Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
Honoring Howard Kaslow
May 30, 2014 1 Sivan 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 37
This Week
by LIZ FELDSTERN and ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT What do we mean when we call someone successful? Often, we refer to financial success, being good at one’s job, climbing the ladder in one’s field until one can climb no more. But the true measure of success is the ability to do well, and subsequently spread good fortune to others. Not only working for one’s self and immediate family, but to truly make the world a better place. And when someone in our community is successful in that sense, we must recognize it. On Thursday, May 22, Inclusive Communities, formerly known as the National Conference of Christians and Jews, honored six people at their Humanitarian Dinner. Howard Kaslow received a Lifetime Achievement Award, the Deryl and Ramona Hamann family and Annette and Paul Smith were presented with the Humanitarian Award, and Marcia Bredar received the Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award. Kevin Custard was given the Inclusive Communities’ Volunteer of the Year Award. Inclusive Communities also hosted Robert Edsel, author, founder and director of the Monuments Men Foundation, at the dinner.
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Star Deli celebrates Mike Silverman with Bald Birthday Bash Page 6
Inside Next Month Father’s Day See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
Howard Kaslow
June Mainstreeters
Ludwig Rosenberg’s trunk Page 7
Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
It comes as no surprise to the Omaha Jewish community that Howard Kaslow would be chosen for such a prestigious award – and as the inaugural recipient to boot! Howard grew up in Omaha and together with his wife, Gloria, has championed our community in more ways than we can write about. In the broader community he has generously given of his time and talents to organizations Boys Town, Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue University, the Omaha Community Foundation, Inclusive Communities and others. More specifically for the Jewish community, Howard has fulfilled many leadership positions over the years, including secretary, vice-president, and president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. He has chaired JFO search committees and the task force that led to the establishment of the JFO Foundation, as well as one of the planning committees when the JCC was moved from downtown to its present location more than 30 years ago. Since then, nearly every agency has benefitted from his support, advice and trusteeship. He helped create and has served on the Continued on page 2
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by OZZIE NOGG Even in the summer, no grass grows under Mainstreeters’ feet. Upcoming June programs include: DeJa Blu USO Style Show with Pam Kragt and Diane Thomas: Monday, June 16, 12:30 p.m. Lunch in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. Pam and Diane are a delightful musical and comic duo, a female version of Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, where one plays the zany person and the other is the voice of reason. Both Pam and Diane were members of the Omaha based WWII singing group, The AVI8ORS. You won’t want to miss their smooth, jazzy vocal blend as they sing the songs we all love to remember. For this event, we’re serving up a Pizza and Pasta Bar Buffet. Choose cheese and vegetable pizza or spaghetti with marinara sauce, plus garlic bread sticks, mixed lettuce salad with assorted dressings, chocolate cake and beverages. Cost is $10.00 a plate. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, June 9. For transportation,
call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521. Join Us at the Movies: Philomena, Friday, June 27 at 1: p.m. in the JCC Theater. Free film and unlimited bags of warm, delicious popcorn. No reservations necessary. Invite a friend. Philomena, based on a pow-
June 16 DeJa Blu USO Style Show Luncheon with Pam Kragt and Diane Thomas promises songs and laughs.
erful true story, focuses on a worldweary political journalist who helps a woman search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. Philomena offers a profoundly affecting drama for adult filmgoers of all ages. Continued on page 2
CJL wins award
Five Omaha rabbis, together with CEO Mike Silverman, take the stage. by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPnecting Jews with Judaism and WRIGHT their Jewish community is not only a synagogue enterprise, it is a JewEditor of the Jewish Press The Center for Jewish Life is the ish community enterprise, and the 2014 recipient of the Jewish Feder- Federation does a remarkable job of ation of Omaha Community Serv- touching a lot of Jewish lives.” ice Award. The agency receives the When the Pew report, A Portrait honor as a result of the Pew panel, of Jewish Americans, was published which it organized in November of in October of 2013, it caused a 2013 at the newly built Temple Is- firestorm across the nation. The rael. Rabbis from all three syna- portrait that was painted was one of gogues and Chabad shared synagogues with dwindling memTemple’s bima, and discussed the bership and communities that were findings and implications of the na- slowly falling apart. Frankly, it didn’t tional Pew study in front of a sound much like Omaha, and the crowded sanctuary. decision was quickly made: let’s have The Pew panel, made up of Rab- our rabbis comment on these findbis Steven Abraham of Beth El, ings. How bad is it, really, and what Aryeh Azriel and Josh Brown of does it mean for our community? Temple Israel, Jonathan Gross of And if these are national trends, Beth Israel and Mendel Katzman of how do they affect Jewish Omaha? “American Jewry is clearly facing Chabad, was moderated by Joel Alperson. Mike Silverman, CEO of big issues that need to be adthe Jewish Federation of Omaha dressed,” said Center for Jewish also joined the panel, because, in Life’s Board President Bonnie Bloch at the time. “I’m so proud to be in the words of Joel Alperson: “I believe that the idea of con- Continued on page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | May 30, 2014
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by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha Omaha is abuzz with excitement about the upcoming Omaha Jewish Reunion, to be held during the weekend of Sept. 12-14, 2014. Over 100 volunteers have stepped forward to plan and host what promises to be one of the most memorable events in the history of Omaha’s Jewish community. Howard Epstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation (JFOF), said recently in a Foundation newsletter, “I have experienced firsthand the pride, dedication, generosity and commitment of the multitudes who support Omaha’s Jewish community.” Whether Omaha is your birthplace, childhood home, the place you started a career and raised a family, or your current mailing address, Jewish Omahans almost always express a deep-seated fondness for their home. “Most consider Omaha their home, no matter where they now live,” he added. Under the direction of Mary Bernstein of Events, Inc., the Reunion Committee has planned a full slate of social events, meals, lectures, programs and tours. Each Omaha synagogue will host a special Friday night Shabbat service and dinner with the evening topped off with a wine tasting at Brix in West Omaha. HavDAlahGALa is a celebration planned for Saturday night at the Jewish Community Center orchestrated by volunteer committee chair Joanie Jacobson. For those who wish to see the Omaha of 2014, tours are planned for Omaha’s Mansions and Millionaires, revitalized Dundee, UNO and Aksarben areas, and the massive development of our city far west of Boys Town in what used to be cornfields just a few years ago. There will be a nostalgic tour through “Bagel,” and guided tours of all Omaha synagogues,
Howard Kaslow Continued from page 1 Governance Council of the Institute for Holocaust Education since its inception. Howard has been a devoted and involved member of Beth El Synagogue. Once upon a time, he was even a BBYO Advisor. Howard Kaslow has filled these many roles because of his intense passion to be a part of the Jewish community and to see it grow and prosper. He was also inspired by his parents, who set an example as generous and active members of this community. When Howard is asked to help and the cause is worthy – he does. But according to Howard, there are two reasons in particular why he has been involved with numerous non-profit organizations over the years: “First is the possibility that my active involvement might contribute to the success of an organization’s mission that is important to me. Second is the opportunity to become acquainted with people whom I might otherwise never have had the chance to know and to work with them for a common cause. Without the efforts of volunteers, the work of the many non-profit organizations that serve our community simply could not be accomplished. The community would
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including the recently completed Temple Israel in the middle of the old Highland Country Club property. Many former and current Omaha residents are scheduled to present lectures and spearhead programs during the Reunion weekend. Jim Crounse, Dan Kully, Paul Landow and Howard Weinberg will be panelists on Politics and the Media, moderated by well-known Omaha newspaper man David Kotok. Dan Mirvish, Andrew Bernstein, Rachel Jacobson, and Lynn Stalmaster will be panelists for screen time with film makers, moderated by Omaha World Herald columnist, Mike Kelly. For those interested in Omaha’s vibrant business and professional communities, there will be a University of Nebraska Medical Center tour and a program titled, “Our Town’s Humming” with David Brown, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Omaha’s three young rabbis and their wives will discuss their experiences and the satisfaction of raising young, Jewish families in Omaha, and Omaha realtors and radio talk show hosts Jeff Beals and Trenton Magid will bring their Grow Omaha Economic Development discussion to the Jewish Community Center. The Reunion Committee has made arrangements with several Omaha hotels and with Enterprise Car Rental for special reunion weekend rates. Help all the committees and volunteers by passing along word of the Omaha Jewish Reunion to family and friends near and far! Forward the contact information of your connections to either Patty Nogg, Chair of the Outreach Committee at noggster2@aol.com or Mary Bernstein at maryb@eventsinc.com. Registration is happening now! Check out all the happenings at www.omahajewishreunion.com.
be poorer for that loss, so I am glad to help where I can.” When his name comes up in conversation, Omahans repeatedly describe him as “the consummate professional,” “the lawyers’ lawyer” and “a mensch”. His reputation is that of one who sets the highest standard for being a compassionate and trustworthy human being. After working closely with him for just over a year, the IHE’s Executive Director Liz Feldstern shares, “Howard is one of those rare people who commands respect with his quiet strength as soon as you meet him, and continues to earn even more respect as you get to know him.” So, while this “Lifetime Achievement” Award might seem a bit premature since Howard plans to continue his humanitarian roles in the community for many years to come – it is undoubtedly well deserved. Inclusive Communities was established in 1938 by four local businessmen who refused to participate in a city-wide boycott of Jewish businesses. Instead, they formed an organization geared towards bringing the community together. Ever since, Inclusive Communities has worked tirelessly to confront prejudice, bigotry and discrimination through educational programs and advocacy.
CJL wins award
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MAY 24 – SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 The creation of Design Zone was made possible by the generous support of the National Science Foundation. The exhibition was produced and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). Supported locally by Peter Kiewit Sons, Inc., Valmont Industries, Inc., First National Bank, Douglas County Commissioners, The Durham Society, George F. Haddix and HDR, Inc. Media support provided by WOWT Channel 6.
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Continued from page 1 Omaha where we are coming together to seek solutions in a forum uniting the entire Jewish community.” Topics addressed by the panel included demographic trends, Jewish identity, interfaith issues, social justice, Jewish study, Jews who walk away from Judaism, intermarriage, antiSemitism and Shabbat observance, to name but a few. No topic was off limits, and therein lies perhaps the greatest strength of our Jewish community: the fact that we responded by coming together and talking about the future. The rabbis weren’t speaking to a half empty room. Instead, the community showed up and paid attention. However we decide to respond, we have to be in it together. “The mission of the Center for Jewish Life is clear about the need to work hand-in-hand with other Jewish organizations and the synagogues,” said Bloch. “It is always our goal to create meaningful Jewish experiences, and the CJL staff, under the very capable leadership of Executive Director Beth Cohen, was happy to partner with the pulpit rabbis. When different entities collaborate, the entire community benefits. Bonnie Bloch will accept the JFO Community
Service Award during the JFO Annual Meeting on Monday, June 2, at the Jewish Community Center. The event will begin at 7 p.m.; the entire community is invited to attend.
Mainstreeters Continued from page 1 The movie was nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Judi Dench for Best Actress. If you’d like to have lunch at the Star Deli before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli starts serving at 11:30 a.m. Mainstreeters main goal is to offer activities and programs that give area residents -- age 60-plus -- the chance to meet new people, exercise their brains, learn new skills and enjoy life to the fullest. According to Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, “Mainstreeters are happy to offer such diverse programs, and we look forward to seeing many community members join in the activities.” Mainstreeters programs are supported in part by grants from the United Way of the Midlands and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
May 30, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 3
Beth El annual meeting by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator A celebratory evening is planned for Beth El’s upcoming annual meeting, as congregants look back at the past year, welcome new synagogue leaders, and recognize several congregants for their ongoing commitment. On Friday, June 13, the festivities will begin with a 5:45 p.m. barbecue on the synagogue’s back Karla Cohen David Finkelstein lawn (weather permitting), followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m., and an outdoor gants for their outstanding dedication to and involvement in the synagogue. Kabbalat Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. Alan Parsow is this year’s recipient of the Scheduled to be elected and installed are president, Joel Rich; vice presidents, Jim President’s Award, presented to a non-board Zipursky, Ari Riekes and Jon Jabenis; treas- member for exceptional volunteerism to the urer, Jay Gordman; and secretary, Caryn synagogue. “Alan has been our go-to guy for many Scheer. Also serving on the executive committee in non-elected positions will be past projects that support our synagogue, most president, Lloyd Roitstein, and BESTT com- notably the Cemetery Expansion Campaign and the Cantor’s Concert for the Youth mittee chairman, Lisa Lieb. New board members David Finkelstein, Scholarship fund,” said Roitstein. “He so Miriam Gottlieb and David Weill will be strongly believes in the future of this coninstalled for two-year terms; and Glen gregation that he is an ambassador on our Fineman, Beth Friedman, Jeremy Friedman, behalf, reaching out to others and encouragAndy Greenberg and M’Lee Hasslinger will ing them to ensure our future.” This year’s Earl Siegel Memorial Award, be elected to serve their second consecutive given to a Board of Trustees member for outtwo-year terms. Others being recognized during the meet- standing service to the board, will be presenting include out-going board members, com- ed to Karla Cohen. A longtime volunteer and mittee chairmen, plus Anna Mosenkis and active member, Cohen serves as co-chair of Tuffy Epstein, who are longtime musical the Social Action Committee, along with her accompanists for Kabbalat Shabbat services. husband. “Karla’s enthusiasm and leadership are In addition, to mark the synagogue’s 85th anniversary, past Board of Trustees presi- inspirational,” Roitstein said. “She literally dents will be recognized during the evening, went page by page through our membership along with this year’s B’nai Mitzvah cele- directory, inviting people to become involved in the Social Action committee, but she didbrants and their families. Another highlight of the meeting will be n’t stop there. By encouraging her volunteers the presentation of Beth El’s annual congre- to share their passions and take on leadership gational awards, which recognize congre- roles in projects related to their interests, she
choir, and is an enthusiastic volunteer. A regular Torah and Haftarah reader, this past year she expanded her skills to learn to lead Friday night’s Kabbalat Shabbat service. “Because of Lisa, the Rabbi and Hazzan could both attend Beth El’s Family Shabbaton last November, knowing the synagogue’s Shabbat worship was in capable hands,” Roitstein said. “She is a willing Lisa Gordman Lieb Alan Parsow Torah and Haftarah reader, she volbroadened the scope and involvement of our unteers for extra readings on short notice congregation in local projects. She inspires when she realizes that a spot needs to be her committee with her enthusiasm and filled. She also played the role as Beth El’s walks the walk, participating in every project own Miriam during Simchat Torah’s ‘Tour of her committee sponsors.” the Scroll’ last fall.” David Finkelstein is this year’s recipient Rabbi Steven Abraham applauded each of of the Emerging Leader Award. Finkelstein the award winners, noting that “Alan is has served as president of Beth El’s Men’s extremely passionate about Beth El. He loves Club for the past two years and will join the his synagogue and his community; Karla is synagogue’s board of trustees in June. so dedicated to Beth El, always willing to Whether flipping pancakes for BESTT stu- volunteer or open her home to guests; David dents, delivering a D’var Torah at Men’s Club is a constant presence at all of our functions Shabbat or attending Shabbat morning serv- -- religious or social -- he always has a smile ices with his family, Finkelstein is a constant on his face and is thrilled to be a part of Beth presence at Beth El. El; and Lisa is a tireless worker on behalf of Roitstein noted that Finkelstein’s strength the synagogue, especially our youth. as a leader is his awareness of how important “Beth El is strong and vibrant because we it is to reach out and involve others. have congregants who are engaged, dedicat“No one sits on the sidelines for long if ed, and enthusiastic,” the rabbi added. “The David is around,” he said. “He invites them recipients of these four awards have made to join in and before long, they’re active par- Beth El better for all of us. I thank them and ticipants. Recognizing what needs to be congratulate them all.” done and doing it is what is important to The annual meeting is open to everyone him, for himself and his family, and for his in the Jewish community. Dinner cost is $10 entire Beth El family.” for adults (13 and older), $5 for children The Selwyn Roffman Award for Religious ages 7-12, and free for children ages six and Growth will be presented to Lisa Gordman younger. Reservations are needed by Lieb. Lieb is a member of the Beth El Board of Tuesday, June 10; RSVP and pay online at Trustees, the incoming chairman of the www.bethel-omaha.org, or contact the synBESTT board, a participant in the synagogue’s agogue office, 402.492.8550.
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FRIDAY, MAY 30 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel
SATURDAY, MAY 31 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El
SUNDAY, JUNE 15 Daddy & Me! with Rabbi Abraham, 10 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El
SUNDAY, JUNE 1 Minyannaire’s Brunch, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Annual Meeting, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Musical Theater Bye Bye Birdie Performance, 4 p.m. MONDAY, JUNE 2 Beth El Kadima and USY goes to Worlds of Fun, 8 a.m. JFO Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. Federation Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, JUNE 3 Shavuot Services, Dairy Dinner and Program, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Erev Shavuot, 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Summer Shabbat Evening Services: A Pause for Reflection, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
SATURDAY, JUNE 21 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Speaker’s Series featuring Marty Shukert, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El
SATURDAY, JUNE 7 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Speaker’s Series featuring Sophie Ambrose, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Shabbat Afternoon Basketball, 1 p.m. at Beth El
SUNDAY, JUNE 22 Mah Jongg Tournament, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El 39 Forever Israel Update, 2 p.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8 Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El 39 Forever Update on Israel with Eliad Eliyahu, 2 p.m.
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 Center for Jewish Life Board Meeting, noon Hebrew 101 – Beginners, 5:30 p.m.
Jessie Wees
402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org
THURSDAY, JUNE 19 Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4 JCC Closed for Shavuot
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
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TUESDAY, JUNE 17 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Executive Meeting, 6 p.m. Temple Israel BESTT Talmud Torah Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
FRIDAY, JUNE 20 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Summer Shabbat Evening Services: A Pause for Reflection, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Our Shabbat Tables Dinner in Homes, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El
TUESDAY, JUNE 10 Eye on Israel with Eliad, noon Hebrew 101 – Beginners, 5:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Iowa Western Community Band Concert, 7 p.m.
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MONDAY, JUNE 16 Friedel School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Annual Meeting, BBQ, and Shabbat-on-theGreen, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El Summer Shabbat Evening Services: A Pause for Reflection, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel JCC Awards Night, 7 p.m.
MONDAY, JUNE 23 USY on Wheels Visits Beth El Omaha, 5:30 p.m. TUESDAY, JUNE 24 Jewish Senior Services Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. FRIDAY, JUNE 27 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Beth El Social Action Committee cooks and serves lunch, 11:30 a.m. at the NE AIDS Coalition Summer Shabbat Evening Services: A Pause for Reflection, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JUNE 29 Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth El Social Action Committee Serves Dinner, 5:30 p.m. at the Stephen Center
All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
May 30, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 5
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NCJW Annual Installation and Awards by NCJW-OMAHA SECTION AWARDS COMMITTEE The Omaha Section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) will install the 2014-2015 slate of officers on Sunday, June 8 at 3 p.m. with an afternoon tea at the home of Becki Brenner (6141 Florence Blvd). Officers to be installed include: President: Holly Weill; Vice President of Community Service: Sonia Tipp; Vice President of Fundraising: Roxanne Kahn; Vice President of Public Affairs and Education: Becki Brenner; Vice President of Public Relations: Alice Klein; Treasurer: Beth Dworkin; Corresponding Secretary: Angela Friedman; Financial Secretary: Patty Nogg; Recording Secretary: Cheryl Lerner; Parliamentarian: Lisa Lewis; Directors: Jill Simon, Sarah Spooner, Kelly Kirk, Julie Martin, Lori Kooper-Schwarz and
cation to the Omaha Section. She is married to Mark and has two children, David (28) and Rachel (23). Julie is also Vice President of Micklin Lumber Company. Julie has been a life member of NCJW since 2005 and was the recipient of the Emerging Leader award in 1997. She has fulfilled the honor of that award by serving in many different Board roles in years past including Director, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Financial Secretary. She has been elected to serve on the 2014-15 board again as a Director. In addition to serving on the board, Julie has chaired committees such as Mini Grants and Reading Pups. Julie recently received an award from Domesti-Pups honoring her for her dedication to Reading Pups and improving the reading
Jan Fischer Alice Klein Tina Meyers; and Nominating Chair: Debbie Friedman. Alice Klein, Julie Martin, Jan Fischer and Sandy Nogg will also be presented with NCJW awards at the June 8 event. Alice Klein will receive the NCJW Award for Emerging Section Leader, in recognition of her potential for assuming future leadership and as someone who understands and supports the NCJW purpose and programs as well as demonstrating commitment to the Omaha Section. Alice Klein was born and grew up in New York. As a teenager she moved to California. She became a volunteer at an early age: as a candy striper in both New York and California, tutoring reading to elementary school children, and then campaigning for forward-thinking candidates in California. Alice received her BA in Mathematics and MS in Electrical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She married and raised her three children in California. Alice entered the new computer world in 1970 as a programmer aide receiving the lower salary as women engineers did then, and, sadly, still do now. After moving to San Diego in 1986 she advanced to Software Engineering Manager, transferred to Nebraska, and retired in 2004. Alice prided herself in ensuring that in her group of 100 engineers, her female and minority engineers’ compensation was comparable to and often higher than her male engineers. After a few years in Nebraska and volunteering for various organizations, she learned about NCJW. It was just what she was looking for. In the three years she has been an NCJW member, she has taken on writing the bulletin, maintaining the Omaha Section website, and leading the RAFT (Resources Available For Teens) update. She has been the Vice President of Public Relations for the last two years. Alice volunteers for as much as she can within NCJW: the Chocolate Festival, Bylaws committee, joining the Jackson School student supplies presentation, writing letters to her representatives and the World Herald, and more. Jan Fischer and Julie Martin will be honored with this year’s Distinguished Service Award. This award, which is a special award of Omaha Section, recognizes NCJW members who have demonstrated outstanding years of service and have shown loyalty, commitment and dedication to the Section with an overall awareness of NCJW while volunteering with a willingness to work at any level. Jan Fischer has been a NCJW life member since she joined the Section in 1975 when she and her family moved back to Omaha. Jan is married to Steve Fischer (47 years) and has two children, Melinda Graham and Jon Fischer, and five grandchildren. Jan retired from the Millard school district in 2008 after a 25-year teaching career specializing in English and Drama. She was the first recipient of the Sokolof Outstanding Teacher Award in 2006. Jan originally served NCJW as Recording Secretary in 1978-79, and since her retirement from teaching, she has served as Fundraising Vice President and was Omaha Section President from 2011-13. She is currently serving as Immediate Past President. Her other NCJW accomplishments include: working to get RAFT (Resources Available For Teens) on-line, re-emphasizing NCJW’s public affairs efforts, working on the Directory for several years, and serving as co-chair and then as chairperson for NCJW’s Great Omaha Chocolate Festival. Jan has also been active in NCCV and NJHS. Serving the Jewish community is very important to Jan at any and all levels! Julie Martin personifies loyalty, commitment, and dedi-
Julie Martin Sandy Nogg skills of children who participate in the program. She has also served on the Nominating Committee numerous times and has been active with the Consignment Sales and Marcus Theater fundraisers, delivered dictionaries for Dictionary Day, and participated in the Jackson School backpack project. No matter what the job is, Julie has always been available. Sandy Nogg will be honored with the Hannah G. Solomon Award. This National NCJW award is presented to an individual who has changed the lives of others through leadership efforts and service; who has helped to change and expand the role of women and men in vital areas of community life; and whose leadership in areas of NCJW concern – improving the quality of life for people of all ages and backgrounds – has motivated others to fight for change and has resulted in progress and enlightenment in the community. Sandy has been working to improve the lives of others in our community practically her entire life. Her list of volunteer and community services shows how committed she is to fighting for change and how worthy she is of receiving the Hannah G. Solomon Award. Sandy became a member of Temple Israel’s Sisterhood in 1974 and has been an active volunteer and chaired various projects. She served as Sisterhood President from 1984-86 and has been running the Temple Gift Shop since 1990. In 1992, she received the Yad V’Lev (Heart and Hand) Award from Temple’s Sisterhood and in 1995 Temple Israel honored her again with the Harriet Sperling Caring Award. Sandy is also a life member of Hadassah where she volunteered at the HIES Fundraiser from 1981-89 and chaired the project in 1983. Other community organizations for which Sandy has volunteered include: Women’s American ORT where she was a gift wrap volunteer (1984-2004); Junior League of Omaha as a volunteer and chair of various projects (1978-2005); Bureau for the Aging where she was a board member (198086); Omaha Symphony Showcase (1981-94); Clarkson Fashion Production (1979-94); room mother at both Loveland and Sunset Schools (1975-89); volunteer and team leader for membership sales for the Henry Doorly Zoo (1982-2002), and a member of Loveland Garden Club (1984-2014), where she was President in 1993-94. Sandy was honored by several of these organizations for her services, including Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for the Bureau for the Aging (1982); Junior League of Omaha Hall of Fame in 2004; and the Jewish Federation of Omaha has honored Sandy with the Lois Jean Schrager Young Leadership Award in 1982 and with the Jody and Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence in 2014. In 1975, Sandy became a life member of NCJW. Sandy’s pet NCJW project was in helping with the NCJW’s Thrift Shop, a long-time fundraiser at which she volunteered from 1979 through 1998 and was the chair from 1983 to 1996. Sandy was honored with the NCJW Distinguished Service award in 1991. Sandy is married to Alan Nogg. She has a son, Philip Bahar who is married to Keri Saltzman, and has three grandchildren. Her daughter, the late Courtney Nogg, was the 300th life member of the Omaha Section. NCJW’s Installation and Awards Event is open to all, so please come help us celebrate the accomplishments of our Award winners and install our 2014/15 officers on June 8 at the home of Becki Brenner at 6141 Florence Blvd. If you plan to attend, please RSVP with number of attendees to bmfriedman@cox.net by June 1.
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Temple Israel Adult B’nai Mitzvah by DAVID GOLBITZ Azriel, Josh Brown and Cantor Wendy Shermet, to reach Temple Israel Staff Writer this moment. Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is supposed to be a very “Na’ama was amazingly helpful and encouraging,” Smith special time in a child’s life. Turning 13 and reading from the said. “She offered to help us individually with our reading, Torah for the first time signiespecially as we have gotten fies his or her entry into to our parsha sections. Now adulthood within the Jewish that it is close to the end, we community. But some chilcan really see our progress, dren, for various reasons, do and it has brought us together not have the opportunity to as a group.” celebrate this milestone of Jesse Bloom, whose father Jewish faith. Similarly, those lived on a kibbutz when the who chose to become Jewish state of Israel was being later in life did not have the formed, is perhaps underoption of becoming a Bar or standably nervous about Bat Mitzvah when they chanting Torah in the sanctuTemple Israel’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah class prepares for its ary--”It’s nerve wracking”--, turned 13. But simply because one Friday evening service. Pictured are Bruce Buehler, left, but he is proud to have come didn’t have a Bar or Bat Jesse Bloom, Robert Dorton, Jay Spiegelman, Shelley Smith this far and is looking forMitzvah at the traditional age and Ed Cohn. Not shown, Lisa Jenkins and Lisa Scheet. ward to continuing his Jewish doesn’t mean they can never have one. education after the service. On May 30, eight adult members of Temple Israel will step “The class has been excellent,” Bloom said, “a great learnup onto the bimah and, one by one, read from the Torah, the ing experience. I’d like to study more, maybe attend Torah culmination of eight months of intensive study with clergy study more often.” and staff, and they will become Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Smith, who frequently attends the Klutznick Learning “Part of the reason I took the B’nai Mitzvah class was that Series classes provided by the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s I didn’t want that learning to stop,” said Shelley Smith, who Center for Jewish Life, is also eager to continue her Jewish completed her conversion to Judaism two years ago with education. Rabbi Eric Linder. “I saw this as a way to catch up on the “With the B’nai Mitzvah class as a background, I feel a litshared knowledge and experience that most Jews had when tle more grounded in Judaism,” she said. “And that is a great they were much younger.” basis to go off in new directions.” Smith, along with her classmates, Jesse Bloom, Bruce The Adult B’nai Mitzvah class will become B’nei Mitzvahs Buehler, Ed Cohn, Robert Dorton, Lisa Jenkins, Lisa Scheet on Friday, May 30, at Temple Israel. The service begins at 6 and Jay Spiegelman, worked closely with Temple Israel p.m. and will be followed by a special celebratory oneg. Hebrew teacher Na’ama Arzi, as well as with Rabbis Aryeh
Mike Silverman’s Bald Birthday Bash by OZZIE NOGG Everyone within reading distance of this announcement is invited to help celebrate the birthday of Mike Silverman, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, at the Star Deli on Friday, June 6, in the Silverman Auditorium of The the Rose Blumkin Jewish birthday Home. “The special of the dessert is day is a Fantabulous the Bald Chicken Finger and Fried Brownie Pastrami Wrap, designed by topped the big fella himself,” said with a Josh Gurock, Director of ‘toupee’ Operations at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. of vanilla ice “The birthday dessert is the Bald Brownie topped with a cream. ‘toupee’ of vanilla ice cream. In honor of our esteemed leader, the staff will wear totally hairless bald caps. You’ll want to see this, for sure.” Along with the Silverman-designed Fantabulous Chicken Finger and Fried Pastrami Wrap, traditional Star Deli menu items -- corned beef, pastrami, smoked turkey, egg or tuna salad sandwiches along with ever-popular salads and sides -- will also be available. The Bald Deli is the brainchild of Gurock, Silverman and
Mike Aparo, Director of Food Services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “When the three of us put our heads together -- excuse the pun -- things can get goofy,” Aparo admitted. “For a split second we considered shaving our heads for the event but chickened out. Even so, the Friday Star Deli is famous for its good food and good fun, and our Bald Birthday Bash will include both. Please join us on June 6.” The Star Deli on Main Street, Omaha’s version of a Lower East Side eatery, is a favorite Friday lunch destination for local foodies. Open for business every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Star Deli is happy to host special occasions and will reserve private dining spaces in the RBJH for large groups. For more information on how Star Deli Catering can add spice to your meetings, parties and life cycle events, please contact Mike Aparo at 402.334.6522 or Tyler Wolles at 402.334.6523, or visit the web page -http://www.rbjh.com/index.php/star-catering/home. And you can LIKE the Star Deli on their Facebook page -https://www.facebook.com/star.deli.rbjh.
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The Beth Israel Family will observe the holiday of Shavout with two stimulating days of of learning, discussion and joyous celebration. Shavout this year begins on Tuesday evening, June 3, and concludes at nightfall on Thursday June 5. Shavuot commemorates the single most important event in Jewish history, the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. It also emphasizes the uniqueness, and dedication of the Jewish People, the only nation to accept the Torah. At that time, we were like one man with one heart. The holiday experience will be enhanced by the participation of four Yeshiva University students who have recently returned from one or more years of study at Yeshivat Shalavim in Israel. They are members of the Yeshiva University Torah Tours progam which partners young men and women who are students or alumni of YU with synagogues throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Tuesday night learning consists of a series of lectures and discussions beginning at 10:15 p.m. Group and partnered learning begins at 11:45 p.m., continuing into the night. Lectures begin again Thursday morning at 11:45 a.m. The
final Torah Tours event is an ice cream social and question and answer session beginning Thursday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend all Torah Tours events.
Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, June 4, 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 bnai brith@jewishoma ha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Our meetings are 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 30, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 7
In August of 1937, Ludwig Rosenberg, his wife, Ilse Speier Rosenberg and their eighteen-month old daughter, Hanna, left Sonneberg in Nazi Germany for Liverpool, England, where they were booked on the Cunard White Star Samaria bound for the United States. Ilse’s parents and younger sister Eva had already fled Germany to join extended family in Lincoln, Nebraska. Ludwig’s brother, sister-in-law, and young nephew had previously escaped to Palestine. Ludwig’s mother and father, along with many of his uncles, aunts and cousins, were still trying to secure exit papers. On July 15, 1937, only weeks before Ludwig, Ilse and Hanna sailed for America, Buchenwald concentration camp opened in an idyllic wooded area 50 miles southwest of Leipzig. On August 20, 1937, while the Rosenbergs located their cabin on the Samaria, stevedores loaded the family’s belongings into the ship’s hold. Large pieces of furniture and rugs; wooden crates filled with kitchen utensils, tools, writing paper, carbon paper, yarns, threads, sewing kits, silver, crystal, porcelain and linens; valises and trunks packed with clothes. One particular trunk, made of leather and wood, bore a sticker from the Lugano Park Hotel and a large black stencil that read LR 1924. The trunk was tagged, “Not wanted on voyage. To be landed at New York.” The Rosenbergs also took with them many German schranks -- large wardrobes and cupboards -- even though Ludwig’s cousins in Lincoln had told him to leave those behind because American homes had built-in closets. Albert Speier, one of the American cousins, was instrumental in securing the safety of the Speier-Rosenberg families. In 1935, Albert and his wife Henrietta visited Switzerland where they arranged to meet with Ilse Rosenberg’s parents, Alfred and Käte Speier. German Jews were already being stripped of their citizen rights, and Albert urged his cousins to flee. Albert signed the documents the family needed before they could enter the United States, and offered Alfred a job in his Lincoln dry cleaning business. Before the Speiers could depart Germany, the Nazi government seized the family’s liquid assets as a tax for the privilege of leaving the country. Realizing they’d have no ready cash to spend on personal items when they arrived in the United States, a farsighted Alfred made sure that he, his wife and Eva, packed enough clothes to last five years. After
Ludwig Rosenberg’s Trunk by OZZIE NOGG
the family settled in Lincoln, they began the process of rescuing their older daughter Ilse, her husband, Ludwig, and little Hanna from Germany. Two years later, the Rosenbergs boarded the Samaria. Like his father-in-law, Alfred Speier -- and all other Jews lucky enough to escape Germany -- Ludwig was unable to take money out of the country. He could, however, buy German scrip to use on shipboard. Each evening Ludwig called the waiter to his table, handed him the equivalent of $100 in scrip, asked the waiter to bring him a single cigar and -- since the Samaria belonged to the English Cunard Lines -- to bring back the change in pounds sterling. Ludwig knew that once in the States, he could exchange the pounds for American dollars. Six days after leaving Liverpool, the Samaria arrived in New York. Dock workers off-loaded the Rosenberg’s furniture and rugs, the wooden crates, wardrobes and cupboards along with the trunk bearing a sticker from the Lugano Park
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Hotel and a large black stencil that read LR 1924. All these possessions were transported directly to Lincoln. U.S. immigration officials, sent from Omaha to inspect the Rosenberg’s goods, cleared them to be kept in the United States by the family. The only item confiscated was a short-wave radio that the officials feared could be used for espionage. Before he left Sonneberg in 1937, Ludwig Rosenberg was a co-owner of the Speyer Department Store with his parents, Bernhard ‘Benno’ Rosenberg and Hedwig Speyer Rosenberg, and his Uncle Julius Speyer. When Ludwig arrived in Lincoln, he went to work as a stock boy at Gold’s Department Store which was owned by Nathan Gold, a brother of Henrietta Gold Speier, Albert Speier’s wife. Eventually, Ludwig worked his way up the ladder and became a buyer in charge of one of the men’s clothing departments. Ludwig’s continued efforts to rescue his parents and other family from Germany were ultimately unsuccessful. Bernhard and Hedwig Rosenberg were murdered at Treblinka in September, 1942. Ludwig’s Uncle Julius was murdered later that fall in Theresienstadt. Ludwig Rosenberg died in Lincoln in 1961, two weeks short of age fifty-three. Today, his leather and wood trunk is part of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society archives. It was donated to the NJHS in 1996 by Ludwig’s daughter, Hanna Rosenberg Gradwohl and her husband, David, of Ames, Iowa. The couple met under intertwined branches of their family tree. “Shortly after Ludwig, Ilse, and Hanna arrived in Lincoln,” David explained, “they -- along with Ilse’s parents, Alfred and Käte, and her sister, Eva -- were invited to the home of Albert Speier and his wife, Henrietta Gold Speier. My parents, Elaine Mayer Gradwohl and Bernard S. Gradwohl, and I were also invited, since Albert Speier’s wife, Henrietta, was my mother’s first cousin. So Hanna and I met when she was not yet two years old and I was not yet four. Ludwig took photos of the us on that occasion. I don’t think it was love at first sight, but Hanna and I did marry in 1957, twenty years after meeting each other at the home of her grandfather’s first cousin and my mother’s first cousin.” David Gradwohl, Anthropology Emeritus Professor at Iowa State University, serves as the designated family historian. “The Speiers and Rosenbergs saved lots of things,” Continued on page 8
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Ludwig Rosenberg’s trunk Continued from page 7 David said. “Photographs, Ludwig’s passport, ephemera, memorabilia, letters. Lots of letters. Hanna and I have some 1500 - 2000 letters written from Germany to Lincoln, and some from Lincoln to Germany, that document how hard everyone tried to get Ludwig’s parents and uncle Julius out
being made in the U.S. in the 1930s.” Hanna Gradwohl recalls that her parents intentionally brought certain items to the United States, planning to sell them and then use the money to buy food and other household necessities. “I remember a beautiful dining room set, probably Bauhaus, that my folks sold in Lincoln. And there
Above left: Ilse Speier Rosenberg, left, Hanna Rosenberg and Ludwig Ernst Rosenberg, 1937, just prior to their departure from Germany to the USA at the end of August, 1937. Above right: Hanna Gradwohl as a toddler with her grandparents Oma Hedwig (Speyer) Rosenberg and Opa Benno (Bernhard) Rosenberg in Bad Kissingen, Germany, on August 8, 1937. This is the last time Hanna was photographed with her paternal grandparents. of Nazi Germany. The letters are being translated, and we hope to write a book about this saga.” Meanwhile, David and Hanna are pleased to share stories about the personal ‘cargo’ the Rosenbergs brought to America. “One large steamer trunk that came on the Samaria with the family had hanging space and drawers,” David said. “In the Rosenberg’s house in Lincoln the trunk was used to store clothing, linens, towels and other household items. Later, the trunk served as a funky closet in our son’s bedroom. He loved it.” Three Oriental rugs from the Rosenbergs’ Sonneberg home now grace the Gradwohls’ Ames living room, and the couple also uses the schranks that Ludwig had been advised to leave behind. According to David, the wardrobes make wonderful extra cupboard space. Other Rosenberg belongings have been re-purposed, as well. “Ludwig and Ilse brought one large aluminum suitcase with them which they used for additional storage in Lincoln,” David said. “They gave it to us to take on camping trips, and when our son went off to college, he took the aluminum suitcase with him. He still has it. I’ve not researched the matter, but I don’t think such sturdy aluminum suitcases were
were pieces of crystal, silver and porcelain that my mother and grandmother would bring as hostess gifts to luncheons and bridge parties, because they really had no money for flowers or candies.” Evidence of what the Rosenbergs took with them from Germany, and what they saved, continued to surface. “Fifteen years after my father’s death, my mother still had some of his undershirts that had never been worn,” Hanna said. “They still had their original price tags on them. She was going to give the undershirts to the Salvation Army, but our three children -- her grandchildren -- begged their ‘Oma’ to let them keep the undershirts to wear as outer garments which was the fashion at the time.” In 1996, when Ilse Rosenberg and Eva Speier prepared to move from Lincoln to Ames to be closer to the Gradwohls, David -- while helping the women pack -- discovered a cache of unused tea towels. “There were stacks of towels that still had their original sizing,” David said. “We donated some of the towels to museums, and others we put to use. Frankly, they’re much more absorbent than towels you can buy here today.” When not in the classroom or supervising various archeo-
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logical digs throughout Iowa, David Gradwohl devoted much of his career to hands-on work in museums. In 1998, his deep connection to Judaism was put to good use in his role of guest curator for an exhibit on Jewish prairie pioneer women in Iowa at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines. “I was trained as a prehistoric archeologist,” David explained, “but having grown up in Lincoln, Hanna and I both have a love of Nebraska and its history. Although the experiences of Jews in the Midwest have generally been ignored or given short shrift by chroniclers of American Jewish history, we recognize that Jews have made significant commercial, professional, educational, political and cultural contributions to the fabric of this state -- all of which the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society continues to preserve through the acquisition of artifacts, archival sources, photographs and oral histories of Jewish pioneers in Nebraska as well as from the communities in which Jews continue to live today. Hanna and I are charter members of the NJHS, and our donation of Ludwig’s trunk and other Rosenberg family memorabilia was our way of adding our voices and declaring that, ‘Yes. There are Jews in Nebraska, and we have been here since the earliest Euro-American settlement period.’” In the fall of 1993, David and Hanna Gradwohl accompanied Hanna’s mother, Ilse Speier Rosenberg, and aunt, Eva Speier, on a trip to Germany. “In Frankfurt, we visited the Jewish cemetery where there is a cenotaph in memory of Ludwig’s parents, Benno and Hedwig Rosenberg, and his Uncle Julius Speyer. Their remains, of course, were reduced to ashes at Treblinka and Theresienstadt and, I suppose, still swirl around the universe. Perhaps that’s another reason the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is so dear to us. It’s a tangible resting place for so much of our family history.” The mission of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is to preserve the histories of the Jewish families who settled in Nebraska and Eastern Iowa during the mid-nineteenth and twentieth centuries. “We are continually documenting the stories of people who raised their families, built their businesses, organized synagogues and participated in the civic development and economic growth of their new homeland,” said Renee Corcoran, NJHS Executive Director. “Our Carl Frohm Archival Center includes paper and oral evidence as well as photographs, historical records and other artifacts that re-create the history of our Jewish community. We do this work in order to offer a lasting heritage for our children and grandchildren. We’re very pleased that Hanna and David Gradwohl gifted us with their precious family treasures, and we encourage others to do the same.” Information on how you can support the NJHS is found on the organization’s website: http://www.nebraskajhs. com. You can also contact the office at 402.334.6441 or email: njhs@jewishomaha.org.
In the news Daniel Raznick was awarded a Master’s Degree in Architecture at the University of Minnesota on May 17, 2014. As the top performing student in the University of Minnesota Master’s Program, Daniel received the Henry Adams Medal from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). During his graduate studies at the University of Minnesota, Daniel was also recognized with the following awards: Thomas F. Ellerbe Scholarship Award, Richard Morrill Master’s Final Project Team Award, 2013 AIA-Minnesota Honor Award (Centennial Chromagraph), 2013 Design Democracy Award Winner, 2013 Saul Parness Fund Fellowship Recipient, and 2012 Bill and Elizabeth Pedersen Fellowship Recipient. Daniel will begin his career on June 1 with Pickard Chilton in New Haven, CT. Jim Nelson, General Manager of Omaha’s Public Access TV station KPAO, announced that Your Omaha High with Andy Greenberg will premier Saturday May 31, and will be a regular 10 a.m. morning feature. “Partnering with KPAO is an author’s, speaker’s and radio personality’s dream,” explained Greenberg. Andy Greenberg transitioned to a speaker-trainer and author after completing 35 years in corporate America as a sales and marketing professional. He lives in Omaha, where he has authored a book, is heard daily on news radio 1110 KFAB and nationally by millions daily on hundreds of radio stations on The Radio America Network. For more information please contact any of the following: Andy Greenberg at 402.250.3895 or at speakingofandy greenberg@cox.net; andygreenberg.wordpress.com, or Jim Nelson jim.nelson@ci.omaha.ne.us 402.614.8202
May 30, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 9
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
The writing process
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press In his article, I Thought You Said You Wanted to Run Things Like a Business, Hal Lewis writes: “I continue to be struck by the irony that many of the same individuals who claim to want our [Jewish] communal institutions to be run more like a business, ignore the very principles and best practices that would enable us to do exactly that.” Among those “very principles and best practices,” he includes the concepts of autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He states: “reduce micro-management at every level of the agency. The non-profit world in general, and Jewish organizations in particular, are notorious for excessive amounts of micro-management on both the lay and professional levels. Nothing destroys a sense of autonomy more than a system that elevates control to an art form.” I can’t speak for other agencies or organizations, but I am often asked if “The Federation” tells me what to write. The answer is simple: No. In fact, very few people (professional or lay leaders) see this paper in its entirety until it lands in the mail. Is that a scary thought? Not really. The truth is; I’m not that concerned with what the Federation, i.e., my colleagues, think on a daily basis. Not because what they think doesn’t matter, quite the opposite—it matters a great deal. But I don’t write for us in the building alone, I write for the entire community. Were I to feel every single choice I make throughout the week depends on the approval of my Federation colleagues and/or leadership, I would end up micro-managing myself. That would make me a lousy and insecure editor. “Those who want our communal organizations to run like a business,” Lewis continues, “should take the advice of Robert Sutton, Professor of Management at Stanford Engineering School: Constantly micromanaging employees after giving them an assignment is like planting seeds in the
ground and digging them up every week to see how they’re doing. The importance of autonomy in the work place cannot be overstated, even if it means allowing people to make mistakes.” In the absence of a micro-manager, those mistakes can be a healthy thing; it’s often how we learn our craft. Sutton’s garden metaphor is maybe a little Hallmark-y, but it is appropriate. When we are allowed enough room, we will grow and blossom. When I’m writing, I think about what I want to say to the readers. Is this interesting? Do I have something useful to say? How do I get my point across in the most effective manner? For news articles, it’s fairly straightforward: Who, what, when, where, and sometimes why? Do I need quotes and from whom? Are the dates, names, times correct? Which week should it be published in, and do we need reminders? Am I writing it, or is someone else, and where do we get good pictures? Does it need frontpage placement, or can it go elsewhere in the paper? When writing editorials, things are little more complicated. Case in point: in the same article cited above, there is a passage subtitled Craft Jewish Organizations that Embrace and Reflect Jewish Values. In it, Lewis states: “The history of
Jewish leadership since the Torah reveals our people’s pervasive commitment to shared power and collaboration. And understanding that no leader can do it all, and that a diversity of perspectives and leadership types is required for healthy communities, means that contemporary Jewish groups must demonstrate a willingness to tackle the frequently dysfunctional nature of lay-professional relationships.” When I read that, all my instincts scream to leave it alone. I am just one employee; who am I to think I have to share my opinion about the relationship between professionals and lay leadership? Who am I going to inadvertently insult? There are many different professionals in our community, and many different levels of lay leadership, and they all work hard. It is not my place to discuss how they are all getting along. So I put that passage aside and leave it be. It’s a process that happens every week, while I search for material. I read the news briefs, I read many papers, I read the various releases, and check things off the list. A story about a rabbi in Jersey who sexually abused his students? No. A news release about anti-Semitism in France? I put it on the “Let’s write about France one of these days” pile. A story about who Bar Refaeli is dating this week? No. A story about Price tag attacks? Hmm. No, for now—but one of these days, I may change my mind. Not because of what “The Federation” thinks. It’s because, over time, I’ve honed my instincts, and I know which issues make good editorial fodder, and which don’t. Nobody needs to dig me up from the garden to check on that. Even if, every once in a while and completely by accident, I produce a noxious weed.
A new gauge of global anti-Semitism
Focus on issues ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN, National Director of ADL NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Anti-Defamation League’s Global 100 Index of Anti-Semitism is the broadest public opinion survey of attitudes toward Jews ever conducted. It is one of the most important efforts we have undertaken in our history as an organization. The survey was conducted in more than 100 countries and territories, and 53,100 people were interviewed, representing 4 billion adults around the world. Our basic findings were sobering: More than one-quarter of the people surveyed (26 percent) harbor anti-Semitic attitudes. The stereotypes receiving the most support worldwide were those questioning the loyalty of Jews and those asserting excessive Jewish power and influence. And, despite decades of efforts to promote Holocaust awareness, only 33 percent of those surveyed are aware of the Holocaust and believe that it is accurately described by historians. We approach this project with a sense of pride but also humility, knowing that it provides direction rather than definitive answers. The survey will form a baseline for further consideration of anti-Semitism and Holocaust awareness. Most importantly, the survey will, we hope, begin conversations among governments, scholars, NGOs and others around the world on attitudes toward Jews, and lead to new initiatives to counteract these pernicious attitudes. In this regard, a few comments are in order. First, we recognize that polling public opinion, however
(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Jessie Wees Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper
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
important a barometer of the state of anti-Semitism in a particular country, is only one factor. Other indicators, such as how many anti-Semitic incidents there are, how secure the Jewish community feels, how anti-Semitism plays out in politics, culture, entertainment and religion, are all elements in assessing the extent of anti-Semitism in a particular society. In polling anti-Semitic attitudes, this survey plays an important role in setting the stage for the broader discussion of anti-Semitism in varying societies. Second, as the organization primarily responsible for dealing with anti-Semitism, ADL frequently encounters comments suggesting we have a vested interest in finding antiSemitism. With this global survey we do not seek to exaggerate how much anti-Semitism there is in the world; rather, we want to document empirically how things actually are. Indeed, one of the many fascinating aspects of this poll is the positive side of the story, highlighted by countries where anti-Semitic attitudes are absent or relatively minor. We see that in several Asian countries, like Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines. We see lower numbers in several West European countries such as Sweden and the Netherlands. And, in general, English-speaking countries have significantly better attitudes than the world at large toward Jews. These positive findings are important. They show how varied attitudes are and suggest the need for further investigation to determine what common factors bring people in some countries to have more positive attitudes toward Jews. Third, over the years questions have been raised about ADL’s methodology in assessing attitudes through similar polling. ADL polling is based on an index of anti-Semitism developed back in the 1960s by academics from the University of California, Berkeley. They looked at 11 classic stereotypes about Jews -- statements about Jewish power and influence, Jewish loyalty and personal traits.
The index we used in the Global 100 is based on these 11 stereotypes. Our analysis rests on the idea that if an individual agrees with six or more of these stereotypes, he or she is deemed to have anti-Semitic attitudes. The strength of this methodology is its high bar: It does not rest on agreeing with any one statement. But agreeing to six or more of these ageold anti-Semitic assertions makes clear one’s biased attitude toward Jews. Moreover, these 11 statements are not random. These are stereotypes that represent the main anti-Jewish canards through the millennia. Fourth, there is the question of the relationship between attitudes toward Israel and attitudes toward Jews. It is evident that the Middle East conflict matters with regard to anti-Semitism. However, from our findings in the survey, it is not clear whether the Middle East conflict is the cause, or rather the excuse, for anti-Semitism. Either way, the high numbers of those who harbor anti-Semitic attitudes in the Middle East and North Africa are a challenge to the region - and the international community -- going forward. When it comes to religious factors affecting anti-Semitic attitudes, Muslims have significantly higher anti-Semitic attitudes overall than do members of other religions. If, however, we only look at the countries outside of the Middle East and North Africa, the numbers for anti-Semitic attitudes for Muslims are still higher than those among Christians but not significantly so. For the ADL, this survey is an important beginning. The conversations that will ensue, in governments and in civil society, will ultimately be the test of the impact of this worldwide poll. We trust it will provide a better understanding of global anti-Semitism and its global reach, and will lead to serious efforts to address this worldwide problem. Abraham H. Foxman is national director of the ADL.
ha.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.
and space restrictions. 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. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. 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
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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.
10 | The Jewish Press | May 30, 2014
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. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Shabbat; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Brunch honoring Beth El Minyannaires, 10 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. MONDAY: USY and Kadima go to Worlds of Fun, 8 a.m.8 p.m. TUESDAY: Erev Shavuot, Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.; Tot Shavuot service, 5:30 p.m.; Dairy dinner follows services. Dinner, $10, adults, $5, children 7 – 12, free, children 6 and under. RSVP at www.bethel-omaha.org. WEDNESDAY: Shavuot Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m. includes Yizkor and dedication of new plaques; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 9 p.m. Shabbat Basketball, Saturday, June 7, 1 p.m. in the Beth El parking lot. 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. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 7:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit (Barchu), 9 a.m.; Mincha, 8:15 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 9:41 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Synaogue office closed
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; All night study, 11 p.m. at the Katzman’s House. For more information or to RSVP please email Chani at chani@ochabad.com. WEDNESDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Reading of the Ten Commandments, 11 a.m.; Dairy Buffet Lunch and Garden Party, noon. THURSDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. 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. with oneg following hosted by Anne and Robert Rickover. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Naso. TUESDAY: Erev Shavuot Potluck Dairy Dinner, 6:30 p.m. followed by two study sessions, one led by Nancy Coren and one led by Rabbi Craig Lewis. Watch for more details and the topics to be studied, and plan to join us. RSVP to the Temple office (402.435.8004) or Tifereth office (402.423.8569) by Monday morning, June 2, so we are adequately prepared with table set-up. As part of the Temple’s 130th anniversary celebration, we want to reach as many former members and clergy as possible. Are you in touch with someone who used to attend?
With kids who grew up and moved away? With friends or family with Temple connections? If so, please give their contact information to Barb Straus at barbstraus@gmail.com.
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 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. WEDNESDAY: Shavout Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. THURSDAY: Shavout Services with Yizkor, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 6 p.m. Class participants are Jesse Bloom, Bruce Buehler, Edward Cohn, Robert Dorton, Pamela Epstein, Lisa Jenkins, Lisa Scheet, Shelley Smith, and Jay Spiegelman. SATURDAY: Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Carter Eades, son of Leslie and Brian Eades, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SUNDAY: 143rd Annual Meeting, 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 required. TUESDAY: Erev Shavuot Services, 5:30 p.m., Dinner, 6 p.m., Program, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El, 14506 California St.
Candlelighting Friday, May 30, 8:31 p.m.
We’ll begin with services while the little ones celebrate with a Tot Shavuot service led by “Miss Patty” Nogg. We’ll also celebrate our “first fruits,” as we bless new babies born since last Shavuot. A dairy dinner follows services. An interactive Shavuot team scavenger hunt is planned for all ages following dinner. The cost of the dinner for adults age 13 and older is $10, Children ages seven-12 is $5 and Children ages six and under are free. WEDNESDAY: Shavuot with Yizkor Service, 10:30 a.m. On the three Torah holidays, Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot, in the midst of rejoicing, we take time to remember and reflect. During these holidays and Yom Kippur, we remember our loved ones who have passed away. If you plan to join us and would like to have the names of your loved ones read at the Yizkor service please call the Temple office, 402.556.6536 by Friday, May 30, to submit names to be read aloud.
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 in honor of Judge Ben Novicoff. SUNDAY: Tifereth Israel Annual Meeting, 2 p.m. TUESDAY: Erev Shavuot Potluck Dairy Dinner, 6:30 p.m. followed by two study sessions, one led by Nancy Coren and one led by Rabbi Craig Lewis at South Street Temple. Watch for more details and the topics to be studied, and plan to join us. RSVP to the Temple office (402.435.8004) or Tifereth office (402.423.8569) by Monday morning, June 2, so we are adequately prepared with table set-up. TUESDAY-THURSDAY: The office closed for Shavout. WEDNESDAY: Shavout Services, 9:30 a.m. THURSDAY: Shavout Services, 9:30 a.m.; Yizkor Service, 11 a.m.
Pope visits Western Wall, Yad Vashem on final day of trip by JTA NEWS STAFF TEL AVIV (JTA) -- Pope Francis visited an array of religious sites and national memorials on his final day in Israel. His itinerary on Monday included visits to the Western Wall and Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, where he gave a speech condemning anti-Semitism and hatred. He also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres.
Francis also met with Israel’s chief rabbis, David Lau and Yitzhak Yosef, as well as a group of sick Christian-Arab Israelis before traveling to Peres’ official residence. A day earlier, the pope had referred to the “state of Palestine” in a speech in Bethlehem and stopped to pray at Israel’s security fence there. The gestures were widely seen as endorsing Palestinian national aspirations. Also in Bethlehem, he visited the Church of the Nativity -- the traditional site of Jesus’ birth -- and gave a speech alongside
Pope Francis taking a tour of the Temple Mount during the second day of his visit. Credit: ASHERNET
Pope Francis taking his leave of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport. Credit: ASHERNET
The pope began his day with a visit to the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock, where he met with the Grand Mufti Muhammad Ahmad Hussein of Jerusalem, the highest Muslim religious authority there. He then went to the adjacent Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site, where he prayed and left a note. He also met with Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz. Francis also visited the grave of Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism, and made an unplanned stop at a memorial for victims of terror. At Yad Vashem, the pope met with Holocaust survivors, laid a wreath and said, “Never again, Lord, never again.” “A great evil has befallen us, as such that has never occurred,” he said in a speech. “Grant us the grace to be ashamed of what men have done, to be ashamed of this massive idolatry.”
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The pope arrived in Israel Sunday afternoon, where he gave a speech at Ben Gurion Airport before meeting with his Eastern Orthodox counterpart, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The two leaders signed a joint declaration and called for greater Christian unity. “I greet all the people of Israel with prayerful good wishes that their aspirations of peace and prosperity will achieve fulfillment,” Francis said at the airport. “We all know how urgent is the need for peace, not only for Israel but also for the entire region. May efforts and energies be increasingly directed to the pursuit of a just and lasting solution to the conflicts which have caused so much suffering.” The pope had arrived in the region on Saturday and spent the day in Amman, Jordan.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
May 30, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 11
In memoriam EDDIE H. BAILEN Eddie H. Bailen passed away May 12 in his home surrounded by family after a long, courageous battle with Mesothelioma. Services were held May 14 at Golden Hills Cemetry. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Bailen; eldest daughter, Stacy Bailen and oldest brother, Harold Bailen. He is survived by his wife, Rena Bailen; children: Mark, Doug, Beth, Heather and Michael; grancchildren; Micaela, Mason, Paige and Leaf; sister-in-law and daughters-in-law, Kari, Alison and Monet; mother, Millie Altman; sister, Sandy Bailen-Scott; brother, Lew Bailen; and many nieces, nephews. Eddie was the second oldest child of Millie and Sam Bailen. A veteran of the Korean War, he married Rena Ash of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on June 20, 1965; together they moved to Omaha. Eddie was a very successful electrical and computer engineer who owned several businesses such as Automated Electrical Controls and Electrical Engineering Equipment Service Company. Due to this background, he was approached by friend and Holocaust survivor, Sam Fried, to help create a Holocaust memorial. Together, they created a light which flickers 6 million times a year to commemorate each soul lost. The lights continue to flicker in all four Omaha synagogues to this day. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or an organization of your choice.
Israel divestment by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- DePaul University's student body voted in a referendum to approve a divestment resolution targeting Israel. The student government ballot initiative passed with 54.2 percent of the vote, with 45.8 against, The DePaulia student newspaper reported last Friday. A total of 2,908 votes were cast by students at the Chicago Catholic university. The ballot question asked: “Do you think that DePaul should follow socially responsible investment practices and divest its funds from companies that profit from Israel's discriminatory practices and human rights violations?” According to the paper, the university's president, the Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, sent an email to students and faculty after the vote calling the request “problematic in a number of ways." He wrote that “what is socially responsible to one organization or set of interests may be objectionable to another." The school's student senate previously passed a divestment resolution in March, but it was vetoed by the student body president.
DON’T FORGET
2,000 mourn Brussels victims at silent vigil by JTA NEWS STAFF BRUSSELS (JTA) -- A crowd of approximately 2,000 gathered for a silent vigil in front of the Jewish museum in Brussels where an unidentified shooter killed four people. The gathering on Sunday came 24 hours after the shooting at the Jewish Museum of Belgium in the center of the country’s capital. Prime Minister Elio di Rupo was among the Belgian politicians who cleared time to attend the vigil on Election Day. “Elections are usually a celebration for democracy, but this year that celebration is in the shadow by this terrorist attack,” he said later that day at a news conference. “My thoughts go out to the Jewish community and their families.” At the vigil, many lit candles in memory of the four victims and placed flowers and Israeli and Belgian flags at the museum’s entrance. Two of the victims were an Israeli couple on vacation. Emanuel and Miriam Riva of Tel Aviv, both in their 50s, were shot in the head and died instantly, as did Dominique Chabrier, a French volunteer at the museum. A fourth fatality was identified as Alexandre Strens, a museum employee in his 20s. Strens died in the hospital hours after he was shot. “It is good to hear the Belgian politicians sharing their outrage at this Saturday’s attack,” said Robin Sclafani, director of CEJI, a Jewish Brussels-based not-for-profit which promotes tolerance through education. “I hope they can finally hear the alarm this time for what is a wake-up call that has been snoozed too many times already.” Rabbi Menachem Margolin, director of the European Jewish Association, or EJA, called on European governments to set up a pan-European task force to fight antiSemitism. “Condemnation after a predictable attack is nothing but a way to cleanse one’s conscious” unless it is accompanied by concrete actions, he said. Also Sunday, Belgian police released footage of the shooting as part of their manhunt to catch the perpetrators. The black-and-white security camera footage from Saturday’s attack shows a man entering the museum’s corridor carrying two bags, which he places on the ground before the museum entrance. The man produces a firearm from one of the bags that appears to be an AK-47 assault rifle and fires a burst of shots at people inside while remaining near the entrance. In the 29-second video, the man, who is wearing a black baseball cap, is seen placing the rifle back inside one of the bags and escaping on foot. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the shooting in Brussels. Ban’s spokesman said in a statement that the U.N. chief “reiterates his strong condemnation of all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and trusts that Belgian authorities will do everything possible to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators of this crime to justice swiftly.” Also, Two French Jewish brothers were attacked while on their way to synagogue. The brothers, aged 18 and 21 from the Paris suburb of Creteil, were attacked from behind Sunday by two men on bicycles, according to a statement from the French Jewish organization SPCJ. The attackers, men in their 20s, wore brass knuckles and hit the brothers in the face. The attackers fled after the brothers defended themselves. On the heels of the anti-Semitic attacks in France and Belgium, far-right parties across Europe won an increased share of the vote in elections for the European Parliament.
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12 | The Jewish Press | May 30, 2014
Echoes of Greenberg: Tigers roaring with Jewish duo Ausmus and Kinsler by HILLEL KUTTLER BALTIMORE (JTA) -- The rarity arose in the initial meeting of first-year Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus and his second baseman Ian Kinsler, newly traded from the Texas Rangers: a Jewish player reporting to a Jewish manager. Ausmus was “raised the same way I was,” Kinsler learned, with one Jewish parent and an upbringing in which Judaism “wasn’t something that was completely ingrained in our lives,” the 31-year-old Arizona native said in his pronounced Texas twang. The chat also covered Ausmus’ experiences piloting Israel’s World Baseball Classic entry in 2012, his only previous managerial job. Both have settled in quickly in Detroit, helping to lift the Tigers to the best record in Major League Baseball. Batting leadoff, Kinsler carries a .300 average and stands among the American League leaders in runs and hits. Tigers fan Morris Amitay, AIPAC’s former executive director who came to watch Detroit sweep the three-game series here, said he can’t help but kvell over the combination of Jewish manager and player. “Here’s a team that had Hank Greenberg, and now it’s gone back to its Jewish roots,” he said. Kinsler wears uniform no. 3; the 5 he wore for Texas had been retired by Detroit to honor Greenberg, its Hall of Fame first baseman from 1930 to 1946. A uniform-always-dirty player, Kinsler draws ire from opponents and admiration from teammates. He’s a welcome spark plug for a team that has ridden power hitting and dominant starting pitching to three consecutive A.L. Championship Series and the 2012 World Series. In eight seasons with the Rangers, Kinsler was a three-time All-Star who helped the Western Division club reach the World
Brad Ausmus
Ian Kinsler
Series in 2010 and 2011. In postseason play, his average is .311. His Nov. 20 trade for first baseman Prince Fielder “was a little bit shocking,” he acknowledged while dressing for a recent game here. But playing for Detroit “is awesome,” he added. Ausmus was hired two weeks before the trade. Sitting in his Camden Yards office, Ausmus said his experience with the Israeli team provided “a little bit of a glimpse” into how managers build rapport with players and cultivate clubhouse camaraderie. “In terms of preparation, I don’t know that there’s a ton of parallel because there’s so much more information [available] on major league players than there is on WBC players -- in fact, sometimes even no information on WBC players,” he said. “I guess that in some regards you learn to make decisions you don’t really want to make [to cut players].”
The experience didn’t necessarily place him on the major league managing track, Ausmus said. “There are only 30 managerial jobs. There’s no guarantee you’re going to get one of those,” he said. “I’d thought of it, but I never assumed it.” A priority heading into 2014 was getting to know his Tigers as people and players. Six weeks into the season, Ausmus said, nothing has surprised him. That could be because of his playing experience toiling for four teams, including the Tigers, in 18 years and winning three Gold Gloves at catcher, the thinking man’s position. Those parallels are more apparent, Ausmus said. “As a catcher, you’re planning ahead, you’re strategizing, you’re dealing with a pitching staff. You also know what it’s like to be an everyday player,” he said. “As a catcher, it gives you a pretty good feel
for what you would come across as a manager, for what the players are thinking, what’s going through their minds, what emotions they’re feeling.” Given his short time with Team Israel, Ausmus figured he “certainly didn’t have any impact” on several players subsequently reaching the majors, but added, “I’m happy for them.” That’s a sentiment the Tigers echo about working alongside Kinsler and Ausmus, at 45 a generation younger than his retired predecessor, the crusty Jim Leyland. Pitching coach Jeff Jones said Ausmus is “very low-key, doesn’t panic, doesn’t get excited when things don’t go right,” and extremely prepared. All-Star pitcher Justin Verlander said his new manager is “more relaxed on the bench” and “totally different” than Leyland, with whom he remains close. Kinsler, he said, brought a new dimension to the Tigers: speed. (Kinsler’s 177 steals set a Rangers record.) “It’s been a lot of fun to watch. I love the way he plays the game,” Verlander said. “I hated the way he played the game when he was with the Rangers and we had to play against him. That’s a sign of respect.” Told of Verlander’s description, Kinsler was pleased. “That’s the kind of player I want to be,” he said. “I like to cause problems. If you’re not noticed, then you’re not doing something right.” Off the field, a synagogue in suburban Bloomfield Hills, Mich., has invited Kinsler to enroll his two children in its summer program. In Texas, Kinsler said, his daughter Rian attended a JCC of Dallas program. Judaism is “definitely something I want to teach them about,” he said, adding that his wife, a Catholic, is supportive. “To have that knowledge is important.”
The Jewish Federation of Omaha Boards 2014-2015 Board of Directors Jay Noddle | President Richard Jacobson | Jewish Social Services Co-President Michael Siegel | Jewish Community Center President Bonnie Bloch | The Center for Jewish Life President Andrew Ruback | The Jewish Press President TBA | ADL/Community Relations Committee President Bruce Friedlander | Budget & Financial Review Chair Brett Atlas | Member-at-Large Bob Belgrade | Member-at-Large Toba Cohen-Dunning | Member-at-Large Jon Meyers | Member-at-Large Aimee Zetzman | Member-at-Large Jody Malashock | Past President
Jewish Social Services JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE | JEWISH SENIOR OUTREACH
THE ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
2014-2015 Board Carl Riekes | President Steven Bloch, Paul Epstein, Michael M. Erman, Ted Friedland, David Gilinsky, Donald Goldstein, Gloria Kaslow, Joseph Kirshenbaum, Jody Malashock, Murray H. Newman, Steven Nogg, Andrew Robinson, Ted M. Seldin, Harley D. Schrager, Frederick J. Simon, Suzanne Richards Singer, Norman Veitzer, Adam Yale Jay Noddle | Past President
- CRC
2014-2015 Board
2014-2015 Board*
2014-2015 Board
2014-2015 Board
2014-2015 Board
Richard Jacobson | Co-President Steve Nogg | Co-President Joanie Bernstein, Justin Cooper, Toba Cohen-Dunning, Debbi Josephson, Jeff Kirshenbaum, Nancy Noddle, Susie Norton, Jim Polack, Dorothy Spizman, Sally Zipursky Jim Farber | Past President
Rich Juro | Co-President TBA | Co-President Ellie Batt, Carol Bloch, Katherine Finnegan, Bruce Goldberg, Danielle Gordman, Jeff Kirshenbaum, Alan Parsow, Jan Schneiderman, Tom Vann, Aaron Weiner, Nancy Wolf *This a partial list of the ADL/CRC Board.
Andrew Ruback | President Eric Dunning | President Elect Sarah Edelstein, Scott Farkas, Sandy Friedman, Paul Gerber, David Kotok, Debbie Kricsfeld, Sara Lopez, Noah Priluck, Paul Rabinovitz
Michael Siegel | President Jason Epstein | President Elect Stacey Atlas, Penny Endleman, Dan Epstein, Mark Kelln, Steve Levinger, Chuck Lucoff, Jamie Meyerson, Scott Meyerson, Wendy Raffel, Ari Riekes, Scott Simon, Dorothy Spizman John Glazer | Past President
Bonnie Bloch | President Karla Cohen, Dusty Friedman, Ron Giller, Shane Kotok, Patty Nogg, Matt Ray, Debbie Roitstein, Matt Shapiro, Rachel Shyken, Dorothy Spizman Toba Cohen-Dunning | Past President