July 8, 2011

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

JCC welcomes Aaron Rosenfeld

July 8, 2011 6 Tammuz 5771 Vol. 90 | No. 43

This Week

Jewish runners have fun, build community as they train and compete Page 6

Matzo House Building Contest winners Page 7

Beth El planning their 20th anniversary celebration Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

This Month Health & Wellness See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

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by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP Editor of the Jewish Press There are many ways to build and maintain a community, and one important step is to find the right person for the right job. Whether it is a volunteer position, a board president, an agency director or a building manager, identifying someone who is exactly right is a major step in the right direction. “There are many qualities necessary in a JCC Executive Director,” CEO Mike Silverman says. “They must be focused on serving the community, providing excellence in programming and services, be visible and active at the JCC - on the campus - and in the community, and must be responsive to the needs of our members at all times. And these are just some of the qualities.” After a thorough national search, the search committee of the Jewish Community Center, chaired by John Glazer and Bob Belgrade, found the right person in Aaron Rosenfeld; as of July 11, Aaron will take over as the new Executive Director of the Omaha JCC. “I personally would like to congratulate Aaron on his appointment as Executive Director of the JCC and welcome him and his familly to

Rosenfeld with, son Daniel, left, daughter Linda, and his wife Judy. Omaha,” Jody Malashock, Board President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha says. “Having been on the search committee. I know we have someone who will be a great addition to our One Campus - One Community. We are very excited to have Aaron as part of Mike’s team and look forward to working with him and the JCC board.” JCC Board President John Glazer agrees: “We are very fortunate to have Aaron and his family as part of the Omaha community. The experi-

ence, stability and energy that he brings will be great for our membership, community and the excellent JCC staff. I’m excited to work with Aaron in continuing to build upon the strong legacy of the Omaha JCC.” Born and raised on the central New Jersey Shore near Asbury Park (hometown heroes include Bruce Springsteen and Jack Nicholson), Aaron has spent many years at the Jewish Community Center of New Jersey’s Greater Monmouth County.

From December 2001 through December 2006, he was the Assistant Executive Director of Camping. From January 2007 through December of that same year, he was the Associate Executive Director, after which he became the Executive Director. Now, he is ready to grow new roots in Omaha. It’s quite a change from Jersey to Omaha, but Aaron is ready: “From the moment I arrived in Omaha I felt genuine warmth,” he says. “Omaha has a wonderful Jewish community and very dedicated leadership and Jewish communal staff. As I walked through the newly renovated Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, I knew that a community that puts that much thought and detail into caring for its elderly understands fundamental Jewish values. It is a community of which I want to be a part. This is a wonderful opportunity for me personally, and a perfect environment for my family.” That family consists of Aaron’s wife Judy, and their children: “My son Daniel is 10 years old and my daughter Linda is five. They have the distinction of being born on the same day (April 26) five years apart,” Aaron says. Continued on page 2

Food truck phenomenon After the Storm arrives in Omaha by SHERRIE SAAG Development Assocviate, Jewish Federation of Omaha Yes, it has arrived. Food and beverage service is now available at the pool! Unveiled on Monday, the Star

includes sandwiches, salads and smoothies. All is Kosher and Vaad approved. “I am so excited to see yet another service requested by the community, being delivered and available for everyone to enjoy. Each time we are able to do something that makes visits to our campus easier and more enjoyable, we will do it. Enjoy a nosh poolside while relaxing on a soft, fluffy, JCC towel,” said Mike Silverman, Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Federation of Omaha. Food trucks traStar Catering expands its services to the pool area. verse major thorCatering food truck is parked pool- oughfares across metropolitan cities side serving patrons from 11 a.m.-4 like New York, Los Angeles, Austin p.m. daily. The menu is described as and Portland. Professional chefs, litfun, fresh and affordable and erally “at the wheel”, sell everything from Belgian waffles and Korean barbeque to Japanese sushi. The idea of street food, fresh, healthy, portable cuisine, appeared in urban areas with city parks and walking paths accessible during the lunch hour. The Jewish food truck trend started in the city of Los Angeles with Takosher, a popular Mexican kosher truck and Schnitzel Wagon, a Continued on page 2

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP Editor of the Jewish Press On Sunday, May 22, an F5 tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri. We all watched as the next day’s news spat out images of total

Carole Lainoff was in Joplin on behalf of the American Red Cross Disaster Response Health Service. Originally from Bridgetown, New Jersey, Carole -- who now calls Omaha home -- has experience

The owners of this house survived the tornado in the bath tub. destruction. The 3.5 mile wide tornado, given its rating based on the amount of damage, was a so-called “multi vortex” twister. It’s a type of twister that contains two or more twisters-within-a-twister, maximizing the total damage. The result: over 1000 wounded, a death toll that would eventually reach 151, and damages that were simply overwhelming. More than 7,000 residents were homeless, and those who went back to where their house used to be, found nothing they recognized. From May 25 through June 4,

with disasters and their aftermath. “I’ve assisted with the blizzard of 1997, as well as volunteered in the Katrina shelter, which was located where the TD Ameritrade Park is now located, so Joplin wasn’t my first brush with this type of upheaval.” Carole graduated from the Medical College of Virginia with a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. With her husband in the Air Force, she first came to Omaha in 1986. “After my husband retired, we decided to come back here,” she Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | July 8, 2011

JCC welcomes Aaron Rosenfeld

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Continued from page 1 He is excited about what lies ahead: “A JCC provides so many different types of programs for all ages and people of all backgrounds,” he says. “While those programs may vary from early childhood education to adult fitness and from performing arts to summer camp, they share some important common goals. An ideal JCC program should engage your mind, body or soul. It should encourage personal growth and foster a sense of community. Finally, Aaron Rosenfeld the program must be delivered with excellence by warm and welcoming professionals, always keeping in mind the Jewish values of repairing the world, maintaining one’s health, doing the right thing and being part of the community.” Speaking of being “part of the community,” Aaron can look forward to his fair share of meetings. Getting to know his new community, he says, is best achieved by faceto-face contact, both on and off the campus. “I intend to meet with community members, community leaders, Rabbis, Jewish community professionals and JCC staff,” he says. “It will help me better understand what the community wants and needs from its JCC. In addition, my family will quickly become part of the wonderful Jewish community in Omaha. We believe it is important to be actively involved in the community within which we live.” Aside from a beautiful wife and two great kids, Aaron says, he plans to bring experience in both the for-profit world and the not-for-profit world. “I practiced law as a commercial litigator for eight years before becoming a JCC professional, he says. “That experience has trained me to view issues from multiple perspectives before acting.” Those multiple perspectives are important in more than one context; the JCC, after all, has to provide a home to the entire community, regardless of religious, socio-economic,

or political identity. Aaron believes that the very institution is unique because it “encourages participation for affiliated or non-affiliated Jews. It is the community’s home where we share and learn from one another. At the JCC we discover that despite our differences, we have a common background and history. We all share values that stem from our Jewish heritage. What’s more the JCC creates positive shared Jewish experiences. Those shared experiences strengthen one’s connection to the community, ensuring a vibrant Jewish Community. Once here, it is entirely possible that, eventually, Aaron will have some free time. He thinks he might spend some of that practicing his hobby, which is fishing. When asked what his expectations are for Nebraska fishing, he says: “I have fished for sunfish, perch, catfish and bass in our local NJ lakes and being on the shore I have fished for bluefish and fluke. However, in Omaha I hope to catch the most elusive fish of all... the Gefilte fish.” Obviously, it’s not only serious business for the new JCC Director. He likes to eat ‘anything barbecued,’ and his favorite movie is The Usual Suspects. He roots for the New York Giants, but is willing to give the Huskers a chance. He thinks his jump shot is half-decent. He fully expects to eat at the Star Deli so often they will name a sandwich after him in no time. He just hopes it won’t be the overstuffed turkey wrap. “As a community, I know we’ll all do our part in making Aaron and his family feel at home,” Mike Silverman says. “When we take the time to say hello and give feedback, it shows how much we care. This is a great opportunity to communicate with someone who can make a difference; I genuinely hope, and I’m sure Aaron does too, that people will take advantage of this. Aaron assumes responsibility for the JCC on July 11th, and he will benefit greatly if people tell him personally what they want and expect.” No doubt, this is a big change for both the Rosenfeld family, as well as Omaha’s JCC. It will be both invigorating and overwhelming; new beginnings always are. However, this community will be welcoming someone who brings enthusiasm and dedication, and that is something we can all be very excited about.

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After the Storm

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“We like our mom living at Remington Heights because the staff cares about her.” – Steve and Hugh Sons of Louise A., a happy resident of Remington Heights

everything,” she said, “ houses, apartments, cars, ID’s, medContinued from page 1 said, “and I now work for the Visiting Nurse’s Association ications, you name it, I spent most of my time doing assessments, providing first aid, of the Midlands.” and helping people get what With over 43 years of expethey needed immediately, rience in nursing, it was no whether that was medication surprise that Carole wasn’t or eyeglasses. I worked nights satisfied watching the devasin the shelter, made hospital tation in Joplin on the news. visits and provided direct “I had to do something. I care and case management.” called the Red Cross on Meanwhile, there was not Monday, and asked what I much that was recognizable could do; they asked me to in the damaged area, Carole spend ten days in Joplin, said: “You couldn’t tell a and I left on Wednesday.” Wal-Mart from a gas station, Carole was the first perCarole shares a moment with her Red Cross collegues and the lack of landmarks son from Omaha to arrive in Joplin, because so many other volunteers were still in was very disorienting. What’s more, the area that was hit Alabama, cleaning up after a previous tornado. was the flatter section of Joplin, mostly residential and “FEMA was there when I arrived, and others were on commercial. Downtown was virtually untouched, as was their way,” Carole said. “The difference between when I the hilly northern part of town.” Joplin did, however, have first arrived and when I left was enormous. Everyone from a good working disaster plan. Community volunteers and the Salvation Army to various church groups had descend- state agencies were very prompt in their response. ed to offer help; there was even a delegation of Tzu Zhi, a Carole was impressed with the people of Joplin, who, in Buddhist relief organization.” spite of the pandemonium, kept going. “Very few said they While in Joplin, Carole worked closely with other Red were leaving; most people vowed to rebuild,” she said. Cross volunteers at one of the temporary shelters, which was “Even though this was hard work and quite emotionally located at Missouri State University. Approximately 150 peo- draining, I am glad I volunteered. The people of Joplin will ple from the damaged area were given a roof over their need continuing assistance in the months to come, and we heads, as well as immediate aid. “Since so many had lost shouldn’t forget about them.”

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Continued from page 1 popular spin-off of the Schnitzly restaurant. Takosher, with the catchy tagline, The Chosen Taco, quickly trademarked its Brisketaco and Latketaco. While Omaha’s “stormy in Spring, snowy in Winter” weather isn’t really conducive to mobile street food, it hasn’t prevented food trucks from popping up in neighborhoods like Benson and South Omaha. According to the Douglas County Health Department, the county issues roughly two dozen mobile food service licenses a year, most of them seasonal. But this past year, the Omaha World-Herald profiled Soup Revolution, self-proclaimed as the Omaha area’s first year-round gourmet food truck. It moves around downtown Omaha and Council Bluffs, relying on Twitter, website postings and word of

mouth to promote each day’s location and menu. While the food truck parked at the JCC pool won’t be mobile anytime soon, its supporters and organizers believe the community will keep it plenty busy right here on campus. “We’ve worked hard to create a menu to satisfy everyone’s palate, young and old alike. But remember, we always welcome your feedback and comments and will work to improve and tweak the menu and service as needed,” added Silverman. For people who’ve been eating on the move since the Exodus, and people who, arguably, take their food very, very seriously; it was only a matter of time before the food truck phenomenon found its way to the Heartland. Now, it has landed on the Jewish Federation of Omaha campus, in a shady little corner by the pool.

July 8, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

Dan Senor Sokolof lecture addresses UNO-Federation crowd by GARY JAVITCH for the Schwalb Center Best-selling author Dan Senor recently spoke in Omaha as the featured presenter for the 2nd Annual Phil and Ruth Sokolof lecture series. The talk at The University of NebraskaO m a h a’s Thompson A l u m n i C e n t e r attracted nearly 400 people. The lecture series is one of many activities sponsored by Dan Senor the Natan and Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies (The Center) at UNO. Senor, a recipient of the U.S. Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award for his service as a foreign policy adviser in Iraq, wrote Start Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle. Senor captivated the audience with his story of how Israel became one of the leading high tech nations in the world. He also stated that the Jewish state has some of the fastest growing companies on the NASDAQ stock exchange and barely got hit by the global financial crisis. What special qualities did Israelis possess that enabled them to accomplish that feat? What lessons can we learn from their success? Can their success be duplicated in America? Senor answered all these questions and more in his presentation. Dr. Guy Matalon, Center director, also announced the winner of the “Why the World Needs Israel,” essay contest. “The competition was open to all Federation high school students,” he said. “The essays we received were very good and selecting the best was quite difficult. The committee did, however, find one that was very unique and quite special. That’s why we are pleased to announce Lilly Phillips, daughter of Dr. Eric and Julie Phillips, as the winner.” The lecture was preceded by a reception sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha in conjunction with the Center’s ongoing programs. Established in 2009, the Center’s mission

Why the World Needs Israel by LILLY PHILLIPS world now has a chance to experience In many ways Israel was a mistake. For such Judaism at its fullest. It is tangible, centered a small piece of land, too many lives have in a place where it is lived out daily. Judaism been lost. Families have been is infused within Israeli culture moved around and kicked out in all aspects, from food to of their homes. It is surroundeducation. Israel is necessary ed by neighbors who want it for Jews, and Jews are a necbombed, and much of the essary part of the human race. world hates it. From a Jewish Finally, the world can see perspective, half of the inhabiJudaism for what it really is, tants don’t know a thing about because Judaism is now Judaism, and for the other expressed through the country half, that is all they know. Yet, of Israel on an international the world needs Israel. The scope. world needs diversity, and the Israel’s location, however, Lilly Phillips world needs to see how such a couldn’t appear to be worse. small minority can flourish. Israel not only pro- Surrounded by countries ruled by extremists, vides religious, ethnic, geographic, and politi- democratic Israel is obviously unwanted. cal diversity, but it also serves as a reminder Because Israel is a successful democracy for individuals and minorities across the globe model, it can serve as a model for the rest of that they have the right to exist. the Middle East. Even though many countries Israel is the only Jewish country in the do not agree with the religious aspect of world. Jews represent a mere .02% of the Israel, those now fighting for their own freeworld’s population but they have made and dom can look to Israel for an example. For continue to make a major impact. Without this reason, the world needs Israel. Israel proIsrael, much of the technology the world vides a necessary and stark contrast from the depends upon would not exist. Israelis have dictatorships and extremists that rule the created the cell phone, AIM, important vacci- areas around it. Internationally, the mindset of nations and even an ingestible camera. people is shifting. People are becoming less Israel’s creation has provided a center for satisfied with their oppressive, autocratic and Jews to nurture their creative juices and use totalitarianist governments and are finally agitheir education without harassment and alien- tated and empowered enough to make ation. If that isn’t enough of a reason for changes. Israel is a consistent beacon of hope Israel’s existence, it has also provided Jews a for those who are oppressed. place to pray freely and live out their religious In Israel’s determination to remain in exisbeliefs. This is extremely important because tence, it has successfully shown its neighbors for centuries the Jewish people were seen as (and the world) how a government reacts mysterious, homeless, exclusive and secre- when it truly cares about its people. The value tive. With the creation of Israel came a real- Israel places on a single life is tremendous. ization that Judaism was something more Israel proves its belief in democracy when than a strange cult. Israel has provided global even the lifeless body of a soldier is worth the recognition and legitimacy for Judaism. The trade of hundreds of prisoners. The governis to create, coordinate, and promote an interdisciplinary program focusing on teaching and scholarship in Jewish and Israeli history, politics, culture, and society. The Center’s primary goal is to expand knowledge about Judaism and Israel, both on the university campus and in the broader Nebraska community.

ment is there to help its citizens. Israel tries to avoid taking extra lives when it has to, even when fighting the extremist groups who hope to wipe Israel off the map. And even then, Israel is almost always on the defensive; the only time it ever seems to fight back is when the lives of its people are lost. The world needs Israel because it serves as a moral compass in many ways. It is not important whether or not the motive for acting with morality is related to Judaism. Many countries are essentially tied to a religion, and all of those religions have similar morals. The point is, in many instances, Israel is acting upon those morals. Similarly, Israel set a precedent for persecuted minorities across the globe. No one made room for Israel; Israel made room for itself. And since it has been established, it has gained Judaism more legitimacy than it has had for centuries. The Kurds, Sudanese, and countless other groups and nations face persecution on a large scale. Although much of the world pities them, without Israel perhaps no room would be made. Through creating Israel, the Jews have proven that freedom is real and palpable. It was hard work, and Israel remembers this. Israel provides refuge, support and hope for those struggling, even though it is still struggling itself. As an international society we like to emphasize the faults of Israel. It seems to be the source of so much conflict, so much hate and so many contradictions. In many ways it seems to be a mistake. But Israel is not a mistake. Israel is a necessary part of the world. The world needs Israel because the world needs cell phones and it needs diversity. The world needs AIM and it needs a moral compass. The world needs ingestible cameras and it needs democracy. But most importantly, the world needs Israel because the world needs hope.

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4 | The Jewish Press | July 8, 2011

JCC Members motivate each other to complete Omaha Women’s Triathlon

“Big Love: Bigamy in the Bible”

by LYNN BATTEN Methodist Women’s Hospital. The course provided chalJCC Publicity Associate lenges, such as chilly lake water, cobblestone streets and hills. This year for her birthday she wanted to do something dif“Coming down that last hill on my bike, I think I was going ferent; something she had never done before. After contem- faster than the posted speed limit sign,” Linda said, laughing. plating on what her challenge should be, Denise Ipock “It was challenging, but it was fun. There was no question decided to participate in the Omaha Women’s Triathlon. that we weren’t going to finish. Plus there was a big sense of “I wanted to do something that would be fun while also accomplishment knowing that we completed it all together.” proving that, no matter what your age or fitness level, you All of the ladies gave praise to Alan Kohll, founder of the can still accomplish any goal if you put your mind to it,” Omaha Triathlon and president of Total Wellness, and Kurt Ipock said. Beisch for their role in organAround the same time JCC izing the sanctioned event. In Members Marcee Rogers and addition to the Women’s Linda Newmann-Potash were Marathon, Kohll and Beisch also thinking about particialso organized the Kids Tripating in the Women’s Camp and Kid’s Mini Triathlon. To get more inforTriathlon that was held at the mation on the event, all three JCC in late June. Currently women attended the first they are preparing for the meeting of the Omaha Omaha Kids Triathlon, which Triathlon Training Seminars will be held on Saturday, July held at the JCC. 23, and the Omaha Triathlon After talking to one another that will be held on Sunday, Omaha Women’s Triathlon Team: Denise Ipock, left, Marcee at the seminar, Denise, July 24. Rogers, and Linda Newmann-Potash. Marcee, and Linda decided to “Everything at the Women’s form “Team Tri-2-Finish.” Each person would compete in Triathlon was organized very well and the atmosphere was one of the triathlon events. Marcee would swim, Linda would welcoming and festive,” said Marcee. bike and Denise would run. “One of the best parts of the event was that everyone was Training started in February at the Jewish Community supporting and encouraging each other,” said Denise. Center. “The JCC is the only place I work out and train,” said “There were all ages, shapes and sizes of women participatMarcee. “It is convenient because everything you need is ing. It was such an uplifting experience.” right there.” The ladies also credited the JCC’s partnership and Training Denise used the experience of her teammates to guide her Seminars with the Omaha Triathlon as being very helpful. through the process. Marcee previously had competed in “We learned a lot from those seminars,” said Marcee. several various swimming events and is currently training But, perhaps, one of the biggest influences on their perfor the Alcatraz Swim in San Francisco this coming formance was the support and accountability they felt September. Linda has participated in half marathons and toward each other. also the 2003 Los Angles Marathon. “I couldn’t have done it without my team,” Denise said. “Training and competing together in the triathlon was a “They were so supportive in helping me accomplish my great experience that really strengthened our friendship,” goal. Plus, you get a lot of motivation when you know that Linda said. your entire team is counting on you.” By the day of the race, Team Tri-2-Finish was ready to go. The motivation worked. Team Tri-2-Finish accomplished “When we arrived we were randomly assigned the num- their goal of having fun and completing the event. ber 18 as our team number. We knew that having “Chai” as Just because the race is over now, doesn’t mean that these our team number was a good sign, one that would bring us ladies have stopped being active. Each continues to workout luck. And it certainly did, as we were able to complete this at the JCC and they are already talking about their next event and it was certainly an event which enhanced our adventure. lives,” said Denise. ‘Oh, we’ll do another race together,” said Marcee, “We just The Omaha Women’s Triathlon is a sprint distance race, have to figure out which one it will be.” consisting of a 750M swim, a 20K bike course, and a 5K run. Whatever their next undertaking is, you can be sure that Over 300 women participated in the event which was held on these ladies will enjoy the ride as they continue to strengthMay 22 at Lawrence Youngman Lake, near the new en their muscles and friendship.

by ANDREW MALASHOCK Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Education Picture yourself at a chupah ceremony and hearing “I take you and you and you to be my lovely wedded wife.” Although polygamy was outlawed with the force of Torah law over 1000 years ago, it is seemingly prevalent in the Bible, the Talmud, and in post Talmudic times. While the practice of having multiple wives rubs strongly against the grain of our modern sensibilities, prior to the ban it appears to have been normative, acceptable, and even in some cases commendable. How do we understand this foreign and apparently offensive and unethical practice as squaring with the a priori morality that as Jews we ascribe to our most sacred texts? Friday afternoons in July The Center for Jewish Education is proud to offer a series of classes titled, Big Love: Bigamy in the Bible lead by Miriam Gross the director of the Omaha Jewish Chai School. In this three week series, July 15, 22, and 29, Miriam will explore the theme of polygamy by reviewing some famous biblical texts as well as introducing some lesser known sources. The Texts will be studied with the commentary of Midrash, classical medieval commentators, as well as through the lens of modern scholarship. “There are copious sources in Jewish literature that deal with the technical, legal and ethical aspects of polygamy,” said Gross. “I am excited to be offering this class because we will also be approaching the topic from a more personal and human place. We try to feel what it meant to be a co-wife. How did it feel to find your true love and then have to share him with another or many other women? We will attempt to hear the voices of our ancestors, empathize with what we imagine their feelings to have been based on their historical context and circumstances, and we will even engage in some creative writing by authoring some original Midrashic works to express the lessons we learn and share them with others.” During these three weeks, the dynamics of some of the most interesting co-spousal relationships will be studied, including Hagar and Sarah, Rachel and Leah, and Channa and Penina. One might be surprised at the strength, power, and brains that developed in these women as a result of a seemingly disempowered marriage dynamic. The Class will be held on Friday July 15, 22, and 29 from noon-1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Tuition rates are $26, discounted to $21 if you are a donor to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Pre-registration is required. Please send registrations and other questions to Andrew Malashock at amalashock@jewishomaha.org.

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July 8, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 5

The Rabbi

Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER Something has changed concerning the national-religious attitude toward having a shul rabbi. It used to be taken for granted that Israelis did not need or want synagogue rabbis. The theory went that Israelis viewed synagogues strictly as places to pray (rather than as communal centers). You didn’t need Jewish socialization because that was provided by Israeli society, and if you wanted to increase your Judaic knowledge, there were plenty of yeshivot, colleges and universities for that. All that was needed for a shul, so the theory went, was for someone to be in charge of services; if the congregation wanted an occasional short sermon, that could be done in rotation by a few of the synagogue’s more learned members. A funny thing happened three years ago in Givat Ze’ev, however, (and our experience here is but one example of a national phenomenon). Rabbi Lior Engelman, a teacher at a yeshivah in the old city, moved to Givat Ze’ev to be head of something called a Garin Torani, which are national religious core communities that decide to live within heterogeneous Israeli society as opposed to homogeneous religious settlements, in part as a reaction to the great divide revealed by the disengagement from Gaza. Rabbi Engelman moved to the other side of Givat Ze’ev and quick as a wink a few native-British Israelis hired him as a part-time rabbi for their shul. Since then, Rabbi Lior and his synagogue have become a magnet for both Anglo and native-born Israelis, young and old. Native-born Israelis are discovering what foreign-born Israelis already know: a good rabbi does not just give good sermons but provides spiritual leadership to the whole community. Oh, Perfidious Albion! I wanted Rabbi Lior to become rabbi of my own shul. Yes, my synagogue, which has never had a rabbi in its 25-year history, seems to be treading water

Birth

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker yet to be announced for Wednesday, July 13, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish teaches an optimistic vision that allows us to view the world with joy and hope. Come join us at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday in the board room, at 1 p.m., to reap “The Joys of Yiddish!” For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638. MAINSTREETERS The Ralston Community Theater presents The King and I on Sunday, July 17. Depart from the JCC at 1 p.m., return by approximately 7 p.m. (School bus transportation provided by Jewish Social Services). Cost is $14 per person and includes show admission. Dinner following at Biaggis – dinner is on your own. For more information, call Rose Pitlor at 402.558.5144. Deadline is Tuesday, July 12. Luncheon Meeting is Monday, July 18 at 12:30 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium. The cost is $10 per plate. For more information call Linda Abrams Tederman at 402.468.4939; for transportation call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521. Mainstreeters Communications Fee is $5 per person per year. This fee will offset the cost of postage and mailings. Please make check payable to Jewish Social Services and send to Mainstreeters in care of Jim Wax, 118 S. 88th St., Omaha, NE 68114. See Ozzie’s article on page 12 for addiional details.

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During their June 7 gala in Overland Park, KS, Ernst & Young LLP announced the 2011 Entrepeneur of the Year Central Midwest Award winners. Among them was Jeff Gordman, who received an award for his accomplishments in retail. The Central Midwest region includes companies based in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Marty, Alan & Anne Cohen are proud to announce that Barb Shapiro has joined their team at CBS Home Real Estate. She brings over 20 years of experience as a real estate agent in Minneapolis. Seth Kudym has been selected to receive the Molly K. Kruger Chapter Leadership Award by the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society at UNO. He was also part of the student Honors Convocation Ceremony and was selected by the Faculty of the Environmental Studies planning option for special recognition of outstanding performance and potential. Seth is a senior at UNO.

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In the news On June 17, Eric Dunning, Legal Counsel and Legislative Liaison for the Nebraska Department of Insurance, was awarded Employee of the Year by agency director Bruce Ramge. Eric was awarded this honor for his skilled work with the Nebraska Legislature and dedication to the Department of Insurance. At a ceremony in the Rotunda of the Capital in October, Eric will be presented with a certificate of achievement by Governor Dave Heineman. He has been with the Nebraska Department of Insurance for 13 years. Eric is the current Vice-President of the Jewish Press Board.

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Rabbi Steven Abraham and Shira Abraham announce the June 9 birth of their daughter, Naama Yocheved. She is named after the biblical character Naomi, as she was born on Shavuot. Her middle name, Yocheved, is for both her paternal great-grandfather and maternal greatgrandmother. Her grandparents are Miriam and Morton Steinberg of Highland Park, IL and Wendy and Richard Abraham of Columbia, MD.

spiritually. There is no one charged with thinking about the spiritual well-being of the congregation. Take this small example from synagogue life: We have a number of congregants who insist on leading services when they have “yahrzeits” but who race through without singing a thing. A rabbi could rule that for the benefit of the community these people should be honored with an aliyah but should not be allowed to lead services. (For a more positive example of what can be done in such a situation, I need look no further than my sister’s synagogue in North Woodmere, NY, where Rabbi Septimus has been conducting a campaign to upgrade services by bringing in paid leaders on a bi-weekly basis.) Of late, there has been an effort to instill some life into my shul community -- a Friday night oneg here, an extra class there, etc. These measures are good, but I’m afraid that without a rabbi we can only go so far. Luckily for me, my home is located equidistantly between my synagogue and Rabbi Lior’s. As with other parts of life, sometimes in the area of spirituality you have to look out for yourself. Aside from the financial costs involved in hiring a shul rabbi, Israelis have a particular fear of religious dictatorship. A few years ago a Jerusalem synagogue was considering hiring a rabbi and one woman said: “over my dead body.” (the synagogue remains rabbi-less, much to the woman’s relief) Orthodoxy, remember, is not a democracy, and you don’t want to find yourself in the grips of a person whose religious perspective is out of sync with yours. But how wonderful it is when things click, as has been the case in Givat Ze’ev with Rabbi Lior’s synagogue. Suddenly the Israelis who apparently just wanted to pray are coming for early-morning classes and mid-week classes, are setting up a hesed committee and an education committee, and are organizing Judaic enrichment programs in local schools. The Givat Ze’ev experience has proved that a smart, creative, empathetic rabbi can mold a group of individuals into a true community of the faithful. Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest three, Nathan, Rebecca and Ruthie, are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@net vision.net.il.

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6 | The Jewish Press | July 8, 2011

Jewish runners have fun, build community as they train and compete

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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN the sport.” I run in half (13.1 miles) and full (26.2 miles) Temple Israel Communications Coordinator marathons. “I usually do the Omaha and Lincoln half/full They may not be as well known as Lenny Krayzelberg, Marathon and try to do one or two half/full marathons outMark Spitz, Hank Greenberg, or Sandy Koufax. But they side of Omaha every year. I love competing and, at the same have something in common with the aforementioned ath- time, it helps to keep me in shape.” letes. They’re all Jewish -- and they all are passionate about She runs about 60 to 70 miles a week on a treadmill or their sport. outdoors in her neighborhood maintaining her trim frame. David Gilinsky has been running since he was in college Kugler placed second in 2008 in Omaha’s half Marathon to stay healthy. “Jeff Gordman and I used to run up the steps and eighth in Lincoln’s 2011 half Marathon. of the Philadelphia Museum of Art” when the two were stu“When I was 39, I decided to start working out a couple dents at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1980s. Those of times a week to lose some weight,” said Jeff Platt. “After a are the same steps Sylvester Stallone ascended in the movie, few months, I started running on the treadmill at the Jewish “Rocky.” Gilinsky makes no claims to fame -- athletic or cin- Community Center and decided to set a goal for myself to ematic -- but he’s been runrun in (Omaha’s) 6.2 mile ning ten K’s and half Corporate Cup Run. I marathons for awhile. thought I had better find Last summer, he entered some friends who had been the Omaha Triathlon, which running.” He found Jeff includes swimming one mile, Kirshenbaum and David a 40 K bike ride, and a ten K Goldberg, and “we started run (6.2 miles). This month, running and getting ready he’ll enter it again, and his with the same goal in mind.” son Jack, 14, will participate Platt had “a good time trainin the youth version. Last ing…and was happy to year, David also ran the achieve my goal.” Lincoln Marathon which is He started running more 26.2 miles. Although he had often and in a few more races. signed up for half the “Then Jeff Kirshenbaum had marathon, “I did the whole this crazy idea that we should thing.” He ran the San Diego try a half marathon. I thought Marathon twice, and in David and Jack Gilinsky have made marathons a father-son he was nuts.” David Gilinsky November, he plans to be in experience. and Bruce Goldberg joined the New York State them, and “they all did it in Marathon, one of “the three May of 2006. “Then my crazy major ones,” along with friend Jeff Kirshenbaum said Boston and Chicago, about a week after recovering explained David. from the half marathon that Running is “a major we should do a full marathon. destressor from the pressures My first and only thought was of business and family. It no way could I do this. But I keeps me healthy.” At 47, “I told Jeff I would train with think I’m in better shape than him and see what happened.” I’ve ever been. I never They entered the 2006 Des thought I could run a Moines Marathon. Then they marathon until last year,” he did the Lincoln full Marathon said. He runs an hour a day, in 2008. four days a week and cross Platt’s next adventure was to trains by biking and swimtry a triathlon. Chris Kevin Gilinsky’s favorite places to bike are the trails in ming. Wilczewski convinced Platt Colorado. David suggested to Jack and Kirshenbaum to enter that he think about running. “I told him it would be fun to the Kansas half Ironman. They were joined by Adam Yale do something together, but he didn’t have to do it because I among others. The half Ironman combines a 1.2-mile swim, do, only if he wanted to.” Jack started training three times a a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. week for four to six miles each time. On weekends, he “I would be happy to never run another marathon,” Platt logged eight to 11 miles. “I’m proud of him for doing the confessed. “However, I could be talked into one.” He also San Diego Triathlon,” said David. “And he’s proud of him- added that “the friendships I have made are wonderful.” self. It beats playing video games!” For Andie Gordman, more is involved in training than Kevin Gilinsky, David’s brother, described himself as an keeping physically fit. When her 21-year-old son, Brandon avid cyclist and racer. “I first started mountain biking when Thomas, died a year ago from injuries sustained in a motorI was about 28. My brother David invited me to go riding cycle accident, she “was faced with overwhelming grief and with him, Jim Glazer, Jeff Gordman, and some others. We loss.” I needed a goal to work toward to help take my mind went to Platte River State Park. I really wasn’t in any shape off this tragedy,” she said. “It needed to be something that to keep up with anybody. They would tire of having to wait would take a lot of constant hard work and determination.” for me to catch up after a long hill. I’d rejoin them with litAfter returning to her routine at the gym, she realized that tle flashes of light dancing in my vision. They’d wait for physical activity made her feel better and helped her sleep. maybe 20 seconds before saying, ‘Okay, are you ready?’” She began to consider the Omaha Women’s Triathlon as a “I wanted to be good enough to leave them in the dust. goal. “I hadn’t swum laps since I was a child. I didn’t own a After a year of riding five times a week for an hour or two, bike, and I couldn’t run a mile without stopping.” countless bumps and bruises, three bouts with poison ivy, In November last year, Gordman started training. She and one trip to the emergency room, I got invited back out ran, biked, swam, lifted weights, and did Pilates. She trained ‘if you feel like you can keep up with us.’ I started doing a almost every day. “Slowly but surely, my abilities began to few races in the next year or two which was about 12 to 13 increase, and I started to believe I could do this.” It took years ago. I took many years off from it afterwards, though, some pep talks, but Andie competed in the triathlon and as we have triplets, and riding for extended hours did not finished the 750-meter swim, 12-mile bike ride, and threework well.” Kevin, who participates in eight to 12 races in a mile walk. “I did it in just under three hours. I know season, is happy to say that now, keeping up with the others Brandon was with me.” “is no longer a problem. She was greeted at the finish line by her family and Kevin, whose “first love is mountain biking,” is still dis- friends. Although nothing will ever take away the pain of covering the benefits of it. “My favorite races are in losing Brandon, training and completing her first triathlon Colorado.” He’s traveled “through some of the most beauti- “helped me to not lose myself,” Gordman explained. “I can’t ful parts of Colorado’s back country. That’s half the fun,” wait for next year!” Kevin admitted. He has also passed down his passion to his David Gilinsky, a member of Temple Israel along with the sons Simon and Gabriel, both ten years old, who are attend- others aside from Jeff Kirshenbaum who belongs to Beth El ing a mountain biking summer camp. and Beth Israel Synagogues, pointed out that the exhilaraTraci Kugler, mother of five kids under nine, had been a tion of competing has also nurtured the “close relationships swimmer her entire life and decided to try something dif- we’ve had for years and years” with friends with whom he ferent. “I started running in high school when I was 14. I trains and competes. “The most important thing,” he began running marathons when I was 23. I ended up loving believes, “is community.”

July 8, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Matzo creations by OZZIE NOGG Undeterred by the fact that new home construction is down across the country, teams from four agencies of the Omaha Jewish Federation recently engaged in a Matzo House Building Contest. Held in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium, the spirited event drew a crowd of enthusiastic on-lookers. “Teams used left-over Passover matzo supplied by the Blumkin Home,” explained Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs for JSS/RBJH. “The groups were encouraged to let their imaginations run

Team JFS Tammy Johnson, left, Teresa Drelicharz and Sandy Nogg. The agency’s House of Love won the recent Matzo House Building Contest. wild and come up with creative, innovative and inspired works of art.” In addition to the matzo, each house was constructed of 100% edible materials chosen by the contestants, including mortar made of peanut butter, cake frosting and colorful candies. “Sort of like gingerbread houses with a Jewish twist,” Conti said. While the competitors labored over their masterpieces, Joe Chereck played inspirational tunes on the Clavinova. Participating Federation agencies, their team members and contest entries were: the Jewish Community Center (Denise Ipock, Tracy Modra and Lynn Batten who put together a JCC Resort with Jell-O swimming pool); The Jewish Press (Annette Van de Kamp-Wright, Allan Handleman and intern Emily Giller who recreated the JCC pool with a Caddyshack theme); the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (Mary Heiman, Josh Gurock, Nakia Martin and Yadira Atkins who built a replica of King Solomon’s Temple); and Jewish Family Service (Tammy Johnson, Teresa Drelicharz and Sandy Nogg who created a quaint little House of Love). Judging of entries by Blumkin Home residents resulted in a tie, so Phyllis Gentry, RBJH Executive Assistant, was called in to decide the winner. “I had to give the grand prize to the Jewish Family Service House of Love,” Gentry said. “It had a happy vibe and was very creative. They even thought of making bushes out of parsley.” For its efforts, JFS won the coveted shellacked Matzo House Award. All four Matzo houses are on display in the Husker Lounge. “We’ll keep them there until they melt away,” Conti said. She also hinted that the competition may be an annual event.

IHE hosts annual conference by HILLARY FLETCHER Hancock from the University of Texas, Austin who shared a Marketing Assistant, Institute for Holocaust Education paper on The Romanies in the Holocaust, a critical look at Visitors from throughout the United States, Canada and fate of the Gypsies during the Holocaust. He began by statChina recently spent a week in Omaha as the Institute for ing that, “To understand why Hitler sought to eradicate the Holocaust Education hosted the Association of Holocaust Romanies, a people who presented no problem numerically, Organizations 2011 Annual politically, militarily or ecoConference. The theme of nomically, one must interpret this year’s meeting was the underlying rationale of Staying the Course: the Holocaust as being his Strengthening the Future. attempt to create a superior The Association of Germanic population, a Holocaust Organizations Master Race, by eliminating (AHO) was established in what he viewed as genetic 1985 to serve as an internapollutants in the Nordic gene tional network of organizapool, and why he believed tions and individuals for the that Romanies constituted advancement of Holocaust such contamination.” The education, remembrance and paper went on to explain the research. A delegation from fate of the Romani people Harbin, China, including alongside the European Mayor-elect, Mr. Piao, attendJewish population, but also Omaha City Council President Thomas Mulligan meets with ed the beginning of the conspoke about the lack of repreMayor Elect of Harbin, China, Mr. Piao at opening of the ference to introduce a new sentation of the Romani at the Jews of Harbin Photo exhibit. 60-panel art exhibit depicting Nuremburg Trials and comthe Jewish community of Harbin. Beginning in the early pensation to them following the war. The Romani people 1900s, Russian Jews settled in Harbin and for many years a today face a resurrection of prejudice and victimization thriving Jewish society existed there. The AHO Board especially in Romania and Hungary. accepted an invitation from the Chinese delegation to parIn addition, Dr. Ellen Kennedy, from World Without ticipate in a 2013 gathering in Harbin. Omaha City Council Genocide in Minneapolis discussed present day genocidal President, Thomas Mulligan, welcomed the Chinese delega- issues in a session titled Never Again in Cambodia, Bosnia, tion and the AHO members at the exhibit opening. Rwanda and Darfur. Her presentation provided the harsh Conference inaugural events included a tour of downtown reality of conflict and genocide that is taking place in the Omaha on Ollie the Trolley and a dinner reception at the world today. Dr. Kennedy provided invaluable information Durham Museum. Following dinner, the Institute for of keeping track of these events and how to incorporate Holocaust Education presented Strengthening the Future: them into our Holocaust center missions. Involve Your Community, Have Your Message Heard. The Conference sessions also addressed children of survivors focus of the presentation embraced the unique position of as well as security issues within our facilities. Mr. Weysan the IHE as an educational community resource that depends Dun, FBI Special Agent for Nebraska and Iowa, Greg on community relationships and partnerships for its suc- Hollingsead, Protective Security Advisor, U.S. Department cess. Many of the AHO members represent museums, uni- of Homeland Security National Protection and Programs versity programs and Holocaust center facilities. They Directorate and Alan Potash, ADL, Regional Director, expressed their high regard for the Institute’s work. Omaha were included on a panel that addressed security Some of the conference highlights included Dr. Ian threats on how to protect our institutions.

Arts+Entertainment The Arts at the Archdiocesan Retreat & Conference Center will be opening up with Gilbert & Sullivan’s masterpiece, The Mikado. It will be preformed at the ARCC July 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees and 6:30 p.m. shows on Sundays. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students 16 and under. Tickets include both the show and dessert. For more information and to reserve tickets to a show, please call the Box Office at 402.558.1442.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), in partnership with Common Sense Media, with generous sponsorship from the Nebraska Humanities Council, the Jewish Federation Foundation and the Jewish Community Center will be presenting The Secret Life of Girls by Linda Daugherty. Needed are two women ages 35-45, and seven to play teenage girls. The play will run Jan 26-29, 2012, with performances held during the school day. All cast members will receive a small stipend. Auditions will be held July 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script. For more information please contact director, Fran Sillau, at 402.660.6892 or Fran@fransil lau.com.

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8 | The Jewish Press | July 8, 2011

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Conflict

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Last week, I spent a few days at the American Jewish Press Association’s annual conference in Dallas, Texas, together with 40-some Jewish journalists, advertising reps, editors, and the like. During one session, we listened to a presenter lamenting the mainstream press’s focus on the PalestinianJewish conflict. “All the public hears about is the conflict,” he said, “because it is all the press shows them. Nobody presents an accurate picture about the many positive things that happen in Israel.” He was right, we all nodded, and then he lost the room: “Because the main stream press only reports on the conflict, you should report positive stories about Israel,” he stated. “As Jewish journalists, that is your main task.” While I agree that a singular focus on the conflict makes for an incomplete picture, I do not think that Jewish outlets are supposed to balance what the mainstream media does. When we report on Israel, we don’t focus on positive news; we focus on news, period. We don’t keep count of how many times CNN mentions the Wall and counter it with an equal number of feel-good stories, because that would mean we are every bit as unbalanced, and we lose our credibility. We don’t do our readers any favors by refusing to report on events that are hard to swallow. Not reporting on yet another flotilla, or yet another attack, does not make the bad news go away. Even if we sometimes get tired of hearing it. While in Dallas, I also visited that infamous grassy knoll, and went inside the Book Depository. I bought coffee at Starbucks, submitted to a pair of brown-and-pink cowboy boots that screamed my name, and listened to anecdotes about George W. Bush riding his bike around the neighborhood. I answered questions about Omaha Steaks (they’re famous over there), the College World Series, and Fort Calhoun’s flood trouble. I had the best kebabs ever at an Israeli restaurant, enjoyed public transportation, complained about the heat, and experienced airport delays. All of these are typically American experiences. Yet if you’d ask the average Iraqi what he or she associates with America, I doubt that lattes or pink Chanel suits are high on the list.

Countries in general, not just Israel, are complicated and multi-layered. Daily life is made up of a multitude of events, relationships, choices, happy accidents and bad decisions. America is cowboy boots, Israeli kebabs, and foreign wars. Israel is Intifadah, Gaza-bound flotillas, and enormous technological discoveries. It is political turmoil and award winning vineyards, Knesset in-fighting and inspiring medical advances. It is all of those and more; when we, as news outlets, choose to fragment our news, we can’t complain if our audience comes away with an incomplete picture. Every nation throughout history experiences tough times, some tougher than others. Just as often, the rest of the world focuses on only one aspect; Israel, and the way it is portrayed in that mainstream press, is no different. We cannot process that less pleasant news by ignoring it, we can only aim to give a more complete picture. The thing is, if we want the world to take Israel seriously as a country that has every right to exist, we need to acknowledge all of Israel. Treat it like a grown-up, and stop walking on eggshells. Assuming that we can only be supportive of a country that is portrayed as squeaky clean and without political turmoil is unrealistic. Ignoring that there is real conflict and real suffering will not bring peace, will not stop the boycotts, and will not improve Israel’s image. Supporting and loving Israel does not mean avoiding the hard stuff; it means diving right in, staying informed, and being part of the discussion. It means doing what’s right, rather than doing what is pleasant. Having said all that, it is a good idea for journalists

to ask themselves why they do what they do. That is true whether you work for a modest community paper, or a large national behemoth, read by millions. Do we think newspapers are there to inspire readers? Influence them, change their minds, affect their thinking? If that is the case, we are on the wrong path. The minute we allow some kind of agenda to guide us, we will make wrong decisions. The question “Will my readers like or want this”? should never enter the discussion. It is not up to us to decide for the reader, it is our job to pass on the news and let you decide for yourself.

Editor’s note: we have started working on this year’s Rosh HaShana issue, and are compiling stories about Jewish builders and buildings. We will talk about architects, designers, and developers; we’ll discuss Jewish buildings from synagogues to shopping malls. If you have any names you’d like to pass on, feel free to email us at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org

Implementing a historic mandate for deaf Jews

Behind the headlines ALEXIS KASHAR AND NAOMI BRUNNLEHRMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Conservative movement, through its Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, has taken a historic step in acknowledging that deaf and hardof-hearing people are entitled to stand with the Jewish community as equals. Not only did the law committee vote to recognize the users of sign language as equals, it also issued a mandate, or teshuvah, that synagogues and organizations must strive to be accessible to all. The new teshuvah, which passed on May 24, reads in part: “The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards rules that the deaf who communicate via sign language and do not speak are no longer to be considered mentally incapacitated. Jews who are deaf are responsible for observing mitzvot. Our communities, synagogues, schools, and camps must strive to be welcoming and accessible, and inclusive. Sign language may be used in matters of personal status and may be used in rituals. A deaf person called to the Torah who does not speak may recite the berakhot [blessings] via sign language. A deaf person may serve as a shaliah tzibbur [prayer leader] in sign language in a minyan whose medium of communication is sign language.”

(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Emily Giller Intern

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, Vice President; Jason Epstein, Treasurer; Bobbi Leibowitz, Past President; Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Daniel Christensen; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Paul Rabinowitz; Caryn Scheer; Mark Senal; Nancy Wolf. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma-

The Jewish Deaf Resource Center applauds the law committee, notably Rabbi Pamela Barmash, for taking on this responsibility, writing the teshuvah and recognizing its importance in approving it. Such a mandate is historic in that it grants full access to a marginalized group of Jews. The concept of providing access to those who are deaf or hard of hearing is new for many organizations. “Communication access,” as this type of access is called, may include providing qualified sign language interpreters trained in Jewish liturgy, real-time captioning in which someone types the spoken message on a large screen, or auditory systems that amplify what is said and either works with hearing aids or a headset system worn by users. Many Jewish organizations often are hesitant to provide communication access due to costs that are not anticipated in their budgets. However, there are ways to minimize such costs and maximize this needed access. More important, many organizations do not realize that the significant number of people impacted by the lack of communication access. Most deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals have immediate family members who are hearing. When one person in the family is without access, the entire family often is deprived of the opportunity to share Jewish communal experiences together. Deaf Jewish children who become parents themselves,

generally to children who can hear, are unable to share positive Jewish memories with their children. The cycle repeats when the hearing children become parents. The Jewish experience created by these hearing parents for their children often is similar to the one they experienced with their own parents -- one of limited or no participation in Jewish communal life. In essence, denying access to one Jewish person has a ripple effect. To create and nuture a culture in which all Jews are welcome, Jewish organizations must develop policies that require the provision of communication access throughout the organization. Having such policies solidly in place will help the organization respond appropriately to a request for communication access at all levels. In order to implement the mandate set forth by the Conservative movement's law committee, the larger Jewish community must work alongside the deaf and hard-ofhearing community to create appropriate communication policies and access. Only with such collaboration can we end the adverse ripple effect and create an accessible Red Tent that is a welcoming home to all. Alexis Kashar is president and Naomi Brunnlehrman is a co-founder of The Jewish Deaf Resource Center [http:// www.jdrc.org/], a national advocacy organization.)

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news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $37.50 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

July 8, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

Proposed circumcision ban not merely a parochial concern

Behind the headlines BASIL HERRING and JOEL FINKELSTEIN NEW YORK (JTA) -- Circumcision, or “brit milah,� has long been the stuff of cheap jokes and comedy. But in recent weeks, what used to be nothing more than harmless fare has taken on a much more serious tone. So-called “intactivists� on the fringe left of American politics have pushed the radical notion that infant circumcision is an act of genital mutilation, so unacceptable in fact that it ought to be illegal. That such a notion should have garnered enough signatures to have qualified for a popular referendum in San Francisco (and potentially elsewhere) is deeply troubling. For even if, as expected, it will be defeated in the end -– like most California ballots -- that will offer scant comfort to the millions of Americans, Jewish or otherwise, who for good reasons circumcise their sons at birth. To them – to us – it defies comprehension that in this land of liberty and justice for all, serious consideration can be given to outlawing the fundamental practice of Jews since the beginning of Jewish history. We thought we had left such things far behind in our long journey through eras and lands of religious bigotry and cultural intolerance. Proponents of the ballot argue that there is a state interest in opposing the consequences of circumcision. But to carry any weight, only state interests of the highest order and greatest clarity should be permitted to override religious liberty claims. And given the substantial medical evidence that circumcision has positive benefits, that standard cannot be met here. The referendum has been couched as a vote on male genital mutilation. To frame our age-old practice as genital mutilation is manipulative and misleading, as it precludes any other interpretation of circumcision. To portray the issue, as the intactivists have, via a supposedly humorous cartoon featuring Foreskin Man battling Monster Mohel is

worse than a bad joke. It is deeply offensive and beyond the pale of civilized discourse. The concern, however, goes far beyond the right to circumcise Jewish or Muslim children. Far more troubling and ominous is what would appear to be a gathering assault on the religious freedoms enjoyed by faith minorities in this land that so proudly celebrates the separation of church and state. There are many examples: There are growing efforts to forbid adherence by Muslims to their Sharia law. Some hospitals and medical care facilities have adopted end-of-life policies that would violate the deeply held principles of minority faiths relating to life and death. Some corporate employment policies do not allow for “conscience clause exemptions� based on religious belief. There are ongoing challenges to accommodation of religious practices such as Sabbath eruv construction. The list goes on. Such crucial concerns should not be seen as merely the parochial concerns of some Jews. To the contrary, like the First Amendment that so critically ensured every citizen’s right to free exercise of religion, they reflect the long tradition of recognizing that the price of liberty, as Andrew Jackson said, is eternal vigilance. As long as the practices of any minority faith are threatened, we are all of us – religious or non-religious - at peril of the loss of our fragile freedoms in a world of increasing homogeneity and conformity. And thus, to ignore or downplay the significance of anticircumcision activist groups that would presume to oppose others’ faith or practices, no matter how frivolous or outlandish it might appear, would be not just folly but a clear and present danger to all of our freedoms. And thus the time to oppose them, in concert with all freedom-loving Americans, is now. Rabbi Basil Herring is the executive vice president and Rabbi Joel Finkelstein is vice president of the Rabbinical Council of America, a Modern Orthodox association.

Jeremiah Wright: Israel is to Judaism as Flavor Flav is to Christianity by DANIEL TREIMAN In case you needed a reminder, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright really does not like Israel. Wright -- who was last heard complaining that the Jews... er...Zionists were keeping him from seeing his most powerful former congregant -- had some not-so-nice words for the Jewish state during a recent appearance at a black church in Baltimore. Baltimore Sun columnist Marta Mossburg was at the Empowerment Temple to hear Wright tell the thousands who had come to see him speak: “The state of Israel is an illegal, genocidal place,� he said. “To equate Judaism with the state of Israel is to equate Christianity with [rapper] Flavor Flav.�

But what does Wright know about Israel? And what does he know about Jews? Not a lot, apparently. Mossburg reports that Wright also recommended that the black community look to Hebrew schools as a model for strengthening the African roots of African-American identity. But as Mossburg points out -- and as many Jews know -- Hebrew schools haven’t always been the most effective incubators of rock-solid Jewish identity. In addition, Wright had some unkind words for his former friend in the Oval Office: “Barack Obama was selected before he was elected. Wall Street selected him. GM, Ford and Chrysler selected him. When you are selected by them, you are beholden to them.�

If you have questions about any part of our Jewish Community, please email us at askmike@jewishomaha.org. Mike will do his best to answer each and every question.

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Ask Mike MIKE SILVERMAN, CEO, Jewish Federation of Omaha Mike, Enjoy your well-earned vacation. I think things are progressing very well at the J and the Federation. Two comments: 1) I think all JCC and Federation office workers should park at the far west end of the lot, leaving the closer spaces for guests and visitors. Just like any business, the “customers� should get the better location. 2) Special commendation for the evening guy who works at the Mens Health Club. He is always busy cleaning, without supervision, and making sure the Health club has a sanitary and inviting atmosphere. Rich Juro Rich, We have been discussing a shift in the way the staff park for several months and I fully expect that we will implement a parking plan that will free up all the close spaces in the main parking lot and the back lot by the fitness area so our members and visitors can easily access the facility. This should happen in the very near future. I appreciate the nice feedback on the staff and will make sure that your comment gets passed along. We often only hear the negative comments so a positive one every once in a while is encouraging and lets all the staff know that our efforts are recognized. And I will do my best in Vegas (don't bet on me though!). Mike

Does Obama ‘love’ Israel? Stone the crows, get over it by RON KAMPEAS The great Australian comic, Paul Hogan, once translated "Oy vey" to Australians as "Stone the crows." Martin Indyk, the former Clinton administration Mideast envoy, is originally an Australian, as anyone who has heard him speak more than half a sentence can tell. I lived in Sydney for three years. Great, funny people, great, beautiful country, but not a lot of love for the touchyfeely explorations they perceive Americans as indulging over-often. So I couldn't help but smile when I read the Jerusalem Post's Herb Keinon's account of a panel at Shimon Peres' Presidential Conference today. Elliott Abrams, formerly of George W. Bush's National Security Council, insisted Obama has "no great love in his heart for Israel." Maybe he got his ex-boss to look into Obama's eyes -- these insights are way above my pay grade. Indyk was having none of it: “This dimension of the Israeli psyche – of wanting to feel, and not only hear, about the love – was dismissed as "neurosis" by Indyk, who today is vice president of the Brookings Institute. Saying that Obama is not a "warm and cuddly guy," and calling him "no drama Obama," Indyk said: "it’s time to grow up. We should get over the question of whether he loves me or he loves me not, and focus on finding a solution to conflict with the Palestinians.�

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Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

a.m. Contact the office for information on how to call-in to the conference call. TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Advanced Halachic Kollel, 9 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross.

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Evening Services, 8:55 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. WEDNDESDAY: Women’s Rosh Hodesh, 7 p.m., will present “Diamonds and Pearls,” a financial workshop for women of all ages, at the synagogue. Guest speaker will be Lorraine A. DiMartino, CLU; Margo Riekes is serving as hostess. To RSVP, contact Riekes at 402.333.8498, or mriekes@cox.net. All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.; Camp Gan Israel, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. All programs are open to the entire community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

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Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Joan K. Marcus, Howard K. Marcus and Elaine S. Marcus in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Milton Marcus; The Laws of Shabbat, 6:30 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 7:30 p.m.; Mincha, 8:30 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:50 p.m. SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30

South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Craig Lewis, with dessert oneg following hosted by the Board of Trustees to welcome the Lewis family. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Lewis. SUNDAY: Board of Trustees, 1-3 p.m. THURSDAY: High Holy Days choir rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m. Book Club, Sunday, July 17, 4 p.m. at Sara Friedman’s home and will discuss People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.

CHABAD HOUSE

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

Sachsenhausen’s new fee raises questions by TOBY AXELROD BERLIN (JTA) -- In the places where Jews practiced slave labor and died by the millions, should guided tours be free? The recent decision by the Sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial to levy a fee on commercial tour guides prompted passionate arguments on both sides. Elan Steinberg, vice president of the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors and their Descendants, said Holocaust survivors were “deeply disturbed and disappointed” by the decision. He wrote: “Charging any fees on visitors to the site undermines the present-day German consensus that no barriers should exist for the public to learn and reflect on the meaning and history of these places of persecution.” But a wide variety of other Jewish leaders and survivor representatives expressed support for the new fees, saying they would help ensure that guided tours of the concentration camp are historically accurate. “Survivors found that some of these guides from the tourism firms were not educated and did not really know the history of survivors,” Sonja Reichert, general secretary of the International Sachsenhausen Committee, told JTA in a telephone interview from her home in Luxembourg. The Paris-based organization played an advisory role in Sachsenhausen’s decision to start charging for tours, she said. Starting June 1, private guides who visit the site of the camp in eastern Germany, near Berlin, have been required to undergo training and obtain certification that costs about $108 annually. In addition, the guides are now charged a fee of about $1.45 for each tourist they bring to the site, according to Horst Seferens, spokesman for the Brandenburg Memorial Foundation, which administers the Sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial. The decision was based in part on feedback from survivor groups and Jewish leaders, Seferens told JTA. Stephan Kramer, general secretary of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, said his council also supported the memorial’s decision to require that private tour

guides be trained. The council, too, was represented on the advisory board behind the decision. “Some outsiders commercialize the tours without really delivering quality education,” Kramer said in a text message to JTA. “We need to charge them.” The goal of the fees, Seferens said, is to raise the quality of private tours at the site and to raise funds to support the pedagogical work of the memorial. Seferens added that numerous private tour guides working for a handful of commercial firms in Berlin have been charging significant fees to individual visitors. “There had been complaints about the quality of the tours,” he said. “There is a tour on YouTube that would raise your hair on end for all its historical errors,” he said. “We decided to raise these tours to the standard of our own tours,” he added. No fees are charged to school groups and volunteer guides, and no individuals are charged, Seferens noted. The debate about whether to charge fees at such sites is not a new one. In 2007, Dutch survivor Pieter Dietz de Loos, head of the Paris-based International Dachau Committee, angered survivors and memorial directors in Germany by calling for an entrance fee to the Dachau memorial to help pay for educational programs. The suggestion was rejected. The Nazis established the Sachsenhausen camp in 1936, at first primarily for political prisoners and accused criminals, but it came to hold many other types of prisoners. During the 1938 Kristallnacht pogroms some 6,000 Jews who were arrested were sent to Sachsenhausen. Ultimately, some 200,000 people would be interned there at various times through 1945, and about half of them died or were killed there. The site was later used by the Soviets as an internment camp. Some 400,000 people visit the Sachsenhausen memorial per year. The annual budget for Sachsenhausen and four other sites in the state of Brandenburg, including the memorial at Ravensbruck, was about $8 million, Seferens said. The funds come from the state and federal governments.

Candlelighting Friday, July 8, 8:41 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 8:41 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Hadassah Members. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Cantor Shermet; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; D’var: Miles Remer - Al Shlosha D’varim: Three Supported Foundations. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Service, Friday, July 15, 6 p.m. D’var: Gary Javitch - My Life as a Pro-Israel Activist.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Study Session on Pirkei Avot, 9:30 a.m.; Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch. Book Club, Sunday, July 17, 4 p.m. at Sara Friedman’s home and will discuss People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.

Top Israeli pol meets far-right German millionaire by JTA NEWS STAFF BERLIN (JTA) - A top Israeli politician met with a farright millionaire businessman in Berlin, during a weekend visit to the German capital. Ayoub Kara, deputy minister for Development of the Negev and Galilee, a Likud lawmaker in Israel’s Knesset, met with Patrick Brinkmann, a Swedish right-wing extremist who has supported neo-Nazi and right-wing populist parties in Europe, according to a report in the Israeli daily Yediot Acharonot. Brinkmann, 44, who is pushing an anti-Islam agenda, has been reaching out to Israel in recent months, claiming to want to establish a broad-based, far-right movement “without anti-Semitism.” He reportedly met with Kara and other Israeli politicians while in Israel earlier this year. Over the weekend, Kara, representing Israel in Berlin’s annual Festival of Cultures, confirmed to Yediot Acharonot that he had met with Brinkmann. Noting that he also had met with other politicians, Kara said Brinkmann’s ties with neo-Nazis “do not interest me, it is an irrelevant issue.” Brinkmann, who visited Israel with European right-wing populist politicians in February, reportedly has been working to shed the image of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism associated with the far right in hopes of building a coalition against Islam together with Israeli rightists. Other European right-wing populists, including Dutch politician Geert Wilders, boast allies in Israel. Wilders featured a member of Israel’s nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party at his Berlin appearance last fall. Recently, Brinkmann was forced to confront criticism of his outreach to Israel, coming from the populist camp. In an interview conducted during his Israel trip, Brinkmann told the German right-wing populist website Freiheitlich.org that he had gone there “because we have common roots and common problems.”

To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewish omaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

July 8, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

Blesing or Curse?

In memoriam MAURICE JOSEPH ARESTY

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Balak Worried about the advance of the Israelites, Balak, King of Moab, sent for the famous Balaam. He promised him a huge payment if he would curse the Israelites. Balaam came and from a height he saw the Israelites. Instead of cursing them, he blessed them. Balak was furious: “You think I cannot pay you enough” Whatever you ask of me I will pay; only curse them, not bless them!” So Balak, King of Moab, took Balaam to a height from which he could look down on all the Israelites. “Now curse them, I say, not bless them!” Balaam lifted up his voice and said: “Mah Tovu!” “Mah Tovu ohalecha, oh Jacob, thy dwelling places oh Israel!” Balak, terrified and furious, shouted at Balaam: “You think I cannot sufficiently reward you!” Balaam replied, “If you filled my house with gold and silver, I could do only as the LORD tells me. You have called me to curse, and I have blessed as the LORD has required me to do: Mah Tovu!”

Mainstreeters: Getting the word out by OZZIE NOGG Mainstreeters -- the fun-filled organization for Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60 and older -- has a schedule of summer and fall events that promises something for everyone. Promoting these upcoming programs is the responsibility of Jim Wax, Communication Chair for the group. “The printed flyers we mail out in advance of an event are very effective,” Wax said. “Even in this age of electronic Instant Messaging, people appreciate getting a colorful notice that they can stick on their refrigerator and use as a reminder.” According to Wax, the communication fee for July 2011 through June 2012 is $5 a person. “Our roster is quite extensive, and we encourage people on the mailing list to help defray the cost of printing and postage for the next year. Mainstreeters is open to the entire community -- there are no membership dues -- and we invite those who are not currently on the mailing list to get on board, too. The flyers give you advance notice of all Mainstreeters activities, from monthly luncheons to classes to social and cultural events. The five dollar communication fee will help us get the word out.” Checks for $5 made payable to Jewish Social Services should be mailed to Mainstreeters, c/o Jim Wax, 118 So. 88th Street, Omaha, NE, 68114.

Flotilla ship headed for Gaza by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- A small ship bound for Gaza eluded the Greek Coast Guard, while a second was intercepted and returned to port. A small French boat with eight protesters on board left Greek waters Tuesday, the first vessel as part of a Gazabound flotilla attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade on the coastal strip. The “Dignite al Karama” will arrive in international waters near Gaza in about two days, the French news agency AFP reported. On Monday night, the Canadian ship Tahrir was seized by the Greek Coast Guard minutes after leaving from the port of Agios Nikolaos near Crete. Two of the Canadian passengers and an Australian passenger, who attempted to throw the coast guard off by sailing kayaks near the ship, were arrested. The ship was reportedly damaged when it slammed into a concrete pier as it was returned to port. Also on Tuesday, activists from the Spanish flotilla boat reportedly occupied the Spanish Embassy in Athens after meeting with their ambassador to ask their government to pressure the Greek government to allow them to sail.

Maurice Joseph Aresty passed away on June 23 at the age of 90. Services were held on June 29 at the Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism. He graduated from Northwestern University, served in the army during World War II and was a merchandise manager for J.L. Brandeis & Sons department store in Omaha. He was preceded in death by his wife Sare Riddell Aresty; brothers, Jules, Victor, Gerald and Jerome Aresty; sisters, Esther Granite and Helen Fine. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Pattie Aresty; daugther and son-in-law, Anne and David Naman; grandchildren, Jay and Ian Aresty and Daniel Naman; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Kitty Aresty; sister, Ann Camhi; brother-in-law, Irving Fine; sister-inlaw, Lorraine Aresty; sixteen nieces and nephews and their families. Memorial contributions may be made to The Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism, 801 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057, or Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, or Houston Grand Opera, 510 Preston Street, Houston, TX 77002.

1960’s Herzl staff reunion planned for 2012 by HOLLY GUNCHEON Development Director, Herzl Camp Foundation It’s been 50 years since Jim Smith drove a truck and Jerry Waldman staffed a cabin for Herzl Camp. Since then, each has gone on to lead rich and full lives with successful careers as a physician and non-profit executive respectively. Recently a conversation between the men sparked the idea of a 50-year reunion for Herzl Camp staff.

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Eight Herzl Camp counselors in 1960. “We all invested so much in our work at Camp. Deep and lasting friendships and even marriages came out of our years at Herzl,” said Jim Smith. “When we started talking about getting the group back together, we realized how deep those friendships go.” Herzl Camp in the 1960’s was experiencing dramatic increases in enrollment each summer. Camp was full and staff were being recruited from all over the country to handle the rapidly growing camper base. “It was a great time to be at Herzl and we all felt a lot of ownership over the camp’s success day to day and summer to summer,” says Jerry Waldman. “Now our challenge is to get the word out and find our fellow staffers!” A reunion weekend is being planned for August 2012. If you were on staff at Herzl Camp from 1960-1964 and would like to be included in the weekend or the preparations for the event, please contact Herzl Camp at info@herzl camp.org or call 952.927.4002.

Jerusalem approves 900 Gilo houses by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The Jerusalem municipality has approved a controversial plan to build 900 new homes in the Gilo neighborhood of eastern Jerusalem. The construction still must be approved by the Interior Ministry; building would not begin for at least a couple of years. Approximately 40,000 Jews are now living in Gilo. The project, proposed in 2009, has been criticized by the Obama administration as making it more difficult to restart negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and a Palestinian Authority spokesman said it destroys any attempt to restart the peace process. Nabil Abu Rudeinah, a spokesman for PA President Mahmoud Abbas, told the Palestinian Ma’an news agency that the plan “shatters any attempt to lay down foundations that can lead to a real peace.”

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12 | The Jewish Press | July 8, 2011

Beth El celebrates 20 years

Happy birthday, Mainstreeters

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator As Beth El prepares to celebrate its 20th year in its home at 145th and California Streets, congregants and community members are being invited to share their reminiscences of both the current and old synagogue locations. A special page on Beth El’s website, www.bethel-omaha.org, will be dedicated to old photographs and memories of synagogue events at both venues, according to Debbie Roitstein. Roitstein, along with her husband, Lloyd, and Sandy and Jeffrey Passer, are chairmen of “Preserving Our Past… Celebrating Our Future,” the synagogue’s 20th anniversary weekend, planned for Sept. 16–18. Assisting the Roitsteins and Passers as hosts during the commemorative weekend are Cheryl and Ron Cooper, Julie and Eric Phillips, Patty and Steve Nogg, Pam and Bruce Friedlander, Susan Witkowski, Carol and Alan Parsow, Hollie and Glen Fineman, and Lorrie and Gary Katelman. Community events celebrating the milestone anniversary will include a special Shabbat service and reception at Beth El on Friday, Sept. 16, plus an open house at the old synagogue – now the home of Holland Basham Architects -- on Sunday, Sept. 18. Building tours during the afternoon will be led by principals of the firm, Tim Holland and Keith Basham. Roitstein said she looks forward to a website overflowing with photos from weddings and other family simchas, as well as youth-group activities, classes and other get-togethers – especially old pictures from Beth El during its days at 49th and Farnam Streets. Photos may be emailed to Program Director Margie Gutnik at programming@bethel-omaha .org; they may also be mailed to her at the

by OZZIE NOGG Services. Reservations appreciated by Tuesday, Mainstreeters July 12. Dinner on your own at Biaggi’s Italian -- the fun-filled Restaurant, 13655 California. Call Rose Pitlor organization for at 402.558.5144 for more information. Jewish residents Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and of the Omaha area age 60 and older -- is cele- Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin brating its first birthday. According to Dick Jewish Home, said, “Watch for flyers with Rochman, the group’s Steering Committee Chairman, “When Mainstreeters was formed a year ago, our goal was to offer social events and learning opportunities that give participants the chance to meet new people, exercise their brains, take part in new activities and continue enjoying life to the fullest. Well, our programs Mainstreeters Steering Committee members standing: Doris were really well-received, and Alloy, left, (out-going member), Harry Alloy, Dick Rochman, now we’re ready to start our Rocky Stern, Rose Pitlor, Linda Abrams Tederman, Jim Wax. second year with another Seated: Dottie Rosenblum, left, Tootie Simon, Maggie Conti, Shelley Stern. Not pictured: Susan Rothholz. exciting schedule.” July events include: details about other summer and fall programs, Raptor Luncheon: Monday, July 18, 12:30 including an Aug. 14 picnic at Chalco Hills p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home featuring a musical concert by Michael Lyon; a Auditorium. Learn what you can do to help Sept. 1 baseball game at Werner Park in eagles, owls, hawks and falcons survive in Papillion; and a matinee performance of Jersey Nebraska in a special program presented by Boys at the Orpheum Theater on Sept. 8. It’s Raptor Recovery Nebraska. Live raptors will not too early to save the dates.” be on hand. Luncheon entree choices are Please make checks payable to Jewish Social Fruited Turkey Salad with mixed greens and Services and send reservations with full payblueberry muffin or Grilled 3 oz. Salmon, rice ment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 pilaf, mixed vegetables and blueberry muffin. So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. $10 per plate. Reservations appreciated by In addition to Rochman, other members of July 12. Call Linda Tederman at 402.468.4939 the Mainstreeters Steering Committee are for more information. Dottie Rosenblum, Recording Secretary; The King and I: Sunday, July 17 at the Linda Abrams Tederman and Shelley Stern, Ralston Community Theater. Depart from the Luncheon Co-Chairs; Jim Wax, CommuniJCC at 1 p.m. (be at the JCC by 12:45 p.m.) to cations; Rose Pitlor, Social Programming; return by approximately at 7 p.m. Cost of Rocky Stern, Education; Tootie Simon, Menu $14.00 per person includes show admission Chair; Susan Rothholz and Harry Alloy, and transportation sponsored by Jewish Social Advisers.

synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha, NE 68154. Please mark “20th Anniversary Celebration” on the envelope, and be sure to include the year the photo was taken, the event depicted, plus identities of all people in the picture. All photos will be returned. “The heart and the history of Beth El is its

Front row: Carol Parsow, left, Hollie Fineman and Pam Friedlander, and back row: Patty Nogg, left, Jeffrey and Sandy Passer, and Debbie and Lloyd Roitstein, members of Beth El’s 20th anniversary committee, met recently to discuss plans for the synagogue’s September celebration. Committee members not pictured: Cheryl and Ron Cooper, Glen Fineman, Julie and Eric Phillips, Steve Nogg, Bruce Friedlander, Susan Witkowski, Alan Parsow, and Gary and Lorrie Katelman. congregants, and we want as many pictures as possible to tell our synagogue’s story as we honor our past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future,” Roitstein said.

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BACK to School Publishing Date | 08.12.11 Space Reservation | 08.01.11 Camera Ready Deadline | 08.03.11 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Allan Handleman 402/334-6451 ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

ELECTION 2011-2012 INFORMATION This slate will be approved at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board Meeting July 12, 7:30 p.m. | Jewish Community Center | 333 South 132nd Street | 402-334-8200

JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jody Malashock Past President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Lepp Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Gilinsky Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stacey Rockman Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian“Shami”Jacobs Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Josephson ADL/CRC OFFICERS: President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrick Jensen Past-President . . . . . . . . . . Jonathan Rockman Past-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Evnen Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA Financial Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Levine CENTER FOR JEWISH EDUCATION OFFICERS: President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bonnie Bloch Past-President . . . . . . . . Toba Cohen-Dunning Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrick Jensen Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruce Kutler JEWISH PRESS OFFICERS: President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Ruback Past-President . . . . . . . . . . . . Bobbi Leibowitz Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Dunning Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caryn Scheer Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Epstein

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OFFICERS: President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Glazer Past-President . . . . . . . . . . . Kimberly Robinson President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Siegel Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Levinger Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Epstein Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Martin

JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICERS: President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Farber Past-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Belgrade Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Epstein Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Howard Epstein Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Bloch Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cliff Levitan

JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA FOUNDATION President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jay Noddle Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald Goldstein Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Robinson