Vol. LXXXV No. 39 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Birthright Hits a Magic Number as It Strives for Greater Funding aged 18 to 26, and by CHANAN TIGAY Lowenthal just makes the NEW YORK (JTA)-cutoff. Birthright Israel could do And while she did end a heck of a lot worse than up finding a place on this Stephanie Lowenthal as month’s trip--and an austhe 100,000th participant picious place to boot-on the group’s free, 10thousands of other young day, identity-building Jewish adults today find trips to Israel. themselves on birthThe 26-year-old New right’s growing waiting Yorker is attractive, elolist. quent and poised--and, as The waiting list, which was evident during a news birthright officials say conference last week, numbers around 30,000 she’ll do well as people, is a testament to birthright’s public face when the organization th program’s popularity celebrates this milestone and success. But it’s also next week in Israel. indicative of the group’s Omahans Emily and struggle to find sufficient Anne Muskin will be joinfunding for everyone who ing her as well. The siswants to go before it’s ters, both college stutoo late. dents here--Emily at Omahans Emily and Anne Muskin await their flight out of Omaha “We have to get a lot Creighton and Anne at to join the birthright israel trip this week. bigger quicker if we hope UNO, will report on to stem the tide” of their first trip to Israel when they return. They are the declining Jewish identity in the Diaspora, said Michael daughters of Mary Beth and Bruce Muskin. Steinhardt, a founder and funder of the six-year-old pro“Planning a trip to Israel has been something I’ve gram. wanted to do my whole life, but it has not been feasible According to a 2004 study by independent researchers until now,” said Lowenthal, who works in communica- at Brandeis University, birthright, launched late in 1999 tions for the NASDAQ Stock Market. as a five-year pilot project, makes a profound impact on She didn’t grow up particularly observant, though she participants’ Jewish identities. Many become active in had a bat mitzvah and her family is “pretty their schools’ Hillels when they return to campus. Some Conservative,” she said. Lowenthal hasn’t served as a go into Jewish professional life and between 4,000 and leader in any Jewish group and, significantly here, she’s 5,000 of the participants from around the world now live in Israel, officials say. never been to Israel. Last year, in an effort to ensure its sustainability, All of this, birthright officials say, means Lowenthal’s background is a fairly accurate representation of many of broaden its base of financial support and accommodate the program participants. the explosion in the number of Jewish young adults Had Lowenthal waited any longer to sign up, she interested in taking part, birthright founded the would not have been able to secure a spot on a birthright israel Foundation. birthright trip at all. That’s because the trip is for Jews Continued on page 2
13 Sivan, 5766 June 9, 2006
YU President Shares Advice at Beth Israel on Raising Jewish Kids by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue When Richard Joel was president and international director of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, he wowed audiences whenever he spoke to them about the need for sending college students to Israel. After 14 successful years there, it was no surprise when he was appointed President of Yeshiva University--the flagship seminary of the Modern Orthodox world. Beth Israel, in partnership with the Jewish Federation’s Young Jewish Omaha, will host the newest YU President-and the first who isn’t a rabbi--when he comes to Omaha on Wednesday, June 21, 7:30 p.m. Joel will speak about “Raising Jewish Kids in America” Richard Joel at the synagogue and the community is invited to attend. Joel earned bachelor’s and law degrees from New York University, has an honorary doctorate from Boston Hebrew College, and served as an assistant district attorney in New York. He is renown for revitalizing Jewish campus life and activism during his tenure as Hillel director. Before his inauguration in 2003 as President of YU, Joel was an associate dean at YU’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and member of its faculty. “No one in the community will want to miss this rare opportunity to spend time,” stated alumnus, Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “His schedule rarely allows for visits to smaller communities like Omaha, and it is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to hear from a man who has been doing so much for Jews in the United States.” Babysitting will be provided by reservation only. Please call the office at 556.6288 to reserve.
Beth El Teens Lauded for Synagogue Involvement
Marty Nachman Honored with Gendler Award by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator If Marty Nachman represents the future of the Jewish community, then the future is looking bright, indeed. An active member at Beth El with a palpable connection to Jewish life, Marty was honored last month by the congregation for his outstanding involvement at and dedication to the synagogue. The son of Beth Staenberg and Gary Nachman, Marty received the A.B. and Freeda Gendler Award, a $500 award given to a high school senior for exemplary involvement at Beth El. Gendler Award recipients are selected based on the following criteria: attendance at the Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) High School of Jewish Studies; Torah and/or Haftorah reading; attendance at daily or Shabbat services; participation in the USY youth group; and other service to the synagogue. Marty can check the ‘yes’ box next to all of the above; in addition, he has helped to lead the High Holidays Youth
Inside Opinion Page see page 20
program and tutored younger children during T.S.S. (Torah Study Skills). He carries a special fondness for his years spent in Hebrew high school, explaining that “there I was able to delve into questions of the mind that I would never ponder on a daily basis, ranging from what is the difference between a leader and a role model, to why does God appear in the Bible in the various ways he does.” Beth El President Sally Zipursky commended Marty for his many years of involvement at the synagogue, saying, “Marty is an outstanding selection for the Gendler Award. He has been active in so many ways at the synagogue--from USY to Torah reading to tutoring the younger children on Shabbat mornings. He has been a tremendous role model for the other youth at Beth El. It’s great to be able to recognize and honor our young people!” Marty’s strong connection to Jewish life “was and continues to be fundamentally influenced by my family,” he noted.
“I have a rich heritage of a Jewish family on both sides, and my parents always encouraged me to take Marty Nachman advantage of opportunities and become active in the synagogue and the overall Jewish community. “Tradition also influenced my gradual immersion into the synagogue,” he continued, “as my great-grandmother, grandmother and mother were or are all members of Beth El.” Receiving the A.B. and Freeda Gendler Award is a significant honor, said Marty, who graduated this past May from
Westside High School. “I will always remember to continue to give back to Beth El, even if I may not be there physically. I am honored to receive such an award for something I love to do and that is part of me--my Judaism. Being a Jewish person is who I am, and I have, and will continue to define this through my participation in the synagogue.” A passionate reader who also enjoys hanging out with friends, playing ultimate Frisbee, intellectual discussions and politics, Marty will travel to Israel this fall to participate in the year-long NATIV college leadership program, sponsored by the Conservative movement. After returning home, he plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis. Studying ancient history and graduating with an archaeology degree seem to be in the cards for this bright young man who plans to become a college history professor; however, he noted that “the means to that end are the vague part of my great scheme that I call my future.” See story on Anna Grossman on page 11.
This Week: Salute to Graduates: Pages 12-13; Father’s Day Starts on Page 15 Next Month: Health & Wellness See Front Page Stories at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
A Visit to Cuba’s Jewish Community, Part II: Pages 4-5
Friedel Celebrates 40 Years of Day School Education: Page 7
Next Generation in Business Features Bruce and Todd Simon: Pages 16-18
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
Karen Gustafson Named JFS Interim Executive Director
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THURSDAY, JUNE 15 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Duties of the Heart, 10:30 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. at Kripke Library NCJW Installations, 6 p.m. at Ironwood Country Club Reading the Old Testament Class, 6 p.m. Hebrew Classes: Level 1, 7 p.m., and Level 2, 8 p.m. All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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As a representative of JFS, Gustafson actively pursues speaking engagements at local schools and synagogues. She is scheduled to speak to Beth Israel congregants this summer. In addition to her newly appointed administrative responsibilities, she continues to counsel individuals, families and adolescents. “We are fortunate to have someone of Karen Gustafson’s caliber to take the reins at JFS. Karen brings a wealth of experience in programming and therapy to the leadership role of JFS/Omaha,” says David Goldberg, JFS Board President. “Karen’s years of success in delivering the highest quality therapy services to our clientele coupled with her impeccable record in providing outstanding Jewish educational programs revolving around personality development and family communications equip her with the knowledge and experience to guide JFS to future success." Prior to JFS, she gained clinical experience at Boys Town, Child Saving Institute and Richard Young/ Methodist Hospital’s Community Counseling Program. In all, she has over 20 years experience as a therapist. She received her Bachelors of Science at Southwest Missouri State University and then furthered her education achieving a Masters of Science at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. JFS is a human service agency whose purpose is to strengthen and preserve life in the community at every stage of the life cycle. The certified and licensed staff is focused on providing services to families and individuals facing challenges in their lives. The agency provides counseling services for such issues as depression, child and adolescent difficulties, domestic abuse, grief, life transitions, couples and family difficulties, infertility counseling, as well as parenting concerns. Gustafson knows that JFS will continue to thrive because of the quality of services it provides. “On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the best, I give JFS a 15!” She can be reached at the JFS office at 330.2024.
Birthright Hits a Magic Number
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by SHARON BARGAS Jewish Family Service (JFS) announced the appointment of Karen Gustafson, M.S., N.C.C., L.M.H.P., to the position of Interim Executive Director. After being recruited to JFS in 2000, she has proven her ability to be a successful leader to her peers as the lead therapist over the past two years. Karen Gustafson “I have become passionate about JFS and I’m committed to carry through with our mission offering a helping hand to individuals in times of need--cradle to rocking chair,” says Gustafson. As a result of Gustafson’s dedication to her clients and desire to help families, she has initiated many new family-oriented programs to the Jewish community and community at large. She was instrumental in bringing a unique workshop to assist families with everyday parenting challenges entitled, “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent.” This four-session class hosted by JFS is offered to the community twice a year. Additionally, she is starting a new program entitled 40 Assets, which will be offered to other therapists. As Interim Executive Director, Gustafson’s primary responsibilities for the Agency include managing the fiscal responsibilities and financial planning, budgeting and reporting and acting as the liaison with other Jewish and community agencies. She is also accountable for obtaining grants and endowment funds, as well as educational programming for the Jewish and larger community. Lastly, she oversees Yachad: Jewish education and programming for the developmentally disabled.
C L I P & S A V E
includes hiking, cycling and camping throughout Israel. Continued from page 1 About 14 months later, birthright officials say that the Billed as an “rugged, outdoors” trip, the athletic comfoundation has made some significant strides forward-- ponent is what attracted both Anne and Emily. “We’re not the types to just sit on a bus,” explained Anne before and still has a long way to go. This is “not a time to pat ourselves on the shoulder,” she left. Because of summer schedules in high school that included sports activities, neither of them was able Steinhardt said. The foundation changed the way birthright raised to participate in a teen peer trip, such as the ARTZA trip leaving later this month. “We’re both very money. In its first five excited about finally getting to Israel--and years, the program relied being able to do it together.” on a relatively small numSusie Gelman, chairwoman of the ber of donors making birthright israel Foundation, said: large gifts. Now the foun“Birthright israel is such a slam dunk success dation has made an effort in the Jewish world. It’s imperative for all of to draw in many more us to keep it going.” Birthright officials say donors at lower levels, in they recognize that many of those who are addition to big gifts. applying--like Lowenthal-could be aged out Between January and if they are turned away. April of this year, the “It’s generally first-come first-served, but number of gifts to there is some preference given to try to birthright under $50,000 enable those who won’t have another was four times the numopportunity,” Gelman said. “The ‘birthright ber from the same period the previous year, adding Stephanie Lowenthal, the 100,000th israel’ corporation is very mindful of the fact up to somewhere in the birthright israel participant. that, all things being equal, those nearing mid-six figures, the founCredit: David Karp the end of their eligibility are given some dation’s president, Jay preference.” Golan, told JTA. Since birthright cannot currently afford to take as “I see a very strong broadening out of the support many people as it would like on its trips, officials say, it base of this,” he said. “I’m really pleased. People do also has not been able to organize a full-fledged alumni seem to be very enthusiastic about the opportunity to follow-up program, which the group sees as extremely give to birthright. Many people just simply didn’t important. Nevertheless, the group ran about 150 alumni events know.” Since the fall, Golan said, the group has attracted three in 2005 that attracted about 13,000 people, and this new donors at the $1 million level and is anticipating number does not include those events run by the alumothers. Further, 12 of the original 14 philanthropists ni themselves. “It’s a dilemma, because where do you put the emphawho backed the group are still on board (one of the original group has since died), though not necessarily at sis of the funding--on the trip itself or on follow up?” said Marlene Post, secretary of the foundation’s board. the original level. “Though the trip in itself is fabulous and opens vistas In addition, the Israeli government--which due to budget restraints during the intifada had slashed its con- for every individual young person that goes to Israel, it’s tribution to a token amount--has agreed to match out- the follow up that really gives even greater meaning to side donations one dollar for every two dollars up to a the trip. It reinforces all the content that one gets on a maximum of $20 million from the government for next 10-day trip.” For her part, Lowenthal said she hopes to engage in year. And the Jewish Agency for Israel and the U.S. federa- some follow up of her own upon her return. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to tion system each kicked in some $5 million for this year’s reconnect with my Judaism, see and experience the program. Birthright is hoping for the same next year. This summer, birthright will be taking 10,000 young things I learned about as a child, and share my journey Jewish adults on its trips and is aiming to do the same in with family and friends,” she said. Carol Katzman, Editor of the Jewish Press, conthe fall. Each group of 10,000 costs about $24 million. The Muskin girls are part of a birthright trip that tributed to this article.
June 9, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Jews in New Orleans Fearful as New Hurricane Season Begins by LARRY LUXNER NEW ORLEANS (JTA)--For the last eight months, Joel Colman has lived in a 30-foot trailer parked on the grounds of New Orleans’ Temple Sinai. It’s convenient to his job--after all, Colman is the synagogue’s cantor--but just a tad claustrophobic living in the trailer provided by the Federal Emergency Management Administration. “Quite frankly, living here there’s not a lot of separation between work and not work,� said Colman, whose house was severely damaged by last year's Hurricane Katrina. “This space gets very small after awhile, and this is a special FEMA handicapped trailer with a three-foot-wide entrance,� said the 48-year-old cantor, proudly showing off the mezuzah affixed to the trailer’s entrance. “If I need to use the restroom, I can go. But if you’ve got three or four people living in one of these, it must be crazy.� Colman, whose wife, Jackie, is temporarily living in Detroit with their teenage son while the family home undergoes repairs, knows he’s one of the lucky ones. He only had to wait a few months for his $70,000 trailer, which is parked at Temple Sinai because there’s not enough room on his front lawn. Yet Colman won’t be so lucky if even a weak hurricane strikes the Gulf Coast during the 2006 hurricane season, which officially began June 1. Like everyone else here, the Jews of New Orleans worry that the 2006 hurricane season could bring mor unpleasant surprises. “There’s a lot of fear,� said Roselle Ungar, interim director at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. “The beginning of every hurricane season is always marked with trepidation. But this year, things are different. People are really talking about where they’ll go, how they’re going to secure their homes, what
to take with them.� Ungar said another evacuation of New Orleans is not a question of if--but when --“and when we have to evacuate this year, the authorities will require people with mobile homes to leave much sooner than the rest of the community.� Especially vulnerable are people like Colman, who are stuck in flimsy FEMA trailers not built to withstand hurricaneforce winds. “The trailers are a huge issue. No one believes they’ll stand up to anything, not even in the wake of a 25- mph wind,� says federation spokesman Adam Brownstone. “People aren’t meant to live in them for a long time, but obviously people have, in the absence of housing and delays with insurance and getting contractors. All that has inhibited people from moving back to their homes.� In fact, says Brownstone, only 65 percent of New Orleans’ 9,500 Jews have returned to the city in the nine months since Katrina’s devastation. While that compares favorably to the 50 percent of residents in general who have moved back to the Big Easy since Katrina, it still represents a loss of nearly a third of the city’s Jewish population. Most of those who have not returned remain in the cities to which they initially evacuated--Houston, Baton Rouge, Memphis, Miami and Atlanta. “The evacuees are spread out far and wide,� said Eric Stillman, the former Executive Director of the New Orleans federation, and now President and CEO of the United Jewish Communities of Broward County, FL. “They were originally in an area stretching from Texas to Florida, and as time has gone by, they’ve literally gone further afield into every state.� The dramatic drop in population has affected every Jewish institution in the city. “We’re losing really important members of our Jewish community,� said
Saundra Levy, Executive Director of the Jewish Endowment Foundation. “I have a board member whose practice was at Mercy Hospital, which was flooded. He’s moving to Waycross, GA. Another was a professor at Tulane for 30 years. He was let go.� Dina Gerber, Director of Jewish Family Services of New Orleans, said that before Katrina, her group had 19 employees. Five left after the storm, and of the 14 that remain, nine are not living in their own homes-- either in trailers, renting apartments or living with parents. “I only have five employees who are in the same houses as they were before Joel Colman, cantor at Temple Sinai of New Orleans, has Katrina,� said Gerber. “Of lived in this FEMA-issued trailer parked next to the synathe five who have left, I’ve gogue for eight months while he awaits repairs to his hurrireplaced two people. Before Credit: Larry Luxner/JTA cane-damaged house. Katrina, we gave out On the other hand, while a number of $24,000 a year in financial assistance. Since Katrina, we have overseen the dis- area Catholic and Protestant churches have tribution of more than $1 million to indi- closed for lack of funding, not a single Jewish institution in New Orleans has had viduals in the Jewish community.� Gerber’s group also has more than 300 to shut its doors--except for Congregation subscribers for its Lifeline program for Beth Israel in suburban Lakeview, an elderly Jews, but the subscribers she is Orthodox synagogue that was severely damaged by Katrina's floodwaters. seeing now are more frail than ever. “Everybody who lives here is passionate “We feel it’s a reflection of the shortage of adjunct medical care that's available. about bringing the community back,� Levy Sitters and nurse’s aides are very hard to said. “We’re thinking it’ll be a five- to 10come by," she said, adding that her own year period, but at the rate the federal gov93-year-old mother felt she couldn’t ernment is going, it could be 25 years.� Levy, formerly director of the New return to New Orleans after Katrina. “One reason is that so few of her friends Orleans Historic Landmark Commission, came back. She’s now at an independent liv- said the immediate future looks extremeing facility in Atlanta,� Gerber said. “More ly uncertain. “All this federal money is than a year ago, JFS sponsored a mission to coming in, but I haven’t seen a lot of it,� Cuba� to provide humanitarian relief. “It is she told JTA. “People are hanging on by striking how in just a few short months, threads. Some people took their flood insurance money and left.� things can be turned upside down.�
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
A Visit to Jewish Cuba: A Holocaust Memorial Juxtaposed Against Che Guevara; A Mikvah in the Caribbean Jewish way of life. No rabbi, no Bar Mitzvahs, no Bat by OZZIE NOGG Editor’s note: Last month, a group of Omahans spent Mitzvah, no Jewish weddings. They had grown into four days on a humanitarian mission to Cuba. Nancy adults ignorant of Judaism. For those who tried to mainNoddle chaired the mission. Other participants were Ellie tain Jewish tradition, Shabbat services and observance of Batt, Steve and Carol Bloch, Joe and Ruth Erman, Mike Jewish holidays took place in private homes, where livand Jill Erman, Paul and Sandy Epstein, Howard and ing rooms served as synagogue, school, and social cenJan Goldstein, Kathy McGauvran, Murray Newman, ter. Today, public celebrations of Jewish life are slowly and Bruce and Anne Shackman. The mission was spon- returning to Central Cuba. In 1995, the government allowed the Jews in Santiago sored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha with assistance from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. de Cuba to reclaim their former synagogue--a humble, one-story blue-and-white building indistinguishable This report chronicles the final part of their journey. Three hours outside of Havana--in the center of Cuba from all the others on the street. The congregation --visitors find the city of Santa Clara, home to 23 of recently celebrated the return of a precious 1920s Cuba’s estimated 1,500 Jews. In late 1958, Che Turkish Sefer Torah to its home in the ark. On Rosh Hashanah, 1998, the Jewish community in Guevara led a guerilla column into Santa Clara and defeated Batista’s forces in the final, most decisive battle Camaguey rededicated a new synagogue in a whiteof the Cuban Revolution. Guevara is buried in Santa washed turn-of-the-century house. It was the first synaClara, and each year thousands of tourists visit his grave and the museum dedicated to his life. Barely a five-minute taxi ride from this popular tourist attraction--in the restored Jewish cemetery of Santa Clara --stands a lesser-known, unpretentious monument honoring the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust. “The monument was carved by a local, nonJewish sculptor who did extensive research into the Shoah and Judaism,” Mike Erman said. “Train tracks reminiscent of Auschwitz run up the middle, and original cobblestones from a street in the Warsaw Ghetto are embedded in the memorial. The symbolism is very powerful. The idea for the memorial came from the Jews of Santa Clara, which is very moving, especially considering how little they themselves have.” David Tacher, a representative of the Santa Clara Mission participants were able to see first-hand how the JDC puts Jewish community, calls the memorial a statement money to work for the Jewish community of Cuba. of solidarity with worldwide Jewry, and a symbol of the gogue established in Cuba since the revolution, and has resurgence in Jewish life around Cuba. “All Cubans become a symbol of the community’s resurgence, know about this monument,” he said. “It is on the itin- despite its admittedly shabby condition. erary of Jewish visitors and Cuban schools. It is another “I believe they care more about their religion than way to show that there will always be a small part of about having the most updated place of worship,” Sandy Israel in Central Cuba.” Epstein said. Various delegations that visit Santa Clara This small part of Israel consists of the Jews of Santa have donated prayer shawls, kippot, prayer books and Clara and those in the neighboring towns of Cienfuegos, Torah scrolls. “Most of the congregation had never been Camaguey, Santiago de Cuba and Sancti Spiritus. With a close to a Torah or touched one before,” Nancy Noddle combined Jewish population of about 100, the commu- said. “Seeing these people in their shul, and hearing stonities struggle to keep tradition alive for themselves and ries of what they endured over the past forty years, for the next generation. reminded us that Jewish life depends on all Jews doing Judaism nearly vanished from Central Cuba during the what they can to care for one another. It’s part of our “silent period” of the late 1960s to late 1980s, when the tradition.” practice of religion was forbidden by the Castro regime. Jewish tradition in Central Cuba is being carried on, in During those years, two generations lived with no many cases, by converts to Judaism. Sixty percent of
Cuban Jews are believed to be Jews by choice, the highest percentage of any country in the world. Local residents say that in every family, there’s someone who isn’t Jewish, and when the ban on religious practice was lifted in 1991, non-Jewish spouses and children of non-Jewish mothers come out of the woodwork, asking questions and signing up for conversion classes. This led JDC to set up study courses and exams in Jewish history, life cycle events, Jewish tradition, holiday observance, and liturgy, all supervised by visiting rabbis from outside Cuba and experienced teachers from Havana. At the end of the learning process, three rabbis from Chile, Argentina and Panama form a bet din to officially certify the conversions, and the Caribbean Sea is often used as an outsized mikvah-- the waters giving birth to new members of the People Israel. “We attended religious services in Santa Clara,” Ruth Erman said. “All of us were impressed with the community’s love of Judaism and their enthusiasm for Jewish life. These people are newly educated, which makes their commitment all the more amazing.” If Jews by choice supply new blood to Cuban Jewry, hope for the future rests on the shoulders of its children. With the support of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Jewish youth across Cuba attend schools and camps that emphasize Jewish identity, values and culture. They learn to read and write Hebrew, they sing in their synagogue choirs, and are tutored in the basic elements of conducting religious services. In Santa Clara, mission participants met a sevenyear old boy who already knows he wants to become a rabbi. They also spoke with 16-year-old Ivonne their Barila Loyarte from the nearby town of Sancti Spiritus. “Ivonne told us she’d celebrated her Bat Mitzvah a few years ago along with her older brother,” said Ellie Batt. “Theirs was the first Bar and Bat Mitzvah in the area since 1952. Ivonne just glowed when she shared this accomplishment with us. She was so proud of herself, not in a boastful way, and seemed so joyous about having made this rite of passage. We were touched that the older Jews in the community want to make sure the youth have these opportunities.” Jose Barila Loyarte--Ivonne’s father and a lay leader in Santa Clara--charged the Omaha delegation “to go back to your own community and tell others, ‘We are Jews like you. We celebrate and practice our Judaism as you do, and we intend to continue to work very hard to keep the Jewish flame alive in Cuba.’” Continued on page 5
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Jewish Cuba Continued on page 5 granted.” And another remarked, “A trip From a practical point of view, the mis- like this makes you realize that you have sion to Cuba, according to Newman, so much and that you have to give some“gave us the opportunity to see the fabu- thing back. I’m proud to be a Jew. Proud lous job that the JDC does on behalf of to be part of a religion that helps one remote Jewish communities all over the world-- in the Former Soviet Union, Africa, South America. This trip to Cuba let us see our money at work, making a huge difference in the lives of our Jewish brothers and sisters. We witnessed, first hand, that the portion of our Campaign gifts that isn’t used locally or ear- The Santa Clara Holocaust Deceased Cuban revolutionary marked for Israel, is Memorial is considered by locals leader Che Guevara remains an well-spent and ben- to be a statement of solidarity icon of socialist revolutionary efits some truly with worldwide Jewry, and a sym- movements worldwide. deserving people.” bol of the resurgence in Jewish another the way we do.” From a personal life around Cuba. Ultimately, the mission reflectpoint of view, the mission to Cuba ed the words of Rabbi Shmuel offered members of Omaha’s delegation Szteinhendler. “When you perform a some important insights. “This trip rein- mitzvah for someone, it is not so imporforced how lucky we are to be here, in tant that the person thank you. You must America,” said one participant. Another thank the person who allowed you to peracknowledged that Cuban Jews “find form the mitzvah, and then you really feel such pleasure in all the things we take for alive.”
Thanks to Riekes Grant, Beth El Students Let Their Artistic Sides Shine by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Thanks to a generous grant from the Henry and Dorothy Riekes Endowment Fund, Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah students were treated to a special art program during the past school year. Each primary grade, under the supervision of teacher Daniel Christensen, created beautiful and unique Judaica pieces, ranging from kippot, Seder plates and siddur covers to tzedakah boxes, candlesticks and tallitot. BESTT high school students created personalized scrapbooks, carrying Jewish themes focusing on summer camps, friendships and family. “Dorothy wanted to fund a special art program at BESTT because she understood that it is valuable for children to create objects of art they can take home and use,” said Margo Riekes, longtime BESTT teacher and Dorothy’s daughter-in-
law. Expressing gratitude for the generous financial support, Margo stressed the importance of providing Beth El’s children with hands-on Jewish activities, saying, “This project tapped into the innate creative abilities of each child. These art objects have great Jewish value and will become family heirlooms. The students will always remember this wonderful project.”
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
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June 9, 2006
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Flatowicz, 23, who will be a religious school teacher Temple Israel Communications Coordinator next year at Temple, went to Israel “to experience someElyce Azriel, director of Temple Israel’s Religious thing new.” She and the others will be interacting with School, has been to Israel many times, but her trip to the teenagers at Hafouch al Hafouch, information and Western Galilee city of Akko last summer with Maria counseling centers funded entirely by Partnership. The Neesman, who was the chairman of Temple’s Religious centers provide a warm and safe setting for youth in disSchool Steering Committee at the time, was different. tress where they can talk with peers, professionals, and “We.began to understand why Israel laughs and why it volunteers. In the past few years, the centers have procries, how it treats friends and foes,” said Azriel. vided counseling and assistance for more than 100,000 She and Neesman traveled to Israel to better under- teenagers. stand Partnership 2000, Along with the other sponsored by the Jewish young adults on the trip, Agency for Israel and United Flatowicz is planning an Jewish Communities, to America Day at a coffee promote people-to-people house in Akko. During her relationships between 14 second week in Israel, she Jewish communities in the hopes to see Jerusalem and United States and Israel’s Tsfat, a center of Jewish art Western Galilee through which Azriel and Neesman cultural, social, medical, also visited. educational, and economic Deb Alpert and Melany programs. The Western Weinstine, teachers at Galilee is the most northern Temple Israel, are going to part of Israel on the Deb Alpert, standing left, Leora Azriel, Sara Rips, Rachel Israel at the same time. They Flatowicz; seated: Sara Cowan, and Melany Weinstine get will be working at the Mediterranean coast. instructions prior to their trip to Israel’s Western Galilee. Jeff Gordon School in Akko. Along with Omaha, the Gates also went on the trip other American Consortium The school there is the sister cities partnered with the Western Galilee are Akron, school of Temple’s Religious School. Rockman has visCanton, Dayton, Toledo, Youngstown, Ohio; ited the school, too, and points out that “there are so Indianapolis, Northwest Indiana, South Bend, Indiana; many areas where we can help them. They are a very Louisville, Kentucky; Des Moines, Iowa; Dallas, Ft. poor school. There aren’t even soap and paper towels in Worth, and San Antonio, Texas. the bathrooms. The kids haven’t been to see a dentist Yehuda Peled, Partnership’s education coordinator, - ever,” she said. who has made several trips here, recognizes Omaha as Alpert, who teaches second grade Bible stories at one of the stronger partnership cities due in large part to Temple, said she hopes to pass on information about the leadership of Stacey Rockman, the Omaha Jewish Israel to her students during the next school year. “It Federation’s Partnership chair. She has been the depends on what I see and what I do, what I learn, and “lifeblood to Partnership with Israel, essential in bring- what I can pass on to my students and my colleagues,” ing it down to the local level,” according to Jan she said. Goldstein, Federation executive director. Stacey “underIn addition to school twinnings, Partnership 2000 has stands that Partnership is as good for us as it is for our sponsored training for American doctors in emergency partners in Israel, and she has been able to articulate her and mass casualty management at the Western Galilee vision and create an action plan,” Goldstein said in a Hospital, exchanges of medical personnel between the Jewish Press article in March. countries, Israeli teens at JCC day camps at Consortium Rockman views the Partnership with Israel to be “the cities, participation by teens in JCC Maccabi Summer vehicle to give everyone the opportunity to get involved. Games, JCC staff exchanges, the Yitzhak gathering of With commitment from each of our agencies and syna- and presentations by some 80 artists and art lovers, and gogues, the entire Omaha Jewish community is now increased tourism to the region. able to do so,” she explained in the Jewish Press story. Two visitors from the Partnership area were in Omaha “Partnership isn’t just for those who are able to visit last month to talk about cultural challenges for Israeli Israel. It’s about making connections any way we can.” Arabs. Avi Hatchuel, executive director of five Jewish In the interest of forging new relationships, building community centers in the partnership area, and Ahmed Jewish identity, strengthening ties and connections Samniya, director of a community enter in the Arab vilamong and between Israel and the United States, five lage of Sheikh Danun, have developed a strong working young adults and two religious school teachers from relationship and work together when possible. Temple Israel are in Israel now on a Partnership sponRabbi Aryeh Azriel said, it was “one of the rare times sored trip. Leora Azriel, Sara Cowan, Rachel Flatowicz, when the community was invited to hear the truth about Jeff Gates and Sara Rips are spending about two weeks the status of Israeli Arabs and their challenges living in a in Akko. They will attend Hebrew lessons and be Jewish state. It was an opportunity to listen to an Israeli English tutors at the Gordon School which Azriel and Arab about the pain his community experiences and the Neesman visited during their travels last summer. treatment they receive by the Israeli government.”
“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue “Travelin’ Toddlers” got to climb up and “drive” vintage cars, a semi-truck cab and an Army truck. They also got to see a police car up close and play in an inflatable “Scooby Doo Bus.” The kids, as well as many adults, had a great time exploring the different vehicles.
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Noah Shrago, sits at the wheel of a vintage car (the car is owned by Paysie and Susie Shyken). Noah is the son of Michael and Lesli Shrago.
Aidan Shnayder “drives” the retired U.S. Army truck (the truck is owned by Alex and Mary Sue Grossman). Aidan is the son of Michael and Andreea Shnayder.
June 9, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Recognition and Remembrance Highlight Friedel’s Fabulous 40th by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Lewis Groner’s story was not typical of Friedel Jewish Academy’s 40th anniversary gala last week. Yes, he and several of his siblings attended Friedel when it was first known as the Omaha Hebrew Academy. And yes, he was there to celebrate with more than 160 others. But how he came to be there is a story in itself. It was the job of Susan Fellman Witkowski, another day school attendee, to track down every student. Groner was one of many on the list she called. But her call urging him to attend set the stage for another call just a few days later. Groner, who left Omaha in 1967, is now the Director of Marketing and Communication for the Los Angeles Jewish Community Foundation. So it was no surprise when Omaha’s Foundation Director, Marty Ricks, called him too. “Are you the son of a Rabbi Groner who served Beth Israel in the 1950s and ’60s?” Ricks asked Groner in the course of a normal business conversation. After answering in the affirmative, Groner discovered that his father had officiated at Ricks’ Bar Mitzvah--and often spoke of the family so dedicated they’d drive their son all the way from Missouri Valley, IA. “After Susan tracked me down and then Marty called and offered home hospitality, I had to come,” Groner told the Press. His connections to the gala don’t end there. “My sister Diane dated Steve Riekes,” he laughed. Rabbi Groner died in 1993, but his son says, “he spoke of Omaha fondly. This was a heartwarming visit; if my father was alive, he would have recognized what I saw--Omaha’s unity and closeness.”
Photos from top left: more than 30 tzedakah boxes were auctioned off at a cocktail party preceding the “Fabulous Friedel” 40th anniversary gala last week at the Jewish Community Center; Yaffa PodbilewiczSchuller, center, chaired the event which rec-
ognized the Friedel, Gordman and Riekes families, as well as teachers Diana Zeman, Barb Sather, Denise Bennett, Na’ama Arzi and others; Lewis Groner--a student of 40 years ago; Patty and Steve Nogg were high bidders on three tzedakah boxes; Phyllis
Friedel and her daughters, Randi Sherman and Lynne Gellman; Dorothy Riekes and her granddaughter, Suzanne Daw; Principal Cookie Katskee, center, and Linda and Jerry Gordman; incoming president Bonnie Bloch and outgoing president Lloyd Roitstein.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
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This Jewish Guy’s Got Game: Israeli Makes Mark in Ukrainian Hoops by YULIANNA VILKOS It was tough for him in KIEV, Ukraine (JTA)--Israeli Rostov, where the Jewish basketball player Afik Nissim doescommunity is small and n't like to play on Saturday for his kosher meat was difficult to Kiev team, but he recently had to obtain. But in Kiev, Nissim do so for a big game. seems happy. “I try not to violate Shabbat, but His best friend in basketball is the only thing I can Ukraine’s capital is the make an exception for,” says the director of the King David, 25-year-old, who was raised in a the city’s only kosher restausuburb of Tel Aviv. “If I have to rant, and Kiev’s Central travel with the team or play on Synagogue is about 300 Saturday, I do: It’s my job, and I yards from the apartment love it,” says Nissim, who has the team rents for him. played basketball since he was sixNissim may be the only playyears-old. er on the team whose diet Unfortunately, Nissim’s team, requires that the team’s BC Kiev, lost in the finals to administration bring kosher Azovmash. But Nissim, who has meals for every road trip, averaged just less than 10 points a but he says he does not feel game this year, has still established very different or awkward himself as one of the key players on about it. one of Ukraine’s top teams. And it doesn’t hurt that Nissim, who plays guard and is Israeli basketball player Afik Nissim, who plays for BC Kiev’s sports director Credit: BC Kiev and an assistant coach are known for his outside shooting, is the Ukrainian team, BC Kiev. the shortest player on the team. But his height is not the Israeli, too. only thing that makes him stand out. He’s not the only “BC Kiev is almost half-Israeli,” jokes sports director foreigner in BC Kiev--in fact, the team largely consists of Rani Kahane, who took up the position a year ago. foreigners--but he is the only Israeli player. Kahane had 25 years of experience coaching Israeli junAnd he is the only Israeli who is believed to be playing ior and national basketball teams when BC Kiev’s owner, in any professional sport in Ukraine this year. No Israeli Aleksandr Volkov, invited him to Kiev. has ever played in the NBA, but a few have starred on Kahane says he’s been friends with Volkov, a Ukrainian U.S. college teams. businessman and a former NBA player, since 1989. When Nissim arrived in Kiev three months ago, his “He needed somebody to be with the team 24 hours teammates were amazed at how little he ate and drank a day,” says Kahane, who left a high-ranking job at the when they went out. Israel Electric Company to work for BC Kiev. Nissim is not Orthodox, but he does not eat nonBC Kiev was formed by Volkov seven years ago and kosher meat and he is not keen on alcohol, he said. He hopes to become one of the top basketball clubs in ate mostly vegetables when he first got here. Europe, Kahane says. “My non-Israeli teammates would say, with sympathy, And to do that, he jokes, he will not necessarily make that it must be so difficult for me not to be able to eat the whole team Israeli. everything,” recalls Nissim. “But it’s something that’s Language isn’t a problem: The players and coaches normal for me and what I feel good about.” communicate with each other in English. Nissim has been away from Israel for three years, play“Nationality in today’s basketball does not really mating for basketball teams in France, in Rostov-on Don, ter, as long as you’ve got a good player who fits in with Russia, and now in Ukraine. He says being far from the team,” says Kahane. home has made him more religious. Nissim says he has been fitting in well and is looking “When you are in Israel, you are like everybody else, forward to next season, which starts in August. and you don’t think about these things much,” says “The only thing that bothers me is being far away Nissim, who prays every morning and tries to go to syn- from my family back in Israel,” says Nissim. “So I spend agogue in Kiev every week. “But now, far away from a lot of time on the Internet and on the phone, and I Israel holding on to my religion is the only thing that hope my parents and my three brothers can visit me in makes me closer to home.” Kiev next season.”
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June 9, 2006
ORGANIZATIONS LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Chicago, The Broadway Musical, will be presented by Ralston Community Theatre at Ralston High School 8959 Park Dr. on Sunday, July 9, 2 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at Justin Thyme (8421 Park Dr.). Cost of $26 includes admission to show, dinner, tax and gratuity. Note: transportation is on your own. Meet in lobby by 1:30 for tickets. Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plz., #101, Omaha, NE 68114. Make check payable to Visions. Deadline is June 20. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Independence Day Concert features patriotic music by Iowa Western Community Band on Tuesday, June 27, 7 p.m. in the JCC auditorium. Sponsored by Iowa Western Community College, City of Council Bluffs and JSS. BREADBREAKERS David Herbster will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, June 14, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, Chairman. Herbster is the Athletic Director at UNO will discuss the UNO Athletic Program. All men and women in the community are invited to attend. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The 39th Annual Garden Walk will be held Sunday, June 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (rain or shine). Sponsored by the Munroe-Meyer Guild at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, proceeds will support MMI’s therapeutic, training and research activities benefiting children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and chronic handicapping conditions. In a major departure from previous Garden Walks, this year’s event will include the new Garden Faire and a judged Amateur Flower Show. Participants will enjoy workshops, demonstrations and the latest gardening advice from Omaha-area garden experts. Enjoy the talents of local musicians as well as culinary, ironwork, stone sculpture and horticultural exhibitions at the Fort Omaha campus of Metropolitan Community College. Garden Walk will tour six locations: Raymond and Wanda Wollberg, 2224 So. 85 St.; Ron and Rozely Penzkowski, 3510 No. 85 St., Metropolitan Community College, 30th and Fort, Dean Fife and Karen Kenkel, 1432 No. 131 Ave. Cir., Doug and Mary Trenerry, 15114 Miami Cir., Chris Vogt and Julie Larsen, 631 No. 164 Cir. Advance tickets are $12. Tickets will be $15 on the day of the event at all gardens. Children under 12 are free. No strollers are allowed in the gardens. Advance tickets are also available by calling 402.964.9664 or via mail at: Garden Walk Tickets, Munroe-Meyer Institute, 985450 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 681985450.
Local Photographer Exhibits Work in JCC Gallery
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Our Fabulous Kids
BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS Don’t you get a kick out of reading about a Jewish kid winning an important prize for some achievement? It doesn’t have to be a kid I know, but if it happens to be the child of somebody I’ve known for ages, well I have to say I really enjoy a vicarious helping of naches. I suppose the word chauvinism is appropriate here, if we’re going to talk about Jewish kids competing for various prizes while being watched by the public. As Jews we watch with pride and cheer on those beautiful athletes, wanting their success as much as their parents do. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Call it ethnic pride or whatever you want, when most of us read the papers or watch the news, we tend to kvell about somebody named Goldstein or Steinberg or Cohen who has pulled off some fantastic achievement. Come on. admit it. You do that, don’t you? Conversely, do you cringe when your news tells you of some horrible deed done by somebody with a Jewish sounding name? Do you find yourself offering up a silent prayer that it only sounds Jewish? Such a shandah shouldn’t be connected with any one of our people? Of course you do, even if you don’t own up to it. The fact is, we really do tend to be chauvinistic--we want to celebrate the glorious work of those who are one of us. We’re inordinately proud when a kid named Cohen ice skates before an audience that holds it’s col-
lective breath. As if all Jewish kids are our own. So how could we not feel embarrassment or even shame when we’re made aware of just the opposite? When somebody obviously Jewish is guilty of doing something illegal or immoral? Oh yes - we take all this kind of stuff very personally. And it should make us more tolerant of other ethnic groups who react exactly the same way, no matter what their background may be. Maybe it all goes back to that never ending need for the approval of our parents. That’s just a guess, but I wonder if I haven’t hit on the truth. We all grow up trying to be the kind of children our parents want us to be. The worst thing for a kid to imagine is how Mom or Dad might feel if we do something really bad. The child always seeks approval, no matter what age. The adults who are lucky enough to still have their parents never get too old to hear the praise of an aged Mom or Dad. Maybe the accolades of countless spectators who cheer on the Jewish athlete or musician or artist or just playing the parent role, only this time it’s somebody’s Jewish kid and we can’t cheer loudly enough. It reminds me of an expression my own dear father often used, especially when wishing or hoping for something good for one dear to him. He’d always add, in yiddish “allah yiddisha kinder”, meaning for all Jewish children. He meant he hoped for something for his own child or grandchild, as well as everyone elses children. An altogether generous attitude I always thought. I still think so. And no matter how you look at this subject, I know you feel that special pride with the achievement of somebodfy with a Jewish name. Even if a total stranger, that kid is one of ours! Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
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Importance of Emotional Jewish Life on Campus Pushed at Hillel Conference by PAULA AMANN also pledged to strengthen its relationship with universiWashington Jewish Week ty administrations, Jewish Studies departments and WASHINGTON (JTA)--Amid worries about fraying Jewish communities near campuses where it works. religious ties among Jewish college students and campus The literary editor of The New Republic, Leon rifts over Israel, a conference held here this week probed Wieseltier, zoomed in on Israel as he addressed the the interplay between American academia and Jews. thorny question of “How to Defend (And Not to “Inspiring Values, Creating Leaders: The Summit on Defend) the Jews.” the University and the Jewish Community,” hosted by Calling for “intellectual honesty” by campus backers Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, drew of the Jewish state, he urged a return to “first principles” more than 600 university leaders, professors, students about Israel’s reason for being. and Jewish professionals to dissect such issues. “Zionism is simply what used to be called, in the good If Jewish life on American campuses is facing troubles, old days, the national liberation movement of th Jewish they stem from causes deeper than academia, many par- people. Full stop,” said Wieseltier, who also affirmed the ticipants suggested. right of Jews to differ with Israeli government policies. Rabbi Jeff Brown of Temple Solel in the San Diego Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz suburb of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Calif., does outreach to weighed in on “Balancing Individual Rights and college-age children of congregants. Communal Responsibilities” via video remarks for a ple“It’s a question of them consciously or subconscious- nary panel later that day. ly exploring whether While defending free speech, Judaism is relevant to Dershowitz called for “ism equity” and them,” said, Brown, 27, the “circle of civility” in campus debates. when asked to name the “You can’t have one rule for men, one central problem for Jews of rule for women, one rule for blacks, one college age. “Does having a rule for whites, one rule for Jews, one connection to our 5,000rule for Muslims,” he said. year-old heritage matter to “The rules have to be identical, symthem at all?” metrical. I’m afraid that’s not going on, The director of the on many campuses today. I think we’re Steinhardt Social Research seeing a double standard.” Institute at Brandeis Meanwhile, the president of San Francisco State University, Robert University, Leonard Saxe, who studies Jewish college Corrigan called for campus administrators students, suggested a stratepublicly to counter hate speech on camgy to re-engage these youth: pus. “kishkes, kortex and kines“Presidents have a significant responsibility to ensure there is a culture of tolerthetics,” deliberately tweaking the spelling of cortex. ance and support on their campus,” said That means offering expeCorrigan, citing a letter he distributed outside a campus talk by Nation of Islam riences rich in emotional and sensory elements, intellectu- Orthodox students from Yeshiva University figure Khalid Mohammed, who has al heft and leadership oppor- march in a Salute to Israel Parade in New drawn heat for statements widely viewed tunities, Saxe said in an York in a file photo. Credit: Yeshiva University as anti-Semitic. interview. “Jewish education hasn’t touched all the senses,” said Saxe, a panelist at “A New Generation’s Culture and Its Impact upon the Jewish Future,” the final session of the conference. “There are things which have Jewish intellectual content, but they’re not emotionally engaging.” “You can be taught about Shabbat, but unless you live a day separate from the rest of the week, you don’t understand and appreciate it.” Yet many speakers at last month’s gathering described the Jewish scene at American universities in upbeat terms. Summing up the conference theme at the opening plenary, the outgoing president of Hillel, Avraham Infeld, said it is possible to be “universally human” and “distinctively Jewish” in academia. Pointing to a honorary doctorate he received that morning from Lutheran Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, he said, “At Muhlenberg and around the world, we have not only been able to strike a detente between these two worlds, but we have been able to achieve” friendship. Jewish students can find kosher food, take Jewish studies classes and attend religious services at most of the nation’s best universities, Infeld said. He and fellow panelist Steven M. Cohen, a sociologist at Hebrew Union College, said that academia encourages both diversity and freedom of speech. While Jewish students should enjoy the same freedom of expression that everyone else has, “Hillel and the academic world should not promise our students a comfortable and quiet intellectual environment,” Infeld said, arguing that such calm would not serve their education. Cohen contended that college campuses do not pull young people away from Judaism. In fact, he said, those with more advanced degrees are more engaged in Jewish life and more likely to marry other Jews. Also at the conference, Hillel pledged to double its numbers over the next five years. In its five-year strategic plan released this week, the largest campus Jewish organization in the United States pledged to double the number of students involved in Jewish life; double its annual campaign; double its funding to local Hillels; an launch an aggressive recruitment and retention program for campus professionals. To help fund the effort, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman International Center will increase its endowment from $10 million to $100 million. Hillel
Hillel’s president-elect, Wayne Firestone, praised such proactive moves by university leaders and suggested that they need to “create safe space for difficult discussions” on campus. A discussion on “Spirituality, Religion and the University” drew a panel of three university presidents, including Mark Yudof, chancellor of the University of Texas System, who decried a “systematic demeaning of the role of religion in public life” by scholars at secular universities. Yet university presidents “have to be willing to be role models and willing to inspire students,” said the president of Yeshiva University, Richard Joel, who served 14 years as Hillel International president, citing the involvement of his university in the Save Darfur Coalition aimed at solving the refugee crisis created in the African region when government-sponsored militias killed hundreds of thousands of people. Drawing applause, Georgetown University president John DeGioia noted his public stand during February’s Palestine Solidarity Movement gathering there. He said he spoke out for free expression on campus, but also told the university community that Georgetown opposed divestment from Israel. “I can’t remember an issue that required more care and attention from the university” and its staff, he recalled, citing his meetings around the country to prepare for it. On the other hand, DeGioia said April’s International Prayer for Peace conference hosted by Georgetown showed students how a multitude of religious traditions can come together. He recalled the closing ceremony's “breathtaking sight” of priests, rabbis, imams and others joining arms and walking from their respective houses of worship onto campus. In that vein, Rosa Kramer, 27, a Brandeis University student working toward master’s degrees in business administration and Jewish communal leadership, highlighted views about Israel on her campus, which recently canceled an art show of Palestinian works curated by an Israeli student. “Israel can pose a problem among Jews because even among passionate Israel supporters, we have vastly differing views,” said Kramer, adding, “Rallying around a common goal can be a source of tension when everyone’s rallying from a different perspective.” Eric Fingerhut and Debra Rubin of the Washington Jewish Week contributed to this report.
June 9, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
College Kids Need Personal Attention, Says Study of Chabad Shabbat Programs by SUE FISHKOFF OAKLAND, CA (JTA)--Jewish college students crave meaningful Jewish experiences, personal attention from their rabbis and a “home away from home,” according to a new study of Chabad Shabbat programs on campus. The semester-long research project, led by Barry Chazan of Hebrew University, is the first in-depth examination of Chabad campus activities. It’s the latest in a slew of recent studies of young Jews and what they’re looking for Jewishly. The 112 Chabad Houses affiliated with the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in this country serve more than 179 U.S. campuses. Around the world, 238 campuses are served.Each Chabad House is run by an emissary couple, a Chabad rabbi and his wife, who open their homes to students for classes, meals, holiday celebrations and informal gatherings. Twenty-two Friday evening programs conducted by Chabad at five U.S. campuses were observed last fall. Students were asked why they attend Chabad Shabbat meals and how they feel about the experience, in order to help Chabad campus emissaries develop better programs, and to model the experience for other Jewish campus groups. Key findings indicate that, rather than running away from Judaism during their college years, many students seek spirituality and the comforts of a family-centered Shabbat experience, and respond well to a Jewish educator who gives them
personal, individualized attention. sonalities who do this out of a deep belief who was part of a panel discussing the Students pointed to the personality of in and respect for the individual.” study’s findings, believes the research has the Chabad emissary as the most signifiThe study also suggested that episodic relevance for any Jewish educator. cant and influential part of the total expe- Jewish experiences such as a Shabbat proWhereas Chazan said he doubted that a rience, mentioning how important it was gram can have profound impact on a stu- non-observant educator could present for them to be remembered students with an by name, brought into a fama u t h e n t i c ily’s home and treated with Shabbat experirespect by an adult. ence, Cohen, New York philanthropist who teaches at George Rohr, speaking for the Reform the Chabad on Campus movement’s National Foundation, said flagship rabbinithe study will primarily benecal seminary, said fit Chabad campus emissaries that it not so. looking to improve their pro7“There’s no gramming, but he suggested one right kind of that Hillel directors and educator, just as other Jewish educators, as there is no one Students prepare a meal for Shabbat at the kind of student,” well as members of Jewish University of Pittsburgh’s Chabad House. communities near campuses, he said. “Teach Photos, credit: Chabad.org who you are as a can learn from it. “Anybody who has a home Students light Shabbat candles at dent’s Jewish Jew, but be the Jew who you want to teach. and can expose college kids Binghamton University’s Chabad House. identity. You can present your version of Jewish to a Shabbat family experience on campus “Young adulthood is more episodic than authenticity in a home environment that is can do this,” he said. it once was,” Chazan said. “Sometimes the personal and welcoming and genuine, that Researcher Chazan said he became Jewish model is too locked into the ‘full allows for individual autonomy.” “very taken with the shluchim,” or menu,’ the total scenario -- marry a Jewish Like Chazan, he believes that discrete, Chabad emissaries, as the study pro- partner, have two or three kids, send them meaningful Jewish experiences can have gressed. to day school, summers in Israel.” profound impact. “Jewish professionals today have come He suggested that Chabad and other “In our postmodern age, Jews of all to serve the Jewish people and the Jewish Jewish campus groups might branch out ages want to claim Judaism and make community, as opposed to being an edu- from Shabbat and use other Jewish rituals Judaism for themselves. This kind of cator that tries to touch the souls of indi- and holidays to reach young Jews in the intervention presents young people with viduals,” he said. In contrast, the Chabad same way. a taste of a Jewish way of life, and they emissaries he met “do what they do from Sociologist Steven Cohen of Hebrew can then decide whether they want to the core of their being, they’re total per- Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, appropriate it for themselves.”
Anna Grossman Recipient of First Beth El Sisterhood Teen Award also included serving as a volunteer during the High Holidays Youth Program, assisting in the synagogue’s nursery and helping Sisterhood members bake hamantaschen for Purim. Working in the Judaica Shop has a special appeal to her, Anna said, because “I’ve always wanted to work in my own little shop, so this has been a huge jump start.” Her connection with Beth El reaches beyond volunteer work into social and educational aspects of synagogue life: she is the incoming Communications Vice President of USY, a regular attendee of religious school classes, and a past vice
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president of the Kadima youth group. Outside of the synagogue, her interests include volleyball (although a knee injury has rendered her unable to play), and photography. “The Sisterhood Teen Award means a lot to me,” Anna said. “It means that I can truly prove my dedication to the synagogue.” Sisterhood President Caryn Rifkin applauded Anna’s dedicated work in the gift shop, saying, “I can always count on Sunday mornings in the Judaica shop being fun when Anna is there. She is always full of energy and lots of great ideas. Plus, she likes to dust!”
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Creative, energetic and generous with her time, Anna says she will continue volunteering, and looks forward to spending many more Sunday mornings surroundAnna Grossman ed by the tallitot, mezuzot and other lovely Judaica items she helps sell in synagogue’s gift shop.
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by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Anna Grossman, daughter of Andrea and Cary Grossman, has been named the first recipient of the newly-established Beth El Sisterhood Teen Award. This award, along with $100, is given to a Beth El teen who has proven himself or herself to be a dedicated synagogue volunteer. An incoming freshman at Millard North High School, Anna was recognized for the countless hours she has spent most Sunday mornings during the past year working in the Beth El Judaica Shop. Her synagogue involvement has
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
Salutes... the Class of 2006!!! Samuel Peter Anderson
Lauren Bear
Lindsay Rachel Belmont
Sean Bernstein
Josh Bleicher
Elias Harrison Bloom
David Aaron Bresel
Alex Cemaj
Zev Eisenberg
Solomon Suppes Eppel
Julie Evnen
Maggie Fried
Alyson Rose Friedman
Andrew Platt Ganz
Abby Ginsburg
Hamutal Ginsburg
Lev Ginsburg
Jacob Godwin
Benjamin C. Goldstrom
Dana Harnik
Leanne Harris
Dani Hochman
Matthew Jodis
Nate Joseph
Avigail Katzman
Kseniya Kilishek
Nicholas Laudin
Jon Andrew Lerner
SAMUEL PETER ANDERSON Dr. Madga Peck and Dr. James Anderson
North High Magnet University of Iowa
SOLOMON SUPPES EPPEL
Lincoln East Brown University
DANA HARNIK
Lincoln Southeast University of Kansas-Lawrence
LEANNE HARRIS
Blue Valley North - KS Colgate University
DANI HOCHMAN
Sandi and Ed Fried
ALYSON ROSE FRIEDMAN
Millard North
MATTHEW JODIS
Kathy and Mike Eppel
JULIE EVNEN LAUREN BEAR Robin and Ken Baer
Half Hallow Hills East - NY Northeastern University
Debra and Bob Evnen
MAGGIE FRIED LINDSAY RACHEL BELMONT Jill and Mark Belmont
SEAN BERNSTEIN Rose and Stuart Bernstein
Millard North University of Kansas-Lawrence Elkhorn University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Suzanne and Thomas Friedman Drexel University
ANDREW PLATT GANZ Pam and Doug Ganz
JOSH BLEICHER Helen and Jon Bleicher
Brownell Talbot Washington University-St. Louis
ABBY GINSBURG Beth and Bill Ginsburg
ELIAS HARRISON BLOOM Rebecca and Brent Bloom
Central University of Nebraska-Omaha
HAMUTAL GINSBURG Orly Gilat and Jacob Ginsburg
DAVID AARON BRESEL Marge and Jim Bresel
Westside Creighton University LEV GINSBURG
ALEX CEMAJ Shirley and Samuel Cemaj
ZEV EISENBERG Pam Kohll and Bob Eisenberg
Westside Brandeis University York Prep - New York City Loyola Marymount College
Larisa Treskunova and Mike Ginsburg
JACOB GODWIN Nancy and Pete Godwin
BENJAMIN C. GOLDSTROM Carol and Larry Goldstrom
Martha and Nathan Harnik
Marti and Jim Harris
Sharon and Gary Hochman
Susan Jodis and Tom Jodis
Lincoln Southeast George Washington University
NATE JOSEPH
Burke University of Wisconsin-Madison
AVIGAIL KATZMAN
Burke University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana
Anne and Ed Joseph
Carol and Michael Katzman
KSENIYA KILISHEK Helen and Gregory Kilishek
Westside University of Nebraska-Lincoln
NICHOLAS LAUDIN
Millard North University of Missouri
JON ANDREW LERNER
Westside Illinois Tech
Kathy Laudin Beauchaine and Jeff Laudin
Martha and Richard Lerner
Westside Boston University Burke University of Nebraska-Omaha Lincoln Southeast University of Kansas-Lawrence Millard North University of Nebraska-Lincoln Westside University of Nebraska-Omaha Westside Young Judea Shalem - Israel School of Visual Arts - NYC Westside Rhode Island School of Design Westside Air Force
Westside Metro Community College
June 9, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Samantha Long
David Manvitz
Sara Munzesheimer
Daniel Murow
Zach Muskin
Marty Nachman
Alexa Newman
Jacob Phillips
Joshua Phillips
Rebekah Priluck
Dena Rennard
Ian Rothenberg
Max Rothenberg
K.C. Ruback
Ben Salzinger
Sarah Lynn Sherman
Daniel Laurence Susman
Chelsea Taxman
NOT PICTURED TODD SEARSON
Salutes...
Margaret Schneider and Greg Searson
Earned his G.E.D. Metro Community College
Shiri Tene
SAMANTHA LONG Ellen Long
DAVID MANVITZ Wendy and Todd Manvitz
SARA MUNZESHEIMER Alice Weiss and Ken Munzesheimer
Caroline Terry
Alexander Marius Wolf
Millard North University of Nebraska-Omaha
JACOB PHILLIPS
Burke University of Nebraska-Lincoln
JOSHUA PHILLIPS
Millard North University of Minnesota-
REBEKAH PRILUCK
Julie and Eric Phillips
Joan and Rick Phillips
Sheila and Dr. Ira Priluck
Janie and Allan Murow
TeenAge Editor: Lori Kooper-Schwarz
Westside Washington University-St. Louis
BEN SALZINGER
Millard North Air Force
SARAH LYNN SHERMAN
Burke University of Michigan
DANIEL LAURENCE SUSMAN Central Katharine and Jeffrey Susman Dartmouth College
Central Grinnell College
CHELSEA TAXMAN
Lynn and Fred Salzinger
Ruth and Marc Sherman
Burke University of Wisconsin-Madison
Barbara and Dr. Stephen Rennard
Sherry and Jeffrey
SHIRI TENE ZACH MUSKIN Mary Beth and Bruce Muskin
Burke University of Kansas-Lawrence
IAN ROTHENBERG
Westside NATIV in Israel Washington University-St. Louis
MAX ROTHENBERG
Bunny and Steve Rothenberg
Westside University of Nebraska-Omaha
Mindy and Gadi Tene
CAROLINE TERRY MARTY NACHMAN Beth Staenberg and Gary Nachman
Bunny and Steve Rothenberg
Sharee and Murray Newman
Westside Rhode Island School of Design
Westside University of Nebraska-Omaha
Michele Marsh and John Terry
ALEXANDER MARIUS WOLF K.C. RUBACK
ALEXA NEWMAN
Central Rockhurst University Millard North Buena Vista University
Twin Cities
DENA RENNARD DANIEL MUROW
the Class of 2006!!!
Marcy and David Ruback
Millard West Millard Young Adult Program
Nancy and Philip Wolf
Westside Hampshire College Westside University of Kansas-Lawrence Brownell-Talbot University of Chicago Millard West Grinnell College
‘Friends’ Co-Creator Named Executive Producer of Documentary on Hannah Senesh by RACHEL REYNOLDS Hollywood, CA-- She’s a writer, producer, activist, philanthropist, community leader, mother of three and one of the most accomplished women in TV history. Now Emmy Award-winning producer Marta Kauffman is entering the ranks of the documentary world. Best known as the co-creator and executive producer of the hit TV series “Friends”, Kauffman will join director Roberta Grossman and the nonprofit production company, the Katahdin Foundation, in producing Blessed Is the Match: The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh, a feature documentary on the World War II-era poet and diarist who became a soldier, martyr and national heroine in Israel.
“Marta’s participation in the film is very exciting,” says Grossman. “She is someone who elevates every project she touches, and her experience and guidance will only make the film better.” Prior to her work on “Friends”, Kauffman co- created and co-executive produced the critically acclaimed series “Dream On.” She was the executive producer of the recent WB series “Related”, and she and her husband, composer Michael Skloff, also devote a considerable amount of volunteer time to the Jewish community in Los Angeles. “I strongly believe that Holocaust stories must continue to be told, especially now, when survivors are in their 80s and 90s and still able to provide first- hand
accounts,” says Kauffman. “The story of Hannah Senesh captivated me not only because of Hannah’s courage, but also because, at its core, it is an intense and moving mother-daughter story.” Named for Hannah Senesh’s most famous poem, Blessed Is the Match explores the life and death of the young writer in Palestine in 1943 who volunteered for a mission to rescue Jews in her native Hungary, her mother Catherine among them. Shockingly, it was the only outside rescue mission for Jews during the Holocaust. In 1944, Hannah parachuted behind enemy lines, was captured, imprisoned and ultimately executed by the Nazis. Her mother witnessed the entire ordeal--first as a prisoner with Hannah
and later as her advocate, braving the bombed-out streets of Budapest in a desperate attempt to save her daughter. “I first read Hannah Senesh’s diary in junior high and was inspired by her courage and touched by her vulnerability,” says Grossman, an award-winning filmmaker who has written and directed over 40 hours of documentary television. The producers have been granted unprecedented access to the Senesh family archive--including hundreds of unpublished letters and nearly 1,300 never-before-seen photos of remarkable quality. They will complete filming in Israel and Hungary this fall and plan a theatrical release and a national broadcast on public television in early 2008.
Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
IN THE NEWS Solomon S. Eppel, a recent graduate of Lincoln East High School, has been awarded a National Merit Scholarship. This year’s competition began in October 2004, when more than 1.3 million juniors in nearly 21,000 U.S. high schools took the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test. Last fall, the highest scoring participants in the state, representing less than 1% of the state’s seniors, were named semifinalists. Finally, from the pool of approximately 15,000 finalists, 2,500 Merit Scholars were chosen. All finalists are selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors and are judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. His parents are Drs. Kathy and Mike Eppel. Sara Munzesheimer, daughter of Alice Weiss and Ken Munzesheimer, has been awarded the Bentson Family Scholarship for incoming freshman at the University of Minnesota. The $20,000 four year scholarship is awarded to students preferably of the Jewish faith who demonstrate outstanding academic potential and performance, leadership, creativity, community involvment and contribution to diversity. She recently graduated from Millard North and will attend the University of Minnesota this fall. Nikki Flatowicz is a May graduate of the University
Congrats, Aly Rose! Be proud of your accomplishments. It all started here in Omaha at MNHS, BBYO and OTYG. Wishing you success at Drexel.
Love, Dad, Mom and J.J.
of Nebraska College of Law. She has accepted a job in Omaha with the law firm of Chavez and Associates, a firm specializing in immigration law. Nikki is the daughter of Pierre and Claire Flatowicz, and the late Roberta Flatowicz. She is the granddaughter of Hersz and Paulette Flatowicz, and the late Joe and Phyllis Frank. Dena Rennard, daughter of Dr. Stephen and Barbara Rennard, has earned a Gold Award in Girl Scouts. This is the highest award granted by the Girl Scouts and requires 40 hours of prerequistite training and an additional project completely designed by the Girl Scout of at least 60 hours of volunteer service to the community. Dena elected to design a program for students of Central High School to gain awareness of the consequences of negative choices, and she presented an assembly to her classmates on this subject. Additionally, Dena was a recipient of the Omaha Senior Rotary Scholarship and received a scholarship from the Junior League of Omaha. She was also chosen one of Ten Outstanding Young Omaha Teens by the Omaha Jaycees and Village Pointe.
three High School division “Hoop it Up” tournment at the Quest Center last month. He is the son of Mary Beth and Bruce Muskin. 33The Creative Arts Center, opening Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m., will be the first area finished in the $6.6 million “Building on the Best” capital campaign to renovate the permanent exhibits of the Omaha Children’s Museum. The centerpiece of the center is the Artist-inResidence Program. Throughout the year, different artists will work with children to show them how a variety of art is created. At the ‘Design It’ area, children will be able to design their own toys. It will also feature a helicopter design by Leonardo da Vinci. In the new theater, families can try on costumes, paint faces and put on an impromptu play. At the Tell-A-Story Station, kids and adults will record short videos of their experiences to share. More information is available at www.ocm.org or by calling 402.342.6164. Forty high school freshman have been selected from 23 metro high schools for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s 2006-07 Youth Leadership Omaha class. In its 14th year, the program provides an opportunity for the students to explore aspects of leadership and develop capabilities that can be used to strengthen and transform the community. Among those selected are Claire Schlessinger, Millard North and Charles Parsow, Westside.
Graduation Congratulations
Zach Muskin and his teammates Mike Mackie, Andrew Anderson, and Derek Russel won the three on
L’Chaim, Lex!
Mazal Tov, Andy! Though you’ll be away so far, You’ll always be our shining star! You are so full of glee, As RISD awaits thee!
Best wishes for a wonderful future. We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments!
Love, Moo & Doo
Love, Mom, Dad, and David
Mazal Tov, Avi!
Mazal Tov, Sean!
As the baby of the family, you’re the last to leave the nest, but we’re so proud of what you’ve achieved already, and now Israel and New York... what exciting adventures you have ahead of you! Love, Mel, Rel, Jel and Shanny, the two boobahs, Gramma, Bubbe, Moomy and Doody
We are proud of your spiritual journey, your academic achievements and your passion to question all existence. Love, Dad, Mom and Sisters
June 9, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
Father’sDay G
I
F
T
G
U
I
D
E
The Papa, the Papa! Tradition! The Papa, the Papa! Tradition! We all know those famous lyrics in the song, Tradition, from the Broadway musical, Fiddler on the Roof. There are many fathers in our midst even today, just like in Anatevka, who continue to carry on tradition while setting an example for future generations. The Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha thanks the fathers who light the way -- set the tradition -- of assuring the stability and continuity of Jewish life and supporting services in our community by establishing funds with the Foundation.Many of their children -- both sons and daughters -- have followed the tradition started by their fathers. These are some of the generous families who care and have set an example by establishing funds with the Federation Foundation.
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Morton A. Richards,* Suzanne Singer
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Henry Riekes,* Steve and Margo Riekes
Jule M. Newman,* E.Robert and Phyllis Newman Murray H.and Sharee C.Newman Harlan Noddle,* Jay and Kim Noddle
Milton Simons, Gerald and Judy Simons Eli Zalkin,* Sandra Belgrade Marcia and Jack Cohen Linda and Harold Mann
*of blessed memory
Tevye didn’t have a Foundation in tsarist Russia or,surely,he would have followed the tradition of being part of it. But here in America, we do have the opportunity to be part of a remarkable tradition of honoring the past, improving the present, and building the future through the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
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Page 16
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
This Version of Simon Says Positions Omaha Steaks as a Food Service Juggernaut in other parts of the country. Cruise lines, airlines, hotels and resorts became major customers. Lester Simon first NEXT GENERATION took Table Supply to the public via mail order ads that IN BUSINESS enabled households to receive packaged shipments of cut beef. In 1963 the company published its first mail order catalog, whose product offerings soon extended First cousins Bruce and Todd Simon engage in the far beyond beef steaks. Shipping-packaging advances back and forth banter of media talk-jocks, except theirs improved efficiency, helping widen the company’s isn’t idle chat but the dialogue of two men at the top of increasingly national and international reach. By 1966 all this growth warranted an expansion in the a food service industry company giant whose annual sales fast approach a half-billion dollars. In an interview form of a new plant and headquarters on South 96th St. at the headquarters of their family-owned Omaha Steaks With the new facilities came a new name, Omaha Steaks empire, 11030 “O” St., they revealed themselves as wry International. The 1970’s saw Omaha Steaks take new steps in cussophisticates with a knack for brokering deals, managing tomer convenience by adding inbound and outbound people and anticipating the next big thing. After working together for 20 years, their close famil- call centers and a mail order industry-first toll-free cusiarity finds each interrupting the other to complete a tomer service line. An automated order entry system was sentence or to make a point or to poke fun. They seem installed in 1987. The first of its retail stores opened in 1976. There are to enjoy the give and take. It’s all part of being the next generation, the fifth to be exact, to lead the corporate now 75 and counting in 19 states. Visioning the online giant. Each apprenticed under his dad. Each holds fast explosion to follow, Omaha Steaks helped pioneer electronic marketing as far back as 1990. Omahasteaks.com to cherished lessons passed down from above. For 89 years the company’s found innovative ways to became the banner web site for what is the company’s market fine meat and other foods to residential and fastest growing business segment. A new website--alazthe ing.com--promotes commercial customers company’s convenience around the nation and the meals brand, A La Zing, world. Along the way the which offers a line of comOmaha Steaks name has plete frozen prepared meals. become such an icon synOmaha Steaks underwent onymous with quality beef another expansion phase in that its hometown enjoys the ’80 and ’90s, consolidatcrossover brand recognition. ing administration and marBruce is President/COO keting in two new multiand Todd is Senior Vice story glass and steel buildPresident, but their bond ings whose sleek interiors supersedes titles or labels. abound with examples from They’re family. Two in a the Simons’ extensive art long line to lead the busiFourth and fifth generation members of the Simon family collections and displays that ness. “You know what we have? run Omaha Steaks: standing: Alan and Bruce Simon; seated: tell the history of the family What we have here, we have Todd, Steve and Fred Simon. Steve Simon died last fall at the business. In a family of arts supportan entire company of people age of 66. who we trust--that we feel like we’re family with. That’s ers, Todd’s an elected member of the Board of United what we have here,” Bruce said. “That blood bond is States Artists and board president of the Bemis Center really a family bond and it traverses not only the Simon for Contemporary Arts. If Bruce and Todd feel burdened carrying the legacy family, it includes our executive committee, all the way down. There are guys I know in the plant that were of a company that boasts two million-plus customers there the day I started and I feel the same bond with and employs some 2,000 folks, they don’t show it. them as I do to my cousin Todd. We all feel a responsi- Guiding their interaction in family and business dealings are the principles they picked up from their elders. By bility to each other to make this place successful.” As is their habit, Bruce turned to Todd, asking, living those principles they fulfill their obligation. “Our parents taught us to do the right thing. That’s “Don’t you think?” Whereupon Todd opined, “Well, I think it starts with the fact we’re a family business that really the only responsibility we have--just do the right allows us to really take those kinds of family values into thing. Do it all the time. Try to produce every single box of product perfectly. Try to satisfy every single customer the whole business.” “Not in a Bush sort of way,” Bruce joked. A non- perfectly. Do it right every time,” Bruce said. “It’s all plused Todd continued, “And it shows in the benefits about being honest. Everybody in our family has been we provide for our team in terms of family leave benefits impeccably honest. We don’t take advantage of people. We sleep good.” or vacation benefits or day care. Scholarships.” “Right,” Todd said, “and I think it also extends to the “All that stuff,” Bruce interjected. Legacy is never far removed from the Simons’ environment we create. We could sit around and stress thoughts, as their fathers still take an active part in the out about the fact we have 2,000 employees and their company, always looking over their sons’ shoulders to livelihoods in a lot of ways depend on the decisions we ensure the family jewel is well-preserved. Bruce’s father, make. And I think we always have that in mind. I also Alan Simon, is Chairman of the board/CEO. Todd’s think one of the things that makes it so we don’t stress dad, Fred Simon, is Executive Vice President. The out is that so many of those 2,000 people think the same cousins’ late uncle, Steve Simon, died recently after years we do and they take responsibility for what they need to take responsibility for. And because they do that the serving as Senior VP and GM. “My dad was and is pretty much the operational guy. stress we carry is minimized.” “But the whole thing is doing the right thing,” Bruce He’s the guy who ran the meatpacking plant and who was the bean counter,” Bruce said. “Bought the meat,” said. “I mean, if you’ve got building blocks and you set Todd offered. “Yeah, bought the meat,” Bruce con- them up properly you’re going to have a very strong firmed. “And Todd’s dad was the real marketing guy building. And that’s what we have and it’s because of every single block. Look, if spacemen came and took and Steve (Simon) was the sales guy.” The three brothers--Alan, Fred and Steve--learned the either one of us away there’s no question in my business from their father Lester Simon, who in turn mind...this place would continue on because of the vallearned it from his father B.A. Simon. It all began when ues that J.J., B.A., Lester, Alan, Fred, Steve and now B.A. and his father J.J. Simon, both butchers, left Latvia Todd and I hold dear. It’s our whole corporate culture.” The confidence they exude may be attributed in part for America in 1898 to escape religious persecution. With the meat business in their blood, J.J. and B.A. set- to the up-through-the-family-ranks training the pair got tled in Omaha, a meatpacking center, and worked in sev- and to the well-balanced team they form. “It’s interesting,” Todd said, “because I think in a lot eral area markets. In 1917 father and son opened their own meat shop, Table Supply Meat Company, down- of ways we’ve both sort of followed in our fathers’ foottown. Their niche was to process and sell beef to restau- steps. You know, Bruce is very strong operationally, purchasing, finance...All the sort of back-office stuff is his rants and grocers. As the decades progressed Table Supply responded to forte. And mine is the out-front stuff--the marketing, the growing food service sector by supplying meat to sales. Managing the customer service aspect of that, Union Pacific Railroad in support of its large dining car motivating the front-line people to be people-people.” services as well as to more and more restaurants here and Continued on page 17 by LEO ADAM BIGA
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Food Service Juggernaut Continued from page 16 “And somebody has to manage him, too,” kidded Bruce, before turning serious again. “Yeah, I think that when you’re a leader sometimes you’ve got to fake it. My dad used to say to me, ‘When in command, command.’ And that’s what I think we do. I mean, our dads built a helluva business and, you know, you always want to top it,” Bruce said, smiling. Unfazed, Todd said, “I think Bruce and I really complement each other well. I would say I’m an optimist and Bruce isn’t as much an optimist...in the sense that when we both come up with ideas I’ll see one side of the picture and he’ll see the other side of the picture. And since we’re both open to each other’s perspective on it, it really helps us balance it out.” The way Bruce puts it, “I think our management styles complement each other as well. He is really detail-oriented sometimes and I am really detail-oriented when he’s not. And about different things. There’s some stuff that Todd goes, ‘Well, so, get it shipped.’ And I just look at him and I go, ‘OK...well, just sell it.’ He looks at me and says, ‘OK.’” Whatever the situation, they make it work. “Yeah, we do,” Bruce said, “and we get along, which is great, too.” With two father-son teams comprising the ownershipexecutive ranks, the potential exists for family disputes that upset the company’s inner workings. The Simons diffuse those bombs with open dialogue and transparent dealings. “For as long as I can remember the way we operate as a family is we get our ideas out,” Todd said. “We don’t bulldoze over each other. We’re all forceful about our ideas and our opinions, and we’ll raise our voices and we’ll do whatever we need to do to get our point across. But we basically come to consensus and we don’t leave the room unless everyone’s comfortable with the direction we’re moving in.” “Right,” Bruce said. “We don’t fight about things. If there’s a reason to do something we discuss it and we figure it out. Because, hell, we’re all on the same page. What’s good for one is good for all. We’re never very formal, either. Usually we’ll discuss things over lunch.” Talking business within the family doesn’t follow a 9
explains why the Simons are to 5 schedule. “Business open to new marketing doesn’t stop and start at the avenues and new technolooffice for us,” Todd said. “I gies that enhance the ability mean, Bruce could be on of the company to serve cusvacation and just decide to tomers. A toll-free customer call me about something service line, online ordering, that’s on his mind.” in-store purchases, new “Well, technically, what product lines, seasonings, will happen,” Bruce said, “is sides, and desserts. Whatever when you’re away from the passes muster with the place and the day-to-day Simons or in the Omaha that’s when you really get Steaks test kitchens gets some good ideas and then rolled out. we’ll call each other. I “While we have innovated remember before cell phones a lot here and we’ve develwere prolific, I was in Italy oped a lot of proprietary and Todd was in Japan and tools and analysis and interwe had this fax dialogue nal stuff, I wouldn’t say going on.” we’ve been on the leading Vision is important in any edge of technology,” Todd organization and each year said. “Because I think what Omaha Steaks holds an offwe want to do is to use techsite brainstorm session with nology that’s going to help its top managers. Ideas and Bruce Simon us to help our customers. initiatives fly. “A lot of times those come not from me or Bruce but from the people We were one of the first companies to put in an 800 out there in the trenches dealing with our customers number because it made sense to help our customers every day,” Todd said. In the end, “Todd and I decide communicate with us. When we implemented a centralwith our fathers where we’re going” as a company, ized computer system one of the first applications was order taking.” Bruce said. “We’ve had to do these things. The Internet was just Two affiliate companies sprung from this visioning-the A La Zing line of convenience meals and OS very logical -- sure, we should have that. And the fact the SalesCo., an incentive division. Fred Simon entered the entire world put a PC in their living room helped,” publishing world with The Steak Lover’s Companion, a Bruce said. “But it was easy for us because when you cookbook co-authored with Mark Kiffen. Simon adapt- think about it we were just bypassing the guy on the ed classic dishes from recipes developed by James Beard, phone.” an Omaha Steaks consultant for many years. More cookAs “easy” as he makes it sound, Bruce added Omaha books followed. The Simons’ developed Omaha Steaks- Steaks has taken great pains to enhance its order-proaffiliated restaurants. Many more restaurants exclusively cessing systems via the Web and the phone. “I’ve seen a serve the Omaha Steaks brand on their menus. The lot of them and I’m proud of ours--I think it’s the best company’s also approaching 100 of its own retail stores one I’ve ever seen. Our development team has done nationwide. such an outstanding job with those products.” Trust in themselves and in the team they’ve assembled Continued on page 18
Dad’s Wisdom and Dads Rabbi Kripke’s Dad: Work hard and save your nickels. Have a high respect for your mother.
Shelly Fox’s Dad
Always have a smile for someone. Be kind and work hard.
Gary Gerelick’s Dad:
Angela Jones’ Dad:
Be kind and honest. Treat the opposite sex with respect.
Work hard and take care of your family. Do not take handouts.
Sasha Loock’s Dad:
Never hold a grudge. Life is too short to be unhappy. It doesn’t cost anything to be nice.
Mildred Goodbinder’s Dad:
Be a good person and be honest.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
Food Service Juggernaut Continued from page 17 “I still think what it gets back to is that we say to ourselves, How do we solve a problem for our customers? Whether that problem is placing an order quickly and efficiently or being able to log onto the web site and access their gift list or whatever it is. And then asking, Can technology help us with that? As opposed to implementing technology in search of a problem to solve,” Todd said. Online sales account for an increasing chunk of the company’s profits and Omaha Steaks will accommodate the dot com craze as the demand dictates. “Our philosophy is be wherever your customers want you to be,” Todd said. “A lot of people love to shop online. I’m one of those people. But we’ve got a lot of customers today that don’t. People still fax orders in. People still mail orders in. People like to come into our stores. So, whatever works.” The retail segment has “grown as fast as we’ve been willing to add resources internally to support it,” Todd said. Plans call for 15 more stores this year alone. That may seem an odd way to go with cyber commerce on the rise, but he said even a cursory look around town reveals a boon in retail development. “So the economy is alive and well for a number of different sales channels to prosper.” Success may make some tycoons complacent but not the Simons. “I feel like with this business I can be an entrepreneur. There are always new challenges, new products to be developed or whatever. That gives me a lot of
satisfaction,” Todd said. “What gives me a charge is just seeing the business grow, being successful in business, messing around with our dads in the business. And just the sheer volume of product we go through -it’s just staggering sometimes,” said Bruce, who figures Omaha Steaks processes up to 250,000 pounds of just top sirloin each week and close to 50,000 pounds of tenderloin a week. That’s tens of millions of pounds of beef a year. They’ve been at Omaha Steaks a combined 46 years now--Bruce since 1980 and Todd since 1986--and there’s no reason to think they won’t be there 46 more. But it was never a lock they’d be there in the first place. University of Pennsylvania grads, like their fathers, each weighed other paths before falling in line. Bruce came aboard first. Right out of college. But not before he looked at “a couple other opportunities.” Neither his first nor only option, Omaha Steaks was a sure thing. He worked there as a kid. “I wanted to do it. I liked the business. I understood the business. When I was at school I thought about the business.” What finally swayed him, was the offer of $1,000 signing bonus his dad put on the table. When it was time for Todd to graduate a few years later he faced a similar dilemma. “My dad was encouraging me. I think he wanted to work with me. I was a little bit hesitant,” Todd said. Like Bruce, Todd too worked at Omaha Steaks as a kid. But he and some college friends had started a sound production company (they later sold). He had other
Todd Simon career choices. He turned to his cousin for advice, asking, Is this a good thing? Bruce assured him it was. The pull of family won out. “I kind of at the end of the day felt like I owed it to my family,” Todd said. “This family has provided so much for me.” Neither is sorry he made the leap into the family pond. “Yeah, it’s turned out OK,” Todd said in a classic understatement. Working with their fathers has meant learning from the best. Their dads, along with their late uncle Steve, were recently inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame. Todd’s dad Fred
is an inductee in the national Direct Marketing Association Hall of Fame. The company’s won awards and praise for its marketing and technology applications. As for the cousins’ fathers retiring anytime soon, Bruce said, “We don’t say that word. They will never retire. They will never semi-retire. And the minute anyone would suggest such a ludicrous thing they would start coming into the office every day raising hell about every item on the balance sheet. They’ll never retire. They might go on vacation...” And that vacation may last for some time. But retire? No. A sixth generation of Simons entering the business may be on the horizon. Todd doesn’t have children and Bruce’s are still quite young. However, Bruce can see one of his daughters already thinking like a future mogul. On a visit to the zoo they waited in a long line at a concession stand, noting how the supervisor let the workers fall way behind, whereupon Bruce’s little girl said, “You know, Daddy, I don’t think that person is doing a very good job of managing that stand. That’s not a very good operation is it, Daddy?” He had to agree, his chest puffed with pride.
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June 9, 2006
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Words of Our Fathers THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK Immigrant parents by their nature are bilingual. They do not always share the old language with their children for whom English is the language of opportunity. It is commonplace to say “my parents spoke Yiddish when they did not want the kids to understand what they were talking about.” My father spoke Viennese German and although he has been gone almost 30 years I still recall some of the colorful and sometimes nonsensical idiomatic expressions. I have shared them with my wife and she knows what I am talking about when I use them. But I use them less and less and know that a whole phrasebook or lexicon is about to be not obsolete, but extinct. I recently discussed these memory phrases with my mother and sister in an effort to preserve the old bon mots. This is not so much to share them with my children and grandchildren, who would be much better off learning Spanish, but simply an exercise in recording colloquial expressions before it is too late. The first category covers identification, foolishness and truth and is rendered in my best phonetic recollection. Das hat de name pelkatoffel or a thing is what it is, perhaps a rose by any other name is still a rose. He is a trottle in essek and oueil. He is a fool that has been marinated in vinegar and oil. Emes biatso. That is the truth. That is a quaggle idea. It is not a good idea, how could you have thought of that. The second general category deals with food and eat-
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✄ Clip Coupon ing. It tastes like an eingeshlafena fuss. This food tastes like a foot that has fallen asleep. Lassen die armen Chinesen essen das. Let the poor Chinese eat this. This expression clearly makes no sense in the current age of capitalist communism. Hundsfutter was something for the dogs to eat, not for humans. Shte café is what we ate the day after a feast, an achilibus, as my grandfather would call an extraordinarily fine meal. Now the four above expressions should not be interpreted to be a reflection of my mother’s cooking. She was and is a great cook. My sister Judy reminded me of Dad’s English appreciation, “Nobody cooks like your mother.” My sister recalls, but I do not, that our father would say our dog Rusty had barzedoff eyes. There were words of the market place. It was a good parnosa, a fine way to make a living. It was a blinde metziah, what a great bargain. Or in contrast, bedined, you did not get what you wanted, or you were gypped, Finally, there was anger the opposite of civility. Blinde creature. To be as dumb or thoughtless as an animal. Nichts zeit Gengus Khan. The Mongols came close to Vienna in the 13th century. Their allege viciousness was a bench mark that Hitler exceeded. What all this means is that words are potent carriers of memory. Some words have a human or two generation life span. I do not have a clue what my children will recall as my contribution to their language of memory. And who knows what Russian words will fill the household of my son, Aaron and his new Russian-born bride, Marianna. Author, historian and attorney Oliver B. Pollak can be reached at: OBPOmni@aol.com.
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Grilling from The Culinary Institute of America (Lebhar-Friedman, $35) cup vegetable oil 12 thyme sprigs 6 pan-dressed Spanish mackerel, 14 oz each 1 lemon, cut into wedges Grilled Asparagus and Sweet Peppers Preheat a gas grill to medium. If you are using a charcoal grill, build a fire and let it burn down until the coals are glowing red with a moderate coating of white ash. Spread the coals in an even bed. Clean the cooking grate. Combine the lemon juice, salt, pepper and 1 tbsp of the oil. Place 2 thyme sprigs in the cavity of each fish. Brush the lemon juice mixture over the inside and outside of each fish. Brush the outside of the fish with some of the remaining oil. (Reserve any excess oil to brush the fish as it grills if needed.) Grill the fish over direct heat, turning as necessary, until cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Serve the mackerel at once on a heated platter or individual plates with the lemon wedges and Grilled Asparagus and Sweet Peppers. 1/3
READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Psssst...want a great gift for Father’s Day for Dad so he can grill like a pro? Well, the CIA is here to help you...not exactly that one...it’s the Culinary Institute of America, the nation’s influential culinary college in Hyde Park, New York...grilling of the highest order. Mise en place--or getting everything ready for great grilling is based on three basic elements: wonderful food, the right equipment and good techniques for getting the most out of your grill. The 175 recipes are in the chapters: Meats, Seafood, Poultry, Vegetables, Sides & Sandwiches, Breakfast and Desserts. The recipes are conveniently listed in three places: contents and chapter pages and alphabetically in the index. Helpful charts contain grilling temperatures and times for meats, fish and poultry. Buckwheat Flapjacks, Toad In a Hole (egg in toast), S’mores (make your own marshmallows and graham cracker cookies), Crostini (grilled bread), Grilled Tofu, grilled sweet potatoes, leeks, and other vegetables all sound delicious. Many recipes have special rubs, salsas, sauces, creams, vinaigrettes, chutneys or reference other recipes. The color photographs are beautiful. And as you would imagine, the numerical directions are well written and to the point. Brief chapter introductions and headnotes add information of interest. Roll out the grill or smoker and whip up a fabulous breakfast, lunch or dinner for the special outdoor chef/dad in your life. GRILLED MACKEREL WITH THYME Makes 6 servings 2 tbsp lemon juice 4 tsp salt 2 tsp ground black pepper
GRILLED ASPARAGUS AND SWEET PEPPERS Makes 8 servings 2 lb asparagus, trimmed 4 red peppers, cored and quartered 4 thyme sprigs 1 rosemary sprig 2 garlic cloves, sliced 1/2 cup olive oil juice of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper Combine all the ingredients in a zip-close bag. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours. Preheat a gas grill to medium heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, build a fire and let it burn down until the coals are glowing red with a moderate coating of white ash. Spread the coals in an even bed. Clean the cooking grate. Remove the asparagus and peppers from the marinade and grill over direct heat until browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
Of Fathers and Teens Have you ever noticed what happens to stroke victims as they recover? Sometimes a stroke causes a patient to lose the inhibitions our brains put in place purposely to keep us from saying everything that we’re thinking. (“Ohmigod, she’s so fat...ugly...pick an unflattering adjective.”) So, too that awkward attempt at communication between fathers and their teenage sons-or daughters. The teens’ hormones are raging; they can’t wait to escape the clutches of their parents’ rules as they look ahead to college and living on their own. At the same time, teens want the love and guidance their parents have to offer. This issue salutes our graduating seniors-and honors father’s on that all-American holiday, Father’s Day. There is a connection. Fathers have much to teach us. And seniors-despite your feelings of being invincible, you will make mistakes. But that’s okay--we want you to learn from them. People who cannot admit their mistakes don’t take responsibility for them either--and that means they’ll never grow as human beings. In the last summer before you take flight on your next adventure in life--college, the military, work or volunteering and studying in Israel--take the time to get to know your father--and your grandfather, if you’re lucky enough to still have one or two around. Ask him what it was like when he was a boy? What games did he play? Who were his friends? How did he celebrate the holidays? What does he remember about his father? Did he enjoy school or hate it? What about Hebrew school and his Bar Mitzvah? Did he go to camp? What did he like about it and why (or why not)? Did he wish he had a pet? How old was he when he took his first plane trip? And what did his father teach him about finances, Judaism--and sex? Now fathers, here’s a list of questions for you
to ask your teens: do you know how to balance your checkbook? What was your favorite class in school and why? What did you learn from your favorite teacher? Do you regret not taking a specific class in high school? (Don’t worry--you can take it in college.) Have you ever been in love? Are you using protection if you’re in a relationship? Are you still mad at me for ...pick one: not getting you a dog, not taking you to London, sending you to camp (not sending you to camp), sharing a room with your brother (sister), not buying you that camera (computer, iPod, mountain bike...)? The summer of 2006 might be the last opportunity fathers and teens have to really talk to one another And, if you’re not communicating so well, it’s not to late to call Jewish Family Service (330.2024) and obtain the help you need to establish a better relationship. It’s a chance to learn about the past-whether it’s the great Depression and World War II or the sixties and the era of flower power and how it affected your father, and a way to view the future through the eyes of your teenage son or daughter. Dads: give your teen the benefit of the doubt. After all, you raised
“Almost Like an Invasion”
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES The illegal immigration of nonWestern peoples, I predict, will become an allconsuming issue in every Western country. As Western birth rates plummet, as communication and transportation networks improve, and as radical Islam increasingly rears its aggressive head, Europeans, Americans, and others worry about their economic standards and the continuity of their cultures. After ignoring this issue for decades, reactions in Europe especially have sharpened of late. • The French lower house of parliament passed a tough new immigration law. • Austria’s interior minister, Liese Prokop, asserted publicly that 45 percent of her country’s Muslim immigrants “cannot be integrated,” and admonished them to “choose another country” in which to live. • The Dutch minister of immigration, Rita Verdonk, withdrew citizenship from Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Muslim-born immigrant who became renowned as a critic of Islam. But the most dramatic, agonizing, and consequential developments for immigration to the West are taking place along the remote west coast of Africa. It has emerged as a main springboard for would-be emigrants to access the riches of Spain and then all Europe. West Africa’s role is a new one. Until late 2005, emigrants gravitated to Morocco, in part because, separated by the Straits of Gibraltar, it is a mere eight miles [13 km] away
them, and if you did the best you knew how to do, then they’re probably pretty good kids. Teens: your dads aren’t stupid; they were smart enough to have you, right? And, even better, they’ll get smarter as you get older! In the spirit of harmony, we at the Jewish Press thank all the fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers in our community for their inspiration, their deeds, their advice and their generosity. We wish you much good healthy and stamina, not just on Father’s Day, but every day. To our teens: we thank you for asking hard questions and challenging us (yes, we really do). You keep us alert and on our toes and give us reasons to try to keep the world safe--for you and our future grandchildren. We wish you good health, of course, but also the ability to keep your minds open and your feet on the ground. Mazal tov--and yasher koach--go in strength.
...migration now underway could signal the prospect of an African “mass exodus” and armed conflict. What one sees today “is only the beginning of an immigration phenomenon that could evolve into one of the largest in history... That made Mauritania, south of the Moroccan-ruled areas and one of the poorest, most isolated countries in the world, the new transit point of choice. Africans and other would-be European migrants, especially South Asians, began turning up in large numbers. Nuadibu (population: 90,000) found itself hosting more than 10,000 transients in early 2006. Under pressure from Spain, the Mauritanians also cracked down. Continued on page 21
Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
LETTER from Europe. Also, they could easily sneak into the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. At worst, they could reach the Canary Islands, a Spanish territory 70 miles [110 km] off the coast of West Africa. Any of these served equally well as a gateway to all Europe. But no longer: under intense Spanish and EU pressure, Moroccan authorities cracked down hard on illegals to the point of dumping them without provisions in the desert. The same forbidding inhospitality reigns in the Western Sahara, a territory to Morocco’s south fully under its control. Meanwhile, the European Maritime Border Guard Corps patrols the Mediterranean Sea with increasing efficiency.
(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern
TO THE
EDITOR
To the Editor: The leading “breaking news” item on the JTA wire of June 6, claims that “Mahmoud Abbas announced he would call for a Palestinian referendum on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” Furthermore, JTA also claims that the referendum “calls for a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and eastern Jerusalem, the areas Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War.” However, the text of the referendum proposed by Abbas, based on the so-called “Document of the Prisoners”--Arab terrorists convicted of first degree murder, which makes no such statements whatsoever. That prisoners document is readily available in English from official and unofficial Palestinian sources. There is no mention whatsoever of a “two state solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict”...The document makes no mention of “eastern” Jerusalem. The document refers, instead, to all of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, the document for Abbas’s referendum premises the establishment of a Palestinian state on “all territories occupied in 1967” on the “right of return for the refugees.” In other words, the document for Abbas’s referendum resorts to the traditional PLO demand for all lands settled by Israel after 1948. The question remains: Will JTA now read the document proposed for Abbas’s referendum and issue an apology for misleading the Jewish media. David Bedein, Bureau Chief Israel Resource News Agency
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 21
Are We Our Brothers’ Keepers...or Not? BEHIND THE HEADLINES by JAN EGELAND UNITED NATIONS--Darfur, Bosnia, Northern Uganda, Rwanda--all too often, the world’s killing fields are recognized only belatedly, once death, disease and despair have taken their horrific toll. Hindsight should serve as foresight--or so we’d like to believe. But aid workers will tell you that the reality on the ground is far different. Most crises fail to appear on the international radar screen, leaving millions to suffer without succor or protection, hidden in the shadows of neglect. In the fourth Book of Genesis, Cain cried out to God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” to which God responded, “Yes.” In an age of a 24/7 global media, Cain’s lament of old has acquired added currency. The world’s suffering fills our television screens each night, stripping away the pretense of ignorance that might justify our inaction. In the Biblical narrative, God’s response to Cain contained no caveats or qualifications. The answer was as simple as it was profound, as stark as it remains challenging: We are our brother’s keeper. All the major Abrahamic faiths-Judaism, Christianity and Islam--affirm this central precept of responsibility toward the most vulnerable in society. Compassion has no borders, because suffering carries no passport. Humanitarian aid is premised on a belief in our common humanity, and hence our shared responsibility to assist those who suffer--the poor, the hungry, the sick, the homeless and orphaned. Through our work, we uphold the notion that human life has one and the same value, regardless if one lives in New York or New Delhi, Lima or Lagos, Dublin or Darfur. Today, millions of people around the globe urgently need--and have a right to --humanitarian assistance. Many of them, whether by design or default, consistently fail to receive even the most minimal aid. At a time when the rich world has never been larger or more prosperous, our neglect of acute human suffering
remains both grossly inadequate and tragically inequitable. We live in age of paradox. We pride ourselves on a technological prowess that previous generations could only dream of. In the humanitarian realm, for example, we now can deliver teams of aid workers anywhere on the globe in 24 hours and track refugee movements by satellite. But we have failed to match this technical revolution with a more potent and enduring revolution in moral consciousness. All too often, our wealth inures to the fate of those across our shores, or those who stand at our gates, hungry and oppressed. Poverty may always be with us, but by no means does it exonerate us from our responsibility to see and to serve the most vulnerable among us--be it in our backyard or across the seas--as our “brother’s keeper.” Humanitarian crises: when neglect spells disaster As humanitarians, we operate according to a set of universal principles, foremost of which is the principle of impartiality: aid should be provided according to need, not creed, nationality, race or any other criteria. In reality, however, we all know that some crises attract a far greater response than others, for reasons that have little to do with need and more to do with strategic or national selfinterest. If aid were provided impartially according to need, then the generosity displayed in the tsunami crisis would be the rule, rather than the exception, for how we respond to all emergencies. If the extent of need were the sole criteria for action, then thousands of drought-stricken families in Somalia would not go hungry this summer, or children in Eritrea die for lack of clean water. Sadly, experience shows that underfunding and neglect is more common than magnanimity when it comes to assisting those caught in the cross fires of conflict, or suffering from disaster and disease. Indeed, neglect can easily spell disaster.
Take the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Today and every day, 1,200 people die in the DRC of largely preventable causes--a tsunami death toll every six months. In just six short years (1998-2004), some 3.9 million people in the DRC have died from the effects of war--malnutrition, disease and displacement--in what is the world’s deadliest crisis since WWII. And yet DRC’s immense suffering has gone virtually unnoticed by the outside world, with media attention and humanitarian resources a mere drop in the bucket compared to the country’s staggering humanitarian needs. Funding is not the only measurement of humanitarian neglect, but it is the most quantifiable and hence, most commonly used. Over the years, humanitarian funding for all crises has remained insufficient relative to both needs on the ground and the growing wealth of the growing number of developed nations. Funding also varies widely--independent of need--across crises and sectors. Last year, for example, one out of every five UN Humanitarian Consolidated Appeals was less than 50% funded, with the average A p p e a l receiving only 66% of required funding, as has been the case for the last six years. When aid agencies are stretched thin for funding, those who are least able to afford cuts in assistance--refugees, the sick and malnourished--pay the highest cost, sometimes with their lives. Simply put, the absence of sufficient resources translates into lives lost and suffering prolonged for people who are among the most vulnerable on the planet. Indeed, the word ‘neglect’ only begins to hint at the degree of resource inequity that runs like a fault line throughout so much of the humanitarian landscape, be it the DRC, Ivory Coast, Somalia, Guatemala, Haiti and elsewhere. Moving toward solutions Clearly, we can and must do better. Aid should not be a lottery, but a fundamental human right. We must move from lottery to predictability, so that all who suf-
And the Lord said to Cain, Where is your brother Abel? And he said, I have no idea: am I my brother’s keeper? Genesis 4:9
fer receive aid according to need, not creed, politics, or media attention. The UN’s newly launched Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is an important step in the direction. The CERF allocates one-third of its resources to core, life-saving activities in chronically under-funded crises, wherever they occur. In this sense, the CERF is an expression of our shared responsibility to serve as our brother’s keeper. The CERF is not a silver bullet. But it will go a long way to help rectify some of the imbalances, which leave millions of people in neglected crises in acute need. The role of faith communities Over the years, faith communities have played a vital role in raising awareness and funds for humanitarian efforts. Compassion for the poor, the sick, the orphaned and the suffering is a central tenet of all major religions. Groups such as American Jewish World Service, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and B’nai B’rith International have conducted humanitarian outreach throughout the world. Together with other faith-based nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) like Islamic Relief, World Vision, Catholic Relief Services, and Bread for the World, these NGOs have brought vitally needed assistance to the suffering and forgotten. In Haiti, Sudan, Northern Uganda, Indonesia and elsewhere, faith-based NGOs have served as vital partners for UN humanitarian agencies like UNICEF, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN World Food Program. Finally, let us not forget that behind every neglected crisis, there is a human face. Victims of crisis need assistance, but they also need to know their suffering is not forgotten, their story left untold. In the end, their story is also our own. We are our brother’s keeper. Neglect ends where humanitarianism begins: with an acknowledgement of our shared humanity. Jan Egeland is the UN UnderSecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Emergency Relief Coordinator.
“Almost Like an Invasion” Continued from page 20 Ever resourceful, migrants repaired further south, now to Senegal. The Canaries run takes less than a day from Morocco but 3 days from Mauritania and 7-10 days from Senegal. Notoriously rough seas off West Africa can easily overwhelm the open wooden fishing boats and their single outboard engines as they cover the 900 miles [1,400 km]. Manuel Pombo, Spanish ambassador-at-large for humanitarian issues, reports that up to 40 per cent of those attempting to reach the Canaries die en route. Ahmedou Ould Haye, head of the Red Crescent in Mauritania, calls it “collective suicide.” Another observer sadly predicts, “Three months or so later, some of these sorry vessels may creep into the Caribbean – as ghost ships, or worse.”
These gruesome odds notwithstanding, the waves of immigration keep growing, in good part because once they land on Spanish territory their reception is so accommodating and very few illegals are ever deported. (A head of emergency services in the Canaries, Gerardo Garcia, compared landing there to going on holiday.) On May 18, a record 656 persons landed in the Canaries, or one-seventh of the total number of arrivals in all of 2005. “It is almost like an invasion,” lamented a volunteer in the Canaries. Hoping to stem the immigration tide at its source through deportation agreements, Spanish diplomatic delegations offer West African countries financial aid in exchange. But African governments resist these, appreciating the remittances from Europe as much as they dislike the bad publicity of large-scale expulsions. These
palliatives cannot possibly solve the tensions as have-nots try to crash the haves’ party. Rickard Sandell of the Royal Elcano Institute in Madrid predicts that the migration now underway could signal the prospect of an African “mass exodus” and armed conflict. What one sees today “is only the beginning of an immigration phenomenon that could evolve into one of the largest in history. … the mass assault on Spain’s African border may just be a first warning of what to expect of the future.” Thus begins the first chapter of what promises to be a long and terrible story. Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and author of Miniatures (Transaction Publishers). He his website: can be reached through www.DanielPipes.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
Candlelighting Friday, June 9, 8:38 p.m.
Synagogue Listings
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
B’nai Israel Synagogue
FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
be explored. RSVP by June 22 to Mitchell, at evmit@cox.net or 333.7668.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Evening Service, 8:50 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m. K’TANTAN PLUS Our summer program, led by Daniel Christensen, meets in the chapel from 10:45-11:45 a.m. This month’s sessions will be held, June 10 and 24. The program is open to children in K-6, and offers opportunities to take roles in leading Shabbat services, as well as the parasha discussion. For information, call Judy Rubin at 498.0904. LUNCH ’N LEARN Saturday, June 17, following Shabbat services, learn about the importance and how-to’s of advance directives, led by Toby Schonfeld, PhD. Cost to attend is $8 for adults; $5 for children 612; free for kids age five and younger. Babysitting will be provided free of charge. To RSVP, contact Margie Gutnik in the synagogue office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Will meet Monday, June 26, 7 p.m. for a relaxing bbq and social at the home of Evie Mitchell, 1835 So. 139 St. (All food will be kosher and vegetarian requests will be honored.) Discussion will include sharing favorite summer memories; ideas for next year’s Rosh Hodesh Group program schedule will also
Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (contact the office for class schedule); Kiddush is sponsored by Noa, Michal and Olga Kipnis in honor of Dr. Jonathan Kipnis receiving an Alzheimer’s Research Award and in honor of Dr. Howard Gendelman for his professional support and personal care; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:48 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Becoming a Love and Logic 10-11:30 a.m.; Parent,” Babysitting is available by reservation; Contact the office for Mincha/ Ma’ariv service time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. TUESDAY: Sisterhood Brainstorming Meeting and Breakfast, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Beth Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
A special occasion or one just for fun? If you can think it, We can write it Even under the gun!
Poems for all occasions
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Candle Lighting a specialty
402-932-8289 poetic.license@cox.net
BEYT SHALOM
MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. Kabbalah WEDNESDAY: Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800 or visit www. Ochabad.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with Oneg following. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: Fiesta Auction, 5:30 p.m. This adults-only evening will start with a cocktail party featuring a wide variety of appetizers and desserts. There will be a silent and live auction of items featuring the gifts and talents of Synagogue and Temple families. Need more information? Contact Amy Zlotsky at 423.9579 or az@neb. rr.com.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat/ Shavout, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
CHABAD HOUSE
FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. led by Nancy Rips and Andy Greenberg. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.
Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Torah Studies-Journeys exploring the Book of Bamidbar (Numbers), 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Haley Gordman, daughter
of Bridget and Kip Gordman, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SITTER SERVICE: Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SUNDAY, June 11, 12:30 p.m.–4 p.m. at 4221 Himebaugh Ave, Omaha, NE.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Services, 8:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY, & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Services, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. SCHOOL AUCTION The Lincoln Jewish Community School is having an adult only evening fundraiser for the school. There will be a silent and live auction and lots goodies to eat. It is being held Sunday, June 11, 5:30 p.m. at South Street Temple. Attend and also donate your services or items for the auction. For more information, call Amy Zlotsky at 423.9579. EDUCATION CLASSES Modern Israeli Conversational Hebrew on Sunday June 11, 1-3 p.m. taught by Rabbi Shaffin. Everyone is welcome, however, a knowledge of the aleph-bet, vowels, and an ability to read punctuated Hebrew is needed.
Will Bush’s Appeal to Religious Right on Gay Marriage Backfire Among Jews? by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA)--It’s a familiar calculus in the relationship between the Jewish community and the Bush administration: a social issue that divides the country 50-50 has the Jewish community split 75-25 against where President Bush stands. On Monday, Bush strongly endorsed the federal marriage amendment to the U.S. constitution, which would effectively ban gay marriage. “Marriage is the most fundamental institution of civilization, and it should not be redefined by activist judges,” Bush said after meeting with supporters of the constitutional amendment. He was referring to the 2004 decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Court to recognize same-sex marriages. The bill, which was likely to be considered by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, has virtually no chance of passing. Constitutional amendments need 67 of the 100 Senate votes to pass, and no one
anticipates the vote breaking 55. That makes it a win-win for Bush in his effort to keep evangelical conservatives on board ahead of the November midterm congressional elections. The reasoning is that the amendment will still resonate with the Republicans’ conservative base five months from now, but will likely have disappeared from the memories of social moderates who may lean Republican for other reasons. However, Jewish Republicans, who have been trying to lure Jews away from their solid 3-to-1 support for Democrats, might have been dealt a blow, at least according to the amendment’s opponents. “It’s unclear to me how the Republican Party will gain ground in the Jewish community by bringing forth a centerpiece of the religious right's agenda,” said Mark Pelavin, associate director of the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center. “For a large sec-
tion of the Jewish community, this is an issue of fundamental rights and they will be watching closely to see how their senators vote.” The Reform and Reconstructionist movements oppose the amendment. On Tuesday, the Conservative movement’s leadership joined in the opposition, in a statement that referred to a 2003 United Synagogue resolution opposing any such discrimination. Also in opposition are major Jewish civil liberties groups, including the American Jewish Committee and the AntiDefamation League. The National Council of Jewish Women has taken a lead in opposing the legislation, organizing clerical lobbying against it and leading an alliance of liberal Jewish groups in urging senators to vote it down. Orthodox groups, led by the Orthodox Union and Agudath Israel of America, support the amendment. The most recent polling on the issue, by Gallup, found 50 percent
of Americans in favor of the amendment and 47 percent opposed. A 2004 American Jewish Committee survey of American Jews found 24 percent in favor and 74 percent opposed. Jewish supporters of the amendment suggested they would sell the amendment to the Jewish community as one that would guarantee religious freedoms. Proponents of gay marriage were “pursuing a deliberate plan of litigation and political pressure which will not only redefine marriage, but will follow from that to threaten the first freedom enshrined in the First Amendment --religious liberty,” said Nathan Diament, the director of the Washington office of the Orthodox Union. Diament, the only Jewish participant at the meeting with Bush on Monday, told JTA that the Massachusetts ruling already had a negative impact on religious freedom. “How a society defines marriage affects everybody.”
June 9, 2006
Playing with Numbers
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Naso Our Sidra devotes itself to material that justifies the Greek (and English) naming the Book “Numbers”, although the Hebrew name reminds us that we are still “B’midbar, in the wilderness.” The census deals with the body of Israelites proper and with the Levites particularly. All of this turns our attention to the demography of Jews in our own time. It is no little time already in which demographers have been warning us that our numbers in the world and in the United States particularly are dwindling. We are losing people, i.e., Jews, to defection, and to intermarriage. Perhaps even more important is the limitation of the size of families that follows increasing education, higher standards of living and marriage at later years. It is hard to suggest what might be done about this--perhaps encouraging greater marriage affection? One truth that rankles in all of this is that the higher
education level of both males and females, but especially of females, the lower the production of children in the family. At one point we blithely spoke of six million Jews in the United States. Them days is gone forever. The affect of all this is the reduction in Jewish influence in the U.S., where Jewish emphasis on education, child care, and social values in the community are becoming less and less important. If what is good for General Motors is good for the United States, we have always thought that what is good for the Jewish community is clearly good for the United States. This is true because Jews have always been among the leaders in progressive thinking and acting in our country, and although we are so small a percentage of the American population, our influence has been as though we were a much larger proportion. With that percentage shrinking, so too, inevitably, is the influence of Jewish life on American life shrinking apace. For the moment, however, disregarding effects in American life generally, the effect on Jewish life itself is serious. What was at one time a clear influence on the direction of American life socially and intellectually, that influence has now fallen to others. It is not enough simply to say, woe, woe, oy vey, oy vey; what can we do about it?
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DEATHS JERRY BERMAN Jerry Berman died May 30 at the age of 72. Services were held June 4. A veteran of the Korean war, Berman was co-owner of Ak-sar-ben Fixture and Supply. He also was inducted into the JCC’s Athletic Wall of Fame for his years as a basketball referee and coach. He is surviv ed by his wife of 46 years, Mary; daughters and sons-in-law, Ida Berman Cohoon and Larry Cohoon, and Ann and Kurt Rohren of Durango, CO; three grandchildren, Nate Cohoon, and Michael and Emily Rohren of Durango, CO. Memorials to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. JOE FRANK Joe Frank died June 4 at the age of 79. Services were held June 7 at Temple Israel Cemetery. He and his brother were owners of the Peter Pan Furniture Company.
He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Lynda and Lee Sloan of West Yellowstone, MT, and Renee and Ken Wiseman; grandchildren, Brian and Jennifer Wiseman, Sarah Wiseman, Nikki Flatowicz and Rachel Flatowicz; and two great grandchildren. Memorials to Temple Israel or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site, as well as other pertinent information to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Obituaries--as well as engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies, and births--also can be submitted at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s website. Just go to: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press and click on “Submit Announcements.”
New Kripke Book Award Presented in New York Laurie Jacobs for her chilby CAROL KATZMAN dren’s book, A Box of Editor of the Jewish Press Candles. (It is illustrated Rabbi Myer Kripke’s by Shelly Ephraim and is generosity is legendary-available in the Kripke among his donations is Library.) the seven million dollar gift to the Jewish The story takes readers Theological Seminary, a through the Jewish festimillion to the vals throughout the year Reconstructionist Raband provides a glimpse binical College, and a into family relationships. half-million to the Jewish The young protagonist of Federation Library. the book, discovering her Now, the rabbi emeritus grandmother’s friendship of Beth El Synagogue has with an elderly gentlemade another donation-man, learns how to adapt this time to create the to what once was an Friends and members of Rabbi Meyer Kripke’s family were in New Dorothy and Myer S. exclusive relationship as York in April for the presentation of the first Kripke National Kripke Institute for he quietly helps and Jewish Book Award to Laurie Jacobs (second from right): Netta Jewish Family Literacy. guides the young girl. Kripke Stein, left, Yossi Stein, Madeline Kripke, Ron Wolfson, Its first director is Ron All three of the Kripke Jacobs, and Saul Kripke. Wolfson, a Vice-president children were in attenof the University of Judaism and author of several Jewish dance for the ceremony: Netta Stein and her husband “how-to” books. Yossi, Madeline Kripke and Saul Kripke. “It was a wonAs part of its mission, the institute endowed its first derful evening,” noted Wolfson, “and a fitting tribute to Jewish book award at the annual National Jewish Book Dorothy, whose books in the ‘Let’s Talk About...’ series Awards ceremonies in New York. The recipient was set the bar for excellence in Jewish family literature.”
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ADOPTION: A loving married couple wishes for a newborn to share our happy home. Expenses paid. Please call Laura & Ken, 800-571-4988. BANKRUPTCY: FAST relief from creditors. Statewide filing. Affordable rates. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. ISOM’S 17TH annual animal swap meet, June 10 & 11, September 9 & 10. Allen, Nebraska. Call Val at 402-635-2265 or www.petsandexotics.com/lovealop. $7,000! Foreclosures, HUD, bank repossessions and more! Homes available now from $7,000! Financing referrals available. For listings call 800-385-4006, ext. G981. ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-888-755-1356. $$CASH$$ IMMEDIATE cash for structured settlements, annuities, law suit, mortgage notes & cash flows. J.G. Wentworth - #1 1-800-794-7310. $500 POLICE impounds! Cars, trucks and SUVs from $500. Hondas, Chevys, Jeeps, Acuras and much more! For listings call 800-426-9668 ext. N673. FIGHT APATHY. Make a difference. Purchase “Workbook for America” to find out how. On sale now. Contact www.americannextdoor.com. It’s not your ordinary book. FOR SALE: 20 acres, 1996 3-bdrm mobile home and 20 ft. cabin. Private, scenic, wildlife, some pasture, trees. 30 miles east of Valentine, NE, $62,500. 712-297-8281. DIESEL TECHNICIAN: Career opportunity for a qualified diesel truck technician at truck dealership in Lexington. For more information or application call Patsy, 800-5506225 or 308-324-7442. LOOMIX(r) FEED supplements is seeking dealers. Motivated individual with cattle knowledge and community ties. Contact Terri @ 800-870-0356/ttonso@loomix.com to find out if there is a dealership opportunity in your area. NEED MOTEL/hotel person in Western Nebraska. Experienced in management, maintenance and supervision. Salary negotiable based on experience and ability. References required. Send resume to: Star-Herald, P.O. Box 1709, Dept. 1415, Scottsbluff, NE 69363-1709. SERVICE TECH for Redline Equipment in Broken Bow, NE. Benefit package, comp wages, will train the right person. Call Dave at 1-800-872-2719 or 1-308-872-2700. redlineeq@hotmail.com.
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Page 24
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2006
Crowd Praises JCC Staff, Volunteers at Annual Meeting
More than 250 friends, family members and supporters turned out Monday night to honor staff and volunteers of the Jewish Community Center. Photos from top left: Lora Rosenbaugh, recipient of the Eileen S. Erman Educator of the Year Award, is a veteran teacher in the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center. The Isadore “Boggy” Bogdanoff All JCC Maccabi Team award recognizes outstanding teen participants in the annual JCC Maccabi Games. Alex Epstein was recognized for his consistent participation, athletic talent and contribution to the “community spirit” of the Games. Jeffrey Aizenberg, JCC Executive Director was honored for his 20 years of outstanding leadership to the Jewish Community Center, and Gary D. Epstein, JCC outgoing president, was presented a photo of the JCC Campus, along with
a special gift from the board. The “Jewish High School Athlete of the Year” Award recognizes the achievements of Omaha’s elite Jewish Athletes in high school. The following are all seniors who have lettered in a varsity sport, and include: Alexander Wolf, Zachary Muskin, Jacob Phillips, Ben Salzinger, and Jon Lerner. Not pictured: Alexander Cemaj, Jacob Godwin, Benjamin Goldstrom. The 2005-06 JCC Volunteers of the Year are Matt and Melissa Shapiro. As BBYO volunteer advisors, the young couple volunteer hundreds of hours and share their vast experience with the 120 BBYO members. They attend virtually every Tuesday BBYO Night, and chaperone dozens of chapter events, and regional conventions. The “JCC Athletic Wall of Fame” award recognizes the achievement of Omaha’s Jewish athletes who
participated in JCC sports programs in their youth and went on to make significant contributions to the Jewish community, the general community and/or the Jewish Community Center. The 2006 Wall of Fame Inductees are Tom Kirshenbaurm (Baseball), Jill Belmont (Tennis). Ten JCC employees celebrating their “significant” anniversaries this year, ranging from five to 40 years, front row: Lora Rosenbaugh, left; Bella Nakhimovich, 10 years; Anna Mosenkis, 15 years; Sharon Lindstrom, 10 years; Lisa Shkolnick, 10 years; Jeffrey Aizenberg, 20 years; back row: Barb Holling, 40 years; Cindy Salkin, five years; Steve Dean, five years; Jim McCrea, 15 years; and Dan Bonefas, five years. Not pictured: Charlie Gow, 15 years; Wanda Grant, 10 years; Jeff Graham, five years; and Esther Wax, 15 years.
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