Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
Humanitarians of the Year
May 9, 2014 9 Iyar 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 34
This Week
by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha When asked to consider the magnitude of being recognized as Humanitarians of the Year by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Jack Baker, representing the Baker family, said, “Judaism is the core of my family’s belief system. It is who we are. My brother Bob, our spouses, children and grandchildren all strive to be good people and do the right thing. That’s who we are.” Both Jack’s and wife Judy’s parents immigrated to the United States. He and Bob were born in Walnut, Iowa, where father, Abe, opened a grocery store in 1927. “With only 900 people in Walnut, we were the only Jewish family. When my father expanded his business with a store in Bellevue, we moved to Omaha where religious, cultural and social opportunities were so much greater.” It was their grandfather, Meyer Schulman, who guided their religious education, including Jack’s Bar Mitzvah at B’nai Israel on 18th street north of Dodge. “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. I am still
Don’t miss the 60th B’nai B’rith Sports Banquet Page 4
Temple Israel’s new Torah covers Page 7
Jack and Bob Baker in awe of my parents and grandparents, who fled persecution and, under great peril, came to America for a better life,” said Jack. “Growing up with family who taught us about Jews’ resiliency, perseverance and determination, seeing that unfold right before our eyes, it makes me very proud,” he continued.
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Family First The Baker family today includes Jack, wife Judy and children Betsy, Tom and Jim and four grandchildren. Bob and wife Sonya have three children: Scott, Bruce and Dan, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Bob and Sonya reside in Sun Valley, Idaho, yet remain ardent supporters of
the Federation’s Annual Campaign. “In my view, this wonderful recognition of our family is perfectly titled, as I’ve always viewed previous generations of our family as true humanitarians. My siblings, our children and cousins were raised understanding that taking care of those around us, in particular those in need, is neither a duty, obligation or burden thrust upon us, but rather, one of the most important and joyous aspects of our lives,” said Tom. Betsy Baker describes her parents and grandparents as tremendous role models for her and her brothers. “I was raised with the mindset that it is important to give back, be a part of something bigger than me, and to say yes when asked to volunteer for meaningful and worthwhile causes.” “As a company, Baker's was extremely involved in the community, and the rewards of helping friends and neighbors were as beneficial for us as it was for those we could help. My own children have this same sense of responsibility and work ethic, and they cherish the stories they’ve heard about their family.” With great sincerity Jack added, Continued on page 2
Beth El’s AAA Yad Squad readies youngsters
Becoming saints Page 12
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
8 10 11
This Month High School Graduation See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
Rabbi Weiss, left, Linda Cogen, Karen Hook, Mary Heiman, Shelley Cash, Josh Gurock, Tyler Wolles, Aaron Dittmer, Jessy Ahabbar, Deb Simon, Karen Menagh, and Stephanie Silva. Not pictured: Stephanie Hinsley, Jenn Tompkins Kirshenbaum, Natalie Osborne, and Doug Smith. by OZZIE NOGG National Nursing Home Week will be observed again this year at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The festivities kick off on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, with a concert by Smooth Jazz and Love Songs with James Wagner, and a L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers to the Elderly) special cheesecake tea for Residents. Nursing Home Week ac-
tivities continue through Friday, May 16, with a Style Show scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 at 1:30 p.m. in the RBJH Silverman Auditorium. During the week, staff celebrating anniversaries in five year increments will receive special awards. “This year’s theme is Literature,” said Maggie Conti, RBJH Director of Activities and Outreach Programs. “Each neighborhood will base its decorations on a famous book; and even comic books count. There will be games, contests, prizes, whacky food and Blumkin Home royalty -Joie Simon and Louise Abrahamson -- will be on hand with surprises. This is going to be a week of zaniness and gobs of fun for both our Residents and staff.” Working with Conti on the Nursing Home Week planning committee Continued on page 2
Beth El’s Hazzan Michael Krausman works with members of his AAA Yad Squad, Ethan Finkelstein, left, David Kay, Spencer Gordman, Zach Krausman and Ari Finkelstein. by JILL BELMONT form a special bond with the cenBeth El Publicity turies-old tradition of Torah readOn their way up to the big leagues, ing as well as the Torah itself, and athletes often hone their skills by to give participants the opportunity playing on farm teams. And now at to gain experience chanting in front Beth El, Hazzan Michael Krausman of the congregation before their has created his own farm team of B’nai Mitzvah.” The students, who meet with the Torah readers, aptly named the AAA Yad Squad. The squad is made hazzan after religious school on up of Talmud Torah students, all en- Sundays and occasionally on thusiastic about sharpening their Wednesdays are “very bright and Torah skills for a lifetime of reading. talented students,” he said. “They’ve The select group is currently learned their portions very quickly comprised of fourth- to seventh – quicker than adults usually can.” The team has enthusiastically graders. By the time their B’nai Mitzvah roll around in a few years, taken on the challenge of learning these kids will undoubtedly be sea- tropes and portions. Their first soned Torah-reading pros ready to foray into public Torah reading be bumped up to the major league took place during services leading of readers, known as the Yad Squad. up to or during Passover, and acHazzan Krausman said his two cording to their instructor/coach, objectives for this group are “to Continued on page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | May 9, 2014
Humanitarians of the Year
JOSEPH PRIVITERA
ITALIAN CRAFTSMAN
Continued from page 1 “We are truly grateful for our blessings and try hard not to take anything for granted. We are so fortunate to be in a position where we can help support the community.” Jewish Grocers Jack is Chairman and CEO of Property Development and Management, Inc. In 1992 Bob retired as Chairman of the family’s Baker’s Supermarkets and Jack took the reins until 2000. With a relationship spanning more than 60 years, Murray Newman is certainly well suited to reflect on the Baker family. “Jack and I go way back; we were members of Rayim
thropy is that it has become a legacy; beginning with Abe, passed down to Bob and Jack, and carried forward in the next generation, wherever they reside.” Federation President Jay Noddle stated, “I have known the Baker family my entire life. There is not a family whose star shines brighter. They are fabulous examples of committed community members. I congratulate them!” Civic Investment The families have given generously of their time, resources and business expertise to several community boards and numerous civic events. They were major contributors to the
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Bellevue Bakers, 1955 Jewish high school club. We both grew up in the grocery business, not as competitors initially, but later, as ‘friendly’ competitors. For years, Jack and I would have this standing joke: we’d ask one another, ‘What are you getting for casabas (melons)?’ Neither one of us would answer for fear of being accused of price-fixing.” “The Jewish grocers in Omaha had a profound influence supporting the community. No family has exemplified this tradition more than the Baker family,” said family friend and JFO Board member Bruce Friedlander. “As a third generation grocer, I was fortunate to work for the Baker family. During my presidency of Beth El Synagogue, we were constructing the new building at 144th St., and Jack Baker allowed me to spend the necessary time working and fulfilling the duties of synagogue life.” “The Baker family wrote the book on customer service; both customer service and community service. Bottom line, ‘You could always do better at Baker’s’.” Friedlander, now with decades of volunteering behind him, added, “Make no mistake. Jack Baker influenced me to do great things.” Newman went further, “Honoring and recognizing the generosity of the Baker family is long overdue. Quietly and without fanfare, Bob and Jack Baker and their father, Abe, were always willing to step up with substantial leadership gifts; whether it was building or improving the Federation campus or Temple Israel, they were always there, opening the eyes and minds of the community with a chorus of ‘WOW’s.’ He continued, “The wonderful thing about their philan-
Temple Israel Capital Campaign for its new building in Sterling Ridge and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s New Beginning Capital Campaign; the “Baker’s Square” signage flying over Main Street is a testament to their generosity. Last fall, Betsy served as chair of the Federation’s successful Major Donor Event, and it proved to be one of the most well received and well attended events in recent years. Jack served throughout the 1990’s on the Board of the National Conference of Community and Justice (NCCJ), known today as Inclusive Communities. Jack and Judy were later honored with its Humanitarian Award for their contributions fighting bias, bigotry and racism in Omaha. In 1998, the Bakers led United Way of the Midland’s Annual Campaign, raising a record $17.5 million. Jack served as Chairman of the Board of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2005. Federation CEO Mike Silverman looks forward to awards night. “The Baker family is one of the most highly regarded and well respected families in our community. They have a long history of outstanding support for Jewish Omaha and our Annual Campaign. The entire family, with Jack, Judy, Bob and Sonya at the helm, are generous and caring. Their philanthropy serves as an outstanding example of the values upon which the Humanitarian Award is based.” The Humanitarian of the Year, our community’s highest honor, will be presented to the Baker family at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s annual Meeting on Monday, June 2 at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. The entire community is invited to celebrate with all the award honorees.
Beth El’s AAA Yad Squad
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Continued from page 1 “All of the young readers were outstanding!” The students spoke with great pride about their accomplishments. Said fifth grader Spencer Gordman, “Once I knew I could read Torah before my Bar Mitzvah, I wanted to try it. I thought it would be fun and I was right. Torah is a big part of Judaism, so I felt connected to it. “It was a great experience and I want to do it again.” Fellow fifth grader David Kay said he wanted to learn to chant “because most people don’t have this chance in life, and it interested me.” He added that reading during the Passover experience was meaningful because “many of the congregants are not able to read Hebrew very fluently, and because I can show my skill and feel good about it.” Fourth-grade twins Ethan and Ari Finkelstein are the youngest participants in the AAA Yad Squad. Both expressed enthusiasm about meeting the challenge of learning tropes and their Torah portions. Ari shared that learning Torah now will help him to be well-prepared for his Bar Mitzvah; and for Ethan, being able to read Torah is important because he knows it’s a mitzvah. As the son of Beth El’s Hazzan, Zach Krausman was introduced to Torah reading at an early age. “I had the opportunity to read Torah the first time when I Paid for byin Nebraskans for Pete Nelson’s Creek Dr, Omaha, NE 68116“I thought it was seven Florida, ” Pirsch, the 2315 seventh grader said.
was so great and I'm glad others get the chance to get involved. “It is a challenge and it’s fun and it makes me feel special and closer to God.” For more information about the AAA Yad Squad, contact Hazzan Krausman in the synagogue office, 402.492.8550, or at hazzankrausman@bethel-omaha.org.
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home celebration Continued from page 1 are Shelley Cash, Director of Nursing; Jessy Ahabbar, Neighborhood Clerk; Linda Cogen, Volunteer Coordinator; Aaron Dittmer, Neighborhood Clerk; Josh Gurock, RBJH Director of Operations; Mary Heiman, Activities Director; Stephanie Hinsley, Laundry and Environmental Services Supervisor; Karen Hook, Activities Director; Jenn Tompkin Kirshenbaum, Director of Human Resources; Karen Menagh, Activities Director; Natalie Osborne, RBJH Nurses Manager; Stephanie Silva, Administrative Intern; Deb Simon, Neighborhood Clerk; Doug Smith, Activities Director; Rabbi Jeffrey Weiss, Pastoral Coordinator, and Tyler Wolles, Food Services Assistant.
May 9, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 3
Partnership2GETHER Performer David “Dudu” Cohen Get your tickets for Bye Bye Birdie
by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Program Coordinator, Center for Jewish Life The Center for Jewish Life is delighted to welcome David “Dudu” Cohen to Omaha through Partnership2GETHER. David, a producer and performer of the musical theater performance, also teaches rhythmic lessons, world music, drama and music therapy in medical, rehabilitative and educational organizations. During the past two years he has also been working with IsraAid, serving as an expressive therapist teaching social workers and teachers in Sudan and Kenya. On Sunday evening, May 11, beginning at 5 p.m., a special program – done EXCLUSIVELY IN HEBREW - will feature a pizza and salad dinner followed by a drum circle. The program will be held in the JCC Auditorium. There is no charge, however, reservations are needed to assure sufficient food is available. On Monday evening, CJL is excited to include another of its premier programs when PJ Library joins for a night of family fun. A kid friendly pasta dinner begins at 5:45 p.m. followed by an interactive musical evening with Dudu that will get everyone up and moving. The cost is just $10 per family and will be held in the commons area at Friedel Jewish Academy. While recommended for families with children eight years old and younger, older siblings and grandparents are also welcome to attend. Reservations for either event are needed by May 9 by contacting Mark at 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org. The organizations in which David teaches include Mizra Hospital, the Neot Hadassah Rehabilitation Center, Nitzanim-Acco Hospital for people with special needs, Nahariya’s Lev Ham Daycare program for children with disabilities, the Acco Daycare
Center for the Blind, and Acco’s Atidot daycare for the mentally disabled. He has a Master of Arts in Art and Drama Therapy from Haifa University and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Bar Ilan. During his army service he was a First
David “Dudu” Cohen
Sergeant in the IDF Intelligence Corps serving in a field intelligence unit in Lebanon. Eliad Eliyahu, Omaha’s Community Shaliach, knows David and has seen him perform. “Dudu is great! He is very talented and his enthusiasm will make all of his performances a lot of fun.” Eliad added “These
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programs will be a great night out for families to enjoy.” While in Omaha, David will also perform at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Friedel Jewish Academy and the Child Development Center. He then travels to Des Moines for performances in the area. Partnership2Gether is a program of the Center for Jewish Life promoting people-topeople relationships between Israel and communities throughout the world. Omaha is one of 12 cities in the U.S. partnering with the city of Akko and the Matte Asher region in northern Israel, sharing cultural, social, medical, educational and economic programs. PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations. The program offers free, high quality Jewish books and music each month to more than 100,000 children in over 175 different communities. All families raising Jewish children from age six months through eight years are welcome to participate. If you are not enrolled, this will be a great opportunity to do so - and to have some fun at the same time. Local funding for the PJ Library program is provided by the Dorothy and Myer S. Kripke Institute for Jewish Family Literacy. Funding for the Monday evening event is provided by the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and the Esther K. Newman/ Carolyn Kully Newman Memorial Funds. Partnership2GETHER and PJ Library are coordinated through the Center for Jewish Life whose mission it is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences. For additional information, please call 402.334.6445.
by ESTHER KATZ JCC Cultural Arts Director Get ready for the JCC Musical Theater Bye Bye Birdie performances. Shows are scheduled for Thursday, May 29, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 1 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 and go on sale 9 a.m. Monday, May 12. A ticket table will be open from 9-10 a.m. at the main entrance to the Jewish Community Center. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Laura Wine, JCC registrar, at 402.334.6419. This program is generously sponsored by the following funds of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation: Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund and the JCC Theatre Program Endowment Fund. For more information, please contact Esther Katz at 402.334.6406 or ekatz@ jccomaha.org.
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4 | The Jewish Press | May 9, 2014
Peyton Manning to Speak at the 60th Omaha Charity Sports Banquet by ALYCIA ZABROCKI Event Producer, PlanItOmaha With 59 years of history, talented student athletes and phenomenal keynote speakers, the B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge chap-
stand-up comedy, their past television series, Cheap Seats, on ESPN Classic, and comedic appearances in HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage, and the FX hit It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Please join B’nai B’rith in celebrating 60 wonderful years at the Omaha Charity Sports Banquet on Thursday, May 15 at 5:45 p.m., held at the CenturyLink Center Omaha. During the banquet, B’nai B’rith will honor the top female and male athletes from the metropolitan high school area. Millard South senior Madison Unzicker is to be congratulated for winning the Madison Unzicker Harrison Foster Phillips Earl Siegel award. She is a three time Class A softball teammate, honorary team captain, Greater Omaha Chamber Female Athlete of the Year, three time Class A State softball Champion. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. The B’nai B’rith will also honor Millard West High School student Harrison Foster Phillips as the Bert Render male athlete of the year. Harrison participates in Wildcat football, wrestling ter decided that it needed to make its 60th and track. He was named the Gatorade banquet a celebration to remember. The Nebraska Football Player of the Year in 2013, keynote speaker is National Football League Super State 1st team and honorary captain in MVP, past Super Bowl Winner and Denver football. He was the 2013-2014 Class A Broncos Quarterback, Peyton Manning. In Heavyweight wrestling State Champion and addition to the all-star lineup, the Sklar was team captain three years running. He Brothers will serve as emcees for the was an Academic All Metro in track for evening. They are most well known for their 2012, 2013, and 2014. He was also a district
and state qualifier for multiple years. B’nai B’rith is a major financial supporter of youth programming and a sponsor of numerous educational programs throughout the year on a variety of matters open to the public. They also work closely with local religious institutions to help make participa-
tion in religious life activities more affordable for families in need. For more information on purchasing tickets to the Omaha Charity Sports Banquet, please visit www.omahasportsbanquet.org, call 402.333-3062, or email bnaibrith@plan itomaha.com.
Israeli students visit Friedel
The Friedel fourth, fifth and sixth graders singing by CLAUDIA SHERMAN for Friedel Jewish Academy Beginning with a moment of silence, the voices of the children of Friedel Jewish Academy sweetly rose in song to memorialize those who perished in the Holocaust of World War II. Israeli high school students shared and participated in the Yom HaShoah observance at the school on April 28. The Israeli students were visiting Omaha as part of the Teen-to-Teen program of Partnership2GETHER, which
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connects cities around the world with Israeli communities. The visitors sang several songs as part of the ceremony. Friedel’s sixth graders sang His Last Walk. Fourth and fifth graders joined the sixth graders in singing Inscription of Hope. Individual kindergarteners, each with an Israeli teen, lit one of six candles in memory of the six million Jews whose lives were extinguished during the Holocaust. The tribute concluded with the children and guests from the community singing Hatikva.
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May 9, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 5
Judge Ben Novicoff by OZZIE NOGG Novicoff kept crafting new language that eventually led to a The verdict is in. According to family and friends, Retired winning trifecta of lower litigation costs, higher benefits for Workers’ Compensation Judge Ben Novicoff, 93, makes injured employees, and saved money for employers. “I took a really good chopped liver. “My mother had no recipe,” he strong role in making changes, but improvements never said, “but whenever she made chopped liver I’d stand over would have happened without the help of Nebraska State legher shoulder and watch until I finally figured out the pro- islators and the Governors who signed the bills.” portions. I use an old fashioned grinder, like she did. Never Novicoff ’s empathy for injured workers might stem from a Cuisinart.” his family history. “In 1906, my dad Despite his culinary bent, Michael was twenty and about to be Novicoff chose Law School over Le drafted by the Tzar’s army in Cordon Bleu. He received his J.D. Ukraine. So he and my mother from the University of Nebraska Helen, who was seventeen, eloped College of Law in 1948, opened a and fled to Cairo where my father private practice in Lincoln, and has served as an apprentice barber. been a force to reckon with ever Three years later they landed in since. In recognition of his generNew York, where he saved up ous support to his alma mater, a enough money from barbering to Study Room at the UNL College of buy a Model T. Ford. One morning Law bears Ben Novicoff ’s name, as he was cranking up the motor and it does the Library at the Harris backfired and broke his wrist. That Center for Judaic Studies. ended his barbering.” Ever gutsy, Novicoff has dedicated his profesNovicoff ’s father piled his family sional life to oiling the wheels of jusinto the Model T. and travelled tice, a fact acknowledged by his west. Last stop, Lincoln, NE. “Our peers. The International first winter here, my father bought a Association of Industrial Accident ton of coal, divided it into five Boards and Commissions, over pound paper sacks, and went door which Novicoff presided from 1972 to door in the neighborhood. That’s to 1973, honored him with the how he made a dollar during our Outstanding Administrators Award first winter in Lincoln.” Soon, the for his achievement in advancing Novicoff brood included George, Retired Judge Ben Novicoff workers’ compensation throughout the twins -- Sam and Abe -- Lou the world. In 1996, he received the Commissioner’s Award and Ben. When Helen Novicoff ’s brother was killed in For Eminent Achievement from the U.S. Department of Ukraine during a pogrom, one of his sons, Abe Cohen, came Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 1997, Novicoff was elect- to Lincoln with a ticket paid for by Ben’s father and became ed to the Nebraska State Bar Foundation Class of Fellows, a part of the family. “The six of us boys got along fine,” Judge selection based on his dedication to improving the adminis- Novicoff said, “but if we started a ruckus, my mother knew tration of justice in this state, his leadership in the legal pro- how to stop it.” fession, his civic service and integrity. His pro bono service as During Lincoln’s Tifereth Israel Synagogue 100th annivera Trustee of the Daniel J. Gross Fund, which aids practicing sary celebration in August of 2013, Judge Novicoff shared his Nebraska lawyers and their families during a time of crisis or memories. “In my early years, about one hundred families financial distress, is described as exemplary. But there’s more. belonged to that synagogue and the Rabbi was Soulle On March 1, 2014, during The Foundation Fellows Dinner Gordon,” he wrote. “I sat upstairs with my mother and the at the Holland Performing Arts Center, Judge Novicoff was ladies of the congregation. There was no air-conditioning, recognized with the Nebraska State Bar Foundation’s Public and if you sat near the windows, you controlled whether they Service Award. Mike Mooney, a past Nebraska State Bar were open or shut. But not always with everyone’s agreeFoundation Board member and current member of the ment.” Novicoff went on to describe debates that took place Gross Fund Board, said, “Judge Novicoff, by his service as a in the shul over questions of Jewish practice. “Often there Workers’ Compensation Judge for over forty years, more was no agreement, but even if the argument got heated no than fulfilled the public service criteria for this award. He is one ever got angry.” And the four men who always sat in the held in the highest esteem by his colleagues in the Bar and by front center seats? “They delighted in two things. Davening the University of Nebraska. His career on the bench has been as loud as they could, and shouting corrections when the stellar, and it is our honor to honor him.” Former Omahan, Torah reader made a mistake. It was fun listening to them.” Elaine Novicoff Nachman, came from Arizona to be her “Like all Jewish boys,” Novicoff continued, “I started chedUncle Ben’s guest at the event. “My dad George was the old- er.” Unfortunately, he also started catching just about every est Novicoff brother. When I was eight and Uncle Ben was childhood disease. Frequently absent, young Ben fell behind twenty, we all lived in the same house in Lincoln. Sunday was his classmates, and then dropped out. “My parents didn’t my Grandmother Helen’s day to cook for the whole family push me to go back, and when I was twelve I had no knowland guests, and I’d set the table for at least twenty. Uncle Ben edge of Hebrew. My parents never tried to force me to have didn’t like kasha, so when the serving bowl was put in front a Bar Mitzvah, but I knew my father would be very disapof him, he’d push it away. But he sure liked his mother’s pointed. Fortunately, Rabbi Harry Jolt, the rabbi at the time, chopped liver. Uncle Ben is an important, special part of my was the best teacher and the kindest, most patient man I family. He came to Omaha to attend each of our three daugh- ever knew. In the summer of 1933, we started private lessons ters’ Bat Mitzvahs and their weddings. I was so happy to be in his office. In December of 1933, I struggled through my at The Fellows Dinner and will always remember watching Bar Mitzvah with help from the four men who always sat in Uncle Ben receive this accolade.” the front row shouting corrections. I knew my father was Novicoff feels lucky to have found a career he enjoys. “I proud of me, and that made it all worthwhile.” A taped interwanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember, but my view with Judge Novicoff is included in the Dr. Ben sitting on the Workers Compensation Court came by acci- Nachman Oral History Program at the Nebraska Jewish dent. Back in 1956, I was in private practice in Lincoln. One Historical Society. day I was delivering papers to the Justice of the Peace and I Sharp as ever, Judge Novicoff keeps active in retirement. “I saw Hyman Polsky and Hyman Evnan -- two other Lincoln read. I attend an occasional Shrine meeting. I stay busy with attorneys -- standing and talking. I heard them say, ‘What the State Bar Foundation that gave me this award. The older about him?’ I turned around and said, ‘What about who?’ At I get, the faster time goes, so I spend most of it with Aloha, which point they told me that a judge was leaving the my companion of fifty-nine years. She has Alzheimer’s now. Compensation Court. ‘You’d probably like that,’ they said, so We never married, but she’s the love of my life.” I applied for the job and got it.” The 1956 appointment was Doris Huffman, Executive Director of the Nebraska State made by then-Governor Victor Anderson. Novicoff served Bar Foundation, considers it a privilege to call Judge Novicoff as Presiding Judge of the Workers’ Compensation Court for her friend. “He visits the Foundation frequently and always twenty-eight years, having been elected to the position by stops in my office to ask about my family, my health. He truly his fellow judges. He retired from the bench in 1996, exact- cares. It’s quite touching. Over the years we’ve talked about ly forty years from the date he was appointed. everyday things, from the history of Lincoln, his childhood In a 1989 Lincoln Journal Star interview, Novicoff said, “It memories, cooking stories. We both like food, including the may not be the most glamorous area of the law, but Workers’ Cookie Company’s gooey sticky rolls they have on Fridays. Compensation is important to those whose health or liveli- We recently had dinner at Billy’s Restaurant, and Judge hood is threatened by an injury at work.” When he first came Novicoff added their Lemon Drop Cheesecake to his list of on the Compensation Court, Novicoff realized “a lot needed favorites. But mostly we talk about Aloha, his lifelong partto be done. Back then, a claim for total disability got the work- ner. Bottom line, Judge Novicoff is one of the nicest men I er a settlement of twenty-seven dollars a week, maximum. know. A true gentlemen. He is so humble, and that’s a rare Every time the legislature met, there was a big fight over rais- quality. Chopped liver isn’t on my list of top ten favorite ing the compensation even two or three dollars.” Undeterred, foods, but in his case I’d make an exception.”
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6 | The Jewish Press | May 9, 2014
BBYO/Teen Director Position The Jewish Community Center of Omaha has an outstanding full-time professional position available in our Teen Department. If you have an outgoing personality and a strong desire to work with Jewish teens, and summer camp in a wide variety of programs, this may be the ideal career move for you. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree and experience working with teens. Please send resume to Jenn Tompkins Kirshenbaum, Director of Human Resources at jtk@jewishomaha.org
JFO Volunteers of the Year by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha We rely on the dedication and generosity of our wonderful volunteers to further our mission to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. It is a privilege to honor those in our community
Jewish community by developing adult education programs through the Klutznick Governance Committee. This year, the committee instituted two new programs, The Global Day of Jewish Learning and the Klutznick Learning Series. He holds the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University.
An Agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha
Jason Epstein
Andy Greenberg
Dr. Leonard Greenspoon
Bea Karp
David Phillips
Andy Ruback
who give tirelessly and selflessly to make our Jewish community the best it can be. Join us on Monday, June 2 at 7 p.m. when the Jewish Federation of Omaha honors its Volunteers of the Year during a special presentation at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Meeting. This year’s Volunteers of the Year are: Jason Epstein Jewish Community Center After serving on the JCC Board of Directors for two years, Epstein became a member of its Executive Committee. He has assisted in several key decisions including the hiring of its current Executive Director. He serves as chairman of the JCC Benchmark Program and the Pool committee and will assume the presidency of the JCC Board in 2015. Andy Greenberg Jewish Social Services Greenberg brings unlimited enthusiasm to his volunteer work at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. He participates in Shabbat Comes to You on Friday afternoons and often leads a service on Shabbat morning. He and his wife, Carole, also lead the Passover Seder for Residents. This year, the Home was especially grateful to Andy for his work designating prayers for the Home’s new Shabbat and High Holiday prayer book. Dr. Leonard Greenspoon The Center for Jewish Life Greenspoon brings his expertise to the
Bea Karp Institute for Holocaust Education Considered one of the most active and selfless volunteers is Holocaust survivor Bea Karp. She is tireless in her efforts to engage with students and packs her schedule with dozens of speaking engagements. Those who have heard her speak describe her testimony as “thoughtful, patient, inspiring and impactful.” Bea serves on the IHE Governance Council and has volunteered on the Yom HaShoah planning committee since 2006. David Phillips Jewish Federation of Omaha As President of Young Jewish Omaha for two years, Phillips has maintained steady growth in the areas of programming and engagement. Under his leadership, the Annual Matzo Ball Bash on Christmas Eve has become a true fixture in the community’s social scene and has expanded with promotional help from local synagogues. Andy Ruback The Jewish Press Ruback is a lay leader 100% committed to supporting our community’s weekly newspaper. According to editor Annette VandeKamp-Wright, Ruback has been instrumental to the paper’s success. As Board president for three years, he has competently guided the paper through many changes.
Birth Lisa and Ryan Cooper announce the April 1 birth of their son, Henry Lewis. He is named for his great grandfathers; his Hebrew name is Itzhak Aryeh for his late maternal grandfather, Isaac Lipshitz.
Grandparents are Sherry and the late Isaac Lipshitz of Chesterfield, MO and Gail and Gary Cooper of Odessa, MO. Great-grandparents are Rhoda and William Carl of Woodbridge, CT.
Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, May 14, noon, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha. org.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Guess what? Spring is Here!! We’ve resumed our meetings on Thursdays from 1-3 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s boardroom. We welcome all who would like to attend. For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.
May 9, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 7
In the news Ari D. Riekes has joined the law firm of Marks Clare & Richards, LLC. Riekes has been associated with the firm for several years. Riekes has a diverse litigation practice including commercial litigation, personal injury, family law, and contractual disputes. In addition, a significant portion of his practice is devoted to representing employees and employers in the areas of employment discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, duty of loyalty issues, and non-compete agreements. Mr. Riekes also represents numerous landlords involving commercial and residential lease agreements and related disputes. He is also a trained mediator.
Welcome to the Lied Lodge by AMY STOUFFER Marketing Director, Arbor Day Farm and Lied Lodge & Conference Center Lied Lodge & Conference Center in Nebraska City, Nebraska, is a naturally-inspiring backdrop for your wedding day, Bar/Bat Mitzvah party, graduation party or other special celebration. Just 40 minutes south of Omaha, Lied Lodge is nestled on 260-acre Arbor Day Farm and showcases floor-toceiling timbers, soaring stone fireplaces and scenic vistas of orchards. Lied Lodge’s two separate, full-service kitchens ensure kosher preparation of celebrational meals, and on-site event coordinators work carefully to carry out every detail to perfection – allowing you to relax and make memories that last a lifetime. • Indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony and reception sites • Customizable menus • 144 guest rooms • 14,000+ square feet of customizable gathering space • Audio-visual equipment and support staff ready to assist 24/7 • Indoor Olympic-sized pool and full-service spa Owned and operated by the non-profit Arbor Day Foundation, Lied Lodge’s inspiring surroundings reflect its simple mission: to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Through our partners and members around the world – including guests of Lied Lodge – together we planted 5.2 million new trees in state and national forests. For your next celebration, we hope you’ll consider Lied Lodge & Conference Center in Nebraska City. More information is available online at www.liedlodge.org, or by calling 800.546.5433. PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
To submit announcements: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.
Temple Israel’s new Torah covers by DAVID GOLBITZ covers were stitched in wool, so [we know] it’s something Temole Israel Staff Writer that will last.” After the 1975 tornado devastated parts of Omaha, The wool was “literally on a slow boat from England,” Rips including Temple Israel, the congregation began the process said; and after it arrived, she practiced different stitching of not simply rebuilding, but improving. The original techniques to determine which was going to work best. stained glass windows had to be replaced and additional rooms were added to the Cass Street building to accommodate the growing congregation. A group of congregants also took it upon themselves to make new covers for the Torah scrolls, as a way of ushering in this new era of Temple Israel. When it was decided almost 40 A preliminary design for the Torah scroll covers incorporates symbols that represent various Jewish years later that holidays. Temple Israel would move from Cass Street to Sterling Then she set about recruiting fellow stitchers to help with Ridge, another congregant thought it would be a good time the covers. for new Torah covers once again, to symbolize another new “It’s a big commitment,” Rips said. “It can be a difficult beginning for the congregation. process and people had to be really signed on to this project.” “I thought it would be nice if we had Torah covers that Two of the women Rips brought on board were Amber would be appropriate for the new building,” Jane Rips said. Baker and Joanie Lehr, both of whom are seasoned stitchers. “I had spoken to [Program Director] Wendy Goldberg a “When I was five years old and was in Temple Sunday while ago about doing this project and, eventually, when the School, I was asked to make the curtains on a cardboard ark ark curtain was designed, we took our ideas from it and it for our little tiny Torahs,” Lehr said. “And now 70 years later, took off from there.” I’m making a real Torah cover. I’m honored to be doing it, The first step in the process was coming up with the and I’m thrilled to have my stamp on something that will be design for the Torah scroll covers. Rips contacted a needle- at Temple a long time.” point artist in Arizona whom she knows and they discussed In addition to stitching covers for the Torah scrolls, Rips the design. also helped design the binder that holds the scrolls together. “Basically, she wanted the covers to coordinate with the “The Torah binders are also taken from the same design curtain that had been commissioned,” said Peggi Hageman, and will use the same colors as the covers,” Rips said. “It’s owner of Phoenix Needlepoint Company. “Jane sent photos kind of like stitching a belt.” of the sanctuary, the curtain, and the carvings on the ark, as The team of stitchers who are creating the binders well as the sizes of the small and large Torahs. She also sent includes Stacy Atlas, Cindy Goldberg, Sarah Yale and Rosie color swatches of the curtain fabric. We finally decided on a Zweiback. contemporary design incorporating elements from the sanc“All the people who are stitching are just wonderful,” Rips tuary as well as a rendition of a different carving on each said. Torah.” Rips put together a kit with the fabric and instructions for The new Torah scroll covers were designed as “a represen- the design, and the coterie of needlepointers set about the tation of the [new] ark curtain,” Rips said, referring to the task of stitching the Torah scroll covers and belts. parochet designed and created by Israeli artist Galya “It’s a labor of love,” Rips said. “It’s a link to the stitchers of Rosenfeld for the Sterling Ridge building. the past, Jane Brooks, Marjorie Kirshenbaum and Jan “It has the Star of David and the symbols from the wood- Goldstein, who stitched the previous covers. It’s an honor to en doors from the old building; and we’re using the same be stitching them, and to be part of that legacy. Fifty years fabrics from the ark curtain,” Rips said. from now, when they’re building a new building or renovatFor the colors, Rips visited Personal Threads, a yarn bou- ing this one, someone will think about the people who cretique on 86th and Cass Streets, where she looked at and ated them as they set about making new ones once again.” compared the colors of different fabrics until she found ones Stitching Torah scroll covers and binders can be a long, that match the ark curtain. difficult process, but Rips and the other women are making “I picked the colors and we had to order wool,” Rips said. progress. Rips hopes that the new covers will be ready to go “Wool is frankly the most durable yarn. Our [current] Torah after this year’s High Holy Days.
8 | The Jewish Press | May 9, 2014
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
Our story
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press We are finally out of snow-danger, it’s warming up considerably outside and our gardens are blooming. That means it’s time for the Jewish Press’ annual Press Club! I am excited, and I hope you are too. It’s an opportunity for everyone who reads the Press, in Omaha and in the rest of the country, to support us directly, and have a hand in our future. It is no secret that the printed press in America has been struggling financially, and continues to do so. Jewish newspapers in particular have been hit hard over the past five years, and too many of them have disappeared for good. However, there are also those who are still here, those who continue to inform their communities, and continue to improve their content. They are quality newspapers that offer robust and community-specific content. We count ourselves among them, and I don’t think I am bragging too much when I say that, in spite of our financial hardships, our paper looks good. Really good. There are two main reasons for that. First, we have a community that is vibrant and active, with a wide array of activities to report on and much to talk about. We have a day school, active synagogues and organizations with a wide variety of programming and a functioning Federation that is the envy of many other communities around the country, and rightly so. With never a shortage of stories to tell, we are rarely short on content. Second, like the other Jewish newspapers around the country that are here to stay, the Jewish Press has broad support. We have readers who are interested and engaged, who
read the Press week after week, and cannot imagine this community without it. We have a wonderful CEO who always supports us and who strongly believes in us. We have great colleagues at other agencies, at the Synagogues and various organizations, who help us fill our pages with interesting material week after week. We have a Federation that
has our back, and we have a staff of dedicated people, as well as lay leaders and volunteers, who are emotionally invested in our paper. And finally, we have generous donors. To make this community work this well, we all need each other. It’s why we give to the Federation’s Annual Campaign. But we also give to the Center for Jewish Life, to the Institute for Holocaust Education, and the Anti-Defamation League. We give to our synagogues, to Chabad, to Jewish Family
Service and to Friedel Jewish Academy, and we don’t stop there. Some of us give a lot, some of us give a little; it all depends on how much we have to spare. The important thing is not how much we give individually, what matters is that we are all in this together. The Jewish Press is an integral and important part of this community. For over 90 years, it has focused on our collective story, the story of who we are and what we believe in. As our reader, you are already part of that story. When you donate to our Jewish Press Club, you directly help our operating budget, and you become part of the story on an additional level. A level that says: we believe in us, we believe in this community, and we believe in our story. Whether you live in Phoenix, New Orleans, California, Florida, or right here in Nebraska; we need you. We always need you, and the Jewish Press Club is an excellent vehicle to answer that call. If and when you send us your response, would you please do us a favor? Add a few lines about why you believe in us. We’d love to include your testimonials in our paper, because that, too, is part of our collective story. To become a member of the Jewish Press Club, simply fill out the form on page 12, and return it to us with your check. There are three suggested giving levels: $36 (Reporter), $72 (Editor), and $180 (Publisher); if you want to give a different amount, you are more than welcome to do so. If you would prefer to give online, you can find the link at http://www.jewishomaha.org/jewish press/press-club/. To everyone who is reading this: thank you so very much for your continued support. We honestly could not do this without you.
The pulpit isn’t the place for Israel criticism
Focus on issues RICHARD A. BLOCK NEW YORK (JTA) -- Freedom of the pulpit is a cherished Jewish value, yet some rabbis hesitate to share their “true views” about Israeli policy from the pulpit, as a study last year from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs found. There is virtue in such reticence. Israel needs many things, but one thing it does not need is more public criticism, which is ubiquitous. Some is legitimate but lacks context. Much of it is exaggerated, unfair, uninformed or plainly wrong. Increasingly, it lurches from offensive to anti-Semitic, rationalizing the shortcomings of Israel’s adversaries and ignoring the worst abuses of others, focusing exclusively and obsessively on the Jewish state. This willful blindness finds expression in such things as the blatantly anti-Semitic “study guide” on Zionism circulated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the immoral, hypocritical and pernicious boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, which denies the legitimacy of a democratic Jewish state, even alongside a Palestinian one. Some organizations on the left define themselves as proIsrael but welcome, defend and provide a forum to BDS supporters, engage in public criticism of Israel heedless of how it is exploited by its adversaries, prescribe policies its government should follow and urge the United States to pressure Israel to adopt them. Others, on the right, profess to love Israel but oppose compromises its government is prepared to make for peace and agitate against such measures. All such entities exhibit implicit disrespect for Israel as a democracy. They believe they understand Israel’s best inter-
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Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, Caryn Scheer, Bobbi Leibowitz, Past President; Scott Farkas; Sandy Friedman; Noah Priluck; Paul Rabinowitz; Mark Senal; Nancy Wolf; David Kotok, Sarah Grossman-Lopez. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma
ests better than Israel does, that Israel cannot be trusted to do the right thing absent outside influence, and that they know best what risks Israel should take and sacrifices it must make, even though they will not have to face or bear them. I prefer, instead, to heed the approach outlined by the Central Conference of American Rabbis in its Centenary Platform on Reform Judaism and Zionism. This document lists “political support” as the first of “our obligations to Israel.” Indeed, Israel’s security depends on broad bipartisan political support for the U.S.-Israel alliance, regardless which party controls Congress, the White House or the Knesset. This is especially urgent when the leaders of Iran, the foremost state sponsor of terrorism, deny the Holocaust and quite evidently seek the capacity to threaten or perpetrate another. And when the latest round of U.S.-sponsored Israeli-Palestinian peace talks teeters on the brink in the face of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ updated version of Khartoum’s three No’s: no recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, no compromise on the claimed “right of return,” no commitment that a peace agreement would end the conflict. I am not suggesting that we pretend Israel is perfect, ignore the complex moral challenges it faces, disregard its occasional failures or excesses in the exercise of power, or encourage unquestioning approval of whatever its government does. Ardent support for Israel does not permit us to deny that Palestinians, too, have rights that deserve acknowledgment and suffer hardships no one would willingly bear. But, for example, when Israel’s security barrier is described with preposterous obscenities like “apartheid wall,” we are morally obliged to make it clear that Palestinian
terrorism preceded the security barrier and not the other way around. Whatever one’s view of settlements and “the occupation,” they are not the conflict’s origins but its manifestations, and they will not be resolved by boycotts, denunciations or unilateral measures, but only by a permanent peace agreement that the parties alone can achieve. Ecclesiastes notes, “There is... a time for silence and a time for speaking.” The challenge for rabbis, individually and collectively, is determining which time it is, and when the time comes for words, to choose them with utmost care. Where Israel is concerned, rabbis have a primary duty: to nurture ahavat yisrael -- love for, identification with and attachment, loyalty and commitment to the Jewish state, its imperfections notwithstanding. The highest and best use of our pulpits and voices is not to focus on Israel’s flaws but its virtues, to rebut distortions, oversimplifications and falsehoods, to provide context and perspective. Our job as rabbis is to acquaint people with the vibrant democracy that guarantees freedom of speech, press, religion and assembly, and where women, Arabs, religious minorities and gay and lesbian persons enjoy rights, protections and opportunities unknown elsewhere in the region. It is to highlight the Israel that has sent humanitarian aid and emergency relief missions to more than 140 countries, rescued tens of thousands of Ethiopian Jews and recently provided medical care to more than 700 wounded Syrians. It is to showcase the Israel whose myriad innovations in science, medicine and technology are contributing so much to humanity. As rabbis, we should be reminding the world that Israel is infinitely more than the sum of its conflicts. Rabbi Richard A. Block is president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
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material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.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: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced 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
professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, 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 $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 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 email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
May 9, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 9
Justice and Holocaust art
Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER What is a Jewish person to think about the growing frenzy to identify art looted by the Nazis? Clearly, all ethical people -- whether they are Jewish or not -- are against theft, and justice is served when theft is unmasked. Now for a different question: What is a committed Jewish person to think about the rights of the legal heirs to the looted artwork? This question is much more complicated than the first. It’s true that any time the topic comes up in media reports, it is assumed that justice will be served when the looted art is returned to its rightful heir. I wish to examine this assumption. When I own something and someone steals it from me, I deserve to get it back. If, say, I am an elderly person and suspect that the return of my prized possessions might not happen during my lifetime, I can in my last will and testament transfer my rights to a relative, friend, school, political party, etc. If I have not made a will, it can be assumed that the people closest to me -- my immediate family -- should inherit my rights to the artwork. So far so good. But now what hap-
pens if the art was stolen because I was a Jewish victim of the Holocaust, and what happens if 75 years later my only living blood relative is a grand-nephew who is married to a gentile and who raised his children in the Christian faith? Do you see what I’m getting at? The Holocaust by definition was a monstrous crime against the Jewish people, and yet the “Jewish� factor in art looted in the Holocaust is completely irrelevant in the pursuit of the legal heirs. As it stands now, such heirs do not have to be Jewish nor are they limited to what they may do with the art (or the proceeds from its sale). Theoretically speaking, a legal heir of looted art could use the proceeds to fund research into Holocaust denial. Of course, this is highly unlikely, but it seems to me that the larger Jewish community is being roped into something for which there is absolutely no accountability precisely towards the Jewish community. I called up Dr. Efraim Zuroff to get his take on this matter. Dr. Zuroff is the chief Nazi-hunter of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the director of its Israel Office. Zuroff said: “The inordinate amount of effort in locating stolen looted art is offensive to me. The Holocaust is not the Holocaust because it involved grand larceny; the Holocaust is the Holocaust because it was genocide.� For Zuroff, the return of stolen art “is justice, but it’s the least important justice.� The most important justice to be pursued today in connection with the Holocaust, according to Zuroff, can be gleaned from the
title of his (2009) book Operation Last Chance; One Man’s Quest to Bring Nazi Criminals to Justice. Indeed, Zuroff told me: “There are Nazi war criminals alive today, we know who they are, but their prosecution is directly connected to the extent that there is political will to prosecute -- which is why almost all of them will never be prosecuted.� The media’s priorities follow suit, said Zuroff: “The worldwide liberal press is much more interested in looted art than it is in bringing Nazi war criminals to justice.� So the next time you come across another breathtaking article about justice being served with the return of some artwork looted by the Nazis in the Holocaust, please ask yourself some troubling questions: Who was the current owner of the art before it was returned? Was it displayed to the public? Who is the legal heir of the looted art? What are their plans for the artwork? What is their relationship with the Jewish community? Who else benefited financially (and to what extent) from the return of the artwork (lawyers, dealers, etc.)? And finally: How much has justice been served in this case, and what are more pressing Holocaustrelated ways for justice to be served? Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest three, Nathan, Rebecca and Ruthie, are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@netvision.net.il.
Giving meaning to Holocaust remembrance
Focus on issues AVNER SHALEV JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Much ink has been spilled since the release of the Pew Research Center survey on Jewish identity in the United States. Many have addressed a number of the findings of the survey, with varying degrees of concern. But as we approach Yom Hashoah, I would like to address one issue that seems to unify Jews wherever they are along the affiliation spectrum, and that is the memory of the Holocaust. An extraordinary 73% of Pew’s respondents said that remembering the Holocaust is an essential part of what it means to be Jewish. This figure closely resembles what we have seen here in Israel and in discussions and surveys with thousands of Jewish students and teachers, from America and elsewhere. The causes for this are various, complex and worthy of separate discussion. Yet, given the prevalence of this sentiment, we have a duty to ensure that Holocaust remembrance is infused with meaning. The Holocaust was a cataclysmic and seminal event in modern Jewish history. It cannot but be a part of our current identities -- not the sum total of Jewish (or Israeli for that matter) identity but a part. Jewish identity is a multi-dimensional mosaic. The Holocaust is an aspect of this mosaic, and we must strive to provide it with depth. How do we ensure that the memory of the Holocaust motivates positively for our identity and heritage? For the past two decades, the educators at Yad Vashem’s International School for Holocaust Studies have been grappling with this question. How do we meaningfully teach about the Holocaust? How do we connect a new generation with a world that was eradicated?
We start by understanding that we cannot teach about the Shoah without talking about the creative and diverse Jewish life that existed before the Second World War. We teach not only about death and destruction but also about life before and during the Holocaust and the attempts to retain human dignity. We educate about the return to life of the survivors of the Shoah and their courageous decision to rebuild. Thus, the study of the Shoah is contextualized within the study of Jewish history. Going beyond just facts and the numbers, we need to relate the experiences of affected individuals, families and communities. We should make sure not to pass judgment on the choices people made during the Shoah. We will never fully understand the circumstances and the “choiceless choices� faced by the Jews at that time, but we can strive to find a degree of empathy. At the same time, our pedagogical approach must take into consideration the emotional and cognitive maturity of our students. This constitutes a thoughtful and nuanced approach to the Holocaust that grasps the Shoah as a building block of our common identity, calling upon us all to grapple with its events and dilemmas and gain meaning from them. It is imperative that we strive to nurture collective remembrance deriving from individual memories and accounts, piecing together fragments of information to create enhanced understanding. Holocaust education can also gain meaning when we apply a multidisciplinary approach that includes literary, artistic, philosophical and religious expression. The Shoah and its aftermath continue to reverberate. The German Nazis and their collaborators attempted to annihilate the entire Jewish people. The questions emanating from this collapse of the morals and values of Western civilization must still be confronted and addressed by everyone. As a Jew who, like the large majority of the Pew respondents, considers the memory of the Holocaust to be a part of my Jewish identity, I seek to channel that sense into learning
about the diverse Jewish world that existed, about the Jews’ spiritual and physical heroism during the Shoah and about the extraordinary post-Shoah activities of the survivors. Each one of us can and should commit to furthering this legacy. The Holocaust’s implications are many, and each of us is affected and touched by it in different ways. If we all take responsibility to perpetuate Jewish life, traditions and creativity, our shared Holocaust history will have become a positive common basis for vibrant Jewish continuity. Avner Shalev is chairman of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority.
Report: Pakistan planned attacks on consulates in India by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Pakistani security services planned to carry out terror attacks on a U.S. and an Israeli consulate in India, Indian security agencies said. Information about the attack was given to Indian security services by a Sri Lankan national -- allegedly hired by Pakistani officials as part of the plan -- during an interrogation, The Times of India reported Sunday. The Sri Lankan, Sakir Hussain, said Pakistan’s ISI intelligence agency planned to attack the U.S. consulate in Chennai and the Israeli consulate in Bangalore. Hussain reportedly said he was ordered to arrange identification papers for two bombers from Maldives. Indian investigators reportedly found photos of the U.S. and Israeli consulates in Hussain’s possession. A Pakistani government spokesman in Sri Lanka, Muhammad Daud Ehtisham, dismissed the report as a “malicious media campaign� and speculative, The Times of India reported.
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Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, please call 712.323.8885.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; MiniMinyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:15 p.m. SUNDAY: BESTT Classess, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew HIgh Classes, 6:45 p.m. BESTT Graduation and Teacher Appreciation Shabbat, Friday, May 16, 6 p.m. “Have a Cup of Coffee with God”, Saturday, May 17, 9:30 a.m. USY final banquet/brunch, Sunday, May 18, 12:30 p.m. RSVP to Betsy Goodman, betsy4589@gmail.com. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 8:12 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit (Barchu), 9 a.m.; Mincha, 8 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 9:18 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Gross. THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi
Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak. THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. by the Lincoln Temple Youth Group, honoring graduating seniors with oneg following hosted by Lisa Woodward-Zinn and Alan Zinn. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Behar. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Board of Trustees, 5:15-6:45 p.m.; Centered Walking Workshop Class using the Alexander Technique and Up with Gravity two-part series with Robert Rickover, tonight and the 22nd, 7-9 p.m. The class costs $40. Enrollment is limited to 15 people. To reserve your place, please contact Jean at the Temple office, 402.435.8004 or office@southstreettemple.org. Make your check for $40 payable to the South Street Temple, and send it to South Street Temple, 2061 South 20 St., Lincoln, NE 68502 prior to the first class. You can learn more about the Alexander Technique at www.AlexanderTechnique.com, and find out more about Up with Gravity at www.UpWithGravity.net. Tot Dinner and Shabbat, Friday, May 16, 5:45 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Up Close with Jewish Authors – The Writing of Chaim Potok Adult Education Class, Tuesday, May 20, 6:30–8 p.m. We will learn about the life of one of the great Jewish American authors and examine passages from some of his masterpieces, including The Chosen, The Promise, and My Name is Asher Lev. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Intro to Judaism, Session led by Rabbi Lewis.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by 39 Forever. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
Candlelighting Friday, May 9, 8:12 p.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Elijah Marburg, son of Debra Marburg and Daniel Marburg, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Hebrew Study with Na’ama, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Confirmation Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.; Ambassador Training, 7-9 p.m. Temple Israel is often asked to host faith groups, educational groups and other visitors, and we want to prepare our members to help lead tours of our new home. If you’d like to attend, please contact the office, RSVP@templeisraelom aha.com. If you have any questions, contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg, wgoldberg@templeisraelomaha.com. Confirmation Service, Friday, May 16, 6 p.m. for our tenth graders. Everyone is welcome to attend. OTYG Board Installation, Havdalah service and S’mores, Saturday, May 17, 7:30-9 p.m. Open to all OTYG members. Teacher In-Service, Sunday, May 18, 10 a.m. OTYG Board Retreat, Sunday, May 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Nikki Flatowicz’s home. High School Senior Celebration, Friday, May 23, 6 p.m. Temple Israel’s high school seniors will be given a celebratory blessing by the clergy as they prepare to begin the next phase of their lives. 143rd Annual Meeting, Sunday, June 1, 11 a.m. All members of Temple Israel are invited to attend as Sally Kaplan is honored for serving as president of the Board of Trustees for the past two years. Mike Halsted, incoming president, new Board officers and members will be installed. Outgoing Board members will be thanked for their service. Many other honors will be presented. Brunch will be served. Cost per person is $18. Please RSVP by May 27.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes; Stone settings for the graves of Rabbi Elihu Milder, 11 a.m., and Ruth Goldenberg, 11:30 a.m. at Carmel Cemetery. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Tot Shabbat and Wacky Mac Dinner, Friday, May 16, 5:45 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Gail, Janice, Ed, and Barb Wishnow invite you to help us celebrate Gail's 80th birthday by attending services at Tifereth Israel on Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. followed by a luncheon. You are also invited to a reception on Sunday, May 18 from 1-3 p.m. at Lazlo’s South, 5900 Old Cheney Rd.
B’nai Mitzvah Shoshana Sivan Spinner Halev, daughter of Elyza Richmon and Jeff Spinner Halev, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17, at Beth El Synagogue in Durham, NC. Shoshana is a seventh-grade student at Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill, NC. Her interests include music, Tar Heel basketball, sports and reading. She plays basketball and lacrosse for her teams at Smith Middle School. For her mitzvah project, Shoshana has been working all year to support a two-generation family of eight Burmese Karin refugees. She has a sister, Davida Segal, and a brother, Avishai Samuel. Grandparents are Arlene and Harry Richman of Omaha, Mildred and Edward Rosenbaum of West Bloomfield, MI and the late David Spinner. Gabriel Gilinsky, Lilly Gilinsky and Simon Gilinsky, children of Patty and Kevin Gilinsky, will become B’nai
there on random days of the week when they needed an outMitzvah on Saturday, May 17, at Temple Israel. Gabriel, Lilly and Simon are seventh-grade students at ing. They would run around and pet every dog they could by sliding their little fingers through the kennel doors. It has Beveridge Magnet Middle School. always brought them joy to Gabriel is involved in visit the animals, and even drama, swim team and the more joy when their mom track team. His interests and dad actually let them include computers, video adopt! The family has two games, reading, music, biking dogs, Bella and Harry. and friends. The kids volunteered for an Lilly is involved in the art agility dog show put on by the club, swim team, and track Nebraska Humane Society team. Her interests include art, crafts, games, music, and helped with stuffing toys shopping and her friends. for the animals to play with in Simon is involved in drama, the adoption center. They Gabriel Gilinsky, Lilly Gilinsky and Simon Gilinsky swim team, track team and also attended events and participates in triathlons. His interests include mountain camps at the humane society to learn about the adoption biking, video games, reading and friends. process, the different breeds of dogs and cats, and how to For their mitzvah project, Gabriel, Lilly and Simon volun- properly care for pets. teered at the Nebraska Humane Society. It was a natural Grandparents are Deanna and Larry Gilinsky, and Mary choice for the triplets, as they adore animals, especially dogs. Beth Herek and the late Tim Herek. Great-grandparents are They grew up visiting on a regular basis, and would end up Chickie Gilinsky and Eunice Fox.
Pulverent e
May 9, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 11
In memoriam
PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE
Who am I?
MARVIN STUART FREEDMAN
STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES
Marvin Stuart Freedman passed away peacefully on April 19 at age 74 in Santa Monica, CA. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Richards Freedman; son and daughter-in-law, Sue Lyon and Howard Freedman of San Francisco; daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Russell Marcus of Clinton, NY; grandchildren: Isaac and Sabina Freedman and Marina and Isidor Marcus; sister, Marlyne Freedman of Tucson, AZ.; brother, Sanford Freedman of Lewiston, ME.; and many relatives and friends. The son of Irving and Ruth Freedman, he was born in Omaha and graduated from Central High School, Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. Memorials may be made to the Morton or Ruth Riekes Richards Funds at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation or the organization of your choice.
Police disperse crowd gathered for anti-Semitic event in Brussels by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Belgian police used a water cannon to disperse a crowd who had gathered for an event that Jewish groups called a “summit meeting for anti-Semites.” Some 500 people gathered in front of a bookstore in the Anderlecht municipality of Brussels on Sunday for the event. No one was arrested in the standoff, which lasted several hours while the crowd waited for a top Belgian court to rule on an appeal to hold the event. The court did not rule and police moved in to disperse the crowd after several hours, the German news agency DPA reported. Protesters opposing the event also were dispersed. Earlier in the day Eric Tomas, the mayor of Anderlecht -one of 19 municipalities that make up the Brussels autonomous region of the federal Belgian state -- said he was banning the “European Congress of resistance,” saying it was a serious risk to public safety due to planned protests, the BBC reported. The event was organized by Laurent Louis, a Belgian lawmaker with a record of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel statements. One of the speakers invited was the French comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala, who has seven convictions for inciting racial hatred against Jews. The Belgian League Against Anti-Semitism, or LBCA, on Friday filed a complaint with the Brussels prosecutor against the event, saying it would be “a day of hate that would serve as a platform for the worst gathering of antiSemite authors, theorists and propagandists that our country has seen since the end of World War II.” “The Belgian authorities ultimately reacted positively and promptly to our requests,” Joel Rubinfeld, president of the LBCA, told JTA Sunday. His organization, he said, has been monitoring the planned gathering for the past two weeks. Organizers had kept the location of the congress secret until Saturday, when it was announced on Facebook that it would to take place at the Akdeniz book store in Anderlecht. Louis, on Sunday, urged participants to show up at the planned venue despite the possibility of the event being shut down.
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Anti-Semitic British lawmaker quits by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- A British lawmaker who was caught on camera describing an Israeli soldier as a “bloody Jew” resigned in the wake of a corruption scandal. Patrick Mercer, of the Conservative Party, stepped down last week in advance of a report on the corruption probe that would have seem him suspended from Parliament for six months. Mercer made the remark in June to a BBC reporter posing as a lobbyist. He told of entering an “intelligence establishment” during a recent Israel visit and facing a security guard. “An 18-year-old girl, wearing a uniform, with her sort of hair in plaits, and crazy jewelry and open-toed sandals, with a rifle up my nose,” he said. “Who the f*** are you, you know? ‘Well I’m a soldier.’ Are you? You don’t look like a soldier to me. You look like a bloody Jew,” Mercer said. The corruption investigation, by the BBC and the Daily Telegraph, uncovered evidence that Mercer accepted payment from business interests to pose questions and advance motions in parliament. A report by the House of Commons Standards Committee published Thursday found that Mercer caused significant damage to the reputation of the house and its members, the Guardian reported. Mercer apologized for the “bloody Jew” remark, the report said. He reportedly said, “I am married to a woman of Jewish extraction. I have lots of friends in the Jewish community, and, yes, I can prostrate myself no further, it’s just a stupid thing to say, and I didn’t even... I accept I said it, and I am conscious that my speech isn’t always as balanced as it should be.”
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Becoming saints: Two popes who revolutionized Jewish-Catholic relations by RUTH ELLEN GRUBER (JTA) -- Popes John XXIII and John Paul II are being declared saints of the Roman Catholic church on April 27, the day that is also the eve of Yom Hashoah. It’s a coincidence but a notable one. These two post-Holocaust pontiffs revolutionized relations between Catholics and Jews, fostering interfaith dialogue and embedding respect for Jews and Judaism in official Catholic dogma. “These two popes transformed not just the church, but made a bigger impact on the outside world -- and on us,” said Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor, a vice president of the World Union of Progressive Judaism and longtime participant in Jewish-Catholic dialogue. “As a Jew, my life, and the safety and security of Jews, have been improved by the actions of these two individuals.” Pope Francis, who took office little more than a year ago, presided over the solemn ceremony at the Vatican, which took place on the day Catholics celebrate as the Second Sunday of Easter. It was Francis who decided to canonize the two former popes in an unprecedented joint ceremony. Rome is braced for millions of the faithful who converged on the Eternal City for the event, which was attended by representatives of the Jewish community including Rome’s chief rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni; the American Jewish Committee’s international director of interreligious affairs, Rabbi David Rosen; and Francis’ personal friend, Rabbi Abraham Skorka of Argentina. John XXIII, who reigned from 1958 until his death in 1963, initiated policies that changed nearly 2,000 years of church teaching. First, he canceled the words “perfidious Jews” from Good Friday prayers. Then, to reform and update the church, he convened the Second Vatican Council in 1962. This
Council in 1965 issued the Nostra Aetate declaration, a landmark document of less than 1,600 words that called for Jewish-Catholic dialogue and rejected the ancient Christian
the Holocaust and totalitarian communism. “John Paul II’s papacy built on John XXIII’s legacy in many ways, opening new horizons through a series of public gestures
Above: Pope John Paul II places a letter between the stones of Jerusalem's Western Wall on March 26, 2000. Credit: Amos Ben Gershom/Israel Government Press Office via Getty Images Right: Pope John XXIII delivers a message to the world appealing for peace. Credit: Keystone/Getty Images stigma against Jews as killers of Jesus. More than two decades earlier during World War II, as Cardinal Angelo Roncalli, the future pope had worked actively to save Jews, using his position as papal nuncio in Turkey to draw up false papers for Jewish refugees. Pope Francis highlighted these actions while speaking with reporters last year about the canonizations. "How many testimonies of false baptism he did in Turkey in favor of the Jews!” Francis said. “He was a courageous man, a good country priest, with such a great sense of humor -- so great, and great holiness.” John Paul II, who reigned from 1978 to 2005, made Catholic-Jewish reconciliation a cornerstone of his papacy. Born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland in 1920, he grew up with Jewish friends and was an eyewitness to both
that made impacts across the globe,” said Lisa Palmieri-Billig, the AJC’s representative in Rome and liaison to the Holy See. In 1979, on his first trip back to Poland, he prayed at Auschwitz, and throughout his reign he repeatedly condemned antiSemitism, commemorated the Holocaust, and met with Jewish leaders and laymen. In 1986, he made history by crossing the Tiber River to Rome's Great Temple to become the first pope to visit a synagogue. There he embraced Rome's then chief rabbi, Elio Toaff, and honored Jews as Christianity's "elder brothers in faith." Moreover, John Paul oversaw the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel and prayed for forgiveness for Catholic persecutions of Jews in the past. His emotional pilgrimage to the Holy
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Land in 2000 left “the indelible picture of his sticking this prayer into a crack in the Western Wall,” Palmieri-Billig recounted. Rabbi Toaff of Rome, now 98, recently compared John Paul to one of the 36 righteous people who, according to Jewish mysticism, exist in every generation. John Paul's visits to the Rome synagogue, Auschwitz and the Western Wall, Toaff said in an interview last week with the ADNKronos news agency, “were milestones that have marked the path that he, with courage and firmness, wanted to carry out as acts of sincere affection and understanding toward the people of Israel and of reparation for the suffering and wrongs inflicted over the course of history that culminated in the tragedy of the Shoah.” The popes who followed John XXIII and John Paul have built on their legacy. Pope Francis, who had a close relationship with the Jewish community when archbishop of Buenos Aires, has demonstrated attention to Jewish issues since his election in February 2013 and will visit Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories in May. On the whole, said Bretton-Granatoor, “things today are pretty good between Catholics and Jews.” But some sticking points do linger. These include the issue of opening the Vatican’s World War II archives to clarify the wartime role of Pope Pius XII, whom critics accuse of failing to act to save Jews during the Holocaust. The greatest challenge, Bretton-Granatoor said, is to ensure that the changes wrought by John and John Paul resonate with coming generations of ordinary Catholics -- not just the highest ranks of the Church. “The upper echelons have done hard work,” Bretton-Granatoor said. “But has it percolated down to the pews? To the average priest and parishioner? That is the challenge.”
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