May 8, 2009

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 36 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 88 Years of

Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

15 Iyar 5769

May 8, 2009

Friedel to honor veteran teacher, community leaders, corporate sponsor at annual tribute dinner by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Excitement is building as staff and volunteers at Friedel Jewish Academy are preparing for the Annual Tribute Dinner, to be held on Sunday, May 31, 5:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Synagogue. “Last year was a tremendous success,” says Tippi Denenberg, who is one of many volunteers who is pulling the event together. “We are hoping to equal the fantastic turnout, and we are very pleased with the choice of honorees”. This year’s honorees are veteran teacher Denise Bennett, community leaders Marty and Iris Ricks, the Shrago family/Bag ’n Save, and Dan Schuller and Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schuller.

“All have shown an exceptional dedication to the school, and we would like nothing better than an opportunity to thank them for all they have done,” principal Ron Giller says. “A school like ours can’t exist without many people in the community that feel connected to Jewish education, and who put the future of our students high on their agenda”. Bennett, who has taught at Friedel Jewish Academy since 1988, says being here is “so much more than a job. I am part of a very committed family, and I love going to work each and every day. Since the beginning, I have seen this as my dream job, and I cannot imagine teaching anywhere else. Teaching is a very

rewarding profession: each day is filled with beautiful moments of success, or struggle, of enlightenment.” She added, “At Friedel, I have been given the gift of students who genuinely want to be there, and who want to learn. I have also been exposed to a religion and culture of which I was completely ignorant, but which I have come to love, appreciate and respect. Twenty-one years have simply flown by. The relationships I have built with not only the students, but also their families, and my co-workers are meaningful and long-lasting.” The Shrago family, owners and operators of Bag ’n Save supermarkets, have had a connection to Friedel for many

Denise Bennett

Marty and Iris Ricks

Dan and Yaffa Schuller

Fear or hope: Mixed emotions from the Durban Conference by MAGGIE FRIED (Editor’s note: former Omahan Maggie Fried, daughter of Sandi and Ed Fried, is spending a semester abroad through Boston University’s International Law Program . She is a junior at Colgate University.) GENEVA -- In 2001, a small delegation from the American Jewish Committee attended the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban, South Africa. Almost immediately, the focus of the Conference veered away from racism and toward criticism of Israel. When members of the delegation identified themselves as part of a Jewish group, they were instantly confronted by the intense hatred of antiIsrael groups. By the end of the Conference, the AJC delegates no longer felt safe going anywhere, even to the bathroom, by Silent protest by ‘Stand With themselves. Us’ organization at the UN This year, I joined the Durban II conference in AJC’s delegation to the Geneva. Credit: ISRANET Durban Review Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, which was established to review the final document written at the first Durban Conference eight years before. In the days leading up to the Conference, several countries, including the U.S. dropped out of the Conference because they felt it would again focus on anti-Israel themes and not racism. Continued on page 4

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

years. Michael Shrago’s son Ethan attends third grade, and the family has been sponsoring many different events at the school. “We have been dedicated to Friedel and its marvelous cause for many years,” Michael says. “We feel strongly that there needs to be a Jewish Day School in Omaha, and are happy to help support its many programs.” One of those programs is the latke sale, which is held at Friedel as part of its annual Hanukah celebration. “Donating hundreds of pounds of potatoes and onions over the years is but a small example of the Shrago’s contribution,” says Principal Ron Giller, “and it illustrates their continued connection to the school. I could give you many other stories about how the Shrago family’s involvement is hands-on, and helps to make our students’ lives and experiences richer. Without people like the Shragos, we simply can’t do many of the things we do.” Some of those examples will no doubt be shared at the dinner, when all honorees will be put in the limelight. Marty and Iris Ricks will be sharing that limelight, and for good reason. “Marty and Iris have been instrumental to our school for many years,” Ron Giller says. Continued on page 2

Israel celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut

Following fireworks over Tel Aviv on April 28, fighter jets from the Israel Air Force flew over the city’s sea front the next morning on Independence Day. Tel AViv also is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding. Photos from Omaha’s Credit: ISRANET Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration will be published in next week’s Jewish Press.

Coming Next Week: Real Estate Issue See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

ADL contingent from Omaha attends national conference: Page 3

Coming Next Month: Father’s Day/Graduation Issue: June 5 Omaha City Council, Maoyral statements: Page 6

Two views of President Obama’s first 100 days: Page 9

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 8, 2009

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by MICHAEL J. JORDAN GENEVA (JTA) -- It’s no secret who was behind the effort to discredit the 2009 Durban Review Conference in Geneva. For nearly a year before the anti-racism confab, Jewish and pro-Israel groups lobbied hard to get Western countries to boycott the gathering, which they said was certain to treat Israel unfairly, just as the first Durban conference had done in 2001. Indeed, during the Malcom X's daughter, Malaak months leading up to Shabazz, complained to the U.N. the conference, the High Commissioner for Human U.N. high commis- Rights of "Zionist agitators" at the sioner for human Durban II conference. Credit: Michael J. Jordan rights, Navi Pillay, noted several times that an orchestrated campaign was behind Western threats to boycott the conference, dubbed Durban II. “The conference process has been the subject of ferocious and often distorted criticism by certain lobby groups focused on single issues,” she said on Sept. 8, 2008. Yet Pillay -- and many others -- refused to name the forces behind the campaign. “If you Google ‘Durban and racism,’ you see who’s behind 90 percent of the efforts,” Jan Lonn, Swedish coordinator of the Civil Society Forum, said here last week. “It’s not a secret, and everybody knows.” Asked by JTA if he was referring to Jewish groups and pro-Israel commentators, Lonn replied, “You know this very well, as your media has been frequently reporting on criticism.” It was an ironic twist to the common storyline of antiSemites naming Jews as the perpetrators of shadowy worldwide conspiracies. Those conspiracies typically are as true as the “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion” -that is, to say, not at all. This time, however, the Jews actually did conspire, albeit openly, to sabotage the conference. The World Jewish Congress met with officials from 17 U.N. member states to push for a boycott. Hudson Institute scholar Anne Bayefsky banged the anti-Durban drum for months in the U.S. media, including the National Review, the New York Daily News and Forbes. And Israeli officials pressed their allies that intended to participate in the conference not to tolerate any antiIsrael resolutions. But for the most part, Durban II’s organizers and participants did not want to point the finger at the Jews for the anti-Durban effort for fear of being labeled antiSemites. “I can’t tell you exactly who the lobby is,” Pillay said in a March 12 interview with Australia’s ABC.net. “I can just pick out that it seems to be one source putting out

this wrong information and labeling this review conference as ‘hate fest.’ ” Use of the loaded term “lobby,” however, appeared to be too much for some Jewish groups. UN Watch, a monitoring organization, sent Pillay a letter asking her “to avoid using certain well-known stereotypes.” Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, said the term “fostered images of a mysterious, unnamed, powerful” lobby. “Some media asked me about ‘single-issue lobby groups’ -- a term no one would ever use for nongovernmental advocacy groups that protest unfair treatment of blacks, gays, women, Muslims, etc.,” Neuer said. Pillay’s spokesman, Rupert Colville, told JTA her office “has no objection to lobbying per se. Lobbying is the life blood of the human rights movement and a key component of democracy. What we object to is blatantly dishonest lobbying.” Colville added, “We have never characterized the dishonest methods used to try to sink the Durban Review Conference as being exclusively employed by one particular country or one racially defined group.”

Some of the dignitaries who were among the nearly 10,000 people, primarily young Jews from around the world, protesting the Durban II conference during the March of the Living in Poland on April 21. Credit: Yossi Selinger Others were a little more forthcoming about who they believed was responsible for the anti-Durban II campaign. A staffer from a major non-governmental organization (NGO) said there was just one reason why a European country like Germany would help draft the conference’s resolution on the Friday before the conference, only to decide to boycott it that very weekend. “The Jewish lobby,” said the staffer, who refused to be identified by name or organization. “What I’m afraid of is if you put that in my mouth, it will sound like a conspiracy theory, and then readers will say we’re anti-Semitic,” said the staffer. Malaak Shabazz, the daughter of black rights activist Malcolm X, had no such qualms. She blamed “Zionist agitators” for being disruptive and aggressive toward her in Geneva, and she filed a letter of protest with Pillay’s office. “People confuse Zionism with Judaism, and that’s completely unfortunate,” she said. “The Zionists here are making people hate Jews,” Shabazz said. “I was unfamiliar with the tactics of Zionists. But I got a crash course on it here.”

Friedel to honor community leaders

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Continued from page 1 “Marty and Iris have been instrumental to our school for many years,” Ron Giller says. “Marty is our go-to guy for grants and endowments, and his knowledge of these matters is extremely valuable to the survival of our school. We can’t exist without money, that’s simply the way it is; having someone who is willing to share his vast knowledge of grant writing, and who is willing to do this again and again, is a blessing. Being able to say thank you in a room full of people is a great opportunity, and I am very much looking forward to that.” The Schullers, according to Ron Giller, “belong on the list of honorees for a variety of reasons. The school is very much indebted to them for continued support, as well as Yaffa’s tireless work as Friedel’s recruitment officer. She has single-handedly revamped the recruitment process. She not only organizes the annual Open House, which occurs every March; she also brings families to the school on a nearly weekly basis. Inviting new parents as well as people that may be new to town, or simply new to Friedel, into the building is a great way to spread the word about our wonderful school. It creates personal relationships between Friedel and community members.” He added, “We have many parents who started think-

ing about enrolling their children because Yaffa reached out to them. In addition to that, Yaffa has served on our Executive Board for several years, and she and Dan are very valuable to us as active and committed parents.” The Schullers’ two daughters, Eliana and Yael, attend Friedel; they also have an older son, Ygal. “This year’s event will offer an entertaining program, fabulous raffle prizes, and a delicious dinner. We hope many community members will don their fancy dresses and most handsome ties, and join us for this event,” Denenberg says. “Being there provides such a great opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the honorees, while showing support for this great school. If last year was any indication, the food will be absolutely scrumptious, and we have a fantastic raffle, for which tickets can be purchased in advance.” She added that, “Several very generous sponsors are donating the prizes, which include an elegant necklace from Bergman Jewelers, salon visits at One Drake Place, exercise equipment from Nova Health, tickets from the Omaha Community Playhouse, Bag ’n Save, at threemonth pass at One Tree Yoga, and two $500 gift certificates from Denenberg Facial Surgery.” For more information about the Tribute Dinner or to purchase raffle tickets, Mary Jane Tweedy at 334.0517.

May 8, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

ADL delegates attend National Leadership Conference by THERESE VAUGHN-WEINER Anti-Defamation League The irony was unmistakable. At the same time that Iran President Ahmadinejad was disparaging Israel at the United Nations’ “anti-racism” summit in Geneva last week, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was holding its national leadership conference in Washington D.C. “On a morning where, in Europe, they start the Durban II conference and where the guest of honor is the denier of the Holocaust, on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day for the Jewish people, it tells you and tells everybody in the world why you cannot go out of business,” Sallai Meridor, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, warned the ADL and an audience of more than 400 delegates who had gathered from around the country to hear from key government leaders, policymakers and journalists on front-page issues from rising anti-Semitism across the globe to violent extremism within the U.S. Six Omahans traveled to the nation’s capital to take part in the conference, including ADL Plains States Regional Director Alan Potash, Ted Friedland, James Blasingame, Gabe Meyer, ADL Board member Aaron Weiner and this writer. The local representatives are members of ADL’s prestigious Shana Amy Glass Leadership Institute, a national program designed to empower the next generation of leaders to fight antiSemitism and other forms of hate; promote civil rights, interfaith respect and anti-bias education; and advocate for Israel within their local communities and beyond. Through the Institute, 15 area participants have had a chance to get informed, inspired and active in ADL’s timely work. “With ADL’s mission becoming more and more relevant in our region, it is crucial to build a cadre of young leaders who are willing and ready to tackle anti-Semitism and bigotry wherever they find it,” ADL Plains States Regional Director Alan Potash said. The eight-month leadership Institute culminated with a luminary-studded conference in the nation’s capital. “This experience has made me more aware of the depth and breadth of issues that face the Jewish community around the world,” Friedland, an ADL Institute participant, said. “I plan on paying more attention to the

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world news in order to be better informed.” on thwarting terrorism from foreign and homegrown And, what are the issues facing the Jewish community enemies while protecting constitutional rights. today? According to ADL National Director Abraham “The ADL and DHS have had good partnerships,” H. Foxman, genocidal hostilities in the Middle East and Napolitano said. “In recent years, the Department has an international economic crisis have converged to gen- placed our employees in your advanced training school erate “the worst, the most intense, the most global to educate us on the tactics used by extremists and terhatred aimed at Jews in most of our memories.” The rorists; the strategies that may be used by law enforceLeague’s longtime leader called the trend a “pandemic.” ment to deter, prevent and respond to incidents and Just as Durban II was degenerating into an anti-Israel threats; and to make us sensitive to and cognizant of the rally, Foxman recognized those nations that had pulled civil rights and liberties that must be protected even out of the compromised meeting including the United while you are enforcing the law.” States, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands whose With the defense of civil rights chief among ADL’s ambassadorial representatives were present at the ADL objectives, it was fitting to hear from nationally syndicatconference. ed Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page who “Germany is profoundly committed to ending racism received the League’s Hubert H. Humphrey First and all forms of racial discrimination,” said Counselor Amendment Freedoms Prize for his significant commenChristoph Eichhorn, of the Embassy of the Federal tary on race relations in America. In accepting the award, Republic of Germany to the U.S. “But all forms of anti- Page said that despite great strides, “we must realize that Semitism and hatred against the state of Israel must not the fight against hate is still with us.” For Omaha attorney Gabe Meyer, the iconbe tolerated.” ic journalist’s remarks struck a chord. “He White House [Page] really captured the struggle between Chief of Staff safeguarding our First Amendment right to Rahm Emanuel free speech on the one hand and fighting laid out the hate speech on the other,” Meyer said. “This Obama adminisis the ADL’s struggle too.” tration’s posiMeyer appreciated the opportunity to take tions on fundaADL priority issues to Capital Hill where mental concerns the Omaha group met with Nebraska for the Jewish Congressman Lee Terry’s office. The lobbyc o m m u n i t y, ing sessions enabled Institute participants to making clear the put what they had heard and learned to task. U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s Gabe Meyer, left, James Blasingame, Aaron Weiner, Equipped with position briefs and advocacy security and a Therese Vaughn-Weiner and Ted Friedland (not pictured) tools, the ADL delegates urged support for two-state solu- attended the ADL Leadership Conference in improved federal hate crime legislation, comprehensive immigration reform and a tion as part of a Washington, D.C., last month. wider policy of engagement abroad to restore America’s strong U.S. response to increasing anti-Semitism at leadership. “We strengthen America when America’s home and abroad. James Blasingame who works in law enforcement also image is stronger around the world,” Emanuel said. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was found the Institute and conference “amazing in every the keynote speaker for the conference. Noting the nat- aspect.” No stranger to national security and counter-terural intersection between the ADL and her department, rorism, he looks forward to putting his ADL experience Napolitano discussed how the U.S. is working intently Continued on page 5

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 8, 2009

Fear or hope

Continued from page 1 Ahmadinejad, absolute madness broke out in the room. and worse, that other people actually believe him? As I read reports of these countries’ boycott, I became People began screaming at one another, some yelling Pondering these questions, I remembered that I too increasingly nervous that the Conference would be a that those disrupting the speech should leave with oth- was overcome with emotion during Ahmadinejad’s repeat of the 2001 Durban Conference and I too would ers yelling back condemnations of Ahmadinejad. speech, but what I realized is that the emotion I felt, and find myself mobbed by hundreds of angry people Then came the moment when the members of continued to feel throughout the day, was not fear but protesting Israel. European delegations walked out of the main gallery, pride and hope. Sitting in the main gallery of the United Nations wait- upholding their promise that they would walk out at the The American Jewish Committee delegates who ing for Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon to officially first anti-Semitic or anti-Israel comment. As we watched attended the first Durban Conference were the lone proopen the conference, I started to question my previous them file out the door, people in the overflow room Israel voice in a sea of anti-Zionist protesters. Members fears –security was tight, there were no angry mobs and started clapping, banging on tables and standing on of the international Jewish community vowed not to the only way to identify me as a Jewish delegate was by chairs and yelling. allow this Durban Conference to be a repeat of the past. looking at the fine print on my security badge. There was In the midst of their cheers, I sat there stunned, not Everywhere I went the first day, I was shocked at the an anti-Israel reference in one of the opening speeches, only that such a man would be allowed to stand in front strong presence of kippot and small Israeli flags pinned but was there really anything to fear? of a legitimate international organization and spew such to suit lapels. I cannot say that I agree with the disrupAfter leaving the morntive tactics of the Jewish ing’s events, the delegation groups who protested walked past the security Ahmedinejad’s speech. entrance only to witness a However, I was proud that young woman, surrounded the Jewish community had by film crews and cameras, rallied in such force at this vigorously defending Israel conference to show the against the accusations by an world that we would not Arab media group. Near her stand by as our homeland is was a group of men who verbally attacked on the looked like Hasidic rabbis, international stage. but were in fact members of I was proud that the Jewish Naturi Carta, who claim to people, who are such a be the “true” Jewish people minority of the global popuand believe that Israel should lation, made up such a large be destroyed. percentage of the people at Later over lunch one of the Pro-Israel rally on April 22, 2009 across from the U.N. head- Ahmadinejad during his fiery speech at the Durban the Conference. I was proud Credit: Michael J. Jordan that in no side event could delegates who had been sit- quarters was among the ways Jewish groups showed Conference on April 20. Credit: Michael J. Jordan strength in Geneva. ting in the press box told us anti-Israel language be used that he had overheard other journalists saying that there garbage, but at the response both in the overflow room without at least one member of a Jewish group offering was no point in attending an event on the genocide in and the main gallery. Ahmadinejad’s exit from the main a counter-opinion. Darfur because it was run by the Jews. I quickly came to gallery did not mark the end of the day’s outrageous After attending the Durban Review Conference, there realize that while polite decorum prevailed in the formal events. is no question in my mind as to the existence and sessions, anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel lurked outLater, on the way to a press conference, members of strength of a voice that calls for Israel’s destruction. side of the main gallery. However, by the afternoon, Ahmadinejad’s entourage were filmed screaming “Zio- However, the fear these voices incite is outweighed by even the heavy metal doors of the gallery could not pre- Nazi” at Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and only a little hope. vent anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiments from seeping while later, a group of “Jews” -- the Naturi Carta -The Jewish people will not sit by quietly and allow in. fawned over the Iranian president and presented him these voices to grow louder, but rather, will continue to The much anticipated event of the afternoon and the with a trophy. come together and in doing so, make sure our voice is cause of much controversy was the address by Iranian I returned home from the first day of the Conference heard as well. And we are not alone in our fight to propresident Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. I was not able to get exhausted and overwhelmed. A friend, who had also tect Israel; a seat in the main gallery and instead watched the speech been covering the Conference for another NGO, As I watched the men and women who represent the in an overflow room with members of other NGOs, stopped by to discuss the day’s events. EU nations file out of the main gallery, I felt tears comsome of whom were pro-Israel and some that clearly “When Ahmadinejad was speaking, I started sweating ing to my eyes. I was overcome with the feeling of hope supported Ahmadinejad. and shaking,” he said. “I was absolutely terrified of him, when I realized that we, the Jewish people and a minorBy this time, videos and transcripts of Ahmadinejad’s not only by his statement that liberal democracy will ity in the world, were being supported by the Western speech are all over the internet and so there is no need soon no longer exist, but that a man like him actually world. to repeat his disgusting language. However, these videos holds power in the world.” His comments made me Seventy years ago, when Hitler and not Ahmadinejad, do not capture the calamitous scene that broke out think back to a conversation earlier in the day in which a was espousing hatred toward the Jews, the Western among members of NGOs in the overflow room nor the member of my delegation spoke about how his younger nations would not have stood up and walked out. Maybe emotion of those watching what was taking place only siblings and their Jewish friends have come to take anti- I should be fearful, but sitting at a Yom Hashoah event two floors above. Within the first minute of the speech, Israel propaganda as fact. in front of the United Nations building the evening after people in the overflow room began yelling about the I started to wonder -- shouldn’t I, too, be fearful? Ahmadinejad spoke, I could only be filled with hope. lack of a translation and the deprivation of their rights. Shouldn’t I be fearful that there are so many people in The voice of the Jewish people had been practically At this point, members of many Jewish NGOs and the world who seek the destruction of my homeland and silenced by Hitler, but seven decades later, the voice of others, including Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz, that some of these people claim to represent the Jewish the Jewish people and our allies was loud enough to walked out of the room. When the people dressed as opinion? Shouldn’t I be fearful that a world leader claims drown out the hatred of Ahmadinejad and others like clowns began running through the main gallery toward that the gas chambers that killed my ancestors are lies him.

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May 8, 2009

Beth El graduates and faculty to be honored during Shabbat services

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Nebraska Bahamas: The Sandhills Best Kept Secret

Claire Schlessinger commented on the positive experiby JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator ence she’s had during religious school, saying, “Hebrew Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah students and faculty High has kept me involved in Judaism in a very easy, fun will be in the spotlight during Shabbat services on way. The classes I have taken have related to my Jewish Saturday, May 9, as seventh and 12th graders celebrate life and secular life. I feel much more in tune with my their graduation and BESTT teachers are applauded for religion’s ideas because of my Hebrew High education.” their hard work and dedication during Teacher Several classes had great impact on the Millard North Appreciation Shabbat. All of the graduating students will student, who plans to attend Brown University. “I have help to lead the 9:30 a.m. services, and the festivities will learned about the tenets of Judaism in classes such as the continue afterward at a special Kiddush celebration spon- one taught by Sarah Juster, which explained Judaism’s sored by the graduates’ families. The community is invited. stance on issues ranging from tattoos to euthanasia,” she BESTT Education Direc-tor Judy Rubin explained the said. “Also, all of Glen Fineman’s classes were wonderimportance of this milestone ful. They were basically disin the students’ lives: “Gradcussions about normal issues uation in the seventh grade and decisions that we face represents the culmination every day, like interactions of the students’ elementary with friends and how to deal years of Jewish education. It with stress put in the context is a demarcation between of Judaism. I enjoyed being their childhood and adolesable to express and listen to cent development. Gradthe opinions and thoughts of uation in the twelfth grade the people in the class.” represents a dedication on For Westside student Tali the part of the students - as Levin, a class focusing on the well as their parents - to conArab/Israeli conflict and tinuing Jewish education.” anti-Semitism had a proRubin was pleased to point found effect. “The class dealt out that five of the graduat- BESTT seventh grade graduates include front row: Alyssa with modern issues that are ing seniors participated in Kirshenbaum, left, Chelsea Kavich, Alyssa Cohen, Megan often misjudged due to Gratz College’s Distance Kahn, Elizabeth Snyder, Julia Edelstein and Cantor Beth ignorance, and it is imporLearning Classes (offered Schlossberg; back row: Education Director Judy Rubin, Ari tant that we understand through Beth El’s High Juster, teacher Dora Goldstrom, John Gallagher, Rabbi them so that we may explain School of Jewish Studies), Mordechai Levin, Jacob Hoberman, Chad Shulewitz, and to others and inform them.” and four took courses for teacher/Youth Director Robert Mosenkis. Overall, Tali said, Hebrew college credit; she also noted High was a valuable part of that, “students who particiher education, and added pate in our high school that “it allowed me to mainthrough 12th grade usually tain my connection to continue their Jewish studies Judaism and the Jewish comon the college level and into munity, as well as to learn in their adult years.” the process. Several high school seniors All BESTT graduates will spoke recently about their be given gifts from the synaexperience. gogue: from the A.B. and Ygal Schuller, a student at Freeda Gendler Fund, senMillard North, credits the iors will receive the Etz synagogue with enhancing Hayim Humash, and from his Jewish life, saying, the family of Frances G. “When I lived in St. Louis, Fellman, they will receive all of my Jewish education BESTT senior graduates include front row: Education Jewish Wisdom by Rabbi had been oriented toward Director Judy Rubin, left, Claire Schlessinger, Tali Levin, Joseph Telushkin. BESTT prayer. Moving to Omaha Efrat Tsabari, Lydia Stern and Cantor Beth Schlossberg; middle-school graduates will and to BESTT expanded my back row: Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Alex Solomon, Ygal receive The Jewish Book of experience to include classes Schuller, Joseph Kahn and Youth Director Robert Mosenkis. Why, from the family of on conversational Hebrew, (Not pictured: Macklin Emas, Alec Lerner and Mitchell Frances G. Fellman. the Holocaust, Jewish cook- Sanford). Photos courtesy of Ophir Palmon, Artistic Visions ing, ethics and morals, and many other fun subjects like music and art. It has helped me become more wellrounded with Jewish culture, not just the religious Contined from page 3 aspect.” to use through future lobbying, community education Ygal, who will attend the University of Texas-Austin, and law enforcement training. “I don’t think anyone said the high school’s Jewish cooking class was his could ever go wrong in supporting the work that ADL favorite (“I was always hungry for the delicious food we does,” Blasingame said. made,” he joked); the Israel Current Events class he As the leading organization dedicated to fighting antitook through the Gratz College Distance Learning pro- Semitism, the Anti-Defamation League monitors and gram has great impact on his perspective. “It really exposes extremists and their hate groups; ensures that helped me correlate my thoughts and loyalties to Israel government officials and law enforcement agents take with logical and argumentative reasons for standing with action on bias incidents; trains security personnel to fight Israel. I visited Israel on USY pilgrimage in 2007, and I back against extremism; and teaches students, parents plan on spending a semester of college during my soph- and educators to prevent hate before it begins. For more omore year in Israel.” information, go to www.adl.org/plains-states.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 8, 2009

Omaha City Council, Mayoral election isTuesday, May 12

Following the Sun

AMERICA DECIDES 2009 Editor’s note: According to Jewish Press election policies, this newspaper neither endorses candidates nor political parties. However, the Press welcomes advertisements and statements from candidates which we offer to our readers as a civic service. As of press time, these were the only statements recived.

Snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “oldâ€?address before we are notified by the Post Office.Every time they return a paper to us,you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged 70¢! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3: CHRIS JERRAM A former Morton Meadows Neighborhood Association president, Chris Jerram and his wife, Jennifer, live at 4740 Hickory with their two daughters, Katie and Shannon. They have lived in the neighborhood since 1992. While president of MMNA, Chris revitalized the newsletter by instituting a partnership with local businesses for advertising revenue. He also was successful in obtaining two neighborhood grants to fund the construction of the barrier free urban garden and patio located on Twin Ridge Blvd. Chris and Jennifer are active members of Holy Cross Catholic Church, volunteering for numerous committees and projects. Chris is a past School Board president, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, coach, parish picnic chairman, and festival volunteer. Chris was appointed by former Governors Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns to the Board of Directors of the Governor's Council to Keep Nebraska Beautiful, serving as the board's treasurer. Mayor Mike Fahey appointed Chris to the Omaha Zoning Board of Appeals where he served for seven years, included two years as its chairman. Chris is a practicing attorney in Omaha with an emphasis on civil litigation. He is the co-owner of Kelley & Jerram, PC, LLO, law firm. Chris believes our city faces extraordinary challenges from gang violence, a weak economy and an aging sewer system. He believes his experience and commitment to families, fighting crime and fiscal responsibility make him uniquely qualified, the best candidate and prepared to solve these challenges and strengthen our city. CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 5: JEAN STOTHERT Thank you for letting me tell you about me and my plans for Omaha should I be elected this spring. First, I believe we all have a duty to give back to the community in various ways depending on our time and talents. I have done this for the past 10 years by serving on the Millard School Board. In addition, I serve in leadership positions on many local non-profit and charitable organization boards where our work makes a difference in our community every day. My professional background as a nurse and nurse manager further illustrate my commitment to helping people, especially

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those who find themselves with dangerous and serious health situations. I will bring to the City Council a strong concern for community, proven service on behalf of others and actual elective service with relevant experience. Omaha has experienced strong growth the past several years and we are in the process of transforming our city and the image we present to citizens and visitors alike. We also have a host of challenges to keep the momentum going. Omaha needs to balance our desire for responsive city services with a tax rate that keeps us competitive in attracting jobs and young people to our city. Economic growth, public health and safety, improving our tax climate, controlling crime and improving delivery of city services are some of the main topics I have been addressing with residents as I have been going door-to-door the past several months. Finally, I have demonstrated my ability on the school board to work in a cooperative manner on all issues, even when I disagree with others. That approach is important to Omaha and you have my pledge on it. I would appreciate your vote -- and please check out www.jeanstothert.com.

CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR: HAL DAUB For nearly a year, Mary and I have traveled throughout Omaha, meeting with thousands of citizens to learn what concerns you most, and noting your ideas and thoughtful suggestions. My competitor says he will listen to taxpayers after he is elected. Until then, he offers no plan for Omaha’s future. Because I have already listened to you, I am putting forth specific plans, based on our helpful and insightful conversations, for you to evaluate on their merit. Crime is your number one concern. It is my top priority, and our seven-point plan addresses it through protection and prevention: adding 100 more police, partnering with community organizations, establishing a free after-school program to keep our most at-risk kids off the street, et cetera. Our 16-point economic plan calls for a new business park in each quadrant of the city, re-establishing the Office of Economic Development, restoring the city’s AAA bond rating, and ending police and firefighter pension “spiking.� When I was mayor, I lowered property taxes every year – six times. It wasn’t easy, but it was important then, and it is even more important today. In order to improve and beautify our neighborhoods, I have proposed a new program called, “Operation Many Hands,� which unites city workers and volunteers and focuses on one neighborhood every weekend. We need a mayor who has innovative vision, specific plans for our future, and the proven experience to carry them out. As your Mayor, with your help and support, I believe that four years from now, Omaha will be a safer, cleaner, healthier city that beat the recession—and grew in the process. I invite you to visit my website – www.haldaub.com – and learn even more about the specific plans and proposals we have developed together.

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JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES Reminder: Join us for a community concert with The Kramer Sisters on Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m., in the JCC auditorium. There is no admission fee. The Kramer Sisters perform harmony vocals on a wide variety of songs, including vintage tunes from the 1920s-40s, oldtime traditional music, and songs from the big band venue. The group entertains regularly in Southeast

Nebraska and neighboring states. Bring a friend. For information, call Linda Fitzgerald at 334.6520.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Councilman Chuck Sigerson will talk about the new mayor and the new city council, the day after the citywide elections on Wednesday, May 13, noon, at Regency Lodge. All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Iris at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

May 8, 2009

Let the games begin! ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Beth El’s poker tourney/ Opera Omaha is holding auditions open to middleschool through college ages for the November 2009 Mah Jongg night production of Brundibår on Saturday, May 16, 1 p.m. at the Opera Omaha offices, 17th and Farnam. Presented by the Institute for Holocaust Education in promises fun for all collaboration with Opera Omaha, Brundibår is a musi-

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator On Sunday, May 17, all poker and mah jongg aficionados will be in their element, as Beth El’s Men’s Club and Sisterhood join together to sponsor a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament and Mah Jongg Night at the synagogue. Skill, luck, sportsmanship and camaraderie will be front and center during this entertaining event, and prizes will be awarded to winners in both tournaments. All adults in the Jewish community are invited to join in the fun. Men’s Club President Scott Simon said he’s hoping that the popularity of both games will make for a successful fundraiser, and noted that all proceeds will benefit Beth El programming. Joining him in planning the event are Larry Hasslinger, James Blasingame, Caryn Rifkin and Marcie Spivack. “Texas Hold ‘Em is an elimination game until a final table is determined, and last three players standing will get prizes. Mahj will be based on point accumulation and top three finishers will be awarded prizes,� Simon explained. “In addition to the game prizes, we will have a raffle running throughout the evening, so everyone will have a chance to win. Tickets are available now, with special early-bird pricing: advance ticket price is $25 per entry or $45 per couple. The day of the event, tickets will be $30 per person or $55 per couple. Ticket fees include appetizers, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages (alcoholic drinks will be available for a small charge). In addition, babysitting will be available for $5 per child. Registration begins at 4 p.m.; the games will begin promptly at 5 p.m. To register, please send a check -- made out to Beth El Men’s Club -- to Beth El, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. Specify in which tournament you want to participate.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

cal fable with an empowering message -- a community united can beat the bad guy. BrundibĂĄr was first performed by the Jewish inmates of TerezĂ­n concentration camp during World War II. Student performances will run Nov. 2-6 in the morning and afternoon for 10,000 area middle school students. The public performance is Nov. 7. All performances of this historic opera will be paired with a speaker and held at the Rose Theater. John Wehrle, General Director, Opera Omaha, Hal France, conductor and the stage director, Sharyn Pirtle, will be in attendance at the auditions. Please send an e-mail of your interest no later than May 13, 2009 to: opera@operaomaha.org, or mail to: Opera Omaha, 1625 Farnam Street Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68102. For further information, contact J. Gawf, Resident Music Director, Opera Omaha at 402.346.4398 x 201.

sell plants on May 9 and a local vendor will have plants, shrub roses and perennials available both days. A preview event will precede the sneak peek Friday, May 8, 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and available at www.joslyncastle.com or by calling Sheila Glaser at 551.8512. The home at 500 So. 38 St. in the Blackstone neighborhood was designed in 1904 by Detroit architect Albert Kahn for Arthur and Zerlina Brandeis. Arthur was the oldest son of Jonas L. Brandeis who founded the J.L. Brandeis & Sons Department Store in downtown Omaha. Designed in the Jacobethan Revival style, the home was spared no expense on exterior finishing and interior detailing. From 1909 to 1922, the home served as the residence of Senator Joseph H. Millard, a prominent political business leader in Omaha. His daughter Jessie continued living in the home until her death in 1950. From 1950 forward, the home served as a real estate office, daycare facility, event center and now again, a home. Al and Delores Maser own the home. Their son Mark, president of the Blackstone Neighborhood Association, offered the home for the showhouse. Details are available at www.OmahaDesigner Showhouse.com.

On Mother’s Day weekend, May 9-10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the Brandeis Mansion, selected as the site for the 2009 ASID Joslyn Castle Trust Designer Showhouse, will be open to public viewing before designers and contractors begin transformation of the historic home. The completed showhouse will be open Sept. 18-Oct. 4. Admission to the sneak peek is $2 per person. Designers will share their plans for the 25 design spaces with visitors. The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum will

Spend part of Memorial Day weekend with the Omaha Symphony at a free outdoor concert in Council Bluffs. Playland Park is the setting for this special patrioticthemed pops performance on Sunday, May 24, 7 p.m. Hear favorites like “The Star Spangled Banner� and “America the Beautiful,� along with Souza marches and a medley honoring America’s armed forces. For more information call 402.342.3560 or visit www.omahasymphony.org.

JEWISH PRESS CLOSINGS & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day and Friday, May 29 for the first day of Shavuot. The deadline for all ads, synagogue schedules, articles and photos is 9 a.m. as follows: Issue Deadline Issue Deadline May 29 Wednesday, May 20 June 5 Wednesday, May 27 Photos used in the Passover issue may be picked up at the Press office during regular business hours. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 8, 2009

The history we’ve forgotten Even the once stalwart friend of Israel, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has stated that if we could just solve the Israel/ Palestinian issue, we could then fix our relationship with Iran. Huh? Since when has Iran cared about Palestinians? (Or for that matter, when has Saudi Arabia or Kuwait cared about the underclass both countries expelled during the first Gulf War?) We all know, or should know by now, that the “Palestinian issue” has been very useful to our U.S. ‘friends’ -- the dictators of the Middle East -- who have used them as an excuse to divert attention from their own problems. Is it any wonder that the Saudi kings, the Iranian mullahs, the Syrian sycophants want the Palestinians kept in refugee camps, left to fester in a state of rage? And who better to be the object of that anger than the Jews, who, in April of 1920, were recognized at the San Remo Peace Conference (after the fall of the Ottoman Empire) by the British as having a continuous presence on the land, Eretz Yisrael, promised through Avraham, our patriarch. The world has forgotten the promise of the Bible, the Balfour Declaration in the British Parliament in 1917, and the San Remo treaty of 1920, a document which few Jews (and the rest of the world) know little about. And even Jews have begun to believe Arab propaganda that Israel was created in the aftermath of the Holocaust on land belonging to the “Palestinians”, a misnomer for people the rest of the Arab world is only too happy to forget. Let’s set the record straight: according to Louis Rene Beres, writing in the Feb 21,

2009, issue of the Brooklyn Jewish Press, “Let us return to an earlier history. From the Biblical Period (ca 1350-586 BCE) to the British Mandate (1918-48), the land, named by the Romans after the ancient Philistines was controlled only by non-Palestinian elements.” Beres, who was educated at Princeton University (and studied with that great Middle East master Bernard Lewis) is an expert in international law. He continues, “Significantly, however, a continuous chain of Jewish possession of the land was legally recognized after World War I at the San Remo Peace Conference of April 1920. There, a binding treaty was signed in which Great Britain was given mandatory authority over Palestine (the area had been ruled by the Ottoman Turks since 1516) to prepare it to become the ‘national home for the Jewish People.’ Present day Israel comprises only 22% of Palestine as defined and ratified at San Remo. In 1922, Great Britain unilaterally and without any lawful authority split off 78% of the lands promised to the Jews -- all of Palestine east of the Jordan -- and gave it to Abdullah, the non-Palestinian son of the Sharif of Mecca.” In other words, the British, once again marking boundaries on table linens, drew straight lines across deserts, cutting tribal lands asunder, to create a “country” for an Arab nomad and called him a “king.” Beres adds, “Eastern-Palestine now took the name Transjordan, which it retained until April 1949, when it was renamed as Jordan.” As Moshe Dann, writing in the March 5, 2009, Jerusalem Post, wrote: “There is no

authentic ‘Palestinian’ archeology because there never was a coherent ‘Palestinian’ ethnic, cultural or social group. Jews who lived in British Mandate Palestine used the term as a political reference; Arabs did not.” The lie, which Goebbels-like propagandists have disseminated, has the world believing that Palestinians lived on this sliver of land since time immemorial. They have not -- but we, the Jews have. Promised to us by God, by the British government, by the United Nations, a land whose young men and women continue to fight and die to defend: Am Yisrael Chai -- the People of Israel Lives! Happy 61st, Israel!

BEHIND THE H EADLINES by MENACHEM Z. ROSENSAFT

NEW YORK (JTA) -- John Demjanjuk, who is about be deported to Germany to stand trial for his role in the murder of 29,000 Jews at the Sobibor death camp, is a Nazi war criminal. He may or may not have been the notorious “Ivan the Terrible” of Treblinka, but there is no question that he was Ivan the Notso-Good of the Nazi training camp Trawniki, that he went on from there to be Ivan the Very Bad of Majdanek, Sobibor and Flossenburg, and that he lied on his visa application when he sought admission to the United States. Most Americans do not consider Demjanjuk to be a praiseworthy or sympathetic figure. Except, of course, for Patrick Buchanan. The MSNBC political commentator and erstwhile reactionary candidate for the Republican presidential nomination likens Demjanjuk to none other than Jesus Christ. I’m not kidding. In his syndicated column of April 17, Buchanan not only called Demjanjuk an “American Dreyfus” and “the sacrificial lamb whose blood washes away the stain of Germany’s sins,” but he wrote that the “spirit” behind the U.S. Justice Department’s efforts to bring Demjanjuk to justice is “the same satanic brew of hate and revenge that drove another innocent Man up Calvary that first Good Friday 2,000 years ago.” Some innocent man. Among the findings of facts set forth by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio in February 2002 are that “The primary purpose of Trawniki Training Camp was to train men to assist the Nazi government of Germany in implementing its racially motivated policies, including and in particular ‘Operation Reinhard’”; that “‘Operation Reinhard’ was the Nazi program to dispossess, exploit, and murder

Jewish Press Board Michael Sigmond, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Marc Brodkey; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; Andy Ruback; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

Comparing Demjanjuk to Jesus is obscene Jews in Poland”; that “Upon his arrival at Trawniki Training Camp, Defendant [Demjanjuk] entered service in the Guard Forces of the SS and Police Leader in Lublin District”; that “by Jan. 18, 1943, while a member of the Guard Forces of the SS and Police Leader in Lublin District, Defendant was serving as an armed guard at the concentration camp located near Lublin, commonly known as the Majdanek Concentration Camp”; that “Defendant began serving at the Sobibor extermination camp no later than March 27, 1943”; that “In serving at Sobibor, Defendant contributed to the process by which thousands of Jews were murdered by asphyxiation with carbon monoxide”; that “On or about Oct. 1, 1943, Defendant was transferred from Trawniki to Flossenburg Concentration Camp, where he became a member of the SS Death’s Head Battalion Flossenbürg”; and that “Defendant misrepresented and concealed his wartime residences and activities, which constituted misrepresentations and concealments of his wartime employment and residences for the purpose of gaining admission into the United States.” None of this matters to Buchanan, whose longtime public support for a succession of Nazi war criminals from Demjanjuk to Karl Linnas to Arthur Rudolph is a constitutionally protected perversion. He even admires Adolf Hitler. In 1977, Buchanan wrote that, “Though Hitler was indeed racist and anti-Semitic to the core, a man who without compunction could commit murder and genocide, he was also an individual of great courage, a soldier’s soldier ... a political organizer of the first rank, a leader steeped in the history of Europe who possessed oratorical powers that could awe even those who despised him.” Buchanan has never bothered to hide his offensive views on Israel and Jews. After the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Buchanan said on national television that “There are only two groups that are beating the drums right now for war in the Middle East, and that is the Israeli defense min-

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

istry and its amen corner in the U.S.” He has referred to Capitol Hill as “Israelioccupied territory,” and he considers the State of Israel to be “a strategic albatross draped around the neck of the United States.” In a September 1993 speech to the Christian Coalition, Buchanan said that “Our culture is superior because our religion is Christianity and that is the truth that makes men free.” After John Cardinal O’Connor had deplored Roman Catholic anti-Semitism, Buchanan declared, “If U.S. Jewry takes the clucking appeasement of the Catholic cardinalate as indicative of our submission, it is mistaken. When Cardinal O’Connor of New York seeks to soothe the always irate Elie Wiesel by reassuring him ‘there are many Catholics who are not anti-Semitic’ ... he speaks for himself. Be not afraid, Your Eminence; just step aside, there are bishops and priests ready to assume the role of defender of the faith.” Buchanan has also been a reliable ally of Holocaust deniers and other Nazi sympathizers. In his March 17, 1990 syndicated column, he wrote that it would have been impossible for Jews to perish in the gas chambers of the Treblinka death camp, and referred to a “socalled Holocaust survivor syndrome” that he described as involving “group fantasies of martyrdom and heroics.” Two years ago, Don Imus was unceremoniously dumped by MSNBC after making racially insensitive remarks about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team. Buchanan’s colleagues at MSNBC have consistently tolerated and overlooked his bigoted worldview. So has the Roman Catholic establishment since he strongly opposes abortion rights. Perhaps Buchanan’s obscene comparison of Demjanjuk to Jesus Christ will now cause them to reconsider. At the very least, MSNBC executives should explain how they justify Buchanan’s continued appearances on their programs. Menachem Z. Rosensaft is general counsel of the World Jewish Congress and adjunct professor of law at Cornell Law School.

Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $35 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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May 8, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

So far, so good with Obama administration

BEHIND THE H EADLINES by MARC STANLEY

DALLAS -- During his first 100 days in office, the U.S. Jewish community has already taken great pleasure with the performance of President Barack Obama. He has begun to develop a deep and substantive relationship with the Jewish community by, among other things, hosting the first presidential Seder, creating strong outreach with our community, and working on key domestic and international issues of interest to American Jews. Impressively, in less than three and a half months, the Obama administration has already made marked progress with progressive policies that are important to our community: the economy, Israel, the Middle East, reproductive rights, renewable energy, and stem cell research. The aforementioned Seder caused quite a buzz in our community. Not only was it the first presidential Seder in our nation’s history, but it has become symbolic of the intimate and deep relationship our president has with our community (I must have received 50 photos of the Seder from friends and family). Not only has the president embraced one of our most important rituals, he has comforted us as a community by including in his administration individuals with whom we have long-standing, close relationships. Obama has put together a dream team of excellent advisors and appointments, several of whom are members of our faith. As a community, we are grateful that the President has spoken out loudly against hate and intolerance. Last

week, Obama spoke at the Holocaust Days of Remembrance ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and called on Americans to “contemplate the obligations of the living” and fight against “those who insist the Holocaust never happened, who perpetrate every form of intolerance.” Earlier this month, under his direction, the United States boycotted a vehemently anti-Israel United Nation’s conference on racism (known as Durban II). Being a leader in the Jewish community during the Obama administration means more than just being invited to Hanukkah parties and events at the White House. Thus far, the Obama administration has made a concerted effort to communicate with and involve our community in major policy decisions. For example, the administration briefed Jewish community leaders on regular high-level conference calls during the formulation of policy toward Durban II. Before then, the administration invited community leaders to participate in a hourlong conference call with George Mitchell, U.S. special envoy to the Middle East. The conversation was substantive, candid and meaningful. Those on the call were impressed by both Mitchell’s grasp of the issues and his attentiveness to the participants’ questions. In these first 100 days, the most senior members of this administration not only reached out to the Jewish community, they listened. Although Obama’s critics continue to search for ways to prove that he is antiIsrael, their message lacks substance and has very little resonance within the wider Jewish community. Of critical importance to us, Obama’s foreign policy has immeasurably improved America’s image abroad. Both his foreign and his domestic policy objectives make Israel and the U.S. more secure. The president’s policies moving America toward renewable energy and off Middle East oil have already begun to be implemented.

These priorities, as well as those whom Obama has appointed to serve in his administration, subscribe to strategies that give the utmost importance to Israel’s peace and security. On the domestic front, Obama has acted swiftly on critical issues and has revised some of President George W. Bush’s damaged policies. On the economy, the president has shown bold leadership to lead America’s economy out of this crisis and will create or save millions of American jobs, provide tax relief, and invest in our longterm economic security. Obama also ensured that we will not fall behind other leading countries in important areas of research and development by lifting the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Exploring this burgeoning field will ensure that the United States is expanding its scientific frontier and provide Americans with the most advanced medical treatments. As with stem cells, the President chose good policy over partisan politics when he struck down the infamous Global Gag rule, which prohibited U.S. money from funding international family-planning clinics. This provided life saving health services to women and also provided counseling or referrals about abortion services. And finally, after many years of politicization at the FDA, Obama is putting science over blind ideology, including allowing Plan B, the morning after pill, to be available without a prescription to women 17 and older. We should not overstate the importance of Obama’s first 100 days. There are, after all, over 1,300 days left in the President’s first term. However, we are happy to say that the first 15 weeks of his presidency have made us proud and have fulfilled his promise of much needed change for our country. Marc R. Stanley is chairman of the National Jewish Democratic Council.

First 100 days offer cause for concern

ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW by MATT BROOKS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- As Americans examine the first 100 days of the Obama administration, it is important to make a candid assessment of the president’s actions so far. These first months are widely considered an indicator of the policies the president will pursue in the years to come. So what have we seen in the first 100 days of this presidency? As Iran continues to work feverishly to acquire nuclear weapons, the United States continues to pursue its policy of “engagement.” North Korea launched a long-range missile. The next day, the administration announced drastic cuts in missile defense funding, including a halt to further deployment of Alaska-based interceptors designed to counter missiles from North Korea. Our president, in a handshake seen around the world, embraced Hugo Chavez while Venezuelan Jews face virulent, government-sponsored harassment. We have seen the president reverse the Bush administration’s policy of boycotting the U.N. Human Rights Council, the body that organized the Durban II confer-

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ence against racism and that continuously focuses on condemning Israel and turning a blind eye to the genocide in Darfur and other human-rights abuses. The Obama administration chose Charles “Chas” Freeman to be chairman of the National Intelligence Council. Freeman is a long-standing apologist for the Saudi regime, a harsh and ideological critic of Israel, and a proud subscriber to the Walt/Mearsheimer “Israel Lobby” thesis. After a public outcry against Freeman taking such a sensitive security post, Freeman stepped down. Many mainstream media outlets have reported on the growing “tension” between the Obama administration and the new Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Obama administration has asked Congress to relax sanctions against the terrorist group Hamas, so that if Hamas and Fatah ever come to share power in a Palestinian unity government, the United States can continue to send millions of dollars to the territories. We have seen trillions and trillions of dollars allocated to bailouts and new government spending. The massive growth of government engendered by this spending, and the debt burden to our children and grandchildren, will haunt us for decades. Our security agencies have been paralyzed by the double punch of released intelligence memos and vague threats to prosecute those who protected this country from harm in the previous administration.

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Despite promises of “transparency” and “openness,” only one of the 11 bills signed by the president so far have been made available to the public for review before signing. (In fact, some of them weren’t actually reviewed by members of Congress before they were whisked up to the president’s desk.) The president promised not to appoint lobbyists to his administration. He has appointed several, including former Raytheon lobbyist William Lynn to be deputy secretary of defense. We have seen thousands of people across the country protest against the high taxes and unimaginable government spending proposed by this president. These “tea parties” -- peaceful, truly grass-roots demonstrations of public opinion -- were called “unhealthy” by senior White House adviser David Axelrod. As Americans, we all want our president and our country to succeed in tough and challenging times. However, for those who care deeply about national security, the economy and other vital issues, these early days of the administration offer an opportunity to examine the president’s priorities and intentions that should not be missed. While the president’s supporters will praise his actions in the first 100 days, many of the president’s actions have been cause for concern for American Jews. A balanced and honest review is in order. Matt Brooks is the executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition.

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 8, 2009

Candlelighting Friday, May 8, 8:11 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

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

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

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

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

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

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

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

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Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. Experience an international Shabbat service which highlights the country of Uganda. Jewish Ugandan melodies, as well as traditional liturgy will be performed, and snacks from that country served afterward. Beth El will honor graduating congregants. All students and their families are invited to attend. A reception will follow. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m. BESTT graduation will be held for seventh & 12th grade students led by students and BESTT faculy members; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group; and Navigating our Services with Joy led by Susi Frydman-Levin, 10 a.m.; The Mitzvah Club led by FrydmanLevin; and Synagogue skills class led by Cantor Schlossberg, 11 a.m. FOURTH-GRADE WEDDING: Sunday, 11:30 a.m., students will act out the rituals of a traditional Jewish wedding; each child will also explain different aspects of the ceremony. Reception follows. The entire community is invited to attend. USY: Board elections and an overnight are Saturday, 8:30 p.m. to Sunday, 9 a.m. All USYers and eighth graders are invited; eighth graders are also invited to run for board positions. For information, contact Robert Mosenkis in the office, or at youth dir@bethel-omaha.org. BESTT CHAVERIM: Youth group for fourth-sixth graders will enjoy an afternoon at Mahoney State Park on Sunday, 1:30-5:30 p.m. Cost: $20; reservations are needed by Friday. Parents are needed to help carpool. To volunteer or for more information, call

Robert Mosenkis in the office. MINYANNAIRES SHABBAT: On Saturday, May 16, 9:30 a.m., loyal minyannaires will be honored during services, will have an aliyah and receive a gift.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored by Cindy and Bruce Goldberg in honor of Adam’s high school graduation; “Guard Your Tongue”, “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) one hour prior to Mincha, 8 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:17 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Teen Class, 10 a.m.; Jr. NCSY Girls’ Night Out, 6:30 p.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m. TUESDAY: Mishnah Club for third, fourth and fifth, graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Lag B’Omer Picnic, 6 p.m. (dinner by reservation only) at the JCC Pavilion; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class is cancelled due to the picnic. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commisioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

PERSONAL “Paul Nathan would like to thank the Rose Blumkin Home staff and residents for having a wonderful birthday party for me. Thanks for making my birthday so special.” On behalf of my dad, I want to thank you. Ira Nathan

MONDAY: Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Biblical Reflections, Find Yourself in The Stories of Genesis, 7 p.m. Enroll now at www. myjli.com, More information, call Chabad or email TorahStudies@ochabad.com. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m.; Lag B’Omer BBQ Celebration, 6 p.m. at Standing Bear Lake, 132nd St. and Papio Lake Rd. Make it a green holiday -- cook with solar ovens and celebrate this fun holiday. Reservations by email to rsvp@OChabad.com or call the office. WEDNESDAY: Cooking Around the World, 11:30 a.m. hosted by Patti Adler, Deborah Platt and Sherry Taxman. Explore kosher foods from China, cooking demonstrations and a kosher Chinese lunch. RSVP by calling the office or emailing office@ Ochabad.com. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II for ages 7-9, 3:45 p.m. Please contact shevi@ochabad. com for a pass. All events and programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. Bar Mitzvah of Asaf Trainin at Tifereth Israel. SUNDAY: Temple Spring Clean-Up day, 9 a.m.-noon. If you have any questions, please call Rick Kohn at 489.6719 WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Temple Yard Sale and Bake Sale on Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22. Donations are being accepted only on Sunday, May 17.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

LOVE Members. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg and assisted by Naomi and Aaron Zipursky.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: OTYG Shabbat to Honor Temple’s Senior Adult, 6 p.m. Youth group members will invite senior members to join them in a service of prayer and song. An Oneg, sponsored by Temple’s Caring Committee follows. Valet parking will be available. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Rachel Saag, daughter of Sherrie and David Saag, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teaher Meeting, 9:30 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Last Day for Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; Last Day for Family School 6 p.m. at Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel’s home. THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Eric Linder, 10 a.m. Tot Shabbat & Dinner, Friday, May 15, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel. An informal child-oriented Shabbat worship service includes a fun art project which follows dinner. Hosts are Elyce and Rabbi Azriel. Cost is $5 for adults and no charge for children. RSVP to the Temple office or mkube@templeisraelomaha.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. followed by an Oneg Shabbat. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. with Bar Mitzvah of Asaf David Trainin followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. SUNDAY, May 17: Annual Meeting, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by

B’NAI MITZVAH Mackenzy Alaina Gordman, daughter of Bridget and Kip Gordman, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 16, at Temple Israel. Mackenzy is a seventh-grade Superior Honor Roll student at Russell Middle School. Her interests include competitive cheerleading, track, snow ski-

ing and spending time with family and friends. For her mitzvah project, Mackenzy helped kids a KUMON (a math organization). She has a sister, Haley, and two brothers, Jono and Harley. Grandparents are Linda and Nelson Gordman, and Paula and Bill Gallup. Ethan Shohet Zabin, son of Jacqueline Shohet Zabin and Jeff

Zabin, will become a Bar Mitzvah on S a t u r d a y, May 16, at Beth Emet Synagogue in Evanston, IL. Ethan is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Haven Middle School in Evanston. He is a soccer goalie for Team Evanston. His interests include sports,

music, and being with friends. He is a Cubs and Bears fan and loves going to games. For his mitzvah project, Ethan volunteered for the Obama campaign, traveling to three states making buttons and encouraging people to register to vote. He has two younger brothers, Elan and Gavriel. Grandparents are Phyllis and Harold Zabin, Harriet Shohet and Ruben Shohet of New York.

Pulverent e

May 8, 2009

Ritual? No, ethical conduct

Birthday salutations come to a special Beth El centenarian

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Emor The subject discussed in our Sidra is totally foreign to us in our 21st century environment. Moses was told to instruct the priests that they must remain pure and not contaminate themselves by contact with ordinary people. This had nothing to do whatever with personal cleanliness, nor with illness or disease. The purity involved here was entirely a matter of ritual, which, to repeat, had to do with purity beyond our ken and understanding. But it was important, in no small degree, in the practice of ancient Israelites. Probably, the only distinction between those in the state of purity and those not, was the right to enter the travelling sanctuary that the wandering Israelites revered. It is interesting that the Holy Text notes that a Cohane was at liberty to â&#x20AC;&#x153;contaminateâ&#x20AC;? himself by contact with very close family members; the text was not about to separate the Cohanim from their families. But still, here, the text refused them contact with their daughters or daughters-in-law who had been married or had otherwise had relations with a male. Although, as I have said, this is strange to us in our 21st century sensibility, it leads to implied instructions about remaining not only physically clean, but careful to remain pure in speech and sexual contact. It has to do, in other words, with ideas that came from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;socalledâ&#x20AC;? Ten Commandments. It reverberates over the centuries to remind us that we are all â&#x20AC;&#x153;priests,â&#x20AC;? and must try to lead lives as close to moral perfection as we can. In short, all of this ritual perfection required for the ancient Israelites comes to us as a sharp instruction to remain morally pure and sensitive to ethical values as we attempt the complicated life with which we are faced. As usual, I leave the topic with the hope that you will, like me, ponder this old subject and realize that it is ethical instruction to which we must give our full attention.

Next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kindergartners round up for religious school

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

MONUMENT CO.

Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

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Cake, flowers, cards and a birthday serenade - in English, Hebrew and Spanish -- greeted Rose Fine on her 100th birthday, as friends and clergy from Beth El joined their longtime congregant at the Blumkin Home to celebrate. Joining the centenarian were (clockwise, from lower left): Cantor Beth Schlossberg, Program Director Margie Gutnik, Diane Shandell, Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Diane Baum, Executive Director Larry DeBruin, and Jessica Shandell.

Yom Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;atzmaut celebration entertains and educates Beth El students and parents by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Yom Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Atzmaut came early this year to Beth El Talmud Torahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pre-K to second-grade students, who enjoyed a special celebration recently during religious school classes. Students, parents and teachers rotated through seven activity stations which simulated a visit to the modern state of Israel. Among the activity centers were a visit to a Dead Sea spa, where everyone sampled different kinds of creams and lotions and experimented with authentic Dead Sea mud; an art activity where students made a window decoration in the shape of Israel; a memory game about famous Israelis and places in Israel; and the Israeli game, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three Sticks.â&#x20AC;?

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Getting a peek at whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to come, next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kindergarteners came to meet each other and check out their classroom at Temple Israel Religious School; they are, top row: Brett Miller, left, Zev Gordman, Isaac Clarke, Jeremiah Schondelmeyer, Mia Zweiback; front row: visitor Mia Circo sitting next to her cousin Jordyn Kirshenbaum, Leo Yudelson, Ethan Bargas, Ethan Rubin, and Kennedy Clark.

To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jewish Pressâ&#x20AC;? and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.

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Left: Ethan Finkelstein places a note in the kotel, while, right: Julie Nahimov plays â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three Sticks.â&#x20AC;? In addition, children and their parents had the opportunity to write notes which were placed on a miniature kotel; the notes will be transported to Israel this summer by Beth El teens who will be touring there through either the USY Israel/Italy Pilgrimage or Artza 2009.

JEWISH PRESS CLOSINGS & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day and Friday, May 29 for the first day of Shavuot. Questions? The deadline for all ads, synagogue schedules, articles and photos is 9 a.m. as follows: Issue Deadline May 29 Wednesday, May 20 Wednesday, May 27 June 5 Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 8, 2009

Norton to bring her volunteer experience to WRJ presidency

Beth Israel’s Shavuot celebrations to feature a “Game Show” theme

bership whose needs we can address in both informative and entertaining ways.” Members of the new WRJ Board also include Danielle Gordman, past president; Marlen Frost, vice president of membership; Stacie Brodkey, vice president of religious action; Mimi Silverman, vice president of programming; Susan Lehr and Erica Rubin, vice presidents of finance; Sharon Bargas, vice president of public relations; Jennifer Miller and Mary Wampler, vice presidents of religious living; Rosie Zweiback, vice president of development; and Ann Osborne, director. As outgoing president of the WRJ Board, Danielle Gordman acknowledged that looking back, the timing for her presidency was “perfect. It forced me to jump in to quickly learn the inner workings of WRJ-O and Temple at large which was a gift to me and my family. We met so many fellow congregants and made connections with clergy that are irreplaceable. So Susie Norton, left, will be taking over as president of selfishly, being president was a Women of Reform Judaism-Omaha from Danielle way to feel more a part of the Gordman at a brunch on May 17 at Temple Israel. congregation. dren’s schools and Temple at this time, “WRJ-O was in fantastic shape when I Norton pointed out that she has been took the reigns from Cindy Goldberg. involved in “many wonderful volunteer She was the most recent in a long line of organizations over the 17 years since very capable and smart leaders who moving back to Omaha and have decided shaped and reshaped WRJ. I hope I kept that it’s time to narrow my focus. the boat moving in the right direction. “With my sons’ Bar Mitzvahs on the During my term I was encouraged by a horizon, I knew I would be spending a broad spectrum of ladies who attended lot of time at Temple over the next few our programs. That was one of the most years! I had already been involved in meaningful aspects -- to see that our proother Jewish organizations in Omaha like gramming and events touched the lives of the JCC, Jewish Federation, the CDC so many congregants.” Proud of her (Child Development Center), and NCJW board, Gordman said, “We are far from a (National Council of Jewish Women). At clique, and I hope that the congregation this point, Temple Israel was a likely place knows that we welcome anyone with an for my volunteer time and energy.” She interest to join the board or a committee. added that “becoming WRJ president is a “While I cannot take any credit for the logical next step after serving in other vol- fabulous work the Caring Committee unteer capacities at Temple in the does on a daily basis,” she observed, “I Religious School, as chair of the most am pleased that one of the first initiatives recent rabbinic search committee, and as WRJ undertook during my presidency a vice president within WRJ.” was to incorporate the Caring Committee Norton said her goals as president are under the WRJ-O umbrella. “still percolating, but I know that two “Susie Norton has already demonstratsignificant factors will influence my prior- ed incredible leadership ability and a true ities. First, as a Temple auxiliary, how can understanding of the organization so I WRJ best support the congregation in doubt my phone will ring very much addressing the needs of our congregants from her!” Gordman kidded. “Of course, as we wind through the impact of our I’ll be available to help her in anyway she changing economy? Second, how can we might want.” meet the needs and explore the interests To attend, please send a check for $8 of our diverse membership? I have already per person to WRJ, 7023 Cass, Omaha, spoken with several WRJ members who NE 68132, call 556.6536, or email have great ideas for programming to mkube@templeisraelomaha.com. engage different sub-groups of our mem-

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Come on down! You’re the next contestant to celebrate Shavuot at Beth Israel. This year, in addition to meals and study during the holiday, the synagogue will offer two exciting “game shows” from May 28-30. “During Shavuot, in order to show our excitement of the receiving of the Torah, many of us stay up all night to study,” said Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “This year we wanted to spice things up a bit, and use more than just caffeine to stay awake. So, a number of people came up with the idea for us to have a game show theme.” He added, “The inspiration for one of the ‘game shows’ we’ll have during Shavuot actually comes from one of my trips, as I was flying. They were showing programs from the Game Show Network, including the show ‘Cram.’ It’s an intriguing concept. They sequester teams who stay up all night and study massive amounts of literature. The contestants literally ‘cram’ all night. Then they are tested on everything they studied. So, since we study all night for Shavuot, the game seemed like a perfect activity.” Gross explained how “Cram” would work during Shavuot. “We’ll get a packet of texts to study during cram sessions,” he said. “Participants will be responsible for information from the Torah, the Talmud, our liturgy and Jewish history. The cram sessions will teach on selected texts. The texts will be in Hebrew and English, so you won’t be at a disadvantage if you don’t read Hebrew. After a series of cram sessions, we’ll play ‘Cram’ by testing everyone’s knowledge. What’s great about this is that we’re not only testing our prior knowledge -- we’re encouraged to learn new information. The game show will test the knowledge

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Susie Norton will be installed as the new president of Women of Reform Judaism-Omaha (WRJ-O) at a brunch on Sunday, May 17, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel. “I agreed to serve as WRJ president, because it was the right place, right time,” said Norton. Committed to focusing her community service efforts on her chil-

Put your game face on!

we acquire during the cram sessions.” The other “game show” that will be played during Shavuot is Beth Israel’s version of “Family Feud.” “We surveyed the congregation on a wide variety of topics, such as ‘name one of the ten plagues’ or ‘name one of the tribes of Israel,’ and compiled the responses,” stated Gross. “The top answers will be put up on the board and teams will compete in a ‘Family Feud’ style format. Answers will be assigned points, based on popularity. I’ll serve as the host of the ‘show.’ I think it’s going to be great -- I always wanted to be a game show host.” Shavuot celebrations will begin on Thursday, May 28, 8:45 p.m., with a dairy dinner. The meal will feature lasagna and pasta with Alfredo sauce. Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children ages four to 12, and free for children ages three and under. Tikun Leil Shavuot will begin after the meal. “Family Feud,” part one, will be held at 9:30 p.m. Then Rabbi Mizrahi will lead the first cram session for preparation of the game “Cram” at 10:30 p.m. At 11:30 p.m., the second cram session will be held, led by Rabbi Gross. On Friday, May 29, enjoy a dairy lunch after 9 a.m. morning services. Salmon croquettes and blintz soufflé are the featured dishes. Lunch costs the same as the dinner on May 28. After lunch, don’t miss “Family Feud,” part two, at 1 p.m. A third cram session, led by Rabbi Gross, will follow at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 9 a.m. begins with Shacharit, then Yizkor at 10:30 a.m. After Kiddush, “Cram -- the Final” will be held at 12:30 p.m. Please RSVP for the dinner and lunch by calling the synagogue office at 556.6288.

Visions reads up on Omaha Member Harry Alloy was among the members of the Visions group who recently enjoyed guest speaker Rivkah Sass, Director of the Omaha Public Libraries, at the group’s monthly luncheon at the Venice Inn. Sass is known for raising awareness of Omaha’s public libraries and also for reading: an example to other city departments of how to do more with less, especially during times of budget worries. For information about upcoming programs, call Margaret Conti at 334.6521. DEADLINE NOTICE Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. Questions? Call 334.6448.

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