6 p.m.: “Jewish Food for the Queer Brood” (See story on page 6) Jewish Women Wonder: A Tallit of Our Own? Sunday, May 8, 7 p.m.: May’s Rosh Chodesh event is hosted at the home of Susan Rothholz, 1349 South 101st Street, #206. RSVP to Temple, 556.6536 or mkube@templeisraelomaha.com. Join us as Dr. Michael Issacson conducts his Shabbat Evening Worship Service, Friday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. “Nishmat Chayim, The Breath of Life.” (See story on page 2)

THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Kabbalas Shabbos, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharis, 9 a.m., Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8 p.m.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m., Join Rabbi Marantz and friends; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet will officiate. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Ilka Oberst and Gary Marshall in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Aviva Oberst-Marshall, daughter of Ilka Oberst and Gary Marshall, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, May 8, 10:15 a.m.: Continuing Hebrew with Colleen Kennealy. THURSDAY, May 12: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Marantz, 10-11:30 a.m. OUTREACH/COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY Sunday, May 8, 10:15 a.m.:

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. ADULT EDUCATION MONDAYS: Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 7:30-9 p.m. SUNDAYS: (during Hebrew School days): Jewish Law through the Ages with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 10-11:45 a.m. YOM HA’ATZMAUT AT THE OMAHA JCC, Sunday, May 15: The Jewish Federation of Lincoln will sponsor a bus trip to Omaha for the Israel Independence Day festivities. To reserve your spot, contact Lori Merliss at 328.0414 or lorimerliss@msn.com. NJHS NEEDS MEMORABILIA: The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is gathering synagogue memorabilia from Lincoln and out-state. Contact Renee Corcoran at 402.334.6442 or njhs@jewishomaha.org.

B’NAI MITZVAH Aviva Oberst-Marshall, daughter of Ilka Oberst and Gary Marshall, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on S a t u r d a y, May 7, at T e m p l e Israel. Aviva is a seventhgrade student at Lewis and Clark School. She was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification program. She was first runner-up in Reader’s Digest Word Power. She enjoys dance, theatre, and making

jewelry. For her mitzvah project, Aviva helped out in an elementary school for the summer school program and in a first grade classroom twice a week this year. Rachel Michelle Stein, daughter of Diane and Richard Stein, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 14, at Beth El Synagogue. Rachel is a seventhgrade honor roll student at Kiewit Middle

School. She received an award for being an active volunteer at HETRA. She enjoys animal care, horses, playing the violin, Girl Scouts, and dance. For her mitzvah project, Rachel is volunteering at HETRA (Heartland Equine Theropedic Riding Academy). Rachel has a brother, Aaron. Her grandparents are Lorraine and Art Stein, and Peggy and Jay Chasen. Samuel C. Weinstine, son of Melany and Marc Weinstine, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 14, at Temple Israel. Samuel is a seventh-grade stu-

dent at Elkhorn R i d g e M i d d l e School. He was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification program. He enjoys soccer, reading, and working with young children. For his mitzvah project, Samuel is volunteering with the Millard Star Top Soccer Association. Samuel has a brother, Jonah. His grandparents are Barbara and Robert Hurwitz, and Dorothy and Edward Newman.

May 6, 2005

MARIJUANA

IS A DRUG.

The World As It Should Be

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Kedoshim Years ago I wrote somewhere the story about a newly ordained rabbi and his old teacher. The young man said, “I don’t know how to see myself in the world as it is. There is so much wrong. It is country against country, race against race, people against people. I don’t know what I can do in such a world.” The old rabbi replied, “ That’s what you’re here for. Fix it.” What is involved here, of course, is Tikkun haOlam, the repair of the world. Many generations of earnest young men have grown old trying to do something about it, but the faults and flaws remain the same. The young man may become super-educated and live long enough to be super-annuated, but his legacy to the world will be a mere scratching at the problems which were the inheritance he received from his forebears. And still we read, year after, year, “Kedoshim tiheyu.” The full quote is “You must be holy, for I the Lord your God am Holy.” We must look carefully at that word “holy”, because it tells us much about the world we want, even though we know it is beyond attainment. “Holy” means essentially only that which is separate and distinct from everything else. And what God means when He says, “You must be holy”, I think He means “You must because I can’t do anything by Myself.” When we say the Shema, we say that the Lord is One. By this we mean really One to which there is no second. Thus we might, with some justification, translate not

Interfaith Couples Invited to No-Host Dinner by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Interfaith couples are invited to a no-host dinner sponsored by Adam and Nikki Kirshenbaum on Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m., at Pasta Amore, 108th and West Center Road in Rockbrook Shopping Center. “We welcome any and all interfaith couples in the community who have concerns they’re dealing with,” said Adam Kirshenbaum. Kirshenbaum grew up attending Religious School at Temple Israel where he became a Bar Mitzvah. Now he’s a member of a committee at Temple to involve more people in synagogue life. He agreed to meet with interfaith couples to discuss what issues they’re dealing with and how Temple can help them. Primarily a social evening, “Hey, I married a non-Jew and we’re working it out. How about you?” will also be an opportunity to mingle with others trying to bridge two worlds in their marriage. “Our goal is to go forward in assisting interfaith families,” Kirshenbaum explained. He hopes to have more get-togethers after this initial one. To reserve a place at the dinner, contact the Temple Israel office at 556.6536.

First Russian President to Visit Israel

Russian President Vladamir Putin became the first Russian or former Soviet Union leader to visit Israel while in power. His ground-breaking 40-hour visit last week included a meeting, hosted by President Moshe Katsav, with Prime Minister Sharon and also visited the new Yad Vashem Holocaust museum. Putin told Sharon that while he was in power he would not do anything to harm Israel. He also said he is concerned, just as Israel is, with the thought of a nuclear powered Iran. The Yad Vashem Board of Trustees Chairman Shevach Weiss, who accompanied Putin during his Yad Vashem visit, said afterwards that he had never seen any world leader so moved as Putin was Credit: ISRANET during a visit to the museum.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

One, but rather the Lord is Unique. This carries the meaning One to which there is no second. Unique. At Gettysburg, Lincoln said, “Now we are engaged in a great civil war.” But we have been, that is to say, humanity has been in a great war against the status quo for at least as long as records have been kept. Humanity, of course, includes not only the good guys, but the bad guys, too. Our great achievements have been undermined by great failures. To be more optimistic, we might say, our great failures have been conquered by our great achievements. In any case, we are bidden to be holy, that is to say, other and different, because the Lord Himself is Holy and Different. But He has made it clear to us that He can do nothing excepting through our hands. Humanity’s fate, that is progress or failure, depends on humanity itself. A great theologian wrote, “We are not alone.” But indeed, we are alone, because the God Who is our Help and Shield is entirely within us. A Baptist minister with whom I had been, a long time ago, discussing these matters, said, “Rabbi, you are an atheist.” I still hold this opinion, that the world is, as the poet said, “Too much with us,” and that not only is it with us, but we are embroiled in choosing its future. The world and humanity depend on us. You require me to say, “with God’s help.” I accept that. But by that phrase, I mean that the intentions for humanity’s progress and the beneficence of man depend on the God within us, that is to say the grand and holy intentions that are either expressed or remain only thoughts in our minds and hopes in our hearts. We all hope to leave to our children and their children a world better than the world we have received. This can happen if truly we try to be holy, as the Lord our God is Holy.

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JTA NEWS BRIEFS • Natan Sharansky resigned from Israel’s government to protest the planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank. “In my view, the disengagement plan is a tragic mistake that will exacerbate the conflict with the Palestinians, increase terrorism and dim the prospects of forging a genuine peace,” Sharansky, who held the Diaspora affairs portfolio, said Monday in an open letter to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Sharon expressed regret at the decision and praised Sharansky’s work in “combating anti-Semitism the world over.” A famed Soviet-era refusenik, Sharansky recently won plaudits from President Bush for his book The Case for Democracy, which theorized a link between any country’s belligerence and the lack of freedom there. The Jerusalem Post reported that Sharansky now may dedicate himself to promoting the book full-time. • Columbia University has crafted a search committee for an Israel studies chair that includes prominent Palestinian activists. Rashid Khalidi, director of Columbia’s Middle East Institute, and Lila AbuLughod, a professor of anthropology, are members of a committee to select Columbia’s new Yosef Haim Yerushalmi chair of Israel studies. The move comes after an uproar at the university over claims by some Jewish students that they were harassed by anti-Israel professors. A panel that investigated the charges found the professors largely innocent. The search committee is chaired by Michael Stanislawski, a professor of Jewish history and associate director of Columbia’s Center for Israel and Jewish studies. Other members include Dan Miron, a professor of Hebrew and comparative literature in the department of Middle East and Asian Languages and Cultures; Ira Katznelson, a political science professor who chaired the committee to investigate charges of intimidation by anti-Israel faculty; and Karen Barkey, an assistant professor of sociology. The committee met for the first time at the end of March. • The Claims Conference released information for Hungarian Jewish Holocaust survivors seeking to join a claim in the “Gold Train” settlement. The U.S. government's $25.5 million settlement will include $21 million for needy Hungarian Jewish victims of the Nazis. The settlement of the case of a trainload of Hungarian Jewish-owned goods, looted by the Nazis and then confiscated by U.S. troops, will not provide direct payments, but instead will fund social service programs for eligible survivors. A federal judge will approve the final settlement by Sept. 26. Any communication about the settlement must be submitted by Aug. 1. More information is available at www.hungariangoldtrain.org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 6, 2005

Outpatient Rehabilitation Joins JSS “Family” of Services

Yachad Celebrates Passover

by RITA SHELLEY for Jewish Senior Services Did you read the owner’s manuals that came with your body and mind? If you did, you already know the rules: • Exercise early and often. • Curl up with a good book now and then. • Try a new hobby when the old ones seem dull. • Meet friends for lunch. • Stay active in your community, even if (or especially if) you’ve retired from paid work. And if you’re part of Omaha’s Jewish community, you already know the best place to pursue these activities is the Jewish Community Center. You know you can exercise, visit the library, meet friends, attend programs, pursue new interests and engage in meaningful volunteer work, all under one roof. Now, additional services are available on the campus--outpatient physical, occupational and speech/language therapy at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “We are constantly reviewing the range of services we offer and exploring whether there are unmet needs that we should be addressing,” explained Michael Silverman, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “When it became apparent there is sufficient need for rehabilitation services beyond those we already were providing, we took steps to meet those needs.” The Blumkin Home staff recently accepted a rehabilitation client whose situation is typical of present and future outpatients who benefit from these serv-

by DUANE J. PIEPER Yachad members attended Beth El’s Pesach second seder. In keeping with the generations-old tradition, they joined with family and loved ones to celebrate the festival of Passover. Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gaston Bogomolni lead the commemoration of the Exodus and the celebration of the Jewish people’s journey from slavery to freedom. The Yachad members and their families followed the Haggadah in the telling of the story of the deliverance of their ancestors. The significance of the story in Jewish history with its symbols, ritual, special foods, singing and familial comraderie made for a most special event. Because Passover is more than a historical event, everyone entered into the dynamic unfolding of the celebration in a spirit of anticipation. Rabbi Levin and Cantor Bogomolni brought the Biblical narrative alive reminding everyone of its past and current significance. The importance of the occasion was not missed by the members of Yachad. Their participation, comments, and joy spoke volumes about their experience. They were part of the larger Jewish family and joined in the blessings of the event. They struggle with their own set of personal challenges, but know the importance of celebrating each new step and victory towards freedom in the journey of life. They are looking forward to next year, in Jerusalem or in Omaha, to celebrate Passover anew.

work toward the best solution.” Adults of all ages can benefit from physical, occupational and speech/language therapy on an outpatient basis, whether or not they have previously been hospitalized, Silverman said. Physical therapy helps increase, maintain and restore strength. Speech and language therapy can help when medical conditions interfere with memory, speech and swallowing. Occupational therapy addresses ways to safely and comfortably continue daily activities of dressing, bathing and other self-care tasks during recovery from surgery, injury or illness such as a stroke. For “alums” of the Home’s short-stay unit for post-hospital recovery from fractures, strokes, joint replacements or other conditions that otherwise might be Mary Lickteig, left, and Occupational Therapist Sherri debilitating, continued outpatient Judah work together to help Mary regain strength and therapy with the help of Blumkin continue recovering from a broken arm. The Rose staff also offers several advantages, Blumkin Jewish Home and Jewish Senior Services Silverman said. They can continue recently expanded physical, occupational and the progress that enabled them to speech/language programs to include outpatient reha- return home, and they don't have bilitation services. to “shop” for other therapy ices. Two months after breaking a leg and providers or risk losing some of the gains an arm in two falls, Mary Lickteig has they already have made. resumed many of the activities with which “Because so many of our lives already she was occupied before her injuries. But revolve around the campus, the question she still needs therapy for restoring of whether outpatient rehab is available strength and range of motion. on this campus has been asked many “I was glad to learn I could work with times,” Silverman said. the rehab team at the Blumkin Home,” “Now, the answer to that question is Lickteig said. “They really know how to ‘yes.’” focus on whatever the problem is and

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