June 25, 2004

Vol. LXXXIII No. 43 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

Fox Family Donates Original Sculpture to Blumkin Home

Artist Chris Kelly Lohr, left, worked with residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and children of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center to create a large sculpture of a bubbe reading the well known book, Goodnight, Moon, to a child. The sculpture was unveiled last week in the lobby of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Funded by Harold and Ruth Fox, center, the idea for the sculpture came from Harold’s brother, the late Al Fox. Before his death, he told Harold “he

6 Tamuz, 5764 June 25, 2004

NJHS Receives $25,000 Grant from Iowa West Foundation

wanted to do something for his wife, Esther,” who is also deceased. Joanie Bernstein, President of Jewish Senior Services, right, explained the background of the bronze-overclay piece, for which residents and children posed. John Watts, back row right, created the wood and granite base. According to the artists, the sculpture “is not any single resident or child, but we did use parts of many different people...a foot here, a sleeve there.”

by RENEE CORCORAN NJHS Director The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society received a matching grant of $25,000 from the Iowa West Foundation to continue the process of preserving, cataloging and proper storage of their facility located in the basement of the JCC. This grant will assist the Society in their mission to preserve the histories of Jewish families who settled in Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa. With the cooperation of the Jewish community the NJHS has been acquiring many collections, large and small, of families, businesses and organizational histories. Due to limited space in the NJHS office proper cataloging has not been given to these precious artifacts of our past. The grant will enable the Society to continue the lengthy process of storage and cataloging this collection. The application to the Iowa West Foundation is all part of the NJHS efforts to not only attract attention of its goals and purpose in the community but begin a fundraising effort to build a permanent fund to provide year to year income to support and expand programs and projects. The “Mary Fellman Permanent Enrichment Fund” can only meet its goal through an organized fundraising drive. The fund drive is attracting three to five year pledges. A study has been completed and indicated favorable potential support. Steering committee members are Louise Abrahamson, Bob Belgrade, Helen Rifkin Chorney and me. For further information contact me at 402.334.6442. An illustrated brochure is available upon request.

In Era of Terror, Jewish Groups Coordinate with Federal Government by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--A preparedness plan to alert Jewish leaders and facilities about imminent terrorist threats is now operational and is being coordinated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Proponents say the Secure Community Alert Network, or SCAN, has been put together and tested. In case of a terrorist threat, the system can alert leaders of major Jewish organizations simultaneously. Created earlier this year by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the United Jewish Communities federation umbrella group, the program is a step toward preparing the Jewish community for threats it faces as a possible target of terrorism. The program is designed to provide specific instructions for what synagogues, Jewish offices and other sites should do when a threat occurs. Proponents say it could save Jewish lives. Tom Ridge, the Homeland Security Secretary, praised the program Monday in a briefing with Jewish officials. Ridge suggested SCAN could serve as a model for other communities, participants in the meeting said.

Inside

“The secretary was very receptive to work in an actual emergency, and the system that they put in front of him,” whether the right information will get to said Michelle Petrovich, spokeswoman the right people. for the department’s division of informaIt’s easy for law enforcement officials tion analysis and infrastructure protec- to identify people who must be notified tion. “We certainly look forward to hav- when there is a threat against a specific ing future discussions as to how we can institution. But SCAN can be most useful use it as a model and integrate it into the when the threat is vague and a lot of systems we currently have.” people need to know about it. The department is looking to cooperate Each and every Jewish institution has reviewed its security with the Jewish measures and has plans in place to deal with most situations. efforts. Working Our constant contact with law enforcement, along with keepgroups will ing an eye on extremist activities, allow us to respond to threats begin this week as they may appear. to identify ways No system can provide 100% security, but reasonable measto coordinate ures can and do make a huge impact. information. At the same time, technology and information only go so far. “Anything we Each and every person should maintain a sense of place and a can do to make watchful eye for the unusual. it easier for them Human reaction is still our best asset! to communicate Bob Wolfson, Executive Director with our comGreat Plains Region of the Anti-Defamation League/ munity is imporJewish Federation of Omaha Community Relations tant,” said Council S t e p h e n Hoffman, UJC’s Editor’s note: for those Jewish organizations and synagogue president and that have not yet prepared security plans, please contact the ADL CEO. at 334.1303 for assistance. The ADL has “swiss cheese” plans But questions that can be used as templates when designing a custom plan to remain as to fit the needs of a particular institution. how SCAN will

What the ADL-CRC Is Doing in Omaha

This Week: Monthly Calendar, Pages 6-7 Beth El Teens Explore “Roots” in New York: Page 2

More than a year ago, federal officials informed some American Jewish organizational leaders on a Friday evening of intelligence suggesting that a hijacked oil tanker could be used to attack a synagogue. But it was unclear how the information should be forwarded to other Jews. Continued on page 12

Community Says Goodbye to Rabbi Kutner: Page 3

I. Robert Wolfson ADL-CRC Executive Director

Coming Next Month: Healthy Living Issue on July 9 Film Review of The Terminal: Page 4

Benefit Performance to Honor Dr. Ben Kutler: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 25, 2004

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Beth El Teens Explore Jewish History During “Roots” Trip by JILL BELMONT throughout the U.S. Known for its lively musical Beth El Publicity Coordinator Shabbat celebration which draws hundreds every It has been said that you cannot know where you’re weekend, the service had them “singing and dancing in going unless you know where you’ve been. With this the aisles,” Eadie Tsabari said. On Saturday, students thought in mind, 10 Beth El teens were treated to a attended services at the Orthodox Spanish-Portugese taste of Jewish history and a glimpse into the past, dur- synagogue, Congregation Shearith Israel, the first ing a recent trip to New York City. Their expedition Jewish congregation established in North America. was the culmination of the semester-long Beth El Brian Altman said he was struck by the Jewish comHebrew High School course, “Roots: The Jewish munity's high visibility in everyday life, and noted that Immigration Experience,” which explored why so “there’s a whole different feel to the Jewish communimany Jews journeyed thousands of miles from Europe ty in New York than in the Midwest--Jewish delis, busiand Russia to begin a new life in America, and what life nesses, people walking down the sidewalk wearing was like after they arrived. black hats and yarmulkes--it’s a different way of life.” The “Roots” course curriculum was created and Altman added that the group’s nighttime visit to developed by Beth El teachers Margo Riekes and Times Square gave him “a great sense of the city,” and Francee Altman; the trip was subsidized by the Murray said that the most meaningful non-religious highlight of H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, the the trip was driving past Ground Zero and viewing the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, 9/11 memorial in Battery Park. the Henry and Dorothy Laura Shkolnik also cited Riekes Foundation, and an Ground Zero, saying she felt anonymous donor. great pride when observing “Our class discussed what the rebuilding taking place life was like 100, 200, 300 in that area, because “it years ago in Europe, and proved that even horrible what it was like when the things like that [the World Jewish immigrants came Trade Center tragedy] can’t over to the United States. keep us down.” Ellis Island How exactly did we get held great significance for here?” said course teacher Shkolnik, who said “it was a Eadie Tsabari, who, along great learning experience to with her husband Eitan, actually be there, instead of served as chaperones on the sitting in a classroom learnNew York trip. ing about it.” According to Altman, who The tour of Ellis Island also planned the trip itiner- Lights, Cameras, Times Square! -- Enjoying the night life in and its memorabilia also ary, the New York City New York City are Beth El teens, back row: Brian Altman, captivated Jodi Levine. “I experience is important Josh Sweet, Brad Abramson; middle row: Laura Shkolnik, learned a lot about Judaism because “we’ve gotten away Aliya Katskee, Shiri Tene, Nathan Fineman, Jodi Levine, Gal and how people were treatfrom our roots, and it’s vital Tsabari; and in front: Abby Ginsburg. ed when they got here,” she that kids take a look back on their heritage. It’s impor- said. “It was so interesting to learn about how so tant to know why our ancestors came here, understand many people settled on the Lower East Side, and how the hardships they endured, the challenges they faced, Jewish life expanded from there.” and appreciate that they succeeded in a world where On a lighter note, Levine said she was amazed by all they didn’t even speak English!” the Jewish delis in the city, exclaiming that “I never Trip participants included Gal Tsabari, Jodi Levine, knew there were so many!” Bradley Abramson, Shiri Tene, Nathan Fineman, Laura The three-day adventure left Eadie Tsabari with great Shkolnik, Josh Sweet, Abby Ginsburg, Aliya Katskee memories, from the lovely Havdalah service in her hotel and Brian Altman. suite, to “riding the subway with 10 Jewish kids from Highlights included tours of Ellis Island, the Jewish Omaha! “Being with the kids was my favorite part of the Heritage Museum and the Tenement Museum; plus a trip. We learned a lot and we learned a lot about each post-Shabbat jaunt to the Theater District to see other,” she said, adding that she hopes the trip will be “Hairspray,” and a late-night walk through Time offered to Beth El students on an annual basis. Square; and of course, there was food, lots of food, at Altman encouraged his younger counterparts at Beth restaurants such as the 2nd Avenue Deli and Fine and El to take advantage of future “Roots” trips, saying that Shapiro. it gives participants “a new understanding of being The group spent Friday Shabbat services at Jewish.” Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, a Conservative syna“Amazing,” Shkolnik said. “Whenever anyone asks me gogue which has become a model for congregations about it, that’s all I keep saying. It was just amazing.”

Free Freshmen Trip to Israel Hillel Offers First Opportunity for Incoming Students to Participate in birthright by JILL LEWIS Senior Communications Associate Washington, D.C.--This August, some students starting college in the United States will get their first taste of college life--in Israel. For the first time, Hillel is offering incoming first-year students the opportunity to participate in a free, 10-day trip to Israel through the birthright israel program. Not only will they experience Israel for the first time, but they also will be able to connect with fellow university students from across the United States. Students can sign up at: www.hillel.org until July 7. In order to qualify, participants must be 18-26, Jewish, and have never before traveled on a peergroup trip to Israel. Students will tour the country,

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experiencing the sites and sounds that make Israel unique, from the mountains of the north to the Dead Sea, from Jerusalem’s ancient structures to the beaches of Tel Aviv. The Aug. 5-16 Hillel trip will help incoming students prepare for Jewish life on campus. Hillel’s birthright israel trip is part of birthright israel, an international partnership of philanthropists, Jewish communities and the State of Israel dedicated to providing Jews between the ages of 18-26 with a first, free 10-day trip to Israel. The largest Jewish campus organization in the world, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, is committed to creatively empowering and engaging Jewish students through its network of over 500 campus Foundations, Program Centers and affiliates.

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Breakfast With I. B. Singer by RICHARD FELLMAN (Editor’s note: This piece was submitted in response to the programs sponsored by the Omaha Pubic Library in honor of Nobel prize winner Isaac Bashevis Singer.) In the middle 60s, more than forty years ago, on an unusually snowy day in Washington, D.C. where I was attending a meeting of the Anti-Defamation League, I went into the coffee shop of the hotel in downtown Washington where the meeting was scheduled. I was alone, and the hostess directed me to a seat at the counter next to a man who appeared older than my father, who spoke with a broken Yiddish accent much like my grandmother, and who was just beginning to order his breakfast. He was wearing a dark blue suit, sort of rumpled. He had thinning gray hair, and his breakfast consisted of hot oatmeaL, dry dark rye toast and hot tea. I sat down next to him, ordered, and we began visiting about the headlines in the Washington Post on the counter in front of us. He didn't ask me anything about myself, and I didn't ask him anything about himself. We continued our conversation regarding the stories on the front page through breakfast. He finished before me, said “It was nice to visit with you” and picked up his check and left. Shortly thereafter, I walked into the meeting room and took a seat in the second row near the center, smiling at my breakfast companion who was seated directly in front of me, still having no idea who he might be. The meeting went on, and mid-morning the chairman of the group announced a special treat on the morning’s program, which had not been announced in advance, was to be a presentation of an award to Isaac Bashevas Singer to recognize his works over a long period of time. Singer had not yet been awarded the Nobel Prize in literature, the first Yiddish writer to receive that prestigious honor. Singer advanced to the podium, graciously accepted the applause and plaudits of the audience, spoke for a few moments, developed a couple of ideas germane to the meeting, and thanked everyone. On returning to his seat, directly in front of me, he smiled, nodded his head, and held out his hand. We shook hands. He sat down. I never had breakfast with I. B. Singer again.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Community Says Goodbye to Rabbi Kutner

by BETH COHEN Beth Israel Executive Director Rabbi Howard Kutner and his family will be moving to Cleveland, OH, next month where the rabbi will join the staff of Menorah Park, a senior services agency that serves more than a 1000 in residential and community programs. During his eight-year tenure at Beth Israel, Rabbi Kutner worked to strengthen community relations, offered innovative classes, expanded kosher services and bring nationally recognized scholars to Omaha. More than 125 people gathered on June 13 to thank the rabbi for his devoted service to the synagogue and Jewish community and to wish him and his fami-

ly good luck in their future endeavors. Photos from top left: Joe Kirshenbaum, center, and Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman were among the guests; Barry Sadofsky, Steve Pitlor, immediate past-president of the Federation, and Harry Weiner say goobye to Rabbi Kutner; current and past Beth Israel Presidents Bonnie Bloch and David Kohll (Jim Polack in background); former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub welcomed Rabbi Kutner to Omaha in 1996, (Daub was one of the speakers at the farewell reception, along with Steve Pitlor, Rabbis Aryeh Azriel, Mordechai Levin, and Mendel Katzman); Eric Dunning, left, holds daughter Eleanor, and Harry Berman and his daughter Zoe. Photos by Beth Cohen.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 25, 2004

FILM REVIEW by MICHAEL SCHWARTZ Jewsweek Magazine If you travel by air, even occasionally, chances are you have been stuck in an airport terminal at one time or another. “Almost everybody has been stuck in an airport,” director/producer Steven Spielberg attests. “I don’t know anyone who hasn’t spent longer sitting in an airport chair than on the airplane ride itself at some point. Airports have become small microcosms of society. There are places to eat, places to shop, places to meet people...” Such is the backdrop for Spielberg’s latest film, The Terminal, which opened nationwide last weekend. The movie stars Tom Hanks as Viktor Navorski, a visitor to New York City from Eastern Europe, whose homeland erupts in a fiery coup while he is in the air en route to America. Stranded at John F. Kennedy International Airport with a passport from nowhere, he is unauthorized to actually enter the United States and must improvise his days and nights (for months) in the terminal’s international

Now Boarding transit lounge until the war at home is in a sense, this story celebrates the great over. American melting pot. That is why Viktor “I had an immediate affinity for interacts so effortlessly with people from Viktor’s story,” Spielberg says. “I believe different cultures and walks of life, and all of us have felt a little bit like Viktor at why I wanted to have such an internasome time in our lives--this displaced tional cast.” Sounds a little bit like person in search of a life.” Spielberg’s other immigrant story--1986’s “The Terminal is really an immigrant’s animated An American Tail, starring tale,” Spielberg offers. “It goes back to Fievel Mouse-kewitz. what makes this country so great and so Up next for Spielberg is his dramatizastrong--immigrants tion of the coming here from ill-fated around the globe to events sur‘the land of milk and rounding honey,’ a place the 1972 where they are Munich allowed to dream of a Olympics better life for themw h i c h selves. w e r e “In some ways, we marred by have lost sight of the the kidimmigrant’s plight napping because security is and slaymore intense than ing of ever before,” Director Steven Spielberg, right, and Catherine Zeta- Israeli athSpielberg added, “and Jones watch the playback of a scene on the set of The letes by justifiably so. I think Terminal. Palestinian

militants. Filming begins next month in Poland for the film which will star Ben Kingsley and Eric Bana. After finishing the Munich Olympics film, Spielberg plans to direct a project titled The Rivals, followed by a bigscreen adaptation of H.G. Wells’ alien invasion tale, War of the Worlds, starring Tom Cruise. The Terminal’s immigration tale and the upcoming Munich Olympics film marks a year full of Jewish themes for the most powerful man in Hollywood. In March, he finally released Schindler’s List on DVD, calling the Holocaust Oscar winner “the most important use of film in my entire experience of living in film all these years.” Spielberg sums it up like this: “We have a thing, we say in Hebrew, tikkun olam which means, the world always needs fixing and we as Jews, we as all people, have a responsibility to help fix things when they’re broken and I think Schindler’s List and the Shoah Foundation does exactly that.”

Beth El Enlightens Community with “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Spirituality has landed front and center in America during the past few years, with countless people expressing their faith, taking a new interest in learning about their heritage. The desire to know more about Judaism hasn’t been lost on Beth El congregants, and Rabbi Mordechai Levin answered that need with his weekly class “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st

Century.” The course, an off-shoot of last year’s “Introduction to Judaism” class, drew an average of 50 attendees every Thursday at noon, and filled in the blanks on subjects such as marriage, children, and the significance of the commandments and holidays. “My main objective through this class was to show how Jewish wisdom guides and illuminates our lives as human beings and as Jews,” Rabbi Levin said. “I chose topics related to family issues,

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Jewish beliefs and values, and used the Harold Zabin, who regularly attended Hebrew Bible, the Talmud and other with his wife, Phyllis, said he appreciatsources to shed light on each subject.” ed Rabbi Levin’s “practical outlook about Among the topics explored were the Jewish theology, custom and practices ethics of speech, when and how to give which he openly shared with his stutzedakah, plus Jewish perspectives on dents. He immersed us in Jewish wisdom marriage and parental obligations regard- in a wide area of Jewish thought including their children. In addition, following ing an introduction to a Jewish perspecthe controversy surrounding the film “The tive of early Christianity which I thought Passion of the Christ,” Rabbi Levin dedi- was the highlight of the course.” cated four sessions to discussing the Adding that he appreciated the rabbi’s Jewish perspective on use of humor as well as serious Jesus, a class which drew instruction, Zabin called him “a around 75 people. truly gifted teacher,” and That series was “amazencouraged congregants of all ing,” according to Rose ages and backgrounds to enroll Davis, a weekly class in his class. attendee. “I learned so “I enjoy teaching because I love much about him that I’d to transmit the beauty and wisnever known before.” dom of Judaism,” Rabbi Levin Davis said that the said “Over the centuries, society “Jewish Wisdom” class has changed scientifically and offered her a new pertechnologically, but human spective on the Jewish Rabbi Mordechai Levin beings remain the same: we holidays, as well. “While I laugh and cry at the same things knew many things about the holidays, I as centuries ago. Our Jewish texts are still had never been taught the details or relevant in our lives because they speak background about them. I went to about human nature, joy and sadness, fear Hebrew School, but didn’t learn any of and hope -- it doesn't matter when they this. were written.” “I looked forward to this class because Following a well-deserved summer Rabbi Levin’s such a great teacher. He is break, the rabbi said he looks forward to so bright, so funny, and I really enjoy resuming his Thursday class after the him,” she said, adding that she will miss High Holidays. Given the enthusiastic her Thursdays at the synagogue, and support of his congregants, no doubt the looks forward to returning in the fall. faithful will follow.

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Dining

July 25, 2004

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS deWolff Roberts will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, June 30, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Ken Weiner, Chairman. Roberts is Manager of Mutual of Omaha’s Employment Assistance Program (EAP). He will discuss insurance programs that help businesses aid their employees who are experiencing alcoholism, divorce and many other stresses. Cost is $10 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community. TORAH LEARNING CENTER Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will teach the following classes: on Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., Jewish Philosophy, an ongoing discussion on Jewish philosophy and selfgrowth; Wednesdays, noon, learn about “Down To Earth Jewish Philosophy” at the JCC; at 7 p.m., Hebrew Comprehension at the TLC Beis Midrash, 1313 No. 58 St.; Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., is a class on the Weekly Torah Portion, at the JCC. New home-study groups and classes and individual study sessions are available at the Torah Learning Center. Please call Rabbi Hoffman at: 981.0569 for more information. NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Kevee Kirshenbaum, left, Nate and Doris Shukert will be honored at the NJHS annual meeting on Sunday, July 18, 2 p.m. in the auditorium of the Jewish Community Center. For more information, call Renee Corcoran, NJHS Director, at 334.6442. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Hugh Tinley will talk on the war years as he worked as First Lieutenant for General Eisenhower. For transportation~ call Dee Dee at 330.4272. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want to have a Freylichen Tog? Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for information. VISIONS Reminders: Join us at the Henry Doorly Zoo to see the new Hubbard Gorilla Valley on Wednesday, June 30, 10 a.m. (meet at the upper main entrance). Lunch will be at Piccolo Pete’s at 12:30 p.m. The Visions Board Meeting has been rescheduled to Friday, July 9, 9:30 a.m., in the Blumkin Home conference room. Luncheon Meeting is Friday, July 16, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person. All around topnotch entertaining personality, Dave Webber, will perform. Send reservations to: Tootie and Mickey Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114 by July 9. Make check payable to Visions. For Visions next Mitzvah Project, please bring donated items to the luncheon meeting to help support the Nebraska Humane Society or deliver them to the Blumkin Home in care of Maggie Conti. For more information please call Doris Parker at 553.3249. Visions Summer Picnic on Sunday, July 25, 12:30 p.m., at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. Join the festivities and summer fun with musical entertainment by Robyn Lensch. Cost is $6 per person. Send reservations and check, payable to Visions by July 19 to: Sally Masnek, 1314 No. 113 Ct., #6401, Omaha, NE 68154. Note: Please bring a side dish to share. If your last name begins with the letter A-K bring a salad and the L-Zs should bring a dessert. The Brownville Concert Series presents Liz Callaway in Brownville, NE, on Sunday, Aug. 8, noon. Dinner following at Farmer Brown’s Steak House. Cost is $36 per person for motor coach, show, dinner, tax and tip. Depart from JCC at noon and return by approximately 7 p.m. Send reservations and check to Visions to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plz., #101, Omaha, NE 68114. Join Visions for our first Dinner Cruise on the River City Star on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 6 p.m. Cost is $28. Send to: Sandy and Fred Bromley, 13419 Marinda St. Omaha, NE 68144 by Aug. 12.

The South American Table by Maria Baez Kijac (Harvard Common Press, $19.95)

R EAD IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN The author, who grew up in Ecuador, covers only the 10 Latin countries that were colonized by Spain and Portugal and writes some background in the first four chapters describing the geography of South America, Pre-Columbian civilizations and a brief history of South American cooking. The “tremendous variety of climates and an immensely diverse population” makes for the exciting South American table. The Jews, who had converted to imposed Catholicism, arrived from Portugal to South America leaving “during or after the Inquisition”. Many Jews escaped from European countries through South America to new lives in America in the early 1900s. Quoting from Copeland Marks’ book, “In searching for a common fact in these exotic (Sephardic) cuisines, I found kashrut (kosher cooking) as a thread that held them all together.” That was then...and now, Omaha and especially Beth El Synagogue have welcomed their rabbi, cantor and their families from Argentina. Each chapter begins with a description of the variety included and a list of the recipes both with English and Spanish titles and where pertinent the country or countries are listed. The 14 chapters are from Bebidas (Beverages)... South America is the “world’s secondlargest producer of wine after Europe... and Argentina is the largest producer”...another Argentine favorite is espresso, served everywhere and typically served in demitasse cups with a twist of lemon, glass of mineral water or juice and some sweets... and Bocaditos y Entradas (Hors d’oeuvres and First Courses) through Postres y Dulces (Desserts and Sweets). Humita en Cacerola (an Argentine Humita/Tamale Casserole) known as “Bread of the Indians” is a popular savory first course. Argentine beef, known as “the staff of life”, is famous throughout the world... it was the gauchos who started the tradition of asado (barbecue) long ago. There are over four dozen meat recipes. For dessert some delicious South American specialities Masa Frola (tart dough), Dulce de Leche (caramelized milk) and Torta de Maraciua (passion fruit torte)...the Argentine “queen of all tortes” are among the recipes. Headnotes give background information on the individual recipes, all 450 of them for home cooking from Patagonia to Rio de Janeiro. The numerical instructions are well written. The detailed Glossary and Dictionary of South American ingredients are helpful. For a delicious treat and “the indispensable accompaniment” with meat, poultry or fish, try this recipe. CHIMICHURRI (Argentine Parsley Salsa) Makes 1 cup 1/2 cup boiling water 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup dried parsley, crumbled 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons dried oregano Pinch of dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (preferably Argentine red pepper flakes, which are milder than American. If using American, use only 1/4 teaspoon) 1/4 cup canola or extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup red wine vinegar Pinch sugar Place all the ingredients in a blender and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Shake well before serving.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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CORRECTIONS In last month’s “In the News” column, information about Will Wallace’s volunteer award on behalf of the RESPECT organization was inadvertently omitted. The honor was actually awarded by the United Nations. In the June 11 issue’s “In the News” column, it should have noted that Daniel Wigodsky graduated from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, where he also received rabbinic ordination. The Jewish Press regrets the errors.

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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.

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TUESDAY, JULY 6 Lunch & Learn “The Guy and Bob Show�, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7 “Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy� Class, noon THURSDAY, JULY 8 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. NCJW Bookclub, 7 p.m. Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7:30 p.m. From Generation to Generation, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY, JULY 9 Kitchen Shower, 11 a.m. at Chabad House SATURDAY, JULY 10 From Generation to Generation, 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY, JULY 11 Jewish Genetic Testing Program, 9 a.m. TUESDAY, JULY 13 Lunch & Learn “The Guy and Bob Show�, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. AZA & BBG Pool Party, 6 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14 “Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy� Class, noon THURSDAY, JULY 15 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. FRIDAY, JULY 16 Visions Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn Shabbat Services and Picnic, 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JULY 18 Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Annual Meeting, 3 p.m. BEAM Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JULY 19 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. TUESDAY, JULY 20 Lunch & Learn “The Guy and Bob Show�, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Israeli Scouts Performance, 7 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 Hadassah Board Meeting, 10 a.m. “Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy� Class, noon Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 25, 2004

Opinion Ah...Summer! After a rocky start of thunderstorms and cool days, summer finally arrived this week. With enough water in reserve, thanks to weekly rainshowers, our gardens look beautiful and we won’t be turning on our sprinkler systems for the near future. Summer always seems to be a time to kick back and relax, enjoy the hot sunny days and balmy nights, take a break from “homework” and dress casually on Fridays. At least, that’s what many think in the Jewish community. But out here on 132nd Street, it’s a different story. Here are a few examples of what’s going on--both behind-the-scenes and on the monthly calendar of the Jewish community: • Jewish Family Service has said farewell to one director--Steve Stiel--and welcomes Becki Brenner on July 7. Stop by and introduce yourself. Find out what JFS has to offer in the way of counseling, tzedakah holiday meals for Jewish families, assistance to the needy and more. See how you can help. • Also on July 7, the Jewish Federation of Omaha will be hosting a meeting to announce its first-ever Mission to Cuba this fall. If you’re interested in learning about the Jews of Cuba, how they live, how the Joint Distribution Committee helps, call Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director, at 334.6431, for more information. • From Generation to Generation opened last night at the Jewish Community Center theater. The musical, written by Karen Sokolof Javitch and Elaine Jabenis, was first introduced to Omahans in 1996 There’s a tribute performance tomorrow night in memory of Dr. Ben Kutler. • Speaking of the JCC, planing for the trip to Columbus, OH, in August for the 2004 JCC Maccabi games is already underway. More than 31 teens are going. The JCC will also welcome the Tzofim--the Israelis Scouts--who will perform here July 20.

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• Classes are ongoing throughout the community--from Tuesday’s “Bob and Guy Show” with ADL Director Bob Wolfson and JELS Director Guy Matalon to weekly classes at the synagogues to classes at the JCC on Jewish Philosophy at noon on Wednesdays to the Yiddish group on Thursdays at 1 p.m. Check the community calendar on pages 6-7 in this issue for more details. • In addition to various JCC day camps for younger kids, there are plenty of offerings for our seniors as well. Visions has a lunch meeting and a summer picnic, while the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society will host its annual meeting on July 18. Behind the scenes, many organizations are planning events for the fall and beyond. Boards of directors are receiving training (yes!) and will be meeting next month to review year-end financial statements and make recommendations for the coming fiscal year. Teachers are being hired (we hope!) for religious school at the Friedel Jewish Academy; curricula are being reviewed and updated and supplies are being ordered for the opening of school--just nine weeks from now! At the Jewish Press, freelance writers are interviewing subjects for our New Year’s issue: “Second Time Around” and the staff is juggling two upcoming special issues: Healthy Living on July 9 and Simchas on Aug. 6 in between publishing our regular newspaper each week (no summer break here!). Since we have a small staff, we depend on freelance writers to assist us with publishing our special issues--and we need Jewish organizations, agencies and syna-

gogues to submit publicity about their programs, projects and events. Keep us in the loop, contact us so we can help you let the rest of the community know what’s going on, too. We can’t be everywhere at once, so please don’t assume we know what’s coming up on your organization’s schedule. Call us at the Press--402.334.6448--we’ll do our best to assist you in enhancing your public relations. And, in the meantime, enjoy the summer--’cause when it ends, you’re going to be very busy!

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.

UN Comes Clean on Saddam’s WMD and It’s Worried

FOCUS ON ISSUES by THOMAS NEUMANN For some of us, Iraq’s possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) was axiomatic. Saddam had it and used it in the late 1980s (Halabja and Iran) and early 90s (southern Iraq after the aborted Shi’ite uprising). It was there in the mid-1990s; United Nations inspectors found it. It was there in the late 90s; UN inspectors said so. There was no evidence that he had gotten rid of it. Deductive reasoning said it must still be there. For others, deduction ran the other way: If you can’t find it, it must not be there. Earlier this month, the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission briefed the Security Council about the export of Iraqi WMD, missile and nuclear components shipped out of Iraq before, during and after the invasion. As reported by MENL news service, UNMOVIC acting executive chairman Demetrius Perricos told the Council, “The removal of these materials from Iraq raises concerns with regard to proliferation risks,” and said inspectors found Iraqi WMD and missile components shipped abroad that still contained UN inspection tags. The World Tribune reported on Perricos’s briefing. “He said the Iraqi facilities were dismantled and sent both to Europe and around the Middle East at the rate of about 1,000 tons of metal a month… The Baghdad missile site contained a range of WMD and dual-use components, UN officials said. They included

missile components, reactor vessel and fermenters… required for the production of chemical and biological warheads. ‘It raises the question of what happened to the dualuse equipment, where is it now and what is it being used for,’ Perricos’s spokesman, said. ‘You can make all kinds of pharmaceutical and medicinal products with a fermenter. You can also use it to breed anthrax.’”

The ability of the UN as an institution, and the French, Russian and German governments and their cronies to rake in illicit millions from oil-for-food contract kickbacks across the misery of Iraq’s weakest citizens required a continual program of ineffectual inspections--perpetually seeking and never finding the WMD/nuclear components. Anthras? Reactor vessels? Now they tell us! Not exactly. The question was never what the world knew. The UN apparat, along with all of the world’s major intelligence services, knew the chief threat Saddam posed was in nonconventional capabilities that threatened the world, either by Iraq’s further use or by

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

export to other countries or non-state actors. The question was, rather, what the world was willing to do about what it knew. The answer, wrapped partly in the vast corruption of the oil-for-food program and partly in fear of a terrorist backlash, was “nothing.” The ability of the UN as an institution, and the French, Russian and German governments and their cronies to rake in illicit millions from oil-for-food contract kickbacks across the misery of Iraq’s weakest citizens required a continual program of ineffectual inspections--perpetually seeking and never finding the WMD/nuclear components. That’s the dirty secret; that’s why they would never have gone to war against Saddam and why the French double-crossed us on Res. 1441 and why they hate President Bush and resent the liberation of Iraq. It is our war because they didn’t want their cozy scheme to end. But it did end. Oil-for-food is over and the UN’s own Mr. Perricos has blown the cover. Thomas Neumann is the Executive Director of JINSA, the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, a non-profit, non-partisan educational organization committed to explaining the need for a prudent national security policy for the United States, addressing the security requirements of both the United States and the State of Israel, and strengthening the strategic cooperation relationship between these two great democracies. His commentary can be found at: www.jinsa.org and can be reached via email at: info@jinsa.org

Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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National Newspaper Association

July 25, 2004

Will Some Jews’ Backing for War in Iraq Have Repercussions for All? en Israel, and named some prominent Jews in the BEHIND THE HEADLINES administration as the plan’s key architects. by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON, June 14 (JTA) -- With each new report of troubles in Iraq, some Jews are getting nervous. Even though many Jews opposed the U.S. war in Iraq --and the organized Jewish community did not vocalize the strong support some had anticipated in the lead-up to the war--a few leading voices in Washington have portrayed the Jewish community as overwhelmingly in favor of toppling Saddam Hussein. The fact that some of the strongest supporters for the war, both in and out of the Bush White House, are Jewish has led some to equate the political philosophy of neo-conservatism with support for Israel. Now that the war has been beset by a series of scandals and setbacks, some Jewish leaders have expressed concern that Jews may be scapegoated this election year. Anti-war candidates and advocates already are suggesting that Jewish and pro-Israel voices led the country into war. “Certainly, there is a significant portion of the American people who will buy into this,” said Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. “It’s a warning to us and it’s certainly not something we can dismiss.” The fear is that Jews will be seen as having fostered the war, and that anti-war forces will focus their attention on the Jewish community. Some people suggest that the rise in anti-Semitism in Europe is related to U.S. policy in Iraq and America’s support for Israel. Though it’s considered unlikely, Jewish organizational leaders worry that anti-Semitic incidents could occur in the United States if more people come to believe that Jews led the country to war in Iraq. The problematic characterizations of Jews have come from high places. Last month, Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings (D-S.C.) wrote in a newspaper column in his home state that he believed the Bush administration went to war to secure Israel and win Jewish votes. He followed the column with a speech on the Senate floor, chastising the American Israel Public Affairs Committee for its influence over Middle East policy. A week later, retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, a former presidential envoy in the Middle East, suggested in an interview with CBS News that hawks in the Bush administration backed the Iraq war in part to strength-

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Even before the war began, Rep. James Moran (DVa.) suggested that Jewish leaders were banging the war drums. Moran was stripped of his leadership post in the Democratic caucus because of the comments. This week, however, Moran handily triumphed over a challenger in a primary election, leading some Jewish officials to express concern that significant segments of the public don’t consider his charges outlandish. He won the Democratic nomination for his district with 59 percent of the vote, defeating Andy Rosenberg, a Jewish lawyer. “It does underscore the need not to be complacent about statements made by public figures that suggest scapegoats,” said Jess Hordes, Washington director for the Anti-Defamation League.

Over the past year, Jewish views on the war have mirrored those of the general public...No matter their view of the invasion, American Jewish officials want to debunk the idea that Jews fostered the war or that, if they supported it, benefit to Israel was a primary factor. Rosenberg had made Moran’s comments about the Jews an issue in the campaign, suggesting Moran was unfit for office because he had a loose tongue. Moran also had to defuse a last-minute accusation from his former pollster, who suggested that Moran had made an anti-Semitic comment about a Democratic campaign group. Moran denied the accusation, others who were in the room at the time said they had not heard it. Moran’s victory had more to do with his 14-year incumbency than with Israel, political analysts said. Additionally, the tendency to blame the war principally on supporters of Israel is confined mostly to the political fringe, Moran and Hollings notwithstanding. Nonetheless, Jewish groups seek a quick retort when such comments enter the public record. “We rely on the common sense and wisdom of the average American and other public officials to stand up and say, ‘This is nonsense, this is absurd,’ “ Hordes said. Over the past year, Jewish views on the war have mirrored those of the general public. Some Jews backed the war in Iraq, believing a change in regime in Baghdad would make Israel safer.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Bush touted the goals of the war to AIPAC last month, winning rousing applause. But many other Jews hesitated. Some feared Israel would be used as a scapegoat, while others believed the evidence against Saddam did not warrant military action. Still others felt the war should not be carried out without a larger international coalition. The Israeli government, which favored regime change, stayed quiet, not wanting to spark allegations that the war was being fought for Israel’s benefit. No matter their view of the invasion, American Jewish officials want to debunk the idea that Jews fostered the war or that, if they supported it, benefit to Israel was a primary factor. “I don’t think we’ve reached the critical mass of people believing these absurd statements,” Hordes said. “But statements like these need to be challenged, or they have the chance to seep into mainstream thinking.” Many of the neo-conservatives who staunchly supported the war are Jewish, making it easier for detractors to claim they were motivated by their support for Israel. In their public statements, both Hollings and Zinni named prominent neo-conservatives who are Jewish. Among those most often noted are Paul Wolfowitz, the deputy secretary of defense; Richard Perle, the former chairman of the Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board; and Douglas Feith, undersecretary of defense for policy. The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, a hawkish Jewish organization with close ties to U.S. military officials and a supporter of the war, is taking the initiative in explaining neo-conservatism -- and separating it from any Jewish identification. Tom Neumann, JINSA’s executive director, points out that many of the neo-conservatives who pushed the Iraq war, including Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, are not Jewish. “Neo-conservatism is a philosophy, not a theology,” Neumann said. “It doesn’t have to do with any religion.” JINSA will hold a symposium this fall on the definition of a neo-conservative. Neumann describes it as someone who is formerly liberal and maintains liberal views on some issues, but has developed a stronger bent toward conservatism over time. That could explain why many of the leading neo-conservatives are Jewish, Neumann says. “Jews generally start off liberal, and through a process of maturation move to a more conservative position,” Neumann said. “You can’t be a neo-conservative if you were born a conservative.”

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.

June 25, 2004

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

Toby Schonfeld at schonfeld@unmc.edu, or M’Lee Hasslinger at mlee1@tconl.com.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m., Kiddush sponsored by Cynthia and John Stern in honor of their daughter, Lydia, becoming Bar Mitzvah. K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, 8:55 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SITTER SERVICE During Friday night and Saturday mornings services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, 7 p.m.: Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni. SPECIAL PROGRAMS COME & DANCE! Israeli Dance Lessons Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. For information, contact Cheryl Lerner, 334.8430 or cldancer@ aol.com. SUNDAY, June 27: BEAM (Beth El Association for Mitzvot) volunteers will cook and serve meals at the Stephen Center. 1214 volunteers will be needed to help out. To volunteer or for more information, please contact

Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m-noon. (These office hours are effective through June). Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Mincha, 8:35 p.m. and Havdalah, 9:53 p.m. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Evening Service, 7 p.m. Weekday Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Weekday Evening Service, 7 p.m..

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in Home

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, Morning services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY Halacha Intermediate level, 7 p.m.

The Guy and Bob Show Returns by MARY SUE GROSSMAN JELS Assistant Director The new season of “The Guy and Bob Show” begins on Tuesday, July 6, noon. The weekly series, sponsored by Jewish Educational and Library Services, will meet Tuesdays in the Kripke Federation Library. Weekly discussions center on contemporary issues concerning Israel, the Middle East, and the Road Map, and other areas of interest as world events unfold. Periodic special guest appearances also highlight the series. A repeat favorite will be Dr. Moshe Gershovich, PhD in History and Middle Eastern Studies with Harvard University, who is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Nebraska Omaha. The series is free and open to the public. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show. Other dates will be July 13, 20, 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23; Jan. 4, 2005, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22; April 5, 12, 19, 26; and May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31. If you have any questions about “The Guy and Bob Show” or other adult learning opportunities offered through JELS, call me at 334.6445 or e-mail mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.

Scholarship Forms Due by Jewish Press News Service Scholarship applications for the Friedel Jewish Academy and the Pennie Z. Davis Preschool for the 2004-05 school year are now being accepted. Applications are available at Friedel, the CDC, the JELS office, or may be printed from www.jewishomaha .org. All applications must be submitted no later than July 1. Please call Mary Sue Grossman at 334.6445 with any questions.

PERSONAL We greatly appreciate the cards and all who came by the farewell get-together at the JCC. You make us feel very good. We will miss you all. The Omaha Jewish community will always have a special place in our hearts. Thank you so much for 10 wonderful years. Wishing you God's blessings. Debbie, Steve, Micah and Jonah Stiel

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416.2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. Led by Marc Shkolnick with Oneg to follow provided by Tracy and Randy Gordon. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Deb Swearingen. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAYS: There will be no Beginning Hebrew Prayers class this Tuesday, June 29.

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

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE During the months of June, July and August, Sitter service

Candlelighting Friday, June 25, 8:43 p.m. will be available at each Friday evening service. Please check the Temple Tidings worship page, the Temple website www.templeisrael-ne.org, or The Jewish Press for service times. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. SUMMER SERVICE TIMES Beginning Friday, July 7, continuing through August 27, all Friday evening services will begin at 6 p.m. in the Livingston Chapel. Saturday morning services remain at 10:30 a.m.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Kaballat Shabbat services, 7 p.m., followed by Shabbos dinner and siyyum in memory of the late Ben Heisler. SATURDAY: Shabbat services, followed by a kiddush luncheon, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:35 p.m.,, followed by Havdalah.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.

Israeli Deaf and Blind Actors Don’t Let Disabilities Stop Them by E.B. SOLOMONT even if they don’t immediately underNEW YORK (JTA)--Adina Tal’s troupe stand the message. of deaf and blind actors can't hear her-But Tal explains that the movements but that doesn’t stop the Israeli director and stories are not random: The actors from yelling. “I shout,” Tal says. “I’ve are acting out their life dreams, which been shouting for about four years, and include being a bus driver or a general I still think everyone will hear me.” in the army, or having a birthday party. Luckily, Tal relies on translators who For these performers, their handicap is speak a combination of Israeli and profound. Nalaga’at, meaning ‘Do touch,’ Russian touch sign language--where let- is the group’s plea for normalcy. “It means ters are spelled onto a person’s palm-- to don’t be afraid to get close to a group that communicate with the 12 members of is usually very isolated,” Tal says. the troupe, known as Nalaga’at. The deaf-blind troupe was conceived During weekly rehearsals over the past of and initiated some five years ago at few years, she had the actors sculpt each other’s faces to learn expressions of joy, sorrow and fear, she says with a sigh. She worked the troupe as hard as any other actors she has directed. Already, the troupe has performed 40 shows in Israel for more than 15,000 people, and has earned popular and critical acclaim. Now the 51-year-old Members of Nalaga, Israel’s troupe of deaf and blind actors, Credit: Dudi Ardon director and her actors are perform in Light Is Heard in Zig Zag. embarking on a North American tour. the Center for Deaf-Blind Persons of Nalaga’at is currently performing its Israel’s Beth David Institute. About 5-6% show, Light Is Heard in Zig Zag, in of deaf people in Israel suffer from variToronto, Montreal, Boston, New York ations of genetic conditions called Usher and New Jersey. syndromes. Usher patients are born deaf With music as their background, the or hearing impaired, and slowly go blind actors use exaggerated facial expressions over the course of their life. Most of and graceful swoops of their hands to Nalaga’at’s troupe, which includes both communicate in sign language and men and women, suffer from the condimime. The actors’ grace and rhythm-- tion. learned by feeling the amplifications of More information about the troupe the music--engages audience members, is available at www.nalagaat.org.il.

June 25, 2004

How Now Brown Cow!

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Hukkat In Milton’s “Il Penseroso”, there occurs the phrase, “a dim religious light.” It was commonplace in ancient religions for the priest to keep secret facts and ideas that were considered too private to share with common people. The priest maintained his position partly because he refused to share information with common people. We have a little taste of that in our Sidra. No one pretends to understand what goes on when purification water depends on the ashes of a totally brown (red) cow. Indeed, as this column has remarked several times before, in our day we have no esteem for the “clean and unclean” or “pure and impure” status. And we have little or no respect for the “magical” change from one status to another. We have also remarked before that although the BIble is pre-eminent in its wonderful literary style, rabbinic Judaism is clearly better “religion” than Biblical

religion. And the ritual of the brown cow (Biblical Hebrew has no word for “brown”) is one of those ancient attempts to surround religion with magic and secrecy. It is important for us to realize that rabbinic Judaism tended to do away with secrecy and mystery. The medieval church building might relish its half light and incense, thus appealing to the emotional state of the worshipper. The synagogue, on the contrary, preferred light. The worshipper was not aimed at, but rather was expected to read and to understand. He had to have light to be enlightened. The Torah was not secret for him: he was to study it. Religious success for the Jewish worshipper was not in being overcome emotionally, but in grasping and understanding. He needed no “dim religious light.” He needed not only an emotional, but also an intellectual experience, when he approached his God in prayer. Note the common word for synagogue: we say “shul,” which means school. Indeed, the central portion of Jewish worship four times in the usual week, as well as on Festivals, is the reading of Torah. And the sermon, or d’var Torah, is meant to expatiate on its meaning. So we have put the brown cow out to pasture. We do not need mystery in our worship.

A Girl Can Dream, Can’t She?

WITH A GRAIN’ OF SALT by JILL BELMONT As we prepare to curse the brutal midwestern July heat and oppressive humidity, I find solace in retreating into that not-so-distant memory of April and May: the peaceful, optimistic season that is spring. There’s something about spring...stepping outside and inhaling the crisp, slowly-warming air and freshlycut grass, watching tulips and daffodils pop, listening to nesting birds in the pine trees. Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Gentlemen, start your engines,” and my foot’s on the accelerator, ready for the ride. Spring always fills me with a sense of well-being, of hope and possibilities. Except for my battle with a swarm of box-elder bugs and the male cardinal that dive-bombed the kitchen windows daily for over a month (trying to destroy a threatening foe that was, in fact, his own reflection), this year’s seasonal change was peaceful, almost therapeutic. Spring makes me ageless. I remember this season at different times in my life, and enjoy memories of the little kid who rode her banana-seat bike to Lum’s for ice cream and Hested’s for candy; the 11-year-old who preferred bats, balls and smelly, grungy baseball caps to showers (much to the chagrin of her mother). Once again, I am the teen who spent hours on the tennis court, preparing for another season of high-school play; the college senior rolling down the car windows and meticulously organizing music cassettes for the long drive home from Colorado for spring break; the young mom spending warm, lazy afternoons picnicking with small, red-cheeked children at Trendwood’s

NCJW Donates Van to Home by PHYLLIS GENTRY JSS Executive Assistant In the June 18 edition of the Jewish Press, an article mentioned that L.O.V.E., the League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly, would be supporting the purchase of a new van for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Several months ago, the National Council of Jewish Women made a commitment to providing funds to support the purchase of a new bus for the Home. “How fortunate we are as a facility to have two such wonderful organizations committing their energy and financial support for the betterment of our Home and the benefit of our residents,” stated Michael Silverman, Executive Director. “LOVE has provided outstanding financial and volunteer support for our facility for decades and we will be working together to identify programs and purchases that would otherwise be unobtainable without their commitment. In addition, it is wonderful that NCJW has committed to provide a reliable vehicle for our residents to use on out-trips, doctor's visits and shopping excursions,” he added. “We are truly blessed to have LOVE and NCJW support us.”

“elephant slide park.” Cherished memories, all. At this time every year, my green thumb is nudged out of hibernation, and suddenly, I’m afflicted with planting fever. And, since this was the first spring in our new--albeit 14-year-old--home, I was especially entertained by constantly poking around the landscaping, trying to figure out what the previous owners planted. Every flowering bulb, each blooming perennial offered a delightful daily surprise. I hang out in my yard the way teenagers hang out at the mall. Give me gardening gloves, headphones (to listen to “geezer rock,” as my kids call it), digging tools and a yard waste bag, and I’ll amuse myself for hours. While some folks love buying clothing or jewelry, I get excited after scoring a good pair of electric hedge clippers from the local hardware store. Visiting my favorite garden center for the first time is another much-anticipated spring ritual. Upon entering this nursery, I feel like Dorothy at that moment when she opens her door and steps out of a black-and-white world into the blazingly bright Land of Oz. In this gargantuan planting mecca, I am perpetually awed by endless rows of flowers and the blizzard of colors and aromas--a veritable wonderland for gardening geeks. Every Mother’s Day, this place provides fuel for my wish list. Visions dance in my head of rose bushes, a wrought-iron trellis, and something every girl wants – a riding lawn mower. Oh, and while we’re at it, a hammock and a smoothie machine for après yard work would be nice. A girl can dream, can’t she? And why not? This life-affirming season carries on its shoulders the things dreams are made of: renewal, endless possibilities, and the conviction that hope will always spring eternal. Jill Belmont is a freelance writer who can be reached via e-mail at: BeanK2@aol.com.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

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What a deal--36 words for just $18 (30¢ for each additional word). Call the Press, 402.334.6448 for more info.

Here’s my ad for jBay: Name ________________________________________ Address _______________________________________ Mike Silverman, center, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services, and JSS Outreach Director Shane Kotok, were among the guests saying farewell to Steve Stiel at a June 13 reception. Stiel, who was Executive Director at Jewish Family Service for six years, is moving to Kansas City next week to become the Executive Director of Beth Shalom. His wife, Rabbi Debbie Stiel will commute to Lincoln, NE, as the part-time rabbi at Reform Congregation B’nai Jeshurun.

City, State and Zip _______________________________ Phone _______________ Check enclosed for $ _________ Mail to jBay, The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 The Jewish Press jBay classifieds are only for use by individuals–businesses should contact the Advertising Department– Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Ray Pred, 334.6559, for display ads.

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 25, 2004

Performance Honors Memory In Era of Terror from page 1 of Dr. Ben Kutler and Jan Anderson Continued “We had to start calling individual synaby NORMA JOHNSON efit for Nebraska Foundation for Visually for JMR Productions Impaired Children, in memory of Dr. After playing in Los Angeles and St. Benton Kutler and Jan Anderson. Dr. Louis, the award-winning musical, From Kutler was a vital member of the NFVIC Generation to Generation, returns to the board from shortly after its incorporation Omaha stage this June and July. This in 1960 until his death. Anderson served humorous and many years on heartwarming the board and musical, written was President by Karen the last four Sokolof Javitch years of her life. and Elaine Jan’s husband, Jabenis, won Alan, now serves the 1996-97 on the board Theatre Arts and their Guild Award teenage daughfor “Most ter, Karen is the Outstanding board’s first Original Junior Member. Script.” Dacia Jabenis, left, and her mother-in-law, Elaine, are The NFVIC is a Javitch and cast members of From Generation to Generation. non-profit Jabenis have organization reworked parts of the show and hope serving blind and visually impaired chilthat people like the show even more dren. The Foundation provides specialthan last time. “Our cast is outstanding,” ized equipment and sponsors cultural Javitch said. Sue Perkins is the lead, sup- and recreational activities. It also hosts ported by Marianne Young and Okley the Ruth Sokolof Christmas Party each Gibbs. December. It’s the touching story of Rose General performances are: Sunday, Lieberman, who creates a unique and June 27, Thursday, July 8, and lasting gift to leave her unborn grand- Saturday, July 10. Evening shows start daughter. Other cast members include, at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday Matinee is at Elaine Jabenis, Elizabeth Lieberman, 2 p.m. Cost for general performances is: Kellie Dunlap, Chip Frieden, Marsha Adults $15; Children $10. Benefit Tickets Updike, Sara Munzesheimer, Rebecca for the June 26 performance are: adults Glasson and others. $20, children $15. Patron reserved seats Tomorrow’s first Saturday evening per- start at $100. Tickets are available at the formance, Saturday, June 26, is a ben- door or by calling 393.3893.

gogues,” said Malcolm Hoenlein, the President Conference’s Executive Vicechairman. “It was ridiculous.” Under SCAN guidelines, the information about a threat, and suggestions for an immediate response, will be forwarded to an outside firm, Dialogic Communication Corp. Dialogic then will begin calling the leaders of American Jewish organizations such as the religious movements, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the Anti-Defamation League. “We’re going to be able to give that information with as much specificity, with as much detail as we can possibly get,” said Steve Pomerantz, a former FBI assistant director who now chairs SCAN’s Law Enforcement Advisory Board. Dialogic will try to contact the designated Jewish leaders by any means necessary and, if it can't, will move on to secondary officials in the organizations. It then is up to each individual group to inform members and institutions such as synagogues, community centers or federations. Many groups are being encouraged to provide Dialogic with a phone chain of their affiliates. “It’s vitally important,” said Ethan Felson, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs’ assistant executive director. “Our challenge will be ensuring that every

segment of our community takes this seriously.” The program has worked in tests, Hoenlein said. But some questions remain unanswered, such as what type of threat triggers what response. Hoenlein said Jewish professionals can notify Dialogic directly of imminent threats, while other non-life- threatening information will be evaluated by members of a board of Jewish organizations before being circulated. It remains unclear how threats are evaluated for imminence and what sources will be trusted as authentic. But Pomerantz said that if law enforcement has found the threat substantial enough to inform the Jewish community, it likely will be forwarded to Dialogic. Other Jewish officials have said they would like more time to be spent training synagogues and other Jewish sites on what they should do in an emergency and how to guard against terrorist threats. They are looking to Homeland Security officials to provide some answers in the working group meetings this week. The goal is for SCAN to become an independent non-profit group, and to expand its mission to include educating the Jewish community on terrorism threats and preparedness, Hoenlein said.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE Share your simcha with our readers! Stories and photos about your simcha--B’nai Mitzvah, wedding, anniversary or special birthday--can be published in the Aug. 6 Simchas issue--if received in the Press office by July 15. Questions? Call Carol Katzman at 402.334.6450.

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